When you have questions, it’s best to turn to the experts (like a general dentist). But, what if you have some pretty…weird…questions? Not to worry! Any general dentist worth their salt welcomes all types of weird and wonderful questions. That’s why our general dentistry clinic in Dallas, TX, is here to answer all of the questions you’ve been dying to ask (but are too afraid to raise)!
At Lakewood Dental Group, we love empowering our patients with knowledge. So, don’t be bashful! Learn more about your smile at your next dental visit. Schedule your appointment by calling (214) 827-1885 to get started now!
In today’s blog post, our general dentist answers some of your weird or wacky questions about dental health and hygiene. You might be surprised by some of the answers (if the question hasn’t shocked you first!)
My dog doesn’t have to brush. Why do I?
We get it – brushing is boring. But, it is absolutely essential to a healthy and functional smile.
Unfortunately, many patients believe that brushing isn’t very important because they do not brush their pets’ teeth. However, both humans and their pets should be practicing some sort of daily oral hygiene for optimal health.
That’s right – little Fido deserves a good brushing just as much as you do.
Our general dentist in Dallas, TX, recommends twice-daily brushing with a non-whitening toothpaste for human smiles. For furry smiles, we suggest gentle brushing every other day or visiting a trusted veterinarian for advice and recommendations on your pet’s dental health.
Can I use my hair to floss my teeth in a pinch?
Using hair as dental floss is a common life hack (something that makes life a little easier). But, while it may seem like such an easy and obvious solution, flossing with hair could be dangerous to your teeth and gums.
Hair does not have the tensile strength that dental floss has. This means that hair is much more likely to stretch and break than dental floss. And, once hair breaks off, it may be difficult to retrieve the broken strand of hair from the gums. If left behind, an errant strand of hair can lodge into gum tissue and cause significant irritation.
So, no, it is not advisable to floss with hair. We recommend stopping by your nearest drugstore to grab a travel-sized pack of floss instead!
Can you transplant a back tooth to the front?
Unfortunately, no. It is not possible for a general dentist to extract a back tooth as a transplant for another tooth. Instead, you can choose from a wide range of lifelike and comfortable tooth-replacement options, such as:
- Full dentures
- Partial dentures
- Implant-supported dentures
- Traditional bridges
- Implant-supported bridges
- Implant-supported dental crowns
A general dentist can create these restorations using specific metrics to match your overall aesthetic. The result is a natural-looking smile that completely restores your chewing, speaking, and smiling abilities!
Is this a herpes sore or something else?
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a very common viral infection that can be spread by kissing, sharing food and beverages, swapping beauty products, and sexual intercourse. In fact, it is so common that many experts estimate that roughly 67% of all adults under the age of 50 have the infection. That’s right – two-thirds of people across the globe have it!
A general dentist is no stranger to cold sores (the lesions caused by HSV-1). This means that they are very good at identifying a herpes sore when they see one. So, if you’re unsure if a lesion is due to herpes or not, then ask! We’ll gladly take a look and help you get the resources you need.
My dental floss tastes like mint or cinnamon. Can I eat it?
No, dental floss is not for consumption. The flavor is from a food-grade wax coating that the manufacturer puts on the string floss. The wax helps the string glide between the teeth easier, which takes tension off of the fingers and makes for a more enjoyable experience.
Do I have to use toothpaste for adults?
You have probably noticed that many toothpaste brands offer toothpaste geared specifically toward children. So, it is only natural to wonder if children’s toothpaste can meet the needs of an adult smile.
In general, you can use whatever toothpaste you like best, including children’s toothpaste. As long as you are brushing with a dentist-approved, fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day, your smile won’t know the difference (and neither will we!).
Is a general dentist different from other dentists?
The dental field is diverse, which means that there are plenty of specialists. However, a general dentist is a ‘jack of all trades.’ This means that a general dentist in Dallas, TX, may be able to handle most of your oral health needs, including:
- Preventive care (dental exams, cleanings)
- Restorative care (dental fillings, crowns, dentures)
- Cosmetic care (veneers)
- Some orthodontic treatments (Invisalign®)
If our general dentist cannot complete a treatment in-office, then our team will gladly refer you to the care and specialists you need.
Can a general dentist remove buccal fat?
Currently, there is a trend to reduce or remove the fatty tissue stored in our cheeks (buccal region). If you want to jump on this latest trend, then you may be wondering if a general dentist can remove buccal fat.
No, general dentists do not have the training or skills to perform buccal fat removal. Instead, it is best to reach out to a licensed and trusted cosmetic or plastic surgeon. They have the unique set of skills and training needed for this aesthetic procedure.
Can a general dentist make grills?
You may have seen grills prominently displayed in your favorite rap artists’ smiles. These decorative dental coverings are often crafted from expensive metals (like gold or platinum) and adorned with precious gemstones.
While some general dentists can outsource grills to a dental laboratory, most dentists advise against grills. These decorative prosthetics can damage the teeth over time, which may lead to oral health issues and dysfunction.
Have more questions? Ask a general dentist in Dallas, TX!
Don’t see your question in this blog? No problem! Contact Lakewood Dental Group at (214) 827-1885 or online here to get the answers you deserve!
