It’s natural to have questions about dental care. We’re here to provide answers.
From brushing technique to whether your child should get dental sealants, our Cedar Springs, MI, dentists Drs. Andy & Zane Setaputri get a lot of general questions about the dentistry services they offer. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top questions our dental team hears along with helpful answers to make sure you and your family are informed about how to maintain good oral health.
Do I need to see the dentist twice a year for checkups?
Everything feels okay so it must be okay, right? Well, not necessarily. Unfortunately, decay and gum disease don’t often cause problems until they’ve become more advanced. To prevent these issues from happening or to, at the very least, slow their progress, we do recommend coming into our Cedar Springs, MI, dentistry practice for general checkups and cleanings every six months. Those most at risk for gum disease and decay may need to come in more often for care, while others may be able to get away with coming in only once a year. Ask our dental team to learn more.
When should I bring my child to the dentist for the first time?
It’s important that children also visit the dentist regularly to track dental milestones and to prevent childhood decay. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children should start visiting the dentist by the time their first tooth erupts, or no later than their first birthday.
Should I use a manual or electric toothbrush?
This is a personal choice. As long as you know how to properly brush your teeth both toothbrush options will provide an effective clean. One type of toothbrush does not perform better than another when it comes to removing plaque buildup. With that said, some people prefer the ease of an electric toothbrush, especially because it provides the ideal amount of pressure to thoroughly clean teeth. People with dexterity issues may also find that an electric toothbrush is easier to maneuver.
How often do I need to brush and floss my teeth?
This might seem like an obvious answer, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t properly maintain their smiles. It’s highly recommended that people brush their teeth twice a day, once in the morning and again at night before bedtime. Everyone should also floss their teeth once a day to remove plaque and food from between teeth. Ideally, you should floss your teeth before you brush at night.
If you have questions about the dentistry we offer, or if you need to schedule a general checkup with our Cedar Springs, MI, dental team, then simply call Cedar Springs Dental today at (616) 696-9420.