Smiles on 5 - Chan Dentistry Answers Frequently Asked Questions

Why are My Teeth So Yellow? I Brush!

Having clean teeth doesn’t mean that they won’t get discoloured from time to time; especially as you age. Yellow teeth can be perfectly healthy, but if you want a whiter smile, avoid such discolouring agents such as soda pop, red wine, tea and coffee, juices and berries. Using a straw can also help move staining liquids through your mouth without much contact with front teeth.

Brush or rinse immediately afterward, but don’t brush too vigorously! You can actually abrade the enamel from the surface of your teeth, exposing the naturally yellow coloured dentin. Crunchy fruits and vegetables such as celery and apples can also counteract the food stains by scrubbing as you eat.

We at Smiles on 5 - Chan Dentistry will also remove some of these stains with your regular 6-month cleanings.

What is Implant Dentistry?

Dental implants are a wonderful innovation, since they serve as actual tooth roots. These metal posts, which are affixed to your jawbone and actually adhere to it, will hold an artificial tooth or a denture securely in place so that it acts like your natural tooth. So much for slipping dentures!

Do Silver Fillings Need to be Replaced?

Only if they have fallen out, have broken or are hurting (a sign that you may have tooth decay underneath your filling). Otherwise, they should stay, unless you have an allergy to silver fillings – but these are rare.

Why Do I Need an Oral Cancer Screening?

Because by catching mouth cancer early, you stand a better chance of successfully treating it. Your dentist also may find signs of other diseases that can be treated if caught early, such as AIDS.

Can I Whiten My Teeth at Home?

Sure. Many dentists, including Smiles on 5 - Chan Dentistry, sell at-home bleaching kits that are effective. If you’re looking for an over-the-counter whitening product, consider those with 10-22% hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Whitening toothpastes can also remove some stains, although they don’t whiten teeth.

How Can Porcelain Veneers Enhance My Smile?

This is what your dentist means by “bonding.” Porcelain veneers are thin covers that are carefully matched to your surrounding teeth and then “bonded” to your front teeth with dental cement. They are perfect for patients who wish to cover up broken or discoloured teeth, gaps in front teeth.