We value open communication between our dental professionals & patients. While clinical terminology is sometimes unavoidable, we make every effort to speak clearly & avoid unnecessary jargon. If we ever use a term that’s unfamiliar, we encourage you to ask for clarification—your understanding is important to us. We believe that informed patients make the best decisions for their oral health, leading to brighter, healthier smiles.
Here are some frequently asked questions about dental care. Please take a look & feel free to contact us if you want more information on any topic.
Why do I need to see the dentist twice a year?
Our oral health is continuously influenced by what we eat & drink, our daily habits & the natural aging process. Regular dental visits are essential for detecting potential issues before they become more serious. Many dental conditions develop silently, without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. That’s why professional care is so important, dentists have the expertise & advanced diagnostic tools needed to thoroughly assess your oral health in ways that go beyond what patients can do on their own.
Not everyone needs to see the dentist every six months; some patients need to see us more often. Depending on your oral health situation, the dentist will recommend the frequency at which you need to visit us. Some patients see us every three or four months, especially if they have gum disease. If the dentist asks you to come in more frequently than you did in the past, please know that this advice is given with the idea of keeping you healthier in the long run.
Regular dental visits are one of the most effective ways to maintain strong, clean & bright teeth, as well as fresh breath. Our skilled hygienists can remove stains & buildup that brushing, flossing & over-the-counter whitening products simply can’t address. We’re also happy to provide personalized guidance & refresher tips to help you optimize your at-home oral care routine.
Remind me, how often do I need to brush & floss?
You should be brushing your teeth twice a day & flossing at least once a day. Most people brush in the morning when they wake up & brush & floss at night before bed. If you want to brush after lunch too, we highly approve. When you brush your teeth it should be for a full two minutes. Make sure you get the back & front sides of your upper & lower teeth & their biting surfaces. Floss with about an arm’s length worth of floss, using a clean 2 inches for each tooth to prevent cross-contamination from one tooth to another. If you’d like the dentist or hygienist to demonstrate proper brushing & flossing technique, please just ask during your visit!
I’ve heard I don’t really need to floss. Is that true?
While ongoing research continues to explore the full impact of flossing on oral health, the absence of definitive conclusions doesn’t mean flossing is ineffective. At Cirocco Dental Practice , we believe that removing plaque & food particles from between your teeth remains an essential part of a healthy oral hygiene routine. Neglecting those areas can lead to the buildup of harmful bacteria, bad breath & potential gum issues. Daily flossing is still one of the simplest & most effective ways to support your long-term dental health.
I brush my teeth & floss thoroughly every day. Do I still need to see a hygienist for a cleaning?
Even with the best brushing & flossing, some stubborn buildup just won’t come off. Tartar, for example, is plaque that hardens over time if not removed promptly. A professional scaling & polishing (the technical term for a teeth cleaning) by a hygienist can improve the appearance of your smile by removing stains & it also leaves your teeth smoother & more resistant to bacteria. This makes your at-home oral care routine even more effective.
What causes cavities?
As children, we’re taught that eating too much candy causes cavities, so it must be sugar that causes tooth decay, right? Actually, that’s an overly simple way of explaining the process. Sugar is more like the fuel for decay & it doesn’t just come from sweet foods. When you eat, chemicals called enzymes in your saliva break down carbohydrates into sugars. These sugars—plus the sugar compounds that occur naturally in fruit & foods sweetened with refined sugar or corn syrup—are then eaten by the bacteria in your mouth. Unless you brush or floss them away, these bacteria hang out in your mouth, consuming the sugar & excreting a waste product in the form of acid. This acid is what eats holes in your tooth enamel & the softer dentin layer underneath, causing cavities & tooth decay.
At what age should children first visit a dentist?
Children should see the dentist when their first tooth comes in or by age 1, whichever comes first. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be caring for your baby’s oral health before then. After feeding, you can clean your baby’s gums by rubbing them gently with a damp washcloth. For more advice about caring for your baby’s mouth, please feel free to ask your pediatrician or us.
I’m very nervous about visiting the dentist. What should I do?
Please feel free to share any concerns you have—we want you to feel comfortable & heard. It’s completely normal to feel nervous about dental visits, and we encourage you not to feel embarrassed. Knowing that you’re anxious allows us to better prepare for your appointment & make adjustments to ensure your comfort. We can take things at a slower pace, explain each step of the process & develop a communication system so you can easily let us know if you need a break or if something is uncomfortable. In certain cases, sedation options are also available, & we’d be happy to discuss these with you.
One of the most effective ways we can help you manage your nerves is by working together through the experience. Our goal is to create a warm, welcoming environment that makes your visit as pleasant as possible. The more comfortable you are, the better we can care for your oral health, both now & in the future. If there’s anything we can do to improve your experience, please don’t hesitate to let us know. You won’t be the first person to share these concerns with us, & we’re here to help.