FAQs

At South Dayton Smiles, we want to address all of your oral health concerns. That is why we take the time to answer all your questions. Some of the most common questions we hear include:

Why Do I Need To Go To the Dentist?

It is important for you to go to the dentist regularly because this allows us to examine your mouth to make sure everything is healthy. This includes your jaw, teeth, and gums. There are certain issues, particularly tooth decay and gum disease, that will get worse over time. The earlier we can catch these issues, the faster we can start the treatment process. This can make a significant difference in your oral health.

Why Do Young Children Need To Go To the Dentist?

We understand that parents are concerned about taking their kids to the dentist because they are worried their children might get nervous. It is important for children to go to the dentist as soon as the first tooth comes in. We want to ensure that your child’s teeth are coming in properly. Furthermore, if there is an issue, we can catch it as quickly as possible. This will make it easier for us to correct the problem, saving time, money, and stress down the road. 

If My Teeth Feel Fine, Why Do I Need To Go To the Dentist?

If your teeth feel fine, it is still important for you to go to the dentist regularly. Not all oral health problems show symptoms right away. For example, you may have a cavity in your mouth that you do not yet feel. It would be better to correct this cavity now than after it has started causing severe dental pain. Otherwise, you might need a more invasive procedure. Therefore, even if you feel like your teeth are okay, you should still come to our office for a visit. 

How Often Do I Need To Go To the Dentist?

In general, you need to go to the dentist at least twice per year. When you come in for a routine visit, we will give you a thorough cleaning, removing plaque and tartar from your mouth that you would not be able to remove on your own. Then, we will conduct a complete dental exam to make sure there are no issues. Once we are done, we will let you know what we have found, and we will provide you with a list of recommendations that you can follow to take good care of your teeth. 

What Are You Looking for During an Exam?

During a dental exam, there are several issues that we are looking for. First, we will examine your teeth closely to look for any signs of cavities. Then, we will check your gums to identify any potential areas of gingivitis or periodontitis. We will also take a look at your mouth for any signs of inflammation, discoloration, lumps, or bumps. There are situations where we may recommend an X-ray to see what is happening underneath the surface. 

What Are Some of the Signs of a Serious Dental Issue?

Even though we recommend you come to our office for routine cleanings, there are situations where you might have a more serious dental issue. Some of the signs of serious dental problems include:

• Severe pain in your face, gums, teeth, or jaw
• Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
• Bad breath that does not seem to go away
• Teeth that are broken, cracked, or chipped
• Unusual lumps and bumps that were not there before 
• Chronic headaches, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating 

If you experience any of these issues, it is important for you to contact us right away. A member of our team can figure out where this problem is coming from and develop a treatment plan for you. 

If you have questions about your dental care, we encourage you to contact us at (937) 433-5133 to make an appointment. Our south Dayton dental team will be happy to address your concerns and get you on the road to optimum oral health.