Q: I have been coming to your dental office twice a year for many many years. It’s always clean with a very friendly professional atmosphere. Here’s my question….is it really better to use a ’soft’ toothbrush rather than a ‘medium or hard’ one?

A: Yes.  We recommend soft toothbrushes to miminize abrasion and damage to teeth and gums.  Use of harder brushes can cause enamel erosion and gum recession.

Q: I have begun to use hydrogene peroxide for a mouth wash and notice my teeth much whiter..is this ok?

A: We do not recommend hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash for daily use.

Q: Just wanted to say thanks for the great care!

A:  Thank you for the great compliment.

Q: Is there any way to whiten or brighten teeth with veneer finishing?

A: Unfortunatley, there is no way to change the color of a veneer without replacing it.

Q: My daughter is getting her braces off tomorrow and I am wondering if I should get her teeth cleaned right away. I was also wondering if your teeth whitening process get rid of discoloration from braces for 2 years?

A: Congratulations on her completion of orthodontics! It is a great idea to get her teeth cleaned, x-rayed, and examined as soon as possible after the removal of her braces.  Also, teeth whitening is a great way to whiten, brighen, and perfect her hard-earned smile!

Q: I heard that using a whitening toothpaste can make teeth more sensitive. Do whitening procedures done in the dentist office also make teeth more sensitive?

A: Yes. Teeth whitening products can make teeth more sensitive.  We recommend using extra fluoride to minimize sensitivity.  You can purchase ACT mouth rinse at any retail store, or a prescription strength fluoride product at your dental office.

Q: What is the best way to keep teeth white? Does baking soda really work as a tooth paste?

A: The best way to keep teeth white is to avoid things things that cause staining (smoking, coffee, tea, red wine).  The best way to whiten your teeth is to use a professional whitening system either created by your dentist or prescription strength WhiteStrips.

A: Baking soda can be used as a toothpaste.  However, we caution against over use as baking soda is particularly abrasive  and has the potential to damage enamel.

Q: Hi Jay, My question is why, or what makes teeth sensitive to hot or cold, and why are they more so sometimes then others?
Also is it true that eating a lot of pineapple, oranges, or other citrus, wears away the enamel on your teeth?

A: Teeth can become more sensitive to hot or cold after they have endured some trauma usually due to clenching and/or grinding.  If you notice more sensitivity in the morning, you may have been doing damage in your sleep without even knowing it.

A: Eating citrus fruit can potentially cause damage when eaten in excess.  For example, sucking on lemons can cause serious damge to tooth enamel.  We recommend drinking or rising with water after eating citrus fruit to minimize exposure and potential damage.

Q: Can over the counter teeth whitening products harm your teeth?

A: As with any product, we caution against overuse, however, teeth whitening products used as directed are considered safe.

This is your opportunity to ask your dentist anything you want to know. Past questions will be posted here soon! Feel free to “ask the dentist” now by asking your question, clicking on the “comment” link below.