Patient Resources

The bacteria responsible for tooth decay rely on sugar as a food supply. By reducing/eliminating sugar from your diet, you effectively cut off the bacteria’s nutrition source.

The most common sugar containing foods/drinks are sodas, fruit juices, energy & sports drinks, and candy. Starchy, refined carbohydrates such as pasta, chips, bread, or other products made from white flour can be just as harmful as refined sugar. These carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars in the mouth, becoming another food source for bacteria.

Tooth decay is caused by acid demineralization of tooth structure from sugar-eating bacteria. Fluoride is extremely effective in remineralizing these demineralized areas. This can allow for the the process of tooth decay to be effectively reversed in certain cases.

Dental X-rays aid the dentist in detecting decay, periodontal disease, cysts, abscesses, and other types of pathologies which may not be seen visually, and is the standard of care.

It is important to take routine X-rays as part of preventive protocol in order to catch any potential problems early. This allows for conservative dentistry if treatment is necessary.

Radiation exposure from dental X-rays is significantly less than any other type of radiography used in healthcare. The digital X-rays used at Corner Dentistry further decrease exposure levels.

Radiation from dental X-rays are about the same you receive from a 2 hour airline flight on an annual basis.

Despite the solid look of teeth, certain surfaces can be very porous. The porous surfaces are comprised of thousands of tiny, water-containing tubules. These tubules terminate in close proximity to the nerve of the tooth. Air and cold food/drinks will cause the water in these tubules to move, activating the nerve and causing pain.

The best types of treatment to prevent sensitivity are to close these tubules and eliminate the water movement. These treatments include the placement of restorations, fluoride, or the use of a sensitivity toothpaste such as Sensodyne.

Over time, organic molecules can penetrate the outer layer of your teeth. These molecules can cause discoloration.

A dental bleach destroys these molecules, restoring the natural color of your teeth. Darker substances such as coffee, tea, wine, and smoke, can also stain the teeth.

At Corner Dentistry, we recommend the use of custom bleaching trays in order to deliver the bleach to exactly where it is needed.

Both children and adults should visit the dentist at least twice a year for their routine checkups.

Those with periodontal disease may need to visit the dentist more often. Here at Corner Dentistry, we promote preventive and conservative dentistry. By coming to the dentist regularly, we can catch potential problems early in order to maintain a healthy mouth.

At Corner Dentistry, we recommend that patients brush at least twice a day for two minutes, and floss at least once a day.

We recommend the use of a soft to medium toothbrush, or an electric toothbrush. Flossing is important because it cleans in between the teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach. This is vital for healthy gums.