FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM PATIENTS IN GUELPH
After opening our clinic’s doors more than 33 years ago, we have encountered a number of frequently asked questions from our patients in Guelph. Our Stone Road Family Dental team has taken the time to provide some helpful and informative answers, in the hopes that it will provide you with the guidance you need to ensure that your visit is a success.
Q. When should I take my child for their first dental visit?
A: It's never too early to get your child started on the road to good dental health. The Canadian Dental Association recommends your child's first visit falls within 6 months of the eruption of their first tooth or by the time they're at least one year old. It's important that your child's first experience be a positive one. Stone Road Family Dental is a family-friendly facility, and we do our best to put your child's feelings of apprehension at ease. We give gift bags to children after their check-ups to foster a good relationship between our staff and your child.
Q. What can I do to prepare my child for their first dental visit?
A. Talk about going to the dentist with your child. Explain why it is necessary and role play so they can know what to expect. There are many children's books written on the subject of a first dental visit that you can read to your child. You may also consider offering praise and/or a special reward after their first visit. It's also important that you set a good example by going for check-ups yourself, as children learn by observing. If you're coming in for an appointment, maybe bring your child along so he/she can meet our dental staff prior to their first visit.
Q. How often do I need to go to the dentist?
A. It has been recommended by the Canadian Dental Association that you should visit your dentist at least once every six months. By keeping up with your routine check-ups, you will be able to catch small problems early on before they can develop into more significant issues.
Q. How often should I brush and floss?
A. Experts usually recommend brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once per day to ensure optimum oral health.
Q. What are some things I can do to better care for my teeth in-between visits?
A. In addition to practising good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing daily), you can practise the following habits:
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Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.
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Try to follow a well-balanced, nutritional diet. After all, good health and good dental health go hand-in-hand.
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Don't avoid the warning signs. If you experience sensitivity to heat or coldness, a sore mouth, loose teeth, unexplained numbness or bleeding gums, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to determine the cause.
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Avoid tobacco products, if at all possible. Besides being the cause of unattractive stains on your teeth, tobacco has also been known to cause oral cancer, heart disease and other health problems.
Q. What do I do if I don't understand the treatment my dentist is recommending?
A. You should never be too embarrassed to ask your dentist questions, no matter how simple you feel they may be. Our staff at Stone Road Family Dental is friendly and approachable. We will do our best to help you understand all of your available treatment options and recommend one that is right for you and your situation.
If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our dental team for answers.