Sunday, June 24, 2012

Ask the doctor: Dr. Hawary on oral care

Patients of Dr. Hawary asked the founder of California Smile Design about the basics of good oral hygiene and the causes of sensitive tooth.

California Smile Design. Image Credit: www.calsmiledesign.com

Joseph Barbera, American animator and one of the co-founders of the famous American animation studio Hanna-Barbera Productions, once said: "Faced with the choice of enduring a bad toothache or going to the dentist, we generally tried to ride out the bad tooth." Dr. Emil Hawary, the man behind California Smile Design Dental Group, acknowledges the fact that many dread a visit to the dentist, and many would rather live with the pain from a bad tooth than seek treatment. Thus, Dr. Hawary recommends knowing the practice of keeping the mouth and teeth clean and free from disease, so one’s trip to the dentist would be less frightening.

California Smile Design. Image Credit: camlablog.files.wordpress.com

Below are some questions about oral care and hygiene that the California Smile Design founder received from his patients:

How can tooth decay and gum disease be prevented

Good oral hygiene starts at home, though it needs to be supplemented by regular visits to cosmetic and general dentists. Steps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease include thorough brushing of teeth at least twice daily. Proper flossing is also crucial to the oral health.

How does fluoride help prevent tooth decay?

Fluoride helps reverse and prevent tooth decay in three ways: fluoride promotes tooth remineralization; fluoride helps teeth become more resistant to tooth decay; and fluoride inhibits oral bacteria’s ability to create tooth-attacking acids.

California Smile Design. Image Credit: parkcities.bubblelife.com

What causes sensitive teeth?

The porous part of the tooth, called dentin, is the region that registers pain. When exposed, this causes sensitive teeth.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

For those who fear a visit to the dentist, it is best to know about proper oral care and hygiene. For more tips from Dr. Hawary about oral care, visit his website.