Patient Education: Empowering You in Your Dental Care

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At Dental Care of Montana, we believe that informed patients are healthier patients. That’s why we take the time to listen to your concerns, explain your options clearly, and ensure you have all the information needed to make confident decisions about your dental care.

We encourage open communication between our team and our patients. While dental professionals can sometimes fall into “doctor-speak,” we strive to break things down in plain language. If we ever use a term you’re unsure of, don’t hesitate to ask us to explain. The better you understand your dental care, the better you can take charge of your oral health.

Below are some commonly asked questions to help guide you in maintaining your dental health.

Why do I need to see the dentist twice a year?

Your mouth is constantly changing due to diet, habits, and age. Regular dental visits help catch potential issues early—before they become serious problems. Many dental conditions don’t have obvious symptoms that you can detect on your own, which is why seeing a dentist regularly is key.
Not everyone requires a visit every six months. Depending on your oral health, we may recommend more frequent visits, especially if you have gum disease or other concerns. Keeping up with these visits helps ensure your teeth stay strong, clean, and white, and your breath stays fresh.

How often should I brush and floss?

You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily. Most people brush in the morning and again at night, but adding a midday brushing is great too. Each brushing session should last two minutes, ensuring you clean all surfaces of your teeth. For flossing, use an arm’s length of floss, using a clean section for each tooth. If you’d like us to show you the proper technique, just ask during your visit!

Do I really need to floss?

Yes, flossing is still essential! While more research is needed to fully understand its long-term benefits, flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth—places your toothbrush can’t reach. Ignoring flossing allows bacteria to thrive, potentially leading to bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. So, yes, you still need to floss daily!

I brush and floss regularly. Do I still need professional cleanings?

Yes! Even with great at-home care, plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Regular cleanings help prevent gum disease and can brighten your smile by removing surface stains. Polished teeth are also smoother and harder for bacteria to cling to, improving the effectiveness of your daily brushing and flossing routine.

What causes cavities?

Cavities form when bacteria in your mouth break down sugars and produce acid, which wears away tooth enamel. Sugar doesn’t just come from candy—carbohydrates in many foods break down into sugars, feeding bacteria. Left unchecked, this leads to tooth decay and cavities. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits help prevent this process from damaging your teeth.

When should children first visit the dentist?

Children should see the dentist when their first tooth comes in or by age one, whichever comes first. Until then, you can care for your baby’s oral health by gently wiping their gums with a damp cloth after feeding. For more advice on baby oral care, don’t hesitate to ask during your visit.

I’m nervous about visiting the dentist. What can I do?

Let us know! It’s common to feel anxious about dental visits, and we’re here to help. We can take extra steps to make your experience more comfortable, such as taking things slowly, explaining procedures as we go, or working out a communication system for breaks during your visit. We also offer sedation options in certain cases to help you relax.
Our goal is to create a welcoming, stress-free environment for you. If there’s anything we can do to improve your experience, don’t hesitate to ask. You’re not alone, and we’re here to support you.

If you’d like more information on any of these topics, feel free to contact us!

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