Patients often have a host of awkward, weird, or embarrassing questions that they want to ask during general dentistry appointments, but they may not feel comfortable verbalizing them. That’s why our dentists in Oak Park, IL, are here to answer some of your rarely-asked dental health FAQs.
Are you looking for affordable, accessible, and customizable dental care in Oak Park, IL? Let the team at Town & Country Dental show you the benefits of personalized care with concierge dentistry. Schedule a visit online here, or call our team directly at (708) 383-0330 for more information and booking.
Whether you forgot to ask during your appointment or you were too embarrassed to inquire, you may have some burning questions about your dental health. In this blog post, our dentists in Oak Park, IL, give you answers to questions you’ve been dying to ask.
Does my breath smell bad and why?
Unless you just flossed and brushed, it’s likely that your breath does have an odor. But, this does not mean that it is bad, per se.
The odor of your breath can reveal a lot of things to our dentists in Oak Park, IL. For example, foul-smelling breath might be the result of:
- Advancing gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Poor oral hygiene
- Certain health conditions
- Some medications
But, our breath doesn’t always smell foul – sometimes it has a sweet odor. This is may indicate some serious health conditions, such as:
- Type 1 or 2 diabetes
- Diabetic or alcoholic ketoacidosis
- Neurological injuries (like traumatic brain injuries)
If you or your loved ones begin noticing changes in your breath, contact our dentists in Oak Park, IL, immediately.
Why can’t I just pull my own tooth?
We cannot stop you from pulling your own tooth, but we strongly advise against it. Pulling a tooth on your own may result in significant damage to the gum tissue and surrounding teeth. Furthermore, the risk of infection is much higher with at-home tooth extractions.
It is best to leave tooth extractions to our trained dentists in Oak Park, IL.
My floss is flavored – can I eat it?
No. Dental floss is not edible. The flavor you are tasting is the result of a food-grade, flavored wax coating on the floss. The flavored wax serves two purposes:
- It makes it easier to slide the floss into tight spaces
- It makes flossing more enjoyable!
I give my dog dental sticks. Are there dental sticks for humans?
While there may not be a human equivalent to doggy dental sticks, there are plenty of things that can help keep our teeth clean, such as:
- Fibrous vegetables, like celery and carrots
- Crunchy fruits, like apples
- Drinking plenty of water
- Chewing sugarless gum (xylitol has proven antibacterial properties!)
- On-the-go oral hygiene products
I want dental and/or oral jewelry. Good idea or bad idea?
Bodily adornments and alterations (like piercings and tattoos) have been a part of humanity for millennia. But, some bodily alterations are ill-advised, such as oral piercings and dental jewelry.
These adornments can damage our teeth and give plaque and bacteria a place to thrive. So, we don’t recommend oral piercings or jewelry.
Meet Our Dentists in Oak Park, IL
Have more questions? Come ask our team in person! We love educating and empowering our patients. So, schedule your appointment at Town & Country Dental at (708) 383-0330 or online now for judgment-free, personalized care!