Q.
Every now and then I will get sensitive bumps on my tongue. I have had this for a while. They will go away and then come back. They are hard to distinguish from the natural colour of the tongue but are sometimes a pailer colour. Do you have any clue as to what they could possibly be?
A.
These usually are irritated taste buds or papillae. This may be brought on by trauma or diet. There isn’t any treatment and usually are benign.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
If you have
toothache is it advised that you see your dentist, or is it more likely nothing and then pain will soon go away?
A.
See the dentist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Q.
Could you please give me the cost for the various methods of teeth whitening and bridging? Thank you.
A.
Regarding teeth whitening, the cost can be minimal, maybe $20 for over the counter whitening. Traditional take home tray whitening from a dental office may be $300 – $800. Laser whitening could be up to $120o in a dental office. It is not possible to provide a fee for a dental bridge. The cost will vary greatly depending on the material and technique used as well as the number of teeth involved. This also varies greatly depending on where you live and the expertice of the doctor providing care. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
I would just like to know what a regular check up at the dentist includes? I have just started with a practice and am paying monthly, but would like to know what the routine check up should include usually?
A.
In our office a regular check up includes an examination by the hygienist and the doctor, oral cancer screening, checking the teeth for cavities, checking the gum pockets, checking the bite and a complete cleaning and polishing of the teeth. X-rays will be taken at the proper interval for the patient depending on need. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
Is it safe to use toothpaste which contains fluoride, if I know that the water in my area is also supplemented with fluoride? Will this not lead to an overdose of sorts and just damage the teeth?
A.
No, you will not get too much flouride from toothpaste.
Q.
What kind of products can you buy to clean the tongue? Is it not okay just to use the bristles of the toothbrush?
A.
You can use your tooth brush but it doesn’t do as well a job deep cleaning the surface of the tongue. There is a variety of different tongue cleaning devises available. All of them work well. Just pick a design you like. You will be amazed at what these devises will clean off your tongue and result in improved hygiene.
Dr. Lemongello
Q.
What kind of signs of tooth decay should you look out for children? Should I make sure that my kids clean teeth after every meal or is the twice a day once in the morning and once at night enough?
A.
Brushing at least twice a day is a must- after each meal would be ideal. Limiting sugary snacks and acidic juices will also help. Also, avoid putting a child down with a bottle at bedtime.
Q.
My ten month old daughter has just started
teething. cue sleepless nights. Whenever we put her down she will wake up after about 10 or 20 minutes crying due to the pain of it. Last night was a particularly sleepless night for me and my husband. Do you have any suggestions to help her sleep during the night, and just importantly, help me and my husband get a good night sleep?!
A.
I would recommend liquid Advil or Tylenol for infants. I would avoid any Ambisol or topical medication because it may just make it worse. Check with your Pediatrician to make sure there are no problems with your child taking medication. Dr. Lemongello
Q.
Do you know of a particular toothpaste or other tooth cleaning product which will help with stained teeth? I dont have the money available for teeth whitening but my teeth seem to have turned a nasty shade of yellow which is no doubt to me smoking regularly. i have cut down now but i guess it is too late.
A.
The action of toothpastes to impart a significant difference in the whitening of teeth is fairly limited. Whitening through bleaching is your best bet especially if most of the staining is from smoking.
Q.
I have crooked teeth but have always been put off braces. To this day that has not changed and I still don’t want braces. However I really want to have nice looking teeth so what other treatment options are there for crooked teeth? I dont want to lose my current teeth though as they are in good condition except for their positioning.
A.
There are only two ways to straighten your teeth. The first and ideal way if you have healthy teeth is some form of Orthodontics. If you don’t want braces, than Invisalign may be an option. The other is with porcelain veneers. Consult with a dentist that provides Invisalign to see if you are a candidate for treatment.
Dr. Lemongello
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