Frequently Asked Questions

1. During this pandemic what are you doing to keep the patients and yourself safe if you have to go to the office?

We want to ensure that true emergencies are the only patients we are seeing right now. When anyone enters our office they are going to be safe and healthy. On top of our usual infection control procedures we have been meticulous wiping down any common areas. Nothing has been left in the reception area that could be shared by any others; there are no magazines or books anywhere.

When someone enters the office they’ve been screened first on the phone with the recommended Covid-19 screening questions, then when they arrive, they’re screened again and their temperatures are being taken. Temperatures are also being taken of staff members so we know that no one is coming into the office that is in any way ill.

Once patients are leaving everything is wiped down; anything in a common area — door handles, the interact machine, counters. We would venture to say that at this point the dental office is probably the safest, cleanest place. We want to assure you not to be worried.

We are in the process of gathering the PPE that will be required. We have acquired some face shields and are actively working at gathering the other portions of what we will require once we are allowed to re-open to see our regular patients again.

2. I have a dry mouth; what products do you recommend I use?

Dry mouth is a very common problem these days.

We’re recommending Xylitol products. They help to stimulate the saliva production; Available in a mint form, gum, or as a melt. In our experience they are effective. Please be aware that xylitol products can be irritating if you have IBS and are toxic to dogs.
Available In Huntsville at: Hometown IDA, Shoppers, Walmart, Pharmasave, Huntsville Place Mall Pharmacy

There is a Biotene spray that you can use that can help through the day.
Available In Huntsville at: Hometown IDA, Shoppers, Walmart, Pharmasave, Huntsville Place Mall Pharmacy

Colgate Hydris has a toothpaste and rinse that we understand is is looking like it will be effective.
Can be ordered through Huntsville’s Hometown IDA and online through Amazon

There is also a moisturizing gel by Oragel.
Available in Huntsville at: Hometown IDA, medical centre pharmacy, Walmart, Pharmasave, Huntsville Place Mall Pharmacy

Lubricity spray has shown to be effective for those patients that have tried it.
Available on-line through Amazon

3. Is lemon water bad for my teeth?

For those that like lemon water as a way to keep their mouths moist, you should know lemon water is okay in itself as long as you’re consuming it right away; if you’re sipping on it throughout the day it will be causing enamel erosion and doing more harm than good. We would encourage you if you’re going to sip water all day, to sip plain water.

4. What toothbrushes do you recommend?

Using manual toothbrushes are great if you are efficient with your brushing. Use the soft bristle toothbrushes and use one with a small enough head that will fit in all the corners of the mouth, everywhere on every tooth. Sometimes we get a little bit ineffective with our brushing; if when you are in for your dental visit and we notice that, we may then recommend that an electric toothbrush maybe the right path for you. Right now, the Philips Sonicare is one we consider to be the top product. We find that it changes our patient’s dental health when they start to use it because of the way that this toothbrush works.

5. I have sensitive teeth; what toothpaste do you recommend?

Sensitive teeth when there is no active decay or infection, is a challenge. There is no definitive solution that works in every situation. We suggest using a plain toothpaste that is designed for sensitivity. Ensure that that toothpaste does not contain any whitening agents as that can actually make the sensitivity worse.

6. When should I bring my child to the dentist for their first visit? What toothpaste do you recommend for my little one?

Anytime after age one is good; the child is going to be a dental patient for the rest of their life. We would encourage them to get used to the facility, the equipment, the people so that the child just finds the environment less overwhelming. Decay rates we’re finding are generally increasing. If we have to intervene we’re hoping that the children would be less overwhelmed by not just the procedure but the facility and the people here. So really anytime after age one, even if all we do is put them on Mom or Dad’s lap and give them a ride in the chair. If Mom or Dad have been brushing their child’s teeth and have a concern we can look in the mouth even with a little bit of resistance. We can determine if there are cavities that are starting.

Once they get a little older (age two to three) then we can start to see if there are oral habits that are developing and we can start to intervene at that early an age in the hope that we would reduce the extent of orthodontics that would be required when older.

As for toothpaste, no toothpaste at all is probably the best until they can spit effectively; which is usually around ages 3-4.

7. Is dental treatment safe during pregnancy?

During pregnancy you experience significant hormonal imbalance, which can contribute to changes in your oral health. Many women can experience inflammation in their gums, or a severe reaction to plaque. We can support you with your symptoms and monitor your oral health by providing home-care tips (such as massaging your gums even though they will be tender and rinsing with warm salt water) and seeing you regularly for hygiene appointments. This is safe during any stage of your pregnancy.

Should you require routine treatment it is best preformed, but not limited to the 2nd trimester (from around 3 months to 6/7 months). If you require emergency treatment, it will have to be done at any time and dental X-rays may be required to confirm a diagnosis. Dental X-rays have very low doses of radiation making them very safe, even during pregnancy. During your pregnancy, X-rays may be required for diagnostics purposes when or if your oral health has been compromised. We are happy to see you during your pregnancy or after your baby has arrived.