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At West Asheville Family Dentistry, we are committed to empowering you to be in control of your health. Our team is dedicated to actively listening to your concerns and offering thorough explanations of different treatment options. This allows you to make informed decisions about your dental care and stay engaged throughout the process.

We promote open communication between our dental professionals and our patients. While, like any health professionals, we may use technical terms, we make a conscious effort to communicate clearly and avoid jargon. If there's ever a term you find unclear, please don't hesitate to ask us for clarification. We firmly believe that the more our patients comprehend their care, the better their oral health and smiles will be.

Below are some commonly asked questions about dental care. Please review them and don't hesitate to reach out to us if you require further information on any specific topic.

What is the reason for needing to visit the dentist twice a year?

  • Our mouths are in a constant state of change based on our diet, habits, and age. Regular visits to the dentist are crucial for identifying potential issues before they escalate. Many dental conditions may not exhibit obvious symptoms, making professional examination essential. Dentists possess the expertise and advanced tools to assess your oral health in ways patients cannot do for themselves.
  • Not everyone requires a dental checkup every six months; some may need more frequent visits based on their oral health. The dentist will recommend an appropriate visit frequency depending on your individual situation. Some patients, especially those with gum disease, may need appointments every three or four months. If your dentist suggests more frequent visits than before, it is aimed at ensuring your long-term health.
  • Your regular appointments are crucial for maintaining strong, clean, and white teeth, as well as fresh breath. Hygienists can remove stains that regular brushing, flossing, and at-home whitening treatments may miss. Additionally, we are always delighted to provide refresher training on the best techniques for your at-home oral hygiene routine.

Can you please remind me of the recommended frequency for brushing and flossing?

  • Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day.
  • Most people prefer brushing in the morning upon waking up and brushing and flossing at night before bed. Brushing after lunch is highly recommended.
  • Ensure that each brushing session lasts for a full two minutes, covering the back and front sides of your upper and lower teeth, including their biting surfaces.
  • When flossing, use about an arm’s length of floss, allocating a clean 2 inches for each tooth to prevent cross-contamination.
  • If you wish to see a demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques, feel free to ask the dentist or hygienist during your visit!

Is it true that I don't really need to floss?

Be skeptical of news. More studies needed to understand flossing's effects on oral health. Don't neglect plaque and food particles. Floss daily!

Is it necessary to visit a hygienist for a cleaning even if I brush my teeth and floss diligently every day?

Tooth gunk can be tough to remove even with thorough brushing and flossing. Tartar, a hard substance formed from plaque, can be especially stubborn. Get a professional teeth cleaning to improve your smile and eliminate stains. Polished teeth are smoother and less likely to attract bacteria, making your at-home brushing more effective.

What causes cavities?

  • As children, we're taught that eating too much candy causes cavities, so it must be sugar that causes tooth decay, right? Actually, that's an overly simple way of explaining the process.
  • Sugar is more like the fuel for decay, and it doesn't just come from sweet foods. When you eat, chemicals called enzymes in your saliva break down carbohydrates into sugars.
  • These sugars, along with the sugar compounds that occur naturally in fruit and foods sweetened with refined sugar or corn syrup, are then consumed by the bacteria in your mouth.
  • Unless you brush or floss them away, these bacteria linger in your mouth, consuming the sugar and excreting a waste product in the form of acid.
  • This acid is what erodes holes in your tooth enamel and the softer dentin layer underneath, leading to cavities and tooth decay.

At what age should children have their initial dental appointment?

It is recommended that children visit the dentist either when their first tooth appears or by the age of 3, whichever comes first. However, this does not mean that you should neglect your baby's oral health before that. After feeding, you can gently clean your baby's gums by rubbing them with a damp washcloth. If you need more guidance on how to care for your baby's mouth, feel free to ask your pediatrician or reach out to us.

I'm feeling extremely anxious about my upcoming dental appointment. Any advice on how to handle this?

We want to hear from you! We understand that feeling uncomfortable in silence is the last thing you want, especially when visiting the dentist. It's completely normal to feel nervous, so there's no need to be embarrassed about it. In fact, knowing that you're a nervous patient allows us to properly prepare for your appointment. We have various measures in place to ensure your comfort during your visit. We can take things at a slower pace and provide detailed explanations of each step to alleviate any anxiety. Additionally, we can work together to establish a communication system, enabling you to clearly express any discomfort or need for a break. If necessary, we can also discuss the option of sedation. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities, so please don't hesitate to let us know how we can make your dental experience more pleasant.

  • One of the most significant ways we can help you overcome your nervousness is by working through it together.
  • We aim to create a warm, welcoming, and pleasant environment in our office for you.
  • The easier and less intimidating we can make your visit, the better we'll be able to care for your oral health, now and in the future.
  • If there is anything we can do to improve your experience, just ask. We assure you that you won't be the first person to bring up these concerns.

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!