FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Is drinking soda bad for teeth?
- Yes, sodas have acidic substances that affect the mineralization of the teeth. It has been established that people who drink three or more glasses of soda a day have approximately 62% more caries, restorations and/or tooth loss than those who do not. An average can of soda has 10-12 tablespoons of sugar; the nutritional recommendation is to consume a maximum of 4 tablespoons of sugar daily. It is always better to drink water.
At what age should I take my baby for a dental evaluation?
It is recommended that women go to the dentist from pregnancy for indications and recommended prenatal care. Once the baby is born, it is suggested that the first visit be from 4-6 months of age to educate the parents on oral hygiene and care techniques.
Is it really necessary to floss?
Yes, it is really necessary. It is recommended to use dental floss at least once a day or else we would be failing to clean about 40% of the tooth surface. Did you know that the first commercial dental floss was manufactured in 1882? It was by the company Codman and Shurtleff, Inc.
Should brushes have soft or hard bristles?
We always recommend using soft or extra-soft bristle brushes to reduce the possibility of damaging the gums and affecting the integrity of the enamel and exposed root cement. Did you know that more blue-colored brushes are sold in the world?
How many times does an adult person smile a day?
It has been measured that an adult woman smiles approximately 62 times a day; while men, 8 times. Children, on the other hand, tend to smile an average of 400 times a day.
How long should I brush?
All studies indicate that we should carefully brush for two to three minutes and do it at least twice a day; however, it has been measured that the average adult brushes between 45 to 70 seconds, which is inappropriate.
Who was the first female dentist in Panama?
Dr. Aida Illueca was the first woman to obtain the suitability to practice dentistry in the Republic of Panama.
Does smoking affect my oral health?
Indeed, the cigarette is harmful to oral health in general. Smokers are 2 to 7 times more likely to develop periodontal problems than non-smokers. Not to mention that smoking increases the chances of developing cancerous lesions in the mouth.
What was the first dental school in Panama?
The first dental school in Panama was founded in 1968 at the University of Panama.
Is tooth decay a disease?
Yes, tooth decay is considered a disease; in fact, it is the second most common illness in the world, surpassed only by the common cold.
Does oral health have to do with general health?
Correct. Poor oral health can negatively affect a person’s overall health; for example: it is estimated that a person with uncontrolled periodontal disease is twice as likely to develop heart problems as a healthy person; Also, a pregnant woman with poor oral hygiene is more likely to give birth to premature and/or low birth weight babies.
How often should I change my toothbrush?
Although it is said that a toothbrush can last up to three months, it is recommended that it be replaced once a month or when the bristles are wilted.
How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
The universal recommendation is that no more than six months should pass between each dental cleaning. However, the most appropriate recommendation to break the caries cycle would be to have prophylaxis every four months or when your dentist recommends it. Patients with braces are recommended to do it every 3-4 months due to the greater accumulation of dental plaque.
Why do dentists' chairs resemble barbers' chairs?
Because until the 19th century, barbers also performed dental extractions and from there the barbershop chair was adapted to the dental chair.
Who was the first dentist in history?
The earliest record of a dentist is from Hesi-ren, an Egyptian “tooth doctor” who lived around 3000 B.C.
What does the saying "the cat ate your tongue" mean?
This saying originated approximately 2,500 years ago, in ancient Assyria (in Western Asia), where captured enemy soldiers’ tongues were cut out and used to feed the emperor’s cats.
How many bristles are there on a toothbrush?
An average toothbrush has about 2,500 bristles grouped in 40 clusters; Originally, the bristles were made from pig hair, hence the name.
What mouthwash should I use?
There is a wide variety of dental rinses with different components and objectives, so the ideal is to consult with your dentist which one best suits your needs. However, it is more advisable to use mouthwashes that do not contain alcohol.
Why don't dentists advertise their prices?
It is important to remember that dental procedures are biological health treatments and therefore, like any medical treatment, can vary from person to person, so dentists prefer to carry out a prior clinical and radiographic evaluation in order to offer a budget to each patient. Although there are fixed costs for some treatments, such as consultation, dental prophylaxis and teeth whitening.
