Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How often do I actually need to visit the dentist at Hitkarini Dental College and Hospital?

Most people need to visit their dentist for a regular hygiene twice a year, or once every six months. There are exceptions to this rule, however. If you have gum disease, or a history of gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits. Another reason you may need to see the dentist more frequently is if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. The bottom line is that you need to at least see the dentist twice a year and you need to comply if it is recommended that you make those visits more frequent.

2. What exactly is a cavity?

A cavity is simply a small hole in the tooth that develops as a result of tooth decay. In other words, decay eats away at the tooth and results in a void space that disrupts the structure of the tooth. It’s important to get cavities repaired because they will continue to grow larger with time.

3. What does it mean when my gums bleed when I brush and floss?

This is a warning sign that gum disease is present and needs to be treated by a dentist/dental hygienist. Gum disease in future may leads to tooth loss. This frequently occurs in the absence of pain, making gum bleeding an important first symptom in detecting the disease. Visit Hitkarini Dental College and Hospital immediately to prevent tooth loss.

4. What should I use to clean my baby’s teeth?

A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime. Visit Hitkarini Dental College and Hospital for more details.

5. When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?

In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday. Visit Hitkarini Dental College and Hospital for more details.

6. Are baby teeth really that important to my child?

Primary, or “baby,” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Hence, it is essential to take care of baby/milk teeth.

7. Toothpaste: when should we begin using it and how much should we use?

The sooner the better! Starting at birth, clean your child’s gums with a soft infant toothbrush or cloth and water. Parents should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt and a soft, age-appropriate sized toothbrush. Once children are 3 to 6 years old, then the amount should be increased to a pea-size dollop and perform or assist your child’s toothbrushing. Remember that young children do not have the ability to brush their teeth effectively. Children should spit out and not swallow excess toothpaste after brushing.

8. What is the best way to whiten my teeth?

There are several ways to whiten the teeth. The fastest and most effective way to whiten teeth is typically an in-office professional whitening procedure. However, our best advice is to speak with your dentist at Hitkarini Dental College and Hospital. The best results are always going to be a result of a professional treatment, but your dentist can help you determine which treatment is right for you.

9. How safe are dental X-rays?

Advances in dentistry over the years have led to the low radiation levels emitted by dental X-rays. Some of the improvements are new digital X-ray machines that limit the radiation beam to the small area being X-rayed, higher speed X-ray films that require shorter exposure time compared with older film speeds to get the same results. These advance techniques are available in Hitkarini Dental College and Hospital.

10. I have been a tobacco user (cigarette smoker/tobacco chewer) for a number of years and am concerned about the possibility of developing oral cancer. What are the signs and symptoms of oral cancer?

Tobacco is a proven preventable cause of oral cancer. The following are the common signs and symptoms of oral cancer:

  1. Swellings/thickenings, lumps, bumps, rough spots/crusts/,or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth

  2. The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth

  3. Unexplained bleeding in the mouth

  4. Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck

  5. Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within two weeks

  6. A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat

  7. Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue

  8. Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or changes in the voice

  9. Ear pain

  10. A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together – a change in your “bite”

  11. Dramatic weight loss.

If you notice any of these changes, contact at Hitkarini Dental College and Hospital immediately for a professional examination.