Frequently Asked Questions

It is a widely known fact that in order to promote dental health and hygiene, teeth should be brushed and flossed regularly. However, many people include mouthwash in their daily routines as well to fight plaque buildup. While useful for freshening breath and momentarily disrupting plaque, mouthwash should not be seen as an alternative to flossing or brushing.

With bad genes, gum disease, or physical trauma, a person’s gum line may significantly wear down and begin to recede. Many consider their teeth their major dental health concern, but the gums are an integral part of a healthy-looking, visually-pleasing smile. Additionally, tooth decay may accelerate after the gums recede to expose the tooth’s root.

To fix these problems, dentists can offer a variety of graft procedures to restore the gum line and improve the overall look of the smile.

If you are facing significant orthodontic problems, deciding which treatment is right for you can prove difficult. While Invisalign braces offer a discreet way to straighten teeth, they may not be useful in certain cases and may not work as quickly. Likewise, traditional braces may not appear cosmetically appealing and are certainly not as flexible as Invisalign in terms of care and maintenance.

Before making any decisions, consulting with a dentist is highly advisable. Dr. Lance Loveless offers patients interested in orthodontic treatment with Invisalign a free consultation to discuss their health and cosmetic needs.

Cavities develop when a tooth decays to the point of producing a small hole. When plaque builds up on a tooth, sugars and starches in food can create acids that eat away at the tooth’s enamel.

There are two major ways to prevent the development of these cavities:

1. A person can avoid foods and drinks that promote tooth decay. This means limiting consumption of food and drinks with high sugar content, such as sodas and candy.
2. Keep up with regular dental maintenance through brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.

Another way you can prevent cavities is to consider having dental sealants applied to the cavity-prone grooves of your teeth. Sealants are thin coats that can be applied onto your teeth, effectively shielding them from your food and completely protecting them from potential decay.

With basic technological advances in simple consumer products like toothbrushes, many people have moved from using manual toothbrushes to battery-powered electric toothbrushes. Certainly, some believe that the electric models provide a more comprehensive clean with less room for human error. However, others cite the high costs for such a simple product and lack of portability. For these consumers, the standard manual toothbrush still gets the job done.

With either of these options, what is more important is that you regularly brush, floss, and keep up on your regular check-up visits with a dentist.

Dry mouth occurs fairly regularly among some individuals, especially as they grow older. This condition can lessen the amount of saliva in the mouth, making it more difficult for people to naturally get rid of small amounts of food in their mouth or teeth. Additionally, a lack of saliva can allow more plaque to damage teeth, as saliva normally neutralizes acids created by plaque.

For some patients, the cause of dry mouth may be tied to a drug prescribed by their doctor or bought over the counter. For others, the cause may be linked to a more serious condition.

If your teeth have been damaged, we can certainly help you with your dental emergencies. In case you have lost a tooth, there are solutions available.

Dental bridges and implants can fill in those lost gaps in your smile, making it seem as if whatever accident or injury had never occurred. Our technicians can assist you in shaping the new tooth to fit appropriately into your mouth, giving it a seamless appearance.

For many adults, looking their best can help build confidence and self-esteem. However, for as simple as something like a smile can be, the treatment options may require a significant time commitment.

There are a variety of options available to help resolve damaged or crooked teeth and make your smile as beautiful as possible. While traditional braces work for some, others may consider Invisalign for its lack of visibility. Veneers can also work to improve the look of your teeth by placing tooth-like material over the front of an existing tooth.

Maintaining a child’s dental health is an important part of keeping that child healthy. With healthy teeth and gums, kids can avoid several serious heart and digestive problems as they reach adulthood.

When it comes to protecting children, parents can begin by starting early and instilling good habits. Cleaning an infant’s gums, making sure that kids brush their teeth, and scheduling regular dental check-ups all certainly help.

Sensitivity occurs in teeth for a few reasons. Trauma to the teeth is one major cause of sensitivity. If a tooth becomes chipped or is broken, the nerves may become exposed or may not be as well-protected as before. The habitual grinding of teeth can also lead to sensitivity. A tooth may also become sensitive if the gum-line recedes, which can be linked to gum disease or mistreatment.

It is a widely known fact that brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash daily can keep your teeth and gums healthy, bright, and strong. However, it is possible that factors outside of your control may work against you.

For example, trauma and tooth grinding can severely damage teeth. Drinking dark beverages like soda, coffee, and wine can stain otherwise well-kept teeth.

From emergency appointments to routine cleanings, Dr. Loveless can provide you with individualized advice on how to keep your teeth strong and looking good.

At BridgeView Dental, we offer a full range of both cosmetic and non-cosmetic dental services to help your smile look its best. To improve the gleaming appearance of your teeth, we offer teeth whitening and the application of veneers. We can help you avoid the appearance of dental work through tooth-colored filings and crowns. In case of emergency, we provide emergency care and surgical assistance. We also offer braces and other orthodontic services.

To learn more about the wide variety of ways we can help you feel better about your teeth, contact BridgeView Dental’s Austin office by calling (512) 265-5818 today.