Saying that you have good oral hygiene habits doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing to a dentist. Make sure that your “good” oral hygiene routine also meets your dentist’s standards.
It’s not uncommon for a patient to be shocked when their dentist tells them they have a cavity. It’s frustrating because not only do they rarely get cavities, but they brush and floss regularly. So how is it possible to get a cavity when you have good oral hygiene habits?
If you find yourself in this situation, we understand how frustrated you feel. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver the gentle dental care that you deserve from sedation dentists in St. Louis.
I am so impressed with this Place. The staff is super friendly and explains everything in great detail and really takes their time with their patients. I came here after 15+ years of not having Dental insurance or the means to see a Dentist.
Needless to say, my teeth were in pretty bad shape, and I needed a deep periodontal cleaning. When I went in for consultation back in February I was totally nervous, anxious had no clue what to expect. I just knew that I needed to a tooth that was falling out pulled and needed to do something about my teeth.
After talking with a staff member and Dr. Hoffmann I felt totally at ease. Both my procedures in Feb and May went incredibly well and I woke up from both with an incredible smile.
I came back today for follow up and cleaning my Hygienist was awesome I still had some sensitivity around my front teeth and when she noticed I flinched she stopped and said do you need break, or do you want me to put some numbing jell on your front teeth.
After we got done, I had a lot of questions about the proper way to floss, what type of tooth paste I should use for sensitive teeth etc and she really took the time to answer all my questions.
If you have been putting off dental work because of anxiety, I encourage you to check this place out. The staff truly cares about their clients.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words. We’re so glad you felt informed, supported, and cared for throughout your visits. Helping patients feel comfortable and confident in their dental care means so much to our team. We truly appreciate your trust!
I went to nervous and 3 to 4 hours later, I essentially woke up in the car on my way home without realizing anything had happened. If you have trauma with previous dental issues, this is the place.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience. We’re grateful our team could help provide a comfortable experience and appreciate your trust in us.
Amazing staff from entering to exiting! Thank you all for truly caring and taking the time to explain every step as you go. You are appreciated and I would highly recommend you to everyone!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad you felt cared for and informed throughout your experience. Our team truly appreciates your support!
Extremely friendly and professional
Liked the way everything was explained a b d was concerned about my comfort k rt
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad you felt comfortable and well informed during your visit. Our team truly appreciates your support!
I have been a patient at the Dental Anesthesia Center for about 20 years! Dr. Hoffman and his team are the premier dental group in the St. Louis area. I believe they are the only location for Dental Anesthesia if you need that service. They are experts in the dental field and I cannot fathom ever going anywhere else. Great team, kind, caring, patient, and looking out for you and your dental needs!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and continued trust over the years! We’re truly grateful for your support and are honored to have such a caring team dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care.
What is Good Oral Hygiene?
Saying that you have good oral hygiene habits don’t necessarily mean the same thing to a dentist. You may brush your teeth twice a day and assume that is good oral health. While brushing your teeth is obviously necessary, there is definitely more to it.
Good oral hygiene includes these five essential habits:
Brush teeth at least twice a day
Floss at least once a day
Avoid sugary drinks and snacks
Drink plenty of water with meals
Get dental checkups twice a year
In addition to the basics, there are several other things you should do or avoid to prevent cavities. For instance, how regularly do you go to the dentist for checkups and teeth cleanings? Less than once or twice a year? How about your drinking habits? Some eating and drinking habits can have an immediate effect on our teeth. Do you sip on soda all day long at work? If so, bacteria is growing and causing damage; therefore, brushing twice a day is likely not enough.
How Do Cavities Form?
Our teeth are made up of minerals. When we eat or drink sugary or starchy foods, bacteria in the plaque on our teeth begin producing acid. This acid eats away at the enamel. When the pH in our mouths becomes more acidic, our teeth start losing the natural minerals on our teeth.
When these acids erode the enamel, a cavity, or hole, begins to form. Tooth decay can affect all layers of a tooth. It can take years for a cavity to develop in the solid outer layer of the enamel. However, a cavity forms more quickly as the middle and innermost layers of tooth decay. It can eventually erode to the root, which can cause severe pain and sensitivity.
How to Prevent Cavities
We’re glad you brush your teeth twice a day – that’s a good habit. However, if you’re lacking in some of these other areas, you may be told you have a cavity at your next dental visit. Make sure that your “good” oral hygiene routine also meets your dentist’s standards. Regular brushing, especially after meals, and flossing once a day, are the best combination. Further, avoid sugary and starchy foods that linger on your teeth and cause bacteria to multiply. Finally, get to the dentist at least twice a year for a routine checkup and cleaning.
If you continue to have issues with your teeth, you might have an underlying condition that needs to be identified and addressed. Be sure to discuss this with your dentist at your next visit!
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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.
