Frequently Asked Questions in Chandler

The American Dental Association and Dr. Arooni encourage everyone to see the dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months. These preventive care visits are extremely important to both your oral and overall health. At checkups, Dr. Arooni can find early-stage cavities, gum disease, head or neck cancers, and other dental issues that, if treated early, may be addressed with the most minimal treatments. Left to grow, however, these small problems can cost you more time and money, while also putting your health at risk. Cleanings allow us to remove hardened plaque, called tartar, before it causes gum disease. You may not know, gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and is linked to systemic diseases, including heart disease, the number-one killer of men and women in the USA.

A toothache is the primary reason most people visit the dentist between checkups and cleanings. However, if you notice loose teeth, red/swollen/bleeding gums, a sore in your mouth that doesn’t heal in two weeks, or any other abnormality of your teeth or mouth, call us for a visit. Catching serious problems early will keep them from growing into bigger issues.

Yes. Regular checkups and cleanings, every six months, are important to maintaining good oral health. Dr. Arooni can tell a lot by what’s in your mouth. Dentists are often the first to see signs of certain cancers, diabetes, acid reflux, bruxism, TMJ disorder, and other conditions.

At your checkup, Dr. Arooni will talk with you about how your health has been since he last saw you. Be sure to let him know if you’ve had any changes to your medical history – like if you’ve been diagnosed with a condition or are taking new medications. He will inspect your head, neck, and mouth (inside and out). You may get x-rays at your visit. These will allow the dentist to see the details of your teeth up close, between teeth, and below the gum line. If he finds any cause for concern, he’ll let you know and explain. If you do not have gum disease, you may be eligible to book your six-month cleaning for the same day as your checkup.

Minimum, you should visit Dr. Arooni every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Other than that, schedule a visit if you experience a toothache or notice abnormalities in your mouth.

Word of mouth is usually a great way to find a dentist – ask people you trust. Many people use the Internet to find dentists these days. When interviewing a new dentist, consider his or her education, years of practice, areas of expertise, hours, and location.

You need a dentist whom you trust, and who’s close enough to your home or work that you won’t postpone appointments. Education, experience, testimonials, and how the office feels – how the staff treats you – are important factors, as well.

Essentially, DMD and DDS are the same. DMD means doctor of dental medicine (seems like it should be DDM). DDS means doctor of dental surgery. The education is the same. Schools use whichever title they prefer.

Ask about homecare products – which toothpaste, brush, mouth wash you should use. Also, attend six-month checkups and cleanings. Eat a healthy diet, limiting starches and sugars, and drink plenty of water. If you chew gum or use mints, buy sugar-free varieties.

No. Brushing removes plaque from teeth. It cannot remove plaque from between teeth. Flossing cleans between teeth, all the way to the gum line. It also helps remove stuck food particles that can attract bacteria. Flossing will keep your mouth cleaner and your breath fresher than just brushing.

Set an example. Brush your teeth with your children, not separately. Set a two-minute timer and brush in progression: top front, top back, up down, circles; bottom front, bottom back, up down, circles. Then floss. You can also allow your child to be part of the process by letting him choose his own toothbrush and paste, and by using a brushing chart with stickers for days brushed. Remember to teach kids to brush in the morning and before bed.