FAQ For the Dentist

Mouthwashes for cavity protection, sensitivity, and fresh breath may help when you use them with regular brushing and flossing — but not instead of daily cleanings. After your first consult in our dental clinik in Marbella I can recommend the best type for you.

Some people need twice-daily rinses for gum health or alcohol-free washes for  dry mouth.

Kids under 6 shouldn’t use  mouthwash  to avoid the chance of them swallowing it.

Visit our Marbella dental clinic if you have any of these issues or see your child having trouble chewing or complaining of soreness:
Mouth sores
Jaw pain
Redness
Swollen face or gums
Tooth sensitivity
Broken teeth
Dry mouth
Bleeding gums
Bad breath or a bad taste in your  mouth
Getting checked out right away prevents more serious problems and infections.

Regular exams help spot trouble early to prevent bigger and more costly treatments later. A dental hygienist will start by cleaning buildup from your teeth. Then the dentist will probe spots on the surfaces and near the gumline with special tools. If it’s been a while between appointments, you may have some sore and sensitive areas.

You should get an exam every 6 months, or more often if your dentist  recommends it. Make sure your dentist makes you feel at ease and lets you know what to expect. Often the dread of seeing the dentist turns to big relief when the visit is over and you have a care plan set up. Being positive as a parent can help your kids overcome any of their fears.

Medical and dental experts study the use of X-rays and set limits for their safety. At Miclinik we take as few as possible.

Expect to get them during a first exam after not seeing a dentist for a while. This helps check tooth and gum health. If you have  gum disease , the dentist may want pictures every 6 months. For regular check-ups, it’s about every 2 years, depending on your dentists plan.

Kids have more X-rays done than adults because their teeth are changing and because they get  cavities  more easily.

Fluoride helps make teeth strong and prevents decay. Kids should use fluoride toothpaste for brushing, taking care not to swallow it.

Adults benefit from using fluoride to protect their teeth, too.

Cavities  break through the surface enamel of teeth, and they’ll probably get bigger unless you close them off with  fillings .

At Miclinik in Marbella will numb your mouth before drilling around the cavity to prep it. A combination of strong materials or a white mix called a composite goes into the cavity soft and then hardens as it dries. You may feel  pain  or pressure when getting the numbing shot and during the drilling.

Once set, fillings can last a long time but need replacing if they break or wear down.

Sealants protect against cavities that can form in the natural tiny holes and cracks on the outside of teeth. Kids from about 6 to 12 benefit from having sealants painted and hardened onto the chewing surfaces of their back teeth, or  molars.

Adults can get sealants as well to protect teeth that don’t have fillings.
Dentists or dental assistants put sealants on in an office visit, and it’s painless.

They last around 2-4 years.

Stores sell many whitening products, and you can get take-home gels and trays from your dentist, but neither is as strong as procedures done in a dental office.

If you want to try an over-the-counter whitener, look for one with an ADA seal.

Check with your dentist for advice before you buy, especially if you have dental work or dark stains. And don’t keep using them, or you could damage your teeth.

Caps and crowns cover problem teeth by surrounding them in a material that looks like a real tooth. They use the root and inside of the tooth as a base to build on, then attach with special cement.

Veneers  and bonding improve your  smile  by sticking a layer of smoother and whiter materials like porcelain or resin to the natural tooth.

Make an appointment with me at my Marbella dental clinic about which fix is right for you.

Yes, sweets and foods with acid, like candy and soda, could stick to teeth and lead to cavities.  Smoking  and chewing  tobacco  can cause  oral cancer  and  gum disease.

While teeth are strong enough to chew ice and tear open packages, this can break them and stress your jaws.

Gritting or grinding down on teeth when you’re stressed may crack them. Biting your nails  is another bad habit. It pulls your jaw out of position and changes how your teeth fit together.

Make it fun! If you are enthusiastic about brushing your teeth, your children will also be enthusiastic.

Children want to do the things their parents do. If your children see you brushing your teeth and displaying good dental habits, they will follow.

Ask your dentist at MiClinik in Marbella for other creative ways to get children to brush their teeth.

Getting your children to brush starts with taking them to the dentist at an early age. All children should be seen by their first birthday or 6 months after the eruption of the first tooth.

Always spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth. It takes that long to get rid of the bacteria that destroy tooth enamel. Do not brush too hard. It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and plaque. Floss at least once a day. Flossing is the only way to get bacteria from between your teeth.

Watch the sugar you eat. There is sugar in candy, fruits, crackers and chips. These are the foods that the bacteria in your mouth like best. Be mindful of foods like raisins and peanut butter that stick to your teeth. They can provide a constant supply for the bacteria eating into your teeth. Try to minimize the times during the day when sweet items are eaten and brush your teeth afterwards.

If you cannot brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water – which can help to remove food from your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can also help. Chewing deskulates the flow of your saliva which acts as a natural plaque-fighting substance. And do not forget your regular dental visits.

Good dental habits will go a long way toward a no-cavity visit.

Oral piercing is a widely accepted form of self-expression, and that includes piercings in the mouth.

However, the potential problems from piercings are numerous. Some symptoms after a piercing include pain, swelling, infection, drooling, taste loss, scarring, chipped teeth, tooth loss, and an increased flow of saliva, none of which are particularly pleasant.

Tongue piercing can also cause excessive bleeding. If you’re thinking of placing a piercing in or around your mouth, talk to your dentist at MiClink in Marbella first. If you already have piercings and are having problems, see us right away.

• Oral injuries are often painful, and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. If you have
  knocked out a tooth, these tips may be able to save it:
  • Rinse, do not scrub, the tooth to remove dirt or debris
  • Place the clean tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gum or under your tongue
  • Do not attempt to replace the tooth into the socket as this could cause further damage
  • Get to the dentist. Successful re-implantation is possible only when treatment is performed promptly
  • If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse it in milk.

When you are asleep, production in your mouth decreases. Since your saliva is the mouths natural mouthwash, most people experience morning breath.

Bacteria found on teeth in the crevices and on the taste buds of the tongue, break down the food particles, which produce sulfur compounds. It is actually these sulfur compounds which give our breath a bad odor. During the day, your saliva helps to wash away bacteria and food particles. Your saliva also helps to dissolve the foul smelling sulfur compounds.

Chronic, long-term mouth odor can be a sign of more serious illness. Make an appointment at MiClinik Marbella if this is a concern.

Sensitivity toothpaste, which contains strontium chloride or potassium nitrate are very effective in treating sensitive teeth.

After a few weeks of use, you may notice a decrease in sensitivity. Highly acidic foods such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons, as well as tea and soda can increase tooth sensitivity, and work against sensitivity toothpaste. If you do not get relief by brushing gently and using desensitizing toothpaste, come see us.

There are special compounds that can be applied in-office to the roots of your tooth to reduce – if not eliminate – the sensitivity. High-fluoride containing home care products can also be recommended to help reduce tooth sensitivity.

Ask the friendly staff at Mi Clinik Marbella for more information on sensitive teeth.

Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting bone structure, which if left untreated, can cause permanent jaw bone destruction and possible tooth loss.

Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, low birth weight babies, pre-term delivery, respiratory disease, and prostate cancer. An advanced stage of periodontal disease exhibits inflamed gums pulling away from your bone and teeth.

Other signs of periodontal disease include:

• Bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Loose teeth or teeth that have moved
• Sensitive teeth
• Plus coming from around the teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Tender gums
• Bleeding gums

Treatment of early periodontal disease can be performed in-office. However, advanced stages may require surgery.

Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated successfully by seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly and following recommended care plans.

Like other investments, if you whiten your teeth, the length of time you can expect it to last will vary. If you smoke, drink red wine or coffee, or consume other acid-containing foods, your bright smile may begin to yellow more quickly than you expect.

In general, a teeth whitening procedure can last up to a few years. And even though the results can fade, occasional touch-ups can be done to regain luster.

Ask the experienced staff at our Marbella Dental Clinic about the long-term benefits of teeth whitening.

Commercial whitening toothpastes vary greatly in their ability to whiten teeth. They work by removing surface stains from the teeth with the use of mild abrasives. However, unlike professional whitening, some whitening toothpastes do not alter the intrinsic color of the teeth.

Toothpastes that are effective in removing stains can also destroy tooth enamel in the process. These toothpastes use harsh abrasives. With repeated use, harsh abrasives begin to damage tooth enamel and can contribute to increased tooth sensitivity.

If you would like to try a whitening toothpaste, consult with your dentist at MiClinik first.

The exact cause of canker sores is unknown. Some factors may include genetics, allergies, stress, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Trauma to the inside of the mouth can result in the development of canker sores. Ill-fitting dentures or braces, toothbrush trauma from brushing too hard, or biting your cheek, may produce canker sores. Certain foods may also be a factor.

Citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables can trigger a canker sore or make the problem worse. Foods like chips, pretzels and hard candies have sharp edges that can nick and injure the soft tissue of the mouth.

To treat a canker sore, rinse your mouth with antimicrobial mouthwash or warm water and salt.

Over the counter treatments are also available. If the canker sore is present longer than two weeks, see your MiClinik dentist.

Many factors work to destroy the naturally white smile you were born with.

Tobacco, certain foods, and certain drinks actually stain teeth. These substances continually work on our teeth causing our white smile to gradually fade.

Hot coffee and tea are especially hazardous to your smile because they change the temperature of teeth. This temperature change – hot and cold cycling – causes the teeth to expand and contract allowing stains to penetrate the teeth.

Cutting down on coffee and tea can go a long way to creating a great smile. Foods that are slightly acidic are also dangerous to your white smile. These foods open up the pores of the tooth enamel allowing stains to move more easily into the tooth.

We can help you with more tips on keeping a white smile at the MiClinik Dental Practice in Guadalmina.

A mouthguard can prevent injuries to your face and teeth. Most people benefit from wearing a mouthguard when playing any sport.

You should wear one whether you are playing professionally or just on weekends. Do what you can to preserve your smile and your health. The best mouthguards are custom-fitted by your dentist. This is especially important if you wear braces or fixed bridgework.

Commercial, ready-made mouthguards can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. They are relatively inexpensive but they are also less effective. In either case, rinse your mouthguard with water or mouthwash after each use. With proper care, it should last for several months.

Ask us which kind of mouthguard you should use during your next visit at MiClinik.

Research today suggests a link between gum disease and diabetes.

Research has established that people with diabetes are more prone to gum disease. If blood glucose levels are poorly controlled you may be more likely to develop gum disease and could potentially lose teeth. Like all infections, gum disease can be a factor in causing blood sugar levels to rise and make diabetes harder to control.

Be sure to see your dentist regularly for check-ups and follow home care recommendations.

If you notice other conditions such as dry mouth or bleeding gums, be sure to talk with your dentist at the MiClinik dental practice in Marbella. And don’t forget to mention any changes in medications.

About half of women who are pregnant experience a condition called pregnancy gingivitis.

This condition can be uncomfortable and cause swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness in the gum tissue. A more advanced oral health condition called periodontal disease (a serious gum infection that destroys attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold teeth in the mouth) may affect the health of your baby. Studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and preterm, low birth-weight babies.

In fact, pregnant women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that’s born too early and too small. The likely culprit is a labor-inducing chemical found in oral bacteria called prostaglandin. Very high levels of prostaglandin are found in women with severe cases of periodontal disease.

Visits to the dentist include more than just "checking teeth." While patients who wear dentures no longer have to worry about dental decay, they may have concerns with ill fitting appliances or mouth sores to name a few. Annual visits to the dentist (or sooner if soreness is present) is recommended.

During these visits, an oral cancer screening and head and neck exam will be performed as well as an evaluation of the fit or need for replacement of the existing appliances.

Regular visits can help you to avoid more complicated problems down the road.