FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a great question! We accept most dental PPO plans as well as Indiana Medicaid.
At Kids & Adult we make it a priority to make sure our patients are as comfortable as possible. If you’re nervous or tense about receiving dental care, we do offer oral sedation to help you to relax during your appointment. Learn more about it here
We recommend toothbrushes with soft bristles. When brushing it is best to use soft pressure, for 2 minutes, twice a day. If you prefer a manual powered toothbrush, we recommend one with circular heads. It is important to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. If you notice bristles look bent or splayed out, toss them sooner! If your toothbrush bristles are looking worn after a few weeks or even a month or two it could be a sign that you may be brushing too hard. The type of toothpaste you use should be based on your dental needs. “Toothpastes with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance always have fluoride, which strengthens and protects teeth. If you want a non-fluoride option, stores carry toothpastes and powders made with natural ingredients that don’t have ADA testing and approval.If cold or hot food or drinks make you cringe, pick a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and let your dentist know.”
Yes, dental x-rays are safe and needed. Dental x-rays are necessary for accurate diagnoses.
“Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that causes dental disease.Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth. Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.”
People usually forget about flossing but at Kids & Adult, we tell our patients brushing your teeth without flossing is like showering and not washing your under arms. You just don’t do it! “Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean those spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone. Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss”
We do offer clear aligner orthodontic treatment. Please call to schedule an orthodontic consultation.
Teeth naturally discolor over time, which is normal, and most people’s teeth aren’t naturally paper white; they may have slight tints due to everyday factors. Common causes of staining include coffee, wine, and pigmented foods. To maintain a white and healthy smile, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene. In-office whitening services are available, and at-home options like whitening toothpaste or strips can help with upkeep when used in moderation. For more permanent solutions to internal discoloration, composite bonding or veneers can be applied to affected teeth.
“The best way to ensure a healthy mouth is to follow a balanced diet and regularly visit the dentist while maintaining your oral care routine with twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing. Protect yourself against problems that can advance quickly by discussing these questions with your dental professional.”
“Patients with tooth sensitivity feel pain when they consume foods or drinks that are hot or cold, sweet, or acidic. Sensitivity happens when tooth enamel, which usually protects the tooth’s pulp and dentin, is thinned from repeated exposure to acidity and extreme temperatures. Sensitivity can also occur as a result of:
- Receding gums
- Tooth grinding during sleep
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Tooth whitening
- Orthodontics and fillings
Talk to your dental professional, and they will examine the affected teeth and recommend treatment to reduce your sensitivity.”
“Studies show children can develop their first cavities by two years old, so the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends booking the first visit once their first tooth appears – or, at the latest, their first birthday. This helps your dentist catch potential problems that can affect your child’s overall health and well-being as more teeth grow in overtime.”
“Most children begin losing their baby teeth between the ages of six and eight. They typically fall out in roughly the same order in which they grew. Keep in mind that all patients are different. Children and adult oral conditions depend on how long they’ve gone without an appointment, how long a child’s baby teeth last, and what kinds of things you are naturally more sensitive to.
Next time you’re at the dentist, don’t be afraid to ask any questions you might have; They are there to help! With these questions queued up, you’ll never be in doubt about the state of your oral health.”
