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Frequently Answered Questions

Below are answers to common question. However if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sayyah, contact our dental office located near Redmond Town Center. We welcome any comments or questions you may have and look forward to assisting you in all of your dental goals.

11. Does bleaching damage the teeth?
12. What causes my jaw to pop when I open it?
13. How can I stop grinding my teeth at night?
14. At what age are my children supposed to see a dentist?
15. Why is it important to fix baby teeth that have decay?
16. When will my child lose his/her baby teeth?
17. When does thumb-sucking become damaging to the teeth?
18. Should my child wear a mouthguard while playing sports?
19. What should I do if my child gets a tooth knocked out?
20. What causes bad breath and what can be done about it?

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Does bleaching damage the teeth?

Q: Does bleaching damage the teeth?

A: No. When carbamide peroxide, the active whitening agent, contacts water, hydrogen peroxide is released which whitens the teeth. Bleaching does not soften, demineralize or weaken the teeth.

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What causes my jaw to pop when I open it?

Q: What causes my jaw to pop when I open it?

A: There is a pad or disk that separates the jaw bone from the base of the skull. The primary cause of the "popping" occurs when you open your mouth too wide and the jaw bone "pops" off the pad or disk. Treatment is not required unless pain is associated with the "pop" or the jaw locks.

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How can I stop grinding my teeth at night?

Q: How can I stop grinding my teeth at night?

A: Grinding your teeth can be very damaging to the teeth and also difficult to stop. If vigorous grinding occurs at night, teeth can be worn down to the gumline because the instinctive reflex to stop does not work while you are sleeping. Grinding due to stress can only be cured by removing the stress trigger. If grinding continues, a nightguard may be prescribed to prevent ultimate damage to the teeth.

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At what age are my children supposed to see a dentist?

Q: At what age are my children supposed to see a dentist?

A: The general rule is between 18 and 24 months. Some children require a bit more time to be comfortable. If an area of concern is noticed, then the child should see a dentist as soon as possible.

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Why is it important to fix baby teeth that have decay?

Q: Aren't they going to come out soon anyway?

A: It is very important to maintain the baby teeth because these teeth hold space for the future eruption of the permanent teeth. If a baby tooth decays or is removed too early, the space necessary for the permanent teeth is lost and can only be regained through orthodontic treatment. Infected baby teeth can cause the permanent teeth to develop improperly resulting in stains, pits and weaker teeth.

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When will my child lose his/her baby teeth?

Q: When will my child lose his/her baby teeth?

A: Children will begin losing their teeth at approximately age 5. They will usually lose their front teeth first. Children will continue to lose baby teeth until the age of 12 or 13 when all of the permanent teeth finally erupt.

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When does thumb-sucking become damaging to the teeth?

Q: When does thumb-sucking become damaging to the teeth?

A: Generally, if the child has stopped sucking his/her thumb by age 5 there is no permanent damage. If the child is a vigorous and constant thumbsucker, however, there can be moderate to severe movement of teeth and prevention of normal bone growth.

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Should my child wear a mouthguard while playing sports?

Q: Should my child wear a mouthguard while playing sports?

A: It is strongly recommended that children wear a mouthguard while playing any contact sport. It is always better to prevent an injury than to repair one. The earlier a child begins to wear the mouthguard, the easier it is to become comfortable and continue to wear it as they get older.

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What should I do if my child gets a tooth knocked out?

Q: What should I do if my child gets a tooth knocked out?

A: If the tooth is a permanent tooth, time is extremely crucial. Immediately stick the tooth back in the socket. Don't worry about getting it in straight or having it turned backwards, just get it in the socket and immediately call your dentist. If you are uncomfortable placing the tooth in the socket, put it in a glass of milk and get your child to the dentist as quickly as possible. If the tooth is a baby tooth, do not put it in the socket because damage to the permanent tooth can occur. When in doubt, put the tooth in milk and see your dentist immediately.

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What causes bad breath and what can be done about it?

Q: What causes bad breath and what can be done about it?

A: Bad breath, or halitosis, is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene, but can also be caused by retained food particles, gum disease, drainage from sinus dripping or systemic, respiratory or gastrointestinal problems. Proper brushing including brushing the tongue, cheeks, and the roof of the mouth will remove bacteria and food particles. Flossing removes accumulated bacteria, plaque and food that may be trapped between teeth. Mouth rinses are effective in temporary relief of bad breath. Consult your dentist and/or physician if the condition persists.

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