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Dental FAQ
Syracuse, NY

Young girl getting a dental cleaning at Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS in Syracuse, NY

Taking care of your mouth is incredibly important. Good oral hygiene practices help you to prevent the development of many different types of oral health issues, helping you to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS is here to help.

What Type of Toothbrush Should I Use?

You have probably noticed a wide array of different toothbrushes in the oral care aisle. It is generally recommended that you use a toothbrush with soft bristles. The toothbrush should feel comfortable in your mouth and your hand. You should be able to move it around easily so that you can clean all areas of your mouth.

Do I Need to Floss?

Yes. No matter how well you brush, you cannot reach the spaces between your teeth. Flossing allows you to clean these impossible to reach areas, eliminating plaque, bacteria, and other debris — this aids in reducing your risk for developing cavities between your teeth.

How Important are Routine Dental Visits?

The ADA recommends dental cleanings and exams twice a year, or once every six months. During your cleanings, we remove all buildup from your teeth, including the most stubborn tartar. We are also able to clean areas you might not be able to effectively clean on your own. With exams, we can spot a wide variety of different oral health issues. We can detect the earliest symptoms before you ever notice anything is wrong. With early detection, we can provide you with treatment right away. In most cases, treatments are less invasive and less expensive.

What are the Signs I Should Schedule an Appointment?

Taking care of your mouth is essential for keeping your mouth healthy. Sometimes, however, issues can still develop. There are several symptoms that can point toward an issue and require an appointment right away. These include

•	Red, swollen gums.
•	Bleeding gums when you brush and floss.
•	Gum recession.
•	Tooth sensitivity.
•	A toothache.
•	Changes in your bite.
•	Jaw pain.
•	Tooth damage and decay.

How are Damaged Teeth Treated?

Damaged teeth can be treated in a variety of different ways. The type of treatment you receive depends upon the severity of the damage. Treatments include

•	Fillings.
•	Dental bonding.
•	Porcelain veneers.
•	Dental crowns.
•	Root canal.
•	Tooth extraction and replacement.

How are Missing Teeth Replaced?

Tooth loss has many reasons. You may lose teeth due to gum disease or facial trauma. You may also lose teeth due to severe decay or significant damage. The teeth may fall out on their own, or they may require extraction. No matter how you lose your teeth, it is important that they are replaced as soon as possible. Replacing missing teeth restores the functions of your mouth, your smile, and your quality of life. Common solutions for tooth loss include

•	Bridges.
•	Partial and complete dentures.
•	Dental implants.

How Can I Improve the Quality of My Smile?

Your smile is the first thing that people notice about you. The appearance of your teeth and gums play a significant role in its quality. If there are imperfections in your smile, you may not be happy with how it looks. There are some different treatments that can help to improve the quality of your smile and boost your confidence. Cosmetic treatments include

•	Composite bonding.
•	Porcelain veneers.
•	Ceramic crowns.
•	Dental implants.
•	Teeth whitening.
•	Gum grafting.
•	Aesthetic gum lift.

Good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your mouth happy and healthy. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS at (315) 800-5020 today.

Additional Information:
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COVID Response

What Our Patients Are Saying About Us Janice K. Pliszczak, DDS logo icon

Exceptionally Friendly!!

"You are put at ease the minute you walk into their new office on Broad Rd. Beautiful and calming surroundings. The staff couldn't be more helpful and are extremely friendly. Dr. Pliszczak is exactly what you want in a Dentist. Always concerned with your comfort, I never feel rushed, and I enjoy here friendly manner. And because of all of their meticulously thorough work, My teeth are as healthy as can be!!! Thank you Dr. Pliszczak, Jade and Nancy" ~Roamy F.

Dental FAQ Syracuse, NY