Common Oral Health Questions and Answers

There are many reasons why permanent teeth come in with a different appearance than baby teeth. It can be something normal related to remnants of Nasmyth's Membrane adhering to the enamel as the tooth erupts through the gum tissue; this discoloration usually goes away on its own. Other causes of stained teeth include high fever during infancy, too much fluoride intake or certain medications.

To learn more, or if the concern persists and you need tooth whitening for your child, contact Dousman Family Dentistry in Dousman, WI.

With so many toothbrush brands and styles on the market, there can be many appropriate options. We believe an important quality in all toothbrushes is soft bristles. It may feel like you are getting a better clean when you scrub with hard bristled toothbrushes, but you are likely also damaging your gums. This can lead to gum recession and sensitivity and decay or tooth abrasion.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you change your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months, however any time the bristles become worn and frayed they become less effective.

We give patients get a new toothbrush at every cleaning! Schedule an appointment today. 

There are numerous products and techniques available for all types of cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening. Some work well, while others do not work at all. For the best results, you should use products sold through dental offices which utilize a custom tray for the home application of the whitening gel.

Dousman Dentistry uses NiteWhite and DayWhite by Discus Dental. In addition to producing great results, these products have overcome the sensitive teeth problem of previous whitening systems. Contact Dousman Family Dentistry to get teeth whitening that won't give you sensitive teeth.

Root canal treatment does not cause pain, it relieves it.

The perception of root canal procedures being painful began decades ago, but with the latest technologies and anesthetics, root canal treatment today is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. In fact, a recent survey showed that patients who have experienced root canal treatment are six times more likely to describe it as "painless" than patients who have not had root canal treatment.

Contact Dousman Family Dental for a painless root canal procedure. 

Dental care can be expensive. Insurance is a contract between you and your insurance carrier which is designed to help you cover the cost of dental care. At Dousman Family Dentistry, we accept many insurance plans and will file your claims for you to help you maximize your benefits.

To learn if and how your specific plan is covered by our office, email or call us to talk with one of our knowledgeable front desk staff.

“Usual and customary” is the term used by insurance companies to describe the amount they are willing to pay for a particular dental procedure. There is no standard rate or accepted method for determining “usual and customary” and it has no relationship to the fee we charge. The administrator of each dental benefit plan determines the rate that the plan will pay, often based on many factors including region of the country, number of procedures performed and cost of living.

Contact Dousman Family Dentistry to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Yes, we absolutely accept new patients! Although you may see our parking lot full of cars, we always have room for someone new. Every day we set aside time for new patients who need us right away. We look forward to helping you every step of the way. Contact Dousman Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

First Visit?

CEREC® is an advanced dental crown technology that uses digital scans and 3D printing to create a crown that looks and feels like a real tooth. The dentist uses the CEREC® omnicam to make a 3D image of your tooth, so there's no need for messy or bad-tasting impression materials in your mouth for making a mold. Best of all, the whole CEREC® process is done in just one visit; you leave the dentist office with a new CEREC® crown that looks just like a tooth!

Contact Dousman Family Dentistry to learn more or to schedule an appointment and get you or your children CEREC® crowns.

Sleep apnea has been proven to be directly linked to dental health. It can cause dry mouth, tooth decay, grinding, gingivitis, & more. If your sleep quality improves it can result in better dental health. Good sleep reduces bad breath and lessens the chance of gum disease. 

Sleep apnea is also associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and mouth breathing. People who have sleep apnea are also three times more likely to have a TMJ disorder. Mouth breathing can cause dry mouth, which has consequences such as plaque, mouth sores, and periodontal disease. 

Schedule an appointment with one of our dentists today to prevent poor dental health caused by sleep apnea. 

Most toothpastes work to clear away bacteria and acids clung to your teeth from food and drinks. Any toothpastes that have the American Dental Association seal of acceptance contain fluoride which strengthens and protects your teeth. 

There are also options for sensitive teeth and gums. Talk to one of the dentists at Dousman Family Dentistry to figure out what toothpaste is perfect for you.