The Top 10 Questions I Get Asked as a Dentist in Amherst, NY (And My Honest Answers)

After years of practicing dentistry in Western New York, I've noticed something: patients ask a lot of the same questions. And that's a good thing.

Asking questions means you're engaged in your oral health. It means you care about understanding what's happening in your mouth. And honestly, answering your questions is one of my favorite parts of the job.

So I thought I'd put together the top 10 questions I hear most often in my Amherst dental practice, along with the straightforward answers I give my patients every day. 

Whether you're dealing with sensitive teeth, wondering about your insurance coverage, or just curious about the best way to keep your smile healthy, I've got you covered.

1. Why Does My Breath Smell Bad Even When I Brush?

Bad breath (we call it halitosis) is usually caused by bacteria breaking down food particles in your mouth. These bacteria love to hang out on your tongue, between your teeth, and along your gum line.

The fix is usually pretty simple: brush twice a day, floss daily, and don't forget to gently brush or scrape your tongue. Staying hydrated helps too because saliva naturally rinses away bacteria.

But sometimes bad breath points to something else. Gum disease, tooth decay, dry mouth from medications, sinus infections, or even digestive issues can all cause persistent odor. If you're doing everything right and still dealing with bad breath, let's figure out what's really going on.

What you can do right now:

• Brush or scrape your tongue every time you brush your teeth

• Floss at least once daily

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day

• Consider using an alcohol-free mouthwash

• Schedule a checkup if the problem continues

2. Why Doesn't My Dental Insurance Cover This Procedure?

This is probably the question that frustrates patients the most, and I completely understand why.

Here's the reality: dental insurance is designed to cover preventive care like cleanings, exams, and X-rays. When it comes to restorative work (like crowns or root canals) or cosmetic procedures (like whitening or veneers), coverage gets limited or disappears entirely.

Every insurance plan is different. Some cover 50% of major work. Others cover almost nothing beyond your twice-yearly cleanings. And most plans have annual maximums that cap how much they'll pay in a year.

At my practice, we’re happy to provide a detailed treatment plan with cost estimates before we start any work. My team will check your benefits and help you understand exactly what your plan will and won't cover. We can also discuss payment options if you need treatment that's not fully covered.

The bottom line: insurance helps, but it rarely covers everything. I want you to make decisions based on what's best for your oral health, not just what insurance will pay for.

3. Why Are My Teeth So Sensitive to Hot and Cold?

Tooth sensitivity is one of those issues that can really impact your daily life. Nobody should have to avoid ice cream or hot coffee!

Sensitivity usually happens when the protective enamel on your teeth wears down or when your gums recede and expose the underlying layer called dentin.

Other common causes include:

• Tooth decay or cavities

• Cracked or chipped teeth

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)

• Aggressive brushing

• Acidic foods and drinks wearing away enamel

• Recent dental work (temporary sensitivity)

Start with these steps:

• Switch to a desensitizing toothpaste (use it for at least two weeks)

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle technique

• Avoid highly acidic foods and drinks

• Don't brush immediately after eating acidic foods

If the sensitivity persists or gets worse, come see me. We can identify the exact cause and recommend solutions like fluoride treatments, bonding, or other options depending on what we find.

4. What's the Best Toothbrush I Should Be Using?

I get asked this a lot, and the honest answer is: the best toothbrush is the one you'll actually use correctly.

Technique matters more than the brand or price tag. You want a soft-bristled brush that you use for two full minutes, twice a day. Angle it toward your gum line and use gentle circular motions. Replace it every three to four months or sooner if the bristles get frayed.

Manual vs. electric: Both work great if you use them properly. Electric toothbrushes can be especially helpful if you have limited dexterity, arthritis, braces, or if you tend to brush too hard. The built-in timers are a nice bonus too.

What matters most is consistency. Pick a brush you like, use proper technique, and stick with it.

5. Do I Really Need to Floss Every Single Day? Why Does It Matter So Much?

I know what you're thinking. You brush twice a day, so isn't that enough?

Here's the truth: your toothbrush only cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces. The other 40% is hiding between your teeth where the bristles simply can't reach.

When you skip flossing, plaque builds up in those tight spaces. That plaque hardens into tartar, which leads to cavities between your teeth and gum disease. And here's the kicker: by the time you can see or feel a problem in those areas, it's already progressed pretty far.

Why daily flossing matters:

• Prevents cavities that form between teeth (the most common spot)

• Stops gum disease before it starts

• Removes bacteria that cause bad breath

• Protects your overall health (gum disease is linked to heart disease and diabetes)

• Saves you money by preventing expensive dental work

I know flossing isn’t the most exciting part of your day. But that extra one minute can literally save your teeth.

Make it easier:

• Keep floss in multiple places (bathroom, bedroom, car, desk)

• Try different types until you find one you like (waxed, unwaxed, tape, picks)

• Use a water flosser if traditional floss is tough

• Floss while watching TV or listening to music

• Do it at whatever time works for you (doesn't have to be at night)

Bottom line: if you're only brushing and skipping the floss, you're leaving 40% of your tooth surfaces uncleaned every single day. That adds up fast.

6. How Often Should I Get Dental X-Rays?

X-rays help me see what's hiding beneath the surface: cavities between teeth, bone loss from gum disease,

infections at the root, impacted teeth, and other issues that aren't visible during a regular exam.

How often you need X-rays depends on your individual oral health and risk factors. There's no one-size-fits-all answer.

General guidelines:

• Bitewing X-rays (the small ones that check between teeth): typically every 12 to 24 months for adults

• Panoramic X-rays: every 3 to 5 years, or as needed

• Children and teens may need them more frequently as their teeth develop

• Patients with gum disease or other conditions may need them more often

Modern digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than older film X-rays. We only take them when necessary and always use protective measures. The information they provide helps us catch problems early when they're easier and less expensive to treat.

7. How Can I Keep My Teeth White?

Everyone wants a brighter smile. The good news is there are several approaches that work.

Prevention first:

• Limit staining beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas

• Avoid tobacco products (they cause serious staining and health problems)

• Brush and floss daily to remove surface stains

• Come in for regular professional cleanings

Whitening options:

• Whitening toothpaste: removes surface stains but doesn't change the natural color of your teeth

• Custom whitening trays: you use at home with professional-grade gel for gradual whitening

• In-office whitening: the fastest option, with noticeable results in one visit

Not everyone is a good candidate for whitening. It doesn't work on crowns, veneers, or fillings. And if you have tooth decay or gum disease, we need to address those issues first.

8. How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?

The standard recommendation is every six months for a cleaning and exam. That schedule works well for most people to prevent problems and catch issues early.

But some patients need to come more frequently:

• If you have active gum disease, you might need cleanings every 3 to 4 months

• If you're prone to cavities, more frequent visits help us stay ahead of problems

• If you have braces, diabetes, or other health conditions that affect oral health

• If you're pregnant (hormonal changes can affect your gums)

My goal is to see you often enough to keep your mouth healthy but not more often than necessary. We'll work together to figure out what schedule makes sense for you.

9. Are Baby Teeth Really That Important? They're Just Going to Fall Out Anyway.

I hear this from parents all the time, and I get it. Why worry about teeth that are temporary?

But baby teeth are incredibly important and serve critical functions:

• Help kids chew food properly for nutrition

• Support clear speech development

• Hold space for permanent teeth to come in correctly

• Support proper jaw development

• Boost confidence and social development

When baby teeth are lost too early due to decay or injury, nearby teeth can drift into that space. This can cause crowding and alignment problems when permanent teeth try to come in, often requiring braces later.

Most baby teeth start falling out naturally between ages 6 and 8, with the process continuing until around age 12 or 13. Until then, they need the same care as adult teeth: brushing, flossing, healthy diet, and regular dental visits.

10. Is This Going to Hurt?

This might be the question I'm asked most often, especially by patients who are nervous or haven't been to the dentist in a while.

Here's my honest answer: modern dentistry is designed to be as comfortable as possible. We have excellent local anesthesia that numbs the area completely. We have sedation options for patients with anxiety. And we use gentle techniques that minimize discomfort.

What we do to keep you comfortable:

• Always numb thoroughly before starting any procedure

• Check that you're completely numb before we begin

• Offer sedation options for anxious patients

• Explain what we're doing as we work

• Take breaks if you need them

• Use gentle, modern techniques

If you're nervous, tell me. I'd rather know upfront so we can discuss your concerns and make a plan that works for you. We can start slower, use more numbing, offer sedation, or take extra time. 

The vast majority of dental procedures are painless when done properly. And even for the few that might cause mild discomfort afterward, we can manage that with over-the-counter pain relievers in most cases.

Being afraid is understandable, but avoiding dental care because of fear often leads to bigger problems that are more expensive and harder to treat. Let's work together to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

Ready to Get Your Questions Answered?

I know dental visits aren't at the top of anyone's fun list. But having a dentist who takes time to answer your questions and explain what's going on can make a huge difference.

If you have questions I didn't cover here, if it's been too long since your last checkup, or if something's bothering you and you're not sure what to do about it, give us a call at 716-839-2820. We're right here in Amherst, and we're here to help.