What type of toothbrush should I use? How often should I change it?
How old should my baby be before his/her first dentist appointment?
When should I cancel my appointment and what is your cancellation policy?
What types of insurance policies do you take and what is my co-pay?
It has been so long since I've seen the dentist, I'm embarrassed. What can I do?
I have no pain - why do I need to see the dentist regularly?
I'm afraid of visiting the dentist - what can you do for me?
1. What type of toothbrush should I use? How often should I change it?
The best recommendation for toothbrushes is to get one with soft bristles and use proper brushing techniques. Click HERE for the ADHA's recommended brushing techniques.
In addition, Dr. Yarbro recommends using a Sonicare toothbrush. Sonicare toothbrushes are clinically proven to reduce gingivitis, reduce plaque levels, and improve gum health. Dr. Yarbro offers Sonicare toothbrushes for sale in his office at a competitive price - ask during your next visit!
2. What type of toothpaste do you recommend?
Any type of toothpaste that has fluoride is best. If you have sensitive teeth, Dr. Yarbro recommends using Sensodyne toothpaste daily. Keep in mind that whitening toothpastes can increase sensitivity. Also, using baking soda regularly to brush teeth can wear the enamel and is not recommended.
3. I would like to have my teeth whitened. There are so many products and ads for whiteners that it is hard to decide which is best. What do you recommend?
The type of product that is best varies by patient and it is best to ask at your next dental checkup what Dr. Yarbro recommends for you. Keep in mind many of the take-home products do show results, however they are not as dramatic as professional whitening systems. Also, many whitening products cause increased sensitivity, so it is important to ask what product is best for you. Dr. Yarbro offers custom dental trays and whitening gel at competitive prices.
4. Do you see children at your practice?
Yes! Dr. Yarbro and his staff accept patients of all ages, and have had years of experience in caring for children's oral health.
5. How old should my baby be before his/her first dentist appointment?
You can bring your child in as early as his or her first tooth has erupted. Early childhood checkups are key for monitoring proper eruption patterns, as well as discussing oral hygiene techniques and monitoring good oral health. Early childhood checkups encourage your child to enjoy dental care as they grow older.
6. How young should I start brushing my child's teeth?
As soon as you can see them! Promoting good oral hygiene routines at an early age is key to long-term oral health. For infants, even a washcloth rubbed on the teeth at bath time is adequate. Soft rubber toothbrushes that fit over your finger are also ideal. You should be brushing your child's teeth twice a day by age one.
7. What type and how much toothpaste should my child use?
Using a fluoride-free toothpaste until your child is able to properly spit after brushing is recommended. Any type of toothpaste that will encourage your child to brush his or her teeth is best - hence all of the products with popular characters on the labels these days! Just a small pea-size amount is adequate - the more important part of brushing is the technique, not the amount of toothpaste.
8. When should I cancel my appointment and what is your cancellation policy?
Dr. Yarbro and his staff appreciate staying healthy! For that reason, if you are sick with a fever or vomiting/diarrhea, please call to reschedule. If you have a cold and feel you are unable to lie back for any period of time, also plan to reschedule. Please do not plan an appointment without childcare. Our cancellation policy can be found HERE.
9. What types of insurance policies do you take and what is my co-pay?
Dr. Yarbro's office is the preferred provider for many insurance companies. Your co-pay is dependant on the the type of work you are having done and your insurance plan. Call your insurance plan directly to learn of your coverage options, or call our office to see if we take your insurance plan.
10. What do I do if I have a problem after hours?
Many dental problems can be managed at home until business hours. However, if you have a pressing need or are unsure if it is something that can wait, call our office to receive instructions on how to reach Dr. Yarbro after hours.
11. It has been so long since I've seen the dentist, I'm embarrassed. What can I do?
You are not alone! Many patients have put off their dental care for various reasons. Dr. Yarbro & staff truly care about your oral health and will be excited to have you back on the road to receiving good oral care. Remember, putting off routine oral care can result in more pain, more procedures, and more financial burden down the road than receiving frequent oral exams & cleanings!
12. I have no pain - why do I need to see the dentist regularly?
People with high cholesterol have no pain, either, and find out too late their health problems could have been prevented. Dental health is best dealt with preventatively. Many dental problems won't be painful until more extensive work needs to be done. Remember, it is much more affordable to participate in routine dental care than to have to pay for major restorative work!
13. I'm afraid of visiting the dentist - what can you do for me?
Our office caters to those who fear going to the dentist. Many people had traumatic experiences as children due to old-fashioned pediatric care techniques and inadequate pain control. Today, many advances in technology and pain control have made dental visits much more comfortable. Our office provides prescription medication for those with extreme anxiety, as well as nitrous oxide (aka "laughing gas") during procedures to help with anxiety. Please openly discuss your anxieties and fears with us, and we will do our best to make your dental visit as pleasant as possible.
14. I'm pregnant - should I still see the dentist?
Pregnant women have higher levels of inflammation in their gums due to changes in hormone levels, so dental care is key during pregnancy. However, dental x-rays are not recommended during pregnancy, so the best suggestion is to have a dental checkup before you plan on getting pregnant. If you have a dental emergency during pregnancy, our office is equipped with all-digital x-rays, which means you get a small fraction of the radiation exposure of standard x-ray machines. Call our office before you schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns about your dental health during pregnancy.
15. Should I give my children fluoride? Why?
Currently Spokane County and City water districts do not provide fluoride in the water. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the CDC, the ADA, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all recommend giving fluoride supplements to children without fluoride in their water supply. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that aids in dental bone development in children and is safe in small doses. Numerous studies have shown benefits of dental health in children receiving fluoride supplements.
16. What type of payment plans do you offer?
Our office takes cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and third-party financing through Care Credit or Numerica. We are unable to do in-office financing in order to keep our services as cost-effective as possible for our patients. Please visit our Payment Options page to read more about payment options.
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