Top Dentist
In Sunnyvale

If you’re searching for the leading family dentist in the Sunnyvale area, look no further than our offices. We provide nearly every dental service possible, from general dentistry and restorative dentistry to cosmetic dentistry; we are here for you and your family.

At Russell di Bari, we strive to ensure every visit is comfortable. Our friendly staff welcomes you warmly, guides you through your appointment, and is ready to answer any questions you may have. Here are a few common questions we here from patients in the Sunnyvale area:

How often should I visit the dentist?

It is often advisable to schedule an appointment with the dentist twice a year. However, how frequently you visit the dentist depends on your lifestyle and oral health.

If you drink or smoke a lot, you might need to go more often. People who drink alcohol may lose more teeth than average, and smoking is linked to many oral health issues.

If you take good care of your teeth and gums, you’ll have better oral health. The more you clean and care for your teeth, the less you’ll need to see the dentist.

Those at high risk for oral health issues should see the dentist every three to six months, while patients at low risk can go once a year or every two years. Kids should have dental checkups every six months.

What are some practical methods for maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home?

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Floss once a day.
• Use toothpaste with fluoride.
• Brush your tongue.
• Use antibacterial mouthwash daily.
• Maintain a balanced diet and minimize snacks between meals.
• Make sure kids under 12 drink water with fluoride or take a fluoride supplement if your area doesn’t have fluoridated water.

At what age should children have their first dental visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests taking your child to a pediatric dentist as soon as their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.

What should I do if I have bad breath?

Here are some simple ways to fix bad breath. Remember, food odors can linger for up to 3 days.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally after meals. Change your toothbrush every 2-3 months to maintain its effectiveness. Additionally, floss daily to remove any trapped food and plaque.
• Use mouthwash to kill bacteria, or rinse with water to remove food particles after eating.
• Use a tongue scraper to get rid of smelly bacteria.
• Use antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and prevent gum disease.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Clean dentures, braces, and retainers as directed.
• You should schedule an appointment with Dr. Di Bari twice a year. He can check for problems that cause bad breath.
• Stop smoking
• Track your diet and medications. If you think your diet or medications are causing bad breath, share this information with Dr. DiBari.

Is it safe to visit the dentist while pregnant?

Yes, you can and should go to the dentist when you’re pregnant! Ignoring tooth decay, gum disease, or other dental problems can be harmful. Your dental health affects your overall health and your baby’s health, too.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says preventing, diagnosing, and treating dental problems during pregnancy is safe. This helps prevent more serious issues like infections.

Tell Dr. Di Bari you’re pregnant so they can help you keep your mouth healthy and avoid any dental problems that may arise during pregnancy.

What should I do if my teeth are sensitive?

If you have sensitive teeth, brushing, eating, and drinking can cause sharp pain. This can happen because of worn-down enamel or exposed tooth roots. Other causes might be cavities, cracked teeth, worn fillings, or gum disease. Teeth whitening can also make teeth sensitive.

We might recommend:

• You are desensitizing toothpaste and mouthwash. These can help block pain.
• We might apply fluoride to your teeth to strengthen enamel and ease pain. You might also get a prescription fluoride for home use.
• Dental adhesives or sealants. These can cover exposed roots and protect them.
• Gum graft. If your gums have receded and exposed a tooth root, a small piece of tissue can be taken from another part of your mouth to cover the root and reduce sensitivity.

How often should I replace my toothbrush?

Replace your manual toothbrush every three to four months. After that, the bristles get frayed and worn, and they won’t clean as well.

If you don’t change your toothbrush, plaque and food debris can build up, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

What is a cavity, and how do I prevent it?

Cavities are essentially holes in a tooth that results from decay. This decay occurs when acids in your mouth erode your tooth’s enamel. While cavities can affect anyone, practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular dental cleanings can significantly lower the chances of developing them.

Cavities, also called dental caries, can look like brown or black spots. They can be small or large and often form on the tops of teeth where you bite and between teeth where food gets stuck. Cavities can cause sensitivity, pain, infections, and even tooth loss if not treated.

It’s essential to have regular dental checkups and cleanings because cavities can start without you realizing it. If you experience a toothache or any discomfort in your mouth, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

To treat cavities, dentists might use:

• Fluoride
• Fillings
• Root canal therapy
• Tooth extraction

How do I know if I need a dental filling?

Dental decay often doesn’t have many symptoms early on. But if you notice any of these signs, see Dr. DiBari:

Tooth Sensitivity: Does your tooth feel sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, sticky, or sour foods?

Flossing string tears: Does the floss tear when you floss a particular tooth?

Damage to an old filling: Is a previous filling cracked, broken, or missing? You might need a new one.

A chipped or fractured tooth: Is your tooth chipped or broken?

Food stuck between teeth: Does food always get stuck in or between certain teeth when you eat?

Dark spots: Do you see or feel a dark spot or a hole in your tooth? Does the tooth feel rough?

Throbbing or sharp pain: Do you have throbbing or pain in your tooth when you bite or chew?