Frequently Asked Questions

We are always available to answer your dental questions. Here are answers to a few of the questions our patients commonly ask. If you don’t find what you are looking for here, email us at info@Borrusfamilydental.com or call us at 301-540-1034.


How often should one see the dentist?
How often should one have x-rays taken?
What can one expect at a first visit appointment?
How does the practice handle emergencies?
What are the practice’s sterilization procedures?
What are the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) policies of the practice?
There are so many different toothbrushes. Which one should I buy?
What Causes Tooth Loss?
What Causes Periodontal Diseases?
Can Periodontal Diseases Be Prevented?
How Does Plaque Attack the Gums?
How Do You Stop Plaque Attacks?


How often should one see the dentist?
We recommend twice yearly unless otherwise indicated.

How often should one have x-rays taken?
Bitewing films should be taken annually. A full mouth set of films (16) should be taken every five (5) years. If at any time one presents to the office with a specific complaint, a peri-apical film will be taken to aid in our diagnosis.
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What can one expect at a first visit appointment?
First appointments are generally with the hygienist for a thorough cleaning and examination by the doctor. A periodontal evaluation and oral cancer exam will be performed. If indicated, films will be taken and reviewed by the doctor. Lastly, our hygiene staff will review home care instructions with each patient.
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How does the practice handle emergencies?
The office is open Monday through Thursday with space reserved daily for emergencies. There is an answering machine after hours with instructions to call Dr. Borrus. She is available in the evenings and weekends to help you with your dental emergencies.
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What are the practice’s sterilization procedures?
Most dental supplies today are disposable with the exception of the instruments which are auto-claved after each patient visit. One will always see the dentist, hygienist, or assistant open the sterilized bag of instruments in front of the patient. Gloves are worn in all phases of treatment and disposed of properly. Fluid resistant jackets are worn by all treatment providers and one will feel comfortable knowing that each room is completely sterilized after each use with Opti-Cide 3, an anti bacterial, fungal, and viral disinfectant. We exceed all OSHA (Occupational Safety and Hazardous Association) requirements and receive continuing education on all of their new procedures.
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What are the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) policies of the practice?
We will provide each patient with a list of our policies regarding HIPAA. Our patient’s advise us as to where they want to be called, who we may speak with, and what information we can and cannot disclose. In turn, we will provide a list of patient rights regarding their healthcare as well as a list of who we will share their information with.
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There are so many different toothbrushes. Which one should I buy?
The brand of the toothbrush is less important than the type of brush, and how often you brush your teeth. We recommend that you have a soft bristle brush. This type of brush will effectively remove plaque and a soft brush will not damage your gums. We also recommend that you brush at least twice a day. The condition of your brush is also important, as when the bristles begin to bend over it is time to start using a new brush. When the bristles on your toothbrush are bent over they lose their ability to remove food and plaque. It is the tip of the bristles that clean your teeth the best.
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What Causes Tooth Loss?
The most common causes of tooth loss are dental caries, also known as tooth decay, and periodontal disease, which affects the gums and bone structure that supports the teeth. Dental caries is the major cause of tooth loss in children, and periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults; however, it too can afflict youngsters.
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What Causes Periodontal Diseases?
Plaque, a thin, colorless, sticky film containing bacteria, which constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria use carbohydrates—sugars and starches—to produce an acid that attacks the enamel covering the teeth. After repeated acid attacks, the enamel can be broken down and a cavity begins. Continued acid attacks eventually dissolve the enamel and penetrate the softer, inner layer of the tooth, where decay can spread rapidly throughout the toothʼs structure. Acid attacks begin immediately after every meal or snack and last about 20 to 30 minutes.
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Can Periodontal Diseases Be Prevented?
Teeth can be protected from acid attacks by removing plaque, reducing the number of times and the amount of sugar and starches eaten, using fluorides, having plastic sealants applied to teeth, and by regular professional cleaning of teeth by a dental hygienist.
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How Does Plaque Attack the Gums?
Plaque can also produce harmful byproducts that irritate the gums, causing gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal diseases. If plaque isnʼt removed daily, it will build up into a hard deposit called calculus. If plaque continues to form on top of the calculus, it can irritate the gums, and a pocket may develop between the teeth and gums. Plaque build up can eventually destroy the gums and bone that support the teeth.
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How Do You Stop Plaque Attacks?
Two key factors in preventing dental caries are fluoride and dental sealants. Fluoride compounds are found naturally in soil, water, and in many foods. Plaque attacks canʼt be stopped, but you can help to prevent plaque build-up by following a good oral care program of brushing, flossing, rinsing, and regular visits to your oral health care professional.
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