Dr. Albert John Schmitt MD
Dentist | General Practice
413 McFarlan Road KENNETT SQUARE PA, 19248About
Dr. Albert Schmitt is a Dentist practicing in KENNETT SQUARE, PA. Dr. Schmitt specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Education and Training
Temple Univ. School of Dentist DMD 1992
Provider Details
Dr. Albert John Schmitt MD's Expert Contributions
Does baking soda kill bacteria in the mouth?
The sodium in baking soda can kill bacteria, but it doesn't kill all the bacteria in the mouth. And that's not the goal in brushing your teeth or rinsing with baking soda. The goal is to remove the plaque layer that bacteria form on the teeth. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that along with your brush help remove the plaque. Another great thing about baking soda is that it helps neutralize the acids that bacteria produce. Remember that it's these acids that attack your enamel and produce cavities. READ MORE
Is it ever too late to start flossing?
Yes, after teeth have fallen out, it's too late. Until then, floss your teeth daily. Proper flossing is still the best way to prevent gum disease. It's the gum disease that causes bone loss around the teeth and leads to loose teeth, gum recession, bad breath, bleeding gums, and eventually tooth loss. Not necessarily in that order, but you get the picture--it's not pretty. READ MORE
How soon after getting dentures can you drink alcohol?
Sometimes a patient has several extractions done when a new denture is inserted. In that case, I recommend waiting at least 2 days afterward before drinking alcohol when extractions are done. READ MORE
What happens if you don't have enough bone for dental implants?
In many cases it is possible to add bone to the area that needs an implant with a bone graft. The type of bone or bone substitute used depends on how much bone addition is needed and where in the mouth it's being placed. Most often, the implant cannot be placed until the bone graft heals properly, usually 3-4 months. No bones about it, you'll have to consult with your dental surgeon for your specific case. READ MORE
Is a small hole in a tooth a cavity?
By definition, a hole or empty space is a cavity. But a cavity is not always due to dental decay. Decay causes a weakening in the tooth enamel and that leads to a hole or cavity. But some holes in teeth are developmental--pitted areas caused by the way the tooth was formed when it erupted into the mouth. Holes that are not caused by decay are best treated with a sealant material that covers the pitted area so that food particles don't get stuck there and cause decay. READ MORE
Is it safe to gargle with salt water every day?
Salt is a good antibacterial and virus inhibitor. Yes it's generally safe to gargle daily with salt water. So long as you aren't swallowing a lot of it and not on a salt restricted diet. I recommend a teaspoon of salt or baking soda in 6 to 8 ounces of water. READ MORE
How can I fix receding gums naturally?
In my experience, no. Once the gum tissue is gone, it will not grow back. Your priority should be to find out why the gums are receding and prevent it from worsening. READ MORE
Why should you not drink carbonated drinks after a tooth extraction?
Carbonated drinks can cause irritation to the tender and fragile gum tissuesfollowing a tooth extraction and may prolong bleeding. It's also best to avoid alcoholic beveragesor alcohol containing mouthwashes after an extraction for the same reason. I recommendwaiting at least 2 to 3 days afterwards.Dr. AL READ MORE
Can I go to work the next day after a tooth extraction?
Most healthy individuals are able to return to work the day following an uncomplicated tooth extraction.But there are many exceptions that may make it harder to work the following day. Multiple tooth extractionswill mean more bleeding and soreness. Difficult extractions may mean bone removal to extract the tooth; thisis common with wisdom tooth extractions. If IV sedation or general anesthesia are administered, this will slow your recovery time. As in most cases, ask your dentist what he thinks is best for you.Dr. AL READ MORE
Can adults have a fissure sealant?
Sealants are a good preventive measure against decay. This is especially true when the pits and fissures on thebiting surface of the tooth are narrow and deep making them hard to clean with your toothbrush. Do it man. READ MORE
Can you eat after getting sealants?
No problem. Today's sealant materials are hardened by exposure to the blue light used in the dental office. They are strong enough for you to eat right away. The only exception may be if your dentist or hygienist applies a fluoride treatment to the teeth at the same time. In that case, it's best to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking. READ MORE
Can I drink alcohol after a filling?
Well, it's always 5 o'clock somewhere as the saying goes. You won't do any damage to the fillingitself if you consume alcohol. Damage to other parts of the body depends on the quantity you consume.Drink responsibly. READ MORE
Can a tooth with internal resorption be saved?
Internal resorption can be difficult to treat predictably. I normally refer these casesto an endodontist with more experience in dealing with them. A root canal procedure must be done to remove the cells inside the canal space of the tooth that are causing the resorption.If the resorption is not too far advanced, the tooth can be saved. READ MORE
How long should a filling be sensitive to cold?
It's not unusual for a new filling to be sensitive to cold soon after placement, as long as itgradually goes away, usually after 5-7 days. If it stays sensitive for longer than a week, you should ask your dentist to have a look. If it is becoming more sensitive or downright painful as time goes on, there may be someinflammation of the nerve in the tooth and further treatment like a root canal may be needed. READ MORE
Is a dental bridge permanent?
If by permanent, you mean long-lasting, then yes. If you mean forever, then no. A bridge is intended to replace one or more missing teeth and is cemented onto supporting teeth on either side of the missing ones. It is not removable like a denture and feels like your natural teeth. However, over time a bridge can come loose and need to be re-cemented. Other bad outcomes can include decay under the crowns of the supporting teeth if you do not keep them clean down by the gum line (use floss daily). On rare occasions, a bridge can break. In my experience, a bridge will last 10 years or more if well maintained. READ MORE
Why does plaque develop so quickly?
Plaque is the term for that sticky film which forms on teeth and is produced by bacteria living in your mouth. It can be removed with your toothbrush and floss.The bacteria start to re-form plaque within 12-24 hours. Faster if you feed thosebacteria what they like most--sugar. Tartar (dental calculus) is the hard, yellow-white mineral deposit that forms on teethand does not scrape off with your toothbrush. That's what the dental hygienist scrapesoff with those metal instruments at your regular cleaning visits. Tartar takes about a week or so to beginreforming. It forms faster if plaque is left behind on the teeth when you don't brush and floss properly.Some people however do build up the tartar more rapidly because they secrete more minerals in their saliva.If you're doing a good job with brushing and flossing and still form a lot of tartar, try a tartar control toothpaste andmouth rinse to at least slow down the buildup and make those dental cleanings go easier. READ MORE
Can you whiten teeth with thin enamel?
Yes, you can whiten thin enamel. However, it will probably not make the tooth look as white as a toothwith enamel of normal thickness. Thin enamel on teeth often shows the underlying color of dentin more easily.The dentin is always several shades darker than the enamel. Also, thin enamel is more translucent and hasa grey look to it. So even if it is lighter in color after whitening, the grey look is still there. Best to try some over thecounter whitening strips first. These are more gentle in strength and a low cost way to see what type of resultsyou can expect. READ MORE
Does alcohol help with tooth pain?
Alcohol is not recommended for toothaches.It does help with killing germs, that's one reason Listerine is effective. But if you have a deep cavity that's close enough to the tooth nerve to cause pain, the alcohol will only irritate it further. If you have a cavity causing a true hole in the tooth, a product called DenTempcan be used to cover it and soothe the tooth because is has eugenol. Eugenol is a naturally derived product that helps with tooth pain. Try that in an emergency, then see your dentist. READ MORE
When can I start eating normally after wisdom teeth removal?
Some surgeries are complicated by bone removal and cutting of the gum tissues. That may delay the healing process and make it more difficult to return to normal eating. Please check with your surgeon on that one. Dr. AL READ MORE
I have nerve pain after my root canal?
Pain after a root canal procedure is not uncommon. If the tooth was abscessed before the root canal treatment, it may need additional time to heal. Even if abscess was not present, the instrumenting and cleaning process done inside the tooth root may cause some inflammation and takea few days to heal. Inform your dentist of the post operative pain and follow his instructions on how totake care of it. He may recommend antibiotics, some pain medicine, or both. READ MORE
Professional Memberships
- Master, Academy of General Dentistry
- Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists
Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors
- Member and Past President, Rotary Club of Kennett Square, Board Member and past President, Kennett Run Charities
- Member of Donated Dental Services
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