FAQs

Bad breath (halitosis) is common, especially in the morning, and is often caused by bacteria on the tongue.

What causes bad breath?

• Morning: Reduced saliva flow during sleep lets bacteria grow.

• Certain foods: Garlic, onions, and other odorous foods release compounds that are exhaled.

• Poor oral hygiene: Food particles promote bacteria.

• Gum disease: Bacteria and food debris under inflamed gums.

• Dry mouth: Caused by medications, breathing through the mouth, or other conditions.

• Tobacco products: Dry the mouth and cause bad breath.

• Other causes: Dehydration, dieting, or certain medical conditions.

To prevent bad breath:

• Good oral hygiene: Brush, floss, and clean your tongue daily.

• Regular dental visits: Get check-ups and cleanings every six months.

• Quit tobacco: Ask your dentist for help.

• Stay hydrated: Drink water to keep your mouth moist.

• Mouthwash: Use antiseptic rinses to kill germs.

If your mouth is healthy and bad breath persists, your dentist may refer you to a doctor for further evaluation.

Brushing and flossing control plaque and bacteria that cause dental issues like decay and gum disease.

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Toothbrushing

Brush at least twice a day with an ADA-approved soft-bristle toothbrush. Use gentle, circular motions at a 45-degree angle to your gums, covering all surfaces of each tooth. Electric toothbrushes are also effective for plaque removal.

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Flossing

Floss daily to clean between teeth and under the gumline, disrupting plaque buildup. Wrap 12-16 inches of floss around your fingers and gently move it up and down between your teeth. Floss holders are a good option if you struggle with traditional floss.

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Rinsing

Rinse with water after brushing and meals. Consult your dentist before using over-the-counter mouthwashes to ensure they’re right for you.

Amalgam fillings, made from a mix of copper, silver, tin, zinc, and mercury, have been used for over 100 years. While some concerns have been raised about mercury exposure, the American Dental Association (ADA) and other health organizations, including the CDC and WHO, affirm that silver fillings are safe, durable, and effective.

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The only potential issue arises for individuals with allergies to any of the components, though such cases are extremely rare. Despite mercury’s toxicity at high levels, the ADA maintains that the mercury in amalgam fillings is bound in a stable, inactive form, posing no risk.

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Alternatives like composite, porcelain, and gold fillings are available, and it’s a good idea to discuss your options with your dentist.

It's recommended to have a dental exam and cleaning at least twice a year, though your dentist may suggest more frequent visits based on your needs.

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These visits are crucial for preventing dental issues and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

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During your appointment, your dentist will:

• Review your medical history and any new conditions or medications.

• Examine diagnostic x-rays for decay, cysts, and bone loss.

• Perform an oral cancer screening.

• Check for gum disease and evaluate existing restorations.

• Remove plaque and tartar (calculus) and polish your teeth.

• Provide oral hygiene recommendations and review dietary habits.

Regular check-ups ensure optimal care and help keep your smile healthy.

Brushing removes plaque and bacteria from most tooth surfaces, but it can’t reach between your teeth, where decay and gum disease are common.

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Flossing daily cleans these hard-to-reach areas, preventing plaque buildup and protecting your gums, teeth, and bone from damage. Plaque produces acids that cause cavities and gum inflammation. When not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which can lead to periodontal disease.

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How to floss properly:

• Cut 12-16 inches of floss and wrap it around your fingers, leaving 2 inches between hands.

• Gently insert the floss between your teeth with a sawing motion.

• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and move it up and down under the gumline.

• Use floss holders if traditional flossing is difficult.

Daily flossing helps maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life!

If you're self-conscious about your smile or simply want to enhance it, cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of treatments to help you.

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Cosmetic procedures have grown in popularity due to advances in technology and materials, as well as an increasing focus on overall health and prevention. They can range from minor improvements to full smile makeovers.

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Common cosmetic dentistry procedures include:

• Teeth Whitening: Lightens stained or discolored teeth from age, food, or smoking.

• Composite Fillings: Tooth-colored fillings that repair cavities, chips, and gaps, and restore exposed tooth roots.

• Porcelain Veneers: Thin, custom shells that cover damaged or misaligned teeth for a natural look.

• Porcelain Crowns: Tooth-colored caps that restore and protect severely damaged or decayed teeth.

• Dental Implants: Artificial tooth roots that provide a stable, durable solution for missing teeth.

• Orthodontics: Clear aligners or discreet braces that straighten teeth for adults and teens.

Ask your dentist how cosmetic dentistry can help enhance your smile’s health and beauty.

Porcelain veneers are thin, durable shells of tooth-colored porcelain custom-made to cover the front of your teeth. They resist stains, making them a popular choice for enhancing the beauty of your smile.

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Veneers can correct issues like:

• Severely discolored or stained teeth

• Uneven spaces

• Worn, chipped, or misshapen teeth

• Slight tooth crowding

• Teeth that are too small or large

Teeth whitening is a popular and effective solution for brightening your smile. Professional whitening treatments are safe, non-invasive, and more effective than over-the-counter products, which may not be ADA-approved.

As we age, enamel wears away, revealing a darker, yellowish shade. Smoking, coffee, tea, wine, medications, and excessive fluoride can also contribute to discoloration.

Your dentist can assess if you’re a good candidate for whitening. For tough stains from medications or fluorosis, options like veneers or crowns may be recommended. Since whitening works only on natural tooth enamel, old fillings or crowns may need to be replaced to match the new shade.

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Whitening options:

• Home Teeth Whitening: Custom-fitted trays with gel worn for several weeks to gradually whiten teeth.

• In-office Teeth Whitening: Immediate results with a professional bleaching solution, often enhanced with a special light.

Whitening is not permanent, so occasional touch-ups may be needed. Some sensitivity may occur, but it typically resolves within a few days.

Gum disease often has no pain in the early stages, so many people don’t realize they have it. Regular dental check-ups are essential for detecting it.

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Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, food, and saliva, inflames the gums and destroys bone over time.

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Several factors increase the risk of gum disease, including:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco

• Poorly fitting dental appliances or crowded teeth

• Medications that reduce saliva

• Hormonal changes (pregnancy, puberty, contraceptives)

• Systemic diseases (diabetes, HIV, etc.)

• Genetics (family history of tooth loss)

Signs of gum disease include:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

• Persistent bad breath

• New spacing or loose teeth

• Pus around teeth and gums

• Receding gums

• Tenderness or discomfort

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can reduce your risk.