Oral Health

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Yes. Even if you brush and floss after every meal and before bed,  bacteria-harboring plaque can accumulate in the tiniest crevices,  grooves and pits. Overtime, the teeth will begin to decay in those  areas, which may result in pain and partial or total tooth loss.

Your cleaning and consultation will consist of a visible  examination of the teeth and gums. If you haven’t been to the dentist in  a while, you may also require x-rays for a more comprehensive view of  your teeth. You’ll also consult with Our dentists about any oral health  problems you may have been having or questions that you may have. The  cleaning will follow, during which a dental hygienist will use special  instruments to remove hardened plaque from your teeth. Finally, your  teeth will be polished before Our dentists discuss any treatment  recommendations they may have for you.

In between dental cleanings and consultations, be sure to maintain  good oral habits at home. This includes daily flossing and brushing  after meals. It’s also important to drink fluoridated water and use a  fluoridated toothpaste.

You may need to change your brushing habits if you are  experiencing signs of poor oral hygiene. Examples of common symptoms  include bleeding or reddened gums, excessive plaque build-up, decaying  teeth and receding gum lines. To find out if you are brushing correctly  or if you need to change your brushing habits, make an appointment with  your dentist for a full consultation.

The benefits of proper tooth brushing techniques may not be  experienced immediately, but they are noticeable long-term. Over time,  brushing too hard or not brushing enough can produce oral health  complications that cannot be reversed and require special treatment. By  adopting proper brushing habits, you could avoid expensive dental bills  in the future.

Yes. It is important that you also floss daily and use toothpaste  that contains fluoride each day. You should also schedule dental exams  and professional cleanings in at least twice per year.

If your bad breath does not improve despite self-care techniques,  such as dietary adjustments and thorough tooth brushing, you may need to  see a dentist about pursuing professional treatment. Keep in mind that  short-term remedies like gum, breath mints, and mouthwash may  temporarily freshen breath, but they are not a solution to the  underlying problem.

Your visit will begin with an examination and questions about your  daily habits, such as the types of foods you eat and the medications  you take. Your dentist may then inspect your mouth for signs of decay,  infections or gum disease that could be causing your bad breath. If your  chronic bad breath cannot be traced to an oral problem or daily habit,  you may be referred to a physician for further evaluation.

Yes. If bad breath is a source of embarrassment for you, try to  keep breath fresheners on-hand at all times. Sleep with your mouth  closed, as this prevents dry mouth and helps tame morning breath.  Eliminate odor-causing foods from your diet, such as garlic and onions,  and make an effort to brush your teeth and tongue every morning and  night. Finally, be sure to visit your dentist for professional cleanings  at least twice per year to remove built-up plaque that can cause  chronic halitosis.

You may need fluoride treatments if your drinking water is not  fluoridated or if you are experiencing certain symptoms, such as  receding gums. Fluoride treatments can also provide oral support and  prevent decay if you wear orthodontic braces or are taking medications  that cause dry mouth.

Fluoride treatments are painless and can be administered in your  dentist’s office at your twice-yearly check-ups and cleanings. Your  dentist will distribute fluoridated gel, foam or varnish into a tray and  place it over your teeth. The treatment takes only a few minutes and  are only required between one and four times per year. Yes. We strongly  recommend supplementing your fluoridated drinking water or fluoride  treatments with a fluoridated toothpaste.

You can effectively brush your teeth with either a manual  toothbrush or an electric one. However, the rapid movements of motorized  versions may be more effective at removing plaque from the teeth and  gum line. If you have questions about which toothbrush is best for you,  speak with your dentist about it at your next visit. He or she may  recommend an electric brush with an oscillating head or a brush that  includes a timer to let you know how long to brush.

Regardless of whether you choose an electric brush or a manual  brush, it should be easy for you to maneuver in your mouth and behind  your back teeth. If the head is too big, it may not be effectively  removing plaque from your teeth.

Yes. Your toothbrush should be replaced at least once every three  to four months or whenever you notice fraying. However, most electric  toothbrushes come with interchangeable heads. In other words, you won’t  need to replace the entire device – only the brush itself.

Yes. Your post-operative care is contingent on you understanding  everything about the recovery process and your responsibilities in  caring for your surgical site.

Our dentist will always make enough time in your consultation and  pre-operative exam to listen to your concerns and answer any questions  you may have. You should also be provided a phone number that you can  call following your procedure to discuss any questions that may come up  at that time.

Yes.  Begin thinking of any questions you may have about your post-operative  care, and begin writing them down. You’ll be ready to ask all of your  questions when the opportunity arises without missing any important  details.