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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some of the questions we hear most often. Don't see yours? Give us a call — we're happy to help.
Bad breath (halitosis) usually comes from microbial deposits on the tongue — simply brushing the tongue can reduce bad breath by as much as 70%. Common causes include certain foods, poor oral hygiene, gum disease, cavities, dry mouth, and tobacco. Practicing daily oral hygiene, keeping regular dental visits, quitting tobacco, drinking water, and using mouthwash all help. If your mouth is healthy but bad breath persists, we can help identify the cause or refer you to a physician.
Brush at least twice a day — especially before bed — with an ADA-approved soft-bristle brush and toothpaste (an electric toothbrush is a great choice). Floss daily to clean between teeth and under the gumline, where a brush can't reach, to disrupt plaque before it hardens into calculus.
Yes. Amalgam combines copper, silver, tin, and zinc bound by mercury, and the ADA, CDC, World Health Organization, and FDA all support silver fillings as safe, durable, and cost-effective. The only real contraindication is a patient allergy, which is extremely rare. Tooth-colored composite, porcelain, and gold are also available.
At least twice a year, though some patients benefit from more frequent visits. A typical visit includes a medical-history review, x-rays, an oral-cancer screening, a gum-disease evaluation, decay and restoration checks, calculus and plaque removal, polishing, and a review of your home care.
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don't know it, because the early stages are usually painless. Watch for red or puffy gums, bleeding, persistent bad breath, new spacing between teeth, loose teeth, receding gums, or tenderness. Risk factors include smoking, poor hygiene, some medications, pregnancy, and genetics. Good hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular visits are the best prevention.
Toothbrushes can't reach between your teeth — exactly the areas most susceptible to decay and gum disease. Daily flossing disrupts plaque before it can harden into calculus and cause damage to your gums, teeth, and bone.
Cosmetic dentistry addresses many concerns: teeth whitening for stains, tooth-colored fillings for cavities and discoloration, porcelain veneers for damaged or misaligned teeth, crowns for severely decayed teeth, implants for missing teeth, and clear aligners to straighten your smile.
Veneers are very thin, custom shells of porcelain crafted to cover the fronts of teeth. They can improve severely discolored teeth, unwanted spaces, worn or chipped teeth, slight crowding, and misshapen teeth. The process typically takes two visits and involves minimal tooth preparation before bonding.
Professional whitening changes the color of your natural enamel far more effectively than over-the-counter products. Discoloration can come from enamel wear, certain medications, smoking, and dark beverages. We'll help you decide whether whitening is right for you — some stains are better addressed with veneers or crowns. Whitening isn't permanent, so occasional touch-ups keep your smile bright.
Ready for a healthier, brighter smile?
New patients welcome. Same-week appointments are often available.