Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I prevent tooth decay and gum disease?

Good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth and flossing in between your teeth daily, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay.

How often should I floss my teeth?

You should floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing in between your teeth removes food debris and plaque that a toothbrush can not reach. Plaque causes tooth decay and can lead to gum disease. Another great reason to floss is that recent studies have shown that flossing helps to prevent a heart attack or stroke.

When flossing, be sure to gently insert the floss in between the teeth, without snapping, which could damage the gum tissue. Gently move the floss up and down into the spaces between the gum and teeth. Floss the sides of all of your teeth, even if there isn't a tooth next to another one. There are a number of dental products available that are designed to make flossing easier, such as disposable dental flossers.

What is tooth decay?

Decay is the destruction of tooth structure. Decay occurs when plague, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and/or starches of the foods that we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.

What is halitosis?

Halitosis is chronic bad breath caused by bacteria in your mouth breaking down food debris and food decay. This process creates byproducts called sulfur compounds that emit this bad smell and taste. This type of bacteria needs an oxygen free environment to thrive such as pockets around the teeth and fissures of the tongue. Sometimes halitosis may be caused by a systemic condition like diabetes or another health problem with the sinuses, pharynx, lungs or stomach. Other debris in your mouth, poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, alcohol intake, garlic, onions, spicy foods, hunger or dry mouth can also be contributing factors.

What is bruxism?

Teeth grinding is a disorder that you may not even be aware of until you see the wear marks on your teeth. When you grind or clench your teeth it causes wear on the biting surfaces of the teeth or soreness in the muscles. Grinding can also cause teeth to become painful or loose. It is very possible to grind away parts of teeth, leaving them worn or chipped.

Do you offer tooth-colored fillings? Can they replace my old metal fillings?

Our office only offers tooth-colored fillings, we do not place metal fillings. Yes, we can certainly replace your metal fillings with tooth-colored fillings (composite fillings).

What are veneers?

Porcelain Veneers are thin laminates in customized ceramic that adhere or bond over your own teeth. They can be used to conceal discoloration or chipped teeth. They can even correct misalignment of teeth to create an even, natural smile without having to spend time with traditional braces. They are virtually undetectable because we color match them to your existing smile or we can use them to change the shades of your smile. Porcelain is resistant to staining so your new smile will remain bright and beautiful for a long, long time.

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous Oxide is a gas that is combined with oxygen to produce a calming effect and a sense of well being when inhaled. Nitrous Oxide can be used to help a patient relax during dental treatments. When the dental procedure is over, the dentist will have the patient breathe only oxygen for a few minutes to eliminate the effects of the Nitrous Oxide. Unlike other sedations, the patient should have a clear head within minutes of coming off of the Nitrous Oxide allowing them to function normally with no lingering effects. Nitrous Oxide is also known as laughing gas.