Harker, Chan & Associates

Bad breath (halitosis) can be caused by various factors. In healthy people, the major reason is microbial deposits on the tongue. Brushing the tongue can reduce bad breath by up to 70 percent. Other causes include certain foods, poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, dry mouth, tobacco products, dieting, dehydration, and certain medical conditions. To prevent bad breath, practice good oral hygiene, see your dentist regularly, stop smoking, drink water frequently, and use mouthwash.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before going to bed at night, with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste. Floss daily to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Rinse your mouth with water after brushing and after meals if you are unable to brush.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), silver fillings are safe and studies have failed to find any link between silver containing mercury and any medical disorder. The general consensus is that amalgam fillings are safe, supported by the CDC, World Health Organization, FDA, and others. The only reason not to use them is if a patient has an allergy to any component.

You should have your teeth checked and cleaned at least twice a year, though your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits. Regular exams and cleanings are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don't know it. Signs and symptoms include red and puffy gums, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, new spacing between teeth, loose teeth, pus around the teeth and gums, receding gums, and tenderness or discomfort. Regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are important for detection.

Brushing removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces except in between the teeth. Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline, disrupting plaque colonies and preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

Cosmetic dental treatments can change your smile dramatically, from restoring a single tooth to having a full mouth make-over. Procedures include teeth whitening, composite fillings, porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, dental implants, and orthodontics.

Porcelain veneers are very thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that are individually crafted to cover the fronts of teeth. They can restore or correct severely discoloured or stained teeth, unwanted spaces, worn or chipped teeth, slight crowding, misshapen teeth, and teeth that are too small or large. Getting veneers usually requires two visits.

Professional teeth whitening is a simple, non-invasive treatment to change the colour of natural tooth enamel. It's important to have your teeth evaluated by your dentist to determine if you're a good candidate. Whitening is not permanent and touch-ups may be needed every few years.

Options for replacement of missing teeth include removable bridges, fixed bridges, dentures, and implants. Implants are very stable, durable, and the most aesthetically pleasing option. Prevention and early treatment is always less involved and less costly.

Options for replacing old, unattractive, or discoloured fillings include composite (bonding) fillings, crowns (caps), inlays/onlays, and porcelain veneers. These treatments provide strong, natural, and long-lasting replacement solutions.

Periodontal disease may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of stroke, compromise the health of those with diabetes or respiratory diseases, and increase a woman's risk of having a preterm, low-birth weight baby. Taking care of your oral health may contribute to your overall medical health.

Sealants are recommended for children and teenagers as soon as the six-year molars appear or any time during the cavity prone years of 6-16. They may also be used for infants with deep grooves and adults with deep grooves or depressions that are difficult to clean.

Locate the tooth and handle it only by the crown, not the roots. Do not scrub or use soap. Rinse gently with saliva or milk. Get to a dentist within 30 minutes. Try to replace the tooth in its socket immediately, or keep it moist in saliva or milk. Consider buying a 'Save-A-Tooth' storage container.