Twelfth and 8th Dental

Bad breath (halitosis) can be caused by various factors such as poor oral hygiene, certain foods, dry mouth, tobacco use, and medical conditions. To prevent it, practice good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, cleaning your tongue, and visiting your dentist regularly. Drink water frequently and avoid tobacco products. If bad breath persists, your dentist may refer you to a physician.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before bed, with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste. Floss daily to clean between teeth and under the gumline. Rinse your mouth with water after brushing and after meals if you cannot brush.

According to the American Dental Association, the CDC, the World Health Organization, and the FDA, amalgam fillings are safe. Studies have failed to find any link between silver containing mercury and any medical disorder. 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 may recommend more frequent visits. Regular exams help detect and prevent dental problems, including checking for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and reviewing your medical history.

Signs of gum disease include red and puffy gums, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, new spacing between teeth, loose teeth, pus around teeth and gums, receding gums, and tenderness. Many people have it without symptoms, so regular dental check-ups are important.

Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gumline, areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. Daily flossing helps prevent cavities and periodontal disease.

Cosmetic dentistry offers procedures like teeth whitening, composite fillings, porcelain veneers, crowns, dental implants, and orthodontics to improve the color, shape, size, and alignment of teeth, enhancing your smile and confidence.

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of tooth-shaped porcelain that cover the fronts of teeth. They can correct discolored, stained, worn, chipped, misaligned, or misshapen teeth, and are durable and stain-resistant.

Professional teeth whitening is a simple, non-invasive treatment that can lighten stained teeth. Options include home whitening systems with custom trays or in-office treatments. It's important to have a dental evaluation to determine if you're a good candidate.

Options for replacing missing teeth include removable bridges, fixed bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Implants are the most stable and aesthetically pleasing option, while bridges and dentures are also effective depending on your situation.

Old fillings can be replaced with composite (tooth-colored) fillings, crowns, inlays/onlays, or porcelain veneers. These options improve the appearance and health of your teeth.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that can affect overall health. Studies suggest it may contribute to heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, respiratory diseases, and preterm low-birth weight babies. Maintaining oral health is important for overall health.

Sealants are recommended for children and teenagers as soon as their six-year molars appear, for infants with deep grooves, and for adults with deep grooves that are difficult to clean. They are a thin plastic coating that protects chewing surfaces from decay.

Locate the tooth and handle it by the crown, not the roots. Rinse gently with saliva or milk, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If not possible, keep it moist in milk or saliva and see a dentist within 30 minutes.

Straighter teeth improve chewing, biting, and speaking functions, boost confidence, and reduce the risk of gum disease, TMJ, tooth injury, and uneven wear. Options include braces or clear aligners.