Patient Resource Center

Having bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. While most people experience it from time to time, particularly in the morning, many may not even realize they have bad breath.

Several factors can contribute to bad breath:

• The collection of bacteria overnight while sleeping
• Certain foods
• Poor oral hygiene habits
• Periodontal (gum) disease or bacteria in the gums
• Dental cavities and ill-fitting dental appliances
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
• Tobacco products: Smoking and chewing tobacco can dry out the mouth, resulting in bad breath.
• Dieting
• Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals
• Certain medical conditions and illnesses

To prevent bad breath, you can take the following steps:

• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from between teeth and below the gumline. Clean your tongue using a tongue scraper or brush to reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
• Regular dental visits: Schedule check-ups and cleanings with your dentist at least twice a year. If you have or have had gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.
• Quit smoking or chewing tobacco: Consult your dentist for recommendations and support to help you break the habit.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking water frequently helps keep your mouth moist and flushes away bacteria.
• Use mouthwash/rinses: Opt for antiseptic rinses recommended by your dentist that not only mask unpleasant odor but also kill the bacteria causing bad breath.

In most cases, our team can address the underlying cause of bad breath. However, if your mouth is deemed healthy but bad breath persists, we may may refer you to a physician for further evaluation to determine the source of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan.

Proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, play a crucial role in controlling plaque and bacteria that lead to dental diseases.

Plaque is a sticky film consisting of food particles, bacteria, and saliva that adheres to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids, which can cause tooth decay. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into calculus (tartar), leading to further oral health issues. If left untreated, plaque and calculus can damage the gums and bone, resulting in gum disease.

Regular brushing, flossing, and the use of other dental aids are essential for controlling plaque formation and growth.

Toothbrushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, paying extra attention to the recommended technique. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and ADA-approved toothpaste. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and use gentle circular motions. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth, and don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath. Electric toothbrushes are also effective in removing plaque and are recommended for ease of use.

Flossing: Daily flossing is crucial for cleaning between the teeth and under the gumline, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Take a sufficient length of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches of floss between them. Gently insert the floss between the teeth, curving it into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Move the floss up and down, cleaning the sides of each tooth. Floss holders can be helpful if traditional flossing is challenging.

Rinsing: After brushing, rinse your mouth with water. If unable to brush after meals, rinsing your mouth with water can help remove food particles. Consult your dentist or dental hygienist for guidance on over-the-counter rinsing products and their suitability for your specific needs.

Incorporating these oral hygiene practices into your daily routine is vital for maintaining optimal dental health. Regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and cleanings are also essential to address any underlying dental issues and ensure a healthy smile.

With teeth whitening becoming a top concern for many patients seeking aesthetic improvements, there are now numerous products and methods available to achieve a brighter smile.

Professional teeth whitening, also known as bleaching, is a straightforward and non-invasive dental treatment that can alter the color of natural tooth enamel, enhancing the beauty of your smile. While over-the-counter products are also an option, they are typically less effective than professional treatments and may lack approval from the American Dental Association (ADA).

As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel naturally wears away, gradually revealing a darker or yellowish shade. Additionally, the internal structure of the tooth can darken over time. Habits like smoking and consuming coffee, tea, and wine can contribute to tooth discoloration, resulting in a yellowed and lackluster appearance. In some cases, childhood exposure to certain medications, such as tetracycline, can cause tooth discoloration. Excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development, known as fluorosis, can also lead to tooth discoloration.

To determine your suitability for bleaching, it’s crucial to have your teeth assessed by your dentist. In some instances, bleaching may not effectively address stains caused by tetracycline or fluorosis, and your dentist might recommend alternative options like veneers or crowns to cover such stains. Since teeth whitening primarily affects natural tooth enamel, it’s important to evaluate and potentially replace any old fillings or crowns before beginning the bleaching process. After bleaching is completed, your dentist can match any new restorations to the shade of your newly whitened teeth.

As teeth whitening results are not permanent, periodic touch-ups may be necessary every few years to maintain a bright smile.

With the advancements in modern dentistry, there are now numerous state-of-the-art treatments and preventive options available, reducing the need for tooth extractions and correcting issues with teeth that are already missing. When a problem does arise with a tooth, our primary goal is to restore its original function. Extracting a tooth is considered the last resort because we are aware that failure to replace the tooth can lead to significant and expensive dental and cosmetic issues.

Losing a tooth can be a traumatic experience, and it is unfortunate when it occurs. The major reasons for tooth extraction include injury, accidents, fractures, severe dental decay, and gum disease. If teeth are lost due to injury or need for removal, it is crucial to replace them to avoid future cosmetic and dental problems. Here are some options available for replacing missing teeth:

Removable bridges: This type of bridge is suitable for replacing one or more missing teeth, particularly in complex dental situations where other replacement options are not viable. They typically consist of tooth-colored artificial teeth combined with metal clasps that attach to adjacent natural teeth. Removable bridges are the most cost-effective choice for replacing missing teeth but may be less aesthetically pleasing due to the visibility of the metal clasps.

Fixed bridges: These bridges are typically made of porcelain or composite material and are permanently anchored (cemented) to natural teeth adjacent to the missing tooth site. The advantage of fixed bridges is their stability and strength, as they are not removable. However, to create a fixed appliance, two healthy natural teeth need to be crowned to support the bridge.

Dentures: Dentures are used when most or all of the natural teeth are missing in one dental arch. They are removable artificial teeth designed to closely resemble the patient’s original teeth.

Implants: Dental implants are an excellent option for replacing one or more missing teeth and can also provide support for ill-fitting dentures. They involve the surgical placement of an artificial root into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. An artificial tooth is then attached to the implant, providing a natural appearance and feel. Implants are highly stable, durable, and offer the most aesthetically pleasing solution for tooth replacement.

If you are missing teeth, we recommend discussing with us the need for replacement and the available options. Together, we will determine the best replacement option for your specific case. Remember, prevention and early treatment are always less complicated and less costly than delaying treatment and allowing a serious problem to develop.

Having straight teeth offers numerous benefits, including improved chewing, biting, and speaking functions compared to crooked teeth. Additionally, a straight smile boosts confidence, enhances aesthetics, and helps prevent various dental issues.

There are several types of malocclusion, such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and overcrowding, each of which negatively affects both the functionality and appearance of the teeth.

Teeth can be straightened using orthodontic braces or customized aligning trays. Orthodontic braces are typically attached to the teeth for a specified duration. The brackets and archwires are periodically adjusted by the orthodontist and removed once the treatment is complete. These braces can be placed on the front or back side of the teeth and are effective for most types of malocclusion.

Aligning trays are fully removable and are suitable for less severe malocclusion cases where the teeth need to move a shorter distance. The trays are replaced every few weeks throughout the treatment and have shown comparable effectiveness in teeth straightening.

If you have any questions about the process of straightening teeth, please consult with our office to help provide the necessary information and guidance based on your specific situation.