All patients have the right to view their dental records at any time. Just ask our office and we can get a copy for you. If you have just moved or changed dentists we will be happy to request your records from your previous dentist. Most dental offices will provide you with a copy of your records at no charge.

Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition. Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning.

There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue. Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent. Rinsing and drinking frequently can reduce the bacterial deposits in your mouth. Practice good oral hygiene, brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash daily. Attending your scheduled dental recall cleanings will also help. If bad breath persists contact us. We will be able to determine if you need to be referred to a physician for further examination (e.g. tonsil removal or GERD treatment).

Tooth whitening is a non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of tooth enamel. There are a few options when it comes to whitening teeth. You can elect to have the treatment done in the office in one hour or do it yourself at home over time. If you have the in-office treatment you will receive complimentary take home trays that will serve to “touch up” for years to come. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth. Even though whitening is safe and causes no damage to the enamel, some sensitivity is normal. We can give you a paste to help with the sensitivity, which usually subsides soon after bleaching.

According to your individual situation you and your dentist will decide the frequency of your dental appointments. In the majority of patients, one visit twice a year is sufficient. Bi-annual visits to the dentist help prevent problems before they escalate. X-rays are taken annually to check the roots, monitor bone levels, find cavities, etc. At your bi-annual visit gum tissue tone will be evaluated, an oral cancer screening will be performed, and a visual exam will be done to ensure there are no problems. Any questions or concerns you may have can be addressed and answered on a personal level with the dentist at the bi-annual exam, or at any other time you feel the need to come in to the office.

There are several different theories on the etiology (cause) of canker sores. They are thought to be related to an immune response and can be triggered by trauma, stress, chemicals, foods, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, etc… These sores can be recurring. Depending on the size, location, or cause of the ulcer, different modalities can be used to treat them. Usually if the ulcer is large or in a location that causes constant aggravation it can be treated with chemical cauterization, or numbing agents. Most canker sores heal within 7 to 10 days. If the sores persist for more than 10 days or you feel you need treatment, contact your dentist.

Dry mouth (Xerostomia) can cause difficulty in speech and eating. It also leads to halitosis and a dramatic increase in the incidence of tooth decay. Saliva has a natural protective effect on the teeth and gums by remineralizing enamel and flushing bacteria from the oral cavity. There are several methods to treat dry mouth. If you are experiencing dry mouth, contact us and we will help you develop a plan to keep your mouth healthy and stable.

Along with the myriad of other challenges faced during pregnancy, many women have to cope with toothaches and bleeding gums. With hormones levels constantly changing your gums and teeth can react differently to plaque and become inflamed and sensitive. It is very important during pregnancy to brush and floss properly. Other oral hygiene aids like antibacterial rinses are also recommended. Even though the inflamed gums may cause flossing and brushing to be uncomfortable, it is especially important to continue good oral hygiene habits to avoid infection, decay, and other problems like gingivitis and periodontitis. It is very important to see your dentist during pregnancy for a cleaning and check up exam. Any dental emergencies you may have can be treated during pregnancy with the proper techniques and authorization from your OBGYN. Normal dental treatment during pregnancy consists of a check up exam/cleaning in the second trimester, and any emergency treatment needed. Most routine fillings and x-rays are postponed until after the birth of your baby. Many questions can arise during your pregnancy. Your dentist can help you resolve any concerns you may have.

Adults and children should usually change their toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles begin to bend or fray. When a toothbrush becomes worn it doesn’t remove plaque as effectively as a new brush. Some electric rechargeable toothbrushes only need to be changed every 6 months. If you have severe gum disease, you should change your toothbrush every 4 - 6 weeks because bacteria can harbor in the bristles. You should always rinse your toothbrush out with hot water after every use and change it after you have been sick. If you notice that the bristles on your brush are bending or fraying in one or two months, you may be brushing with too much force or with improper technique. Your dentist or dental hygienist can give you custom advice on brushing technique and brush replacement frequency.

The normal range for the first teeth to erupt through the gums into the mouth is from months four to eight. It is usually the lower front teeth (incisors), though there is a wide range for normal eruption patterns. The twenty baby teeth usually finish erupting by age two and a half. The baby teeth consist of eight incisors (front teeth), four canines (fangs), and 8 molars. Even though these teeth will fall out, it is important to keep them clean and in good repair so the mouth will stay healthy and the child will develop good habits.
The first permanent molars usually appear around the age of six and erupt into the mouth behind the last baby molars (permanent molars do not replace any baby teeth). Between the ages of six and seven your child will probably start loosing his or her front baby teeth, followed by eruption of their permanent replacements. By the age of thirteen most children have twenty eight permanent teeth. The other four teeth (the “wisdom teeth” or “third molars”) are usually removed in the late teenage years as a preventative measure or due to impaction.