Questions About Dental Health

What can I do about my yellow teeth?

There are many options available. Our office provides you with the latest and safest techniques for tooth whitening. Our most popular method incorporates the use of a custom dentist fabricated tray for use at home. Our whitening process not only makes your teeth whiter, but it also strengthens your teeth since it also contains fluoride. We will be happy to discuss what is best for you at your consultation visit.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease or periodontal disease, is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue, is the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four persons at some point in their life.

What causes gum disease?

Bacterial plaque—a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth – is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. Specific periodontal diseases may be associated with specific bacterial type. If plaque isn’t removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tartar). Toxins (poisons) produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. These toxins cause the breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets which fill with even more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper and the bacteria move down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. The tooth eventually will fall out or require extraction.

How do you prevent gums disease?

Removing plaque through daily brushing, flossing and professional cleaning, is the best way to minimize your risk. Our doctors can design a personalized program of home oral care to meet your needs.

What kinds of injuries can a mouth guard prevent?

A mouth guard can prevent serious injuries such as concussions, cerebral hemorrhages, incidents of unconsciousness, jaw fractures and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Wearing a mouth guard can reduce concussions by almost half.

What causes oral cancer?

Scientists aren’t sure of the exact cause of oral cancer. However, the carcinogens in tobacco products, alcohol and certain foods, as well as excessive exposure to the sun have been found to increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Risk factors for oral cancer may also be genetically inherited.

What are the warning signs to watch out for?

Oral cancer—represented by red, white or discolored lesions, patches or lumps in or around the mouth—is typically painless in its early stages. As the malignant cancer spreads and destroys healthy oral tissue, the lesions or lumps become more painful. However, oral cancer is sometimes difficult to self-diagnose so routine dental exams are recommended.

What is a root canal?

Underneath your tooth’s outer enamel and within the dentin is an area of soft tissue called the pulp, which carries the tooth’s nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Root canals are very small, thin divisions that branch off from the top pulp chamber down to the tip of the root. A tooth has at least one but no more than four canals. If decay has infected the pulp of a tooth then a procedure called a root canal is required in order clean out this area and to save the tooth.

Why do I feel pain?

When the pulp becomes infected due to a deep cavity or fracture that allows bacteria to seep in, or injury due to trauma, it can die. Damaged or dead pulp causes increased blood flow and cellar activity, and pressure cannot be relieved from inside the tooth. Pain in the tooth is commonly felt when biting down, chewing on it and applying hot or cold foods and drinks.

Why do I need a root canal therapy?

Without treatment, the infection will spread, bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate, and the tooth may fall –out. Pain actually worsens until one is forced to seek emergency dental attention. The only alternative is usually extraction of the tooth, which can cause surrounding teeth to shift crookedly, resulting in a bad bite. Though and extraction is cheaper, the space left behind will require and implant or a bridge, which can be more expensive than root canal therapy. If you have the choice, it’s always best to keep your original teeth.

Should I go to the dentist even when I am pregnant?

Yes, especially when you are pregnant. Anything that upsets the mother’s health, will also affect the baby's health. Your teeth and gums need to be clean and healthy It is better to visit the dentist at the beginning of the pregnancy, regardless of the fact that six months may not have lapsed from the latest appointment. This will prevent emergencies and painful treatments.

When should my child first see a dentist, and why?

The ideal time is six months after you child’s first (primary) teeth erupt. This time frame is a perfect opportunity for the dentist to carefully examine the development of your child’s mouth. Because dental problems often start early, the sooner the visit the better. To safeguard against problems such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations, gum disease, and prolonged thumb-sucking, the dentist can provide or recommend special preventive care.