Permanent molars and premolars tend to emerge in early adolescence. For many people the biting surface of these teeth can have deep pits and contours. For some people these contours are so deep that it can be a challenge to effectively remove food particles and plaque. This invites bacteria to exploit these surfaces, increasing the chances of developing tooth decay.... read more »

Initially dental implants were used to replace a single tooth that was lost due to injury or severe tooth decay. As implant technology and techniques has advanced, they can now be used for other applications. If you have lost multiple teeth in one area implants can now be used to anchor a bridge. During the initial consultation the oral surgeon... read more »

The holidays are a time to gather with friends and family, share gifts, and eat food. Whether you believe it or not, this holiday has the potential to damage and harm your smile, and that's scary stuff! However, there are ways to enjoy this holiday and take care of your smile, and we are happy to tell you all about... read more »

To help you properly care for your aligner, we have provided the following tips and guidelines: No. 1: Don't eat or drink Please make sure to remove the aligner from your mouth before you eat or drink anything, except water. It is perfectly acceptable to drink water while the aligner is in your mouth; however, any other food or drink... read more »

You probably know that it’s important to care for your teeth every day to remove the plaque and tartar that can lead to decay and gum disease. Incidentally, even if you do everything you can at home, you should still visit your dentist once every six months for a routine cleaning. They’ll be able to remove plaque that you can’t... read more »

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and it can have a serious impact on your overall oral health. Some of the earliest symptoms include red swollen gums or gums that bleed easily during regular brushing and flossing. In most cases gingivitis can be reversed through improvements in your daily oral hygiene regimen and visiting your dentist twice each... read more »

Basically a crown is an artificial tooth made from either gold, porcelain, or base metals placed over top of a tooth that has suffered a large amount of decay, damage or is in need of cosmetic repair. Teeth with old or multiple large fillings might require replacement with crowns. In some cases the cement holding large fillings in place might... read more »

Needing a partial, dentures, or having multiple teeth that have suffered from advanced tooth decay might require multiple tooth extractions. A multiple extraction procedure is usually an outpatient procedure. In many cases your dentist might refer you to an oral surgeon that can put you under sedation to help you be more comfortable. If you will be sedated you might... read more »

Antiseptic mouthwash is a common and popular product in a lot of households. Some mouthwash brands are used only freshen the breath for a short amount of time and have no antiseptic value whatsoever. Antiseptic mouthwashes have ingredients that help kill bacteria that can lead to plaque buildup. Some brands of antiseptic mouthwash also come with fluoride to helps make... read more »

Perhaps you’ve seen an ad on TV for a tartar control toothpaste or mouthwash and wondered what the difference was between tartar and plaque. Food particles and sugar from beverages in your mouth are a prime breeding material for bacteria. Not long after you finish a meal these bacteria go to work. As the bacteria bloom they create acids and... read more »