Common Problems

Tooth Decay

Caries, or tooth decay, is a preventable disease. While caries might not endanger your life, it may negatively impact your quality of life.
When your teeth and gums are consistently exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars, acids may form that begin to eat away at tooth enamel. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as candy, cookies, soft drinks and even fruit juices leave deposits on your teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that normally thrive in your mouth and form plaque. The combination of deposits and plaque forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth, resulting in tooth decay.

Sensitive Teeth

Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold food and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings. Just breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth.
Numerous treatment options are available to eliminate this aggravating problem. Call us, we will be glad to review your options with you.

Gum Disease

Gum, or periodontal disease can cause inflammation, tooth loss and bone damage. Gum disease begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Gums in the early stage of disease, or gingivitis, can bleed easily and become red and swollen. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, teeth may fall out or need to be removed by a dentist. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing. Indicators of gum disease include consistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, bleeding or sore gums, and loose teeth.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Daily brushing and flossing helps to prevent the build-up of food particles, plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Food particles left in the mouth deteriorate and cause bad breath. While certain foods, such as garlic or anchovies, may create temporary bad breath, consistent bad breath may be a sign of gum disease or another dental problem. Other foods that are known to cause bad breath include corn chips, onions (or foods that include them), peanuts, and some cheeses. We suggest the use of tongue blades or scrapers to remove the build up on the back of your tongue harboring sulphurs that cause bad breath.

Canker Sores

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. The canker sore has a white or gray base surrounded by a red border.Generally lasting one or two weeks, the duration of canker sores can be reduced by the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents. Please contact our office if your problems persist, as treatment options change and our doctors will have the latest information for you.
​

Orthodontic Problems

​
A bite that does not meet properly (a malocclusion) can be inherited, or some types may be acquired. Some causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth or misaligned jaws. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period of time, may cause malocclusions. Even crooked teeth can cause a “bad bite”.
There are numerous options now for correcting these problems. Yes, traditional braces are still used, but did you know that “inside” braces or invisible braces are now available to everyone. No one has to know that you are straightening your teeth!