Proper flossing removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach — under the gumline and between your teeth. Because plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is highly recommended.

To receive maximum benefits from flossing, use the following proper technique:

Starting with about 18 inches of floss, wind most of the floss around each middle finger, leaving an inch or two of floss to work with

Holding the floss tautly between your thumbs and index fingers, slide it gently up-and-down between your teeth

Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gumline. Never snap or force the floss, as this may cut or bruise delicate gum tissue

Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth

To remove the floss, use the same back-and-forth motion to bring the floss up and away from the teeth

Thumb sucking and pacifier use help children become comfortable with their environment, and give the children a method for self-relaxation. Parents should not be overly upset over their infants and toddlers need to suck their thumb or use a pacifier. Here are some things that parents should be aware of when allowing their children to use pacifiers: To reduce the possibility of choking, purchase pacifiers that are made of a solid molded piece, and not one which has been fabricated with a number of separate pieces attached together; periodically check the pacifier, especially the nipple end, to make sure that it has not become brittle (brittle rubber nipples can break and choke your child); and never tie a pacifier around your child’s neck as this can create a potential for strangulation.

Most children should grow out of thumb sucking and pacifier use between the ages of 3 to 4. As long as the habit is discontinued well before their permanent teeth come in, your child should be fine. If, however, they continue this habit as their permanent teeth come in, more damage can occur, and it is important to help your child discontinue their habit.

The most effective way to accomplish this is to simply explain to your child that they must do so in order for their teeth to come in straight. You would be surprised at how effective simply explaining this to your child can be. When they do suck their thumb or use a pacifier give them a gentle verbal reminder.

Under no circumstances should you give negative reinforcement or punish a child for this behavior as this often causes the child to further continue the habit. Many professionals urge parents to tape their children’s fingers or apply bitter tasting solutions to the fingers to prevent thumb sucking. We don’t recommend this method. It is not as effective as providing positive reinforcement when children are trying to stop sucking their thumb.

A gradual slowing down of the use is recommended. Take small segments — either during a TV program one hour before dinner — and have them stop sucking their thumb or using the pacifier. Then extend the time to other times of the day. Gradually increasing the number of hours during which they don’t use the pacifier or suck their thumb will be an easier transition until they only need it to go to bed, which will be the last time period to eliminate.

A reward system is helpful when they comply. Also, when kids have colds, are congested and can’t breathe, this is a good time for them to understand that thumb or pacifier usage is uncomfortable and there is a reason to stop. The habit then can be transferred to the security of a stuffed animal or doll. This can be very helpful. Remember, sucking fingers and pacifiers are a security system for the child, and touching, hugging and spending time building a child’s self-esteem by parents will go a long way in growing a well-adjusted and fun child.

Sticky bacterial plaque that builds up on your teeth. Inflamed, bleeding gums. They don’t just threaten your dental health.

• Show areas of decay that your dentist may not be able to see with just a visual examination, such as tiny pits of decay that might occur between teeth
• Find decay that is developing underneath an existing filling
• Find cracks or other damage in an existing filling
• Alert the dentist to possible bone loss associated with periodontal (gum) disease
• Reveal problems in the root canal, such as infection or death of the nerve
• Help your dentist plan, prepare and place tooth implants, orthodontic treatments, dentures or other dental work
• Reveal other abnormalities such as cysts, cancer and changes associated with metabolic and systemic diseases (such as Paget’s disease and lymphoma)
• For children, radiographs are used to watch for decay and to monitor tooth growth and development. Dentists will use periodic X-rays to see whether a space in the mouth to fit all the new teeth, whether primary teeth are being lost quickly enough to allow permanent teeth to erupt properly, whether extra (supernumerary) teeth are developing or whether any teeth are impacted (unable to emerge through the gums). Often, major problems can be prevented by catching small developmental problems early and then making accommodations.

Even though no X-ray can be considered routine, many people require X-rays on a regular basis so that their dental condition can be monitored. Exactly how often this happens will depend on your medical and dental history and current condition. Some people may need X-rays as often as every six months. For others, X-rays may not be needed for as long as two years. In patients with no recent dental or gum disease and who visit the dentist regularly for check-ups, X-rays may be taken only every five years or so.

Who needs more frequent or regular radiographs? They include:

• Children - Many children need X-rays every six months to one year, depending on age, because they are highly likely to develop caries. X-rays also help monitor tooth development.
• Adults with extensive restoration work, including fillings - All the conditions that helped create the caries to begin with continue, making it necessary to check for decay beneath existing fillings or in new locations.
• Anyone who drinks sugary sodas, chocolate milk or coffee or tea with sugar - Even mildly sugary beverages create an environment in the mouth that’s perfect for decay, so anyone who drinks these beverages regularly will need to have more regular X-rays.
• People with periodontal (gum) disease - Periodontal treatments may need to be stepped up if there are significant or continuing signs of bone loss.
• People who are taking medications that lead to dry mouth, also called xerostomia - Saliva helps keep the acid levels (pH) in the mouth stable. In a dry mouth, the pH decreases, causing the minerals in the teeth to break down, leaving them prone to caries. Medications that can decrease saliva are those prescribed for hypertension, antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, antihistamines, diuretics, narcotics, anticonvulsants and anticholinergics.
• People who have dry mouth because of disease, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, or because of medical treatments that damaged the salivary glands, such as radiation to the head and neck for cancer treatment.
• Smokers, because smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease.

If you experience teeth grinding while sleeping — or have other signs or symptoms of this condition — be sure to see your dentist. He or she can diagnose the condition and help you decide on treatment options. If you decide to try a dental night guard, consider the following points for best results:

• Choose a custom-fit device. Your dentist can make a custom mouth guard to fit your mouth. Over-the-counter dental night guards are available and they’re less expensive than custom guards, but they generally don’t fit well and can dislodge during teeth grinding.
• Choose a night guard that fits over all of your upper or lower teeth. A full-size splint gives you something to bite into and is less likely to shift during the night.
• Avoid soft night guards. These devices break down more quickly than harder night guards. Also, soft night guards generally don’t fit well and can dislodge during teeth grinding. A hard acrylic night guard is sturdier and may offer better results.
• Follow your dentist’s instructions. Place the guard in your mouth as instructed and wear it every night.
• Be careful if you have other sleep disorders. A dental night guard isn’t recommended if you have sleep apnea because it can worsen nighttime symptoms. Be sure to tell your dentist if you have a sleep disorder.

1. Root Canals Hurt
According to the American Association of Endodontists, the perception of root canals being painful began decades ago when root canal treatments were painful. Today, with modern technology and better anesthetics, root canal treatments are no more painful than having a filling. Knowing what to expect while having a root canal can help ease a lot of anxiety.

2. Root Canals Require a lot of Visits to the Dentist
With today’s cutting edge technology, most root canals can be performed in one or two office visits.

3. Crowns Cause Teeth to Need Root Canals
Many people believe that having a crown on a tooth means that the tooth will eventually need a root canal. Crowns do not cause the need for root canal therapy. If a crowned tooth does require a root canal, it could be that the tooth has abscessed or that decay has gotten underneath the crown and reached the pulp of the tooth.

4. Root Canals Cause Illness
There is no evidence to support that root canals cause illness. However, there is evidence to support the fact that people who have had root canals are no more at risk for developing illness than people who have never had root canals.

5. Root Canals Involve Removing the Roots of the Tooth
When the dentist or endodontist performs a root canal treatment, he or she remove the pulp from inside of the tooth. The roots of the tooth are not removed.

6. Pregnant Women Can’t Have Root Canals
Pregnant women can and do have root canals. Having a root canal does require a small x-ray, but the radiation exposure is very minimal and the x-ray is aimed at the mouth, not the abdomen area. If you are pregnant and your dentist needs to give you an x-ray, he will use a lead apron to cover your belly. The anesthetics that dentists use are also safe for pregnant women. Be sure to let your dentist know beforehand if you are pregnant.

7. Even With A Root Canal, The Tooth Will Come Out Eventually
If you have your tooth properly restored, maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular checkups, your natural tooth could last for the rest of your life.

8. If the Tooth Doesn’t Hurt, There is no Need for a Root Canal
While a throbbing toothache usually results in the need for root canal treatment, many times a tooth can require root canal treatment when there is no pain present. Dentists and endodontists are specially trained to test a tooth to see if the pulp has been infected or damaged. If this is the case, a root canal would be necessary to save the tooth.

9. Pulling the Tooth is Better than Getting a Root Canal
Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is very important for proper eating and chewing functions. There are several options available for missing teeth, such as dentures, partial dentures, dental implants and fixed dental bridges, however, these alternatives can be much more expensive than saving your tooth with a root canal treatment.

10. After Having a Root Canal, My Tooth is Completely Restored
After having a root canal, it is extremely important to make a follow-up appointment with your dentist to have the tooth permanently restored. After the pulp of the tooth has been removed, the tooth can become very dry and brittle. Having a permanent restoration will help protect your tooth from fracturing.

What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a compound that contains fluorine, a natural element. Using small amounts of fluoride on a routine basis can help prevent tooth decay. In areas where fluoride does not occur naturally, it may be added to community water supplies. Research shows that community water fluoridation has lowered decay rates by over 50 percent, which means that fewer children grow up with cavities. Fluoride can be found as an active ingredient in many dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, gels and varnish.

How does fluoride prevent cavities?
Fluoride inhibits loss of minerals from tooth enamel and encourages remineralization (strengthening areas that are weakened and beginning to develop cavities). Fluoride also affects bacteria that cause cavities, discouraging acid attacks that break down the tooth. Risk for decay is reduced even more when fluoride is combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene.

Will my child need fluoride supplements?
The pediatric dentist considers many factors before recommending a fluoride supplement. Your child’s age, risk of developing dental decay and dietary sources of fluoride are important considerations. Infant formulas contain different amounts of fluoride. Bottled, filtered and well waters also vary in the amount of fluoride they contain. Your pediatric dentist can help determine if your child is receiving — and not exceeding — the recommended amount.

How safe is fluoride?
Using fluoride for the prevention and control of decay is proven to be both safe and effective. Nevertheless, products containing fluoride should be stored out of the reach of young children. Too much fluoride could cause fluorosis of developing permanent teeth. Fluorosis usually is mild, with tiny white specks or streaks that often are unnoticeable. In severe cases of fluorosis, the enamel may be pitted with brown discoloration. Development of fluorosis depends on the amount, duration and timing of excessive fluoride intake. The appearance of teeth affected by fluorosis can be greatly improved by a variety of treatments in esthetic dentistry.

What type of toothpaste should my child use?
Your child should use toothpaste with fluoride and the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. Brushing twice a day (after breakfast and before bedtime) provides greater benefits than brushing once daily. Parents should dispense toothpaste to prevent their young children from swallowing too much.

How much toothpaste should my child use?
For children under 2-years-old, use a smear of fluoridated toothpaste. For those aged 2 to 5 years, a pea-sized amount is recommended.

What is topical fluoride?
Topical fluoride is a preventive agent applied to tooth enamel. It comes in a number of different forms. A dental professional places gels or foams in trays that are held against the teeth for up to four minutes. Fluoride varnish is brushed or “painted” on the enamel. Varnish is especially useful for young patients and those with special needs who may not tolerate fluoride trays. Children who benefit the most from fluoride are those at highest risk for decay. Risk factors include a history of previous cavities, a diet high in sugar or carbohydrates, orthodontic appliances, and certain medical conditions such as dry mouth.

See your Dentist for specific recommendations and remember drinking tap water can help prevent cavities

New research shows that diabetes & heart disease are linked to gum & bone diesease in the mouth.  The best prevention for this are regular teeth cleanings. Treating gum disease might even prevent heart attacks.

When people neglect to brush and floss, bacteria accumulates between the teeth. This bacteria can make it’s way into the bloodstream. 

Gum disease is known to increase the risk of diabetes.  Studies show that inflammatory periodontal disease may increase insulin in the same way obesity increases insulin. 

Taking care of teeth can combat complications of these diseases and reduces inflammation through out the entire body.  In addition to regular flossing, some dentist would prefer you brushing after every meal or atleast in morning, and avoid carb foods and sugar.

1.) As we get older, our teeth naturally yellow.  Whitening them will automatically make them look years younger!

2.)  A recent study at Colombia University found that women with healthier, whiter smiles earned more than those with less sparkling grins.

The active ingredient in all bleaching methods is peroxide, this dissolves surface stains left behind from the pigments of food and drink.  Useful Tip: Anything that can stain a white t-shirt can discolor your teeth! Our teeth are made up of thousands of dentinal tubules, which act like thin absorbent straw.

Before you consider bleaching, it is important to consult your doctor before trying any tooth whitener. Everyone’s teeth might have a different reaction.   Also, many types of dental work, such as caps, veneers and crowns will not take to the lightening, due to the peroxide not being able to penetrate.  Some antibiotics cause stains, which occur in layers inside the tooth, would also prevent the peroxide from working.  Our dentists will be able to advise you about the best method for your teeth.

The whitening agents that are used here in our office, are three times more powerful than “at home versions”, so you will see results much faster.  For a dramatic, fast solution you can consider ZOOM.  This is where the teeth are coated with a top bleaching agent and a light is aimed at them to activate the ingredients.  Another option are dental trays, that we can make right in our office.  These are custom fitted and worn at home.

Other clever “every-day” tricks are as simple as eating fruits and vegetables.  Foods that are high in cellulose act as natural abrasives, removing surface stains.  Celery, carrots and apples are great examples.  Also, greens (spinach, broccoli and lettuce) contain a mineral compound that form over teeth, so pigments from other foods will not stain.

For the ladies, even the right shade of lipstick can help teeth look fashionably white!  Blue-based red and pink lipsticks, or even clothes in dark colors can help!