How often should I see the dentist for a check up and cleaning?
Adults should see their dentist for a regular cleaning and check up every six months. People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have dental check ups more than twice a year.

How often should I brush my teeth?
According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque which causes tooth decay and can lead to gum disease.

How often should I floss my teeth?
You should floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing in between your teeth removes food debris and plaque from in between the teeth that a toothbrush can't reach. Plaque causes tooth decay and can lead to gum disease. Another great reason to floss is that recent studies have shown that flossing helps to prevent a heart attack or stroke.

How often should I change my toothbrush?
Adults should change their toothbrush every 3 months because they become worn out and are not as effective as they once were. Exceptions to this would be if you were using an electric toothbrush, and the manufacturer states otherwise. Some electric rechargeable toothbrushes have very good brush heads that only need to be changed every 6 months. If you have 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.

What is plaque?
Plaque is the soft and sticky substance that accumulates on the teeth from food debris and bacteria. Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing thoroughly. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to gum disease and cavities. Regular dental check ups, brushing twice a day, flossing daily and eating nutritional snacks will help to prevent plaque from forming on the teeth.

What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, which can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. The signs and symptoms are red, swollen and puffy gums that bleed easily. If treatment is not received, gingivitis could progress into periodontitis, an advanced and more serious stage of gum disease which includes bone loss and is not reversible. Gum disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults and has also been linked to heart attacks and strokes.

Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, regular dental checkups and dental cleanings are the best preventions against gum disease.

What can I do to make my teeth whiter?
Tooth whitening is one of the easiest procedures that can be done to improve the quality of your smile. Today tooth whitening is a safe and long lasting way to achieve a brighter smile. A dentist supervised whitening treatment is the safest and most effective method for whiter teeth. Our office offers x methods of whitening teeth... xxx Call to set up a consult appointment to discuss which would be right for you.

Can my old silver-colored fillings be replaced?
Yes. In a simple procedure, old or unsightly fillings can be replaced with natural colored filling materials that match the color of your teeth. These materials are more durable and natural looking than ever before.

What if I have chipped or cracked teeth?
Chipped or cracked teeth can be easily repaired using several methods. A crown or "cap", inlays or onlays can restore a tooth to its original shape, strengthen a tooth, and improve your overall appearance. Veneers are thin custom-made moldings that cover the fronts of your teeth. All of these restorations use natural tooth-colored high-tech materials that are color-matched to the precise shades of your teeth.

What can I do about missing teeth?
Missing teeth can be replaced using fixed bridges or implants. Following a consult appointment, we can discuss which procedures we would recommend for you.

What about crooked or crowded teeth?
Teeth that are crowded or crooked can often be corrected with either cosmetic restoration procedures or orthodontic tooth movement. We will gladly discuss which option we would recommend for you.