Cutting-Edge Technology, Know-You-By-Name Care

Why do I still have bad breath even after brushing and flossing?

One common cause of bad breath is not brushing the tongue, especially the back of the tongue which can harbor bacteria and food debris. Try using a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to clean your tongue every time you brush your teeth. Other causes of bad breath are gum disease, plaque under the gumline, or tartar that’s harboring bacteria and isn’t removed by brushing alone.

What are some other common culprits?

Many people are dealing with dry mouth due to medication, mouth breathing, or salivary gland issues. Most people don’t realize the role saliva plays in the mouth. Saliva lubricates your mouth, helps you swallow, begins the digestion process, dilutes acid, and creates a balance between good and bad bacteria. Other causes of bad breath can be ill-fitting dental work, undetected tooth decay, sinus or throat infections, post-nasal drip, or a tonsil stone. Reflux or digestive problems can also contribute.

Why do my gums bleed?

Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation and often signal underlying periodontal infection or some other systemic issue. The longer certain “bad” bacteria are allowed to remain in the deeper pockets of your gums, the greater the risk they can travel into your blood stream increasing your risk of stroke, heart attack, difficulty managing diabetes, and other inflammatory medical conditions.

Is there any new dental technology that has you excited?

First, Curodont Repair is designed to help heal very early enamel lesions by rebuilding minerals naturally before a cavity becomes large enough to require drilling. It’s an exciting shift toward helping teeth repair themselves in the earliest stages of decay.

Second, our Itero scanner creates a highly detailed 3D digital model of the teeth and gums. We like to think of it as a wellness tracker for your mouth. Just like monitoring blood pressure or weight over time, Itero allows us to track the health and stability of your teeth and bite while helping detect early signs of wear, shifting, cracks, gum changes, and bite issues before they become larger problems.

Lastly, many people think Invisalign is only about straightening teeth for a nicer smile. While aesthetics are definitely a benefit, Invisalign also improves the health, function, stability, and long-term protection of the teeth and jaw. In many cases, properly aligning the bite can help reduce uneven wear, protect teeth from damage, and support healthier function for years to come.

Why is a comprehensive dental exam recommended during my first visit with a new dentist?

A comprehensive exam allows us to assess risk factors and gain thorough understanding of your current oral condition. By evaluating your current medical condition, any medications, taking a full set of X-rays and conducting a full periodontal and oral cancer exam, evaluating your teeth and their supporting structures, your bite, and your unique wear patterns, we can formulate a collaborated plan of action to help you improve and maintain optimal oral wellness for life. Let’s get started!