Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease, and, if detected, is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition. Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease.

Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

X-Rays allow the dentists to look for oral health issues that may be difficult to identify with a visual examination alone. The dentist may recommend a full-set of X-rays to establish a baseline for your oral health, identify potential problems such as cavities, tooth decay, and impacted teeth, or prepare for a larger dental treatment. Today, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that patients receive dental X-rays at 6 to 18 month intervals, depending on their risk level for decay.

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that affects at least 40 million adults in the United States. To prevent tooth sensitivity, brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. Using a fluoridated mouthwash, flossing daily, and avoiding highly acidic foods may also help in minimizing sensitivity. If you are currently bothered by sensitive teeth, visit your dentist. He or she can identify the cause of your tooth pain and recommend specific treatments to provide relief.

Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in many foods and water. Fluoride plays an important role in fighting tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to acid-producing bacteria. Over time, plaque and bacteria can contribute to the erosion of teeth enamel. By drinking fluoridated tap water, using toothpaste with fluoride, or rinsing with fluoridated mouthwash, you can protect your teeth against cavities.

Gums bleed when they are irritated and inflamed which is not considered normal. This is due to plaque (a soft film of bacteria) being left on the teeth which causes inflammation called gingivitis and if not addressed can develop into gum disease. Over time, if not cleaned off through daily brushing and interdental cleaning, the plaque can turn into a hard deposit called tartar or calculus which will require professional scaling by your dentist or hygienist to remove it.

A common misconception is that dental restorations last forever but unfortunately this is rarely true. With time dental restorations may break down or become loose, allowing decay to enter the area around the restoration and become problematic. Maintain great oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly to keep those restorations in great condition for as long as possible.

The fastest and most effective way to whiten teeth is typically an in-office professional whitening procedure. The best results are always going to be a result of a professional treatment, but your dentist can help you determine which treatment is right for you.

Teeth grinding is also called bruxism. The solution for teeth grinding is to get a professionally made night guard that you wear when you are sleeping to prevent your teeth from scraping against each other.