Articles              Gum Disease              Teeth Whitening              Dental Emergencies How to Prevent Gum Disease We have good news and bad news. The good news is that you can easily prevent most gum disease by establishing a routine of regular daily care of your teeth and gums and having regular dental checkups. The bad news: A lot of people ignore gum health and end up losing teeth or needing expensive gum surgery. Here's how you can keep your teeth and gums healthy: Brush your teeth well twice a day. Regular brushing removes cavity-causing bacteria from the teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is in good condition and brush for 2 minutes. Replace your toothbrush every few months. Use toothpastes and mouth rinses that contain fluoride to strengthen the teeth and help prevent decay. Choose dental products that bear the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, your assurance that they have met the ADA's standards for safety and effectiveness. Clean between your teeth every day. Use floss or interdental cleaners to remove bacteria and food particles from between the teeth, where a toothbrush can't reach. Daily brushing and flossing can often reverse early gum disease. If you use interdental cleaners, ask your dentist how to use them properly to avoid injuring your gums. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Choose a variety of foods from the basic food groups, such as breads, cereals and other grain products; fruits; vegetables; meat, poultry and fish; and dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Limit sugary and especially sugary/sticky candies and fruits like raisins. When you do eat them, brush soon afterwards. Visit your dentist regularly. Regular dental checkups and professional cleaning can help prevent periodontal diseases and limit the spread of cavities. Return to top of page What is Teeth Whitening? As a youngster, your teeth very likely started out sparkling white.  Over the years, however, the natural aging process and your lifestyle (smoking, or drinking coffee, tea, or wine) may have stained your teeth. There are even some prescription drugs and medical conditions that could have caused tooth stains. But for most people, stains are the result of aging as well as discoloration caused by pigmented substances entering the mouth. Coffee, tea and red wine stain by seeping into the tiny natural holes in your teeth. Teeth whitening is generally a safe procedure in which concentrated peroxide gel is placed in contact with the stained teeth. Carbamide peroxide is the preferred choice for the bleaching agent and it comes in several different concentrations (10%, 16%, 22%). The peroxide breaks up stains and allows more light to be reflected back, creating a white winning smile. If you practice good dental hygiene, the results from teeth whiting can last a long time. But gradually, as you age and your teeth are exposed to staining agents, they may darken or discolor. Regular brushing with an ADA-approved toothpaste and brush and periodic touch-up treatments can keep your smile looking its best. Contact us today to discuss returning that sparkling, beautiful and natural whiteness to your smile. Return to top of page Handling 5 Common Dental Emergencies 1)  Handling a Toothache It could something as simple as a lodged kernel of popcorn or as serious as infection, but either way, toothaches can be very painful and disruptive to your daily schedule. The most important information we can provide our patients of record is to call us if you feels a dental problem developing. 2)  Handling a Broken Tooth If you break a piece of your tooth off, it may leave a jagged edge, but there’s no need for alarm. You won’t necessarily lose your tooth. The first thing to do is contact us immediately. The second thing is to clean your mouth with warm water. The third step is to apply a cold compress to the area to minimize any swelling. 3)  Handling a Broken Jaw If you are struck hard on the jaw and feel pain or stiffness afterwards, and especially if you’re unable to close your mouth or your bite feels “off”, you may have a fracture. Apply a cold compress to the area to minimize any swelling, then call us immediately or go to nearby hospital emergency room. 4)  Handling a Knocked Out Tooth If one of your permanent teeth has been knocked out, retrieve it immediately (holding it by the top part, not the root) and gently rinse it with a saline solution or milk. Tap water typically contains chlorine that can damage the root.  Place the tooth in a wet towel or washcloth so as not to lose it and to keep it moist. If you can, gently place the tooth back in its socket until you get professional help. If this is not possible, put it in a small container with a little milk; then call our office for an emergency appointment…or to visit a nearby hospital emergency room. 5)  “Emergency” Bad Breath Halitosis (bad breath) plagues everybody at one time or another, but what can you do in a pinch when you realize you’ve got the problem and you’re nowhere near a bottle of mouthwash? Find a cold, clean washcloth or paper towel and wipe the surface of your tongue. This helps remove the bacteria buildup on an area that is a likely suspect in cases of bad breath. Return to top of page