Common Oral Concerns

How Often Do I Need To Visit The Dentist?

Plan to visit your dentist every 6 months for general cleaning and preventative check-ups. These biannual appointments are key to avoiding major dental issues and catching problems early on. 

What Is Tooth Sensitivity And How Do I Prevent It?

Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel protecting your tooth and root thins or recedes. Tooth sensitivity can also be a sign of gum disease and tooth decay, so it’s important to talk to your dentist about it.

Switching to a desensitizing toothpaste like Sensodyne might help reduce tooth sensitivity. But
if your sensitivity continues, you may need to make a few changes to your daily routine.

How Do I Get Rid Of Bad Breath?

Brush And Floss Frequently

The most important method for staving off bad breath is to brush and floss your teeth daily. 

Use A Tongue Scraper

If you suffer from bad breath, you may notice your tongue looks white. This white coating is a buildup of bacteria, food debris, and dead cells. An easy way to avoid or get rid of this sour smelling white film is to use a tongue scraper after every meal. 
 
When cleaning your tongue, start at the back of your mouth and move forward. Make sure to clean the top and side surfaces of your tongue, not just the center. Remember, be gentle with yourself! Your tongue should never be sore or bleeding after using a tongue scraper.

Drink Lots Of Water

Drinking water throughout the day is a smart practice in and of itself but is especially important for curing or avoiding bad breath.
 
You see, your mouth needs moisture in order to produce saliva, and a mouth without saliva is a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. In fact, lack of moisture is the main reasons people experience “morning breath since your mouth produces significantly less saliva while you sleep.
 
Some cases of bad breath are a result of gum disease or tooth decay. If your bad breath continues despite your best efforts, make an appointment with your dentist right away.

What is a Canker Sore?

Canker sores are small, painful ulcers on the inside of the mouth, tongue, lips, or throat. Multiple factors may cause canker sores, including injury to the mouth, acidic or spicy foods, vitamin deficiencies, hormones, stress, or autoimmune disorders. Canker sores are not the same thing as fever blisters (cold sores).

Is the condition contagious? Did I catch it and can I give it to anyone else?
No. This condition is not like herpes and cannot be transmitted, even if you have open sores.

To help ease the discomfort of Canker Sores, you can buy over the counter patch that you apply in your mouth.