Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact us if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Is tooth whitening safe?
Research has proven that bleaching is both safe and effective. Bleaching gels are well-buffered making sensitivity less of a concern.
What are canker and cold sores?
Canker sores are small white swellings or sores surrounded by an area of redness. They are not contagious. Factors such as stress, trauma, allergies, cigarette smoking, iron or other vitamin deficiencies and heredity can make one susceptible. Usually these heal after 7-10 days. Cold sores are groups of painful fluid-filled blisters around the lips and sometimes under the nose or around the chin. These are usually caused by a type of herpes virus and are very contagious. Because there is no cure for cold sores, the blisters may reoccur during times of emotional upset, exposure to sunlight, allergies or fever. The blisters usually heal in about a week.
Why do I always have bad breath?
Bad breath also known as halitosis. This can strike periodically or be persistent, depending on the cause: poor dental hygiene, infections in the mouth (periodontal disease), respiratory tract infections, external agents (garlic, onions, coffee, cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco), dry mouth and systemic illnesses (diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, sinus disease and reflux disease).
What are the risks involved with an oral piercing?
There are eight risks involved with piercing the tongue, lips or cheeks: infection, prolonged bleeding, pain and swelling, chipped or cracked teeth, injury to the gums (can cause gums to recede), interference with normal oral function (causing excessive saliva flow, impede the ability to pronounce words correctly and cause problems with chewing and swallowing), blood-borne disease and endocarditis (an inflammation of the heart valves or tissues).
I have tooth colored fillings or crowns on my front teeth – what are the alternatives to bleaching?
Since bleaching will not change the color of those materials there are two different options: veneers or bonding. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain glued to the front of your teeth. These are difficult to stain. Bonding uses composite resin to restore chipped or broken teeth, fill in gaps and reshape or recolor your smile.
What is dry mouth?
Dry mouth means that you don’t have enough saliva or spit to keep your mouth moist. Chronic dry mouth can be uncomfortable and lead to more serious health problems or indicate that a more serious medical condition may exist. There are several reasons that the glands that produce saliva might not function properly: side effects of some medications, disease (diabetes, Parkinson’s, Hodgkin’s, HIV/AIDS and Sjogrens syndrome), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, menopause and smoking. The only permanent way to cure dry mouth is to treat its cause.
What is a cracked tooth?
Cracked tooth syndrome features fractures that are too small to be seen on x-rays. Sometimes the fracture is below the gum line and often occurs in lower molars. People who grind or clench their teeth are more susceptible to cracked tooth syndrome because of the constant forces on their teeth. Teeth with large fillings or teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are weaker than other teeth and may be more likely to crack.
Why shouldn’t I sip on pop all day?
Soft drinks are one of the most significant dietary sources of tooth decay. Acids and acidic sugar by-products in soft drinks soften tooth enamel, contributing to cavities. There are some steps that you can take to reduce the harmful effects: reduce the number of pops you drink each day, substitute different drinks (water, milk and 100% fruit juice), rinse with water (after drinking a pop, rinse your mouth with water to remove vestiges of the drink) and use fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse (fluoride reduces cavities and strengthens tooth enamel).