Patient Information

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, can be a discomforting and sometimes mortifying issue. It’s not uncommon for individuals to be unaware of their own breath issues, which can affect anyone occasionally, such as when we first wake up.

The causes of bad breath are numerous, but for individuals without underlying health issues, it often stems from bacterial buildup on the tongue, particularly towards the posterior section. Research has indicated that tongue cleaning can significantly mitigate halitosis, with reductions in odor of up to 70 percent following this simple oral hygiene practice.

According to recommendations from the American Dental Association (ADA), it’s advisable to see a dentist for a check-up and professional cleaning at least twice annually. Similarly, our office advocates for a minimum of two dental visits per year to maintain optimal oral health.

Give us a call! We accept most insurance plans, and we do everything we can to help each patient make the most of their dental insurance benefits. We understand that insurance policies are complex and often extremely difficult to understand, so you may not fully understand the extent of your coverage—and that’s ok.

While not all treatments are covered, we provide full insurance assistance, helping you understand your policy in depth. We’ll even complete and submit your dental insurance forms to help you get the biggest reimbursement possible. While not all patients are covered by dental insurance, we strive to help you get the maximum coverage you’re entitled to.

That said, dental insurance companies seek to reduce costs more than they seek to provide for proper dental care. Accordingly, they usually cover only basic dental services and exclude a variety of treatments.

Your child’s first appointment at our office should take place around his or her first birthday. We won’t usually perform any treatments during this appointment; it’s more a chance for us to get acquainted, to help your child start adjusting to the routine of seeing a dentist, and so we can make sure their teeth are developing as normal. After this first visit, we’ll need to schedule regular checkups and examinations once or twice every year.

There are many arguments for each type of brush but the truth is, it’s more a matter of personal preference. Electric toothbrushes offer some advantages in convenience, but with proper technique, you can keep your teeth strong and healthy using either a powered or a manual toothbrush. The most important thing is to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, using good techniques for strong oral hygiene.

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, result in the formation of tiny openings or holes within the teeth. They occur when the plaque that accumulates on the teeth interacts with the sugars and starches present in one’s diet, leading to the production of an acid capable of corroding tooth enamel. Neglecting a cavity can cause it to evolve into more significant dental issues. However, one can prevent cavities by practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing at least twice daily and flossing at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth.

Over time, your toothbrush will begin to show signs of wear, particularly with diligent brushing habits that include brushing twice daily for two to three minutes at a time. It’s recommended by dental professionals that both adults and children replace their toothbrush every three months to ensure effectiveness. Those using electric toothbrushes should consult the user manual, as the replacement frequency for brush heads may vary. Individuals dealing with gum disease might need to switch their toothbrush more often, every four to six weeks, to prevent bacterial spread. To maintain hygiene, it’s important to rinse your toothbrush in hot water after use, which helps eliminate germs and keeps the bristles in good condition. Additionally, in the event of an illness, replacing your toothbrush immediately is advised to avoid re-infection.