Bad breath is a medical issue that is also known as halitosis. It can be caused by poor oral hygiene, food odor or other medical issues. There are certain foods that you can eat that can also cause mouth odor such as garlic and onions. When you eat these types of foods, you are introducing sulfuric compounds into your mouth while also promoting growth of microbes. Bad breath is often caused by bacteria and traces of food particles that are collected in the back of the tongue as well as the creases of the tongue.

To counteract the effects of bad breath you need to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. You should especially do this right after you eat and make sure to also scrape your tongue to remove excess food particles. You should also floss your teeth daily because it cleans the plague between your teeth while also promoting gum health. If you are not able to brush your teeth right after eating, try chewing gum or mints with zylitol. Mouthwash is also great to use because it breaks down the sulfur compounds, which are responsible for the bad breath. Another way to prevent mouth odor is to drink lots of water. By drinking water, you are keeping your mouth moist, which helps to wash away food particles and bacteria.

In some cases, mouth odor is not necessarily caused by what you eat but by medical issues in the mouth such as gum disease, dry mouth, cavities, or yeast infections of the mouth. This is why it is very important to see your dentist regularly, Dr Dan Shomer will diagnose this disorder and give you a plan to control this problem. By having your teeth properly checked out, detection and treatment of medical problems can also be referred to a physician if necessary.

Though most people focus on the health of their teeth when dental health is concerned, it’s also extremely important to pay attention to the health of your gums. Gums play a role not only in dental health, but in your overall health and well being. Sore gums can have many meanings, some of which may be indicative of serious issues. It is important not to ignore any gum pain that you may be experiencing. Dr Shomer and his hygiene staff will thoroughly examine your teeth including your gums and jaw bone. Some symptoms of sore gums can cause a viral infection or severe bone disease. Only a dentist or hygienist can tell you exactly what’s happening with your gums

Over 75 percent of American adults will have gum disease at some point in their lives. If proper dental hygiene is not practiced through regular brushing, flossing, and professional hygiene cleanings, gingivitis can easily occur. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by an overgrowth of normal bacteria or even more exotic, aggressive bacteria. You will notice red gums which can bleed when you brush or floss. As long as it is caught early, this can be reversed and your gums will properly heal. However, when steps are not taken to reduce and eliminate gingivitis, the disease will progress into the bone causing periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a condition that is characterized not only by red and bleeding gums but infection of the bone that keep teeth in place. The bone can become severely weakened as the bone is infected. There are many treatments that can control this problem. Surgery is not the only way we can get you better. You can discuss periodontics with Dr Shomer if you are diagnosed with gum problems.

In order to prevent gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis, Maria and Debbie our very experienced hygienists will coach and teach you easy best care. A well balanced diet can include vitamins and calcium supplements. Absolutely avoid tobacco which is directly related to inflammation. It’s important to see a dentist when concerned about sore gums in order to treat it as soon as possible.

There are typically two different types of fillings to choose from when fixing your teeth after the cavity (decay) has been removed. Resin based composite or silver amalgam. Each one of these has a different set of pros and cons, although both are extremely effective at repairing teeth.

Resin composite fillings are made of a mixture of ceramic and plastic. This material is used on both front and back teeth for several reasons. The color of resin will be a matching tooth color which makes them blend in with teeth. Up-to-date modern composites have an excellent track record when placed properly with good longevity.

By contrast, amalgam or mercury-based silver fillings are more durable than resin composites with a century of formulation. As you know amalgam is silvery looking and not placed in front teeth. They are made from a mixture of silver, tin, copper, and mercury. The way that these metals bind together is what makes amalgam so durable. For this reason silver fillings are typically used for back teeth. Additionally, amalgam tends to be slightly less expensive than resin due to its ease and speed of placement.

Though there is negative press about amalgam fillings, both resin and amalgam each are completely safe to use, so this should not be a factor when choosing which type best suits you. Cost, cosmetic concerns, dental history, type and the size of cavity will be factors that your dentist should discuss when choosing which type of dental filling is right for the situation. Dr. Dan will be happy to speak with you about what is your best choice!

If you are experiencing moderate to severe toothache pain, a visit to the dentist may be in order. You may need to have a procedure performed called root canal therapy or endodontics.

You may not know that in the beginning your tooth is being damaged by a cavity or fracture, however, symptoms to be aware of include:

• Prolonged mild to severe cold and/or heat sensitivity making you want to cover your tooth with your tongue, cheek or finger.

•  Tooth discoloration making is look dark or very yellow.

•  A recurring or persistent lump and/or pain on the gums over the bad tooth..

•  Biting pain when chewing food or just when your teeth are touching.

If your infected tooth is not taken care of, it could become abscessed. This will cause swelling in the face and neck and could lead to bone destruction around the tooth. To avoid this issue and save the tooth, the tooth pulp (the nerve) is removed Surprisingly, the nerve of a tooth is not needed for the tooth to function properly.

On your visit, the dentist will take an X-ray or two to determine the extent of the damage and infection. During that visit or next, the area around the tooth will be completely numbed with anesthetic prior to ‘drilling” into the tooth. After this is finished, the dentist will remove all the infected nerve from your tooth. Your tooth will then be sealed with an exacting plug from the bottom of the root tip to the top. After the treatment, days of weeks later a final filling or cap will be placed to protect it from further damage.

Root canals are usually successful and save you from losing a tooth. Taking proper care of your teeth and seeing a dentist regularly can, however, save you from needing this procedure altogether. Healthy teeth and gums also help you avoid other illnesses and stay healthy.

Used in cosmetic dentistry, a veneer is a thin layer of tooth colored material that is placed over the front of a tooth or teeth. It can protect broken, discolored or crooked teeth and improve their appearance. It is made from either porcelain or a composite resin material which will be bonded to the tooth. Some of the enamel might be removed to change its shape, internal color, or size prior to veneer placement. Veneers may provide a better alternative to other dental procedure such as crowns. Results are achieved much faster than orthodontic procedures such as braces.

During your initial consultation visit, the dentist will carefully examine your teeth, take x-rays, and evaluate the health of your teeth with the aid of X-rays and photographs. They will discuss a plan and fees with you. During the next visit, impressions of the tooth or teeth will create a model on which veneers will be fabricated. Also during that visit your tooth enamel might be reduce to make room for the veneer. At the last visit, the bonding will take place cementing the veneers to your teeth. A bonding light is then used to set the cement. The entire process is usually complete in three dental visits and one or two follow-up appointments.

Costs vary depending on your region, numbers of veneers and any anticipated complications with the teeth needing care. Dental insurance may cover these procedures including the veneer depending upon the structural requirements.

Your dentist should be able to show you their office photos of before and after treatment.

GREAT looking teeth make us look and feel GREAT! It adds to our self esteem and allows us to enjoy the foods we love. Loss of a single tooth can dramatically impact the way we feel about ourselves. Plus, gaps in your mouth need to be filled as soon as possible, as to not risk facial changes and/or damage to previously healthy teeth and bone.

With the today’s technology of dental implants, teeth can be restored in a way that feels like your own tooth has grown back. The implant is anchored alone and does not rely on the support of the surrounding teeth! This also means it is not necessary to grind down the teeth around the implant. Please check out this short video and be amazed! Single-Tooth-Solution_watermark_e

If you are embarrassed by your smile due to crooked teeth, help could be on the way. No wires, no brackets, no bands, no embarrassment at any age. Due to CAD/CAM technology invisible aligners can be alternative to braces. No more “Tin Grin”, Metal Mouth”, “Railroad Tracks” or “Brace Face”:)  The treatment can take as little as 6 to 18 months. During that time few will know you are under treatment. It really is a great way to enhance your smile!