If over-the-counter mouthwash isn't taking care of your bad breath, it may be stemming from gum disease or decay. If your bad breath seems to stay with you, we can help remove the problem and keep it under control.

A healthy start to oral care can last a lifetime. Unless there is an unusual problem, the first recommended treatment for children is between the ages of 3 and 4.

Dental implants are the most natural, functional, and aesthetically pleasing option to replace missing teeth. Implants are tiny titanium posts that are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. The bone bonds with the titanium and creates a foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are attached to the implant. These protrude through the gums and provide stable anchors to which the artificial teeth are attached. Implants help preserve facial structure and prevent bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.

A bridge is another option. In this case, one or more existing teeth are used to hold a "suspended" replacement tooth in the area of the missing tooth.

Orthodontic treatment involves several things: the guidance of bone growth, treatment for jaw joint disorders, and correcting the arrangement of the teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that every child be seen for an orthodontic consultation by age 7. The orthodontist will evaluate alignment and bite and the relationship between the upper and lower jaw, and may recommend that your child return for periodic visits to monitor growth and development.

Invisalign™ is the invisible way to straighten teeth without metal or wires. It uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth. Invisalign™ uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final, desired position. Using this imaging, a series of custom-made "aligners" are produced. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks to move teeth incrementally, then are replaced by another in the series until the final position is achieved.

Gently insert the floss in between the teeth and move the floss up and down into the spaces between the gum and tooth. Floss the sides of all of your teeth, even sides that aren't adjacent to other teeth.

Floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing removes food debris and plaque from in between the teeth that a toothbrush can't reach.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Be sure that the toothbrush is sized to fit inside your mouth and that you can easily reach all areas. Use gentle back and forth strokes, brushing all sides of the teeth. Remember to brush your tongue, too, to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day to remove plaque, which causes tooth decay and contributes to gum disease.

We recommend that most children and adults get a regular dental cleaning and check-up every six months. Going to your regular check-ups will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy, and it will help us detect problems early, such as gum disease and cavities.

People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have dental check-ups more than twice a year. If you are at risk, your dentist will discuss any concerns with you and recommend an appropriate cleaning and check-up schedule.

Silver (amalgam) filling material contains about 50% mercury and 50% various other metals. With the introduction of new filling materials, amalgam is not used as often as it once was. But there is no evidence to prove that amalgam is dangerous. If you already have silver fillings and they are in good condition, there should be no problem. Fair Lawn Dental Associates uses tooth-colored composite for fillings. Let us know if you wish to replace your silver fillings with composite.

The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Also, eating healthy foods and minimizing or avoiding sugary foods and drinks will help prevent or slow the decaying process.

Decay, the destruction of tooth structure, occurs when plaque (a sticky substance that forms on teeth) combines with sugars or starches in the food we eat, and forms acids that attack tooth enamel.