Answering Your Questions
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What causes tooth decay?
Decay is the destruction of tooth structure. Decay occurs when plaque (a sticky
substance that forms on teeth) combines with sugars or starches of food that we eat
and forms acids that attack tooth enamel.

How can I prevent tooth decay?
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 will help prevent or slow
down decay.

Are silver fillings safe?
Silver (amalgam) filling material contains about 50% mercury and 50% of various other
metals. There is no evidence that amalgam is dangerous to health. If you already have
silver fillings and they are in good order, there should be no problem.

With the introduction of new filling materials, amalgam is not used as often as it once
was. FLDA uses tooth-colored composite for fillings. Let us know if you would like to
replace your silver fillings with composite.

How often should I get a cleaning and check up?
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 as well as detect any early problems 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.

How often should I brush my teeth?
The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day to remove plaque which causes tooth decay and contributes to gum disease.

What's the correct way to brush?
Use a soft bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Make 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. And remember to brush your tongue-it removes bacteria and helps keep your breath fresh.

How often should I floss?
Floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing in between your teeth removes food debris and plaque from in between the teeth that a toothbrush can't reach. Plaque causes tooth decay and contributes to gum disease.

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

How do invisible braces work?
Invisalign® is the invisible way to straighten teeth without braces. It uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth without metal or wires. Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to depict the complete treatment plan from the initial position to the final desired position from which a series of custom-made "aligners" are produced. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved. Dr. [Name] is our Invisalign specialist, and can answer any questions you have about the process.

At what age should a child begin orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment today involves guiding bone growth, treatment for jaw joint disorders, and correcting the arrangement of the teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that a child be seen by age seven for an orthodontic consultation. 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.

What options are available to replace missing teeth?
Dental implants are the most natural, functional, and esthetically 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.

At what age should I take my child for their first dental appointment?
A healthy start to oral care can last a lifetime. Unless there is an unusual problem, the first treatment for children is generally recommended between three and four years of age.

I have bad breath. Is there something better than mouthwash to fix this?
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.