Just like your family doctor, your dentist may work with dental specialists to provide you with the best care possible.
Learn more »Prevent problems early. Your child's first dental visit should occur by age one or within six months of when you see the first tooth.
Learn more »Dental care during pregnancy is not only safe, regular dental visits support your health and your baby's.
Learn more »Most dental disease is preventable—starting with these five steps to take at home.
Learn more »Clenching or grinding your teeth (often at night) may be the reason and can also cause damage to your teeth and jaw.
Learn more »Your dentist may recommend a number of treatment options to replace missing teeth, such as a denture.
Learn more »At one time or another we all suffer from bad breath (Halitosis). For many, bad breath is a temporary problem, however, if bad breath persists there may be an underlying cause. If you have persistent bad breath you should speak to your dentist or physician to rule out any disease and take steps to prevent a future recurrence.
Food. Foods heavy in garlic, onions, and spices are among the culprits contributing to bad breath. Bad breath can also be triggered by infrequent eating or food particles left in the mouth.
Poor dental hygiene. Infrequent or poor brushing and flossing techniques can leave food in the mouth to decompose. Your mouth is warm, moist and dark—the perfect place for bacteria to grow if not properly cared for. It is important to remember to brush twice daily and floss to remove food particles between teeth. Bad breath can also affect those that wear dentures; always ensure you clean your denture daily.
Gum (periodontal) disease. Persistent bad breath is often an indicator of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by an accumulation of bacterial plaque at the point where your teeth and your gums meet. If untreated this condition can continue to advance, eventually leading to tooth loss.
Dry mouth. If you suffer from reduced saliva flow in the mouth you are more susceptible to bad breath. Saliva helps clean food particles from the mouth. Without this added protection bacteria can grow, leading to bad breath and other dental conditions. Many medications can contribute to dry mouth.
Tobacco use. The use of tobacco products can cause bad breath and increase your risk of developing oral conditions, including gum disease and oral cancer. Speak to your dentist for tips to help you quit or visit Quit Now.
Other medical conditions. While rare, bad breath can also be associated with other medical conditions such as sinus or throat infections, diabetes and some liver and kidney diseases.