Everything you need before your first visit.

Dental X-rays produce low radiation and are safe. Dr. Jaquery takes necessary precautions to limit your exposure to radiation, such as using lead apron shields and digital technology.

X-rays provide valuable information not visible during a visual dental exam. This information helps to safely and accurately detect hidden abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without X-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

X-rays can show:

• Abscesses or cysts
• Bone loss
• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
• Decay between the teeth
• Developmental abnormalities
• Poor tooth and root positions
• Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.

A full mouth series of X-rays is recommended for new patients. Bite-wing X-rays (X-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at check-ups and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.

Periodontal disease begins when plaque, a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria, food debris, and saliva, is left on the teeth and gums. The bacteria produce toxins that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do this type of damage.

Besides poor oral hygiene, there are several factors that may increase your risk of developing periodontal disease:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco users are more likely than non-users to develop periodontal disease. The oral cavity is heat sensitive, and smoking scorches the gums.
• Tooth or appliance conditions – Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings may trap plaque and bacteria.
• Medications – Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, and oral contraceptives are some of the medications that have dry mouth as a side effect, which makes it easier for plaque to adhere to the teeth and gums.
• Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – Hormonal changes can cause gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.
• Systemic diseases – Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.
• Genetics – Some patients may be predisposed to a more aggressive type of periodontitis. Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums.

Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease include:

• Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
• Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
• Persistent bad breath – This is a sign of bacteria in your mouth.
• New spacing between teeth – This is a sign of bone loss.
• Loose teeth – This is a sign of bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
• Pus around the teeth and gums – This is a sign that there is an infection in your mouth.
• Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
• Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to your teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. When plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar), which will then begin to destroy your gums and bone, eventually causing periodontal (gum) disease.

Plaque formation and growth is continuous and can only be controlled by regular brushing, flossing, and using other dental aids.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft-bristled brush and toothpaste is your best defense against plaque and tartar.

• Brush gently at a 45° angle to the gums, using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles at the gumline.
• Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
• Use the tip of the toothbrush to clean the inside front teeth.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are excellent tools. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric toothbrush on your teeth at the gumline and allow the brush to do its job, two or three teeth at a time.

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, but it also disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to your gums, teeth, and bone.

• Take 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) of floss between your hands.
• Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

You can use floss holders if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing and also after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to talk to your dentist or dental hygienist to make sure it’s appropriate for you.

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, but it also disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to your gums, teeth, and bone.

Daily flossing will help you keep a healthy, beautiful smile for life!

Causes include:

• Morning time – Saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
• Certain foods – Garlic, onions, etc. Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the blood stream; they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.
• Poor oral hygiene habits – Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth.
• Periodontal (gum) disease – Colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.
• Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – May also contribute to bad breath.
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – May be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
• Tobacco products – Dry the mouth, causing bad breath.
• Dieting – Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
• Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.
• Certain medical conditions and illnesses – Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.

In most cases, Dr. Jaquery can treat your bad breath.

• Practice good oral hygiene – Brush at least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from between your teeth and under the gumline. Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. If you wear dentures or a removable bridge, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
• See your dentist regularly – Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year. If you have or have had gum disease, we will recommend more frequent visits.
• Stop smoking/chewing tobacco/vaping – Ask your dentist what they recommend to help break the habit.
• Drink water frequently – Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
• Use a mouthwash/oral rinse – Some over-the-counter products only provide a temporary solution to mask unpleasant mouth odor. Ask Dr. Jaquery about antiseptic rinses that not only eliminate bad breath but also kill the germs that cause the problem.