Tooth Decay
Caries, or tooth decay, is a preventable disease. While caries might not endanger your life, they may negatively impact your quality of life.

When your teeth and gums are consistently exposed to large amounts of starches and sugars, acids may form that begin to eat away at tooth enamel. Carbohydrate-rich foods such as candy, cookies, soft drinks, sports drinks, "fruit snacks" and even fruit juices leave deposits on your teeth. Those deposits bond with the bacteria that normally survive in your mouth and form plaque. The combination of deposits and plaque forms acids that can damage the mineral structure of teeth, with tooth decay resulting.

Sensitive Teeth
Your teeth expand and contract in reaction to changes in temperature. Hot and cold food and beverages can cause pain or irritation to people with sensitive teeth. Over time, tooth enamel can be worn down, gums may recede or teeth may develop microscopic cracks, exposing the interior of the tooth and irritating nerve endings. Just breathing cold air can be painful for those with extremely sensitive teeth.  Sensitive teeth may also be a result of enamel hypoplasia, a condition in which the enamel didn't form properly. 

Gum Disease
Gum, or periodontal, disease can cause inflammation, tooth loss and bone damage. Gum disease begins with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis.  Gums are red, swollen and may bleed easily. Fortunately in children, gingivitis is usually reversible, simply by improving oral hygiene.  As the disease progresses to periodontitis, boney defects occur and teeth may fall out or need to be removed by a dentist. Gum disease is highly preventable and can usually be avoided by daily brushing and flossing.

Canker Sores
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores inside the mouth that often recur. The canker sore has a white or gray base surrounded by a red border.  They may be extremely painful and generally last about one or two weeks.  Certain foods, some toothpastes and stress can precipitate the formation and aggrevation of canker sores.  Some relief can be obtained with the use of anti-inflammatory analgesics and over the counter canker sore products.  Please call our office if the problem persists.

Orthodontic Problems
A bite that does not meet properly (a malocclusion) can be inherited, or some types may be acquired. Some causes of malocclusion include missing or extra teeth, crowded teeth or misaligned jaws. Accidents or developmental issues, such as finger or thumb sucking over an extended period of time, may cause malocclusions.