Why Do My Teeth Hurt When I Eat Sweets?

Posted by & filed under oral health, General Dental Articles.

Williams DentistryIt’s no secret that your dentist in Asheboro isn’t a big fan of sugar. After all, this sweet ingredient can feed mouth bacteria and increase the risk of decay. But what does it mean when your teeth hurt while enjoying the occasional sweet treat? This type of tooth discomfort is just one example of tooth pain that patients can experience. Knowing what different toothache sensations could mean can help you get the right treatment… at the right time. 

A Word of Caution

Keep in mind, the information in this blog is only a guide and is not an official diagnostic tool. You should always schedule an appointment with your dentist in Asheboro when you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort so you can be sure to get the best dental care for your specific needs.

If You’re Feeling… Sensitivity to Sugar

The tooth sensitivity to sugar we mentioned earlier is probably a good indicator of tooth decay. Your dentist can help diagnose this with a thorough exam and some x-rays. Depending on the size and severity of the decay, it may be treated with a filling, inlay or onlay, or perhaps a root canal and dental crown. 

If You’re Feeling… Tooth Pain that Radiates

Tooth pain that seems to move around or radiate to other parts of the mouth could be a sign of a few different things including an abscess, cracked tooth, or TMJ disorder. Treatment will depend on the findings of a dental exam and x-rays and may include TMJ treatment, a dental restoration, a root canal, or an extraction. 

If You’re Feeling… Zings of Pain

One of the most common types of tooth pain patients complain about is zinging pain. This quick burst of shooting pain is a potential sign of several dental problems. Painful zings can be a result of TMJ disorder, a cracked tooth, an infection, or something stuck in the gums. 

If You’re Feeling… Throbbing Pain

Throbbing pain is often described as a thumping or similar to a heartbeat, and like every other toothache, it could mean any number of things. Throbbing tooth pain can be a symptom of a cracked tooth, dying nerve, abscess or other infection, an oral lesion, or an object stuck in the gums.  

As you can see, there are multiple explanations for each type of tooth pain. This is why it’s so important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. 

If you’re experiencing a toothache, call your dentist in Asheboro to schedule an appointment. We’ll help uncover the underlying cause of your pain and work with you to get you back to smiling comfortably in no time. 

Don’t Let Stress Damage Your Teeth

Posted by & filed under oral health, Gum Disease, Prevention.

stressed man with maskThe past year or so has been… interesting, to say the least. With lockdowns, working from home, schooling from home, and everything in between, it’s only normal to feel more stressed than usual. But during these times of increased stress, it’s more important than ever to take care of your health. After all, stress can put us at increased risk for health problems such as heart disease, gastrointestinal issues, and a less effective immune system. But that’s not all. Stress can also put your oral health at risk and require a visit to your dentist in Asheboro. 

How Stress Relates to Oral Health

There was an article published in the New York Times that details one dentist’s experience with seeing an increase in patients with dental damage during the pandemic. Now, while a pandemic is certainly a good reason to stress, there are other everyday stressors that can also cause problems with your oral health, with or without a pandemic. 

Teeth Clenching & Grinding – When we become stressed, we may notice an increased heart rate or feelings of anxiety. But what we may not notice, at least not right away, is how we clench our teeth together tightly or grind them back and forth against each other. But these two habits that often occur subconsciously can cause some serious problems in your mouth. Repeatedly clenching or grinding your teeth can cause teeth to chip, break, or crack, requiring restorative dentistry treatment from your dentist in Asheboro. What’s more, that repetitive movement and pressure of clenching and grinding your teeth can put excessive stress on the jaw joint. Over time, this can cause TMD (temporomandibular disorder), a painful condition that causes jaw popping, jaw pain, or clicking of the jaw. 

Gum Disease – High stress levels may also increase the risk of developing gum disease. Gum disease is a serious infection in the mouth that can lead to tooth loss and other problems throughout the body including heart disease, kidney disease, and even some cancers. Gum disease can be treated and reversed if caught early, but in its more advanced stages, it becomes irreversible. Gum disease is usually the result of poor oral hygiene, but stress can also put you at risk for this concerning problem. If you notice signs of gum disease including red swollen gums, bleeding when your brush or floss, or chronic bad breath, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Asheboro. 

Canker Sores – We’re all pretty familiar with canker sores — those painful lip sores that seem to pop up from nowhere. While there is no concrete cause behind these pesky pimple-like sores, research conducted by the Academy of General Dentistry suggests a possible correlation between stress and the development of canker sores. Even though these sores can be painful, they’re not contagious and should go away on their own. 

Lower Stress, Protect Your Health

Whenever you’re feeling stressed out, it’s important to try some stress-reducing activities to ease your mind and protect your oral and overall health. Some things you can try include:

  • Sleeping. Aim to get 8 hours of sleep a night to refresh your mind and body. 
  • Exercising. A quick sweat session can release feel-good hormones called endorphins and lower stress. 
  • Meditating. There’s a ton of value in simply taking a few quiet minutes to just breathe. Focusing on your breath can lower your heart rate and make you feel more relaxed. 

Now more than ever, it’s important to do everything we can to manage stress to keep ourselves healthy. So get some sleep, get sweaty, and breathe it out. 

Can Wearing a Mask Cause Cavities? 

Posted by & filed under oral health, General Dental Articles.

young man in maskEven though 2020 is over and we can start to leave a lot of that crazy year behind us, one thing remains a constant in our everyday lives — face masks. Masks have become commonplace throughout the United States to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and are seen everywhere we go. From grocery stores to department stores, facemasks are here to stay (at least for a little while longer). But daily, long-term use of masks may cause some concerns for your dentist in Asheboro. 

*An Important Note About Facemasks 

Before we dive any further, we need to be clear that what we’re about to discuss does not outweigh the importance of continuing to wear a mask when in public or around other people. Please continue wearing masks when appropriate and use the provided tips to help combat any concerns we cover herein. 

Mouth Breathing

Most of us were not used to ever wearing a mask, let alone wearing them daily and for hours at a time. Because of this, some of our bodies needed to adjust to this new norm. One of the most common ways we adjusted was to start breathing out of our mouths instead of our noses. However, while this type of breathing may feel more comfortable, it is what concerns your dentist in Asheboro.

Mouth breathing, whether due to wearing a mask or for other reasons such as a stuffy nose, can quickly dry out saliva. This reduction in saliva will cause our mouths to dry out and feel uncomfortable. But the discomfort of dry mouth isn’t the only thing that’s concerning. Without saliva, bad bacteria and acids are left behind which can increase the risk of decay and other problems.  

Bad Breath & Cavities

The bacteria and acid buildup that often occurs as a side effect of dry mouth puts our teeth at risk for decay and cavities. Since dangerous acid is left behind and not neutralized by saliva, the acid can wear away at the enamel, making it easy for bacteria to settle in and cause cavities. Additionally, these same bacteria will feed on anything left behind in the mouth and continue to produce even more acid, and the cycle continues. What’s more, is these bacteria will also produce a smelly byproduct and can cause bad breath. 

Avoiding Dry Mouth

Now, while the above may seem concerning, the good news about all of this is that your dentist in Asheboro knows of some simple things you can do to reduce the risk of dry mouth and the concerns that go along with it including: 

  • Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep the mouth hydrated and moist. 
  • Sucking on sugar-free hard candies or chewing gum with Xylitol. Both of these tricks can stimulate saliva production. 
  • Brushing and flossing every day to help remove bacteria buildup. 

Dry mouth can be more than uncomfortable, but there are ways your dentist in Asheboro can help. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today to find the best dry mouth solution for you. 

Make 2021 The Year You Finally Get Your Ideal Smile

Posted by & filed under Cosmetic Dentistry, oral health.

Williams DentistryIt’s easy to put off taking care of yourself. After all, we all know what it’s like when work, life, family, and other obligations get in the way. However, we’ve just turned the calendar on a new year, and it’s tradition to set some resolutions for yourself now for the rest of the year. Many times, these resolutions revolve around health or appearance and can include things like eating better, losing weight, or quitting smoking. But your dentist in Asheboro wants to encourage you to also resolve to make more time for yourself and invest in what you want, such as a new smile. 

Transforming Smiles One Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment at a Time

An unfortunate fact is that over one-third of Americans aren’t happy with their smiles. What about you? When it’s time to get your picture taken do you hide your smile? When you look at your teeth in the mirror do you like what you see? If not, you may be a perfect candidate for some type of cosmetic dentistry from your dentist in Asheboro. 

When some people think of cosmetic dentistry, they picture lengthy, expensive treatments that are only reserved for the rich and famous. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, there are many cosmetic dentistry treatments available and your dentist can help you find the best one for your needs and your budget. 

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments to Transform Your Smile 

  • Professional Teeth Whitening

The fastest, easiest, and often most affordable way to update your smile is through a teeth whitening treatment. Even though there are many products available and you can buy teeth whitening treatments at the grocery store or even online, we always recommend a professional in-office or take-home whitening provided by your dentist. The truth is, not all of the over-the-counter products will work the way you want. Additionally, your teeth need to be healthy enough for a whitening solution so start your smile-whitening journey by scheduling an appointment with your dentist in Asheboro. 

  • Smile Makeover

On the other end of the spectrum, a smile makeover is a custom comprehensive approach to changing your smile. This solution is often reserved for those with complex or advanced needs and involves several combined individual cosmetic dentistry treatments. Your dentist will talk with you about what you’re looking to change and develop a plan just for you. 

  • Dental Veneers

Another popular and easy form of cosmetic dentistry is dental veneers. Veneers are thin pieces of ceramic that are bonded to the surface of teeth and basically cover up areas you don’t like. Veneers can help when teeth whitening doesn’t work for stains that are too deep. They can also fix cracks and gaps in teeth. Each veneer is a custom shape and color to give a natural appearance. 

2021 is well underway, and there’s never been a better time to make a commitment to yourself. Resolve to take better care of your oral and overall health. And if you’re ready to make an investment in your smile, call your dentist in Asheboro to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain

Posted by & filed under General Dental Articles.

toothacheA dull and achy throb. A sharp zinging pain. A swollen face and unbearable agony. These are some common ways our patients have described a toothache. Even though nobody ever wants to experience a toothache, your dentist in Asheboro knows that, unfortunately, they happen to just about everyone at least once. While the cause behind each toothache can differ from person to person, there are few common causes of tooth pain that may explain why you’re feeling what you’re feeling. 

Top 5 Causes of Tooth Pain

There are countless reasons why someone may have tooth pain, and the best way to find out what’s truly causing your specific pain is to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Asheboro. However, in the meantime, here are a few possible explanations for what may be going on in your mouth. 

  • You have a cavity. A tiny cavity may not cause any pain, but the longer a cavity goes untreated, the more likely it is that it will get bigger and cause pain. Cavities can usually be treated with fillings but if they’re too big or too deep, you may need a root canal to relieve the pain. 
  • You have an abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth is an area of infection that can cause pain and can occur in various places throughout the mouth. Pain associated with an abscess can feel throbby and you may even feel it up into your jaw or ears. 
  • You lost a filling. Any number of things can cause a filling to become loose and fall out. When this happens, the inner workings of the tooth, including the nerves, can become exposed. This can cause pain, but it doesn’t always. You may actually notice increased tooth sensitivity or actually feel the hole before you get a toothache. 
  • You cracked a tooth. A cracked tooth can happen as a result of trauma or constant tooth clenching or grinding. You may not even be able to see the break or crack but if it’s deep enough or not treated, it can cause pain.  
  • You have gum disease. We know we’re talking about tooth pain and not gum pain, but the truth is, the two can be difficult to tell apart. Gum disease can first show signs as swollen gums and pain that can seem like tooth pain. It’s important to treat gum disease sooner rather than later because as the disease progresses it becomes harder to treat and can lead to whole-body health concerns, increased pain, and even tooth loss. 

Remember, this is not an all-inclusive list and the cause of your toothache may be something not listed here. Schedule an appointment with your dentist so you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Relieving Toothache Pain

Even though you still need to see your dentist in Asheboro, there are a few ways that have been known to help patients relieve tooth pain including: 

  • Oral Anesthetic. We always recommend having an over-the-counter oral anesthetic in your medicine cabinet for unexpected toothaches. This numbing agent can give you brief periods of toothache relief. 
  • Oil of Cloves. If you’re looking for a more natural option, look no farther than oil of cloves. Working much like over-the-counter anesthetics, oil of cloves can temporarily ease tooth pain. 
  • Salt Water. This trusted remedy for sore throats also works for tooth pain. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water a few times throughout the day to dry out any fluid buildup that may be putting pressure on your nerves and causing pain.
  • Ice. If you have swelling, wrap a cold compress, a frozen bag of peas, or plain old ice in a cloth and apply it to your face to reduce swelling. It can stay there for up to 15 minutes, then make sure to remove it for at least another 15 before reapplying.  
  • Anti-inflammatories. Anti-inflammatories do just as their name suggests — they reduce inflammation and, as a result, pain. If you can take the over-the-counter pills, use them only as directed. 

We never want anyone to experience the discomfort of a toothache, but we’re happy to be here to help if one does pop up. Call us to schedule an appointment and get relief quickly. 

Stop Tooth Staining in its Tracks

Posted by & filed under Dental Hygiene, oral health.

Williams DentistryDo you find yourself covering your mouth when you laugh? Or maybe you hide your smile in photos because you’re embarrassed by the color of your teeth. Tooth discoloration and tooth staining are some of the main reasons people go out of their way to avoid showing their teeth. While there are plenty of reasons why your teeth can be stained, from health issues to medications and even things like coffee and wine, your dentist in Asheboro wants you to know that there are also ways you can stop staining in its tracks. 

Quit Smoking

Perhaps the top cause of tooth discoloration and unsightly staining is smoking. The tobacco and other ingredients in cigarettes are known to coat teeth and cause yellowing. Additionally, since smoking is usually a habit that’s done several times throughout the day, teeth are constantly exposed to the staining ingredients, making the stains more severe and harder to remove. Your dentist in Asheboro supports quitting smoking – as it’s a leading cause of additional oral health problems such as oral cancer.   

Eat Foods that Help

We all know that certain foods and drinks can cause tooth staining such as red wine, tea, coffee, soda, and even pasta sauce. But there are also some foods that can actually help reduce staining. Snacking on crunchy vegetables and fruits, and even some types of cheese gently scrub the surface of teeth and can effectively remove some staining in the process. 

Brush After Meals

One of the best things you can do for both the appearance of your smile and the health of it is to brush your teeth twice a day. However, brushing your teeth after meals, in addition to brushing in the morning and at night, can go even further in preventing staining and decay. After all, the sooner you’re able to remove anything that can cause staining, the less of a chance it has to discolor your teeth.  

Swish, Rinse, & Chew

For those times when you can’t brush your teeth after eating, the next best thing you can do is swish and rinse your mouth out with water. Water will help wash away any lingering staining agents before they have a chance to settle in and cause discoloration. If you want to take it one step further, chew sugarless gum to remove even more food particles.

Choose a Straw

A simple way to reduce the risk of tooth discoloration when drinking tooth-staining beverages is to sip them through a straw. Straws essentially allow the liquid to bypass teeth and lowers the likelihood of staining. There are several reusable straws you can buy and carry with you in case you run into a situation where straws aren’t available. 

Even though there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of staining, tooth discoloration can, and does, still happen. In this case, there are several cosmetic dentistry options available to reverse discoloration and whiten teeth. From tooth whitening treatments to dental veneers, your dentist in Asheboro can help find the best cosmetic dentistry for you. 

Stop covering your smile for pictures or when you laugh. Call us today to figure out how you can get the white smile you deserve. 

What Your Dentist Can Tell Just From Looking at Your Teeth

Posted by & filed under oral health, Dental Hygiene.

Williams DentistryYour dentist in Asheboro will often ask you things about your overall health as well as your habits, and with good reason. But there are times when patients aren’t comfortable sharing some aspects of their life with their dental team and instead try to keep these things a secret. However, we have a secret of our own — we most likely already know your secrets. 

There are some things your dentist can tell you about you just from looking at your teeth, even if you don’t volunteer that information with them. Let’s take a look at some of the things your dentist in Asheboro may notice about you and your habits. 

  • You’re a Nail Biter

Why would your dentist care if you nervously or habitually bite your nails? Well, nail biters often have tiny chips or cracks in their teeth that may be invisible to the naked eye but can show up on dental x-rays. These cracks provide a great place for bacteria to nestle in and increase the likelihood of decay. Nail biters may also suffer from TMD or TMJ thanks to changes in their bite. TMD/TMJ disorder can be a painful condition that may also lead to headaches and increased jaw pain or jaw clicking. 

  • You’re a Smoker

One of the most common habits patients try to hide is being a smoker. They’ll use perfume, mints, mouthwash, and everything in between to try and cover up the smell of cigarettes. But the truth is, your dentist in Asheboro can probably still tell that you smoke. You see, cigarette smoke doesn’t just disappear. In fact, the smell can seep into the soft tissues of your mouth and linger around long after you light up. Additionally, smokers tend to have telltale tooth staining as a result of the nicotine.  

  • You Don’t Floss as Much as You Should

We know that you don’t like to floss, nobody does. But it is incredibly important that you do your best to floss every day. If you don’t, and you save your annual flossing session to the day before or the day of your appointment, we’ll know. Patients who avoid flossing often have swollen, red gums that bleed almost as soon as their appointment begins. Bleeding gums are unhealthy gums and may be a sign of gum disease. 

  • You Don’t Brush Often Enough

Similarly to flossing, your dental team will also be able to tell if you don’t brush your teeth often enough or even if you brush too hard. Those who don’t brush the recommended two times a day will often have larger areas of tartar buildup and puffy, red gums. Additionally, if you brush too hard you may have gum recession or worn enamel which can cause tooth sensitivity and increase your chances of cavities. 

We encourage you to always be honest with your dentist in Asheboro and every member of your healthcare team. If we don’t know about certain things that can affect both your health and your treatment, you won’t get the best care possible for you. We understand that some things may be embarrassing to share, but it’s important to know that your dental team is only here to help you, not to judge you. 

Do Diabetics Need Additional Dental Care? 

Posted by & filed under oral health, Dental Hygiene, Gum Disease.

Williams DentistryEvery time you visit your dentist in Asheboro you will most likely review your health history and discuss any changes that may have happened since your last appointment. This is an important part of making sure you get the best dental care, but why? Your dentist needs to know what may be going on in other areas of your body because sometimes whole-body problems such as diabetes can increase your risk of dental problems. During this Diabetes Awareness Month, we want to share a few reasons why diabetics may need more dental care than non-diabetics. 

Diabetes & Gum Disease

One of the main reasons diabetics may need more dental care is because of the strong link between diabetes and gum disease. In fact, diabetics are at greater risk for gum disease than those without diabetes. Gum disease is an infection that affects the gum tissues. It’s caused by an increase in bacteria that have worked their way up under the gum line. Gum disease can put someone at risk for tooth loss and whole-body problems such as heart disease. But that’s not all. Gum disease, like any infection, can also cause blood sugar levels to increase, making diabetes more difficult to manage. 

Caring for Your Oral Health

Because of the increased risk of gum disease, your dentist in Asheboro recommends that diabetics commit to following good oral hygiene habits. The best way to protect your teeth is to brush for two minutes every day and gently scrub your tongue to remove bacteria. Additionally, make sure you floss daily. Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride for added defense, brush in gentle circles, and use a brush with soft bristles. This will help thoroughly clean your teeth without damaging them. And as always, make sure you also see your dentist every six months. 

Measure Blood Glucose

The 30 million Americans living with diabetes know just how important it is to measure their blood sugar regularly. They also know that keeping blood glucose levels in check is crucial to protecting their health. Your dentist in Asheboro encourages all diabetics to measure and record their blood sugar levels daily. Your dental team may even ask for the results of some of your diabetes blood tests (the A1C or fasting blood glucose) or about your need for antibiotics before and after dental treatment for uncontrolled diabetes. 

Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy

Avoiding or limiting sugary foods is an everyday part of a diabetic’s life, and it should come as no surprise that this can help protect your teeth, too. But eating healthy goes beyond restricting sugar. Diabetics can benefit from choosing fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Of course, we always recommend working with your doctor to find a diet plan that’s right for you. 

The team at our dental office in Asheboro believes in caring for our patients’ overall health. This means asking for health history, changes in health, and changes in medication. If you’re diabetic, sharing this information can help us better protect your oral and overall health.

Why is Dental Care So Important?

Posted by & filed under Dental Hygiene, oral health.

Williams DentistryWe all know that good dental care helps protect teeth against cavities. But did you know that maintaining good oral health can also help protect overall health? In fact, research continues to show us that dental care is key to a healthy body. Join your dentist in Asheboro as we take a look at some of the ways oral health is connected to overall health. 

Gum Health 

When many of us think about dental care we immediately think about teeth. However, we can’t ignore the gums. Gum pockets provide an ideal place for bacteria to hide, and while some of the bacteria found in the mouth are harmless, some can lead to some serious problems including gum disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, study upon study is showing a strong connection between gum disease and many whole-body issues such as: 

  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • Low Birth Weight
  • Premature Births
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Stroke

How Does This Happen?

The mouth is the first part of both our digestive and respiratory systems, and when an infection such as gum disease affects the mouth, it can easily transfer throughout the body and increase the risk of some of the concerns above. This is why it’s so important to take care of your oral health. Proper brushing and flossing, as well as seeing your dentist in Asheboro regularly, can help remove dangerous bacteria and protect your overall health.

Teeth Matter, Too

While there’s a clear connection between gum disease and overall health problems, we can’t forget about our teeth. When you think about it, our teeth definitely play a role in our overall health, too. If we do not take care of our teeth, the plaque and bacteria buildup will lead to gum disease and increase the risk of those larger healthcare concerns. But that’s not all. Our teeth help us chew and allow us to eat a well-balanced diet. Proper nutrition helps fuel our bodies and provides key nutrients we need to stay healthy and fight off germs and bacteria. Limiting the amount of sugar you consume, drinking plenty of water, and using the “Food Plate” guidelines are all good places to start.  

Remember, your dentist in Asheboro is a key part of your healthcare team and can not only help keep your teeth healthy but can also help protect your overall health. Make sure to brush and floss every day and keep your dental appointments every six months. 

National Dental Hygiene Month

Posted by & filed under Dental Hygiene, oral health.

Williams DentistryOne of the most important parts of your regular dental visits is the time you spend with your dental hygienist. After all, these caring and invaluable team members provide preventive dentistry to each and every patient which helps keep their friends and neighbors healthy. So it only makes sense that there’s an entire month dedicated to dental hygienists, appropriately named National Dental Hygiene Month. Each October, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and Colgate sponsor the event that celebrates these dental professionals, and it’s certainly a celebration that your dentist in Asheboro can get behind. 

More Than a Cleaning 

Yes, dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning patients’ teeth and removing plaque and tartar buildup. But they’re also responsible for much more. Dental hygienists are often the first person you’ll meet at a dental office, and they’re usually the team members that you’ll spend the most time with. So let’s take a closer look at all of the things your dental hygienist may be responsible for (note: hygienists can have different duties depending on state regulations).   

  • Understanding Your Overall Health: Since your hygienist is often the first person you’ll see when you visit your dentist in Asheboro, it’s important that this person knows your oral and overall health history. Your hygienist will often review any paperwork you filled out, ask you questions about your oral hygiene routine and your overall health, and get to know you as a person. Understanding you and your overall will help them provide you with individualized care.  
  • Cleaning Your Teeth: As we’ve already mentioned and as we all already know, dental hygienists will gently remove plaque and tartar buildup, floss, and polish your teeth for a squeaky-clean feel.
  • Protecting Your Smile: As your hygienist cleans your teeth, they’ll also be looking for any areas of concern. If they find anything, they’ll let your dentist in Asheboro know during your exam. Additionally, dental hygienists may apply fluoride or sealants to help protect teeth from decay or sensitivity. 
  • Educating Patients: Patient education is another key responsibility of dental hygienists, and it’s one that many hygienists really like. Hygienists are passionate about oral healthcare and they’re happy to provide patients with tips on how to properly brush and floss.

The next time you’re due for a dental cleaning, make sure to thank your dental hygienist for all they do to help keep your teeth and overall health protected. If you have questions about oral hygiene, from finding the best toothbrush to how to eliminate bad breath, don’t hesitate to ask your hygienist. They’ll love to help.