Brushing and flossing is essential for removing plaque on and around the teeth. When left on the teeth, plaque can turn into tartar, which then can result in decay, cavities and gum disease. Therefore, it is essential that you brush your teeth thoroughly at least two times a day to keep them as clean as possible. You should floss at least once a day.

While brushing your teeth is important, a toothbrush cannot remove plaque that builds up between the teeth. That’s why it is important to floss at least once a day, to remove that hard-to-reach plaque that can result in cavities and gum disease.

We recommend scheduling a routine cleaning and exam at least two times a year. This is important because during these appointments, not only do we remove any built-up plaque and tartar from the teeth, but we also check for signs of developing dental problems, such as decay and gum disease. We also perform an oral cancer screening. During these appointments, we may also recommend x-rays to ensure that there are no developing problems that can’t be caught during a visual exam. Regular cleanings and exams are an important part of your dental care!

Bad breath, or halitosis, can have several different causes, including consumption of certain foods, periodontitis (gum disease), cavities, dry mouth, smoking, dehydration, improper oral hygiene, as well as some medical issues. If you have bad breath, schedule an appointment with us, and we can help you determine the cause of the problem and offer solutions.

Gum disease begins as gingivitis, or irritation of the gums, and if left untreated, can develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis can result in tooth loss, which is why it is so important for gum disease to be caught as soon as possible. Sore, swollen, red, pussing or bleeding gums; bad breath; growing gaps between the teeth; loosened teeth; or receding gums are all signs of gum disease, and you should schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. Periodontitis can be prevented by maintaining a thorough dental hygiene regimen!

Periodontitis can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. If you are pregnant, periodontitis can cause an early birth. It can also worsen diabetes or respiratory disease. This is because gum disease is caused by bacteria, which can then enter the bloodstream and infect the organs. That’s why, when you maintain great dental and oral hygiene, you are taking care of your whole body!

A lack of confidence in your smile can affect all aspects of your life. Cosmetic dentistry is designed to help you achieve the beautiful, vibrant smile you have always wanted! Cosmetic dentistry includes a wide range of treatments, such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, tooth-colored crowns and fillings, and orthodontics. Our team will work with you to determine your unique goals for your smile, and we will then create a treatment plan to help you achieve those goals!

Teeth whitening is a great option for helping you achieve a brighter, whiter smile! At Drake & Seymour Dentistry, we offer several options for teeth whitening, including high-quality treatments from ZOOM!, BriteSmile® and Day White®. We provide both take-home and in-office whitening treatments, both of which are highly effective.

If you choose the take-home treatment, we will provide you with custom-created trays for your top and bottom teeth and a bleaching gel. We recommend wearing the gel-filled trays for 30 minutes, twice a day, for a few weeks for best results. The in-office treatment takes about one hour. We apply a high-strength bleaching gel to the teeth that quickly whitens your smile by several shades.

Both our take-home and in-office whitening treatments will help you achieve a beautiful smile, and they are both more effective and safer to use than over-the-counter whitening products.

Some patients are concerned about the safety of silver amalgam fillings because the silver contains a small amount of mercury. However, the amount of mercury these fillings contain is considered by the American Dental Association, the Center for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and the FDA to be safe. There has been no association between silver amalgam fillings and medical disease. If you are allergic to silver amalgam fillings, then you may experience health issues. However, allergic reactions to silver fillings are rare. If you need a filling, we will work closely with you to determine the best option for you!

Old fillings should be replaced, not only because they have most likely become unattractive, but because they also may not be as functional. Old fillings can be replaced by composite fillings that are custom-created to match the shade of your teeth. We can also replace them with tooth-colored crowns, inlays or onlays. To disguise unsightly fillings, we can use porcelain veneers. Our team will help you determine which option is best for you, so you can truly love your smile!

If you lose a tooth, it is very important to have it replaced. When a tooth is missing, the rest of the teeth may shift, resulting in an misaligned smile. A gap in the teeth leaves your gums susceptible to infection that can result in periodontitis. Plus, you may experience difficulty chewing or speaking with a missing tooth. Options for missing teeth include partial dentures, bridges, and dental implants. Partial dentures are removable, whereas bridges and dental implants are permanent. Our doctors will work with you to determine the best solution for your missing tooth or teeth.

Sealants can be used on patients of all ages, although they are usually recommended for children. Children’s back molars have grooved chewing surfaces, which makes them more difficult to properly clean. Sealants are plastic coatings used to smooth out the chewing surfaces, to protect them from collecting plaque that can lead to cavities.

An aligned smile can improve your confidence by improving your aesthetic appearance. However, it can also help prevent gum disease, Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ/TMD), injuries, and wearing down of the teeth. If you are hesitant about wearing braces, don’t worry! We offer clear aligner solutions to straighten your teeth virtually invisibly. If you are interested in orthodontics, schedule an appointment with us and we can discuss your options!

If your tooth is knocked out, try to find the tooth, and hold it by the chewing part. If the tooth needs to be rinsed, only use saliva or whole milk. Then, come to our office as soon as possible, within 30 minutes if you can. Try to place the tooth back into the socket. If you cannot do this, place the tooth into a container with a small amount of milk, or hold it under your tongue, making sure it does not dry out. Do not place it in a tissue or cloth! The sooner you can get to the dentist, the better the chance we have of saving the tooth.

Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are bonded on to the fronts of teeth to alter their appearance. Each veneer is custom-created to match the shape and color of your smile. Veneers can be used to disguise chips, cracks, gaps and discoloration in the teeth, as well as to change their shape or length. The beautiful smile you have always wanted can be achieved with porcelain veneers!