Q: What causes bad breath?
A: There are many causes of bad breath, but the most common one is the accumulation of bacteria in your mouth. The easiest way to prevent bacteria buildup is to brush your teeth and tongue, floss and see your dentist regularly.

Q: What's hot in cosmetic dentistry?
A:The last 10 years or so has seen an explosion in cosmetic dentistry procedures, making it easier than ever to fix crooked teeth, bleach stains with teeth whitening kits and even reshape gummy smiles. Today, cosmetic dental procedures that were once viewed as luxuries are now becoming commonplace — particularly teeth whitening, enamel shaping and porcelain dental veneers. In fact, cosmetic dental work is, in many cases, a less invasive and more economic alternative to plastic surgery and other appearance-enhancing treatments!

Q: What does "good oral hygiene" really mean?
A: The phrase "good oral hygiene" refers to the three things you should do to take care of your teeth: 1) brush with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily; 2) eat a well-balanced low sugar diet; and 3) visit the dentist on a regular basis. These behaviours help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease and can keep your breath fresh. They will not only save your teeth — but will save you money too.

Q: Are dental implants better than dentures?
A: Dentures are a tried-and-true solution for replacing missing teeth, and advances in denture technology have improved the look, fit and feel of both partial and complete dentures. However, teeth implants have some advantages. Once inserted they feel just like a real teeth and because they're permanent, and you don't have to worry about them falling or slipping out. Teeth implants also look and feel like teeth so that you're less likely to feel self-conscious about having them in your mouth.

Q: What are dental restorations?
A: Dental restorations are commonly called fillings, and may be silver amalgam or tooth coloured. However dental crown are also a type of restorations. They can be used to cover a stained tooth or dental implant or hold a dental bridge in place. Dental bridge dental restorations are used to bridge the gap resulting from a missing tooth.

Q: My gums sometimes bleed. Do I have gum disease?
A: If you have bleeding gums, you probably have some type of gum disease. Similarly, if your gums are sore there may be a problem. The best way to find out is to visit your dentist for a complete evaluation. So while bleeding gums can be due to gingivitis, which can easily be cured with scaling and better oral hygiene, it can sometimes be a sign of periodontitis which is much more serious.

Q: How can I improve my dental health?
A: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss regularly. Avoid frequent sweet foods and drinks. And see your dentist regularly.

Q: I keep hearing about invisible dental braces. What are they?
A: The term "invisible braces" is used to describe new types of dental braces designed to look more natural than metal orthodontic braces. One type of invisible teeth braces uses clear brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic. Another type of invisible braces for teeth, Invisalign, is radically different: Instead of bracket and wire technology, Invisalign uses a set of clear plastic, removable aligners to gently shift teeth over time.

Q: Does root canal treatment hurt?
A: A root canal treatment is designed to eliminate the pain sometimes associated with root canal infection. Root canal therapy itself should not be painful; dentists anesthetic to numb the area so that you should feel little to no discomfort. If you suffer from dental anxiety and the thought of a root canal treatment makes you nervous, ask your dentist about sedation options.

Q: My teeth are stained from tetracycline use. Can teeth whitening help?
A: Unfortunately, most teeth whitening systems aren't effective on teeth with tetracycline stains. In some cases, repeated professional tooth whitening treatments can make some difference, but the results may be negligible. Porcelain veneers, which cover stained, crooked, gapped and chipped teeth, may be the best way to get white teeth instantly.