Here are answers to some of the most common dental FAQs our patients ask about oral health and dentistry. If you have additional questions or want to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Bad breath, or halitosis, is common and can affect anyone, especially in the morning. It is mainly caused by bacteria that builds up on the back of your tongue. Brushing your tongue daily can reduce bad breath by up to 70 percent.
Other tips for fresh breath include brushing and flossing regularly, staying hydrated, and keeping routine dental checkups. If bad breath persists, your dentist can help identify the underlying causes and recommend solutions tailored to you.
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before bed, and floss once daily to control plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease. Plaque is a sticky film of food and bacteria that can turn into tartar if not removed, which may lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Tips for effective brushing and flossing:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle and clean all tooth surfaces.
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Electric toothbrushes can help remove plaque more efficiently.
- Use dental floss or a floss holder to clean between teeth and under the gumline.
- Rinse with water after brushing and meals if you cannot brush immediately.
Following these habits daily helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you need guidance, ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Yes. Amalgam fillings are made of silver, copper, tin, and mercury and have been safely used by dentists for more than 100 years. Major health organizations including the American Dental Association (ADA), CDC, World Health Organization, and FDA all agree that amalgam fillings are safe, durable, and cost effective.
Mercury can be toxic at high levels, but in amalgam it is bound to other metals, making it stable and safe. Allergic reactions are extremely rare.
If you prefer, there are alternatives such as tooth colored composite fillings, porcelain, or gold. Talk with our team at Williams Lake Smiles to choose the best option for your dental needs.
Most people should schedule a dental exam and cleaning at least twice a year. However, your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend more frequent visits based on your individual needs.
Regular checkups are essential for preventing dental problems and keeping your teeth and gums healthy. At Williams Lake Smiles, your exam and cleaning include:
- Medical history review – Helps us understand current health conditions, medications, and how they may affect your oral health.
- Diagnostic x-rays – Detect decay, cysts, tumors, bone loss, and tooth or root positioning.
- Oral cancer screening – Examining the lips, tongue, throat, gums, and tissues for early warning signs.
- Gum disease evaluation – Checking for signs of periodontal disease.
- Examination of tooth decay – Using special dental instruments to find cavities early.
- Assessment of existing restorations – Reviewing fillings, crowns, and other dental work.
- Removal of tartar (calculus) – Hardened plaque that can only be removed by a professional.
- Plaque removal – Clearing away bacteria and food debris that cause gum inflammation.
- Polishing – Removing surface stains for a smooth, clean finish.
- Oral hygiene recommendations – Advice on toothbrushes, flossing tools, rinses, and more.
- Dietary review – Discussing habits that impact your dental health.
A professional exam is much more than “just a cleaning.” It is a complete approach to protecting your oral health and overall well being. Learn more about diet and oral health and how your nutrition can impact your teeth.
Periodontal disease affects up to four out of five people, often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Unlike cavities, gum disease can be painless, which makes regular dental checkups essential for detection.
How it develops:
Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, food, and saliva, can inflame gums and slowly destroy the bone supporting your teeth. Brushing and flossing properly helps prevent this damage.
Risk factors include:
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Tobacco use – Increases plaque and tartar buildup.
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Dental conditions – Crowded teeth, ill-fitting bridges, or defective fillings.
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Medications – Some drugs reduce saliva, making plaque more likely to stick.
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Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty – Can cause changes in hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.
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Hormonal changes – Pregnancy, puberty, or oral contraceptives can make gums more sensitive.
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Systemic diseases – Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and certain blood disorders.
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Genetics – Family history may increase susceptibility to aggressive periodontitis.
Signs and symptoms to watch for:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth or new spacing between teeth
- Receding gums
- Pus around teeth or gums
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease. If you notice any of these signs, contact your dentist promptly for evaluation.
Brushing cleans most surfaces of your teeth, but it cannot reach the tight spaces between them. Daily flossing removes plaque and food particles from these areas, helping prevent cavities, gum inflammation, and periodontal disease.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, food, and saliva that produces acids harmful to teeth and gums. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, which can irritate your gums and slowly destroy the bone supporting your teeth. Flossing disrupts plaque colonies, keeping your gums, teeth, and bone healthy.
How to floss properly:
- Take 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) of floss, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) between your hands.
- Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion.
- Curve the floss around each tooth in a “C” shape and slide it under the gumline.
- Move the floss up and down to clean all sides.
- Floss holders can help if conventional floss is difficult to use.
Not a fan of traditional floss? Explore your flossing alternatives and see how dental floss compares to water flossers in our blog, Battle of the Interdental Cleaners–Dental Floss v. Water Flossers.
Flossing daily is a simple way to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life.
At Williams Lake Smiles, we offer a variety of cosmetic dental procedures to enhance your teeth and transform your smile. Here are some of the treatments we provide:
- Teeth Whitening: Brightens teeth that have been stained or discolored by age, food, drinks, or smoking, giving your smile a fresh, radiant look.
- Composite Fillings: Tooth-colored fillings repair cavities, chips, cracks, or discoloration while blending naturally with your surrounding teeth.
- Porcelain Veneers: Thin, custom-made shells are bonded to the front of teeth to improve color, shape, or alignment with minimal tooth preparation.
- Porcelain Crowns: Custom-made crowns restore and protect teeth that are broken, decayed, or too weak for fillings.
- Dental Implants: Artificial roots are placed in the jaw to securely support crowns, bridges, or dentures for missing teeth.
- Orthodontics & Aligners: Clear aligners or discreet braces straighten teeth effectively and comfortably, helping you achieve a balanced and confident smile.
Modern cosmetic dentistry at Williams Lake Smiles can dramatically improve your smile, whether you want to restore a single tooth or achieve a full smile makeover.
Schedule a consultation today to explore which cosmetic treatments are right for you and discover how we can help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
Porcelain veneers are very thin, custom-crafted shells of tooth-colored porcelain that cover the fronts of your teeth. They are highly durable, stain-resistant, and designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them a popular choice for patients in Williams Lake looking to restore or improve the appearance of their smile.
Veneers can correct a variety of dental conditions, including:
- Severely discolored or stained teeth
- Unwanted or uneven spaces between teeth
- Worn, chipped, or fractured teeth
- Slight crowding or misalignment
- Misshapen teeth
- Teeth that are too small or too large for your smile
The porcelain veneer process typically requires two visits:
- During the first visit, your teeth are lightly buffed and shaped to allow for the thin veneers. Impressions (molds) of your teeth are taken and sent to a professional dental laboratory, where each veneer is custom-made to match your tooth color, shape, and size.
- At the second visit, veneers are carefully fitted and bonded to your teeth using special dental cements. A specialized light may be used to secure and harden the bond for long-lasting results.
Porcelain veneers are an excellent way to achieve a natural, beautiful smile. At Williams Lake Smiles, our team works closely with each patient to design veneers that enhance both the aesthetics and health of your teeth, helping you achieve a confident, radiant smile.
Contact us today at 250-398-8411 to schedule a consultation and find out if porcelain veneers are right for you.
At Williams Lake Smiles, we offer professional teeth whitening treatments that can transform your smile safely and effectively. Whether your teeth have become dull from age, coffee, tea, wine, or smoking, modern whitening techniques can help restore a youthful, confident look.
Why teeth become discolored:
- Aging and enamel wear
- Stains from food, drinks, or smoking
- Childhood medications or excess fluoride
Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity, which usually resolves within a few days. Touch-ups may be needed every few years. At-home whitening options are also available, using whitening gel in custom trays worn daily for several weeks. Learn more about our full range of cosmetic dentistry procedures that can enhance your smile.
Professional teeth whitening at Williams Lake Smiles can give you a whiter, healthier smile. Contact us today at 250-398-8411 to schedule your consultation.
Straighter teeth are easier to clean, bite, chew, and speak with, while also enhancing the appearance of your smile. Orthodontic treatments and clear aligner solutions at Williams Lake Smiles improve both aesthetics and long-term dental health.
Crooked teeth, or malocclusion, can take several forms, including overbite, underbite, crossbite, and overcrowding. These alignment issues can impact both the functionality and cosmetic appearance of your teeth.
Potential problems associated with misaligned teeth include:
- Periodontitis (gum disease): Crooked teeth are harder to clean, allowing plaque and bacteria to accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, increasing the risk of gum disease
- Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ): Misaligned teeth can lead to improper jaw alignment, causing jaw pain, headaches, teeth grinding, or lockjaw.
- Tooth injury: Crooked teeth are more vulnerable to damage, while straight teeth form a stronger, protective alignment.
- Uneven wear: Misaligned teeth can cause some teeth to bear more force, increasing wear, injury risk, and reducing aesthetic appeal.
Treatment options at Williams Lake Smiles:
Orthodontic braces – Fixed braces gradually straighten teeth for most alignment issues. They provide reliable, long-lasting results while improving your bite, speech, and overall dental health.
Custom aligners – These nearly invisible trays gently correct mild to moderate misalignment. Replaced every few weeks, they offer a discreet, convenient way to achieve a straighter, healthier smile. Clearline Invisible Braces, a Canadian-made system, deliver comfortable and effective results.
Straightening your teeth improves oral health, functionality, and confidence. Contact Williams Lake Smiles today to learn which orthodontic solution is right for you.
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If you have a question about your dental health or procedures and did not find the answer above, give us a call at 250-398-8411, or visit our office, we're always happy to help.
