Bridge vs Partial

QUESTION: I have a bridge that is failing.  My dentist has recommended that we go with a partial.  I’m not sure if I like the idea of removing the partial each night and having the clip visible in the front of my teeth.  Whats your thoughts? ANSWER: Since your dentist is not recommending a new bridge I am assuming once …

Sinus Infection

QUESTION: I have an ongoing sinus infection and was wondering if my tooth that needs to be pulled could be causing it? ANSWER: If the infected tooth which needs to be pulled is an upper back tooth then yes it is very likely that it could be affecting your sinus. Most of the time removing the bad tooth will resolve …

5 Year Old Has Underbite

QUESTION: My 5 year old son had his teeth examined and the dentist referred him to an orthodontist because he has the opposite of an overbite and his top teeth are wearing down his bottom teeth. Dentist states jaw may be growing faster then top. What should I expect? Any advise? Should I be seriously concerned? ANSWER: My advise is …

Halitosis

QUESTION: My husband seems to have halitosis but I’m too scared to tell him. He takes Keppra for seizures. Can this be a side-effect? ANSWER: The bad breath is probably not related to his medication. Most bad breath comes from a build up of plaque (bacteria) on the top of the tongue which produce odor containing compounds. When we exhale …

Fractured Tooth Root

QUESTION: I have been told I have a fractured tooth root. I have no symptoms at all in that tooth. It has been 2 months since I was told that. Could the dentist be wrong with this evaluation? ANSWER: It is possible to have a fractured tooth root and not have any symptoms. It is also possible that the dentist …

Healing after a Root Canal

QUESTION: I had a root canal done in January. It’s been tender in the gum area ever since and I just assumed it was still in the healing process. When I finally went back last week to have it looked at, I realized a bump on my gum in the area. It doesn’t hurt really bad but is tender when …

Missing Tooth

QUESTION: My teeth are not that crooked but one tooth did not grow in. Therefore no space is available at all and my teeth grew leaving no space as if the missing tooth wasn’t going to grow in in the first place. I was wondering if it is possible for me to get a dental implant in that spot and …

Baking Soda for Teeth Cleaning?

QUESTION: Does baking soda help clean your teeth out of grocery stores in the Arm-n-hammer box? ANSWER: It is fine to brush with baking soda right out of the Arm-n-hammer box. It is slightly abrasive and slightly antiseptic. It probably is not better for you than using a dry toothbrush to clean your teeth, and I would still recommend you …