Regular, 6-month checkups and cleanings can prevent more serious conditions from happening. However, if you experience any of the following common ailments, you should seek dental consultation. Our staff can assist you with any questions you may have.

• Bleeding after brushing or flossing: If you bleed often, this is a sign of periodontal disease and should be seen by a dental professional for assessment.


• Receding gums: Some recession can be a sign of gum disease. When caught early enough, treatment can stop or even reverse the process.


• Dry mouth: A healthy mouth is lubricated by saliva which neutralizes acids produced by plaque. Our dentist will recommend ways to restore that moisture.


• Loose or damaged teeth: If your teeth have been cracked or chipped, or even knocked out during an activity, seek treatment as soon as possible.


• Toothache/headaches/jaw pain: Jaw issues can cause ongoing headaches. Any pain or sensitivity could have multiple causes that should be diagnosed by a dentist.


• Abscessed tooth or severe swelling: These are signs of infection and will require professional diagnosis and a treatment plan as soon as possible.


• Discomfort with your smile: Whether you’re feeling self-conscious, or looking for a better, brighter smile, don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to your dentist about it.


• You’ve had dental work done before: Regular cleanings will keep your fillings, crowns, implants, or dentures in good condition.


• You have an ongoing illness: If you have a medical condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or even cancer, include our dentists as part of your medical team.


• You’re pregnant: Hormone changes can greatly affect your health, and that includes your dental health as well. Regular checkups should be part of your treatment plan.


• You have trouble eating: Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or opening your mouth is not normal. Try to eat soft, or liquified, foods until you can see one of our dentists.


• You use tobacco: Common issues with using tobacco range from just bad breath to more serious ailments such as oral cancer.

To keep your teeth happy and healthy, you should practice good oral hygiene daily.

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes at a time. Use a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste to protect yourself from plaque and tartar.


• Add flossing to your daily routine. Your brush can’t reach those tight spaces between teeth, your mouth isn’t entirely clean until you’ve flossed!


• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to remove any remaining food particles left behind after brushing and flossing. It also leaves your breath feeling fresh.


• A healthy diet that limits sugary food and drinks will protect your tooth’s enamel from further acid. This includes sour treats, as well.


• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or even sooner if you notice your bristles are splayed, flattened, or worn down.


• Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings with West Lakes Dentistry. A professional cleaning is 40% more effective than just typical home care.


• Avoid the use of tobacco products. From traditional smoking to chews or pouches, all of these products will wear down your enamel and even your gums.

Helmets: High-impact sports such as skating, hockey, biking, or football pose a great risk to your head and mouth. A correctly fitted helmet will significantly reduce your chance of a serious injury.

Mouth Guards: The safest piece of equipment you can use for your teeth is a mouth guard. We recommend choosing our custom-made sports mouthguards to protect your smile! We offer discounted student prices, so be sure to check these out!

People of all ages should see a dental professional! For children, the recommended age is 12 months or 6 months after their first tooth appears. Their first exam will cover your child’s overall health, growth, and development to make sure they’re on the right track.

Persistent bad breath, known as halitosis, may be a warning sign of gum disease or even more serious illnesses including gastric reflux, kidney or liver disease, and even diabetes.

You should be visiting our office during your pregnancy. Hormone changes in the body can greatly affect your oral health with a greater risk of tooth decay and a common condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis.” This is an inflammation of the gums that causes swelling and tenderness.