When you have tooth pain, you think to visit the dentist. But what about headaches, neck pain, or snoring? Dr. Robert Gauthier and his dental team have advanced training and experience in treating many types of dental concerns in Northborough, MA.
Dental problems like broken teeth, missing teeth, or teeth that are crooked are more than a cosmetic concern. These problems can have a significant impact on the overall health and function of your smile.
Dr. Gauthier puts a special focus in his office on treating adult patients with complex dental problems. We use the latest techniques and advanced technology to deliver safer, faster, and more predictable results.
High-Quality Dentistry
Dr. Gauthier has completed continuing education courses from SPEAR and the Dawson Academy. From these institutions, Dr. Gauthier learned how to comprehensively examine patients to target their oral health problems.
Dr. Gauthier takes note of the muscles and bones of the face and jaw to treat patients with bite disorders such as TMJ. This thorough approach to dentistry also allows Dr. Gauthier to provide professional and highly detailed cosmetic and restorative dental care.
Dr. Gauthier helps patients address the underlying causes of their cosmetic and functional dental concerns to ensure long-lasting, comfortable results. At Apex Dental, you can expect the dentist to listen to your concerns and goals and then develop a specialized treatment plan to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Understanding Your Oral Health
Taking care of your dental health is essential. The condition of your teeth, gums, and bite is closely connected to your overall health. Poor oral health can increase the risk of heart disease, other health problems, and make it harder to manage existing conditions.
A healthy, strong smile also boosts your confidence and can help you succeed in both your personal and professional life. Keep reading to learn about common dental concerns
Bleeding Gums
In many cases, bleeding gums are a common sign of severe gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss, bone deterioration, and heart disease. Hormonal changes or poor oral care can also increase the risk of bleeding gums
If you find that your gums are bleeding while you are brushing or flossing, contact our office. We can diagnose and treat whatever is causing the issue. To learn more about gum bleeding, see Bleeding Gums.
Frequent Headaches
Chronic headaches are often associated with bruxism or TMJ, both of which can be treated and prevented in our office. Chronic headaches can severely impact your daily life.
It is important to determine what may be causing them so you can treat the root of the issue. Contact our office if you have chronic headaches. To learn more about chronic headaches and what can be done to prevent them, see Frequent Headaches.
Missing Teeth
Missing teeth are a common dental concern. They may cause gum recession, shifting teeth, and other oral issues left untreated. We offer a variety of ways to replace missing teeth in our office with implant-supported crowns, bridges, and dentures. To learn more about lost teeth and how we treat them, see Missing Teeth.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can cause oral health and health complications. One of the signs you may have sleep apnea is if you or your partner notices that you snore at night. If left untreated sleep apnea can shorten patients’ lifespans by up to ten years.
We provide multiple options to treat sleep apnea and prevent further complications that it can cause. To learn more about this treatment in our office, see Snoring and Sleep Apnea.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is a common dental concern, that is medically known as bruxism. Many patients that grind their teeth are entirely unaware of it. Teeth grinding can affect the health and function of the teeth and gums. It can also cause teeth to be worn, and cause chronic headaches.
We typically treat teeth grinding using a bite guard to protect your teeth from wear. To learn more about bruxism and what can be done to prevent it, see Teeth Grinding.
Tooth Cavities
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental health concerns. It can affect patients of all ages. Tooth decay causes cavities, which need to be treated and filled so that they do not cause further damage and require a root canal or extraction. To learn more about cavities and how they are treated in our office, see Tooth Cavities.
How to Deal with Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, is a common problem. It can happen because of your daily habits or certain health issues. Often, making small changes in your habits or improving your oral hygiene can help with bad breath. Try these simple tips to keep your breath fresh:
- Brush and floss daily! Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes reduces bacteria in the mouth and removes food particles that become lodged and contribute to halitosis.
- Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash after brushing will boost the effects of tooth brushing. Avoid alcohol mouthwash because it dries the mouth and can contributes to bad breath.
- Reduce or eliminate the use of tobacco products.
- Eat a healthy and varied diet with fruits and vegetables which can often naturally eliminate harmful bacteria in the mouth.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Chew sugar-free gum after a meal.
Several health concerns can be the underlying cause of halitosis and need care:
- Gum disease or tooth cavities
- The use of certain medications
- Dry mouth, or xerostomia, caused by a variety of factors
- Respiratory infections, pneumonia
- Acid reflux
Halitosis can also signal systemic diseases such as diabetes or liver and kidney problems.
Request a Dental Consultation Today
Apex Dental is a family dentist office near you that offers preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry to children and adult patients. Our dental care team is committed to high-quality dentistry in a welcoming, state-of-the-art dentist office.
Our Apex Dental team believes that education and personalized care are key. Routine dental health care helps our patients maintain and restore their most natural, beautiful smiles.
We serve Northborough, Shrewsbury, Westborough, and surrounding communities with compassionate, personalized dentistry. To request your consultation with one of our highly qualified dentists, contact our office at (508) 506-1691.