Brush your teeth at least once a day, more if you can. The goal is to remove bacteria and prevent them from multiplying and spreading. They give off acid excretions, and anything acid is destructive to tooth enamel.

Use a soft toothbrush. A brush with stiff bristles can be damaging to gum tissue and cause the gums to recede back from the teeth.

Floss your teeth daily. Brushing cleans the front and back surfaces but not the sides, which are set closely against the neighboring teeth. Use an up-and-down motion, curving the floss against the tooth on one side, then against the tooth on the other side.

Get fluoride treatments from your dentist. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel.

Over time everyone’s teeth will become dull. Many factors contribute to staining and discoloration including:

1. Consuming staining foods and beverages such as coffee, black tea, red wine, or dark berries
2. Excessive fluoride
3. Tobacco use
4. Dental trauma
5. Certain medications

Invisalign straightens your teeth without the need for unsightly braces. Instead, it uses a system of clear trays. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners, much like retainers, to gradually move your teeth into the proper position.

Periodontal disease (also known as periodontal infection, gum disease or pyorrhea) is an ongoing infection in the gums around your teeth. The cause of periodontal disease is infectious bacteria that gets deep into your gums and causes tissue inflammation.

This infection starts destroying the bone that supports your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.

Lasers have forever changed the care we can provide. In Dr. Pavlov’s office, lasers are utilized to recontour gum tissue for a more pleasing appearance, to treat periodontal disease and even to detect decay in teeth much earlier than dentists have been able to in the past.

They are often placed in highly visible areas, but there is more than just the metallic appearance of the new amalgam filling to worry about. Over time they become dark and tarnished, they can leave dark stains on your teeth, and they can show through the enamel.