Curious About Your Smile? Get the Answers You Need

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and can usually be reversed with consistent care. Brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, floss once daily to remove plaque between teeth, and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash. Professional dental cleanings are essential to remove tartar buildup that brushing can’t reach. Stay on top of regular checkups and check out our What Does Good Oral Hygiene Really Look Like article for dentist-approved routines and tips.

Preventing cavities starts with brushing twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals, and drink plenty of water to help rinse away bacteria. After eating, wait 30 minutes before brushing. Brushing too soon can harm enamel. Routine dental visits are key, but these habits at home play a big role in keeping your teeth cavity-free.

It’s normal for teeth to feel a bit sore or sensitive after a cleaning, especially if it's been a while since your last visit or there was a lot of plaque or tartar buildup. During the cleaning, your dentist or hygienist removes buildup from the enamel and below the gumline, which can temporarily expose sensitive areas. This sensation usually fades within a day or two. Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help ease discomfort.

After a deep cleaning, it's important to maintain excellent oral hygiene to promote healing. Gently brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use an antimicrobial mouthwash (typically labeled on the bottle) if recommended by your dentist. Avoid eating hard, sticky, or spicy foods for a few days, and drink plenty of water. Floss daily once tenderness subsides. Attend follow-up appointments and regular dental cleanings to keep gum disease from returning.

Annual dental X-rays are an important part of preventive dental care. They can help detect cavities, bone loss, and other hidden oral health issues before they become serious. While not everyone needs X-rays every year, your dentist will recommend them based on your age, dental history, and risk level. Modern digital X-rays are very safe—they use minimal radiation, typically less than what you're exposed to in a short airplane flight.

If your dentist recommends a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), it's usually because you show signs of gum disease—such as deep pockets between your teeth and gums, tartar buildup below the gumline, or bleeding gums. Unlike a regular cleaning, which focuses on the surface of your teeth, a deep cleaning removes bacteria and plaque from below the gumline to prevent bone loss and help your gums heal. It’s a crucial step in stopping periodontal disease from progressing.

“Watch areas” are early signs of potential tooth decay that haven't yet formed a full cavity. These spots may show slight enamel weakening or discoloration and are monitored over time to see if they worsen. Your dentist may recommend improving your oral hygiene, using fluoride toothpaste, or making dietary changes to help prevent these areas from turning into cavities. Catching these spots early can help you avoid fillings or more invasive treatments.

Brushing and flossing are essential, but cavities can still develop due to factors like diet (frequent sugar or acid intake), dry mouth, genetics, or ineffective brushing technique. Even daily oral hygiene may not fully remove plaque in hard-to-reach areas. Using fluoride toothpaste, limiting sugary snacks, drinking plenty of water, and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups can help reduce your cavity risk. At Light Dental, we may also recommend additional preventive treatments like sealants or fluoride rinses, depending on the patient

Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. It works by repairing early signs of tooth decay and making teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugary foods. Using fluoride toothpaste daily and drinking water with fluoride are important for maintaining healthy teeth. It is recommended that all patients receive fluoride treatment during their routine visits to provide additional protection.

Bad breath (halitosis) that persists even after brushing and flossing can be caused by underlying issues like gum disease, dry mouth, lingering bacteria on the tongue, or certain medical conditions. Foods like garlic, onions, and coffee can also contribute, as can tobacco use. If proper oral hygiene doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s important to see your dentist—persistent bad breath may be a sign of a deeper dental or health concern that needs attention.

Check out this video where our very own Dr. Broughton and Dr. Dunn discuss causes of bad breath in more detail.

Even if your teeth look and feel healthy, visiting the dentist every 6 months is key to catching issues early, before they become painful or costly. Regular checkups help detect cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other problems that might not show symptoms right away. Professional cleanings also remove plaque and tartar that daily brushing can miss, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum inflammation. Routine dental visits are essential for maintaining long-term oral health and avoiding unexpected problems. You can schedule your routine checkups with Light Dental at a location near you: https://lightdentalstudios.com/find-dentist-near-me/

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease, as well as placing dental implants. They receive advanced training beyond dental school to manage complex periodontal conditions, perform deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), gum grafts, and surgeries to restore gum and bone health. If you have symptoms like bleeding gums, gum recession, or loose teeth, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist for specialized care.

At Light Dental, we have specialties in-house, including our periodontists, Dr. Yin, Dr. Evan Kang, Dr. Ya Wei Chen, and Dr. Gharpure so you can get all the care you need at your convenience.

At your consultation, you’ll receive a thorough exam from one of our trusted doctors. We’ll take digital X-rays if needed, talk about your dental health, review treatment options, and discuss your goals. We're here to provide expert care and help you achieve the healthy, confident smile you deserve.

Some discomfort and minor bleeding after a tooth extraction are normal in the first 24–48 hours. However, if the bleeding is heavy, continues beyond that period, or if the pain worsens instead of improving, it may be a sign of complications such as a dry socket or dental infection. If pain or bleeding persists, contact our dental office as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is healing properly. In the meantime, gently bite down on clean gauze to help control bleeding, avoid rinsing vigorously, and refrain from smoking or using straws, as these can interfere with the tooth extraction healing process. Call the Light Dental Studios location nearest you or our after-hours emergency dental care line at (253) 719-3070. We are here to help.

You should call your doctor after dental care if you experience any unusual symptoms or signs of complications. This includes severe or worsening pain, prolonged bleeding beyond 24–48 hours, swelling that increases instead of decreases, signs of infection such as fever or pus, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or if something doesn’t feel right with your healing process. It’s always better to reach out with any concerns, no matter how big or small. Call the Light Dental Studios office nearest you, and we’ll answer your questions and help you feel confident about your smile again.

• Bleeding: Bite gently but firmly on the gauze pad placed over the extraction site for 30–45 minutes to control bleeding. If bleeding continues, replace with fresh gauze and bite down for another 30 minutes. 
• Pain & Swelling: Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed. Use an ice pack on the cheek near the extraction area for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. 
• Eating & Drinking: Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods for 24 hours. Stick to soft, cool foods and drink plenty of water. Avoid using straws and smoking to prevent dry socket. 
• Oral Hygiene: Do not rinse your mouth vigorously or brush near the extraction site for the first 24 hours. After that, gently rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz water) several times a day, especially after meals. 
• Rest: Take it easy for the first 24 hours and avoid strenuous activity to help with healing. 

Post-Op Instructions for Gum Graft Surgery 

• Bleeding & Swelling: Some bleeding and swelling are normal. Use ice packs on your face near the graft site for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off for the first 24 hours. 
• Eating & Drinking: Stick to a soft or liquid diet for at least a week. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods that can irritate the graft site. Avoid hot drinks initially. 
• Oral Hygiene: Avoid brushing or flossing the graft site until your dentist advises it is safe. Gently rinse with any prescribed mouthwash or warm salt water as directed. 
• Activity: Limit physical activity and avoid heavy lifting or bending over for a few days. 
• Avoid: Smoking and alcohol as they can delay healing and increase the risk of graft failure. 
• Follow-Up: Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove any stitches if necessary. 

Post-Op Instructions for New Dentures 

• Wearing Dentures: Start by wearing your dentures for short periods (a few hours a day) and gradually increase as you get used to them. Remove them at night to allow your gums to rest. 
• Soreness & Irritation: Some soreness is normal initially. Use a denture adhesive if recommended by your dentist to improve fit and comfort. 
• Eating: Begin with soft foods cut into small pieces. Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods until you’re comfortable. Chew slowly and evenly on both sides. 
• Cleaning: Clean your dentures daily with a soft brush and denture cleaner. Also, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your gums, tongue, and palate. 
• Adjustments: Contact us if your dentures cause persistent pain, looseness, or sores. Regular adjustments may be needed for the best fit. 
• Follow-Up: Keep all scheduled appointments to check your denture fit and oral health. 

If your denture is not fitting properly, it’s important to contact your dentist promptly. Poorly fitting dentures can cause discomfort, sore spots, difficulty eating or speaking, and may lead to oral irritation or infection. Avoid trying to adjust the denture yourself, as this can cause damage. Your dentist can evaluate the fit and make necessary adjustments, relines, or repairs to ensure comfort and function. Regular check-ups are important to maintain a proper fit as your mouth changes over time.

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth to save it from extraction. You may need a root canal if you have deep decay, a cracked tooth, or an infection that causes severe pain, sensitivity, or swelling. The treatment relieves pain, prevents the spread of infection, and helps preserve your natural tooth for long-term oral health. It’s important to keep your natural teeth as they maintain proper chewing function, prevent shifting of surrounding teeth, and help preserve your jawbone, which can deteriorate if a tooth is lost.

A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth. They are trained to design, create, and fit dental prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Prosthodontists help improve oral function, appearance, and overall dental health, often working with complex cases that require advanced restorative techniques. Their expertise ensures patients receive personalized care to restore a healthy, natural-looking smile. At Light Dental Studios, our Board-Certified Prosthodontist, Dr. Ravdeep Mann, can meet your dental goals. Call today to book a consultation.

Sleep medicine is a specialized field of healthcare focused on diagnosing and treating sleep disorders that affect a person’s quality of sleep and overall health. In dentistry, sleep medicine often involves the treatment of conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (backlink to https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea) and snoring using oral appliance therapy. These custom-made devices help keep the airway open during sleep, improving breathing and reducing symptoms like daytime fatigue, headaches, and loud snoring. Addressing sleep issues through dental sleep medicine can significantly enhance both sleep quality and overall well-being.