Oral Health

At Main Street Dentistry, we believe that strong oral health is the foundation of a confident smile and long-term wellness. Whether you’re looking to prevent dental problems, address specific concerns, or learn more about maintaining a healthy mouth, our team is here to guide you. Below you will find helpful information on essential oral health topics — from preventive care and athletic mouthguards to bad breath management, oral cancer awareness, and sleep apnea.

Why Oral Health Matters

Your mouth plays a major role in your daily life — allowing you to eat, speak, laugh, and express yourself. Maintaining good oral health protects not only your teeth and gums but contributes to your overall well-being.

Proper oral health habits can:

• Prevent cavities, gum disease, and infections
• Reduce the risk of tooth loss
• Improve chewing, digestion, and speech
• Lower the risk of systemic issues linked to poor oral health
• Allow early detection of conditions such as oral cancer and sleep-related disorders

Routine dental checkups and cleanings at Main Street Dentistry are key to preventing problems and keeping you healthy.

Athletic Mouthguards — Protecting Smiles in Every Sport

Many sports and recreational activities pose a risk of dental injury — but the good news is that most injuries can be prevented with a properly fitted mouthguard.

What is an Athletic Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a flexible, protective device worn over the teeth to absorb impact and prevent injuries such as:

Fractured or chipped teeth

• Knocked-out teeth
• Cuts to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
• Jaw injuries

Who Should Wear One?

Anyone participating in contact or high-impact sports, including:

• Football
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Martial arts
• Skateboarding, biking, or gymnastics

Why Choose a Custom-Fitted Mouthguard?

At Main Street Dentistry, our custom mouthguards offer:

• A secure, comfortable fit
• Better shock absorption
• Improved breathing and speech during play
• Greater durability than store-bought options
• A custom-fitted athletic mouthguard is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your smile.

Causes of Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath is a common concern and can be caused by many factors. While occasional bad breath is normal, persistent halitosis may indicate underlying oral health issues.

Common Causes Include:

• Poor oral hygiene — food particles and bacteria accumulate when brushing or flossing is inadequate.
• Tongue bacteria — the tongue often harbors odor-causing bacteria that must be cleaned daily.
• Dry mouth — reduced saliva flow allows bacteria to thrive.
• Gum disease — periodontal infections can create strong, persistent odors.
• Dental appliances — improperly cleaned night guards or dentures can trap bacteria.
• Smoking or certain foods — such as garlic, onions, and strong spices.

How to Improve Bad Breath:

• Brush twice daily and floss daily
• Clean your tongue using a tongue scraper or toothbrush
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Keep dental appliances clean
• Treat gum disease or decay promptly
• Visit Main Street Dentistry for routine cleanings and evaluation

If bad breath continues despite good home care, schedule a visit — we can determine the cause and help you find solutions.

Oral Cancer — Awareness & Early Detection

Oral cancer affects thousands of people each year, but early detection dramatically improves outcomes. At Main Street Dentistry, we perform oral cancer screenings during routine exams to help identify early warning signs.

• Signs & Symptoms to Watch For:
• Sores or ulcers that don’t heal within 2 weeks
• Red or white patches in the mouth
• Persistent pain, numbness, or a lump in the mouth or neck
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• Noticeable changes in voice
• Jaw stiffness or swelling

Risk Factors:

• Smoking or tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• HPV infection
• Prolonged sun exposure to the lips
• Poor nutrition
• Prevention Tips:
• Avoid tobacco products
• Limit alcohol use
• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Schedule regular dental checkups
• Monitor any unusual changes in your mouth

Your dentist is often the first to notice early signs of oral cancer — making routine exams vital to long-term health.

Sleep Apnea & Oral Health

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops repeatedly during sleep, often due to airway obstruction. This can lead to poor sleep quality, snoring, and more serious health concerns if untreated.

How Sleep Apnea Affects You:

• Loud snoring
• Daytime fatigue
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased risk of cardiovascular issues

How Dentistry Can Help

Main Street Dentistry can help identify signs of sleep apnea and offer oral appliance options. These custom devices work by gently repositioning the jaw or tongue to help keep your airway open throughout the night.

• Benefits of an oral appliance may include:
• Reduced snoring
• Improved sleep quality
• Decreased daytime fatigue
• A comfortable, portable alternative to CPAP for mild to moderate cases

If you suspect sleep apnea — or have been told you snore loudly — we can help guide you toward proper evaluation and treatment.

Partnering With You for Better Oral Health

At Main Street Dentistry, we are dedicated to helping every patient achieve a healthy, confident smile. We provide personalized care, preventive guidance, and advanced dental services to support your overall well-being.

Whether you need a custom mouthguard, help managing bad breath, an oral cancer screening, or evaluation for sleep apnea, our team is here to help.

Contact Main Street Dentistry today to schedule your visit or learn more about our comprehensive oral health services.