Oral Health Fact Sheets

From preventing cavities to how to pay for treatment, we’ve compiled information on some of the most common issues affecting dental patients of all ages.

Find answers to your questions about oral health with our patient fact sheets, available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Amalgam (PDF)

Dental amalgam has been studied and reviewed extensively, and has established a record of safety and effectiveness.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Bad Breath (PDF)

There are many reasons for bad breath. Mouth odor, also called halitosis, is a common condition and sometimes a source of embarrassment.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Cosmetic Dentistry (PDF)

Is something keeping you from smiling? It could be that whatever it is can be fixed easily and relatively painlessly.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Dental Decay (PDF)

Cavities are preventable and caused by certain types of bacteria (germs) that live in your mouth. Find out how to help prevent them.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Dental Implants (PDF)

Dental implants offer a way to have artificial teeth that look natural and feel secure.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Dental Team (PDF)

Learn who the members of the dental team are and what each member is responsible for.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Dental Tourism (PDF)

Dental tourism refers to patients traveling abroad for the purpose of obtaining non-emergency care. A key concern is the consistency of the quality of care provided.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Dentures (PDF)

Replacing missing teeth benefits both your health and your appearance.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Dry Mouth (PDF)

Xerostomia (zē′rō-stō′mē-ă) is the medical term for a dry mouth due to lack of saliva.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Early Childhood Caries (PDF)

It is now recognized that mothers, or main caregivers, are the most common source of transmission of decay causing bacteria to their infants.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Emergencies (PDF)

Learn what to do now in case of a dental emergency later. There are simple steps and urgent timeframes that need to be kept in order to heal properly.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Fluoride (PDF)

Everyone can benefit from fluorides ability to help prevent tooth decay. Learn the products that provide fluoride and why its good for your teeth.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Grills (PDF)

“Grills,” “grillz,” or “fronts” are decorative covers often made of gold, silver, or jewel-encrusted precious metals that snap over one or more teeth.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Grinding of Teeth (PDF)

Its called bruxism; and if the daily grind is wearing on you, you may find that you are more susceptible to it.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Gum Disease (PDF)

Learn what could be lurking beneath your gumline. A little knowledge can keep you out of pain.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Meth Mouth (PDF)

“Meth mouth” is a name for advanced tooth decay related to heavy methamphetamine use.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Mouthguards (PDF)

They aren’t mandatory in all sports, but maybe they should be. Losing is tough enough, be sure you don’t lose a tooth!

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

New Moms (PDF)

Here are some answers to some of the most frequently asked dental health questions relating to pregnancy, infants, toddlers and children.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Nitrous Oxide (PDF)

Nitrous oxide (N2O), aka “laughing gas,” is a gas that, combined with oxygen, is sometimes used during dental treatment to ease anxiety.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Nutrition (PDF)

The food you eat directly affects your general health and your oral health.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Oral Cancer (PDF)

As with every form of cancer, prevention and early detection are essential.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Oral Health (PDF)

A thorough oral examination can detect signs of nutritional deficiencies as well as a number of systemic diseases, including infections, immune disorders, injuries and some cancers.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Oral Piercing (PDF)

Are there risks to getting an oral piercing? What if I already have oral jewelry?

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Orthodontics (PDF)

Do you need braces? Learn how orthodontic problems are corrected.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Patient Records (PDF)

You are entitled to a copy of your patient records, according to state law.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Pregnancy (PDF)

Pregnancy is a time to pay extra attention to your dental health. Some research suggests that serious gum disease (periodontal disease) is linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Preventive Care (PDF)

Prevention is the key to keeping your teeth healthy and your smile beautiful for a lifetime.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Receding Gums (PDF)

Receding gumline could be a sign of periodontal disease, the culprit in 70 percent of tooth loss cases for those over 40 years old.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Sealants (PDF)

Sealants can be useful in cutting down formation of decay. An application of sealants is a preventative measure to keep teeth healthy.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

There are special considerations that need to be addressed as people mature. This fact sheet explains what specific changes take place and how treatment and preventive methods may need to change with time.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (PDF)

What is Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and why does it work?It is a topical medication used to slow down or stop dental decay in both primary and permanent teeth.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Smokeless Tobacco (PDF)

If you use smokeless tobacco, or have in the past, you should be on the lookout for some early signs of oral cancer.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Whitening (PDF)

Learn why teeth discolor and if whitening can help.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Wisdom Teeth (PDF)

Learn what wisdom teeth are and why most people need them removed.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

X-rays (PDF)

X-rays assist the dentist in determining the presence and degree of dental cavities, periodontal disease, abscesses and abnormal growths, such as tumors or cysts. In addition, they show the location and condition of impacted or unerupted teeth.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.

Xylitol (PDF)

Xylitol is a natural sweetener with decay-preventive qualities.

Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Hmong and Vietnamese.