About

Our Dental Office in Freedom & Watsonville

The freedom dental practice of Terry F. Haskin, D.D.S., blends skill, experience, and modern dental technology with compassion, honesty, and good old-fashioned customer service. Dr. Haskin and Dr. Goldstine provide gentle dental care to Watsonville and neighboring communities.

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. Many people might not even be aware they have it, though most experience it occasionally, especially after waking up.

The primary cause of bad breath in healthy individuals is bacterial buildup on the tongue, particularly toward the back. Research has shown that brushing the tongue can reduce bad breath by as much as 70%.

Common Causes of Bad Breath

  • Morning Breath: During sleep, saliva production decreases, reducing its natural cleaning ability and allowing bacteria to thrive, which leads to bad breath.
  • Certain Foods: Ingredients like garlic and onions contain compounds that enter the bloodstream and are released through the lungs when exhaled, contributing to bad breath.
  • Poor Oral Hygiene: Food particles left in the mouth create an environment for bacteria to grow.
  • Gum Disease (Periodontitis): Bacteria and food particles trapped under inflamed gums can cause persistent bad breath.
  • Cavities and Poorly Fitted Dental Appliances: These can harbor bacteria, worsening the smell.
  • Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Reduced saliva flow, often caused by medications, mouth breathing, or salivary gland issues, can result in bad breath.
  • Tobacco Use: Smoking and chewing tobacco dry out the mouth and contribute to foul breath.
  • Dieting: Ketones released as the body burns fat during certain diets can cause an unpleasant odor.
  • Dehydration, Hunger, and Skipped Meals: Drinking water and eating stimulate saliva production, which helps cleanse the mouth.
  • Medical Conditions: Chronic illnesses like diabetes, liver and kidney disease, sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia can all contribute to bad breath.

Keeping track of your meals and discussing any medications or recent health issues with your dentist can help identify the root cause of persistent bad breath.

How to Prevent Bad Breath

  • Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles. Don’t forget to clean your tongue with a scraper or toothbrush. If you wear dentures or removable dental appliances, clean them thoroughly before placing them back in your mouth each morning.
  • Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Schedule check-ups and cleanings twice a year. If you’ve had gum disease, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits.
  • Quit Smoking and Tobacco Use: Speak to your dentist about ways to quit tobacco, as it dries out the mouth and contributes to bad breath.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps to keep the mouth moist and washes away food particles and bacteria.
  • Use Mouthwash: Some mouthwashes only mask bad breath temporarily, while others, like antiseptic rinses, kill the bacteria causing the odor. Consult your dentist for the best option.

In most cases, your dentist can help address the cause of bad breath. However, if your mouth is healthy but the bad breath persists, your dentist may refer you to a physician to explore other underlying health issues that may be contributing to the problem.

Brushing and flossing are essential for controlling plaque and bacteria, which are the main contributors to dental problems.

Plaque is a sticky film made up of food particles, bacteria, and saliva that forms on the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque can convert certain food particles into acids, leading to tooth decay. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which can lead to gum disease by damaging the gums and bone.

Since plaque constantly forms, regular brushing, flossing, and the use of other dental tools are necessary to keep it under control.

Toothbrushing

Brushing your teeth at least twice daily, especially before bed, helps remove plaque. Use a soft-bristled, ADA-approved toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

  • Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and gently brush in small, circular motions. Ensure the bristles make contact with your gums.
  • Clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
  • Use the tip of your toothbrush to clean the inner surfaces of your front teeth.
  • Don’t forget to brush your tongue to eliminate bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
  • Electric toothbrushes are highly recommended for effective plaque removal. Simply place the brush on your teeth and gums, allowing the electric motion to do the work.

Flossing

Flossing daily is the most effective way to clean between your teeth and under the gumline, disrupting plaque buildup and preventing gum, tooth, and bone damage.

  • Start with about 12-16 inches of dental floss, wrapping most of it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches of floss between your hands.
  • Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss between your teeth in a gentle sawing motion.
  • Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth, sliding it gently under the gumline and along the side of each tooth.
  • If conventional floss is difficult to use, floss holders can make the process easier.

Rinsing

After brushing, rinsing your mouth with water is important. If you can’t brush after meals, rinsing with water can help clear away food particles. For over-the-counter rinses, consult your dentist or hygienist to ensure it’s appropriate for your needs.

If you’re looking to enhance your smile or feel more confident about your teeth, cosmetic dental treatments could be the key to achieving a more attractive and self-assured appearance.

In recent years, cosmetic dentistry has gained significant popularity. This rise is largely due to advances in dental procedures and materials, as well as a growing emphasis on overall health and wellness. People are increasingly seeking ways to prevent dental problems and enhance their smiles with brighter, healthier-looking teeth.

There are various cosmetic dental options available to help improve your smile. Whether you need to restore a single tooth or want a complete smile makeover, cosmetic dentistry can transform your teeth in many ways. Consult with your dentist to explore how these treatments can boost both the health and beauty of your smile.

Cosmetic Procedures:

Teeth Whitening: This procedure lightens teeth that have been stained by age, food, beverages, or smoking. Whitening can also be effective for teeth discolored due to injury or medication, though the results depend on the severity of the staining.

Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings: Also known as bonding, composite fillings are used to repair cavities or replace old metal fillings. These tooth-colored fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth and can also be used to fix chips, cracks, or discoloration. Additionally, they can close gaps between teeth and protect exposed roots caused by gum recession.

Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are custom-made, thin shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth to create a more uniform and attractive appearance. Veneers are ideal for correcting issues like damaged, discolored, misshapen, or misaligned teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers require minimal alteration to the natural tooth structure.

Porcelain Crowns (Caps): Crowns are custom-made covers that encase the entire surface of a tooth, restoring its shape and size. They provide added protection and strength for teeth that cannot be repaired with fillings or other treatments, making them a great option for teeth with large fractures, extensive decay, or broken fillings.

Dental Implants: Implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jaw to replace missing teeth. These implants can support crowns, bridges, or dentures, offering a durable and stable alternative to removable dental appliances.

Orthodontics: With advancements in orthodontic technology, less visible braces and wires have made straightening teeth more appealing for adults. In some cases, clear, removable aligners can also be used to correct alignment issues without the need for traditional braces.

Thanks to modern dental advancements, cosmetic treatments can truly make a difference in achieving the smile you’ve always wanted!

State-of-the-Art Dental Practice with a Dedicated Dental Team

From scheduling flexible appointments to helping you maximize your insurance benefits, Sue is happy to assist you in any way she can. Both she and Dr. Haskin are passionate about making every dental visit a positive experience. To that end, they have equipped each operatory with the latest in dental technology, including digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, and nitrous oxide.

We are also only one of a handful of dental practices in Santa Cruz County to utilize the most up-to-date sterilization equipment.

Dental Cleanings You Actually Look Forward To.

We offer a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere that puts you at ease throughout treatment. We offer amenities that include warm pillows, blankets, and mittens, as well as aromatherapy, and massage.

Our dentist and staff are a close-knit unit and have been a team for many years. We extend our family-like relationship to our patients and find it extremely gratifying to restore confidence and health to their smiles.

Our Watsonville Dental Hygienists are all trained in the Oraspa holistic approach to dental cleanings. This methodology emphasizes total wellness through attention to oral-systemic issues. Since the smile’s wellbeing is directly tied to general health, our practice uses the Oraspa approach to creating a relaxing visit with care that benefits more than just the smile.