About

Our Dental Office in the Monterey Bay Area

The Monterey Bay dental practice of Terry F. Haskin, D.D.S. and Gordon Goldstine, D.D.S, blends skill, experience, and modern dental technology with compassion, honesty, and a gentle touch to Freedom, Watsonville and all the neighboring communities.

Learn more about our practice in the video above!

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be an uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing issue. Many people may not realize they have it, though it’s quite common especially upon waking up in the morning.

In otherwise healthy individuals, the most common cause of bad breath is the accumulation of bacteria on the tongue, particularly at the back. Studies suggest that cleaning your tongue can reduce bad breath by up to 70%.

Common Causes of Bad Breath

  • Morning Breath: When you sleep, saliva production slows down. With less saliva to cleanse the mouth, bacteria multiply and cause bad breath.

  • Certain Foods: Ingredients such as garlic and onions contain compounds that enter your bloodstream and are released through your lungs, resulting in odor.

  • Inadequate Oral Hygiene: Food particles left in your mouth serve as fuel for bacteria, which produce unpleasant odors.

  • Gum Disease (Periodontitis): Bacteria that settle under swollen or bleeding gums can lead to long-lasting bad breath.

  • Tooth Decay or Faulty Dental Work: Cavities or poorly fitting dental appliances can trap bacteria and food, worsening breath.

  • Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): A lack of saliva due to certain medications, mouth breathing, or gland issues can leave the mouth dry and prone to odor.

  • Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco not only dries out the mouth but also leaves behind strong, unpleasant odors.

  • Dieting and Fasting: Some diets cause the body to release ketones, which can make the breath smell bad.

  • Dehydration or Skipping Meals: Drinking water and eating stimulate saliva, which helps cleanse the mouth. Without it, bacteria thrive.

  • Underlying Health Conditions: Issues such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, respiratory infections, sinus problems, or pneumonia may also lead to persistent bad breath.

To help identify the source of chronic halitosis, keep a record of your meals, medications, and any recent health changes. Be sure to discuss these with your dentist.

Tips to Prevent Bad Breath

  • Practice Consistent Oral Hygiene: Brush at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste approved by the ADA. Floss daily to remove trapped food and plaque. Don’t forget to clean your tongue using a tongue scraper or toothbrush. If you wear dentures or any removable dental appliances, clean them thoroughly each morning before use.

  • Schedule Regular Dental Visits: Get professional cleanings and checkups every six months. If you’ve had gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent appointments.

  • Avoid Tobacco: Smoking and chewing tobacco worsen dry mouth and contribute to bad breath. Talk to your dentist for support and resources to quit.

  • Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated helps flush out food particles and keeps the mouth moist, reducing bacteria growth.

  • Use the Right Mouthwash: While some mouthwashes only temporarily mask odor, antiseptic rinses can help kill the bacteria responsible for bad breath. Ask your dentist which type is best for you.

In most cases, your dentist can identify and treat the cause of bad breath. However, if your oral health is in good shape and the issue continues, they may refer you to a medical professional to investigate other potential health conditions contributing to the problem.

Brushing and flossing play a critical role in managing plaque and bacteria the leading causes of most dental issues.

Plaque is a sticky layer composed of bacteria, food debris, and saliva that constantly forms on the surfaces of your teeth and gums. If not removed, the bacteria in plaque turn food particles into acid, which can damage tooth enamel and cause cavities. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which can harm both the gums and underlying bone, potentially leading to gum disease.

Because plaque continually builds up, a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing, flossing, and other dental tools is essential for keeping it under control.

Toothbrushing

To effectively remove plaque, it’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before going to sleep. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is ADA-approved, along with fluoride toothpaste for added protection.

  • Position your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline and use gentle, circular motions.

  • Be thorough clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.

  • Use the brush tip to reach the inside surfaces of your front teeth.

  • Don’t forget to brush your tongue, which helps eliminate bacteria and freshens your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are a great choice for enhanced plaque removal. Simply hold the brush in place and let the device do the cleaning with minimal effort.

Flossing

Flossing every day is the best way to remove plaque and food particles from areas that your toothbrush can’t reach between the teeth and beneath the gumline. This helps prevent decay, gum issues, and even bone loss.

  • Cut a piece of dental floss around 12–16 inches long and wind most of it around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches to work with.

  • Use your thumbs and forefingers to gently move the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion.

  • Curve the floss into a “C” shape against each tooth and slide it under the gumline, cleaning the side of each tooth carefully.

  • If standard floss is tricky to handle, consider using floss picks or holders for added convenience.

Rinsing

After brushing, a quick rinse with water helps wash away remaining debris and bacteria. If brushing isn’t possible after a meal, rinsing with water can still be effective at clearing food particles. For mouth rinses, especially those that target bacteria or offer added fluoride, it’s best to ask your dentist or hygienist which type suits your needs.

By committing to daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing, you can significantly reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease while maintaining a cleaner, healthier smile.

If you’re hoping to improve your smile or feel more confident about how your teeth look, cosmetic dental treatments can be a powerful way to enhance your appearance and boost your self-esteem.

Cosmetic dentistry has become increasingly popular in recent years. This growth is due in part to improved techniques and materials, as well as a stronger focus on personal wellness and oral health. More people are turning to cosmetic solutions not only to prevent dental problems but also to achieve brighter, more attractive smiles.

There’s a wide range of cosmetic dental procedures available whether you’re fixing a single tooth or seeking a full smile transformation, today’s options offer effective ways to upgrade your dental appearance. A consultation with your dentist can help determine which treatments best support your oral health and cosmetic goals.

Popular Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Teeth Whitening
This common treatment brightens teeth that have been stained by aging, certain foods and drinks, tobacco use, or medications. It’s also helpful for discoloration caused by trauma or internal changes. The effectiveness of whitening varies based on the cause and severity of the stain.

Composite Fillings (Tooth-Colored Bonding)
Also known as dental bonding, these fillings are a natural-looking alternative to silver or metal fillings. They’re used to repair cavities and can also restore chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth. Composite material can close small gaps and protect areas where gums have receded.

Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-designed shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They’re ideal for improving the look of teeth that are stained, misshaped, slightly crooked, or worn down. Compared to crowns, veneers require less removal of the natural tooth structure.

Porcelain Crowns (Caps)
Crowns are full-coverage restorations that encase a tooth, improving its appearance and strength. They’re often recommended for teeth with large cavities, fractures, or old, failing fillings. Crowns restore both function and aesthetics.

Dental Implants
Implants are artificial roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. Whether they hold a single crown, a bridge, or a denture, implants offer a long-lasting, natural-feeling solution for missing teeth.

Orthodontic Treatments
Modern orthodontics includes more discreet options like clear braces and removable aligners, making teeth straightening more appealing especially for adults. These treatments help align your bite and straighten your teeth without traditional metal braces.

Thanks to continued advancements in dental care, cosmetic dentistry can dramatically improve both the look and health of your smile. Whether you’re making a small adjustment or a big change, the right treatment can help you feel more confident and comfortable with your appearance.

Talk to your dentist to find out which cosmetic options are right for you and take the next step toward 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.