Many things affect the cleanliness of our teeth from what we eat to how often we brush them. Things like the length of time you brush your teeth and your brushing technique also affect how clean your teeth are overall. Were you aware that the type of toothbrush you use also has a direct effect on how well you remove plaque from your teeth while brushing? Many people wouldn’t think about what type of toothbrush they use makes a difference or is a big deal, but they are wrong. Electric toothbrushes are better at plaque removal compared to your standard manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are also easier to use than a standard manual toothbrush and for this reason, many people have switched to electric toothbrushes.

 

Different types of toothbrushes require different techniques to correctly clean your teeth. A standard manual toothbrush requires you to manually provide all of the brushing motion. You must gently move your toothbrush in a circular motion back and forth around your teeth. With an electric toothbrush, the toothbrush does the brushing motion for you by gently spinning in place which allows the user to gently hold the toothbrush against each tooth and allow it to clean the tooth for them. All you are required to do with an electric toothbrush is gently guide it from one tooth to another after cleaning each of them.

 

One of the most common and largest problems people face while using a standard toothbrush is not brushing for a full two minutes with the correct brushing technique. The end result is a mouth full of teeth that are not as clean as they ideally could be. Many electric toothbrushes, however, have a two-minute timer built in. Using this timer will help to remind you to brush your teeth for the full recommended amount of time that is required to keep each of your teeth as clean as possible. Electric toothbrushes are also often built to help protect your gums as well as clean them. Many electric toothbrushes have a pressure sensor that is built right in that will notify you if you are pushing or brushing too hard.

 

Electric toothbrushes can also be a great way to get your kids more interested in brushing their teeth and overall oral health care. Not only are electric toothbrushes easier to use which may result in your kids enjoying brushing their teeth more, but many toothbrush brands also offer electric toothbrushes featuring your kids' favorite tv show or movie character which might be just what they need to get them interested in keeping their teeth clean. Just always make sure you check the age recommendation and requirements on the toothbrush packaging before purchasing one or allowing your child to use it.

 

In many ways, an electric toothbrush is superior to the standard toothbrush. Other benefits of the electric toothbrush, compared to a regular toothbrush include removing stains that are caused by smoking cigarettes or drinking tea, coffee and wine.

We all have heard about the root canal procedure done by dentists to get rid of dental problems and to ensure healthier teeth. We will have a look at how the root canal treatment is done in detail as well as the things you need to keep in mind while going for a root canal treatment for your dental ailment.

Root canal treatment is generally done by a root canal specialist, called an endodontist, who works in conjunction with your dentist. The treatment involves several steps, which are discussed in detail below.

The first step of the treatment procedure involves the dentist performing a series of X-Rays on the region where the root canal is needed to be done. These x-rays help the dentist to know the extent of the damage as well as help him deduce the correct way to move forward in order to perform the treatment. The second step involves the administration of a local anaesthetic that numbs the specific region of the mouth where the procedure is to be performed to ensure minimal or negligible pain to the patient.

The next step involves the dentist putting a mat like a thing on the affected region, to ensure that the teeth remain dry during the process. This mat is usually made of waterproof material like rubber or plastic. This mat also prevents the patient from swallowing undesirable substances which are used during the treatment process. The dentist would then remove the crown in order to gain access to the soft pulp to remove the infected tissues. If he or she finds any abscesses during the procedure they would be drained to provide long-lasting relief.

Post the clean-up, the dentist would enlarge the canal so that it can be easily filled. To do so, the dentist would use an assortment of files that would make the region easier to be filled in as well as would give it a proper shape. This part of the process is long-winded and it may take more than a single session to pass through this stage of the treatment process. The dentist would apply for some medicine in the region between treatment sessions to ensure that the pathogens do not come back to attack the affected region. Antibiotics may also be provided to ward off any allergies or fever that may arise due to the process.

The last part of the treatment involves the sealing of the root canal to prevent further infection as well as the placement of a crown to prevent breakage or other damage. In some cases, the dentist may also suggest a treatment for the discolouration that may occur due to a root canal.

Post the root canal treatment process, it becomes extremely important to practise proper oral hygiene to ensure that the teeth survive longer. Generally, teeth that go through the root canal process, survive a minimum of 8 years if proper care is taken.

Belvedere Family Dentistry specializes in the root canal treatment process as well as other dental procedures to help you get relief from your dental ailments. Their team is helpful yet professional and ensures that their patients have happier and healthier smiles.

Diabetes is a serious disease with a wide variety of negative implications on the human body. The negative effects of diabetes include effects on the teeth and gums. We take a look at oral problems to be aware of when living with diabetes.

Gum Disease

There are two major types of gum diseases which are common in diabetic patients – gingivitis and periodontitis. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, but if left untreated, can lead to periodontitis. While gingivitis can be prevented or controlled by proper gum care, periodontitis cannot be treated using the process as the body’s fighting ability to infections becomes inhibited due to diabetes. Thus, immediate dental supervision by a dentist is needed as having gum disease can lead to the body unable to regulate its glucose levels, which in turn, would worsen the diabetic condition.

Cavities and Dry Mouth

Cavities are caused when pathogens attack and invade the tooth. They start by eroding the enamel and progressing forward even attack the inner tooth layers and the blood vessels and nerves. Diabetics are more susceptible to having cavities due to the fact that they produce less saliva, which protects the teeth and inhibits the attacking power of the pathogens. Another reason for diabetics being more susceptible is the presence of excess glucose in their body, which cannot be regulated properly due to the lack of insulin.

Dry mouth is also a major reason for cavity formation, and diabetics have to ensure that their mouth is not dry all the time. In addition, dry mouth can lead to bad breath. Hence diabetics are advised to use mouth fresheners and mints to ensure freshness.

Oral Care for Diabetic Patients

The increased risk of oral problems due to diabetes makes it extremely important to practise ways and measures for proper oral and dental hygiene. Some tips for maintaining oral hygiene for diabetics include-

  1.    Brushing and flossing your teeth – One should brush their teeth at least twice per day, preferably after waking up in the morning and before heading to sleep for the night. One should also floss their teeth at least once a day. These measures will prevent plaque build-up and help to avoid tooth and gum issues.
  2.    Managing diet – Patients with diabetes already have a plethora of restrictions on their food, with a lot of food items barred for consumption as it could lead to complications. On top of these restrictions, making sure to avoid foods rich in sugar would also help to maintain oral health and prevent tooth decay.
  3.    Making your dentist aware – An extremely important step is to let your dentist know about your diabetes as it would help him or her to schedule your dental appointments better as diabetics are more susceptible to oral and dental diseases and better scheduling would help them detects problems early on.

Belvedere Family Dentistry specializes in oral and dental treatments for diabetic patients as well as non-diabetic patients of all age groups. Their team involves professional and caring staff that is quick yet efficient in providing the best care for your tooth and gums.

After a visit to your dentist's office, you leave with a radiant, confident smile. So, how do you  keep that smile working for you all year round? The trick is to keep up with your dental hygiene routine but to also avoid foods that can stain your teeth. That's right- there are foods out there that can do damage to your teeth, giving them the appearance of being dull and yellow.

A person's self-esteem and confidence is so tightly tied to the color of their teeth and oral health that it's worth it to avoid foods that will make your teeth stained. Here are a few foods that you should avoid:

Acidic foods with citric acid

One of the biggest culprits of yellowing teeth is from nutritious citric fruits. Sure, these fruits are packed with vitamin c and are great for your health, but go easy on them. The wonderful fruits can erode away your enamel, making your teeth sensitive to cold and heat. When your enamel is eroded away, you also reveal dentin, which is a yellowish tissue underneath your enamel.

Sugary foods and drinks

Both sugary foods and drinks will stain your teeth because the sugars create a playground for bacteria to feed off of. The more sugary foods and drinks you take in, the more bacteria will wear away at your teeth, causing holes. These bacterias release acids that cause things like tooth decay, which will definitely put you on the fast track to stain your teeth a much darker color. Reduce the amount of sugary foods and drinks you put into your mouth to avoid stained teeth.

Coffee

Coffee is another culprit when it comes to acidic foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. Experts advise drinking coffee with a top lid instead of a straw or an open cup, in order to reduce the amount of coffee that makes contact with your teeth. Like the other acidic foods and drinks mentioned about, coffee also erodes away at the teeth's enamel and allows other foods to continue to do damage, staining your teeth.

Wine

Yet another delicious treat that we need to talk about, wine can actually create holes in your teeth that help other foods stain your teeth, just like coffee. On top of that, wine is known to give your teeth a dull, gray colored stain, which is more difficult to remove than yellow stains. The plus side is that red wine is thought to help prevent cavities, so keep your wine drinking in moderation.

Keep these foods in mind while protecting your teeth

Foods that stain your teeth can do incredible damage to both your smile and your self-esteem. Avoiding the foods and drinks talked about above is the best way for you to maintain a wonderful smile year round. Also, remember to come to Belvedere Dentistry for your yearly cleaning and for a dental check up. We will help you keep your smile radiantly confident, stain-free, and welcoming throughout the year.

Foods like veggies, dairy products, and leafy greens are not just good for your body, but it also helps naturally clean your teeth while eating them. Here at Belvedere Family Dentistry we are all about staying healthy and keeping your teeth healthy as well. In this article, we are going to be discussing what kinds of food help naturally clean your teeth.

Foods that Naturally Clean Your Teeth

Keeping your teeth clean is very important and choosing the right foods to eat can also help naturally clean your teeth along with brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Here is a list of foods that can naturally clean your teeth.

·        Vegetables such as carrots, lettuce, sweet potatoes, celery, and broccoli are really important for your teeth. They contain vitamin A and that is necessary for the formations of your enamel. Crunchy and crisp veggies such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower and cucumbers help clean your gums and teeth because of the increased chewing that it takes to break down the food, it helps scrub off the plaque and bacteria that’s on your teeth. Celery also protects your teeth by producing more saliva and that can neutralize acid that can cause cavities and tooth decay.

·        Fruits such as strawberries, apples, and kiwis have vitamin C. This is the vitamin that holds all your cells together and it is vital for your enamel on your teeth and gums. Without this vitamin the cells in your gums can break down, causing your gums to be weak and tender. Apples are great for cleaning your teeth the outer layer of the apple acts as a toothbrush by scrubbing the bacteria away from your mouth.

·        Eating fresh herbs by chewing on specific herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, and mint can help minimize any of the odor causing bacteria, which can help make your breath fresher.

See For Yourself How These Foods Naturally Clean Your Teeth

Now that you some of the foods that can naturally clean your teeth, put it to the test. We recommend that you try to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet to help your body stay healthy and to help keep your teeth clean. We here at Belvedere Family Dentistry we strive to give you the best patient care possible and since we are one of the best dentists in Charlotte, North Carolina. We take pride in our work. Please call us if you happen to have any questions or concerns. 

A healthy and beautiful smile instills confidence in yourself. You make the people around you happy by smiling all the time and you are more popular among your peers. If it’s time for you to improve the look of your smile, use the following nine tips to obtaining a healthier and more confident smile:

1. Brush Twice Daily and Floss

One of the most basic dental hygiene tips you’ll here often is to brush at least twice a day and floss in the morning. This will help keep your teeth clean and free from any food particles, and will also help prevent staining if you brush at the proper times.

2. Visit Your Local Dental Office At Least Twice a Year

Standard dental insurance policies allow for patients to visit our Uptown Charlotte dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. During these visits, the dentist will examine your teeth, take x-rays and inform you of any potential issues. The hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning that can’t be done at home.

3. Try Off-The-Shelf Whitening Products

If you’re worried about the color of your teeth, try some basic whitening products to see if any of them work. Whitening tooth paste costs the same as regular tooth paste, and whitening mouth wash can be very effective as well. If you don’t notice any changes within a couple of weeks but still want a whiter smile, take a trip to our local Uptown Charlotte dentist for a consultation.

4. Avoid Dry Mouth At All Costs

Dry mouth is often the root cause of a variety of dental issues, including gum disease, tooth decay, infections and more. After eating or drinking, chew a piece of gum to help your saliva flow more easily.

5. Reduce Sugar Intake

Sugar and starchy foods are big culprits of tooth decay and plaque buildup. Avoid these types of foods as much as possible and stick to fruits and vegetables for the majority of your snacks. Some types of vegetables even help remove plaque and particles from between your teeth.

6. Avoid Wine and Coffee

Try to limit your coffee and wine intake to reduce the amount of stain on your teeth. Most Americans drink more than one coffee per day, which can lead to a significant stain buildup and become more difficult to remove.

7. Only Water at Night

While it may not be one of the more common dental hygiene tips, drinking water right before bed instead of other types of liquid can help prevent stain and tooth decay that may occur overnight.

8. Don’t Brush After Drinking

If you always brush your teeth after drinking an acidic beverage, it’s time to stop. Brushing your teeth after drinking soda or something similar can lead to enamel decay because you’re brushing the acid right into your teeth.

9. Don’t Wait Until It Hurts

Don’t wait to visit your local dental office until your teeth start hurting. If you know you have a cavity or some other dental issue, make an appointment to have it fixed right away. Waiting too long can lead to root canals and other painful procedures.

When you lose a tooth, you have several options for replacing it. A dental bridge is a cost effective solution for a replacement tooth that stays in your mouth and is very similar to having a natural tooth. A bridge costs much less than a dental implant and can last about 10 years before needing replacement.

How a Bridge Works

A bridge works by placing an artificial tooth in the gap where your tooth is missing and supporting it with two crowns on either side. This is the most common type of bridge used for the replacement of a single missing tooth. The first step in getting a bridge is for your Uptown Charlotte dentist to prepare the teeth on either side of the gap to be fitted with crowns. These crowns are the support system for the artificial tooth, called a pontic. The pontic fits into the gap and the bridge is cemented in place.

Why Get a Bridge

A dental bridge could be considered cosmetic dentistry, but it is important for your oral health to replace missing teeth, even teeth in the back that don’t show when you smile. Just one missing tooth can cause problems including:

• Shifting of other teeth
• Oral hygiene problems from buildup of bacteria in the gap
• Problems with chewing or changes in speech
• Jaw soreness or TMJ symptoms

Other Types of Bridges

A bridge can be used to replace up to three consecutive missing teeth. If a missing tooth is on the side and has no tooth alongside of it, a different type of bridge can be used. This is called a cantilever bridge, and it relies on support from the teeth that are present on the other side of gap. This type of bridge is not as strong as a traditional bridge and may not last as long.

Materials Used for Bridges

Bridges and crowns are made of materials that are used in many restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures. Porcelain is the most natural-looking material used in dentistry. Bridges can also be made of metal or porcelain that is fused to metal. Composite resin materials are cost effective and a popular choice for dental work.

Find Out More About Bridges and Crowns

Call our Uptown Charlotte dentist now if you’d like to learn more about bridges, crowns or any other restorative or cosmetic dental services. We can set up an appointment for you to come in and chat with us or have an initial exam.

Maintaining white teeth and a confident smile is easy with the help of a dentist, and getting regular checkups from a Uptown Charlotte dentist helps you prevent problems before they even start.

How Often to Get a General Checkup

Most people find that they can see a general dentist once or twice a year to maintain a healthy smile.

If you take excellent care of your teeth, and generally have little risk of gum disease, cavities, or more serious oral diseases, your dentist will likely recommend that you come back in six to twelve months after your appointment.

Some people fall into groups that are considered to be high-risk by dentists, however. These groups include:

• Diabetics
• People who have gum disease
• People with a history of cavities
• People with weak immune systems
• Pregnant women
• Smokers

Anyone who falls into this group should visit their general dentist more regularly than those who see low risk of oral disease problems. The recommended visiting rate for anyone who falls into one of these categories is every three to four months. However, people who struggle with things such as cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, or frequent bacterial infections might need to visit even more often than that.

What You Can Expect at a General Checkup

During your general checkup, a dentist will help you maintain healthy white teeth in a few simple steps.

The typical appointment will begin with a thorough teeth cleaning. Either the dentist or the dental hygienist will remove any remaining plaque or tartar from your teeth and gums using dental tools, and then, your teeth will be flossed and polished to prepare for your exam.

A full dental examination is performed by the dentist themselves. During the exam, the dentist looks at your whole mouth, including the tongue, teeth, and gums. The exam is done to look for potential problems or diseases.

Every couple of years, or in some cases, annually, the dentist may take an x-ray of your mouth. X-rays are used as diagnostic tools to look below the surface at things the dentist cannot see on their own. An x-ray can be used to find impacted teeth, tooth decay, abscesses, or damage to your jaw.

If you are ready for to create a confident smile, click here to request an appointment with a Uptown Charlotte dentist.

As an adult, you know that you need to take care of your teeth. Whether you’re trying to maintain the healthy smile that braces gave you decades ago or you want to prevent huge problems with decay, going to the local dentist office is part of your regular routine. However, a children’s dentist is just as important when it comes to your kids’ dental hygiene.

Preventative Measures
You might think that going to the children’s dentist will always guarantee a clean bill of health because your kids couldn’t possibly have issues yet. However, the assumption is both false and dangerous to make. The dentists may recognize serious problems that are beginning to grow beneath the surface, and they can take preventative measures to optimize your children’s dental hygiene. On top of that, by providing the professionals with dental and medical history, they can craft a plan to help your kids prevent certain problems.

Early Action
Maybe you do not feel as though your children need to go the dentist because they still have all of their baby teeth. Dentists, though, can see if some of the adult teeth are starting to grow in properly. If they are not, the experts may suggest braces once all of the adult teeth are in. Then, instead of waiting until months or years down the road to start talking with your kids about braces, you can start to prepare them now.

Healthy Habits
The longer you wait to bring your kids to the dentist for the first time, the more their fears may grow. By bringing your children to the dentist when they are young, you can help them to establish good habits. You are teaching them that going to the dentist should play a role in their regular activities. Also, you can work to get rid of any fears that they may have about the dentist before the children at the school start to spread rumors around.

Waiting to take your children to the dentist can harm them in the long term. They might develop fears of the dentist, or they may not recognize how important these visits are. When you want to teach your kids about how important it is to go to the dentist, you should call our office to schedule an appointment now.

Just as you must visit the local dentist office regularly, so must your children.

Perhaps you are young, or maybe you have always taken good care of your teeth. Therefore, you have not made many steps to prevent gum disease, specifically. In your mind, such a problem may seem years away or even a complete impossibility. Instead of allowing this disease to run you down later on, take preventative measures now. A number of reasons exist to do so.

You may not realize until it’s too late.
While you may have some warning signs of gum disease, that is not always the case, especially if you are haphazard about your oral hygiene. By the time you recognize that a problem exists and schedule an appointment with the general dentist, you may have put yourself into a precarious position with your health.

You can detect the warning signs.
Instead of allowing yourself to sit idly while you wait for gum disease to arrive, you should speak with your general dentist now about what to look for. Seeing what you have to watch out for is crucial. That way, as soon as you notice a problem, you can head to the dentist to talk about plans.

You can figure out what your risks are.
Even if you still end up developing gum disease, you can go into the situation with an educated mind. Speaking to your dentist now allows you to make plans for the future. Your dentist may be able to tell you what your chances are of getting gum disease. If the risk is high, you can begin to acclimate your mind to the types of treatment plans you will need to follow in the future.

Gum disease can be deadly.
Preparing for potential problems is always useful, especially when the problems can pose a fatal risk to your health. For example, if you have gum disease, you may be inviting bacteria into your gums. Once these diseases are in your gums, they can travel to through your bloodstream to other parts of your body; they could, for example, reach your heart.

Gum disease is a major dental issue, but too many people take it lightly and ignore the serious consequences it can have. Do not allow yourself to fall into this scenario. Instead, call our office now to schedule an appointment with one of our dental experts.

Uptown Charlotte Dentistry & Orthodontics

Specializing in Invisalign, Composite Bonding, Veneers and Crowns.

We do our best to make it easy for you to get the beautiful smile you deserve! Our office accepts nearly all major insurance plans. Even though dental insurance is a private arrangement between you and your company, we will file your claim, handle all the paperwork, and help you get maximum insurance benefits.

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