Dietary Modifications

There are several tips that people can use to help themselves maintain good oral habits in between trips to the local dentists office. While it is a good idea to see a local dentist office on a regular basis, choosing to consume foods which will not stain teeth is always advisable. Dietary habits which include a high concentration of caffeine such as coffee or fresh fruits such as blueberries can have an adverse affect on the overall appearance of a person’s teeth. These foods in moderation is usually advisable for people who are concerned about their cosmetic appearance.

Consistency With Oral Hygiene Practices

Another of the teeth whitening tips provided by nearly any Charlotte cosmetic dentist is to remain committed to oral hygiene. This is probably one of the more simple teeth whitening tips, however brushing and flossing on a daily basis will help to reduce the damage associated with consuming foods which can damage theeth. Nearly any Charlotte cosmetic dentist will agree that consistency is one of the most important things when it comes to utilizing teeth whitening stips to maintain a bright smile all year long.

Using Mouthwash

Consistent use of mouthwash can help to kill harmful bacteria before it does damage. While this may be inconvenient at times, killing bacteria is one of the most simple ways to avoid damage to the mouth and teeth. Carrying around a small container of mouthwash can be beneficial for individuals who do not want to deal with gum disease and other uncomfortable side effects of bacterial infections.

Reduce Sugar Intake

Choosing to consume a lot of sugar will have adverse consequences for the majority of individuals who are trying to maintain healthy teeth. Sugar wears down the natural structure of teeth and can cause cavities and other painful consequences. Furthermore the enamel of the person’s teeth will wear down even if they are maintaining proper oral hygiene procedures if they consume large quantities of sugar on a regular basis. A dietary modification which helps with sugar consumption will be sure to have positive results.

Using A Mouth Guard

Using a mouth protection device when engaging in athletics is advisable. It can be extremely difficult to fix the damage done from a sports related injury to a person’s mouth. The structure of teeth can be negatively affected in just a few seconds for the rest of a person’s life if they are not using proper protection. Finding the right protective equipment can be time consuming however is a worthwhile investment.

Beside manner is a term that most adults know. They understand that visiting the local dentist office is more than just receiving tips on good dental hygiene; they also recognize how important feeling comfortable and connecting with the dentist is. However, when it comes to their children’s dentist, they may say that beside manner doesn’t really matter. After all, most kids don’t have a grasp on the denotation of that term anyway.

Kids Do Understand
Just because children do not know what the words mean or imply does not preclude them from understanding connections with other people. Children who are under the care of dentists exuding mean, harsh or ambivalent behavior are likely to feed off of that energy. On the other hand, kids who feel as though their dentists understand their struggles and connect with them may very well have more positive dental hygiene experiences throughout the course of their lives.

Questions and Answers
Kids must go to the local dentist’s office to keep their teeth in good shape. However, these regular appointments also help them to develop useful skills for the future. One day, they will act as the masters of their own dental destiny. Dentists who have strong bedside manner create a more comfortable environment in which children can ask questions. Kids who learn how to ask appropriate questions and to recall the answers are developing important skills for when they take themselves to the dentists.

Future Fears
Kids who have bad experiences with dentists when they are little may never forget about these issues. Even if they go to a new dentist with better bedside manner, they may still have a great deal of trepidation. In fact, when they grow older, they may begin to avoid the dentist entirely, thereby spreading this fear to their own children. Having positive experiences with dentists from the start can set kids up to care about their dental health and to develop better exchanges with the professionals as they grow older.

Children often understand more than people give them credit for, and in that sense, they can appreciate good bedside manner. Parents want to help their kids have this experience from the early days of their dental visits, so they should give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Although dentistry has evolved incredibly, many Americans still suffer loss of teeth through decay, gum disease and accidents. For many years, the available dental treatments for these misfortunes were bridges and ultimately, dentures.

Today a cosmetic dentist can provide teeth that look, feel and perform just like natural teeth.

What are dental implants?
Dental implants are the perfect way to regain natural, beautiful teeth.
Implants provide a root structure for new teeth, with special titanium posts placed in the jaw bone. When bone grows and affixes around these posts, they become part of the natural structure of the jaw. When artificial teeth are attached to the posts via individual implants or a denture bridge, they provide a strong, stable structure much like natural teeth.
With proper oral hygiene, implants may last a lifetime.

Am I a candidate for implants?
Commitment to routine dental visits and good oral hygiene are a prerequisite for successful implants. An x-ray will determine if you have enough bone in your jaw to hold the implants firmly. Special evaluation must be considered if you suffer from chronic disorders such as diabetes, or if you smoke. These factors may affect the successful outcome of the implant procedure.

What happens during an implant procedure?
A cosmetic dentist will devise an individualized plan for you. A coordinated team trained in oral surgery will work to provide your treatment.
A surgical template, or guide, is made for your individual dental structure.
A tooth root implant made of titanium is placed into your jaw by the cosmetic dentist. An oral surgery procedure places the implant underneath the gum and against the bone. Integration with the bone mass must occur, which can take from six to 12 weeks.
When healing is successful, the surgeon connects a post to the titanium root, called an abutment. This will be the connecting point for new individual teeth or a special denture.

Is this process painful?
Most people are surprised at how little discomfort they experience. Local anesthesia is provided. If you are anxious about your surgery, the dentist can provide an intravenous sedative.

Success rate
Discomfort is minimal and the success rate for bone healing is 95-97%. The procedure is team-organized and carefully constructed.

If you would like to regain your natural smile through beautiful implants, click here for an appointment now.

Brushing and flossing are effective ways to keep your teeth healthy; however, you may feel that your smile is lacking some of its old sparkle or that your teeth have become slightly yellow. Teeth whitening is an effective option for brightening your teeth and improving your smile. Cosmetic dentists typically provide whitening along with braces and preventative dentistry.

Teeth Whitening Methods

• Toothpastes Formulated for Whitening
All toothpastes can help to remove surface stains since they contain mild abrasives. These abrasives scrub the tooth enamel thus rubbing away the substances that cause the stains. Whitening toothpastes contain special chemicals and polishing agents that increase their ability to remove stains. However, whitening toothpastes can only work on the surface of teeth. The result is that they cannot change the color of teeth, unlike bleaches.

• Bleaching
This involves changing the natural color of teeth. Cosmetic dentists can use bleaches to make teeth as much as seven shades brighter. Your dentist may use in-office or at-home whitening methods. The active ingredient in the bleaches can be either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These bleaches can remove both surface stains and those that are deep in the enamel.

With in-office bleaching (sometimes referred to as “chair-side bleaching”), a protective gel or special shield may be applied to protect your gums from the bleach that will be used on your teeth. Your dentist may also use a special laser that makes the bleaching agent more effective.

At-home bleaching will be limited to the use of the bleaching agents. The bleaching agents may come in gel form and used in trays that fit over your teeth, or on a strip that adheres to your tooth enamel. The bleaches used for at-home whitening are less concentrated than those that a dentist would use in their office.

• Non-Bleaching Dental Procedures
Cleanings are an important part of preventative dentistry and can improve the appearance of your teeth as well. A dentist or dental hygienist may use abrasion along with polishing as a part of the cleaning procedure. This can remove most of the external stains left by smoking and food.

Not everyone will respond to whitening in the same way. In some cases, the only way that a patient will see significant improvement in the color of their teeth is with the use of veneers or bonding. For more information on teeth whitening procedures and to find out which is right for you, call our office to schedule an appointment.

Inside each of the teeth are both blood vessels and also nerve tissues. When a cavity occurs, these areas can become infected. Root canal treatment can help to restore functionality to the tooth and remove the tender sensations that come from the inflammation. A root canal can be done on a tooth that has severe decay, has developed an abscess, or when there has been facial trauma.

Signs A Root Canal Is Needed

Most people avoid their local dentist’s office until there is a problem. When swelling in the face or neck occurs, there is pain when drinking or eating anything hot or cold, or a sac is filled with pus beside an infected tooth; they head to the nearest dental center that can help. When there is inflammation inside the tooth, it can cause chronic bad breath and discoloration to the tooth itself. These situations can be very serious in nature. When infection is this severe, it can get into the bloodstream and cause sepsis.

Technology Chances The Once Dreaded Treatment

Many patients delay the inevitable because they fear root canal treatment. However, you should not delay treatment if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. The longer an infected tooth is allowed to go, it can affect long-term dental health, as well as the structure and integrity of the teeth and gum area. There is no reason to fear the root canal. Dental technology has progressed so much that the once painful procedure is no more uncomfortable than having a tooth filled these days.

The Procedure

Your local dentist’s office wants to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the session. An anesthetic is given to numb the gums near the affected tooth before the root canal begins. They will make sure the area is fully numb before working. A special instrument will be used to eradicate the infected tooth pulp from the area. Once it is removed, the inside of the tooth will be cleaned. Finally, a sealant will be put on top of the tooth to protect against any infection in the future. Many people are able to chew normal foods right away. It is a pretty straightforward procedure that can be done in a matter of minutes. Any mild discomfort could not compare to the pain of an infected tooth.

Call our Downtown Charlotte Dentist today for an appointment.

A toothache is something that most of us have experienced at some point. The best thing that people can do when they are experiencing tooth pain is to see one of the Charlotte dentists. However, if you cannot see a dentist right away, then there are several things that you can do. Below are some of the things that you can do to get relief for toothaches:

Rinse Your Mouth Out Regularly

This is one of the simplest things that can be done for tooth pain help. In some cases, tooth pain occurs when food gets stuck in between the teeth. Rinsing your mouth out will help remove particles that are lodged in between your teeth. You can use mouthwash, but plain water will also do just fine. You also want to make sure that you brush and floss regularly because that will help keep food from getting stuck in between your teeth.

Oil Of Cloves

Oil of cloves can help you get relief for toothaches. You will need to take a cotton swab or ball and put a couple of drops of oil on it. After that, you will need to place the ball or swab directly on the tooth that is causing you the pain. You can also apply a couple of drops of clove oil to some warm water and use it to clean your mouth. Clove oil has antibacterial properties, which is why it is often used for tooth pain help.

Black Tea Bags

If you like to drink black tea, then you should make sure that you keep the tea bags. Place the tea bag over the affected area. Leave it there for 10 to 15 minutes. Black tea contains substances called tannins. These tannins can remove toxins from your teeth and sore gums.

Blackstrap Molasses

This home remedy is very simple to use. All you need to do is hold some black strap molasses in your mouth for a couple of minutes. You can also apply some of the molasses to your gums. Black strap molasses contains calcium and magnesium, which are two nutrients essential for tooth health. This remedy will give you relief until you can see one of the Charlotte dentists.

General dentistry is a field that is dedicated to preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions that can affect the gums and teeth. It is very important for you to see a dentist in Uptown Charlotte NC at least twice a year. During your examination, your teeth and gums will be examined thoroughly. You will also receive a thorough cleaning. If you have had dental problems in the past, such as tooth loss or gingivitis, then you will probably benefit from getting examinations and cleanings more frequently.

There are a number of other reasons that you should consider seeing a dentist in Uptown Charlotte NC. Below are some of the additional reasons that you seek regular dental care:

Insurance

Most insurance companies provide coverage that can be used until the end of a calendar year. If you have dental coverage that you have not used, then you should consider seeing your dentist right now. This will prevent from wasting your coverage. Additionally, you may be able to deduct the cost of your dental visits from your income taxes.

Develop Good Dental Habits For Your Children

If your children develop good habits early in life, then they will be less likely to develop dental problems later on down the road. One of the ways that you can ensure that your children develop good dental habits is to take them to a dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and examinations. This encourages them to take good care of their teeth.

General dentistry is not only important for your oral health, but it is also important for your overall health. Your dental health affects your physical health. That is why it is essential for you to include dental care in your regime. Your dentist in Uptown Charlotte NC will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a disease caused by a serious gum infection that destroys the bone supporting your teeth and the soft tissues in your mouth. Periodontitis can result in tooth loss, or even an increased risk for heart attack, diabetes and stroke.

In individuals with gum disease, their bone and inner layer of gums pull away from their teeth and form pockets. These pockets collect fragments of waste and can become infected. Even though your immune system fights the bacteria, plaque continue to spread and grow beneath your gum line. The bacteria in plaque start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place.

If untreated, this progresses and the pockets deepen, resulting in the destruction of even more bone and gum tissue. Your teeth are no longer anchored in place, causing tooth loss. Therefore, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults.

Symptoms of Periodontitis

Healthy gums appear pale pink in color and are firm. If you notice any of the following symptoms of gum disease schedule a visit to your general dentist. The sooner you seek care for this disease, the better your chances are of reversing the damage caused from gum disease, and can potentially prevent other serious health problems from arising.

Causes of Periodontitis

Plaque build-up is the primary cause of gum disease. However, the following factors can also contribute to this condition:

Prevention of Periodontitis

For optimal oral health, it is necessary to prevent gum disease. As this condition is caused by bacteria in dental plaque, you can prevent this disease by visiting your general dentist regularly and by practicing good oral care in between visits. You should have a professional exam and cleaning done about once every six months, or more if you already have gum disease.

It is recommended to brush teeth twice a day and floss between teeth daily. If this is done correctly, it helps to remove most of the plaque from your teeth. The remaining plaque, in those hard to reach places, will be kept under control by professional dental cleanings. If you’re unaware of the proper technique for brushing, your general dentist can give you guidance.

Plaque also needs to be removed regularly because it becomes hardened over time, turning into calculus. Calculus is also known as tartar. As calculus has a rougher surface than the enamel of your teeth, greater amounts of plaque attach there, leaving tartar and plaque to build up in layers. To help control the build-up of calculus around your teeth, you can use a tartar-control toothpaste. However, it doesn’t affect any tartar that has already formed beneath your gum line.

If you are concerned about gum disease or have noticed symptoms associated with this disease, don’t delay and call our local dentist office to schedule an appointment today.

Sensitive teeth can cause a great deal of pain and take the joy out of partaking of many favorite foods and beverages. Our Charlotte general dentist has some tips for those who suffer with this problem.

First of all, what causes teeth to become sensitive? Over time, the enamel of the teeth can wear away exposing the dentin. The dentin contains small holes that lead to the nerves of the teeth. When hot or cold substances enter these areas, there is a sharp pain.

Toothpaste
The first tip our Charlotte general dentist suggests for sensitive teeth is the use of a desensitizing toothpaste. These are available over-the-counter at grocery stores and pharmacies. These toothpastes work by helping to restore the enamel and block the holes in the dentin.

Toothbrush
It is important to only use a toothbrush with soft bristles. A hard bristle toothbrush can contribute to the enamel wearing down.

Diet
Diet is an important factor in helping sensitive teeth. Foods that are high in acid content work to wear down tooth enamel. Sugar and starch in the diet also contribute to acid build up on the teeth and eventual enamel loss.

Oral Hygiene
The best way to prevent the majority of problems with the teeth and gums is to practice a meticulous program of oral hygiene. It is important to brush the teeth after every meal. Also the teeth should be flossed at least once each day. In addition, everyone should visit their dentist at least twice a year for an oral exam and a thorough cleaning.

Many people commonly experience the symptoms of hypersensitive teeth. These symptoms range in intensity. Sufferers will usually experience short and very sharp pain when exposed to certain things like contact with very hot or cold items of food or beverages. Additionally, this pain can be triggered by dental procedures. Hypersensitivity is never an enjoyable experience. This article will outline the condition of hypersensitive teeth as well as offer hypersensitive teeth help by providing tips to reduce sensitive teeth.

Tooth hypersensitivity usually occurs when dentin is exposed. Dentin is the layer of tooth that lies just around the nerve of the tooth. This very sensitive part of the mouth is usually covered and protected by the gums. However, gums that recede are very common for many people. For those that have gums that are recessive or chronically recede, the temporary or permanent exposure of the dentin can result in a painful experience when the dentin comes into contact with certain substances. This is what the term of hypersensitive teeth refers to.

Dental procedures may temporarily worsen the condition of hypersensitive dentin. If orthodontic appliances have been applied to the teeth recently or are currently being used, patients may experience more of this discomfort. Additionally, those who have recently undergone dental work, or even just teeth whitening procedures, the teeth may be more vulnerable to uncomfortable sensations. However, this sensitivity should only be temporary.

Those who experience prolonged pain and discomfort may have reason to be concerned about their condition. Those with the condition should consider seeking out hypersensitive teeth help from dentists in Uptown Charlotte.

The first thing that sufferers need to do is be aware of the cause of their condition. Like mentioned before, there are a variety of causes of a hypersensitive tooth condition. The best method to resolve issues is to seek professional help like the help of dentists in Uptown Charlotte.

If professional help is not immediately available, the following offers tips to reduce sensitive teeth. Those who suffer should be careful about their current teeth brushing practices. Teeth should be gently brushed with special care taken when dealing with the gums. Trouble spots should be avoided until the problem begins to see improvement, and even then, suffers should still be diligent. Additionally, special toothpastes and teeth care products can be found that are especially geared toward alleviating and helping to reduce the pain caused by hypersensitivity.

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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