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.

While finding dental care has to be treated with the utmost caution, finding a dentist in Uptown Charlotte doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task.

General Dentists

A general dentist is the first line of defense in oral health. And good dental health is critical to our overall physical and mental well-being. These clinicians offer complete family dentistry, showing us the best ways to take care of our mouths through checkups to braces. They will be instrumental in detecting problems that could lead to veneers, implants and wisdom teeth removal.

A general dentist is the focal point of all your mouth needs. Locating a local practice that participates in your dental plan will be easy enough. What should truly influence your decision is convenient office hours, the approach to preventive dentistry, is the office neat and orderly, and is staff organized and patient about answering questions. It isn’t a myth that, in the majority, we’re afraid of the dentist. It’s imperative we find one that makes us comfortable. Their service will lead to good dental needs from orthodontics to cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentists

At some point, a cosmetic dentist will cross many of our paths. These are professionals who deal with the beauty of your smile, an important tool in everything from self-esteem to social interaction. Once a dentist in Uptown Charlotte has determined you need certain specialized services, you will be referred to a cosmetic dentist. There are dental practices in Uptown Charlotte that manage specialized as well as general services. Either way, if needed, you will be under the guidance of trained professionals who manage periodontal diseases and restorative treatments, including crowns, fluoride treatments, root canal therapy and extractions.

Under the counsel of a general dentist and cosmetic dentistry in Uptown Charlotte, you’ll have versatility in correcting aesthetic flaws in the mouth. You will be able to create a newer, younger look. You will be treated and educated in the many ways to prevent dental damage. Best of all, you will enjoy the benefits of a beautiful smile.

We lament there are so many people who are afraid to smile because they’re not comfortable with their teeth. If you need a professional, reliable and comforting dentist, go ahead and give us a call and make an appointment today.

For a large portion of the population, dental checkups are a stressful experience. Some people worry that the dentist will find a cavity or other dental issue, and other people find the cleaning process to be painful and uncomfortable. However, visiting your general dentist for regular checkups is essential for maintaining good dental health, and checkups and cleanings will be beneficial in the long run.

You can make dental checkups much easier by being prepared for the appointment. Here are four steps you can take to prepare:

Brush and Floss

Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before you leave for your appointment. If you’ve gone several months without flossing, flossing every day for the week leading up to your appointment will probably not fool your general dentist. Flossing at least once is better than not flossing at all, though, and most people like to go to their appointment with a clean mouth. However, you should avoid brushing your teeth too aggressively as it can damage your gums and make your teeth more sensitive.

Take ibuprofen to Help with Pain

Some people find the cleaning procedure at a checkup to be painful. If you’re worried about pain at your appointment, take the recommended dose of ibuprofen about an hour before your checkup. You can also take one about six hours after the appointment to reduce any inflammation.

Think of Any Dental Problems You’ve Been Experiencing

If you have any questions or concerns about your dental health, write them down or take a mental note of them. A general dentistry appointment is the best time to ask about any problems you’ve experienced. Some common problems include:

Confirm Your Appointment in Advance and Arrive Early

Call or email your dentist’s office a day or two before your appointment to confirm it. If you have to cancel, make sure to give them 24 hours notice. On the day of the appointment, try to arrive 10 or 15 minutes early in case you need to fill out any paperwork.

Our Uptown Charlotte dentists can provide general checkups and cleanings, and they can answer any questions you may have about your dental health. If you need a dental checkup, call our Uptown Charlotte dentist office today 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.

Veneers are porcelain or plastic thin shells that are placed on the front of the teeth. A simple procedure, veneer installation doesn’t usually require anesthesia, and it’s often the top choice for those seeking cosmetic dentistry treatments. These are used to brighten teeth and mask a discoloration.

Benefits of Dental Veneers
There are several reasons to opt for dental veneers from a cosmetic dentist instead of crowns. For one, they are a much more conservative option for those seeking to improve shape, size or color, hiding effects like tetracycline staining or injury damages. Veneers are also a great choice for hiding gaps between front teeth.

In other words, they’re a suitable cosmetic replacement that don’t cost as much. Although they don’t last as long as crowns, they do stay in place for quite some time.

During the Procedure
The whole procedure may require three separate appointments: diagnosis, preparation, as well as bonding.

Preparing the teeth requires a light buff so that the veneer’s thickness is accommodated. Usually, the dentist will remove up to half a millimeter of the tooth surface, and this procedure might require local anesthetic. A veneer made with composite resin will often be completed with one appointment. Once the tooth is ready, the veneer is bonded.

A mold is required for ceramic veneers, which is where multiple appointments come into play. After the veneers are ready, the dentist puts each one on the tooth so that the shade and fit can be gauged. Take the time to view these when they’re on your teeth, paying extra attention to the shade of white; it’s still possible to change the color at this stage, but not once it is bonded.

After the veneer is placed onto the tooth using certain adhesive chemicals, the dentist will use a light beam so that the cement is hardened, keeping the veneer durably in place.

Veneer Maintenance
It’ll take a couple of weeks for you to get used to your new teeth, but you’ll have to treat them all the same. Be sure to brush and floss every day. You’ll also likely have a follow-up appointment two weeks following the procedure.

Although they aren’t perfect replacements, veneers can be a great way to cover up unsightly tooth problems. If you’re ready to rebuild your self-esteem, it can all start with a smile: Give your local cosmetic dentist a call and ask about dental veneers today!

When you have damaged or missing teeth your quality of life can suffer greatly. That’s why more and more dentists are now offering restorative dentistry.

Restorative dentistry is a process in which an experienced dentist performs a variety of different procedures to help restore the mouth to an aesthetic and functional state. The result is a healthy smile patients love to show off.

The top restorative procedures performed are as follows:

Benefits of Restorative Dentistry

There are of course many benefits associated with this type of treatment. With this article we will focus in on just two.

The first benefit is improved functionality. In some cases, when teeth are missing or severely damaged, it can make things such as chewing very difficult. A restorative procedure such as dental implants could completely restore your ability to chew.

The second benefit is improved aesthetics. If you have gaps in between your teeth the last thing you will want to do is smile. In this situation dental bridges can be used to fill the gaps and help restore your smile. Dentures and dental implants are also restorative procedures that can improve aesthetics.

What is The Best Type of Restorative Procedure?

When it comes to this type of dentistry there is no one size fits all. The procedure that’s best for you will depend on your individual situation. An experienced dentist will be able to exam your teeth to see what procedure would be best for you.

It is advised you speak with a dentist as soon as possible. Left untreated, missing or damaged teeth can lead to a host of health concerns that are not only more complicated, but also more expensive to take care of.

Thanks to the many advancements in technology you no longer have to tolerate missing or damaged teeth. To find out how we can help improve your quality of life, contact our dental office today. Schedule a private consultation so we can discuss the options available to you.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, you are probably going to consume more foods that contain carbohydrates such as sugar and flour. The food particles from cookies, candy and cake will stick to your dental enamel, leading to a build-up of plaque. Scheduling an appointment at your local dentist office for a teeth cleaning after the Thanksgiving holiday is a great way to prevent cavities. There are also other excellent ways to protect your teeth throughout the Thanksgiving holiday to avoid developing dental decay.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hygiene Tip One: Consume a Nutritious Diet

Continue to consume a nutritious diet despite having access to more sugary treats such as whipped cream and pumpkin pie. Fill your plate with fresh vegetables or cubes of calcium-rich cheese instead of eating a plateful of fudge or cookies. To avoid damaging your tooth enamel and gum tissue, limit the number of special treats you eat throughout the Thanksgiving holidays.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hygiene Tip Two: Buy an Oral Irrigator to Keep Teeth Cleaner

This is the time of year when many stores have oral irrigators at low prices, so buy yourself one of these machines to remove food debris from your mouth. General dentists recommend dental water jets to blast way the particles that collect along the bottoms of your teeth. The pulsating water from an oral irrigator is able to reach places that dental floss and toothbrushes miss to get rid of bacteria.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hygiene Tip Three: Drink a Lot of Water

Remaining hydrated during the busy Thanksgiving season can prevent dry-mouth conditions that help bacteria to proliferate. You might think that soft drinks, coffee or tea are hydrating, but these beverages contain caffeine that leads to dehydration. Bring along bottles of water in your vehicle and carryall bag in order to keep your mouth hydrated in any situation. You can also swish water through your mouth to dislodge food particles.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hygiene Tip Four: Protect Your Teeth from Accidental Damage

Make sure to protect your teeth from chips by cutting up meat carefully to avoid biting into a bone. Look carefully at treats such as pies and fudge that contain nuts to avoid biting into a hard walnut or pecan shell. Contact a general dentist immediately if any injuries occur to a tooth to have a repair that prevents infection and discomfort.

Sitting around the table with family and friends while eating a plate of delicious, traditional Thanksgiving food is something the we look forward to all year long. Unfortunately, some of those foods are extremely harmful to your teeth. Swap out a few of the worst Thanksgiving foods and your teeth will be thankful.

Turkey Bones

If you enjoy eating the turkey leg, be aware of scraping your teeth against the bone. The hard bone can chip and break teeth, making a trip to the general dentist necessary. Never attempt to bite the meat off of the bone with your back molars, as this can cause fillings or crowns to become loose. Instead of eating meat off of the bone, try cutting it off first and then eating it with a fork.

Pecan Pie

This tempting dessert has 31 grams of sugar per slice, not including the amount of sugar in the whipped cream or ice cream that is often served alongside it. Sugar is used by plaque as energy; when too much sugar is eaten, tooth decay and cavities may result. In addition to the high sugar content, the pecans themselves pose a risk to teeth as they can become wedged in-between teeth and require help for removal from your local dentist office. Try eating a slice of pumpkin pie instead and skip the creamy sides.

Dried Fruits

Apricots, prunes and raisins often appear in a nut-and-fruit tray served as a Thanksgiving appetizer. Though many people believe that dried fruits are a healthier option, their concentrated sugar content makes teeth susceptible to decay. Chewy or sticky foods, such as dried fruits, also stay on the teeth longer and are more difficult to remove without proper teeth cleaning. Look for fresh fruits, vegetables or soft cheeses to snack on instead while waiting for the big meal.

Alcohol

Many people enjoy a glass of wine with their Thanksgiving dinner. Unfortunately, the high acid content in alcohol erodes the teeth over time. Alcohol also dehydrates the mouth, removing saliva that works to wash and protect the teeth. Additionally, red wine also harms the teeth because the dark tint may stain your pearly whites over time. Always drink a glass of water after drinking alcohol in order to rinse your mouth and decrease your risk of dehydration.

Contact your general dentist at your local dentist office today. The friendly and professional dentists and staff are experts in teeth cleaning after indulging during the Thanksgiving holiday.

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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