Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail…

Please don't let him take your kids down the cavity trail! It is highly likely that just behind Halloween and Valentine's Day, Easter hops right into third place when it comes to the sweet treat danger zone.

Is it ok to skip brushing your teeth once in a while?

I don't really have to brush my teeth twice a day, every day....do I?

Well, we certainly can't control how often our patients actually brush and floss their teeth; however, we can definitely tell them that skipping these tasks (even for a day or two) can have some pretty disgusting results!

How Important is Fluoride to Dental Health?

Fluoride and its effects have been a subject of some debate recently. Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have stated that fluoride is a safe and effective substance for preventing tooth decay, however some critics and less-informed members of the general public are fearful that it can cause harmful side effects or serious illness. In this post, we'll go over the basics of fluoride, its benefits and associated risks.

Tips to Reduce the Risk of Cavities

It seems that there are a few lucky folks who inherit great genes when it comes to their teeth. They may never have any serious issues if they follow their dentist's guidelines for brushing, flossing and regular check-ups. However, there are many more individuals who must pay careful attention to maintaining their dental health.

Whether it is a matter of diet, genes, environment or other health issues that place some of us in more jeopardy when it comes to tooth decay, there are a few simple steps that will reduce the risk of cavities.

• Frequent Brushing - Brushing after every meal and snack is not just something to encourage small children to do! Establish this habit now for a lifetime of better dental health.
• Avoid Snacking Between Meals - Snacking between meals can be detrimental to your teeth and gums. Problems arise because snacks are often not a "whole food" or nutritionally sound choice, and brushing afterwards rarely happens. That's why it is best to avoid between meal snacking entirely. Hungry? Drink water!
• Stay Away from Sugary Foods and Drinks - Sugar is lurking everywhere! In addition to common white sugar and high fructose corn syrup, there are over 20 possible added sugars that may be in your food! This includes naturally occurring sugars in fruits and vegetables. They all  present problems for the teeth. Sugars have the tendency to adhere to teeth and the bacteria in your mouth combines with these sugars and releases acid, which is the main cause of tooth decay. It's so simple - stay away from sugary foods and drinks! If you must have them, brush, floss, and rinse immediately afterwards.
• Drink Water! Rely on basic, unprocessed food and beverage choices for your meals and snacks. Water is hands down the beverage of choice.

Preventing cavities through good nutrition and excellent dental habits is your best bet to maintaining a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.  Call Dr. Simon Melcher at Implant and General Dentistry today to schedule an appointment with the dentist and dental hygienist: 919-782-0548

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is the unpleasant result of plaque reacting with sugary and starchy deposits from food. This reaction produces an acidic substance that eats away at your tooth enamel. Over time, this weakens the tooth and will eventually lead to advanced decay if left untreated. Cavities, abcsesses or gum disease are possible consequences of tooth decay.

A few symptoms of tooth decay include pain around the tooth (or teeth), bad breath, white, gray, brown or black spots on the teeth, or a tooth that is sensitive to pressure. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to contact us. Call 919-782-0548 for an appointment.

The best way to avoid tooth decay is to maintain a healthy oral hygeine routine. Bushing and flossing after meals (or at least twice a day) will greatly reduce your chances of tooth decay. In addition to at-home dental care, you should make every effort to schedule regular cleanings with your dentist.

By keeping up with your excellent dental hygiene, healthy eating habits, and regular six-month cleanings and check-ups, you will avoid having to come see us for more serious treatments later on!

Need Cavity Fillings in Raleigh NC?

Cavities are small holes or depressions in a tooth caused by decay. Tooth decay can affect both the enamel of a tooth (the first, outer layer) and the dentin (the second, inner layer), making it pretty dangerous to your dental health if left untreated.

In order to treat a cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the space with one of several types of materials. Cavity fillings can be created from gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, or composite resin. Each material has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Modernly, porcelain and tooth-colored composite materials are the preferred materials, as they mimic the look and texture of natural teeth.

Getting a cavity filled may be a commonly dreaded procedure, but it is relatively easy on the patient. Before beginning the filling procedure, patients are given a numbing local anesthetic to the affected area. You may feel some pressure or slight discomfort from the procedure, but you shouldn't feel any pain. Afterward, some soreness or sensitivity could occur, but every individual is different - we'll talk to you personally about what you can expect during and after your visit.

Remember, cavities aren't fun, they can be avoided by maintaining a proactive dental hygiene regimen and keeping regularly scheduled dental check-ups.

If you're a Raleigh resident who has questions or concerns about tooth fillings, contact us today and we will be happy to give you additional information: 919-782-0548