Your Aging Smile!

The term "Baby Boomer" is one that you may not have given much serious thought. However, if you are one of the 76 million "babies" who were born between 1945 and 1964, don't forget that your teeth are aging too!

Let’s Rethink Valentine’s Day Sweets!

Dental professionals have long been aware of the detrimental effects that consuming foods and beverages with added sugars have on our teeth. For the first time ever, the U.S. government is warning that Americans consume far too much sugar on a daily basis.

New guidelines recommend that men take in no more than 9 teaspoons of sugar a day and women should have no more than 6 teaspoons. There are 4 grams of sugar in a teaspoon and it is astounding how much added sugar is in the foods we consume.

We encourage you to begin reading the nutritional labels on everything from catsup to yogurt and see for your self. Educate you and your family even more by visiting this site which evolved after an Australian filmmaker closely examined sugar consumption worldwide.

You can watch the trailer for the film below.


As February 14th looms large, many have already begun shopping for the perfect Valentine’s Day cards and goodies. This year why not really show your love and affection by skipping the confections? Here are a few suggestions for the kids and your sweetie too:

• Movie gift certificates
• Mandala coloring book and set of colored pencils and sharpener
• Heart notepads, stickers, pencils, and erasers
• Soy candle
• Essential oil and a diffuser
• Special dinner
• Fruity lip balm assortment
• Bubble bath
• Heart bracelets and necklaces
• Stuffed animals
• Red yo-yos
• Heart photo frames
• Silver heart-shaped lockets
• Hair accessories
• Favorite DVDs or music CDs
• Special event-ice skating, concert tickets, visit to the climbing gym
• Gift bag stuffed with a new toothbrush, floss, fluoride rinse, tongue scraper, and toothpaste

Sugary Drinks and Your Teeth

Most of us are aware of what sugar-laden beverages can do to our waistline, but did you know they can be seriously damaging to your teeth?

A New Way to Fight Childhood Tooth Decay

Try to answer this question correctly: What is the most common childhood disease in the U.S.?

• a) childhood obesity 
• b) diabetes 
• c) tooth decay
• d) asthma

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!