Preventative Dental Care

Reaching adulthood without ever having any cavities is commendable. However, be aware that dental diligence is vital at any age. In fact, we are at risk of tooth decay our entire lives, even past the formative years. Adults have a new set of factors that can impact dental health, such as coffee and tea consumption, smoking, and certain piercings.

Take the following steps to ensure you'll always have healthy teeth and gums and a beautiful smile.

• Brush at least twice a day with a soft bristle brush and an ADA-approved fluoridated toothpaste. Sonicare brushes and battery-operated ones do a very effective job towards fighting plaque and decay. Make sure to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
• Flossing a minimum of once a day will take care of tough to reach places between the teeth where a toothbrush can not. Waxed, flavored flosses are nice to use, leave your mouth feeling fresh, and keep gums healthy. Flossing also helps remove plaque. When left unchecked, plaque can build up, harden and result in tartar. At that point, a professional cleaning will be necessary.
• By adding a dental rinse, tongue scraper, and sugarless gum to your dental hygiene kit, your teeth and gums will benefit greatly. Using a few extras such as these is a nice way to boost the power of regular brushing and flossing.
• Keep a spare set of dental care tools plus a bottle of water with you to make taking care of your teeth a regular habit, even when at work, school, or on the go.
• Come see Dr. Simon Melcher at General & Implant Dentistry regularly. Every six months is recommended and immediately if there are any issues. Get the most from brushing and flossing by having your dental hygienist refresh your memory on the proper techniques.

Preventative care for your teeth saves discomfort, pain, time, and money down the road and is well worth the investment in new toothbrushes, floss, and other dental care tools as well as the time it takes daily to properly use these tools.  We strongly encourage you to take excellent care of your teeth and to come and see us often!  Call today to schedule an appointment: 919-782-0548.

Reviews for Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh

Here's What Our Patients Have to Say!

In our ongoing quest to offer the best in dentistry and patient care, we encourage feedback from our clients. Here are a few recent samples we'd like to share with you. By the way, these were all 5-star ratings on our RateADentist.com site. Our current rating based on over 50 responses is 4.9 stars. 5 is the highest and we will continue to reach for the stars where our patients and quality of care are concerned!

-"I am very comfortable with the staff in this practice and appreciate the care I receive concerning my teeth." by G. Glass on 04/15/2013

-Thank you for the great dental care you provide for Dawn and me. We could not be more pleased. Thank you, Ken Lucas" by Ken Lucas on 04/17/2013

-"Well now, where do I begin?? Wonderful care, wonderful people, wonderful clean bathroom and to top it all off--WONDERFUL price!! Oh, and I just love my brand new puffy pucker (not really a word, I guess) kissable lips!! All in all, I had a great time and walked out with a super glued tooth! Love that glue! I have almost given up tootsie roll pops for good and haven't eaten one with the glued tooth!! I have to wean off of them!!! Thanks for everything and I will see you soon." by Margie on 05/17/2013

-"Jennifer was fantastic. Best hygienist I have ever been to. Not only is she gentle, she is very thorough. I will recommend her to my friends. Thank you" by Anonymous on 05/20/2013

-"As with each visit, my most recent visit with this office was outstanding. I no longer live in the Triangle, but I make sure to schedule my appointments every six months when in town. My experiences have been just that great. EVERY staff member greets me by name and a genuine smile. I have never waited in the waiting room for longer than 5 minutes. Once in the chair, the cleaning starts immediately, and the hygienist informs me of everything that is going on and even checks on specific things that I mentioned in previous visits. I have had nothing short of stellar experiences with the Implant & General Dentistry Team across the board. You guys are truly awesome." by Anonymous on 06/18/2013

-"I'm always happy with the dental care I receive at Implant and General Dentistry." by Janice Bolick on 07/01/2013

Read more reviews and schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Melcher and his staff at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh: 919-782-0548

Rethink Your Drink Campaign

In addition to being a major culprit that contributes to weight gain, poor beverage choices also wreak havoc with your dental health. Many are loaded with corrosive sugars and acids that contribute to severe tooth decay.

At Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh, we love the Rethink Your Drink campaign from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  They provide nutritional information on typical drinks - and drink serving sizes - that can be very eye opening.

For instance, they show a realistic example of a person who chooses a medium cafe latte made with whole milk with their breakfast, a 20-oz non-diet cola with their lunch, a 16-oz sweetened lemon iced tea in the afternoon, and a 12-oz glass of ginger ale with dinner as adding 796 calories to their day!  Wow - for some of us, that's almost half of our daily recommended caloric intake just for drinks. Check their site to see alternatives that add up to only 155 calories.

Here are some tips from the CDCP on how to choose the best drinks for your overall health.

Learn to be a savvy label reader and go for beverages that have zero to very little added sugar and artificial ingredients. Of course, water is always the best choice, but for those times when H2O won't do, please consider the ingredients and pay close attention to the sugar content.

For ideas about healthier alternatives, review the following suggestions and see if there is any room for improvement where your "go-to" drink options are concerned.

• According to the American Heart Association, "women should limit added sugars to only 100 calories per day (approximately 6 teaspoons), while men should take in no more than 150 calories in sugar (about 9 teaspoons a day)." It was recently revealed that the average American consumes 22 teaspoons a day!  Be on the lookout for these added sugars:
• High-fructose corn syrup
• Fructose
• Fruit juice concentrates
• Honey
• Sugar
• Syrup
• Corn syrup
• Sucrose
• Dextrose
• Make Better Choices:
• Let water be your #1 drink choice
• Try using less or 0 sugar in coffee and tea
• Make a "natural" soda by mixing ½ seltzer with ½ fruit juice
• Try lower calorie and lower glycemic sweeteners like Stevia and Agave syrup
• Keep soda and sugary drinks out of your house-just don't buy them! Instead, chill jugs of water and use lemon slices and fruit or herb filled ice cubes to make H2O a more enticing choice!
• Invest in BPA free water bottles and carry them with you daily
• If you have to have a soda, go for the 8 or 6-ounce size
• At mealtime, set the table with water goblets and fill an attractive pitcher with ice water

By changing just a few habits, you will likely see a big improvement in your overall well being, not to mention your dental health.

If you have questions regarding your dental health, please don't hesitate to contact our Implant and General Dentistry office in Raleigh, NC to schedule an appointment: 919-782-0548

Related Posts:
Nutrition and Your Dental Health
Your Diet and Your Dental Health
Best "Go-To" Snack Choices for Healthy Teeth

Dental Treatments in Raleigh, NC

At Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh, NC, Dr. Simon Melcher and his staff offer a wide selection of dental treatment options. We strive to address the full scope of our patients' needs. Here is a brief overview of our treatment programs:

Bonding - Typically used to repair cracks, chips, gaps, and stains, this simple procedure often requires no anesthetic. Also see: Dental Bonding to Repair and Protect Teeth
 
Bridges - When healthy teeth surround areas where teeth are missing, a bridge can fill the gap. We wrote about this treatment in detail here: Dental Bridges to Repair Spacing or Missing Teeth
 
Crowns - This is an effective method to "crown" a tooth that is severely damaged, decayed, or broken. Also see: Crowns for Damaged, Decayed or Broken Teeth
 
Dentures - Here is an excellent way to tackle the issue of missing teeth, or help patients with irreversible decay problems. In addition to improving your smile and ability to chew food, the extra support of dentures prevents droopy facial muscles. Learn more: Dentures and Partial Dentures
 
Fillings - Although dentists have been using fillings as a routine treatment for decayed or damaged teeth for 100s of years, we offer our patients state of the art options regarding filling materials and procedures. Find details here: Need Cavity Fillings in Raleigh NC?
 
Hygiene - In addition to providing our patients with the latest techniques and products for maintaining and improving their dental health, our team of hygienists also teach the best methods for proper brushing and flossing. See: Routine Teeth Cleaning and Dental Hygiene
 
Implants - One of the best solutions for treating patients with missing teeth are implants, which are known for their natural appearance, strength and stability. Find more details: Dental Implants in Raleigh NC
 
Inlays - This is another type of treatment for restoring severely damaged teeth. Learn more: Dental Inlays and Onlays for Tooth Restoration
 
Periodontics - This treatment regime is necessary for those individuals with severe gum inflammation caused by gingivitis.

Root Canal - Having a root canal is usually the best way to address deep decay or other factors causing inflammation within the dental pulp.More info here: Root Canal Treatment in Raleigh, NC
 
TMJ - Temporomandibular Joint Disorder - An array of problems can be attributed to this diagnosis, including headaches, bite issues, and popping sounds. The good news is that TMJ is treatable. Find out about TMJ treatments here: Is Your Pain Caused By TMJ?
 
Veneers - This cosmetic remedy for damaged, discolored, or broken teeth can drastically improve a patient's appearance. Veneers can Improve the Appearance of Your Smile
 
Whitening - over the last 20 years, this process has come along way, with numerous over the counter products now available. However, to ensure professional, even results, a dental professional is still your best bet. See our options for Teeth Whitening Treatments at our Raleigh NC Office
 
Wisdom Teeth - For many young adults, extracting wisdom teeth is essential for maintaining proper alignment of the teeth and overall dental health. Learn more about our treatments for wisdom teeth: Wisdom Teeth Removal
 
The variety of treatment programs offered through our office can make a huge difference in your overall dental health and confidence. Please call our office to schedule an appointment and discuss dental treatment options with Dr. Melcher: 919-782-0548

Why Use a Tongue Scraper?

If you are not familiar with this simple tool, chances are, you could benefit from making it part of your dental hygiene routine. Made of plastic or metal, tongue scrapers are used to remove food, bacteria, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue. Individuals prone to sinus problems also find that tongue scraping helps remove the buildup of postnasal drip mucous.

Sounds pretty gross, huh? However, in the quest to maintain excellent dental health, a dazzling smile, and the fresh breath that comes along with it, tongue scraping is a winner! These simple tools are especially valuable in reducing bad breath because they enable the user to remove decaying bacteria that produces volatile sulphur compounds or VSCs.

Although the act of brushing your tongue with a toothbrush may help, tongue scrapers are more effective. A 2004 study from the University of Sao Paulo revealed that, "through tongue scraper use, a 75 percent reduction in VSCs was achieved, compared to only a 45 percent reduction in VSCs when a toothbrush was used to clean the tongue." Since VSCs have been shown to cause 80 to 95 percent of all cases of halitosis, aka "bad breath", tongue scraping is a solid solution.

Tongue scrapers are inexpensive and easy to use. Just make sure to use them where you can rinse, both your mouth and the tool. If you have other concerns about bad breath, please discuss them with Dr. Simon Melcher and the staff at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh.  Visit online at www.theraleighdentists.com or call today: 919-782-0548

Why Regular Visits to the Dentist are Important

Many adults, especially young adults, are under the impression that a visit to the dentist is only necessary when there is a problem. The assumption that regular self care, such as brushing and flossing, are all it takes to keep one's teeth and gums healthy. There are several reasons why visiting a dental professional a minimum of every six months is very important.

Having a thorough cleaning by a dental hygienist is a vital part of maintaining excellent dental health. Because a hygienist is able to examine areas of your mouth, that you simply can not see or reach, they are able to detect issues early. They are trained to take a critical look and may even be able to show you ways to improve your brushing or flossing techniques.

Professional cleanings and polishing are the best way to remove months of stains caused by food, beverages, and tobacco products. Failing to have plaque removed regularly at the dental office can lead to gum disease. When plaque hardens and adheres to the teeth, it is virtually impossible to remove with just brushing and flossing.

Dentists and their hygienists routinely discover problems that patients were unaware of. Tiny cracks, broken or loose teeth, damaged fillings, gum and tongue changes, plus spacing deviations between the teeth, are all pretty impossible to find on your own!

In addition to checking for tooth decay and gum disease, plus screening through the use of x-rays, dentists these days understand the importance of conducting detailed hands on examinations.  A variety of conditions, including oral cancers, diabetes, and vitamin deficiencies may be uncovered through an inspection of the patient's head, neck, throat, inner cheeks, bite, and jaw movement.

When you see your dentist on a regular basis and follow daily good oral hygiene practices at home, you are more likely to keep your teeth and gums healthy!

Contact Dr. Simon Melcher at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh today to schedule your next routine teeth cleaning!  919-782-0548

Benefits of Using Mouthwash

What's that? Rinsing with a mouthwash is not part of your daily dental routine? Think that's just for those faced with bad breath? If you are like many individuals, mouthwashes are purchased and used sporadically. Oftentimes, when the product runs out, restocking it is not a priority until the next perceived "bad breath" emergency. Along with a good toothbrush, toothpaste and floss, mouthwash is an essential part of an effective dental hygiene kit. Here are a few reasons why:

• The American Dental Association supports the regular use of a mouthwash
• Rinsing with a solution specifically for dental health improves the effects of brushing and flossing.
• In addition to improving the breath, mouthwashes help decrease bacteria and plaque.
• Mouthwashes or dental rinses that contain fluoride help reduce and prevent tooth decay.
• Because of its liquid state, a mouthwash is effective for getting to hard to reach spots, such as the back of the mouth, cheeks, and between gums.
• It helps fights gum disease.

If these benefits have your wheels turning, perhaps you're ready for a little more information?

What are the different types of mouthwashes?

There are two basic types-one is considered "cosmetic" and the other "therapeutic".

Cosmetic rinses only serve to freshen the breath. They do not contain any of the bacteria or cavity fighting ingredients necessary to promote better dental health. Therapeutic mouthwashes on the other hand are loaded with several ingredients such as fluoride and other anti-microbial agents that fight cavities, eliminate bacteria, plaque, and the germs that lead to gum disease, gingivitis, and bad breath.

When is the best time to use a dental rinse - before or after brushing or flossing?

In regard to this question, the jury still seems to be out! Those health care professionals that support the "before" school of thought say that using a mouthwash will help loosen particles and make brushing more effective.

Those on the other side of the fence who believe using a mouthwash "after" brushing note that doing so handles any particles or areas that were missed by brushing and flossing. Using a rinse last also leaves a bit of the product in the mouth, on the teeth and gums, so it likely continues to work longer.

Before choosing a mouthwash or dental rinse...

Please discuss with Dr. Simon Melcher and his staff which products will be most beneficial to you. Know that using mouthwashes or fluoridated dental rinses is never a substitute for brushing and flossing! Be aware that alcohol is often an ingredient and therefore any mouthwash containing it should not be used by children 6 and under. There is always a danger they may swallow it.

Get more tips on good dental hygiene and dental health here on our blog or directly from Dr. Simon Melcher at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh.  Call us today to schedule a consultation! 919-782-0548