2018 South Charlotte Dentistry’s Ultimate Holiday Gift Giving Guide

When we were children, we would share our wish list with Santa, whether by letter or by lap, and according to our membership on the naughty or nice list, we’d be rewarded. It’s a system that has worked well for generations. As grown-ups we often find ourselves playing Santa more often than not seeking the perfect gifts for our spouses and partners, our kindly neighbors who watch the house while we’re away, the postal carrier, the paper carrier, the babysitter, the dog walker, caregivers, family and friends.

While practical gifts tend to lean toward the wearable — socks, underwear, a scarf — we at South Charlotte Dentistryhave another idea. Give the gift of dental health! Here are some toothy gift ideas to put a smile on any face this holiday season.

HOMEMADE GIFTS FROM THE HEART

Do you have a small child on your list who has not yet lost their first tooth? Sew up a customized Tooth Fairy Pillowwith a little pocket in it for the tooth (and later the money)!

Not crafty? No worries! The artists of Etsy have you covered. There is a wide selection of dental-themed gifts available, sure to initiate grins from lots on your list like personalized tooth ornaments, tooth-shaped earrings and charms, tooth-shaped soap, wall art, and even a Tooth Fairy wand (should she need a hand during busy season). Meanwhile, Shutterflycan help you put together a customized mug or calendar or mousepad featuring photos of all your family members’ smiles.

If you’re a baker, there are tooth-shaped cookie cutters perfect for whipping up a batch of cookies for your dental office or dental student.

NEVER STOP LEARNING

Books are a great gift and there are many available with a take on teeth. For the beginning reader, “I Lost My Tooth” by Mo Willems features an ensemble cast of squirrels and “The Tooth Fairy” with Peppa Pig both help explain the process of losing and regrowing teeth. Adult readers with an interest in non-fiction will find the “The Mystery of the Exploding Teeth: And Other Curiosities from the History of Medicine” by Thomas Morris a fascinating jaunt through the things we’ve done to the human body in what’s described as a “wryly humorous collection of stories about bizarre medical treatments and cases offers a unique portrait of a bygone era in all its jaw-dropping weirdness.” And keeping with the science theme, “Evolution’s Bite: A Story of Teeth, Diet, and Human Origins” by paleoanthropologist Peter Ungar studies human evolution and climate change through the records stored in fossilized teeth.

Surprise your family with a vacation to Baltimore, Maryland! The world’s first dental school was founded there in 1840 by Horace Hayden and Chapin Harris. The Baltimore College of Dental Surgery (which later merged with the University of Maryland) taught generations of dentists. You can visit the National Museum of Dentistry located on the campus and explore dozens of exhibits featuring some of the objects from their 40,000-piece collection.

Vintage dental tools can make for a wonderful (if not quite unusual) conversation starter. Forceps, pelicans and toothkeys were commonplace in by-gone dental offices and some were made by blacksmiths. Many pelicans, aptly named for their shape, are made of silver and have hallmarks from a variety of countries, including England and France. Old dental chairs and equipment can be found at local antique shops and online as well as old dental advertising for products or services. In the early days, the local barber doubled as the neighborhood dentist!

LUXE GIFTS FOR DELUXE SMILES

Rhythm is Love (Ylang Ylang + Mint) Organic Toothpaste, made in France, is a collaboration between dental and artistic professionals. Uniquely flavored with ylang ylang, yuzu, and mint, the toothpaaste is sure to add a flavor and flair to anyone’s brushing routine.

Twice Early Bird and Twilight Toothpaste is a morning and night duo lights. The Early Bird formula is wintergreen and peppermint, and the Twilight blend combines lavender and mint for a relaxing finish to a long day.

The Burst Sonic Toothbrush is a powerful electric toothbrush with charcoal bristles that sonically vibrate 66,000 times in two minutes to get teeth super clean. It also features a quadpacer that will gently buzz every 30 seconds to ensure that every area of the mouth gets equal attention.

Minimalist, metallic and cool, the electric toothbrushes from Quip were one of the first approved by the American Dental Association. Compact and lightweight, the design looks and works great. Quip brushes suction cup to surfaces like mirrors or counter tops and are shower safe!

Cocofloss bills itself as freshening, whitening, and soothing this colorful alternative to traditional floss adds a colorful and fun twist to the flossing routine. The 9-piece Floss Fanatic Set is available in a variety of flavors including coco, vanilla, mint, strawberry, and orange.

An electronic UV toothbrush sanitizer from Pursonic protects your toothbrush from germs and bacteria floating around and uses ozone and photo catalyst technology to kill germs and bacteria left behind.

Steripod makes an easy to use toothbrush protector great for home or travel as well as a razor protector and tongue scraper. The protective pods are designed to prevent cross-contamination like beard whiskers in toothbrush bristles.

Dental care can be part of a luxurious self care routine with a whitening treatment followed by a massage, manicure, and facial. South Charlotte Dentistry offers Crest White Strips, Opalescence whitening products and Obagi skincare products.

PRACTICAL PRESENTS

Do you have a co-worker that likes to travel or travels a lot for work? Consider travel-sized toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss and other small packables (like shampoos) and put them together in an attractive travel bag. Tuck in a small first-aid kit, sewing kit, shower cap, earplugs and other travel must-haves or comfort items. Travel items are also great for anyone planning a get-away. Combine the above items with a travel journal, pen, or guide book.

Got a college kid? Put together a semester’s worth of dental supplies including a toothbrush in their favorite or school colors, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, sugar-free gum, breath mints, single use travel brushes for those late nights in the library in a reusable tote.

And if you’ve got a sports fan, use the same idea but customize it for the team. You can find a Carolina Panthers toothbrush and partner it with a black, blue and silver toothbrush holder or rinse cup. Or consider a Charlotte Hornets toothbrush with a purple or teal hand towel.

Kids can benefit from the same kind of package featuring their favorite characters like Spider-Man, Hello Kitty, Star Wars, and The Secret Life of Pets.

Dental insurance for a year would make a wonderful gift for someone who might need an extra hand with expenses in the short-term, a student, or someone waiting for benefits with a new employer. Many options can be found online with different levels of coverage, so check carefully before signing up. In North Carolina, options include: Blue Cross Blue Shield NC, Aflac, Humana, and United Health Care.

SPECIAL TREATS

Giving something sweet to eat seems like a holiday tradition. If you’re shopping for someone with braces or orthodontic work, avoid these foods in order to protect their teeth: popcorn, nuts, hard candy, caramel, pretzels, and peanut brittle. Foods that are good for teeth are whole grains, fruits, lean meats, and vegetables. Get creative when putting together a basket of goodies. Don’t forget treats for all family members! Pick up some dental chews for Fido or tartar cleaning snacks for Fluffy too.

If you’re looking for another way to recognize a caregiver such as a dental professional or nurse, think about things that will help them care for themselves. Massages, pedicures, manicures, a trip to the salt cave, compression socks, aromatherapy treatments, and meal delivery kits are great ways to support those whose job is to focus on others.

GIVING BACK

For the person who has everything, consider making a donation to a dental organization such as Operation Smile, Dental Lifeline, the American Dental Association initiative Give Kids a Smile, or America’s Dentists Care Foundation’s Missions of Mercy. Helping others guarantees a smile. You can also ask your dental practice how they are involved with the community and support their individual efforts.

We at South Charlotte Dentistry hope that all our patients have a wonderful holiday season and joyous celebrations. We’re so glad to have been part of your care team throughout 2018 and wish you and yours a happy, healthy 2019. Don’t forget to floss!

South Charlotte Dentistry Wishes you a Happy Holidays

Take Care of Your Teeth This Holiday Season

Important Statistics about your Teeth

Statistics on Dental Hygiene

All I Want for Christmas is: Dental Insurance

Dear Santa,

I’ve been very good this year! I’ve brushed my teeth in the morning, in the evening and after every meal! I’ve cut down on sweets! I floss my teeth at least once each and every day! I replaced my toothbrush every three months! And I smiled as often as possible!

Oh, please, Santa Claus, may I have dental insurance? I promise to keep up the good work and leave you the best cookies money can buy!

Sincerely,

Everyone

Having dental insurance can be very beneficial for your overall oral health and physical health, most plans include bi-annual cleanings and check-ups as well as basic x-rays. It’s also good for your financial health, providing peace of mind that these needs will be met and that often additional procedures (such as fillings and extractions) will be covered at a lower rate than if you paid for these yourself out of pocket.

Regular preventive care can catch problems before they become expensive to treat, not to mention painful.

Why is Oral Health so important?

Like many areas of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Normally the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.*

Your oral health might contribute to various diseases and conditions, including: *

• Endocarditis. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of your heart (endocardium). Endocarditis typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in your heart.
• Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke might be linked to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause.
• Pregnancy and birth. Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

Certain conditions also might affect your oral health, including:*

• Diabetes. Diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection — putting the gums at risk. Gum disease appears to be more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes. Research shows that people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels, and that regular periodontal care can improve diabetes control.
• HIV/AIDS. Oral problems, such as painful mucosal lesions, are common in people who have HIV/AIDS.
• Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis — which causes bones to become weak and brittle — might be linked with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. Drugs used to treat osteoporosis carry a small risk of damage to the bones of the jaw.
• Alzheimer’s disease. Worsening oral health is seen as Alzheimer’s disease progresses.

Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, head and neck cancers, and Sjogren’s syndrome — an immune system disorder that causes dry mouth.*

Finding and Buying Dental Insurance.

Many people have a dental plan through their employer, (about 90%) but for everyone else, it’s up to you to find dental insurance that works with your needs and budget. It’s also important to check in advance to see if your particular dental practice accepts that form of insurance, otherwise, you may need to switch dental providers or pay out of pocket after all. You should also understand what the cancellation policy is should you wish to cancel and if there are additional fees when you begin or end the policy.

Through the Affordable Care Act, dental insurance is available as an add-on to health insurance plans, and the premiums vary. Annually, if you qualify, you can sign up for a plan from November 1-December 15 (dates may vary). This can be a cost-effective way of insuring your health needs. However, you cannot buy an independent dental-only policy this way.

There are also various dental plans available on the open market and most allow you to pay the premium monthly, thus enabling you to budget for this expense.

The benefits you will receive on your dental plan may vary, but the most common benefits are: Free, in-network bi-annual check-ups and discounts on procedures and treatments, such as fillings, crowns, and extractions.

If you have a major dental repair on the horizon, for instance, a crown, there may be a longer waiting period before your new dental insurance will cover some of the expense, carefully check in advance so you don’t have any surprises. Here at South Charlotte Dentistry, we will assist you by contacting your insurance company in advance when possible to determine the amount that they will cover, so you can budget for the balance.

A sampling of dental insurers in North Carolina:

Delta Dental www.deltadental.com

Anthem www.anthem.com

Blue Cross Blue Shield NC www.bluecrossnc.com

AARP (for seniors 50 and older) www.aarp.org

AFLAC www.aflac.com

Humana www.humana.com

United Health Care www.uhc.com

Low-income children in North Carolina who do not qualify for Medicaid may be able to obtain health and dental insurance through the North Carolina Health Choice Health Insurance Program for Children (www.ncdhhs.gov). Various Medicare Advantage Plans are available for seniors. Visiting a site such as www.esurance.com may allow you one-stop shopping for your dental needs.

South Charlotte Dentistry does not endorse or recommend one dental company over another and recommends you shop carefully, understand what your premium and policy covers and determine if South Charlotte Dentistry is part of their on-network coverage if you wish to continue your care with us.

The difference between Dental Insurance and Dental Saving Plans.

Dental Insurance is just that, insurance, offering basic to comprehensive coverage (depending on the dental plan you select) for exams and pays a portion on most other procedures. Generally, if you choose a dentist in-network, your bi-annual exams will be at no cost. Bi-annual exams include cleaning, exam, and x-rays as required.

Dental Savings Plans can often look like insurance and are offered by major insurance carriers, but they are discount plans and not comprehensive coverage. These usually offer discounts for a variety of dental services at dentists included in their plans.

As for Dental Insurance, there are numerous options and monthly premiums, as well as out-of-pocket limits and deductibles. It’s very important you find a plan that matches your needs. If you have a child or children in your household and are considering a family plan, check for the pediatric restrictions as well as orthodontic coverage.

Some plans only cover basic check-ups, some offer discounts on procedures, such as fillings (say, 50% covered) and others may have waiting periods before you can have something major done, such as a crown. More insurance companies are offering to cover part of orthodontic work, but usually the limit is low and there is a waiting period (typically 12 months). To determine which plan is for you, read the plan limitations carefully before signing up. Many websites have comparison charts that are easy to read and understand, so you get what you are looking for at a price you can afford.

Billing options vary among insurers, make sure you can meet their payment requirements, you may need a credit card or an automatic draw from a bank account.

By the numbers:

Per the National Association of Dental Plans:

At year-end 2016, there were approximately 249.1 million Americans or 77 percent of the population with dental benefits. The large increase in publicly funded benefits is primarily the result of improved CMS data on adults with access to Medicaid dental benefits.

Two-thirds or 164.2 million Americans have private dental coverage. About 90% of Americans with private coverage get their benefits through an employer or other group program like AARP. Another 7.1% buy individual coverage, while just less than 3% obtaining dental benefits as part of a medical plan. Another 83.9 million Americans receive dental benefits through public programs like Medicaid, the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program, Medicare Advantage, and Indian Health Services.

Individuals without dental benefits are more likely to have extractions and dentures and less likely to have restorative care or receive treatment for gum disease. Furthermore, those without dental benefits report higher incidences of other illness; they are

• 67 percent more likely to have heart disease;
• 50 percent more likely to have osteoporosis; and
• 29 percent more likely to have diabetes.

They also visit the dentist less frequently—missing the opportunity for prevention and early treatment. Many of them account for over 2 million visits to emergency rooms for dental treatment annually.

There are many compelling reasons to make sure you visit your dentist for regular check-ups and preventive care and a lack of care can lead to poor oral health and potentially poor physical health.

Dental care is important for all stages of life.

Children’s dental health starts early with the importance of brushing teeth and learning good oral hygiene habits and becoming comfortable with visiting their dentist. Children may have pain during the transition of Deciduous teeth (commonly known as milk, baby or temporary teeth) to Adult (or permanent) teeth, treatment of cavities, extractions, possible orthodontic needs and young adults may have impacted wisdom teeth that need removed (third and final set of molars).

In adults, check-ups are essential to determine the need for fillings, crowns, inlays, extractions, look for signs of gum disease and cancers of the mouth. Adults may also wish to have teeth straightened, whitened or investigate other cosmetic dentistry options.

Older adults may need extractions in order to prepare for dentures, partial dentures or other prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth. Additionally, older adults should have regular exams to look for signs of gum disease, cancers of the mouth, and to determine the need for any additional treatments.

Follow your heart.

Many studies have shown a connection between gum disease (periodontitis) and other serious conditions, including heart disease. Research suggests that periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease and that people with chronic gum disease have increased thickness of their neck blood vessels. There is also a strong correlation between diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and evidence that people with diabetes benefit from professional teeth cleanings.*

Even though oral health isn’t a key to heart disease prevention, it’s important to take care of your teeth and gums:*

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Floss daily.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months — or sooner if the bristles become bent.
• Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.

The peace of mind that comes with having a dental insurance policy can go a long way in helping you stay on task with your oral health care and allow you to manage your budget as well as better plan for expenses related to your dental care needs.

If Mariah Carey could sing it again, perhaps her popular holiday song’s lyrics would be, “All I Want for Christmas is-Dental Insurance!”

*Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.org)

Warning Signs of Gum Disease this Holiday Season

The Six Major Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Keep You and Your Teeth Healthy This Holiday Season

‘Tis the season for festive gatherings, holiday dinners, and office parties. It’s also the season for those sugary snacks so many of us love to include in during these weeks leading up to New Year’s resolutions. From cookie exchanges to candy canes, sugar laden treats lurk in every corner! But consider this warning: if you don’t keep up your oral health routine, Baby New Year may just reward you with a new cavity. We here at South Charlotte Dentistry want to help you keep you and your teeth in good spirits this holiday season!

Know More About What You Eat

Hidden carbohydrates and sugars also are to be discovered in holiday breads and dishes. Rolls, sweet potato pie, cranberry sauce, and fruitcakes all contain sugar. Fruits incorporated into desserts bring on additional sugars, as do those lovely jars of jam wrapped in splendid ribbon that your favorite aunt made just for you!

Sugar is the generic name for sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates, found in many of the foods we eat, especially during the holidays. Carbohydrates are a large group of foodstuffs including sugars and starches. Depending on your health situation, you may be monitoring carbs. For the sake of your teeth, keep an eye the number of carbonated beverages, sugar, and hidden sugars you consume, then keep up (and maybe step up) your dental care routine.

Those with braces or orthodontic work should avoid these foods in order to protect their teeth: popcorn, nuts, hard candy, caramel, pretzels, and peanut brittle.

The good news is, these foods are good for your teeth: whole grains, fruits, lean meats, and vegetables.

Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating (from eatright.org):

The holidays are a time to enjoy friends, family and food. And, contrary to popular belief, you can have all three without putting on the extra pounds!

• On average, Americans gain approximately one to two pounds during the holiday season. While this weight gain isn’t dramatic, research shows it tends to stick and accumulate over the years. Luckily, those pounds can be avoided through mindful eating in moderation and a few simple strategies.
• In preparation for a big holiday party or feast, do not skip meals throughout the day as this may result in overeating. It is especially important to have breakfast, as research shows that those who eat this important morning meal tend to consume fewer calories throughout the day. Include lots of fiber in your diet by eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fiber-rich foods are high in volume and will satisfy hunger but are lower in calories.
• Holiday meals tend to be large, buffet-style and include second and third helpings. While one might not eat an entire cake, a common mistake is eating large portions of foods that are perceived as healthy. It’s important to include nutrient-rich foods in your diet, but also remember that these foods have calories as well and should be eaten in moderation. Using this approach at the holiday dinner table will allow you to maintain a healthful eating plan — one that can also include dessert.
• There are many strategies to help you avoid overeating. Using a smaller plate, for instance, allows you to put less food on your plate and encourages proper portion sizes. Also, start by filling your plate with vegetables and salad before going to the entrees and desserts. Eating a salad before your meal can help you eat fewer calories overall. Eat slowly and savor every bite, and before you go back for seconds wait 10 minutes to see if you really are still hungry.
• Finally, after dinner, get some physical activity. This is a great time to go for a walk and catch up with family members or play catch or a game of basketball with the kids.

Those Yuletide beverages can have a high calorie and sugar count as well. While gin, rum, vodka, and whiskey don’t have added sugar, mixers and fruit can add sugar and calories. Wine contains both fructose and glucose (from fermented grapes) and the holiday favorite, eggnog, can pack a calorie punch with its long list of ingredients including cream, sugar, eggs, and milk. For those wondering about their beer with football, there is no sugar in beer! 

Don’t Forget the Basics!

Like many areas of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Normally the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

It’s important to brush at least twice a day, ideally after every meal, and floss at least once daily. Adding a Waterpik device to your routine and mouthwash provides additional protection against tooth decay. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world’s most common health problems. They’re especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well. If cavities aren’t treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay.

So, be sure to brush away that banana bread and floss away that fudge!

But why end there?

Just as Santa Claus comes through in the end, you can save your teeth this holiday season by keeping up (and maybe stepping up) your routine! How is your holiday shopping coming along? Want to think outside the box and into the medicine cabinet? Consider some healthy alternatives as stocking stuffers. Items like toothbrushes, floss, Waterpiks, electric toothbrushes, and even gift certificates for cosmetic dental treatments all make thoughtful gifts. At South Charlotte Dentistry, we have a selection of oral health products and cosmetic services that would be great to give.

For even more glamour, look for a gold-plated toothbrush — yes, Virginia, they do exist! And silver ones and bejeweled ones too. Or maybe a simple gold-plated toothbrush cap is more practical. Do you have an animal lover on your gift list? Take a look at whimsical toothbrush holders. Children might like their favorite superhero on a toothbrush. Both manual and electric models feature characters from “Frozen” and “Star Wars” among others.

A traveler in your family might appreciate a selection of travel toothbrushes and other tiny carry-ons. There are electronic toothbrush UV sanitizers and we’ve even seen a sterling silver “baby’s first toothbrush.” If you want to plan way ahead for the new baby in the family, think about a tooth fairy pillow and keepsake book.

Don’t let the holidays throw off your dental routine or your spirit! Brush, shop, celebrate, repeat!

But Remember… It’s Okay If the Cookie Crumbles

When it comes to caring for yourself, we at South Charlotte Dentistry know that holiday stress can really be a drag. While we tend to focus on your oral health, we want to help ensure that you take care of your whole self. Some may find joy in the lights and sounds of the season, while others may loathe the chaos and expense, struggle with trying to be the “perfect” parent/kid/spouse/friend, and wish they could skip the social gatherings altogether. Depression and anxiety can show up in your oral health routine like neglecting basic dental hygiene, avoiding necessary dental care, dry mouth (perhaps as a result of medication), and dental decay caused by poor nutrition.

Here are a few tips for managing holiday stress from the Mayo Clinic:

• When stress is at its peak, it’s hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.
• Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
• Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
• Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can’t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.
• Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they’re feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.
• Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Instead you might try donating to a charity, giving homemade gifts, or starting a family gift exchange in which people draw names for an individual or two to give gifts.
• Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That’ll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
• Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity. If it’s not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
• Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Try having a health snack before parties so that you don’t go overboard on sweets. Always get plenty of sleep. And get some physical activity!
• Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm. You might take a walk at on a crisp, cool night to look at the stars, listen to soothing music, get a massage, read a book, or take a long shower or bath.
• Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew!

It didn’t take long for us to figure out our teeth were pretty tough. Besides having loose baby teeth, we discovered that we can chew pretty rigorously and bite down into most things and our teeth have stayed intact. There’s a reason Jawbreaker candies and salt-water taffy have stuck around for so long.

Perhaps you were also told that your teeth are harder than steel, iron, and nickel, and that they can resist to 30,000 pounds of compressive force. Teeth are no joke! In fact, they are as impressive as the facts before, but are they as invincible as we think? How much can our teeth actually withstand between daily use, habits, or over a long period time?

Instead of thinking of teeth like one compact structure, they’re actually more like a weaved-basket. When and if your teeth do eventually crack, this micro-weaved structure helps prevent cracks from spreading after an impact.

Harmless habits with long-lasting effects:

Much of the rigor we put our teeth through is rather unsuspecting in nature. Do you regularly do in any of the following?

Nail Biting

Unfortunately, nail biting ruins more than your pretty manicure. This is one of the most common habits that people have, whether that’s due to stress, boredom, nervousness, or you just don't want to grab the nail clippers sometimes. Your nails are one of the hardest surfaces on your body, so it’s should come as no surprise that chomping down regularly on your finger nails can actually cause damage.

Nail biting can also result in a number of issues. It can cause cracks, chips or erosion of the front teeth, or even fracture the enamel on your front teeth from excessive chewing. Over time, it can cause your teeth enamel to wear down and increase sensitivity. In more severe cases, constant nail biting can cause TMJ. TMJ is a condition that causes pain, clicking, or popping in the jaw.

Ice Chewing

Your parents or friends might fuss at you for this one out of sheer annoyance, but casually chewing on ice happens to the best of us! Crunching on ice is satisfying, hydrating, and really bad for your teeth and gums. Ice chewing will crack and chip your teeth, damage tooth enamel, and can cause problems with existing dental work like fillings and crowns. Chewing on ice definitely is not worth damaging your teeth.

If you still want the satisfaction of a crunch, consider switching to baby carrots or apple bites. If ice chewing is a habit you can’t seem to break, then you may want to consider talking to your dentist. Ice cravings can actually be a sign of anemia, also known as an iron deficiency.

Eating sticky foods

Ever eaten caramel and tried brush your teeth afterwards? Chances are that you could still and taste the caramel stuck in your teeth. Sticky and chewy foods attach to and between your teeth for a prolonged period, resulting in bad bacteria feeding on that lingering sugar in your mouth, thus creating cavities. It’s very important not only to brush thoroughly after eating these types of foods, but also to floss and drink lots of water!

Chewing Gum

Based on popular commercials, we’ve been told that chewing gum is recommended by 4 out of 5 dentists, so it’s great for the teeth and the digestion track, right? Wrong.

To start, chewing gum is filled with artificial sweeteners when they are labeled as sugar free. The “safer” sweeteners aren’t any better for your teeth. Artificial sweeteners can do as much damage to the tooth enamel as normal sugar, and under the guise of being healthier, can influence the increased intake of artificial sugars over natural sugar.

Excessive chewing causes wear and tear on the cartilage and surrounding joints in the mouth, causing or aggravating jaw-conditions like TMJ.

Fun Fact: Chewing gum requires eight different facial muscles that put pressure on the nerves in head. This means that chewing gum can also cause intermittent headaches!

If these aren’t enough reasons to hinder you from chewing gum, then we will dispel one final myth. Chewing gum can only give you the feeling of being “minty clean,” when in reality, bad breath is due to tooth decay and sometimes digestive problems. Switching up the foods in your diet can actually improve bad breath, not popping in gum after eating a stinky meal.

Biting

Seeing your infant or toddler bite can be a cause of concern for parents; are they trying to relieve the pain from teething? Do they just want to experience the sensation of biting? Or is it rooted in frustration, anger, confusion, or hunger, using biting as a method to communicate difficult feelings? Children can bite for a number of reasons, and while it can be upsetting and potentially harmful behavior, it is usually a phase outgrown and a behavior redirected.

Should parents be concerned about the effects of biting on their children’s teeth? Well, sure! It’s always important to pay close attention to the state and progression of your child’s teeth. Depending on what the child is biting, it may be detrimental for their teeth and jaw (i.e. if they’re biting extremely hard objects). Talking to your dentist is the best way to determine what biting behavior and habits are too excessive.

Although babies lose their first set of teeth, baby teeth are important for eating talking, and smiling, as well as keeping spaces for the adult teeth to come in. Ensure that your children brush and floss at an appropriate age, and take them in for regular dentist visits to adjust them to oral health upkeep.

Fun fact: did you know that bite-marks aren’t scientifically backed in forensic evidence anymore? There is no reliable methodology to support that human bite marks are unique. We’re don’t recommend using teeth as a murder-weapon or biting other humans in general, but if your toddler is ever erroneously convicted of murder on bite marks, remember this article. On the bright side, your dental records and teeth themselves can still identify you!

Biting into hard foods or objects

Cracking into nuts, chewing un-popped kernels, opening beer bottles with your teeth, and gnawing on pen caps; these are all destructive, stress-inducing habits for your teeth.

Just as carrots and apples can be great alternatives to bad hard foods, it’s worth adding that hard, raw foods are actually great for your teeth and gums. Think of it like a dog chewing on a bone to clean their teeth and gums; chewing raw foods does the same for us, removing plaque while also stimulating the jaw and teeth nerves. If we avoided all hard foods, it really wouldn’t be good for our teeth!

Over time, what’s going to happen to my teeth from aggravated chewing and biting?

Depending on what stage you’re in during your life or how your dental care has been, your teeth may have different needs. People with braces know not to bite into apples and to avoid tough meats and hard breads, and people with veneers know to avoid crunching into raw vegetables.  Those with dentures have their own set of rules to abide by, just as those with crowns and fillings do too. The best way to know what can happen is to talk to your dentist!

If you’re suffering from a chipped tooth, or know that you’re a chronic chewer or biter, South Charlotte Family &Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help! Make an appointment today to learn more about getting a filling, crown, implant, or to talk about managing habits putting your teeth at risk.

Dental Pain Management and Opioid Use

Have you ever been afraid of going to the dentist? Whether your fear is based on prior bad experiences or the potential for pain, you’re not alone.

However, many dental patients express a different fear regarding dental pain: potential addiction to prescribed opiates. Opioids a type of narcotic pain medication. They work by reducing pain signals to the brain. They are very effective in treating pain; however, they also carry a risk of addiction. At South Charlotte Dentistry, we work with you to ensure that your care plan is safe and effective.

Opioid abuse and overdose has been an increasing epidemic across all ages, genders, and classes in the United States. A stunning national statistic reveals that although the U.S. represents 5 percent of the world’s population, it consumes 80 percent of the global opioid supply. According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), from 1999 to 2016, more than 12,000 North Carolinians died from opioid-related overdose.

Fear of opioids or opioid addiction creates a tricky situation for patients, who might be wondering, “How is my dentist going to make sure I am not experiencing pain or suffering, while also avoiding addiction to the pain medications prescribed after dental procedures?"

What are opioids? 

At first, opioids produce feelings of pleasure or euphoria. After repeated and prolonged use, the brain develops a tolerance towards its effects and begins to crave the pleasure-inducing effects, despite becoming less susceptible to the actual pain relief of the drugs.

How does addiction start?

Opioids are very effective in treating pain, especially when someone is in high pain and needs immediate relief. Often, and unfortunately, addiction may be an unforeseen result of a legitimate need for pain treatment. Opioids like morphine, codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone are highly addictive and lead to physical dependencies.

Opioids are prescribed for short-term pain management and aid in treating severe pain. Opioids used over a longer period become less effective, which may drive the urge to take higher doses in order to achieve the same effect as when the medication was first started.

Once the opioid is stopped, withdrawal symptoms can include muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold-flashes, and more. To lessen the chances of withdrawal take any prescription as directed and plan to taper down doses. Your doctor can help you create a plan to safely reduce your medication use while managing your pain.

What does addiction to opiates look like?

• Using drugs past the prescription or initial pain treatment 
• Becoming tolerant and needing the drug more often 
• Having withdrawals from the drug 
• Strong desire or urge to use the drug 
• Continuing use despite financial, legal, or social problems 

Dental care and opioids

Dentists are the second highest prescribers of opioids in the U.S. Over the past few years however, opioid prescriptions from dentists have been in decline. On average, dentists prescribe three days worth of opioids to their patients, aiming to only administer the lowest-potency opioids for short periods of time for conditions associated with severe pain.

Procedures and conditions that call for opioid prescriptions can range depending on the patient’s pain tolerance and preference, but most commonly include:

• Wisdom teeth surgery 
• Tooth/Molar extraction
• Dental infections 
• Surgical trauma 

The American Dental Association announced new policies to combat the opioid epidemic in March 2018, which include continued education in prescribing opioids and other controlled substances, and statutory limitations on opioid dosage and duration of no more than 7 days for acute pain.

How to manage pain responsibly

There is a no one-size-fits-all for treatment, so talking to your dentist to determine what course of action is best for you is a great place to start. Update your dentist on your health history, share what medications you might be taking, and definitely disclose if you or someone in your close family are in recovery or have struggled with addiction in the past. You might also ask your dentist:

• What’s the goal of this prescription? 
• At what time and when should I take these? 
• How long should I take these drugs? 
• Are there risks from this medication? 
• What do I do with any extra medication? 

Dentists and patients alike need to be on the same page about the perception of pain for these dental procedures, as well as what realistic expectations are for their pain treatment. The goal of pain management is exactly that — management not magic. Often patients may expect to feel absolutely no pain after procedure and anxiety about pain can actually contribute to feeling it. Experiencing a little bit of pain is okay. It will help you keep track of whether something actually hurts and needs treatment or you are continuing to take a medication out of habit. Only treat your pain to the point that it is manageable and does not interfere with your quality of life.

Dental pain management: alternatives to opioids

Opioids are not usually dentists’ first choice to send home with patients. The alternatives to opiates include familiar medications. Over-the-counter pills can be just as effective for controlling pain, and safer, as they are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).

In a recent study by The Journal of the American Dental Association, the most effective pain relief with the fewest side effects is 400 milligrams of ibuprofen with 1,000 milligrams of acetaminophen. They also found that this combination is more effective than any other opioid or opioid-containing drugs. Most patients can find pain relief with a combination of Tylenol and ibuprofen, or even aspirin, which are easily accessible and cheap.

Patients should keep in mind that unlike opiates, the over-the-counter drug combinations may not work as instantly to relieve pain—but, when used correctly and consistently, these NSAIDs will relieve pain as effectively. Other pain relief measures may include hot or cold compresses, topical numbing gel, and comforting things such as taking a shower or bath, meditating, or distracting oneself with a favorite activity.

Most people associate major dental procedures with some lingering pain, sensitivity, and discomfort. But if you’re experiencing excessive pain post-dental procedure, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your dentist may recommend an additional evaluation, or develop an alternative pain management plan suited for you.

Struggling with addiction? There's help.

Various treatment options and resources are available to help people with addiction. Your primary care doctor, dentist, or any other health professional can help assess the situation and recommend treatment options.

Other useful resources centralized in NC include:

The Alcohol/Drug Council of North Carolina

Carolina Healthcare System #ThisisSober Campaign

North Carolina Council of Community Programs – Treatment Services Guide

Recovery Communities of North Carolina

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