Chances are no one needs to tell you about how significantly the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the routines of everyday Americans. All kinds of businesses and other organizations have been forced—either directly or indirectly—to close. And over the course of the last few months, many of these establishments have been allowed to reopen, albeit at a limited capacity. 

As such, millions of people across the country have been trying to adjust to a new normal that seems to change by the day. But one thing is for sure: Even if there are a lot of things in our lives that we can’t control right now, we can still take steps to foster our health and well-being. And maintaining good dental health can go a long way in helping us achieve that.

The good news is that dental offices across the country are now seeing patients for routine checkups and other non-emergency treatments. And while the pandemic is still in full swing, dental offices are among the safest places to be. Nonetheless, you’re not alone if you have lingering concerns about whether or not you should visit the dentist with everything going on. 

So, what do you do if you’re past due on a checkup and want to take care of your teeth and gums the best you can right now? Below, we’ll discuss these matters in more detail so that you can decide for yourself if scheduling an appointment is right for you. 

 

HOW LONG CAN YOU ACTUALLY WAIT BEFORE VISITING THE DENTIST? 

OK, maybe you’re not completely convinced that you need to go to the dentist quite as often as you have been told. Let’s talk about why regular checkups are generally recommended, as well as the absolute longest you should wait before seeing a dentist:

 

Why Regular Checkups Are Important

Regular checkups at the dentist are essential for maintaining good dental health. It is generally recommended that adults visit the dentist every six months. Following this logic, if you haven’t had a checkup since the pandemic started, then it’s time to book an appointment. However, going to the dentist twice a year may not always seem practical to some adults. After all, what if there happens to be a global pandemic that turns the routines of countless households on their heads? 

With this in mind, it’s important to consider why regular checkups and treatments are recommended by medical professionals. For one, your dental health is closely connected to other aspects of your physical health, so neglecting it for too long can have severe consequences and end up costing you much more money than if you were to go to a few dental visits. Also, neglecting your dental health can significantly impact your mental health and overall well-being. 

Then there’s the fact that checkups allow your dentist to perform a thorough examination of your mouth, which in turn allows them to catch any current or potential problems. The more often you visit the dentist, the earlier such problems can be found, which means that you can address them before they become too advanced. Keeping tabs on your health like this can bring peace of mind and potentially save you from unnecessary (and expensive) procedures.

 

If You’re Typically in Good Health

You’re pretty good about practicing daily dental care. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and are conscious of eating a well-balanced diet. The dentist rarely finds issues when examining your teeth at checkups. In this case, it’s understandable that you would be a little skeptical of scheduling appointments every six months, especially in light of everything going in 2020. 

Here’s the thing: The six-month checkup standard is widely accepted by medical professionals. But if you feel uncomfortable with the idea of going to the dentist during the pandemic, and you are OK with the risk of not having a dentist catch potential problems, then it might be fine to skip your next appointment. Studies by organizations like the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) indicate that a maximum of two years between visits can suffice if the patient is thoroughly practicing oral care at home. For children, the maximum is one year, since they are more susceptible to tooth decay. Teens should go no longer than 18 months.

It’s important to note that there is no guarantee that dental issues will not arise over a two-year period (or even six months, for that matter), regardless of the general oral health of a patient. And one should only go that long without seeing a dentist if there is no other feasible option. 

 

If You Suspect Tooth Decay or a Cavity 

The study mentioned above does not apply to patients who are concerned that they may have tooth decay or a cavity. Tooth decay can erode the tooth quickly, resulting in a cavity, which is basically a hole in the tooth. Children’s teeth are softer and at higher risk for cavities, but adults get them often as well. 

If you have not been brushing, flossing, and eating a generally tooth-friendly diet, then chances are that you have an unhealthy amount of plaque on the enamel of your teeth, which will inevitably lead to tooth decay if left untreated. Examine your teeth on a regular basis. And if you notice a pale or dark spot on any of your teeth, or if you notice discoloration on any of your teeth (typically yellow, brown, or black), then you likely have a cavity. Even so, cavities can lurk in unseen crevices and corners of the mouth, which is another reason why six-month checkups are so heavily recommended. 

If you suspect either tooth decay or a cavity, you will definitely want to contact your dentist as soon as possible. Visiting the dentist will help to stop the tooth decay or cavity before it gets worse, and that can save you from a lot of unnecessary pain, not to mention expensive procedures. 

 

THE PANDEMIC AND THE CURRENT STATE OF DENTAL OFFICES 

When the pandemic first reached the U.S, dental offices across the country closed their doors. In most places, facilities remained closed for months, with the exception of performing emergency dental treatment and procedures. 

Now, facilities are opening back up everywhere, seeing patients for routine checkups and other types of non-emergency care.

As of date, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) still hold that there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 transmitted in a dental facility. This is a fact that cannot be ignored and that attests to the stringent cleaning and sanitation processes implemented by dental offices throughout the country (and world)—both before and during the pandemic. In other words, dental offices are among the safest places you can go right now.

Even though most dental offices, including South Charlotte Family Dentistry, were very thorough in their cleaning and sanitation guidelines prior to the pandemic, changes have been made in an effort to curb the general spread of the coronavirus. Also, constant evaluations and adjustments are being made in order to ensure that patients and staff are safe.  

Before an appointment, for instance, you might be asked to check-in through a mobile app rather than the traditional way of filling out paperwork. You will likely be asked if you have had any potential exposure to the virus and whether you have traveled recently, and you will be reminded to wear a mask. Once you get to the appointment, a staff member will check your temperature. And be prepared to use hand sanitizer, which there should be plenty of in each room. 

Also, you can expect the waiting room experience to be quite different at the dental office than it has in the past. Many offices are trying to limit their waiting rooms to just a few people, and some are trying to keep no patients in the waiting room by asking patients to stay in their vehicle until the dentist or oral hygienist is ready to see them. 

 

IF YOU’RE STILL UNCOMFORTABLE VISITING THE DENTAL OFFICE 

In light of everything discussed here, if you are still uneasy about visiting your dental office, then it’s essential that you do everything you can at home to maintain your dental health. 

 

Basic Dental Care

Before and after brushing or flossing, be sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day to reach the bacteria and plaque that your brush can’t. 

 

Diet

When it comes to your diet, it’s best to limit sugary foods like candy, cakes, and cookies. Sticky candy like gummy bears and sour gummies are particularly harmful to your teeth. Also, try not to snack too frequently throughout the day, as it can increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities. And limit the sugary drinks in your daily routine because they can be just as harmful as sugary foods. Instead, drink a lot of water during and between meals.  

 

Dental Emergencies

If you suspect a dental emergency, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible for guidance. However, for certain dental issues, there are things you can do at home that can possibly mitigate the issue, albeit temporarily:

General dental pain. Over-the-counter medicines can help with dental pain. But the thing to look out for is how long the pain lasts and whether or not there is swelling. If there is no swelling, a simple combination of Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen can relieve some of the pain, but you will need to ask your dentist about the proper dosage. If there is swelling in your mouth, you will need to take the same medicines as well as rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. Contact your dentist if there is swelling or if the pain persists. 

Pain in gums, tongue, cheek, and/or lip. Common medicated gels that you can get over the counter, such as Orajel and Anbesol, can serve as a temporary remedy for any of these soft tissue places in the mouth (as long as there isn’t swelling). If it’s a child who is experiencing the pain, be sure to look for a children’s oral gel. Additionally, you can administer children’s Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen to add relief, though you will want to consult the dentist or pediatric dentist for guidance.

Fractured tooth or lost filling. If you have suffered a fractured tooth or have lost a filling, you can use an over-the-counter filling material as a temporary fix, which can typically be found in the dental aisle of the pharmacy. If you would rather not leave the house, you should be able to find filling/loose cap repair products online and have them delivered straight to your doorstep. 

Damaged dentures. Whether your dentures have been broken or they simply don’t fit well anymore, there are temporary fixes for that as well. Most pharmacies sell denture repair kits and denture reline kits, which you can also find online.

 

Conclusion

Going to the dentist every six months is the best way to stay on top of your dental health, and it can potentially save you from severe pain and expensive medical bills. Also, dental offices are considered by experts around the world to be some of the cleanest and safest facilities you can go to right now. Nonetheless, if you still need some time to warm up to the idea of going to the dentist, be sure to diligently practice dental care at home, and contact your dentist if you notice any issues. 

Is it Safe to Visit the Dentist in Light of Covid-19?

As we find ourselves navigating through this pandemic, it is difficult to know how to deal with previously normal circumstances, such as visiting the dentist. If I have a toothache or am in need of some form of emergency dentistry, what do I do? The answer: come see us at South Charlotte Dentistry—we’re still open! Our method of operating has had to change a little, but we are still seeing patients, which means there is NO reason for you to go to the ER for emergency dental procedures. 

In the past two weeks, life has changed dramatically for everyone. We’ve gone from watching parts of the world shut down to seeing our very own little worlds close in around us. At this time, restaurants, bars, libraries, and more are shutting their doors and people are being encouraged to stay home in a mass effort to contain, and ultimately rid ourselves of this virus.

But in the midst of the sudden change, life must go on—at least as much as it possibly can. South Charlotte Dentistry is happy to announce we are staying open on a limited bases, as we continue to provide the best care for all of our patients.

How to Schedule an Appointment 
Since we are open for appointments only, we have set up an easy process for scheduling a time to come in.

Simply call our office at 704-759-0908 and press option one. You will then be prompted to set up a day and time that works best for you to come in. It’s that easy. When you do come in, you can wait in your vehicle until the exact time of your appointment, in which case you will be the only patient in the office.

Here are the steps for setting up and completing your appointment:
1. Call for an appointment.  

2. Show up at the scheduled time and wait in the parking lot.

3. Receive a call or text that we are ready for you to come in.

4. Walk into the office—where the door will be held open for you—and go through the lobby and directly into the dentist’s chair. (This is a lobby-free experience.)

5. The only contact is the gloved hands of the dentist with your teeth.

6. Once the appointment is over, you can check out virtually, as there is no need to make a stop at the front desk on your way out. 

Is it Safe to Come in?
Yes, it is. Our team spends hours each day deep-cleaning every surface and every tool used. Gloves and facemasks are worn the entire time, making your experience hands-free.

These are strange days we are living in, but they won’t be here forever. We will beat this thing and normalcy will return to our lives. But until then, know that South Charlotte Dentistry is still here for you. The most important thing is to make sure you come to us for your dental needs instead of the emergency room. With people flooding hospitals and overwhelming staff and resources, we don’t want to add to the overflow.

Maintaining Your Oral Health
Though it may be inconvenient sitting at home trying to shelter in place, you could use this time to do a little spring-cleaning of the teeth and gums. Keeping a routine is important, if not only for our own sanity, for our health as well.

Here are some tips we, at South Charlotte Dentistry, live by:

It’s important to brush your teeth in the morning and at night with fluoride toothpaste. In the morning it’s a good idea to begin with mouth wash, which breaks down plaque and food particles. Then thoroughly floss between each tooth to get those spots your toothbrush won’t reach. When brushing, hold the toothbrush at an angle pointing the bristles towards the gums. Brush, using back-and-forth motions on both the inside and outside of the teeth, making sure not to scrub too vigorously. Brushing too hard can cause the gums to recede and expose sensitive areas of the teeth. It is strongly advised to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush for two minutes a side and repeat the same process at night. 
It may sound a little strange (what doesn’t these last few days?), but even during a pandemic you still need to go to the dentist every six months. Here are four reasons why: 

1. 1. Removing Hardened Plaque. You know when you visit the dentist and he gets that sharp, silver hook tool and scrapes it against your teeth? Sometimes, he has to press extra hard and poke and prod. What he is doing is removing plaque from your teeth. Flossing and brushing twice a day can get most of it from your teeth, but little bits of plaque can remain and harden. In time that plaque will discolor and can cause damage to the teeth and gums if it’s not removed. Visiting us at least twice a year will keep this hardened substance from accumulating.
   2. Preventing Gum Disease. Bacteria in the mouth can cause gum disease, and most times it is not noticeable to the individual who has it until it’s festered. However, we can help prevent gum disease from ever occurring by professionally cleaning your teeth and gums. And if signs of gum disease show up, he can recommend the proper medication to help illuminate it.
   3. Preventing Cavities. Plaque and food particles can create cavities, which eat away at the teeth. And like gum disease, cavities can be difficult to notice right away. Unless you see us, that is. If they are found, cavities can be removed and the damaged tooth repaired, or, in extreme cases, the tooth will have to be pulled. Regardless, it is of the utmost importance that cavities are taken care of right away, as they can lead to more serious oral maladies.
   4. Preventing Oral Cancer. The thought of cancer can be scary, but it’s something that should not be ignored. Instead, it should be prevented. Seeing your dentist twice a year and having an oral exam can greatly help reduce your chances of contracting cancer of the mouth.

There are other reasons to keep your mouth clean. For instance, did you know cavities and gum disease, if left alone, could lead to serious medical problems such as heart disease? It’s true. Poor oral health can even affect other diseases, like diabetes, making them more difficult to control. This is why it’s so important to be sure you are caring for your teeth and gums correctly. 

Stuck Indoors and Snacking 
One of the toughest parts of being stuck at home is keeping from snacking. Whether out of boredom or the sweet or salty taste, it’s hard to stay away from them. But how do these sweets affect your teeth and gums? Well, too much of anything is bad for you, right? What happens when we eat a lot of sugary treats or even sip on too many cocktails, is the sugar combines with any plaque (hard or soft) in the mouth to create an acid. This acid then eats away at your teeth. And though this is a serious matter, as no one wants her teeth to be eaten away, it can be prevented. 

If you are regularly and correctly caring for your teeth twice a day, there are ways to still enjoy sweet foods and fresh drinks without damaging your teeth. If you are eating something high in sugar, gargle with mouthwash or water after you are finished. This will not completely clean the teeth and gums, but it can clear away enough unwanted matter before your brush next. As for drinks, try and find or make ones with fruit as a substitute for sugar. And, as with sugary treats, it's a good idea to gargle or have a glass of water after.

Teeth Whitening
While taking this time to maintain that oral health, it might be tempting to brighten that smile a bit with teeth whitening. But with so many whitening products out there, how can you be sure to get the best brand? Moreover, how can you be sure not to purchase a whitening kit that will damage your teeth? Here are four recommendations to consider when looking to brighten that smile: 

1. Stay away from trays and gels. This whitening system has been around the longest. The process involves heating a tray, filling it with whitening gel, and inserting it to the mouth to form a bond. The problem with this method is that it can take weeks for results to show. And, most people who use the tray and gels report having teeth sensitivity afterward. 

2. Use caution with whitening strips. The famous whitening strips have been around for ten years or so and have had a lot of success. Results can show in about a week, and the process is easy: simply fold the strip over your top and bottom rows of teeth and keep in your mouth for a short period of time. It is important to be cautious, however, not to overlap the strips onto your gums. Over time, this can cause irritation. Also, if you use the strips too often, your teeth can become sensitive.


3. When you have the time to wait, use paint-ons. The paint-on method solves the problem of the whitening agent interacting with interior soft tissues, such as the gums and inner cheek. You simply brush the whitening gel on each tooth and let it sit for a short period of time. Easy enough, right? The only downside to this method is it can take months before results can be seen, and you have to be diligent in getting the gel on each tooth daily.

4. Whitening devices. Though they may be a little more expensive than the others, whitening devices work the best. The device uses high-intensity lights to break down hydrogen peroxides to create more whitening oxygens on the teeth. The best part of using this method is your teeth will be much whiter in a matter of two days.

No matter what, remember that the most important things are to stay safe and stay calm—and to keep your mouth clean! Take care, and set up your dental appointment with us today.

Is Whitening Toothpaste Worth It? Why You Might Want to Explore Other Options

All of us like the thought of having a mouth full of glistening white teeth. Along with being a sign of good oral health, whiter teeth can enhance your appearance and boost your self-confidence, among other benefits. Plus, you’re likely to smile more often when you have a set of shining ivories to back it up, and smiling comes with its own set of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. But are we risking our health when using whitening agents?

That brings us to how one can achieve a darling smile with whiter teeth. Since you use toothpaste on a daily basis anyway, shouldn’t you use whitening toothpaste so that you can kill two birds with one stone—better oral hygiene and whiter teeth?
The answer is yes and no. Whitening toothpaste can remove certain amounts of surface stains from your teeth. However, if used incorrectly, it can also damage the enamel of your teeth in the process. Therefore, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into when you pick that tube of whitening toothpaste off the shelf.
To decide if whitening toothpaste is right for you, it’s worth considering a few factors: how it works, how to use it, what damaged enamel entails, and what alternatives there are to achieve whiter teeth.

How Whitening Toothpaste Works 
Most toothpaste has gentle abrasives, fluoride, and other ingredients to keep cavities and gum disease at bay. Whitening toothpaste typically has more abrasives, similar ingredients, plus low levels of bleaching chemicals. Some of the most commonly used of these mild abrasives include hydrated aluminum oxides, silica, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). These abrasives work to scrub surface stains caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, and so on.
Additionally, common bleaching agents used in whitening toothpaste include hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These chemicals usually come in such a low dose that the whitening toothpaste is unlikely to cause sensitivity or irritation. However, any brightening of the teeth is relatively minor and takes a significant amount of time.

How to Use Whitening Toothpaste
It’s likely that how you use whitening toothpaste is more important than if you use it. Any ADA-approved whitening toothpaste you find on the market is considered safe for teeth, as long as you apply proper brushing techniques and frequencies.
For instance, it’s advisable to use a soft-bristle brush and not to brush too vigorously. Also, you should never brush your teeth more than the toothpaste label or your dentist suggests. Some people may feel the need to scrub harder than necessary, thinking that it will help remove more stains, when in fact this can lead to the erosion of your enamel.

What Happens When Your Enamel is Damaged  
Enamel is a substance on the outer layer of your teeth, and it’s your teeth’s first line of defense against chemicals from food, drink, and bodily fluids. Fortunately, it’s also the toughest tissue your body has. Nonetheless, it can still experience wear and tear over time, especially if you fail to brush regularly (or brush too hard and frequently with whitening toothpaste). Once the enamel has eroded, it cannot grow back, but proper dental hygiene can prevent erosion from escalating.
Short-term symptoms of tooth enamel erosion include discoloration, heightened sensitivity, and cracks. Long-term erosion can lead to stains, rough edges, and shiny spots on your teeth. The most advanced enamel erosion can result in severe tooth decay and fractured teeth.

Alternatives to Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste, when used properly, can make teeth appear slightly whiter over time. But it’s important to remember that it can only remove stains on the surface of your teeth and that the results will likely not be very noticeable.
If you want your smile to be significantly brighter and reduce the risk of enamel erosion, you are better off to go with a teeth-whitening system. You have two primary options here: over-the-counter products (e.g., gel trays, strips) or those administered by your dentist. Whitening gel can be especially effective, as it flows through the enamel tubules to reach the dentin—the tissue beneath the enamel that absorbs most of a stain.
Both over-the-counter and dentist-administered whitening systems contain higher concentrations of peroxide than whitening toothpaste, and either can provide more noticeable results. Generally speaking, over-the-counter products have 5-15% peroxide and professional dental-strength products have 25-40%. Before choosing a whitening product, be sure to consult your dentist.

The Verdict
ADA-approved whitening toothpaste may not be harmful in and of itself, but it can lead to enamel erosion if not applied properly, and it likely won’t yield the results you’re looking for. When it comes down to it, there are safer, more effective options on the market worth considering. Come by South Charlotte Dentistry to discuss your options with our team!

Update on Fluoride: Just How Safe is Our Water?

Though previous studies have touted the positive attributes to the addition of fluoride to our water—such as its inclusion of whitening agents and the reduction of tooth decay—a 2019 study is the first to suggest otherwise. This most recent finding indicates some possible dangers to fluoride, especially in adolescents.

The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine cited a study done in 2019 that had some troubling findings. According to the study, “exposure to fluoride may contribute to complex changes in kidney and liver function among youth in the United States, where 74 percent of public water systems add fluoride for dental health benefits.” This is big news, considering just about every one of us is exposed to fluoride through our tap water.
It’s important to note who this seems to affect the most: adolescents. Why this group over any other? Well, the kidneys accumulate most of the fluoride we put into our bodies. What we have found is an adolescent's body actually only excretes 45 percent of fluoride through the kidneys, whereas an adult secretes fluoride at a rate of 60 percent, meaning adults can likely pass the chemical without any negative side effects.
This research also indicates that "adolescents with poorer kidney or liver function may absorb more fluoride in their bodies.” With potential side effects like renal system damage, thyroid dysfunction, liver damage, tooth disease, and impaired protein metabolism, people—particularly those with children—are beginning to seriously question if our water is safe.
Sure, we all grew up feeling just fine and we drank right from the faucet. But, there are those who feel the risk isn’t worth ignoring. So what can be done? Plenty, actually.

The Berkey Water Filtration System
Just because your fridge may filter your water, or you have a separate water container with a built-in filter, fluoride is still most likely in your water. It’s tough to get out, and filters can be anywhere from $30 to $300.
One option, though it will cost a bit more upfront, is the Berkey Water Filtration System. These systems range in price from $250 to around $700, but they provide gallons of crystal-clear, and fluoride-free, water.
They usually come in two stackable metal cylinders. The top is filled with water and gravity pulls the water through the four filters. And these heavy-duty filters only need to be changed every few years—if even then. These are perfect for big families. Everyone gets a water bottle and keeps it filled. This is also a great way to cut back on your plastic use, and it only takes a year or so (depending on how much water you typically buy) to pay for your new water system. Then it's free, freshwater for everyone.
But, if you’re not feeling up to spending a few hundred for a new water filtration system, there are other, less expensive, options. Check these two out:

• Priced at $70, the Aquagear Water Filter Pitcher cleans fluoride, Lead, Chloramine, and Chromium-6 from your water. The pitcher is BPA free and easily fits into the fridge.
• You can also go smaller with a $35 water bottle that has a fluoride filter attached. The Seychelle Extreme Water Filter Bottle is great for camping, travel, hiking, or backpacking, and it removes bacteria, viruses, radiological contaminants, and fluoride. It holds 28 ounces of water.

Fluoride-Free Bottled Water
Even if you don’t feel up to buying special water filtration systems, there are plenty of bottled waters out there for purchase that are fluoride-free. Here is a list of some of the most popular ones:

• Arbor Springs Drinking Water
• Arbor Springs Purified Water
• Arbor Springs Spring Water
• Deer Park
• Diamond Spring Water
• Evian
• Fresh Market
• Glacier Bay
• Hidden Valley Natural Mineral Water
• Nestle Pure Life
• Oasis Pure Drinking Water
• Oasis Sparkling Water
• Perrier
• Poland Spring
• Volvic

Until more studies come out that can provide more information on the possible dangers of consuming fluoride in adolescents, it is important not to panic. There are plenty of options to keep your little ones fluoride-free, and you don't have to break the bank to do it.

As always, at South Charlotte Dentistry, we care most about your health. If you have concerns for your children, or would like to know more about the effects of fluoride, stop in and see us. We are always happy to help.

*Sources:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/08/190808091358.htm