Don’t Put Off Your Dental Appointment

If you’re afraid or discomforted by going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Studies find over 60 percent of people suffer from dental-related dread. Even worse, a third of the U.S population put off going to the dentist because of this fear.

Dental visits have dropped off considerably, likely a combination of an already inherent fear of the dentist alongside COVID-19 protocols and concerns. Many see a visit, such as a non-time-sensitive procedure, or other general checkups, as unnecessary, especially in the current climate. 

Though this isolation from people, and in turn, the dentist, has allowed many dental problems to snowball to some frightening extremes, cavities, gum disease, and tooth grinding habits have been left unchecked, turning a once-a-season checkup into a slew of connected visits.

If you aren’t visiting your dentist for a cleaning or oral exam every 6 months, you’re not meeting the dental recommendations.  

Chances are that a coming and going toothache is a sign of an underlying problem. Tooth decay, abscesses, damaged fillings, infected gums, and bad habits are all possible roots of your tooth troubles. 

Lack of dental care isn’t a problem relegated to your mouth. Research indicates that bad dental health can contribute to diabetes, heart disease, and types of cancers, with some serious tooth infections even leading to death. Simply put, dental hygiene is no joke, with even one of the greatest Egyptian Pharaohs, Amenhotep III, being a casualty of a lack of dental hygiene. There’s some good news there. Even though you aren’t a pharaoh, you have access to a dentist, something they never had.

Frequent visits can result in benefits beyond those that typically come to mind. Dental visits can help identify early cases of oral cancer, reduce chances of heart disease, show underlying problems through x-rays, and diminish cases of inflammation. 

If you don’t like dental visits, want to avoid going as much as possible, etc, your best bet to stay out of the office may be to go to your regular dental appointment. While that may seem like a true contradiction, imagine the follow-up procedures, time, and money for a severe dental problem. Early treatment is also less painful and less expensive, saving the pain in your wallet as well as in your teeth.

While you may have some fear, overcoming that and scheduling your necessary dental appointment is well worth overcoming. Like with most things, exercise, eating right, and getting good sleep, the beginning of regular dental checkups and cleanings can be difficult, but the rewards are truly remarkable. Make the right step for your health and schedule a dental appointment today.

Fall Sports Safety

 Mouthguards reduce the use of mouth-related injuries for athletes, particularly with the use of custom-fitted mouthguards. From hockey to water polo, or basketball to football, the use of a mouth guard reduces the prevalence of dental injuries and trauma across the board! At South Charlotte Dentistry, we know many of our patients are entering back into the school year and enrolling in fall sports.

Participation in youth and adolescent sports has exploded in the past few years. It’s estimated that around 45 million youths participate in organized sports. The National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety reports dental injuries as the most common type of injury sustained during sports participation. It’s also estimated that an athlete is 60% more likely to sustain teeth damage when not wearing a protective mouthguard!

 

Why should you wear a mouthguard?

A mouthguard is basically a protective cushion that provides some shock absorption for your teeth in the event of oral trauma. A mouthguard protects injury to the teeth, prevents cuts and bruising from external impact, and shields your teeth against tooth fractures and dislocations. A properly fitted mouthguard can also reduce concussions, pulpal injury, and even neck injury!

Beyond a bruised mouth or dislocated tooth, sports injuries can cause lasting damage, especially when neck, jaw, and facial injuries can prevent athletes from ever playing sports again. A properly fitted mouth guard will reduce the opportunity for injury, and lower the overall severity of the injury.

 

What type of mouthguards are there?

• Over-the-counter ready-made or stock mouthguards
• “Boil and bite” mouthguards
• Custom-made mouthguards (from a dentist)

These three options vary in price, comfort, and protection, but all are better options than none. The most important factor is that your mouthguard is comfortable, resilient, easily cleaned, resistant to tearing, and should not restrict speech or breathing.

 

At what age should a child begin to wear a mouthguard?

We recommend that a child begin to wear a mouthguard once their permanent teeth start coming into the mouth. This typically occurs between the ages of 6 and 7. It’s very important to remember that we only have one set of permanent teeth, so we need to protect them for life!

 

If you suffer oral trauma during sports, when should you go to the dentist?

We categorize dental injuries into three different categories. Timing is very critical when it comes to dental injuries. Do not allow an athlete to wait until the end of a game to seek treatment; dental injuries need to be treated as soon as possible, and typically getting treatment within 2 hours provides the best outcomes.

Depending on the type of injury, you should immediately treat the injury as follows:

FRACTURE: A fracture can include a root fracture, broken tooth, or chipped tooth.

Immediate Treatment: If possible, stabilize the portion of the tooth still in the mouth by biting gently on a towel to control bleeding.

Transportation to Dentist: Athlete and tooth fragments should immediately go to the dentist. The best methods to transport the tooth fragments should be in Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution, milk, saline-soaked gauze, or under the athlete’s tongue.

AVULSION: When the entire tooth, including the root, is knocked out.

Immediate Treatment: Only handle the tooth by the crown, never the root. Do not attempt to brush, scrub or sterilize the tooth. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse with water.

Transportation to Dentist: If possible, place the tooth back in the socket and instruct the athlete to gently bite down on a towel. If you’re unable to re-implant the tooth, transport the tooth with the athlete like the last method immediately.

LUXATION: The tooth is in the socket but the wrong position. An extruded tooth appears longer than the surrounding teeth, and a lateral displacement is a tooth pushed back or forward too far. An intruded tooth is if the tooth is pushed into the gums, and appears short.

Immediate Treatment: For an extruded or lateral displacement, have the athlete gently bite down into a towel, and transport immediately to a dentist.

Transportation to the dentist: For an intruded tooth, do not attempt to reposition the tooth, and transport the athlete immediately to a dentist.

 

Talk to South Charlotte Dentistry about wearing a protective mouthguard.

Don’t leave oral injury to chance! Dental injuries are easily preventable. Dentists and experts recommend that mouthguards are worn by athletes in sports where impact, contact, and collision are likely to occur, during all practices and competitions.

Talk to your dentist at South Charlotte Dentistry about getting a custom mouthguard for this season. A mouthguard should be no different than wearing a jersey or uniform – it is an essential part of your standard athletic equipment! Protect your smile this season by wearing a mouthguard!

 

South Charlotte Dentistry Summer Vacation Dental Tips!

 

Prepping for your Summer vacation? South Charlotte Dentistry has some great suggestions and tips for maintaining your families’ good dental health this Summer.

 

Cool down with frozen and iced beverages, but don’t chew on the ice!

Ice is super satisfying to crunch but bad for your teeth! A cup of ice seems like an innocent snack to reach for – it’s zero calories, it’s hydrating, and it’s water! What’s healthier than water?

Well actually, it turns out that persistently chewing ice can lead to quite a few serious problems.

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but the friction caused by crushing ice with your teeth can still damage your tooth enamel. Your enamel is the first line of defense against cavities, and it helps protect your teeth against sugar and acid erosion. When you damage your teeth by chewing ice, your teeth are left more vulnerable to tooth decay.

Chewing ice can lead to more urgent dental injuries as well, like cracked and chipped teeth, damage to existing dental work like fillings and crowns, or gum injuries. Excessively chewing ice can also commonly increase tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. If you’re persistently chewing ice and experiencing any of these issues, please contact your team at South Charlotte Dentistry as soon as possible.

It’s tempting to snack on ice to stay cool, but avoid chewing on it, and let the ice remain in your drink to keep it cool. Your tooth enamel (and likely all the people in hearing distance around you) will thank you.

If you have a habit of chewing ice, try the following instead:

• Let the ice dissolve in your mouth, rather than chewing it.
• Opt-in for slushies and drinks with ice slivers, rather than ice cubes.
• Put away the ice and find other crunchy refreshments, like cold carrots, apples, or celery.

If your ice chewing seems like an unstoppable craving, it may also be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. In this case, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician.

 

Sweet, sweet… SWEET summertime!

When we think of Summer, we picture ice cream, snow cones, frozen drinks, popsicles, and delicious iced sweet tea. Do you see a theme emerging here? So much sugar! 

Limit the intake of sodas, sports drinks, alcoholic beverages, and sugary treats. Sugar erodes your teeth' enamel, which can lead to cavities and tooth decay.

 

On that note, stay hydrated.

Instead of alcoholic or sugary drinks, the best liquid you can give to your body is always water! Drinking water has endless benefits for your body, teeth, and overall health. In the summertime, it’s very easy to become dehydrated while swimming, exercising, or spending time out in the sun. When you’re dehydrated, your mouth cannot produce sufficient saliva either. A dry mouth can lead to an increase in bacterial growth, as saliva fights away plaque in the mouth. Help prevent tooth decay and instead promote overall oral health by drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated.

If plain water isn’t your preference, try sparkling water or fruit infused water. Infusing your water with fruit is simple to do, and a pitcher with infused fruit is a beautiful addition to any table. Go easy on any citrus fruits; the acid from lemons and limes can be harsh on your teeth. Sprigs of mint, basil, or other fresh herbs can be a great addition to add a healthy flavor to your water.

 

Choose Summer party foods that are great for your teeth!

Outdoor pool parties, intimate patio gatherings, and big family barbeques are hands-down some of the best parts of Summer! There are tons of Summer party snack options that come to mind, but this summer we urge you to consider those snacks vs your teeth!

Serve the right kind of crunch

Chips and dip are standard party fare – and before we go any further, let’s be clear that we’re the last people trying to cancel chips and dip! But, consider how chips affect your teeth. As you’re chewing chips, little pieces can become stuck in between your teeth, and wet chips settle into the pits of your teeth. This creates cavity-causing bacteria, and not to mention, an inconvenience for your guests that probably want to jab a nail back there and remove the chip residue.

If you’re looking for other snacks that provide a satisfying crunch without replacing an entire meal, look toward crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, peaches, carrots, celery, and raw broccoli. Fruits and veggies are basically like a natural toothbrush, whereas you eat them, they scrub off the built up food residue and stimulate saliva to wash away whatever is left. So to reiterate: you don’t have to give up your chips and salsa, cheese puffs, or beloved classic chips and dip – just balance out your spread with dental-healthy options too.

Charcuterie boards are all the rage – bring on the cheese!

Pinterest and Instagram show us drool-worthy and stunningly aesthetic charcuterie boards, so why not try one this Summer? Nothing makes a greater party statement than a well-put together charcuterie board as a centerpiece. Charcuterie boards provide meat, nuts, pickled veggies, dried and fresh fruits, and most importantly cheese! Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are all low in sugar and rich in calcium and phosphorous. Dairy strengthens and protects enamel, and some research also suggests that eating more dairy can lower your chances of developing gum disease.

Go seedless this summer.

Cut down on unwanted food getting stuck in your guests’ teeth by serving seedless fruits, vegetables, and bread. This can look like choosing potato buns over sesame or poppy seed buns, or picking crunchy fruits instead of kiwi, blackberries, or raspberries. The main summer fruit you can easily go seedless for is – you guessed it – watermelon!

 

Going on vacation? Here’s how you can stick to a dental routine.

Most importantly (and maybe obviously), don’t forget to pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss!

There is nothing worse after a long day of travel to get to the sink moments before bed, and realizing you forgot to pack your toothbrush. We’ve all been there – rather than run out to a drugstore, we probably just swish our mouth out and call it a night, leaving the problem unaddressed for the next day. By making a list of your essentials and checking it twice, you won’t be caught off guard. Some hotel stays offer complimentary brushes for their guests, but you shouldn’t count on it.

If you’re traveling abroad, specific brands of toothpaste or mouth rinse may not be available. For those who have a real preference with their toothpaste or require sensitivity toothpaste, this can mean going without those formulas and suffering for the duration of the trip. Resorts, cruises, airports, and tourist hubs also price these items far above their prices back home. Save time and stress by making sure you pack your dental equipment.

Don’t take a break from retainers and mouth guards.

Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you should change your dental routines. Taking even a few nights off from your retainers or mouth guards can have permanent damage to your teeth, which will require longer dental plans to see the required results, more visits, and more time and money spent.

Prepare your teeth for takeoff.

Many people experience dry mouth on airplanes due to the circulation of air and the temperature. In combination with wearing masks during plane travel, there’s a good chance you might experience dry mouth while flying. Avoid this by packing a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry-on in TSA-approved sizes. Bring a travel water bottle and refill once you’re past the security gates. The key to avoiding a dry mouth is to stay hydrated. If you eat before a flight, you can always hit up the bathrooms to give your teeth a quick brush.

Store your toothbrush properly while traveling.

• Purchase a travel safe, breathable container for your toothbrush
• Allow your toothbrush to dry out between uses, especially before packing away. When you put your toothbrush into a Ziploc bag when it’s still damp after use and then throw it into your luggage (i.e. a dark place), you’re putting your toothbrush into a compromising position where bacteria can thrive.

 

Additional tips for keeping kid’s dental health on track in the summertime

As parents have experienced time and time again, the adjustment from the routine of school to the lacking in-between of Summer vacation, kids can have a tough time sticking to their old routine or finding a new one that includes brushing and flossing every day. When children have a disruption in their sleeping and eating schedules, they’re sure to also have a tough time adjusting to new hygiene schedules. While we can’t advise on how to get your kid into the bathtub without putting up a fight, we do have some tips and tricks on how you can ensure that your child is prioritizing their dental health.

Establish and stick to a new post-breakfast and bedtime routine.

School schedules are a relief for most parents; there’s a weekday routine and weekend routine, and for the majority of the year, everything has a time and a place. Summer vacation might mean a more relaxed schedule, but it shouldn’t mean not having a schedule at all.

Summer camp, vacations, and more: remembering to brush their teeth.

When kids are excited about their Summer activities, it’s inevitable that brushing their teeth isn’t going to be their top priority. If they don’t remember to brush and floss every day, they’re going to come back with cavities and tooth decay as summer souvenirs. When you establish a solid dental routine at home, it will be so much easier for kids to stick to them while they’re away.

If they’re away from home, it also helps to let their caregivers or camp counselors know what their routine is if they need to wear something during the day or night (e.g. retainer or mouthguard and as a parent, you can always send gentle reminders or help them set up an alarm on their phone so that they know what time to brush and floss their teeth. If the child understands the benefits of following their dental routine (try not to focus only on the consequences), they will be willing to follow their set routines.

Schedule your back-to-school dental check-up appointment. 

Without fail, the start of a new school year in the Fall brings in a rush of appointments for all health care providers. Avoid the rush and the conflict of all the extra-curricular activities by scheduling your child’s appointment early, before the school year starts. Plus, as soon as the Fall comes, you’ll want your kids to be ready for their yearbook photos with a bright, sparkling smile!

 

As the masks are coming off, make sure YOUR smile is ready to shine!

There’s something particularly beautiful about the simple joy of smiling at a stranger in passing by and the message being received loud and clear with a reciprocal smile, especially after all of this time communicating with our eyes and distanced waves. There is definitely magic in the air this Summer as we begin the process of reconnecting, and become accustomed to subsiding distancing measures and mask mandates.

At South Charlotte Dentistry, we know your friends and family have missed the luxury of seeing your faces up-close and in-person! Make sure your smile is ready to shine this Summer with routine dental cleaning and check-up!

Many patients have canceled or postponed routine appointments, whether it was because of lockdown or emergency-only restrictions, an abundance of caution, or ever-changing schedules and routines that needed adapting to. Whatever the reason or no matter the amount of time passed since your last appointment, there’s no better time than now to get back into your routine cleanings!

If you’re in need of cosmetic services like whitening, an alignment, or other procedures, we can also get you on the schedule. We provide day-of, in-office whitening in less than two hours, meaning you can go home with a whiter smile in no time at all. Give your team at South Charlotte Dentistry a call today!

 

Have a wonderful Summer!

With mask mandates lifting and life seeming to resume normalcy more and more every day, we know everyone can’t wait to reconnect with friends, family, and coworkers in the coming weeks and months. Your team at South Charlotte Dentistry wishes you a very fun-filled and enjoyable Summer, with smiles as bright and healthy as you!

The Dirty Truth About Your Toothbrush

 

How clean is your toothbrush? You may be surprised to find that the water in your toilet often has fewer bacteria than your toothbrush! At South Charlotte Dentistry, we want your oral health care and education to extend beyond your visits. Follow these simple habits to keep your brush clean and learn more about how you can ensure your teeth and oral tools are in top shape!

We use our toothbrushes every day to clean our teeth! From scrubbing off the food, plaque, and bacteria from our teeth and tongue, to thoroughly rinsing our toothbrush before and after its use, our toothbrush is something we come into contact with every day. But just how clean and germ-free is our toothbrush, and do you need a specific toothbrush sanitizer to keep harmful bacteria at bay?

 

The Risks of Harmful Bacteria

Obviously, not all oral bacteria are bad. Just as we have good gut bacteria, our mouth also contains bacteria that maintain a healthy oral environment. However, harmful oral bacteria can cause and contribute to severe dental health hazards, like gingivitis, periodontal disease, oral thrush, oral herpes, canker sores, herpangina, etc.

So just how do you keep your good oral bacteria thriving and the harmful bacteria at bay? Your toothbrush may influence this balance more than you think!

 

A study at the University of Manchester found that one uncovered toothbrush can harbor more than 100 million bacteria, including E.coli bacteria.

Don’t panic just yet—do you know how many bacteria you have living in your mouth already?

You have 6 billion bacteria (both good and bad) living in your mouth! Realistically, your mouth isn’t “sterile” anyways.

Your mouth is home to hundreds of microorganisms! The real problems start when we introduce harmful bacteria into the mouth and there is an unhealthy balance.

When we brush our teeth, we’re removing bacteria (plaque) using our toothbrush. So we introduce bacteria to our toothbrush when we brush our teeth.

Have you ever thought about how you store your toothbrush? Most people store their toothbrushes in a cup in their bathroom, and in that bathroom, there may also be a shower, daily foot traffic, or even be a space shared by more than one person or people outside of your immediate household. If there’s a toilet in the bathroom, bacteria will likely linger in the air. Your toothbrush sitting on the counter is in a high exposure location to germs!

 

What type of bacteria is your toothbrush exposed to?

Can our toothbrush make us sick? 

It’s pretty unlikely for you to catch an infection from just brushing your teeth; your body has a natural immune defense and it’s pretty good at defending itself from bacteria. Researchers do not have definitive evidence that keeping your toothbrush in the bathroom is causing any damage or harm, nor that it translates into infections. However, you can exercise some precautions about where you keep your toothbrush, what it’s being exposed to, and how you can sanitize your toothbrush to minimize harmful bacteria.

 

Don't brush where you flush!

The main concern of keeping your toothbrush on the bathroom sink is the vicinity of a toilet. Every time a toilet is flushed, a spray of bacteria is released into the air. You obviously do not want those toilet particles anywhere near your openly store toothbrush.

Store your toothbrush as far away as possible from the toilet in the bathroom. If possible, encourage shutting the toilet seat before flushing, which minimizes toilet spray releasing into the air.

 

Toothbrush Sanitizer versus Toothbrush Sterilizing

Sanitizing or disinfecting a toothbrush aims at removing some of the harmful bacteria that collect on its surface. Sterilizing a toothbrush would mean making it completely bacteria-free, which can’t be achieved with a daily-use toothbrush. Even if a sanitizer claims to kill 99% of germs on your toothbrush, there could still be millions of bacteria germs lingering. But, a good toothbrush sanitizer aims at cleansing your toothbrush after its exposure during dormant periods between uses.

The three types of toothbrush sanitizers:

1.Steam and Dry Heat

Steam and heat take turns sanitizing the toothbrush, which makes it so dry that bacteria cannot breed under the conditions.

2. Ultraviolet Light

UV light is a powerful sanitizer, and using UV light on a toothbrush can zap the bacteria.

3. UV and Heat

We might think that by combining heat and UV light to sanitize our toothbrush that we’re doubling the effectiveness of the clean and killing more bacteria, but in reality, UV and heat together still can only kill up to 99.99% of bacteria. For some people, doubling the methods provides more peace of mind, and certainly doesn’t hurt to do.

4. Antibacterial solutions

Antibacterial washes or solutions can be used as a cleanser for toothbrushes.

 

How can you disinfect your toothbrush to ensure it’s clean and safe to use every time? 

Running hot water over the brush before use

For many people, this is just part of their toothbrush routine, and you may not even realize why you’re doing so! The easiest, go-to method for sanitizing your toothbrush is to run hot water over the head before and after each use. Do so before adding toothpaste to your toothbrush, and after you’ve completed brushing your teeth. Ensure that you are allowing the water to get hot enough when rinsing the toothbrush – cold water isn’t going to cut it, you want to see steam rising from the water and that’s how you’ll know the water is hot enough to sanitize!

Running your toothbrush under hot water gets rid of bacteria that may have collected on the toothbrush during the hours between brushings, and eliminates bacteria that might accumulate after each brush. This method is considered the easiest because most people have access to hot water when they’re brushing their teeth, and you’re not having to go out of your way to sanitize your brush.

 

Soak your toothbrush in a cup of antibacterial mouthwash

In addition to rinsing with mouthwash daily, your mouthwash can also serve another use – cleaning your toothbrush! Use a small cup, fill with antibacterial mouthwash, and place your toothbrush in the cup for about two minutes after each use. The limitations to this method are waiting around or remembering to remove your toothbrush from the cup, changing out the antibacterial mouthwash after each brush, and understanding that mouthwashes’ ingredients contain strong ingredients that will make the bristles of your toothbrush break down faster.

 

Is boiling your toothbrush a good way to get rid of bacteria? 

This might be a surprise, but boiling your toothbrush isn’t the most effective way to get rid of bacteria! Most toothbrushes are made of plastic and run the risk of melting if boiled. If you want to use the method of boiling water, we recommend heating water in a tea kettle or pot on the stove, turning off the heat once it begins to boil, and dipping the head of your toothbrush in for about 30 seconds. However, running hot water from the sink or giving your toothbrush a soak in a cup of antibacterial mouthwash can get your toothbrush clean enough to use.

 

What about the dishwasher or microwave?

Like the boiling water, sure, putting your toothbrush in the dishwasher or microwave can sanitize it to an extent (but not much more effectively). In general, you run a larger risk of damaging your toothbrush in the process or making the bristles become less effective, or exposing yourself to more dangerous melted plastic particles.

 

Denture cleanser to clean your toothbrush

Denture cleanser contains antimicrobial ingredients that target bacteria and plaque that grow in the mouth. For this method, you can disinfect your toothbrush by dissolving half a cleansing tablet into a cup of water and submerging your toothbrush for about 90 seconds. Please note that you should not reuse denture cleanser that’s already been used on dentures.

 

Dipping your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide

In this inexpensive solution, hydrogen peroxide has been shown to reduce toothbrush bacteria by up to 85%! Plus, it’s probably something you already have underneath your sink.

Another popular and effective combination is putting your toothbrush in water, vinegar, and baking soda for 40 minutes.

 

UV toothbrush sanitizers

A newer method for sanitizing your toothbrush is an ultraviolet (UV) light sanitizer product made just for toothbrushes! This product runs on the more expensive side, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not say you need to use a UV chamber in order to clean your toothbrush. If this one is out of your budget, it’s not a big deal! As we’ve covered previously, there are already products or just water from your tap that can do the job just as effectively! Also, if you choose to purchase a UV product, please make sure that it has been reviewed by the FDA.

 

Storage and other toothbrush tips

• Rinse your toothbrush with each use.
• Wash your hands before brushing your teeth.
• Ensure that your toothbrush has a chance to dry completely between brushings, as bacteria love a moist environment.
• Alternate between two brushes so that your brush has a better chance of drying out between uses.
• Store your toothbrush upright in a holder, rather than lying it down on a potentially germ-filled surface.
• Do not share toothbrushes, or store toothbrushes side-by-side! When toothbrushes are in close contact, they can swap germs.
• Use antimicrobial toothpaste on a daily basis.
• Use a different tube of toothpaste if someone in your family or household is sick.
• Sanitize your toothbrush after each use, and sanitize the toothbrush holder or cup often.

 

What’s the BEST way to limit bacteria on your toothbrush? Replace it!

You should replace your toothbrush on a regular basis, about every three to four months. If you’re a rough-brusher and notice the bristles fraying, if you have a weaker immune system, or you’ve recently been sick, throw out the toothbrush. If you use an electric toothbrush, you should be disposing of the head as often as you would a disposable toothbrush.

 

What about a travel toothbrush? 

Travel toothbrushes are typically kept in a closed toothbrush head container, which is even more prone to hosting bacteria as it prevents the wet toothbrush from ever drying out. Bacteria love a moist environment!

When traveling, try to create a clean, sanitary space or designate a cup to let your toothbrush dry out overnight or between uses. Immediately putting your used toothbrush back into a plastic container is going to trap the moisture and create a breeding ground for bad bacteria. You should replace travel toothbrushes more frequently than those at home.

The method of running hot water to sanitize your brush is probably the easiest and most convenient way to consistently clean your toothbrush, no matter where you’re at in the world. Be sure to also wash your hands before brushing and flossing to avoid transferring bacteria on your hands to your toothbrush.

 

Find what sanitization works for your daily routine, and don’t overthink it!

Sanitizing your toothbrush is important not because you’re truly sterilizing every last bit of bacteria on your brush, but because you’re taking steps to minimize bad bacteria buildup on your toothbrush. Your toothbrush is your most important tool to keep your teeth and overall oral health in the best shape possible. Just as you care and clean for other equipment in your house, your toothbrush also requires a certain level of daily attention to keep it effective and safe for use. Luckily, toothbrush upkeep is relatively simple and can easily be integrated into our brushing routines. Come see us at South Charlotte Dentistry!

Fun Facts About Your Teeth

 

We have 32 teeth. Plaque is not our friend. On average, people spend 39 days of their life brushing their teeth. Did you know any of those facts? At South Charlotte Dentistry, we’re all about teeth! Our teeth are an essential part of our ability to function; we use them to eat, as tools, to speak and interact, and so much more. Teeth are super important and interesting, so why not know more about them?

 

Yellow teeth are usually a sign of decay, rather than staining.

If your teeth are yellow, it’s more likely from the wearing away of enamel and the naturally yellow dentine coming through. Staining typically occurs from consuming drinks like soda or tea, or the use of tobacco products. When the enamel starts to wear away, your yellow dentin begins to show more prominently.

 

On that note, teeth cannot repair themselves.

If teeth are chipped or lost, your body is unable to self-repair. Unlike other parts of your body like muscles and certain bones, your teeth are not alive. In fact, your teeth are not actually bones! They may be white and hard, but they are made up of entirely different materials than bones are. External intervention by a dentist is required to heal or fix a tooth.

 

Luckily, the enamel is the hardest part of your entire body!

Enamel is the outer layer of teeth, the hardest material in your body, and contains the highest percentage of minerals in your body, as well. But even as the hardest part of your body, it is subsequently brittle and susceptible to breaking. Because enamel can’t repair itself, dentists can treat decaying enamel with tooth decay removal, sealants, fillings, and more. Ultimately, we want to protect our enamel and reverse any tooth decay with great oral care (i.e. daily brushing, flossing, fluoride, and drinking lots of water).

 

Your teeth begin to develop at six weeks in utero.

As early as six weeks, a baby begins to develop teeth in the womb. You can actually tell a lot about the mother and the environment she was in during the pregnancy term (think: nutrition, pollution, disease) by examining a baby’s teeth. A baby’s teeth do not begin to come in until they are between six to twelve months old.

 

A toothbrush and floss aren’t the only weapons you have to protect your teeth.

Saliva is your body’s natural defendant against plaque. A toothbrush misses 35% of your tooth's surface, so while flossing is very important, your saliva can also help break down any bad bacteria and plaque. When you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, you're ensuring that your mouth is able to produce the right amount of saliva to fight off bacteria in the mouth.

 

Your mouth is home to 300 types of bacteria.

Before you worry about the high number of bacteria, know that most of the bacteria in your mouth are naturally occurring and actually work to prevent decay. Bacteria can live on the gums, teeth, tongue, and cheek. Daily brushing and flossing keep bad, unwanted bacteria at bay.

 

Teeth can appear in places beyond your mouth.

Teratomas are tumors that contain developed tissue, including teeth, hair, and bone. Teratomas form in the fetus and are seldom cancerous, meaning they can be removed and treated with little risk. While the condition can terrifyingly occur in anyone, teratomas are very rare, and it is extremely unlikely you have teeth-growing tumors in your body.

 

Teeth are an indicator of overall health.

Oral health is an indicator of your overall health. Just as your teeth can affect other organs in your body, problems in the rest of your body can also manifest in your mouth. For example, flat teeth and headaches are an indicator of grinding teeth at night, which is caused by stress. Or, suspicious sores in the mouth that won’t go away can also be a sign of oral cancer. From the mouth, we can find indicators of serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. It’s definitely important that you go to the dentist not only for your routine teeth cleaning but also to get an idea of how your oral and overall health is doing.

 

Your teeth are as unique as you!

Each and every one of your 32 teeth is unique to you! No two people have the same teeth – not even identical twins. Just like our DNA inherently makes us unique, our genes can also impact our grin. If gapped teeth or missing teeth run in your family, you can also get dental abnormalities passed down from your parents. Because our teeth are unique, they can also be used as identifiers. In forensic dentistry, scientists study human’s teeth to see who they were, what they did, what the climate or environment was like, or to identify remains.

 

We only get one set of adult teeth – so give them the best care possible at South Charlotte Dentistry!

South Charlotte Dentistry is committed to staying at the forefront of the latest research and providing our patients with both state-of-the-art dentistry and comprehensive dental education. Schedule a cleaning or check-up with your team at South Charlotte Dentistry today, and experience high quality services and dental treatments – plus, walk away learning even more about your teeth!

Two is Better Than One: Dr. Wells is a Twin!

 

Want to know something exciting about Dr. Wells? He’s a twin! Dr. John Wells is an endodontist, and a perfect pairing with his brother and a testament to the importance of seeing both your dentist for regular checkups, and seeing your endodontist for those special cases. Whether it’s a teeth cleaning, general oral procedures, or extreme tooth pain requiring special attention, South Charlotte Dentistry has you covered!

Your first question, most likely, is “what is an endodontist?” Are they dentists, doctors, specialists? Think of it like this: all endodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are endodontists. In fact, less than three percent of dentists are also endodontists. So what is the difference between them?

Put plain and simple, an endodontist is a specialist who has gone through an additional two or three years of training beyond dental school. This extra specialized training helps to focus on precise tooth issues, primarily the interior of the teeth. An endodontist can diagnose tooth pain and root canal treatment, as well as, other special procedures dealing with the inner workings of the teeth. Endodontists are important for many reasons, but one is that they can save teeth from dying and rotting—making them a perfect companion to any dental agency, especially when the dentist and endodontist are twin brothers!

 

Sometimes it Takes Two…Baby 

Our mouths are filled with a mixture of both soft and hard tissues. The hard tissue areas, such as the teeth and jaw, are connected to soft tissue areas like the gums and tongue. Sometimes, whether due to an accident or occurring naturally, problems can arise with the tissues in the mouth. These problems consist of missing or broken teeth, improperly seated jaw joints, faulty bites, gum and jawbone damage, warn-down dental work, and even some mouth diseases. These complications of the mouth take very special diagnoses and sometimes it takes close communication between both a dentist and an endodontist to get it right—if only we knew of a dentist and endodontist who were in close contact with one another!

Here are a few specific procedures where having two specialists is often better than one:

• Oral Surgery: this consists of root canal therapy, tooth extractions, and soft and hard tissue grafting.

• Bruxism Treatments: these are various treatments designed to repair the symptoms of excessive teeth grinding.

• Cosmetic Dentistry: this includes porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, gum re-contouring, and dental bonding.

• Implant Dentistry: this procedure uses dental implants to replace missing teeth, which includes directly replicating the missing tooth from the root to the crown.

• Restorative Dental Treatments: these treatments include dental crowns, fillings, bridges, onlays, and inlays.

These treatments are complicated and very precise, which is why it is a huge benefit to have a dentist and endodontist who are in close contact with each other. It is important they are able to clearly communicate with one another, beyond making entries in the individual’s dental history document. Since Dr. Wells and his brother share in their passion for dentistry, they can work together when diagnosing and dealing with whatever issue is presented to them.

 

When to See an Endodontist

Typically, when we experience extreme tooth pain, we call our dentist—and this is the right thing to do. Common toothaches can be caused by gum disease or cavities, and a dentist is more than capable of treating these issues. But it’s when we having lingering pain after seeing the dentist that a call to the endodontist may be needed. Luckily, Dr. Wells (the dentist) can set you up with an appointment with his brother directly—and, as previously stated, this is doubly beneficial since Dr. Wells can discuss what he has seen with your situation with his brother so they can work together to take care of the issue.

When you go to see an endodontist, and after he has reviewed your dental history, he will perform a thorough exam (of diagnostic imaging and testing) in order to identify the exact problem. From there, he will discuss with you the options, benefits, and risks involved in taking care of the issue. He will also take time to explain the required treatment, and often times the necessary procedure can take place in one, simple appointment.

South Charlotte Dentistry has yet another great reason for you to come in for a checkup. There is truly nothing we can’t handle, and we always look forward to new challenges. Come see us today!

Thanksgiving Food Fight: Turkey Day and Your Oral Health

 

It can be so easy to put your oral health on the backburner during the holidays, especially the foodie ones like Thanksgiving. Out of all the big holidays, this one seems to assemble a full-on assault against your teeth and gums: mashed potatoes (with extra butter!), dressings of various tastes and textures, stuffing and turkey and gravy and bacon-wrapped dates and bacon-soaked green beans, and of course—no matter how you have tweaked your Thanksgiving meal throughout the years, you always have to have—pumpkin pie. Unfortunately, these delicacies can pack a punch on your teeth’s enamel, wear on the tops and insides of your gums, causing some real damage. 

Kind of a buzz-kill, huh? Not really, if you take the time to consciously remember and execute a few key tasks this holiday season. So before you cancel Thanksgiving in the name of oral health take a few minutes to see how you can still enjoy yourself this holiday season. Heck, you can even have that second piece of pumpkin pie—we won’t tell.

 

The Good, the Bad, and the Tasty

Let’s get right to it: which Thanksgiving foods are okay to eat, and which ones should you stay away from? Here is a shortlist of our favorite foods and their effect on your oral health:

• Turkey. Beginning with the star of the show, turkey is mostly good for your oral health. It is packed with protein and doesn’t contain those nasty elements like sugar that do damage to the enamel on your teeth. The only negative side to eating turkey is that it does tend to get stuck in your teeth. An obvious fix is to floss, which should be done directly after eating. As long as you have that floss ready, eat all the turkey you like!

• Cranberry Sauce. Though classic cranberry sauce is mighty tasty, and a wonderful complement to the other traditional Thanksgiving items, it can be rough on your oral health. Since cranberries are tart, sugar or some other sweetener is usually added, which creates a sticky, acidic substance that can stain your teeth, temporarily. But don’t worry, you can still eat it! Try mixing your cranberry sauce with other foods so the sticky substance has less of a chance to stick to your teeth and be sure to rinse with water or mouthwash immediately after eating. This will wash away most of the sugar that made it to your teeth.

• Yams. Since sweet potatoes are filled with Vitamin A and Vitamin C, they help keep your gums healthy. However, candied yams (which contain marshmallows) include a lot of sugar, which likes to stick to and rot your teeth. Our suggestion when eating yams, candied or not, is to have a fresh glass of water right along with it. Every few bites, take a gulp and swish it around a bit (you don’t have to get crazy and start gargling at the dinner table, just a light rinsing of the teeth and gums).

• Green Bean Casserole. The good news is, green beans and mushrooms and onions (the basic ingredients for this meal) are good for your oral health. The not-so-good-news is everything else mixed with these ingredients can be rough on the teeth and gums. There are many different ways to make green bean casserole, but most of them do include some kind of base that turns sticky, and small beans can get stuck between the teeth. Luckily, with a little floss and a glass of water handy, you should be alright.

• Macaroni and Cheese. Mac and cheese is a family favorite—and not just around Thanksgiving. Thankfully, cheese and milk are full of calcium that strengthens teeth. Unfortunately, that gooey goodness that tastes so good can be starchy and leave sugar behind your teeth. For this meal, try to only eat one portion and you need to actually brush your teeth afterward, paying extra attention to the backs of your teeth.

• Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. Believe it or not, mashed potatoes are high in Vitamin C, B6, and potassium, all of which contribute to strengthening your teeth. However, on the other side of that healthiness, potatoes are also incredibly starchy. Bacteria that rots your teeth love to form around the sugar that makes up starch. What’s more, soaking those mashed potatoes in gravy diminishes (by a lot) the overall health benefits of the dish. Our advice: say no to gravy (if that grayish goodness is a necessity, have a little but don’t over do it). And once you finish your mashed potatoes be sure to brush those teeth or, at the very least, swish some from water around in your mouth.

• Pumpkin Pie. What is Thanksgiving without the finale—the big show stopper—pumpkin pie? Gotta have it. And, luckily, there is a good side to eating it: pumpkins have Vitamin A, which aids in keeping your gums healthy, and it also helps build the enamel on your teeth. Bad news is, all that sugar that is added (not to mention the sugar included in that dollop of whipped topping) performs the exact opposite effect—it attaches to your teeth and breaks down the enamel, and it also deteriorates the gums. Now, we wouldn’t dare advise anyone to skip that big piece of pumpkin pie, but we do recommend you limit your intake to this day only. And, just as with those other sugary items, be sure to brush, swish water once you are finished.

So what’s the key take away here? Once you finish that big Turkey-Day meal you need to gargle, floss, and brush. And if you find you are hungry again after that long accidental nap on the couch, make sure you repeat the cleansing process all over again.

 

Visiting Your Dentist During the Holidays 

If, by chance, you experience a dental emergency over the holidays, don’t panic. Simply call our office or visit us online to schedule an appointment, as well as, to talk with someone who can help you as much as possible at the moment. In the meantime, use these few important tips to keep your oral health in tip-top shape:

• Begin by brushing correctly. The best way to keep your gums and teeth at their healthiest is to brush in small, circular motions. This will keep the toothbrush bristles from pushing your gums away from your teeth, which causes irritations that can lead to gum disease.

• Floss every day: flossing is incredibly important for your oral health. This keeps food from resting between your teeth, which begins to rot and aid in gum disease. Floss every morning or at night right before bed—and definitely after the Thanksgiving meal. Be sure not to jam the floss down on your gums. Use soft, clean motions, going back and forth. Hit every area between the teeth and rinse with water or mouthwash after.

• Stop using tobacco: this can be a touchy subject, but using tobacco of any form greatly increases the odds of various gum diseases. Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco is much easier said than done, but if you are a user, at least try and reduce how much tobacco comes in contact with your mouth. Your gums and teeth will thank you.

• Watch your diet: sugary drinks and foods, alcoholic beverages, even fatty meats can all have negative effects on your teeth and gums. As indicated earlier, you don’t necessarily have to cut these things out of your diet completely, but if you are the type of person who enjoys these on a regular basis, rather than on big holidays, try and cut back a bit. At the very least, make sure you brush your teeth right after eating or drinking sugary or fatty substances.

Enjoy yourself this holiday season by eating the foods you love. But don’t stop there, be sure and take care of your oral health as well. There is no reason both can’t happen at the same time! Lastly, never hesitate to contact us at South Charlotte Dentistry with any questions or concerns you may have—even if it’s during the holidays.