Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Teeth Whitening Dentistry Waxhaw NC

I'm not happy with the stains on my teeth. How can I safely whiten them?

There are three ways that you can whiten your teeth:
  • In-office bleaching
  • At-home bleaching
  • Whitening toothpastes
The first thing you should do before whitening your teeth is talk to your dentist. He or she will be able to help you decide the best option for you. Whiteners will not fix all kinds of stains. Also, if you have bonding or tooth-colored fillings, these will not be affected by whiteners and they may stand out if you whiten your teeth. Remember that a using a whitener does not make your mouth healthier.

In-office bleaching.
This kind of whitening, called "chairside bleaching," is done in your dentist's office. It may require more than one office visit. Each visit may take from 30 minutes to one hour. During chairside bleaching, the dentist puts a whitener on the teeth and uses a special light to make the whitener work. Lasers are sometimes used during tooth whitening to make the whitening agent work better.

At-home bleaching.
There are a few different products that can be used to whiten teeth at home. Some come from your dentist, and others can be bought over-the-counter. These contain peroxide(s), which bleach the tooth enamel. Most come in a gel and are placed in a mouth guard or tray that fits inside your mouth. They help many types of staining. Only the dentist-dispensed solutions have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal.

Other over-the-counter whitening products include whitening strips, paint-on products, gels, and trays. They have a low amount of peroxide. For better results, have a cleaning at the dentist before you use these products. These gels and trays do not have the ADA seal.

Whitening toothpastes.
All toothpastes help remove surface stains through mild abrasives. "Whitening" toothpastes that have the ADA seal have special polishing agents or chemicals that remove even more stains. Unlike bleaches, these products do not change the actual color of teeth. They help surface stains only.

Products used to whiten teeth can make teeth more sensitive. They can also bother your gums. These side effects most often go away after you stop using the product.

Above article from www.womenshealth.gov

Carolinas Dental Center

Tel: 704-612-0774
2514 Cuthbertson Road
WaxhawNC 28173
USA

Monday, July 11, 2011

Healthy Teeth and Gums

What small, easy steps can I take to have a healthy teeth and gums?

1. Brush your teeth at least twice each day with fluoride toothpaste.
Aim for first thing in the morning and before going to bed. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food your toothbrush missed. Make sure you:

Drink water that contains added fluoride if you can. Fluoride protects against dental decay. Most public water systems in the United States have added fluoride. Check with your community's water or health department to find out if there is fluoride in your water. You also may want to use a fluoride mouth rinse, along with brushing and flossing, to help prevent tooth decay.
Gently brush all sides of your teeth with a soft-bristled brush. Round and short back-and-forth strokes work best.
Take time to brush along the gum line, and lightly brush your tongue to help remove plaque and food.
Ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you the best way to floss your teeth.
Change your toothbrush every three months, or earlier if the toothbrush looks worn or the bristles spread out. A new toothbrush removes more plaque.
If you wear dentures, be sure to remove them at night and clean them before putting them back in the next morning.

2. Have a healthy lifestyle.

Eat healthy meals. Cut down on tooth decay by brushing after meals. Avoid snacking on sugary or starchy foods between meals.
Don't smoke. It raises your risk of gum disease, oral and throat cancers, and oral fungal infections. It also affects the color of your teeth and the smell of your breath.
Limit alcohol use to one drink per day for women. Heavy alcohol use raises your risk of oral and throat cancers. Using alcohol and tobacco together raises your risk of oral cancers more than using one alone.
Limit how much soda you drink. Even diet soda contains acids that can erode tooth enamel.

3. Get regular checkups.

Have an oral exam once or twice a year. Your dentist may recommend more or fewer visits depending on your oral health. At most routine visits, the dentist and a dental hygienist will treat you. During regular checkups, dentists look for signs of diseases, infections, problems, injuries, and oral cancer.
See your dentist right away if:
Your gums bleed often
You see any red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or floor of the mouth
You have mouth or jaw pain that won't go away
You have sores that do not heal within two weeks
You have problems swallowing or chewing
Besides your dentist, there are other types of dental providers. Your dentist may send you to a specialist if you need extra care. Other providers include:
Dental hygienists: Members of the dental staff who clean gums and teeth and teach patients how to maintain good oral health.
Periodontists: Dentists who treat gum disease and place dental implants.
Oral surgeons: Dentists who operate on your mouth and supporting tissues.
Orthodontists: Dentists who straighten teeth and align jaws.
Endodontists: Dentists who perform root canals.
Prosthodontists: Dentists trained in restoring and replacing teeth.

4. Follow your dentist's advice.
Your dentist may suggest ways to keep your mouth healthy. He or she can teach you how to properly floss or brush. Follow any recommended steps or treatments to keep your mouth healthy.

5. If you have another health problem, think about how it may affect your oral health.
For instance, if you take medicines that give you a dry mouth, ask your doctor or nurse if there are other drugs you can use. Have an oral exam before starting cancer treatment. And if you have diabetes, practice good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease.
Above article from www.womenshealth.gov

Carolinas Dental Center

Tel: 704-612-0774
2514 Cuthbertson Road
WaxhawNC 28173
USA

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Preventive Dental care Waxhaw NC

A Healthy Smile, A Healthy Body!

We know that your oral health is not only about looking your best. It's about maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Did you know that the cause of most tooth loss is not decay? It's gum disease. And recent studies have established a link between gum disease and your overall health. The good news is that gum disease can be treated successfully, often without surgery. We want all of our patients to have outstanding oral health. Our commitment to you includes paying meticulous attention to all of your needs so you look your best and have optimum health.

Carolinas Dental Center in Waxhaw NC knows a healthy smile means a healthy body!  Call us today for an appointment.

Carolinas Dental Center
Tel: 704-612-0774
2514 Cuthbertson Road
WaxhawNC 28173
USA