Dentistry from the Heart - a day of FREE Dentistry in Matthews and Waxhaw

We are proud to announce that Dentistry from the Heart 2012 was a huge success.  Carolinas Dental Center organized this event, which took place on December 1st, 2012 and included a team of 10 dentists and 100 volunteers.  During this day of free dentistry, 300 patients were treated between both Carolinas Dental Center locations in Matthews and Waxhaw.

Founded by Dr. Vincent Monticciolo in 2001, Dentistry from The Heart (DFTH) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing free dental care to those who need it. Every year, individual dentists and practices across the country donate their time and resources to host their own DFTH events. In support our of DFTH partners, the organization serves to recruit, unify, and promote events on a national level.

5 Ways Poor Dental Care Makes You Sick

Even if you brush your teeth daily, you may still have dangerous bacteria growing inside your mouth. Not only could that lead to periodontitis (an advanced form of gum disease that comes with symptoms such as bleeding when you brush and gum pain), but studies also find a link between poor oral hygiene and major health issues. Here are some ways that missing the mark on oral care could harm your heath.

1. It may hurt your heart.

People with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease compared to those don't have periodontitis. Researchers aren't exactly sure of why this might be, but one theory is that harmful bacteria from your mouth enters your blood stream and attaches to fatty plaques in your heart's blood vessels, leading to inflammation and upping your risk of clots that can trigger heart attacks.

2. Your memory may suffer.

Some research suggests there may be a tie between poor oral health and an increased risk of dementia. One study that followed 118 nuns between the ages of 75 and 98 found that those with the fewest teeth were most likely to suffer dementia. Experts think oral bacteria may spread to the brain through cranial nerves that connect to the jaw or through the bloodstream, and may contribute to the type of plaque that's been linked to Alzheimer's.

3. It might worsen your body's control of blood sugar.

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than those without diabetes. While this may be because diabetics are more susceptible to infections, there's also been research that finds gum disease could make it harder to control your blood sugar, and that treating it helps improve diabetes symptoms.

4. It may affect your breathing.

Gum disease may increase your risk of getting respiratory infections, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia, according to the Journal of Periodontology. The infections might be caused when bacteria from the mouth are inhaled into your lungs, possibly causing your airways to become inflamed.  

5. It could make it harder for you to have a baby.

Women of childbearing age with gum disease took an average of just over seven months to become pregnant – two months longer than the average of five months that it took women without gum disease to conceive, discovered researchers in Western Australia. Other research finds that pregnant women with gum disease might have higher odds of miscarriage.

Above article from: health.yahoo.net 

 

Dentists Waxhaw NC

Carolinas Dental Center
Tel:704-612-0774
2514 Cuthbertson Road
Waxhaw, NC 28173 USA

Dental Care - Diet and Dental Health

Limit Carbs to Mealtimes

Even not-so-sweet treats—like a handful of potato chips or a whole wheat roll—can be as damaging to your teeth and gums as a double-fudge brownie, if you're not careful.

That's because all carbohydrates break down into simple sugars, which are ultimately converted by bacteria in the mouth into plaque, a sticky residue that is the primary trigger of gum disease and cavities. Carb-based foods such as breads and crackers tend to have a chewy, adhesive texture, making it easier for them to get caught between teeth or under the gum line, where bacteria can then accumulate, says Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

Smile Rx: Have carbs at mealtimes rather than as a snack: When you eat a larger amount of food, you produce more saliva, which helps wash food particles away. 

Above article from: www.prevention.com

 

Oral Health Waxhaw NC
Carolinas Dental Center
Tel:704-612-0774
2514 Cuthbertson Road
Waxhaw, NC 28173
USA 

Can Medications Have an Effect on My Oral Health?

Can Medication Have an Effect on My Oral Health?
Yes, medications can have oral side effects — dry mouth being the most common. Be sure to tell your dentist about any medications that you're taking, even medicines that you purchase without a prescription.

These are the types of medications that will often produce dry mouth:

• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Pain Killers
• Diuretics
• High Blood Pressure Medications
• Antidepressants

Other medications may cause abnormal bleeding when brushing or flossing, inflamed or ulcerated tissues, mouth burning, numbness or tingling, movement disorders and taste alteration. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your dentist or physician.

Above article from: www.colgate.ca

Oral Health Waxhaw NC
Carolinas Dental Center
Tel:704-612-0774
2514 Cuthbertson Road
Waxhaw, NC 28173
USA 

Cavities Between Your Teeth - Dentist Waxhaw

Interproximal decay (decay on the smooth surfaces between teeth) requires removal of a significant amount of healthy tooth structure to access the problem areas. This animation illustrates prevention of this type of cavity through flossing and shows the amount of tooth removal required. The progression of interproximal decay is shown with a transparent view through the enamel.



Above video produced by: www.ToothIQ.com

Dental Care Waxhaw NC
Carolinas Dental Center  
Tel:704-612-0774

2514 Cuthbertson Road

Waxhaw, NC 28173

USA

Dental Education for Children

A Habit That is Good to Teach Your Children

Dental health should be something the entire family is involved in when it comes to teaching. Anyone that has children knows that they are constantly mimicking what they see. Here are four suggestions on creating a great dental habit.

Create a tooth brushing routine together

Just because your kid is old enough to put on her pajamas doesn’t mean she should be little Miss Independent in the bathroom. Make tooth brushing a do-together activity. Anyone that has children knows that they are constantly mimicking what they see. When you brush together, she can mirror all your smooth brushing moves, and you’re making sure that no corners are being cut!

Choose the right tooth tools.

Make sure that you are using the correct toothpaste for your child. A fluoride toothpaste should not be introduced until you are sure that your child is old enough and will not simply ingest the toothpaste. When picking a toothbrush, dentists recommend a brush that has soft to medium bristles, has a flat head and handle, and easily fits into your mouth. You do not want to use a brush that is to big. And be sure to replace those toothbrushes often! Mom and dad should change toothbrushes four times a year and your children’s toothbrushes even more frequently. And don’t forget to floss! Try to find a flavored dental floss that your kid can actually get into. They also now have handheld flossers that you can find almost anywhere that are easy for kids to use.

Establish healthy eating habits.

Nothing fights tooth decay like eating the right foods. Teeth are actually denser than the rest of the bones in your body. So to keep your teeth strong, maintain a family diet that’s rich in calcium with foods like lowfat yogurt and cheese sticks, and yes, all those green, leafy veggies! And remember to keep sweet treats and desserts to a minimum.

Find a great family dentist.

The best way to make sure your kid doesn’t dread the dentist? Pick a great pediatric dentist who can treat the whole family. That way, you can make your appointments together. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) says to avoid using alarming words like pain, hurt, drill, shots, etc., when discussing the dentist. You want to make visits to the dentist a positive experience.

Above article from www.starsmilez.com

Carolina Dental Center knows the importance of children's dental health! Visit our main website to learn more about our dental care services for children in Waxhaw NC.

Waxhaw NC Dentist
Carolinas Dental Center

Tel:704-612-0774

2514 Cuthbertson Road

Waxhaw, NC 28173

USA

Meet Dr. Todd Johnson, D.M.D.

R. Todd Johnson, D.M.D. is a general dentist who is very familiar with being a patient in the chair. Due to an accident as a ten-year-old child, he had to undertake seven years of rehabilitative and cosmetic dentistry. This is why Dr. Johnson practices dentistry, for he sympathizes and empathizes with all his dental patients.

In 1988, Dr. Johnson received his Bachelors of Arts in Biology from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. He then received his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from the University of Louisville in 1992. For the next twelve years, he provided treatment at his private practice in Pikeville, Kentucky, and worked in Fortaleza, Brazil, restoring broken smiles back to form. Shortly after his work in Brazil, he then worked with Dr. Bill Dorfman of ABC's famed Extreme Makeover, caring for some of the Extreme Makeover patients whose treatment was televised on national television. In the six years following, Dr. Johnson worked in a large group practice in Owensboro, Kentucky. While working at that practice, he honed his skills in treating very complicated cases, some of which would involve full mouth reconstruction.

Dr. Johnson is a member of the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Carolinas Dental Center
Smile Makeovers Cosmetic Dentist
R. Todd Johnson, D.M.D.
Tel: (704) 612-0774
2514 Cuthbertson Road, Suite A Waxhaw, NC 28173

Win an iPad and Receive a Wonderful New Patient Gift!

Carolinas Dental Center would like to give YOU the chance to WIN an iPad!!

All new patients will be entered into a monthly drawing to win an iPad.   

Anyone who refers a new patient to our office will also be entered into the drawing.

You also get to choose your new patient gift!

Gift #1:  FREE Teeth Whitening for Life!

Free Whitening for Life Program requires bi-annual recare visits and all necessary treatment be completed to qualify for free bleach refills.

Some patients require urgent care treatment before whitening.

Gift #2: FREE Sonicare / Oral B Toothbrush Kit!

($150 value)  Free Toothbrush offer is redeemed at new patient visit, which includes an exam, teeth cleaning and necessary digital X-rays.  

These free new patient gifts hold no cash value.

LIMITED TIME OFFERS – PLEASE CALL FOR DETAILS.

And remember, you will NEVER have to miss work or school again in order to

Schedule your dental work!  Our convenient and flexible hours accommodate almost any schedule!

Call Us today @ 704-612-0774 or visit us on the web at www.CarolinasDentalCenter.com