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

10 Facts About Human Teeth

Now you can learn so much about your teeth in just 30 seconds!




Waxhaw NC Dentist
Carolinas Dental Center

Tel:704-612-0774

2514 Cuthbertson Road

Waxhaw, NC 28173

USA

Dental - Did You Know...

Did You Know...

The major causes of tooth loss in people under the age of 35 are sports, accidents and fights.

George Washington's dentures were made from walrus, hippopotamus, and cow's teeth, as well as elephant tusks.

In 200 AD, the Romans used a mixture of bones, eggshells, oyster shells and honey to clean their teeth.

The second most common disease in the United States is tooth decay. The first is the common cold.

How much is the Tooth Fairy paying per tooth? Around $2 per tooth, according to Securian Dental Plans, an insurance provider.

An average American spends 38.5 total days brushing teeth over a lifetime.

Commercial floss was first manufactured in 1882, but Egyptians invented the first toothpaste 5000 years ago.

American sweet tooth: Americans spent $21 billion on candy in 2001. That's more than the gross national products of Lituania, Costa Rica and Mozambique combined!

Egyptians were among the first dentists. Some mummies have teeth filled with a kind of resin and malachite. In other mummies, gold wire has been used to bind loose teeth.

The greater the amount of time food remains in the mouth, the greater the chance for decay.

The sequence that foods are eaten can determine the risk for cavities. If you eat sugary foods after meals, you decrease the chance for cavities, as opposed to eating sugary foods alone.

In the United States, close to 3 million miles of dental floss was purchased in 1996 by dental consumers - enough to circle the earth nearly 120 times!

During the middle ages, people went to barbers for tooth extractions. These practitioners were called barber-surgeons and were marked by the iconic red and white striped barber poles that are still used today.

Anesthesia was invented by a dentist - Dr. Wells from Hartford, CT. A monument dedicated to his contribution is located in Bushnell Park in Hartford.

The above fun facts are from: www.compdentalhealth.com

Dental Office
Carolinas Dental Center

Tel:704-612-0774

2514 Cuthbertson Road

Waxhaw, NC 28173

USA

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

Waxhaw, NC 28173

USA

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

Waxhaw, NC 28173

USA

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

Waxhaw, NC 28173

USA

Family Dentist Waxhaw NC

Caring, Personalized Treatment
Our top priority is to treat each patient as an individual, to get to know them personally, and not merely treat them as a chart number or “the next patient.” We promise all our patients the same things: a caring and attentive staff, an enthusiastic manner, and dental care delivered with exceptional comfort in a friendly atmosphere.

Carolinas Dental Center

Tel: 704-612-0774

2514 Cuthbertson Road

Waxhaw , NC 28173

USA