Halitosis is a common problem, one that almost everyone experiences at one time or another. The good news is, it’s often not difficult to stop bad breath. You are much less likely to experience this problem if you maintain a good daily oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing.
Even with daily brushing and flossing, though, it’s possible to have stinky breath. Chewing gum can help, as explained in this short video. It increases the flow of saliva, which washes away odor-causing compounds. Choose a sugar-free gum.
While gum can be a good short-term fix, more persistent bad breath can signal a more serious dental issue like decay or gum disease. If your bad breath doesn’t go away, come see us for an exam. If we find an underlying issue like this, you’ll need treatment. A dental cleaning alone may take care of it. If you have gum disease, you’ll need a more advanced cleaning. If you have a cavity, we’ll repair it with a filling or crown.
Call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 to schedule your appointment in Charlotte, NC. You can also schedule online.
Earlier this month, we wrote about how a smile makeover is a great way to go into fall feeling good about yourself. One of the services you might include in your makeover is smile whitening. Whether it’s a standalone treatment or part of a larger transformation, you’ll want your results to last as long as possible.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to keep your smile looking bright and beautiful! You can:
- Brush Gently – Brushing is an important part of keeping your teeth white. However, overly vigorous brushing can cause enamel to wear away. If this happens, the yellow dentin inside your teeth becomes visible. To avoid damaging enamel, use a soft-bristled brush and a gentle touch.
- Stop Smoking – Have you been to a smokers’ lounge? If so, you’ve probably seen ceilings, walls, and furnishings that are stained from nicotine. The same thing can happen to teeth. Breaking a smoking habit doesn’t just keep your teeth whiter, it helps the overall condition of your smile. Smokers are twice as likely to get gum disease as non-smokers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Limit Your Exposure to Staining – Lots of foods and beverages can discolor your teeth, including tomato sauce, coffee, and red wine. Use a straw when consuming them, when possible, to lessen contact with your teeth. Rinse your mouth out with water immediately after you’ve had staining substances.
- Drink Plenty of Water – Drink more water and less staining beverages like soda and coffee. The water helps rinse away food residue that can stain your teeth.
- Use a Whitening Toothpaste – There are lots of whitening toothpastes on the market. We’re happy to offer our recommendations. You can also mix a bit of baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Use it to gently brush teeth for two minutes. Then leave it on your teeth for another minute or two. Don’t use more than once a week.
- See Us for Regular Teeth Cleanings – Visit our office every six weeks for a professional cleaning. We’ll remove surface staining and polish your teeth, so they feel and look great.
Want to schedule an appointment for smile whitening or another service? Call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 to schedule your appointment in Charlotte, NC. You can also schedule online.
Many people see the fall season as a chance to start fresh. If you are ready to see major changes to your smile, you may consider a cosmetic smile makeover. With this procedure, we create a treatment plan that addresses all the improvements you want to make. It’s a streamlined way of getting the results you want instead of doing one cosmetic service at a time.
Here are some of the procedures that may be involved in your plan:
- Dental Veneers
We use veneers made of porcelain, giving you the best quality materials. Your veneers can last up to 20 years. Plus, you can feel confident that they look the most natural. It will take at least two appointments because we need to prepare your teeth ahead of time and custom-make your veneers. They are perfect for teeth damaged by chips, cracks, or stubborn stains.
- Dental Crowns
If you have more seriously damaged teeth, we’ll use a lifelike crown to repair your smile. It is also made of porcelain due to its strength and natural appearance. While smile makeovers are normally cosmetically focused, we often use restorative treatments in our plans. It’s important to us your smile is as healthy as it is beautiful.
- Tooth Bonding
If your teeth need just minor repairs, you may benefit from tooth bonding. We’ll use a composite material that repairs small areas of damage. Then, we reshape your tooth and harden the material with a special light. Bonding doesn’t cost as much as veneers; however, the results won’t last as long.
- Teeth Whitening
If you have stains on your teeth caused by foods you eat or beverages you enjoy, you can get professional teeth whitening. We make it part of your makeover for teeth that don’t need significant improvements. With our quick in-office solution, you can whiten your teeth in just one appointment. Or you can gradually whiten from home with take-home kits.
- Orthodontics
If you have alignment issues, we have a variety of solutions for you. We offer clear aligners and traditional braces. We also have a fast-track solution to aligning your teeth through AccelDent. An advanced treatment method can speed up your treatment by 50 percent. Your dentist will review which option is right for you based on your unique smile needs. For cosmetic alignment issues, such as slightly overlapping or gapped teeth, you may benefit from veneers. They are often considered “instant orthodontics.”
Want to find out what a cosmetic smile makeover can do for your smile? Call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 to schedule your appointment in Charlotte, NC. You can also online.
As the years pass, it’s common to switch up your self-care routines. You might start doing lower impact workouts or use a different moisturizer. One thing you should keep doing, though, is seeing us regularly for dental exams and cleanings. As you get older, your teeth and gums may require special attention. Fortunately, we can provide care for aging smiles to keep them in great shape.
As you’ll see in this American Dental Association video, you are more vulnerable to issues like dry mouth, receding gums, and discolored teeth as you age. See us at least once every six months. That way, we can monitor your dental health and provide treatment if needed.
Of course, we provide care for smiles of all ages! Our large team includes doctors who have trained in many different areas, including implants and orthodontics.
Call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 to schedule your appointment in Charlotte, NC. You can also schedule online.
You finally got started with Invisalign in Charlotte, NC and want to get the most out of your journey toward a straight, beautiful smile.
Check out today’s infographic for some habits that will help you best care for your aligners all throughout your treatment.
To maximize the benefits of this orthodontic option, you should embrace practices like wearing them consistently for the recommended time each day, ideally 20-22 hours, keeping up with your scheduled appointments to monitor your progress, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
If you trust the process, you’ll soon be enjoying your stunning, straighter smile!
If you have any questions, call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846. You can also schedule an appointment in Charlotte, NC. You can also online.
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So you’ve done everything you can, but that troublesome tooth just can’t be saved.
While the thought of tooth extraction might be daunting, it can actually benefit you in several ways.
Removing a severely decayed or infected tooth can relieve pain and prevent the spread of infection. Extracting overcrowded teeth can also create space for proper alignment and improve your smile.
Remember, your Charlotte, NC dentist will guide you towards the best option for your oral health!
In the meantime, check out today’s video for our best tips on a smooth recovery after an extraction.
Call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 to schedule your appointment in Charlotte, NC. You can also online.
If you are job hunting at the moment, you want to make the best possible impression on your future employer. In addition to much-needed preparation and practice in advance, looking your best is essential. You may consider coming in for a teeth whitening. Since your smile is a big part of first impressions, revealing pearly whites are sure to have an impact. In fact, studies have shown that teeth whitening can increase your for success.
We have an in-office option that just takes about an hour! Make sure to get your scheduled. Call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 to schedule your appointment in Charlotte, NC. You can also online.
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As summer comes to an end, it’s time for kids to head back to school. You may have already spent time shopping for school supplies and new clothes to get your children ready. However, have you thought about snacks? Packing delicious, satisfying – and teeth-friendly – snacks will help your child power through long school days. Plus, it keeps their smile healthy all year long. Follow these tips for packing nutritious snacks that also protect your kids’ smiles.
- Think Crunchy Fruits and Veggies
Fresh fruits and vegetables are nutrition powerhouses. They provide a satisfying crunch and are more satisfactory to enjoy. Slice apples, carrots, celery, and bell peppers are excellent on-the-go options that are great for their teeth. Include peanut or almond butter that they can spread on their celery or apple slices. Hummus is also a great protein to add that goes well with carrots, celery, and other raw veggies.
- Load Up on Calcium
Calcium is excellent for your child’s teeth and strengthens the tooth enamel. Plus, it increases saliva production to help wash away bacteria. Cheese sticks, greek yogurt pouches, and low-sugar chocolate milk all are great for lunch boxes. Just be sure to avoid added sugar content whenever possible. For children who can’t have dairy, consider dairy milk alternatives that are fortified with calcium such as soy or oat milk. You may consider adding leafy greens such as spinach or kale to a morning smoothie your child enjoys.
- Choose Whole Grains
Whole grain breads and crackers allow kids to munch while providing essential nutrients. Check labels and avoid options loaded with added sugars, which feed the bacteria that promote cavities. Make sure the ingredients are easy to read and simple. Pair with lean proteins like turkey and sliced cheese for an easy mini-meal.
- Cut Back on Sugary Treats
While it’s tempting to load up on cookies, candy, and sugary cereal bars, these offer little nutrition and can quickly damage tooth enamel and cause cavities. Reserve sweets for special occasions. If you include the occasional sweet treat, make sure your child knows to rinse their mouth out after. Consider giving them a small tube of toothpaste and a travel toothbrush to brush their teeth at school.
- Send a Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial for health, focus, and oral health. Allowing sips throughout the day prevents a dry mouth where bacteria thrive. Invest in a reusable bottle your child loves – add stickers or charms for motivation. Avoid sugary juices. Water is the ideal choice. Add fresh lemon, lime, mint, or cucumber slices to infuse flavor.
With some advanced planning, you can ensure your back-to-schoolers have snacks that satisfy their cravings while also delivering valuable nutrition and protecting their precious smiles. Want more personalized tips for teeth-friendly snacks for going back to school? Call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 to schedule your appointment in Charlotte, NC. You can also online.
Using Invisalign to straighten your teeth comes with several advantages.
Not only are the aligners smooth and comfortable in your mouth, but they’re practically invisible, so you don’t have to feel self-conscious about how you look during your treatment.
You also benefit from the flexibility Invisalign offers, like being able to take your aligners out to eat, to brush your teeth, or for a special occasion.
So while no one else may notice your orthodontics, they will notice the changes to your smile as the weeks go by – and so will you! Check out today’s video to see a quick 3-D animation of how Invisalign aligns teeth properly to create a healthier, more attractive smile.
Call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 to schedule your appointment in Charlotte, NC. You can also online.