A healthy smile is one of the best gifts you can give your child this holiday season. Building a foundation of good oral hygiene habits early on will encourage your child to continue these habits in their adult years. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Be a good example.

Your child watches just as much – if not more – than they listen. So, if you prioritize your oral health, your child will too. Demonstrate good habits by brushing twice a day for at least two minutes, flossing at least once, and getting your dental checkup every six months. Make sure your child sees this behavior and talk out the importance of taking care of teeth and gums.

2. Start as early as possible.

Focus on prioritizing oral health as young as possible. You should wipe your infant’s gums with a soft washcloth after feedings and before bed. When your child gets their first tooth, you can start brushing it gently. By the age of 6, they should be able to brush on their own. By making a priority early on, it’s far easier to continue the routines as they get older.

3. Make tooth brushing a part of daily routines.

It can be a challenge to add brushing habits to a busy morning schedule. However, make it a natural part of getting ready for the day. Have your child brush their teeth first thing before breakfast or as they are washing. Adding it as part of a habitual routine makes it easy to continue daily.

4. Give them fun oral health supplies.

Brushing and flossing don’t have to be a dull, boring routine. Make it fun for your child! Let them choose a flavored toothpaste (just make sure it has the ADA seal of approval). Give them a toothbrush with their favorite character or one that plays a song. Consider starting a reward chart so they get a prize after brushing their teeth for a certain number of days. Adding this kind of positive reinforcement will make it easier for them to keep up with the behavior.

5. Bring them in for a dental checkup starting at age 3.

We encourage you to bring your child in for a checkup starting at age 3. When you make visiting the dentist a regular part of your life, it’s easier for them to continue the habit as they get older. At Charlotte Dentistry, we make dental checkups for kids as fun as possible. We have a play area and a prize box. We can even schedule several family members at once to make it easy for your busy schedule!

We’d love to help you and your family build good oral hygiene habits in your child. Call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 to schedule your appointment in Charlotte, NC.

Do some of your loved ones have sports gear on their wish lists this holiday season? That’s great! Sports are a good way for them to stay healthy. But it’s important to keep their teeth healthy too. You’ll want to add custom mouthguards to their gift packages.

About 5 million teeth get knocked out every year – and countless more get cracked or broken. Many of these accidents happen during sports. If this statistic doesn’t convince you of the need for sports mouthguards, maybe this short video will. In his interview with Kelly Clarkson, actor Joe Manganiello shows the lasting effect a childhood sports injury had on his smile. 

Most sporting goods stores sell athletic mouthguards. But to give your loved ones the best protection possible, you should visit our Charlotte, NC office. We will fit them for custom-made mouthguards using impressions of their teeth. The custom fit means the mouthguard stays securely in place and feels comfortable. So your loved ones won’t be tempted to skip wearing them. Plus, there’s no need for an irritating boil-and-bite process before the first wearing. 

To schedule a mouthguard fitting, dental exam, or other service, call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 today..

The holiday season is upon us! With that comes plenty of opportunities for food, fun, and festivities. While taking care of your teeth may not be your biggest priority, your dental hygiene is still as important as ever. That’s why we’re sharing a few simple oral health tips to remember:

• Limit how many sugary treats you enjoy.

There are many opportunities for candies and sweets this time of year. Unfortunately, exposing your teeth to that much sugar can increase your risk for tooth infection, cavities, and other oral health issues. So cut down on the sugar, or at least, make sure you rinse out your mouth after enjoying a treat.

• Don’t use your teeth as tools.

It may seem harmless, but avoid using your teeth to open a bottle or package. Doing so can crack, chip, or even dislodge a tooth as a result. Instead, keep scissors or bottle openers nearby to resist the temptation.

• Sip water throughout the day.

Drinking water is a must this time of year. It helps wash away food particles, acids, and bacteria in your mouth and keeps your teeth healthy.

• Snack on healthy foods.

Not all holiday foods are bad for you! As you scope out the treats available to you, don’t hesitate to pile on cheeses, raw vegetables, and any fruits. Even pumpkin pie can be good for your teeth as long as you don’t top it off with a lot of whipped cream.

• Keep up with your oral health routine.

With all the busyness, make sure you brush twice a day and floss at least once. If you travel, don’t forget to pack your toothbrush, floss, and other oral hygiene equipment. Maintaining these habits will ensure you finish off the holiday season with a healthy smile.

• Wear an oral appliance if you grind your teeth.

If you are stressed during the holidays, you might be grinding your teeth. This habit can crack or chip a tooth and cause jaw pain. We can create a custom oral appliance that will act as a barrier between your teeth to prevent this kind of damage. 

• Schedule a post-holiday checkup.

Once the holiday season is over, make sure you schedule a dental checkup with us. We can professionally clean your teeth and examine your mouth for any underlying issues. It’s also a great time to discuss your smile goals for 2022 too!

We hope these oral health tips have made it easier for you to protect your smile. However you celebrate the holidays, we hope you have a wonderful time.

Call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 to schedule your appointment in Charlotte, NC.

Getting ready for your holiday party? 

Then make your smile shine by taking advantage of our Winter Whitening Special!

We’d love to give you a smile that really sparkles that you feel confident about showing off, and now, you can make that happen for less! Our limited-time special teeth whitening offer includes:

• Philips Zoom for $300 (Regular Price $600)
• Custom Bleaching Trays for $200 (Regular $400)

That’s hundreds of dollars in savings from now until January 31, 2023, so you could treat yourself (and maybe even someone else on your shopping list), allowing you to arrive in style at all your special holiday events with bright, white teeth and a smile that’s merry and bright!

Don’t miss out on our Winter Whitening Special in Charlotte, NC. Charlotte Dentistry now at 704-285-0846 to schedule your appointment for teeth whitening treatment.

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The holidays are a great time to feel the spirit of the season. Unfortunately, they are also filled with activities that can hurt your smile. Check out our tips here to prevent dental damage during the holidays – and all year round. If you have any questions, give us a call.

• Wear a Mouthguard – Check out this video featuring actor Joe Manganiello, which shows exactly why you should always wear a mouthguard when playing sports. Then make sure you make an appointment to get your child a custom-made mouthguard if they are receiving sporting goods under the tree this year. 
• Don’t Use Teeth as Tools – Don’t crunch down on hard substances like ice, popcorn kernels, or candy canes. Don’t use your teeth to tear into packaging or rip off tags. Use a nutcracker, not your teeth, to remove shells from nuts. 
• Consider Preventive Services – Most of us will indulge in more sugary treats than usual over the holidays. Consider safeguarding your smile ahead of time with preventive treatments like fluoride and/or dental sealants. 
• Don’t Forget Your Night Guard – If you’re traveling, make sure you remember to take along your night guard if you wear one at night to stop teeth grinding. 

Call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 to schedule your appointment in Charlotte, NC.

As the temperatures drop, the heaters turn up! Unfortunately, this often leads to an increase in dry mouth in the winter. Not only is this an irritating problem, but it can also increase your risk of cavities or gum disease. How? Your saliva washes away bacteria and food particles from your mouth. 

We’re sharing easy steps for you to follow at home. But if you’re noticing the problem has become chronic, call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 to schedule an appointment in Charlotte, NC. We can help you with your smile problem and get your oral health back on track!

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In honor of National Flossing Day, we wanted to share tips to make sure you are flossing correctly. The ADA recommends you floss at least once a day to remove the bacteria and food particles from between the teeth. For even better oral health, consider flossing after every meal!

We’re sharing a video by Colgate that shows you the best way to floss to keep your smile healthy! 

Remember, though, flossing is only one part of the complete picture of a good oral hygiene routine. You’ll also want to visit us regularly for a checkup too! 

Call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 to schedule your appointment in Charlotte, NC.

In just a couple of days, Thanksgiving will be here! As you pile on delicious foods onto your plate, we wanted to share a few that are healthy for your teeth. While your mind may not be on your oral health at the moment, it’s necessary to think about during the holiday season. The foods you eat can help or harm your smile, so making the right choices about your nutrition is important all year long. 

So here are a few of our favorite Thanksgiving foods:

• Turkey

Turkey is one of the best foods on your table for teeth. Because it’s a protein, it is packed with phosphorus, which can boost the strength of your teeth.

• Sweet potatoes

No Thanksgiving is complete without a serving of sweet potatoes! They have vitamin A and vitamin C which helps your gum health. However, be cautious about adding too much sugar to your sweet potato, which can defeat its health purpose.

• Green Bean Casserole

Green beans are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins K, C, and A. So, if you are serving a green bean casserole, make sure you take a healthy portion!

• Macaroni and cheese

When you make macaroni and cheese with milk and cheese, you are giving your teeth excellent sources of calcium. Plus, cheese can increase your saliva production which helps wash bacteria out of your mouth.

• Pumpkin Pie

You might be surprised to learn that the pumpkin pie you enjoy for dessert really isn’t that bad for you. The reason? It’s packed with excellent nutrients like vitamin A. Just be sure it’s made with real pumpkin and avoid topping it off with an overload of whipped cream. 

Make sure you come see us for your post-Thanksgiving checkup! We’ll do a thorough cleaning and check that your smile is in excellent shape. Call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 to schedule your appointment in Charlotte, NC.

The last thing you want to experience is a dental emergency on Thanksgiving! We’re sharing a few tips for you to remember on this special festive holiday. Remember, if you do experience an urgent dental care situation, we’re ready to help you! Call Charlotte Dentistry at 704-285-0846 to schedule your appointment in Charlotte, NC. We even have an after-hours emergency pager! So, we’ll see patients ASAP whenever possible!

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