Myrtle Grove Implant And Family Dentistry - Blog

#1 Whitening When it comes to getting a whiter and brighter smile, there are a variety of teeth-whitening products you can try. Your main options are in-office or at-home bleaching. (Look for a whitening product that has earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance .) Before starting any whitening treatment, you should speak with your local dentist in Wilmington. Your dentist will tell you what, if any, whitening procedures will work best for you. #2 Crowns A crown is a good way to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance. Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that’s already broken. #3 Veneers Veneers are thin shells crafted of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front side of teeth. Unlike bonding, it is necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from your tooth to accommodate the shell. Based on a model of your mouth, they are meant to look like your natural teeth. #4 Bonding Not happy with the way your teeth look? Bonding may be the answer. For some, it can help restore the natural look of your teeth. Bonding is a process where your local dentist in Wilmington attaches or “bonds” materials directly to your tooth. Your natural tooth enamel and dentin are fused together with bonding materials such as porcelain and resins to create a strong structure that looks great. #5 Braces While orthodontic work that begins while a child is growing helps produce optimal results, that doesn’t mean that adults in Wilmington can’t have braces. Thanks to advances in orthodontic treatments, metal brackets are not your only option. Removable aligners, or “invisible braces,” or clear plastic brackets can all be used to straighten crooked or crowded teeth. #6 Implants Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. Surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, they function as a sturdy anchor for replacement teeth. Made of titanium and other materials, implants are designed to hold restorations like crowns or bridges blend in with your other teeth, and are a long-term option for restoring your smile. #7 Brushing and Flossing It may seem obvious, but brushing and flossing are the most important tools for keeping a healthy mouth. Brush twice and floss at least once a day to prevent cavities, and improve your oral health. #8 Regular Dental Visits Something as simple as going to your local dentist in Wilmington twice a year is one of the easiest things you can do to improve your smile. Aside from checking for cavities and oral diseases, and doing routine cleaning, your dentist can also provide other options for making your smile even brighter.

#1 You Have Pain Pain or swelling in your mouth, face or neck can mean a number of things. #2 Your Gums Are Acting Up If your gums are puffy, they bleed when you brush or floss, or you have a family history of gum disease , it's time to make an appointment with a dentist in Wilmington . #3 You Try to Hide Your Smile Whether you're self-conscious about a missing tooth or hoping for a brighter smile , don't be shy about talking to your local dentist in Wilmington. #4 You've Had Work Done If you have fillings , crowns , dental implants or dentures , see your local dentist in Wilmington regularly to make sure everything is in great shape. #5 You Have Ongoing Medical Issues Make your local dentist in Wilmington part of your team if you have a medical condition (such as diabetes , cardiovascular disease , eating disorders or are HIV positive), or you are undergoing medical treatment (such as radiation , chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy). #6 You're Pregnant It's safe to go to the dentist while pregnant. In fact, pregnancy can make some dental problems worse, so don't miss your regular checkup. #7 You're Having Trouble Eating Difficulty chewing or swallowing is not the norm. Try eating soft or liquified foods until you can see your local dentist in Wilmington . #8 You Have Dry Mouth Always feeling parched could be the sign of a medical issue or a medication side effect. Contact your local dentist in Wilmington for guidance. #9 You Use Any Kind of Tobacco From bad breath to oral cancer , cigarettes and chewing tobacco are harmful to your overall and dental health. #10 Your Mouth Has Spots and Sores If there's something that doesn’t look or feel right in your mouth, your dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer. Types of mouth sores include canker sores , cold sores , leukoplakia and candidiasis. They vary in their severity and causes. Mouth sores could be the symptom of a disease or disorder; infection from bacteria, viruses or fungus or result from irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling. #11 It's Time For Your Check-up Even if you don’t have any symptoms, check-ups are important because they can help prevent problems from developing and treat existing symptoms before they become more advanced. What happens during a dental checkup >> Find a dentist in your area >> #12 You're Having Jaw Pain Make an appointment with your local dentist in Wilmington if your jaw sometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing , chewing or when you first wake up. See a dentist also if you have an uneven bite.

Wilmington NC Take care of your teeth Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Even if you’ve been told that you have nice teeth, it’s crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems. This involves getting the right oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits. If you combine these 11 tips with also seeing your local dentist in Wilmington NC you will maintain better dental health . 1. Wilmington NC Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth It’s no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night. But brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day. 2. Wilmington NC Brush properly The way you brush is equally important — in fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease). 3. Wilmington NC Don’t neglect your tongue Plaque can also build up on your tongue. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odor, but it can lead to other oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. 4. Wilmington NC Use a fluoride toothpaste When it comes to toothpaste, there are more important elements to look for than whitening power and flavors. No matter which version you choose, make sure it contains fluoride. While fluoride has come under scrutiny by those worried about how it impacts other areas of health, this substance remains a mainstay in oral health. This is because fluoride is a leading defense against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth. 5. Wilmington NC Treat flossing as important as brushing Many who brush regularly neglect to floss. “Flossing is not just for getting those little pieces of Chinese food or broccoli that may be getting stuck in between your teeth,” says Jonathan Schwartz, DDS. “It’s really a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area.” Flossing once a day is usually enough to reap these benefits. 6. Wilmington NC Don’t let flossing difficulties stop you Flossing can be difficult, especially for young children and older adults with arthritis. Rather than give up, look for tools that can help you floss your teeth. Ready-to-use dental flossers from the drugstore can make a difference. 7. Wilmington NC Consider mouthwash Advertisements make mouthwash seem necessary for good oral health, but many people skip them because they don’t know how they work. Schwartz says mouthwash helps in three ways: It reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralizes the teeth. “Mouthwashes are useful as an adjunct tool to help bring things into balance,” he explains. “I think in children and older people, where the ability to brush and floss may not be ideal, a mouthwash is particularly helpful.” Ask your dentist for specific mouthwash recommendations. Certain brands are best for children, and those with sensitive teeth. Prescription mouthwash is also available. 8. Wilmington NC Drink more water Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health — including oral health. Also, as a rule of thumb, Schwartz recommends drinking water after every meal. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes. 9. Wilmington NC Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables Ready-to-eat foods are convenient, but perhaps not so much when it comes to your teeth. Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fiber, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth. “I tell parents to get their kids on harder-to-eat and chew foods at a younger age,” says Schwartz. “So try to avoid the overly mushy processed stuff, stop cutting things into tiny pieces, and get those jaws working!” 10. Wilmington NC Limit sugary and acidic foods Ultimately, sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. While you don’t necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful. 11. Wilmington NC See your dentist at least twice a year Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need to see a dentist regularly. At minimum, you should see your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year. Not only can a dentist remove calculus and look for cavities , but they will also be able to spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions. Some dental insurance companies even cover more frequent dental checkups. If this is the case for you, take advantage of it. Doing so is especially helpful if you have a history of dental issues, such as gingivitis or frequent cavities. Source ( Article is from Health Line )

February is Children’s Dental Health Month, and the team at Myrtle Grove Implant and Family Dentistry is celebrating by sharing some of our best tips for keeping your little one’s teeth healthy! Tooth decay is the #1 most common preventable chronic disease in children, so taking steps to protect your child’s oral health should be one of your top priorities this year. Here are some tips from Dr. Graves and the team to make sure your child’s teeth are happy and healthy: 1. Watch Their Diet A good place to start is with your child’s diet. Try to avoid letting them drink too much juice or soda, as these sugary and acidic beverages can damage the teeth. Feed them whole fruit, and beverages like water and milk, which will help keep the teeth strong. You should also limit certain foods, like candy, particularly gummy candy, as the sugars from these treats tend to collect in the crevices of the teeth. If your child does consume candy, juice, or other sugary foods, make sure they rinse or brush their teeth immediately afterward. 2. Encourage Good Oral Health Habits (And Supervise Brushing) Children can start brushing their own teeth when they have enough manual dexterity to do so. Usually, this is around the time that they can learn to tie their own shoe (typically about age 5-6). Until then, you’ll need to brush your child’s teeth to ensure that it is done properly. Even when your kids learn to brush their own teeth, supervise them and make sure they’re doing it correctly and for at least two minutes. 3. Start Flossing (And Lead By Example) As a family, you and your kids should learn to floss, and do so at least once per day. You may have to floss for your kids until they’re 8-10 years old, but it’s worth doing so. Flossing is one of the most powerful ways to fight against oral bacteria that cause both gum disease and gingivitis. 4. Visit The Dentist At Least Twice Per Year For An Exam And Teeth Cleaning Take your child to the dentist starting when their first tooth erupts, or around their first birthday; whichever occurs first. Schedule regular oral exams and teeth cleanings every 6 months thereafter, to ensure that your dentist can track their oral development and treat any potential cavities or other issues before they become more severe. 5. Consider An Orthodontic Consultation You should get a comprehensive orthodontic consultation by the time your child is 7, to ensure that they can begin any required treatments at a younger age. This will lead to better overall results, and a healthier mouth as your child grows older. Contact Us For An Appointment Today – We’re Always Taking New Patients! What better way is there to celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month than to schedule a checkup for your child (and yourself) at Myrtle Grove Implant and Family Dentistry?  Dr. Graves is an experienced family and general dentist in RiverLights, Carolina Beach, and South Wilmington. You can trust us to deliver friendly, informative, and patient-focused care for your entire family. Get started by giving us a call now at (910) 742-0664, or coming to our office at 5920 Carolina Beach Road, Suite #140, Wilmington, NC, 28412.