Showing posts with label general dentistry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label general dentistry. Show all posts

Wednesday, 21 October 2015

What are Cavities?

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about what cavities are.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com

Tuesday, 20 October 2015

When Should My Child First See a Dentist?

Your child's first visit to the dentist should happen before his or her first birthday. The general rule is six months after eruption of the first tooth. Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can help parents learn how to clean their child's teeth and identify his or her fluoride needs. After all, decay can occur as soon as teeth appear. Bringing your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and acclimates your child to the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear, which will make for plenty of stress-free visits in the future. 

To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com

Wednesday, 26 August 2015

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 3: See Your Dentist Regularly

People with diabetes are prone to oral infections. You should get dental checkups at least twice a year. Let your dentist know you have diabetes and what medicines you take. Regular checkups and professional cleanings can help keep a mouth healthy. And a dentist can teach you the best ways to care for your teeth and gums at home.

The above article is from: WebMD.com

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com

Thursday, 6 August 2015

Aging & Your Oral Health

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about aging and your oral health.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com

Wednesday, 22 July 2015

Oral Care On The Go

Ways And Products To Maintain Oral Care On The Go

These days, it seems like everybody is going non-stop. But just because you’re busy or traveling - whether for work or play - that’s no excuse for neglecting your daily dental care routine. One of the easiest ways to maintain oral care on the go is to carry a small container of floss with you. If you’re hiking or camping and want to travel light, floss takes up less space than your electric flosser.

A variety of products make oral care easier when you are traveling or time-strapped. Soft flosses, such as Oral-B’s Satin Floss, can be used by anyone. They slide easily between the teeth to make flossing faster and easier. Also, interdental brush cleaners, made of nylon bristles and narrow enough to fit between teeth, combine brushing and flossing for surfaces between the teeth.

If you are hiking, camping or traveling where space is at a premium, buy a small travel toothbrush that folds up. The brush will stay clean and it will take up less of your valuable space.

Another point: If you’re going to be traveling for an extended period of time, and especially if you will be traveling overseas or in the wilderness, be sure to schedule a checkup with your dentist before you go. The last thing you want is a dental health problem to erupt when you are far from reliable dental care. Problems can still occur, but you can reduce the risk by being as prepared as you can before you travel.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com

Tuesday, 7 July 2015

Great American Smokeout

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about about quitting smoking.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com

Saturday, 27 June 2015

The Importance of Daily Flossing

Daily flossing is an important component of plaque removal, but it’s one that many people avoid because they find flossing painful. But the right flossing products can make flossing easy and painless.

Many people think that standard dental floss is the only effective product for tooth flossing. But there are many products to meet the needs of people of all ages with any type of dental condition. If one of these conditions applies to you, consider some specialized flossing options:

  • You have sensitive gums. If you have sensitive teeth and gums that bleed easily, choose a soft floss, such as Oral-B’s Satin Floss, that slides easily and comfortably between the teeth
  • You have braces. If you wear braces or have dentures, that doesn’t mean that you can’t floss. Try a specialized floss, such as Oral-B’s Super Floss, which has a stiff end that you can thread beneath the main wire of your braces and a spongy component that slides easily between the teeth
  • You have a child. It’s important to teach children the benefits of flossing at a young age. You can start teaching children to floss their teeth at about age 5-7 years, but many children are less than enthusiastic, and they may complain that flossing hurts or is difficult. Try a kid-friendly flossing tool, such as the Oral-B Stages flossers, which are designed to be easy for children to handle and feature kid-friendly characters
  • You have difficulty manipulating floss. Try an electric flosser, such as the Oral-B Hummingbird. An electric flosser is neat and easy, especially if you don’t like reaching into the back of your mouth. And an electric flosser provides the right amount of pressure to leave your gums feeling pleasantly stimulated.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com

Saturday, 13 June 2015

Scaling And Root Planing: Professional Plaque Removal

Perhaps you’ve been neglecting a good oral health routine. Or, you’ve done your best, but you’ve developed plaque and tartar buildup. A regular routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing is an important part of regular plaque removal for everyone. But if you have risk factors that have caused a buildup of plaque on your teeth and gums to harden into tartar, your dentist or dental hygienist may suggest scaling or root planing your teeth to remove the buildup. If left untreated, severe tartar buildup along and under the gum line can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, which may increase the risk of gum disease.

Scaling and root planing are common nonsurgical techniques that may prevent the need for more serious procedures, such as periodontal surgery or a root canal.

Here’s what to expect if your dentist or dental hygienist recommends these techniques:

  • You won’t feel it. You’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the area.
  • Scaling: Your dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the areas both above and below the gum line.
  • Root Planing: Your dentist or dental hygienist uses special tools to smooth rough spots on the tooth roots. This process not only removes bacteria and helps reduce plaque buildup, but it provides a smooth surface for gums to reattach to the teeth.

After a scaling and root planing procedure, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions and maintain an oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. If your gums are sensitive after the procedure, try a spongy floss, such as Oral-BÆ Ultra FlossÆ, to help prevent painful flossing.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com

Saturday, 6 June 2015

Parts of the Tooth

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about about what makes up the tooth.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com

Thursday, 14 May 2015

Mouth Healthy Moments: How to Floss

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about flossing your teeth.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com

Wednesday, 13 May 2015

Beat Your Bad Breath

What are Common Bad Breath Causes?

If you suffer from chronic, severe bad breath, also known as halitosis, it's important to identify the cause so you can determine an effective treatment.

Halitosis has many causes, including the following:

  • Tobacco use. If you smoke, quit. Your bad breath may be due to other causes, too, but tobacco use is a guarantee of bad breath. If you are ready to quit, ask your doctor or dentist for advice and support.
  • What you eat, or don't eat. Certain foods, such as garlic, contribute to bad breath, but only temporarily. Once they are absorbed into the bloodstream, the smell is expelled through the breath, but the odors remain until the body processes the food, so there’s no quick fix.
  • Dry mouth. If your mouth is extremely dry, there is not enough saliva to wash away excess food particles and bacteria, which can cause an unpleasant smell if they build up on the teeth.
  • Infections. Bad breath that seems to have no other cause may indicate an infection elsewhere in the body. If you have chronic bad breath and your dentist rules out any oral problems, see your doctor for an evaluation. Bad breath can be a sign of a range of conditions including respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis or bronchitis, diabetes, or liver and kidney problems, so it's important not to ignore the problem.

The best way to improve bad breath is to follow a thorough oral care routine including twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing to remove the food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath. Mouthwashes only improve bad breath for the short term, and if you have a chronic problem, your dentist may suggest an antimicrobial rinse to help keep bacteria at bay.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com

Monday, 20 April 2015

Sugarless Gum

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about sugarless gum.



The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com

Sunday, 19 April 2015

Promote Oral Health With Good Nutrition

Calcium And Vitamin C Promote Oral Health
Eating a variety of nutritious food is good for your overall health, including your oral health. Some vitamins in particular have demonstrated benefits to building healthy teeth, namely calcium and vitamin C, so be sure to include foods rich in these nutrients in your diet. Calcium has been shown to help build strong teeth, and vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that also plays an important role in collagen synthesis, by which it helps you develop and maintain healthy gums.

  • Calcium: Dairy products, including milk, yogurt and cheese are good sources of calcium. Many physicians recommend 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium daily for most adults, so you may want to consider a calcium supplement, especially if dairy products aren’t a regular part of your diet. Also, try switching to low-sugar or sugar-free varieties of yogurt, since sugar (and bacteria) can promote tooth decay.
  • Vitamin C: Many fruits and vegetables including berries, oranges and cantaloupe, as well as green vegetables including broccoli and spinach are excellent sources of vitamin C.

Of course, in addition to eating right, it’s important to follow a consistent dental care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing to promote oral health. And be sure to see your dental professional regularly and talk to them if you have questions about how your diet might affect your oral health.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com

Sunday, 12 April 2015

The Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene

The Cost Of Dental Treatments
If you develop complications from tooth decay and gum disease, you may be dealing with bills for anything from fillings or crowns to more costly and complicated procedures such as root canals or oral surgery to extract damaged teeth and place dental implants.

The Costs Vary 
The costs of dental treatments vary. For example, the cost of a root canal will depend on the location of the tooth and how many canals are in the tooth that needs the root canal treatment. 

The Cost of Oral Hygiene
By comparison, the cost of basic oral hygiene and preventive teeth cleaning is low. A toothbrush should be replaced every three months or when it appears worn, but that’s just a few dollars. The same goes for dental floss, whether you prefer specialized floss, such as Oral-B’s Ultra Floss, or standard floss. 

Points To Remember
Also, don’t forget that most dental plans cover at least one, and sometimes two, checkups and cleanings per year at little or no cost to you. It’s better to make and keep those appointments, even if you don’t think you have problems with your teeth or oral hygiene, in order to identify and manage potential problems before costly care is required. Remember that your dentist is your partner in oral health, and be sure to keep him or her informed about medications you take and changes in your overall health so your oral hygiene can be tailored accordingly to maximize your health benefits. Some types of medications (including anti-depressants and some heart medications) increase your risk for gingivitis, so be sure to let your dentist know if you start taking any new medication, even if you don’t think it will affect your oral health. 

The above article is from: OralB.com

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com


Friday, 20 February 2015

Diet & Your Teeth

Learn more about the connection between your teeth and what you eat.



The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com
 

Friday, 6 February 2015

Sunday, 23 November 2014

Common Myths of Gum Disease # 6

I have diabetes. Will I get gum disease
Diabetes is a chronic disease which affects your body's ability to process sugar. The resulting high blood sugar can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of your body. Diabetes can also lower your resistance to infection and can slow the healing process. If you have diabetes, you are at greater risk of developing some oral health problems, including gum disease, so it's important that you are extra diligent with your oral health.

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com
 

Tuesday, 14 October 2014

Dental Hygienist

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the role played by your Dental Hygienist!



The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com
 

Friday, 10 October 2014

Common Myths of Gum Disease # 1

Gum disease is not that common
On the contrary, gum disease is extremely common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of adults age 30 and older suffer from some form of gum disease. Gum disease, an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth, is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. 

The above article is from: MouthHealthy.org

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com
 

Thursday, 18 September 2014

Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity

The best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dental professional examine you. They can look for the signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Sometimes, the sensitivity is due to a cavity or gum disease ñ these can be treated to address the sensitivity. Other times, the cause of the sensitivity is because the enamel has been lost through abrasion or erosion, or the gums have receded, causing the roots to be exposed.

What Can Be Done?
If the sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the cause, the dental professional can perform a thorough cleaning of the area.

However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity.

In Office Procedures:

  • Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas, strengthening the enamel and dentin
  • Fluoride foam or gel can be placed into a mouth tray; you then sit with this in your mouth for 3-5 minutes, providing the teeth with a high concentration of fluoride to strengthen the areas
  • Bonding agent, the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth, can be used to seal the dentin surface and provide a barrier to the stimuli that cause sensitivity

At Home:

  • Use a very soft bristle tooth brush, with low abrasive tooth paste
  • Brush correctly and do not over brush
  • Use a tooth paste specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth
  • Use a high concentration fluoride toothpaste (given to you by the dental professional) to strengthen the tooth surface

There are a number of treatments available, and your dental professional can help you find those that will work best, depending on your situation. Always seek a dental professional's help - do not try to diagnose this problem yourself. It may be the sign of something more serious, and only a dental professional can tell you what it really is.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com

Carolina Smiles Family Dental
Michael Stohl, DMD 
1139 A Greenville Highway
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: (828) 693-8630
Website: HendersonvilleDentistNC.com