How Smoking and Genetics Affect the Success of Your Dental Treatments

Maintaining a bright and healthy smile takes more than just brushing twice a day. While brushing plays an important role in oral health, studies have found that other factors can negatively impact treatment outcomes when dental intervention is necessary. Knowing these factors and understanding their role in dental health will keep your smile healthy and bright for years to come.

One of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to educate yourself on common risk factors and the best dental treatments available for both improvement and protection. At the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Broome is a leading expert on the latest innovative treatments in cosmetic dentistry and can improve the long-term outcomes for our patients who need specialized dental care.

Factors That Affect the Success of Dental Treatments

Just as certain lifestyle factors can affect our overall health, there are specific behaviors that can negatively impact the success of our oral health and dental treatments. Some of the lifestyle factors that can reduce the success of dental procedures include:

Smoking

Cavities, also known as tooth decay are permanently damaged areas of the tooth that create tiny holes or openings. There are varied symptoms of cavities, depending on the location and severity. These symptoms include:

• Sharp pain or an unexpected toothache that lacks an apparent cause
• Tooth sensitivity
• Pain in tooth when eating foods that are hot, cold or sweet
• Visible holes or pits in your tooth
• Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth
• Pain when you bite down or chew

A study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that smoking contributed to the failure of dental fillings which is the most common treatment for cavities. Not only do these findings identify smoking as a risk factor that negatively impacts dental fillings but it also points towards the need to have the latest in cosmetic dental fillings in order to have the best outcomes.

For example, at the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, when filling cavities, Dr. Broome uses the Waterlase iPlus laser system, which effectively kills all the bacteria in the cavity and helps clean out the damaged tooth structure. Dr. Broome then rebuilds the tooth with a durable tooth-colored filling material that helps prevent future decay and protects the tooth long-term.

Drinking Alcohol

Alcohol consumption is another lifestyle behavior that has been shown to negatively impact the success of dental procedures like dental implants. A study published in Contemporary Clinical Dentistry found that even one alcoholic drink during the 72 hours after dental implant treatment can trigger avascular necrosis. Avascular necrosis is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply, which can cause the dental implant procedure to fail.

Careful planning is essential for beautiful results with dental implants. Dr. Broome has the training and expertise necessary to plan from the desired results and work backward to help determine the ideal position for the implant(s). Dental implants are a good choice for patients who have one or more missing teeth and have enough healthy gum and bone tissue available to support an implant.

Genetics

Unfortunately, our genetics can also lead to poor dental health, which can contribute to tooth decay and cracked or decaying teeth. Research findings published in the Journal for Evidence Based Dental Practice found that genetic factors contribute to a patient’s risk of dental issues including gingivitis and periodontal disease.

The best way to combat the risk our genetics play in poor dental health and treatment outcomes is by receiving the most advanced treatments when intervention is required. For example, chipped or cracked teeth are a common dental issue requiring treatment. The two best chipped teeth treatments are porcelain crowns or laminate veneers. Porcelain crowns are a perfect chipped tooth treatment for patients who have a large volume of tooth structure that has been damaged.

Porcelain veneers, also known as dental laminates, are another great choice to help rebuild the strength and durability of chipped teeth with natural-looking results. At Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we’ve streamlined the dental veneer process giving our patients beautiful results in just one or two visits.

• Dental laminates offer patients many benefits including:
• Porcelain veneers are custom-made for each patient’s unique needs
• Stain-resistant
• Require minimal tooth surface removal
• Provide natural-looking results to match your teeth
• Long-lasting results, between 10-20 years

Whether you have risks to your oral health that are genetic or as a result of lifestyle behaviors, it’s important to maintain a regular oral health regimen that includes twice-yearly check-ups with your dentist. Not only will your dentist provide you with comprehensive cleanings but will give you access to the latest advancements in dental technology to help improve the long-term health of your smile.

Contact the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry

With a comprehensive consultation at the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we can help reduce the risks that your lifestyle and genetics may play on your oral health using the most advanced techniques in cosmetic dentistry to help protect or restore your smile. Contact Dr. Broome and his team to schedule your appointment today.

Next, read How Dr. Broome Transforms Smiles with Invisalign

The post How Smoking and Genetics Affect the Success of Your Dental Treatments appeared first on Destination Smile.

How Dr. Broome Transforms Smiles with Invisalign

If you feel self-conscious about your smile because your teeth are chipped, crooked, have spaces or crowded, you are missing out on one of the best parts of life. Smiling has been shown to release endorphins, which help improve our mood and help us deal with stress. It doesn’t have to be a genuine smile — the actual physical act of smiling produces the same effects, whether you initially feel happy or not. Studies have shown that simply making yourself smile during moments of stress can help alleviate anxiety and even keep your heart rate lower.

Crooked teeth, uneven teeth, and teeth with large spaces are not just a cosmetic problem; they can create health and social problems, too. The good news is, it’s possible to straighten overcrowded or misaligned teeth with expert dental care at the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.

Straight Teeth = Healthy Teeth

The American Dental Association has asserted that crooked teeth can impair your dental health. Crowded or gapped teeth are more susceptible to infection because the gums don’t fit around the teeth securely. Misaligned teeth may also be more difficult to clean and floss properly, leading to a buildup of the plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and/or gum infection.

A misaligned bite can also cause:

• Jaw pain including temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
• Improper tooth and jaw function
• Inadequate chewing
• Wear on teeth
• Speech impediments
• Bone loss

The solution for tooth misalignment used to be dental braces made of metal brackets and wires. However, the discomfort and unattractive look of these braces created another level of self-consciousness for some people, and another reason to inhibit their smiles.

Invisalign: Braces Without Braces

Invisalign is a clear, virtually invisible dental aligner system that has helped create more than 1.5 million beautiful smiles. The Invisalign aligners are made of a proprietary material called SmartTrack® that fit snugly over your teeth. The aligners gently and gradually straighten your teeth into a more functional, beautiful, and healthy alignment.

Most people will not even be able to tell you are wearing them. You will only remove the aligners to eat and brush your teeth. You can also place whitening gel in the aligners to get your teeth whiter while you are leveling and aligning them. Since the aligners are removable, but the more you wear them the faster your teeth and the quicker you finish treatment.

Invisalign is appropriate for people with:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Open bite
• Crossbite
• Crowded teeth
• Gapped teeth

And because they are virtually undetectable, Invisalign can work at any age, from teens to seniors. Lots of busy professionals use Invisalign. You always have the flexibility to remove them if needed for a presentation or special event.

A Better Smile Starts With Your Teeth

At the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Patrick Broome has been trained and certified by Invisalign since 2004 and has hundreds of cases and has a extensive experience treating cases most doctors don’t think can be treated with Invisalign.

At your first appointment, we will evaluate your smile and provide you with an estimated treatment time which on average is 6 to 9 months. When you are ready to proceed with Invisalign we will obtain our digital records with one of our state-of-the-art digital scanners (3shape Trios or Cerec Ortho). Your digital models will be sent to Align and a virtual treatment plan is created for Dr. Broome to review and adjust based on your stated treatment goals. Once Dr. Broome has made his adjustments and finalized your plan your custom Invisalign aligners are 3D printed and shipped to Dr. Broome’s office. Each aligner progressively moves your teeth a little bit each week. You simply change out your current aligner for the next one.

We usually schedule six-week check-up appointments so we can evaluate your progress and provide you with your next series of aligners. We have found that periodic visits help us insure the very best results and fastest possible treatment.

Since Invisalign is a digital product, we are able to show you the simulated planned outcome as a movie. We typically email this to you once your treatment begins. It’s a fun way to see how amazing Invisalign treatment really can show you an animated movie of your planned treatment sequence. You can see the sequence and how each tooth moves in a predictable and planned manner to arrive at a level and aligned smile. Many patients love to see how their teeth will move and it helps Dr. Broome to monitor your treatment as you progress through each aligner. He will check and make sure you are on track and proceeding as planned. And because you’ll be changing the aligners yourself, you will notice the difference as your teeth are gently and gradually moved into alignment.

After you’ve achieved your goal alignment, you’ll be fitted with a Vivera retainers which will maintain your results for the long-term.

More Comfort and Safety

Metal braces have rough brackets and sharp wires that may break and injure the mouth, teeth, and tongue. Invisalign aligners are made of a smooth composite material that doesn’t irritate your soft tissues. You may feel a bit sore for a day or two after you switch to a new aligner, but most of the time, you will barely be aware of their presence. You may also experience a slight lisp while speaking until your lips and tongue adjust to the aligners.
And unlike metal braces, which can cause damage to the soft tissues of the mouth if you are hit in the face during contact sports, the SmartTrack® aligners are safe for all sports and activities. They may even help protect the teeth in the event of a blow to the mouth.

Best of all, because the aligners are virtually invisible, you can feel free to smile without feeling self-conscious.

We’ll Make You Smile From Start to Finish

If you’re ready to enjoy your smile, Dr. Broome — one of Charlotte’s most highly acclaimed dentists — will ensure you have the finest care and treatment throughout your Invisalign experience.

Our office is designed to respect your comfort and the value of your time. The decor and atmosphere feel more like a luxurious spa than a dentist’s office. We use advanced scheduling software so that you don’t waste hours waiting for your appointment; you’re seen and treated on time. You can even book all of your appointments online, for extra convenience. Call us for more information about Invisalign and to schedule an appointment at the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.

Next, read What Smoking Does to Your Teeth

The post How Dr. Broome Transforms Smiles with Invisalign appeared first on Destination Smile.

What Smoking Does to Your Teeth

While the number of Americans who smoke cigarettes has steadily declined over the years, there is still a large number of people who still use tobacco products, like cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Currently, nearly 40 million American adults smoke cigarettes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

While smoking poses its own health risks, it also can negatively impact your oral health and teeth. Fortunately, thanks to Dr. Patrick Broome’s expertise and the latest in cosmetic dentistry, it is possible to improve dental health issues that can occur as a result of smoking at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.

How Does Smoking Affect Tooth Health?

Smoking tobacco can negatively impact the health of your teeth in many ways. One of the biggest impacts that smoking cigarettes has on dental health is it increases your risk of infection. When you smoke tobacco, your mouth’s ability to fight off infection is vastly reduced, leaving your mouth vulnerable to bacteria. The resulting bacteria can begin to cultivate, which leads to the growth of plaque.

If left untreated, this increased plaque and bacteria can lead to a whole host of damaging oral health issues including:

Discolored Teeth

One of the first signs someone is a smoker is the appearance of yellowed or stained teeth. The chemicals found in tobacco sticks to tooth enamel, which causes yellowing and staining.

Discoloration is one of the easiest things to improve in cosmetic dentistry. Innovations in advanced teeth whitening allow for a customized treatment that can restore a smoker’s bright, white smile with the use of several techniques including Zoom!, Ultradent Boost!, Day White, and MI-Paste, to name a few.

Halitosis or Bad Breath

The smell of cigarettes can definitely linger in the mouth after smoking, resulting in bad breath. Not only does the cigarette odor contribute to bad breath, but the overgrowth of bacteria leads to gum disease, decay, and chronic halitosis, which, unfortunately, can’t be improved with typical brushing or mouthwash. The good news is that gum disease and the resulting bad breath can be treated and improved with an approved oral hygiene protocol and regular cleanings and exams with your dentist. Learn more about halitosis at WebMD.com.

Gum Disease

We’ve already discussed that gum disease can contribute to bad breath, but it’s more insidious than that. If left untreated, gum disease can seriously impact overall tooth health because the gums may begin to pull away from teeth. This leads to a weakening of the entire underlying bone structure and, in its severest form, can cause periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a potentially painful condition in which the bone and tissue holding the teeth in place break down, which in turn leads to tooth or teeth loss and/or the need for extractions. Unfortunately, smoking can actually negate the effects of good oral hygiene habits like brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and tartar removal treatments, resulting in poor dental health despite a patient’s best intentions to offset the risks of smoking.

Difficult Recovery

Not only does smoking inevitably lead to more dental procedures, like tooth extraction and oral surgery, it also reduces the body’s ability to heal from these procedures. Unfortunately, smoking can also reduce positive outcomes from cosmetic procedures like dental implants.

Delayed recovery after cosmetic dental procedures puts patients at risk of further complications. While a dentist can help make dental treatments more comfortable with sedation dentistry and aid in a patient’s recovery, continued smoking can negate these measures.

Oral Cancer

One of the biggest risks associated with smoking is the possibility of developing oral cancer. As a matter of fact, smokers are six times more likely than non-smokers to develop oral cancer, with about 50,000 Americans diagnosed each year.

Oral cancer has specific symptoms to be aware of including:

• White or red patches located in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Numbness in the jaw
• Pain in the ear

It is advised that if patients experience any of these symptoms, whether alone or in combination, to see a dentist in Charlotte for a formal evaluation. With oral cancer, the earlier cancer is detected, the more effective the treatment and possible outcomes.

Whether experiencing oral health issues like discolored teeth or bad breath, a dentist is able to help smokers put together a treatment plan to help improve these side effects. However, it should be noted that the best way to reduce these symptoms is to quit smoking altogether. Smoking can not only negatively impact our mouth health, but it can also play a large role in our overall health, putting smokers at risk for other health problems.

Contact the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are a smoker interested in learning more about improving your oral health and reducing the symptoms you might be experiencing, contact Dr. Broome and his team at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a comprehensive consultation.

Next, read Tips for Dealing with Dental Anxiety

The post What Smoking Does to Your Teeth appeared first on Destination Smile.

Tips for Dealing with Dental Anxiety

Do you feel anxious at the thought of going to the dentist? If so, you’re definitely not alone. According to a survey published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry, up to 80% of patients experience anxiety when going to the dentist. Nearly 25 percent of Americans are so fearful that they avoid their dental check-ups altogether unless they’re experiencing pain.

At the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Broome and his staff are dedicated to reducing dental anxiety. With complimentary paraffin hand treatments, noise-canceling BOSE headphones, massage chairs, individually-controlled televisions, in addition to dental sedation, the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry was designed to offer a dental experience like no other. Contact us today to learn more about the practice of choice for dental patients around the world.

The Costs of Dental Anxiety

Some people avoid a dentist visit because they’re afraid of the potential pain that might be involved while others may have had a nerve-wracking experience at the dentist when they were younger. Some people may even be afraid due to stories they have heard from family and friends. While the reasons may differ, the effect can be the same, as thousands of individuals avoid the dentist’s chair.

Unfortunately, the longer people allow dental anxiety to delay their annual visit to the dentist, the greater the risk of costly and potentially dangerous problems to fix in the future. For example, plaque, a sticky, colorless film of bacteria, can build up on the teeth, leading to tooth decay, gum recession, and gum disease.

If left untreated, the decay can reach the roots of the teeth, which may require a root canal and crown. With advanced gum disease, the bacteria can actually destroy the jaw bone supporting your teeth, potentially leading to loose teeth and tooth loss. Additionally, current research points towards a connection between gum disease and other health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and strokes.

How to Deal with Dental Anxiety

There are several positive ways to deal with dental anxiety in order to help you get the dental care you need to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

1. Choose Wisely: When you have dental anxiety, it’s important to find a dentist who will listen to your concerns and help create a successful strategy for easing your fear during your treatment. For some patients, they feel better when the dentist explains what is happening at every step of the process while other patients will feel calmer with a dental office that has a soothing atmosphere. Be upfront with your dentist about your concerns and discuss a possible game plan. This will ensure you’ve chosen the right dental professional for you.
2. Communicate: When you feel anxious, don’t suffer in silence. Communicate your fears and needs so your dentist can discuss all available options to help improve your comfort, including oral or IV sedation.
3. Connect to Music: Closing your eyes and concentrating on your favorite songs can help make your dental treatment go by more comfortably. At Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer BOSE noise-canceling headphones that you can connect to your iPhone, Android, or to our over-the-chair LED TV’s, making it easy to connect to music that soothes you.
4. Bring a friend: Another effective strategy for dealing with dental anxiety is to reach out to a friend who could sit in the waiting room with you and help you stay calm and relaxed.
5. Consider sedation dentistry: Sedation dentistry is a safe, effective solution for many people who suffer from dental anxiety. From oral sedation to IV sedation, these options can help patients that want to relax during their treatment but struggle with serious phobia and anxiety. In North Carolina, the use of oral sedation is restricted to dentists who have an IV certification. Due to increased patient request for IV sedation, Dr. Broome underwent the best training available in North America to become IV-certified. As a result, our office can offer multi-dose oral sedation as well as IV sedation options to our patients.

It’s possible to overcome your dentist phobia. The most powerful way is to experience a dental treatment that feels calm and safe. The more positive appointments you experience, the less hold anxiety will have over you. The first step is to find a dentist to be your partner in good oral health. Read more about sedation dentistry at WebMD.com.

Contact the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are interested in learning more about the effective techniques that Dr. Broome and his team employ to help patients overcome dental anxiety, contact Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry and mention it during your consultation. You can also call our office for more information about successful solutions like sedation dentistry.

Next, read Porcelain Veneers: The Perfect Solution for 5 Major Dental Concerns

The post Tips for Dealing with Dental Anxiety appeared first on Destination Smile.

Porcelain Veneers: The Perfect Solution for 5 Major Dental Concerns

A smile is hugely important for our personalities, self-confidence, relationships, and success. We live in a world where an attractive smile plays a vital role in all areas of our lives. A recent study showed that two-thirds of the people surveyed were unhappy with their smiles. If you’re troubled by chips, cracks or stains on your teeth, you’re not alone. It’s possible to have straighter, brighter teeth without having to go through a long orthodontic process thanks to porcelain veneers at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.

Porcelain veneers are the perfect solution for a variety of common teeth problems and can be used to correct aesthetic issues alone or in combination with other cosmetic or restorative dentistry procedures. A whiter, brighter, beautifully-designed smile with veneers is the perfect choice to transform discolored, chipped, or misaligned teeth. Thanks to their natural-looking appearance and wide array of functions, veneers rank among the most trusted and popular cosmetic dentistry procedures.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers (also called dental laminates) are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that can be customized to treat and cosmetically enhance your smile. Porcelain veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth, concealing tooth imperfections and creating beautiful teeth that look and feel natural.

What are the Benefits of Dental Porcelain Laminates?

Dental laminates can change the color, size, shape, and length of your teeth. When used as a chipped tooth treatment, porcelain veneers can be used to strengthen cracked or damaged teeth and restore their appearance. As a relatively conservative dental procedure, placing dental laminates requires minimal tooth surface removal. The porcelain is also highly resistant to staining, so unlike natural teeth, veneers can maintain their color even if you drink coffee, tea, and red wine.

Not only do porcelain laminates look natural, but they can last between 10 and 20 years with proper oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist. Best of all, laminates are custom-made for each individual, allowing Dr. Broome to create a specialized smile makeover for each and every patient!

What Issues Can Dental Laminates Help Correct?

Most people who are looking to improve the quality of their smile are candidates for veneers. Generally, candidates for dental laminates will have good enamel but need help to improve the following dental concerns:

Stained teeth: Sometimes yellow or discolored teeth do not respond well to teeth whitening treatments. Laminate veneers are the perfect choice to cover stained or discolored teeth.

Short teeth and/or a gummy smile: People with small teeth have two issues to address: the size of their teeth and whether they show a lot of gum when smiling. For these patients, dental ceramic veneers and/or a gum lift can lengthen the appearance of the teeth and help reshape the gum-line.

Damaged, chipped, or misshapen teeth: Damaged, chipped, and misshapen teeth can easily be addressed with veneers. Porcelain veneers provide durable, long-lasting, and aesthetically-pleasing results. Porcelain veneers can be custom-made to correct tooth imperfections and rebuild the strength and durability of the tooth. Not only do veneers look natural, but they blend beautifully with the surrounding teeth and, as already mentioned, are resistant to staining or discoloration.

Crooked teeth: Veneers are an excellent option for correcting alignment issues without spending years at the dentist. Porcelain laminates may be especially attractive to those whose crooked teeth have regressed after previous orthodontic treatment.

Gaps Between Teeth: Laminate veneers can be used to close any gaps between teeth without the need for drilling or grinding down healthy tooth structures. Veneers will not only close the gaps between teeth, but create a natural-looking smile as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will my veneers look like my normal teeth?
A: Yes! Each veneer is custom-made to fit the shape of your teeth and is color-corrected to match your smile.

Q: How long will my veneers last?
A: Porcelain laminates are extremely durable! They can last between 10 and 20 years with proper dental care, which includes daily brushing, flossing, and regular visits to Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.

Q: Do porcelain veneers hurt or cause discomfort?
A: No, the veneer procedure is not painful. Usually, teeth require little to no preparation and the procedure at our Charlotte office can be completed without anesthetic.

Read more about dental veneer treatments at WebMD.com.

Schedule a Smile Makeover Consultation in Charlotte Today

Your smile makeover is just a consultation away! Contact Dr. Broome today to schedule your consultation. Whether you are interested in a smile makeover or another dental procedure, contact the dental experts at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry for the most comfortable dental experience possible.

Next, read 5 Quick Tips for Improving Your Dental Routine

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5 Quick Tips for Improving Your Dental Routine

What if adding a few seconds on to your daily oral hygiene routine could not only improve your oral health, but also your total health? We all know that brushing and flossing at least twice a day is important, but at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we know a few simple tips that can help you improve your dental routine, greatly improve the health of your teeth, and greatly improve your whole health as well!

At the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Broome and his staff remain at the cutting-edge of oral hygiene care and provide a comfortable and luxurious dental experience for our patients. Dr. Broome treats the individual, evaluating your unique dental needs and carefully choosing the best treatment options. With our calming, spa-like atmosphere, you’ll experience a dental visit like no other with the latest in innovative technology. We’re changing the face of cosmetic dentistry in Charlotte. Contact us today to learn more about your options for a brighter, healthier smile.

Improve Your Oral Health in 5 Easy Steps

1. Rinse Before Brushing

Most people rinse their mouth with mouthwash after brushing. However, using mouthwash AFTER brushing can remove valuable fluoride from the toothpaste, potentially negating the valuable benefits of your tooth brushing. Consider swishing with water or mouth rinse prior to brushing for optimal results. A pre-brushing swish will loosen and remove food particles and plaque, giving you a cleaner mouth when all is said and done!

2. Choose Your Toothpaste Wisely

Not all toothpaste is created equal. There are countless types of toothpaste available, making it difficult to know which one to choose. An easy tip for picking the best toothpaste to protect your mouth’s sparkle is to read the toothpaste label. There are two key ingredients to be avoid:

Dyes: Synthetic dyes are added to toothpaste to make them look better, but these dyes add no benefit for your teeth.

Saccharin: This artificial sweetener is meant to improve the taste of toothpaste, but studies have found a correlation between saccharin and allergies, headaches, skin irritation, and diarrhea.

3. Brush your tongue

We’ve talked about it before, but brushing your tongue is a great addition to your oral health regimen. The gums and tongue are the perfect places for nasty bacteria to take up residence. By taking just a few extra seconds to brush your tongue, you greatly reduce the amount of unwanted bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Use your toothbrush or choose a fun tongue scraper and brush, brush, brush your tongue to keep your mouth healthy!

4. Choose a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet isn’t just great for your waistline; it keeps your smile bright and sparkling. In addition to brushing and flossing, our diets can have a major impact on the health of our teeth and gums. Not only is choosing the right foods important, it’s also necessary to consider what foods to avoid in order to keep your teeth strong! Avoiding carb-heavy foods that sticky and high in sugar is a great way to keep tooth decay and cavities at bay. Reaching instead for foods like fruits and vegetables that are packed with nutrients and antioxidants will keep your body and teeth in tip-top shape.

5. Have Your Dental Hygiene Tools on Hand

It sounds simple – and it is! If you have your dental care products handy, you’re much more likely to use them! By keeping yourself well-stocked, you set yourself up for oral hygiene success. Don’t forget to always have floss on hand. Keep some in your purse or in your car for a quick fix when dealing with any food that might get stuck in your teeth during a work-time lunch!

BONUS TIP! Your toothbrush is still your main tool for maintaining your oral health. It’s important to switch out your toothbrush regularly, about every three months or so. However, if you notice your toothbrush starting to fray or you’ve been recently sick with a cold or the flu, it’s time to throw out your toothbrush and get a new one! Just like with your other dental tools, it’s a good idea to have a new toothbrush on deck for when the time comes to swap it out.

Schedule Your Dentist Appointment in Charlotte Today!

Your daily oral hygiene routine combined with your regular dental check-ups will keep your mouth healthy and your teeth bright! Schedule your next visit at the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, where you’ll experience expert services, cutting-edge technology, and spa-like amenities for a comfortable, relaxing visit! Contact the dental experts at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule your consultation!

Next, read our blog, 5 Issues You Can Avoid by Brushing Your Tongue.

The post 5 Quick Tips for Improving Your Dental Routine appeared first on Destination Smile.

5 Issues You Can Avoid by Brushing Your Tongue

We all know that it’s important to brush our teeth at least twice a day! Most of us, especially at the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, even floss twice a day, but did you know if you’re not brushing your tongue you’re missing an important part of proper oral health? There are bacteria living on your tongue and if you don’t eradicate them, they can lead to a whole host of problems!

It’s true that your tongue doesn’t face the same risks as your teeth. It can’t develop cavities, for example, but think about it: when you drink coffee at your favorite cafe in Charlotte, the tongue turns brown. When you slurp a Slurpee, the tongue turns blue or red. The tongue, as it turns out, is a big target for nasty bacteria, just like the teeth, which means it needs the same type of consideration and care.

Think of the tongue this way: the tongue is a sponge and there are more than 700 different types of bacteria that live in the mouth. Although not all of these tiny microbes are dangerous, harmful bacteria can set up house in any of the small bumps or crevices found on the tongue, leading to some real problems.

At the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Broome and his staff are proud to offer a truly comfortable dental experience and outstanding oral hygiene care. During your visit, Dr. Broome will evaluate your unique dental needs and provide you with the best treatment options available. Not only will you be able to enjoy a soothing, spa-like experience, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art technology to treat all your dental needs. When it comes to your dental care, don’t settle for less than the best. Contact us today to learn more about your cosmetic dentistry options in North Carolina.

When you neglect your tongue, you’re setting yourself up for some problems, which run the gamut from gross or inconvenient to downright unhealthy.

5 Top Issues that May Arise if You Don’t Clean Your Tongue

Halitosis (aka Bad Breath): Bad breath is embarrassing and it’s the number one issue related to not brushing your tongue. Here’s what happens: you forget to brush your tongue, then a nasty overgrowth of bacteria decides to grow and develop, mainly at the back of the tongue, giving off a foul-smelling stink. Luckily, you’ll be able to eradicate the funky smell once you brush your entire tongue.

Loss of Taste: Sad but true, not brushing your tongue can lead to a diminished sense of taste. When you don’t brush your tongue, not only is the tongue coated in the aforementioned nasty bacteria, it also becomes covered in food particles and a biofilm that coats the taste buds and leads to less taste sensation when you’re eating your favorite pizza. However, once you get rid of the bacteria with a thorough brushing, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite pizza again.

Black Hairy Tongue: Black hairy tongue might sound like a Scooby Doo mystery but unfortunately is a real issue. Black hairy tongue is caused by the papillae found on your tongue becoming stained from any food or drink particles left behind, such as after sipping coffee or tea. If these particles aren’t brushed away and remain on the tongue, they can stain it, giving it a dark and furry appearance. While harmless, this can lead to some embarrassing encounters until you start brushing your tongue!

Oral Thrush: In case you didn’t know, oral thrush is a yeast infection…in your mouth. Oral thrush can occur when bacteria levels in your mouth overgrow, which in turn causes any naturally-occurring yeast to grow out of control. The result is a yeast infection in the mouth that appears as white patches on the tongue. Once this occurs, a good anti-fungal medication is needed to cure it, while regular tongue brushing can keep it from returning.

Periodontal Disease: We saved the best (or should we say worst) problem caused by neglecting the tongue for last: periodontal disease. We’ve talked a lot about the bacteria that can build up on the tongue and the problems it can cause locally, but these bacteria can also spread to the teeth. Once there, these bacteria can lead to a condition called gingivitis, which is characterized by red, inflamed, and swollen gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can continue to spread and progress to full-blown periodontal disease. In severe cases, the gums can start to pull away from the teeth, the space between the teeth can become infected, or the teeth can even fall out!

Read more about periodontitis at Wikipedia.org.

Proactive Total Health Dentistry

Before oral bacteria can get bad enough to cause inflammatory diseases, such as gingivitis, gum disease, or periodontitis, it is crucial to practice thorough daily dental hygiene and attend regular check-ups with your dentist. Dr. Broome and his staff offer comprehensive and personalized dental care at their Charlotte dental facility and can identify and eradicate common risks to your oral health, including poor brushing and flossing habits, harmful bacteria, and other dental issues.

Using state-of-the-art digital dentistry technology, Dr. Broome and his team can offer expert preventative care as well as effective treatments for infections in the mouth. Our practice also offers oral bacteria testing to create a custom, tailored treatment for each patient’s unique oral health concerns.

Brush Your Tongue Clean

To thoroughly brush the tongue, start at the back of the tongue and gently brush with your toothbrush towards the front. Then brush side-to-side. You can easily integrate brushing your tongue with your regular teeth brushing and flossing routine every day.

Don’t Forget to Schedule Your Consultation in Charlotte Today!

In addition to your daily oral hygiene routine (complete with tongue brushing), make sure to schedule your next visit at the Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. Our mission is to provide expert services and cutting-edge technology and techniques in a comfortable, relaxing environment. Come experience what our patients rave about for yourself! Contact the dental experts at Charlotte Center for Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule your consultation!

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The post 5 Issues You Can Avoid by Brushing Your Tongue appeared first on Destination Smile.