Leading Boiling Springs Dentist Has 5 Ways to Manage Your Dental Anxiety

Our Boiling Springs NC dentist recognizes that different patients experience dental anxiety for different reasons. It’s much better to tell your dentist right away when you feel uncomfortable. They won’t think any less of you. In fact most dentists appreciate honest feedback from their patients. Once you make them aware of your fears, they can form a strategy to ease them. They will show you that there is no need to be afraid of the dentist. Consider these five ways that the dentist will manage your dental anxiety.

Watch Television

Television is a welcome distraction for dental patients. You won’t stress out about the dental work if you’re too busy watching something entertaining. A show you enjoy can help you avoid focusing on the negative aspects you associate with dentistry. Distractions ease your worries so that the dentist can provide the care you need.

Hold a Conversation

A quality dentist will tell you exactly what they are doing if you ask. Some patients are afraid of the dentist because they don’t understand what tools the dentist is using and why the dentist is using those tools. Many people imagine large, sharp instruments that will inflict tons of pain. Modern dentistry is nowhere near as uncomfortable as dentistry was a generation ago.

Rescheduling

Our Boiling Springs NC dentist will be glad to reschedule an appointment if you feel that you can’t comfortably receive treatment. It’s better for you to collect your thoughts and feelings before you attempt to visit the dental office again. Dentists understand that fear overtakes people sometimes. It can be a natural reaction to something you experienced in the past. The dentist will help you feel as comfortable as possible.

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry makes comfort a reality for many anxious dental patients. Your dentist could choose laughing chase, IV sedation, and other methods depending on your personality and needs. You’ll be able to relax and let the dentist do the job they need to do. Sedation is also a great option for children who desperately need dental work. They will learn to trust the dentist once they see they won’t get hurt.

Listen to Music

Music can be such a calming element in a dentist’s office. You’ll be listening to the tunes while the dentist does the important work on your mouth. The right music can help you drift away and forget about your dental anxiety. You’ll leave the dental chair with a sense of confidence that the dental procedure went well.

Shelby Family Dentist Explains the Oral Health Issues Seniors Face

Despite the fact that oral health is an important part of an older person’s well-being, it is often overlooked. Our family dentist in Shelby knows that arthritis and neurological conditions can make it difficult for people to brush and floss their teeth. Below are some of the most common dental issues for seniors:

Cavities

Children are not the only ones who develop tooth decay. This condition is very common in people who are over the age of 65. It is estimated that 92 percent of people who are over the age of 65 have cavities. A person’s chance of developing cavities increases as he or she gets older because many people do not get annual dental exams.

This is why many cavities go untreated. It is important for older people to see a family dentist in Shelby NC, so that cavities can be treated within a timely manner. Regular dental exams can also help prevent other dental issues for seniors.

Eating Problems

Cavities, poor-fitting dentures, missing teeth and gum disease can make it difficult for seniors to eat. Many seniors are forced to adjust their diet because of this problem.

Dry Mouth

The medical term for dry mouth is xerostomia. It is estimated that one out of five seniors suffer from dry mouth. Many seniors are on a several types of medications to treat chronic conditions. Muscle relaxers, antidepressants, blood pressure medications and antihistamines can cause dry mouth. Dentists recommend drinking plenty of fluids in order to combat dry mouth. You should also inform your dentist if you suspect that your medications are causing dry mouth.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a condition where the gums are infected and inflamed. It can occur at any age, but it has a tendency to worsen as a person gets older. Many people do not have any pain during their early stages. However, people who have advanced gum disease may experience pain while they are chewing. They may also have sore gums.

Gum disease is typically brought on by poor oral hygiene. If plaque is not removed, then it will harden and form tartar. A professional cleaning is required to remove tartar. Periodontitis and gingivitis are the two forms of gum disease. Gingivitis causes the gums to bleed, swell and become red. Periodontitis causes the gums to separate from the teeth. Annual dental exams, flossing and brushing can prevent gum disease.

If you’re unsure how long it has been since visiting your local dentist office or you may have some dental or tooth pain, please get in touch with our Shelby family dentist today for an appointment.

General Dentist in Boiling Springs FAQs Regarding Dental Sealants

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are thin coatings that are made out of plastic. They are placed over the teeth in order to prevent them from decaying. They help keep the food particles and germs out of the grooves of the teeth. Sealants are considered preventative dentistry.

Are Sealants 100 Percent Effective?

Some studies have shown that sealants can be 100 percent effective. The tooth will be protected as long as the sealant remains in place.

Can you see Sealants?

Sealants are clear and white. That is why they can only be seen up close.

How Long do the Sealants Last?

The sealants can potentially last for several years. In some cases, sealants can last over 10 years.

Are Sealants Expensive?

Sealants are affordable. Because they can prevent tooth decay, they can also help you save money on dental care. Your general dentist will discuss the cost of sealants.

Will my Teeth Look Different?

One may feel the sealants on their teeth. However, because the sealants are thin, they do not cause discomfort.

Who Needs Sealants?

The best candidates for sealants are children because their permanent teeth have just come in. However, older patients may also benefit from getting sealants. If your general dentist believes that you are at a higher risk for getting tooth decay, then you may need to get sealants.

Will I Still Need Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride treatments are still needed. It helps strengthen your enamel and provides additional protection from tooth decay.

Why do I Need Sealants?

Decay can cause permanent damage to your teeth. Sealants help you save time and money by protecting your teeth. It is also important to remember that a filling is not an easy fix for a cavity. A tooth gets weaker every time that it is drilled.

If you are interested in getting sealants, then you will need to contact our Boiling Springs NC dentist office.

Boiling Springs Family Dentistry is Your One Stop Dental Team

A good family dentist is not only in their child’s life from infancy to adulthood but also can give great care to the kid’s grandparents. It is hard to find a dentist that has the skill level to treat all of the young, the adults, and the elderly in the family. Most dentists give excellent care to one age group but are lacking in other areas. A family wants a dentist that they can build trust with, to encounter no problems with, and to eliminate the wait time. The search is over with our Boiling Springs family dentists.

They provide general dentistry and expert care for the entire family and take care of all of the family needs. Most children despise going to the dentist. The local dental office provides a painless and comforting experience. Boiling Springs Family Dentistry is a one stop destination for all of the family needs. Be on a first name basis with the staff and experience an extremely friendly atmosphere.

The family’s dentist appointments do not have to be a hassle anymore. Currently, many families are separated into general dentistry all over the city. Who would prefer that over the whole family with coordinated appointments in one day? No more working around everyone’s schedule to get every family member an appointment that works with them and each different dentist. The local dental office will provide everyone coordinated appointments with a fantastic experience.

Some parents even have to deal with the kicking and screaming of their children because they hate the dentist. They have to actually convince or bribe the child to go to the dentist. No parent wants that stress. Get rid of it with family dentists. Their dentists have complete expert training making them a very professional practice and an irreplaceable family dentist. Make the family’s lives easier and their teeth healthier.

3 Common Sources for Jaw Pain Explained by Our Boiling Springs NC Dentist

Many people experience jaw problems that cause them pain or annoyance and sometimes they may only be temporary, but other times, they may last for weeks, months or even years.

When this happens, patients aren’t always aware of what’s causing their jaw pain, which may be a problem with their TMJ (temper mandibular joint). This joint holds the jaw to the rest of the skull, and when it causes pain and other troubling symptoms, it’s usually a sign of a TMJ disorder.

Naturally, you use your jaw for many aspects of normal day-to-day life, so a TMJ disorder can significantly interfere with it. In order to relieve jaw pain, it’s necessary to first understand the causes, and how a dentist in Boiling Springs can help. Here are three common sources for jaw pain.

Malocclusion

A malocclusion is more simply known as an improper bite, and occurs when the teeth do not fit together correctly. This not only causes pain but also inefficient chewing, poor nutrient absorption and an increased risk of tooth breakage. Malocclusions can be caused by a number of factors such as genetics, wisdom teeth impaction, botched dental or orthodontic procedures, thumb-sucking and missing teeth that allow the surrounding ones to shift out of place. To address this issue, you should start by visiting your general dentist. They may place a crown or bridge to help correct small malocclusions. For more significant cases, tooth extraction, braces, or surgery in rare cases may be recommended. Because malocclusions can result from past botched procedures, your dentist may also be able to repair these if they’re the cause.

Tooth Grinding

Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, can cause them to become flattened on top. Bruxism most often occurs without the patient’s knowledge while they’re asleep. Otherwise unexplained jaw pain is the most reliable symptom especially if it occurs in the morning, but you may also experience frequent headaches. If you visit your general dentist, they can usually provide you with a special mouth guard to wear at night, thereby protecting your teeth against grinding.

Injury

Any time you sustain an injury to your head, neck or shoulders, there’s a potential for it to cause jaw pain. Injuries like these can damage the jaw joint, tear the muscle tissue, pop the jaw out of alignment or cause chronic inflammation of the area. As a result, patients can experience pain and cracking during eating or talking. Pain from these injuries can often be through one or more methods, including re-alignment, special dental devices, and in some cases, surgery.

Living with chronic jaw pain can make your life miserable. Furthermore, when we are unable to speak or eat without impediment, it complicates effective communication and your ability to keep yourself healthy. If you’ve been struggling to relieve jaw pain, contact our dentist in Boiling Springs today to find out what options you have.

Time for Your Child to See a Local Dentist? Here’s What to Know.

If you live in the Boiling Springs NC area and are looking for a general dentist office for your child’s dental care, you need to do some research. Choosing the right dentist for a child can seem like a daunting task. When choosing a dentist for your child, the safety and comfort of your child are top priorities.

Comforting Office

It is important to make your child’s comfort the first consideration when deciding on a general dentist office. You need to look for a dentist that can provide reliable dental care for your child, from the child’s first visit through his or her adult years. A good family dentist in Boiling Springs will do everything possible to ensure your child’s maximum comfort during a dental visit. Using interactive play, advanced dental technology, and applying sedation dentistry whenever appropriate, a good dentist will work to make sure the child is relaxed during treatment. So, look for a child-friendly who has experience treating children and taking care of their oral health.

Good with Children

Children deserve attention and proper care during their development years. The right dentist understands how to work with children, and the dentist will provide various educational methods that incorporate play, to keep children well informed about their dental and oral care. A good family dentist in Boiling Springs will also involve parents when appropriate and provide them with the tools they need to continue helping their child develop excellent oral hygiene skills for optimal health.

Qualified Dentists

Always check the qualification and background of the family dentist in Boiling Springs you are considering. It may be a good idea to have your personal dentist take care of your child’s oral care if you’re confident about the dentist. Otherwise, you may need to find someone else. You can also get recommendations from your relatives or friends. Let them know that you need a general dentist office for your child so they can recommend a dentist who specializes on child’s oral health. There are also Internet resources you can use to find qualified dentists in your town or city. Be sure to verify their background and certifications to find out about their credibility as dentists.

Our Boiling Springs Dentist States That Dental Veneers Will Change Your Smile

Minimally invasive porcelain veneers are very thin and designed to cover the surface of the teeth to which they are applied. With this type of veneer, tooth structure is left intact and only altered when necessary.

With all of the available treatment options for people who are unhappy with their smiles, it might be difficult to choose which one is best for an individual.

With all of the available treatment options for people who are unhappy with their smiles, it might be difficult to choose which one is best for an individual.

Common misconceptions about minimally invasive porcelain veneers:

•   Minimally invasive porcelain veneers will make teeth look too big or too long. In almost all cases, some tooth reshaping is necessary to allow the teeth and smile to look better than the smile the patient started with.

•   Minimally invasive porcelain veneers can lead to gum disease. The dentist will finish and polish edges to avoid ledges and to make the veneers smooth. As with all teeth, patients should brush and floss around the veneers.

•   There will be sensitivity after having veneers bonded. With minimally invasive veneers, since the tooth enamel is maintained, sensitivity is very rare.

Always remember to consult your dentist for the option that will best suit you. Ask them all the questions or concerns they might have, and whenever you feel comfortable about the process, then go ahead and start it.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Gingivitis? Our Boiling Springs Dentist Shares Details.

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. It causes your gums to become reddened, irritated and swollen. Many people are unaware they have this condition, but it’s important to take symptoms seriously and seek treatment promptly as it is the early stage of gum disease.

When diagnosed early, this conditions can be treated and even reversed. However, if left untreated, this condition can advance to gum disease, which is a far more serious oral health issue that is not reversible. Gum disease can result in tooth and bone loss, and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults. Gum disease affects more than your mouth, proven by recent studies that have linked gum disease to diabetes, heart attacks and strokes.

Associated Symptoms

Healthy gums appear pale pink and are firm. This condition is rarely painful, making it difficult for you to be aware of its presence. The following are symptoms you should look for:

  • Receding or swollen gums
  • Soft, puffy gums
  • Occasional tenderness of gums
  • Bleeding gums from flossing or brushing
  • Dusky red gums
  • Bad breath

Causes of This Early Gum Disease

Typically, poor hygiene is the primary cause of this mild gum disease. The following are also contributing factors:

  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Certain medications
  • Genetics
  • Stress
  • Substance abuse
  • Pregnancy
  • Poor nutrition
  • Hormonal fluctuations
  • Certain diseases and conditions
  • Puberty

Steps for Gingivitis Prevention

The most important step in prevention is to visit your general dentist on a regular basis. You should have dental maintenance visits at least twice per year, unless told otherwise by your local dentist office. This condition can usually be reversed with a thorough, professional cleaning and dental checkup followed by good oral health practices at home.

To be sure you are cleaning your mouth properly, ask your general dentist to show you the proper technique. According to the American Dental Association, your teeth should be brushed, using the proper technique, twice per day. In addition, an interdental aid, such as dental floss should be used daily. Other recommendations for gingivitis prevention include using a toothpaste with antimicrobial properties, and including your tongue in your brushing routine.

While sleeping, there is no disruption to the growing bacteria in your mouth. Therefore, your mouth should be the cleanest before going to bed so bacteria aren’t doing damage to your teeth and gums while you sleep.

If you’re concerned about gingivitis or have noticed symptoms, don’t delay and schedule a visit to our local Boiling Springs dentist office today.

Boiling Springs NC Dentist Teaches the Right Way to Brush Your Teeth

Our Boiling Springs dentists are eager to show you the proper tooth brushing tips in order to prevent gum disease. Most people report some confusion when it comes to tooth brushing tips. Some dentists will recommend one way, while other dentists say something else. There doesn’t seem to be one uniform recommendation for oral health. But as long as you following the tips of our Boiling Springs NC dentists, you will experience a healthier oral hygiene routine in no time.

Split Mouth into Four Groups

Draw an imaginary line down the middle of your two front teeth on the top and bottom of your mouth. You should now have four distinct sections of your mouth: the top left, the bottom left, the top right, and the bottom right. Brush each section thoroughly for 30 seconds. This is how you can be sure that you’re spending enough time with your brushing habits. Many people just don’t brush long enough.

Use Gentle, but Firm Strokes

Don’t grip your toothbrush with a tight fist. Use the same grip you would use for a pencil. All you need is short, gentle strokes to get rid of plaque and prevent gum disease. Applying too much pressure to the brush will irritate your teeth and gums. As long as you brush for two full minutes twice per day, you shouldn’t have to apply a lot of pressure when you brush.

45 Degree Angle

You want to hold the brush at a 45 degree angle when you use it. This is the most effective angle to remove plaque and keep it from building up in your mouth. Use short, horizontal strokes in a circular motion. This can be difficult on the sides and in the back of your mouth. But you should be able to fit the brush into those areas of your mouth enough to get the job done.

Twice Per Day

It can’t be stated enough that you must brush twice per day. It’s easy to get into the routine once you make an effort. You won’t even need to make an effort after a while since it will be automatic. You could set reminders on your phone each morning to tell you to brush your teeth. You need to brush twice per day so that the plaque doesn’t build up too much. Your breath will taste and smell better with regular brushing, and your oral health will improve.