Bioactive Glass Leads to Longer-Lasting Fillings

Dentists complete 122 million composite tooth restorations in the United States each year, according to Oregon State University (OSU). But the average lifetime of posterior dental composites is only 6 years. Bioactive glass may improve their durability and provide some of the minerals that have been lost to tooth decay.

“Bioactive glass, which is a type of crushed glass that is able to interact with the body, has been used in some types of bone healing for decades,” said Jamie Kruzic, a professor at the OSU college of engineering. The hard and stiff material can replace the inert glass fillers now mixed with polymers to make modern composite tooth fillings.

“This type of glass is only beginning to see use in dentistry, and our research shows it may be very promising for tooth fillings,” he said. “The bacteria in the mouth that help cause cavities don’t seem to like this type of glass and are less likely to colonize on fillings that incorporate it. This could have a significant impact on the future of dentistry.”

Bioactive glass is made with compounds such as silicon oxide, calcium oxide, and phosphorous oxide, and it looks like powdered glass. Its antimicrobial effect is attributed, in part, to the release of ions such as those from calcium and phosphate that have a toxic effect on oral bacteria and tend to neutralize the local acidic environment.

“Almost all fillings will eventually fail,” Kruzic said. “New tooth decay often begins at the interface of a filling and the tooth and is called secondary tooth decay. The tooth is literally being eroded and demineralized at that surface.” 

To read the entire article, please visit DentistryToday.com

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Your Smile is Important

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about why your smile is important.

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

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Understanding Your Dental Plan

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about understanding your dental plan.

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

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Chew on this: Six dental myths debunked

Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouth

Expectant mothers may not know that what they eat affects the tooth development of the fetus. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may make the unborn child more likely to have tooth decay later in life. “Between the ages of 14 weeks to four months, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and calories could result in oral defects,” says Carole Palmer, EdD, RD, professor at TUSDM and head of the division of nutrition and oral health promotion in the department of public health and community service. Some data also suggest that lack of adequate vitamin B6 or B12 could be a risk factor for cleft lip and cleft palate formation.

In children, tooth decay is the most prevalent disease, about five times more common than childhood asthma. “If a child’s mouth hurts due to tooth decay, he/she is less likely to be able to concentrate at school and is more likely to be eating foods that are easier to chew but that are less nutritious. Foods such as donuts and pastries are often lower in nutritional quality and higher in sugar content than more nutritious foods that require chewing, like fruits and vegetables,” says Palmer. “Oral complications combined with poor diet can also contribute to cognitive and growth problems and can contribute to obesity.”

Myth 2: More sugar means more tooth decay

It isn’t the amount of sugar you eat; it is the amount of time that the sugar has contact with the teeth. “Foods such as slowly-dissolving candies and soda are in the mouth for longer periods of time. This increases the amount of time teeth are exposed to the acids formed by oral bacteria from the sugars,” says Palmer.

Some research shows that teens obtain about 40 percent of their carbohydrate intake from soft drinks. This constant beverage use increases the risk of tooth decay. Sugar-free carbonated drinks and acidic beverages, such as lemonade, are often considered safer for teeth than sugared beverages but can also contribute to demineralization of tooth enamel if consumed regularly.

To read the entire article written by Medardo Chua, please visit IDentalAccess.com

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Tobacco Risks on Oral Health

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about tobacco risks on oral health.

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

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Three Oral Hygiene Tips for Men

When it comes to personal oral hygiene, not all men are as attentive to their teeth as women. Starting with the checkup, surveys suggests men are more likely to see a dentist only in the event of a problem. So, guys, learn how to step up your oral care routine with the following tips for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing oral health problems before they start.

Toothbrush Tips
Brushing is just one part of keeping your mouth clean - doing so twice a day, in particular. However, the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). It's not enough to brush quickly and be on your way; two minutes of thorough cleaning is your most effective approach. Keep in mind you don't need to brush hard during this process. Use a soft-bristled brush such as Colgate® Slim Soft™ and brush gently at a 45-degree angle.

Some helpful hints: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, rinse it after each use and store it in an upright position to air dry. Storing it in a container actually allows microorganisms to grow on the brush, explains the American Dental Association (ADA), so it's best to avoid this method.

Sports and Dental Injuries
Playing contact sports can lead to trauma in unexpected places, and this includes broken, chipped or lost teeth. Wear a mouthguard when you're on the field and a helmet when you're on your bike. Ultimately, see your dentist as soon as possible after experiencing an incident to quickly assess the damage and determine what can be done to fix it.

To read the entire article written by Margie Monin Dombrowski, please visit Colgate.com 

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about regular dental check-ups.

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

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

A New Year's You: Dental Health Resolutions

Your dental health is an important part of your overall wellness, and the New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving your health. Many people have dental health resolutions that range from improving their toothbrushing habits to completing delayed dental treatment. Understanding the benefits of your particular resolutions can be motivating and rewarding. Whatever your goals might be, it is important to take small steps to achieve them. Consistency is key with any resolution that you make.

Improving Toothbrushing and Flossing Habits
Perhaps you would like to improve your oral health. Daily toothbrushing and flossing is a sure and simple way to improve your oral health. For successful bacterial plaque removal, it is important to brush at least twice a day using an appropriately sized, soft-bristle, manual or electric toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, gently position the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and move the toothbrush across the teeth to effectively remove bacterial plaque. It is also important to floss at least once per day to remove bacterial plaque and food that has accumulated throughout the day. Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, as well as after you have a cold or flu or if the bristles are frayed. Daily toothbrushing and flossing help to prevent gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath). The daily use of antimicrobial and fluoride mouthrinses also helps to improve your oral health.

To read the entire article written by Yolanda Eddis, please visit Colgate.com

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

After-Hours Emergency Dentistry

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about after-hours emergency dentistry.

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

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Are You Flossing Or Just Lying About Flossing? The Dentist Knows

There's nothing like jamming a waxed piece of string between your tightest molars and sliding it back and forth. And who doesn't do that once a day, just as the dentist prescribes?

Well, a lot of us. Twenty-seven percent of adults lie to their dentists about how often they floss their teeth, a survey released Tuesday found. Not only that, but more than a third of people surveyed would rather be doing unpleasant chores than flossing their teeth daily. Fourteen percent would rather clean the toilet. Nine percent would rather sit in gridlock traffic for an hour. And 7 percent would rather listen to small children crying on a plane.

Actually, that 27 percent sounds awfully low. When we called up Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel, a periodontist and president of the American Academy of Periodontology, which conducted the survey, she said: "Is that all?"
More than a third of Americans would rather do an unpleasant activity than floss.
American Academy of Periodontology

She's not the only oral health professional who thinks many patients are fibbing when they say they're flossing. "I am shocked," says Dr. Sally Cram, a periodontist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, via email. "Given my experience with patients in my practice I thought it would be higher!"

To read the entire article written by Jessie Rack, please visit NPR.org

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

20 Mistakes You're Making With Your Teeth

Taking care of your pearly whites isn't rocket science, but it's easy to slip into habits that could cause heartache -- er, toothache -- in the long run. We got the latest on giving your teeth the TLC they need from two New York City pros: Alice Lee, DDS, an assistant professor in the Department of Dentistry for Montefiore Health System, and Alison Newgard, DDS, an assistant professor of clinical dentistry at Columbia University College of Dentistry, will clue you in on where you could be going wrong.

Multitasking while you brush
Every minute in the morning feels precious, so it's tempting to brush your teeth in the shower or while scrolling through your Twitter feed. "To each his own," says Dr. Newgard, "but I prefer patients to be in front of a mirror, over the sink; you can be sure to hit all the surfaces of your teeth, and you'll do a more thorough job when you're not distracted." Better to leave the bathroom a few minutes later having given proper attention to each step of your prep.

Overcleaning your toothbrush
Thinking about running your brush through the dishwasher or zapping it in the microwave to disinfect it? Think again: While we've all seen those stories about toothbrushes harboring gross bacteria, the CDC says there's no evidence that anyone has ever gotten sick from their own toothbrush. Just give your brush a good rinse with regular old tap water, let it air-dry, and store it upright where it's not touching anyone else's brush. More drastic cleaning measures may damage your brush, the CDC notes, which defeats its purpose.

Using social media as your dentist
The web is full of weird and (seemingly) wonderful DIY dental tips that can hurt much more than they'll help. Read our lips: Don't even go there. "I've heard of patients who go on Pinterest and find ways to whiten their teeth there--by swishing with straight peroxide, for example--which are not good for their teeth," Dr. Newgard says. "Use ADA-approved products that have been tested." (Another online tip to skip: trying to close up a gap in your teeth with DIY rubber band braces.) 

To read the entire article written by Lauren Oster, please visit HuffingtonPost.com 

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Antibiotics & Your Heart

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about antibiotics and your heart.

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

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

More Than a Quarter of Americans Have This Untreated Disease

Let's just say, it might be time to get your pearly whites checked.

It's time for Americans to get over their fear of the dentist. According to new data published from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, more than 25% of U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated tooth decay. Additionally, 1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older may have it as well.

And if that's not motivation enough to take a seat in the dental chair, 91% have one tooth (or more) that has been treated for tooth decay or needs to be.

To read the entire article written by Samantha Toscano, please visit GoodHouseKeeping.com

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Power Toothbrushes

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about power toothbrushes.

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

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Risks to Oral Health During Pregnancy

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about risks to your oral health during pregnancy.

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

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Best and Worst Halloween Candy Options for Children’s Teeth

Halloween is just around the corner, and although candy consumption is almost unavoidable this time of year, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) wants parents and children to know that there are both good and bad candy options, both of which may find their way into children's trick-or-treat bags this fall. 
  
"Of course, dentists do not advocate that children eat large amounts of sugary treats, but it is that time of year, so we want to clarify for parents which treats are better for their kids' teeth and which ones may increase the risk of developing cavities," says AGD spokesperson Cynthia Sherwood, DDS, FAGD. 

To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

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.

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

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

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Inter-Dental Cleaners

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about inter-dental cleaners.

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

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Dentists Are the First Line of Defense for Elder Abuse

With the American population living longer, seniors' oral health has become an important issue, as has the widespread problem of elder abuse. Every year more than 2.5 million older Americans may be victims of elder abuse, and in some cases dentists serve as the first line of defense, according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Tooth Whitening Is Not Equal to Tooth Brushing

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about tooth whitening not being equal to tooth brushing.

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

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Preventative Dental Care

Make Informed Decisions with the Intra-Oral Camera

It is our goal to form a bond through teamwork with each patient. We want you to participate in every dental decision, so you are clear on the work being performed and confident of your choices. We are able to do this through the intra-oral camera. It is a high-tech miniature video camera that displays a close-up view of the interior of your mouth. This lets you know exactly where the problem is and lets you see which teeth are doing just fine. You will appreciate the technology that lets you become part of the process.

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 6: Floss Every Day

Flossing helps control plaque. It can reach where a toothbrush can't, like between the teeth. Floss daily with floss and interdental cleaners that carry the American Dental Association (ADA) seal. Ask your dentist for tips if you're not sure how to floss. Like everything else, flossing gets easier with practice.

The above article is from: WebMD.com

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 5: Brush Daily, Brush Right

Brushing your teeth twice a day not only keeps your breath sweet, but also helps rid the mouth of bacteria that makes up plaque and can lead to oral infections. To brush properly, point bristles at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Use gentle back-and-forth strokes all over your teeth -- in front, in back, and on chewing surfaces -- for two minutes. If holding a toothbrush is hard for you, try an electric toothbrush. Also brush your gums and tongue.

The above article is from: WebMD.com

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Post-Treatment Care & Tooth Extractions

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about post-treatment care for tooth extractions.

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

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

3-D Digital Dental Imaging

Perfectly Precise Implants

Our use of the 3-D cone beam CT digital imaging technology produces extremely accurate images – much more than standard X-rays. This technology is advantageous when diagnosing certain dental problems. It produces a 3-D image of a patient's anatomy, allowing our dentists to give accurate evaluation for proper treatment. This is especially useful in implant placement or any type of oral surgery. It ensures consistency in quality and identifies specific requirements for each individual. Our doctors are proud to bring this technology to their patients, and we are among the first practices in our area to do so.

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 4 : Keep Plaque at Bay

Sticky plaque -- food, saliva, and bacteria -- starts to form on your teeth after you eat, releasing acids that attack tooth enamel. Untreated plaque turns into tartar, which builds under gum lines and is hard to remove with flossing. The longer it stays on your teeth, the more harmful it is. Bacteria in plaque causes inflammation and leads to gum disease. Having high blood sugar often makes gum disease worse.

The above article is from: WebMD.com

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Dental Tourism

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the risks and additional costs associated with dental tourism.

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

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Preventative Dental Care

Address Decay Earlier with the Laser Scanner

Have you experienced this situation – you went to the dentist just six months ago, and your check-up was cavity free. And now at your next appointment, the dentist tells you that you have a rather large cavity. Are you wondering why there was no sign of it just six months earlier? The cavity was already there, it just wasn't large enough to be apparent on X-rays or with visual inspection. To remedy this problem, our dentists use the Laser Scanner to detect cavities in the beginning stages. This scanner also clearly identifies the problem in response to patients complaining of pain or tooth sensitivity. In the past, sometimes this pain was mistaken for root decay instead of tooth decay. Once identified, suitable treatment with a very small filling can restore the tooth to keep most of the natural tooth structure intact and healthy.

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Teeth Grinding (also known as Bruxism)

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about teeth grinding also known as bruxism.

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

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

Gum Disease Treatment

Gum Disease Can Be Successfully Treated!

It is very important to have our dentists take care of gum infection in the earliest stages. If treatment starts before the disease is advanced, there are nonsurgical methods that are very effective when used together with more careful daily dental hygiene. After the infection becomes severe, the treatment will be surgical. Both treatments are generally covered by most dental insurance plans.

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com

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

Carolinas Dental Center  
428 North Trade Street, Suite 101  
Matthews, NC 28015  
(704) 278-8008  
CarolinasDentalCenterMatthews.com