At Carolinas Dental Center, in Matthews NC, we offer a full range of dental care services and dental treatments. Our services include: children's, cosmetic, family, general, implant, orthodontic, preventive, restorative and sedation dentistry.
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).
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.
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.
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.