Blog - Williams Dentistry - Brandon & Amy Williams

Posted October 16, 2017 by Williams Dentistry & filed under Prevention, oral health.

When most people think of October, we doubt they immediately think of their teeth. In fact, they might not think about teeth at all except if a piece of Halloween candy does some unexpected damage. That’s where we’re a little different. At our dental office in Asheboro, when we think of October, we think of National Dental Hygiene Month, our dental hygienists, and their dedication to keeping patients’ mouths healthy.

About National Dental Hygiene Month

Every October, the dental community celebrates National Dental Hygiene Month. Sponsored by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program (WOHP), National Dental Hygiene Month is designed to increase awareness of how proper dental hygiene is crucial to maintaining a healthy mouth and healthy body. According to the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH) there is a link between oral health and several whole body concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and others.

The Daily 4

The main focus of National Dental Hygiene Month this year is on the top four necessary components of a proper at home oral hygiene routine. These four aspects include:

Brushing
Flossing
Rinsing
Chewing

Read on to learn more important information from your dentist in Asheboro.

Brushing

We all know we should brush our teeth everyday, but according to American Dental Association (ADA), there are certain guidelines you should follow to get the most out of your brushing routine. Make sure to brush twice a day for two minutes each. You should select a soft-bristled toothbrush and a small, gentle circular motion instead of a back and forth scrubbing technique to reduce potential damage to your enamel.

Flossing

Sometimes we’re asked if flossing is really necessary. The short answer? Absolutely. Why? We’re glad you asked. When you only brush your teeth and don’t floss you’re missing out on cleaning about 35% of each tooth. That’s a lot of opportunity for bacteria to get comfy and start the decay process. Make sure you’re removing as much bacteria and plaque as possible by flossing in between each tooth and up under the gum line.

Rinsing

Mouthwash may seem like an unnecessary part of an oral healthcare routine. However, the right product can help reduce bad breath, gingivitis, decay, and plaque. Look for one that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This means the product has been scientifically tested and evidence supports the claims made on the label.

Chewing

Brushing your teeth after you eat is ideal, but we realize that may not be possible for everyone all the time. When you can’t brush after a meal, chew a piece of sugarless gum instead. Chewing gum helps produce saliva which aids in neutralizing bacteria that may be left over from your meal.

We encourage every one of our patients and neighbors to follow The Daily 4 diligently for a healthy, happy mouth. However, it’s still important to maintain dental cleanings and bi-annual appointments with your dentist. These visits help remove stuck-on plaque or tartar that you just can’t get at home and ensure there are no problems lurking in your mouth. If you’re looking for a new dental team, we’re always accepting new patients and would love to see you. Give our Asheboro dental office a call to schedule an appointment.

Posted September 25, 2017 by Williams Dentistry & filed under General Dental Articles.

Tooth grinding is a surprisingly common problem that affects many people. The frustrating part is you may not even realizing that you’re a grinder. At our dental office in Asheboro, we understand that tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, can most often be experienced during sleep, when you have no recollection of ever doing it. So how do you fix something that you may not even know you do? We’re glad you asked.

Recognize the Signs of Bruxism

Since bruxism can occur during sleep, and there’s no way you can be aware of it while you’re snoozing, knowing the signs can help you identify the problem.

Flat or chipped teeth
Tooth sensitivity
Waking up with sore jaw muscles
Neck or facial pain
Headaches

If notice any of these indicators of bruxism, talk with your dentist in Asheboro about the right treatment for you.

Night Guards for Bruxism

One of the most recommended treatments for those who grind their teeth is a custom night guard. These form-fitting appliances help protect your teeth from damage caused by rubbing them against each other. They can also help position your jaw in a comfortable position and limit your ability to move your jaw around during sleep. Night guards are available either over the counter or from your dentist.

Custom vs. Over The Counter Night Guards

While over the counter night guards tend to cost less, a custom-made night guard from your dentist ends up being the better, most cost-efficient choice. Custom night guards are created using professional molds of your teeth. This means they end up being more comfortable than their drugstore counterparts. Night guards made by a dentist also take your jaw position into consideration. Without adjusting the guard to fit your jaw alignment, you may just end up with more problems. Finally, custom-made, professional night guards tend to last up to 10 years while store-bought, boil and bite guards last for a considerably shorter amount of time.

Other Bruxism Treatments

Night guards are a common treatment for bruxism, but it’s not the only option available. Other treatments to help you stop grinding may include:

Straightening your teeth with orthodontics
Reducing stress
Limit caffeine intake

Tooth grinding isn’t something you need to live with. You can get relief and stop through proper treatment from your dentist. If you’re looking for a solution, or suspect you suffer from bruxism, we welcome you to call our Asheboro dental office. We’ll evaluate your individual situation and talk with you about the best treatment for you.

Posted September 14, 2017 by Williams Dentistry & filed under General Dental Articles.

Whether you’re new to the area or just looking for a new dentist, choosing the right practice for yourself and your family can be an intimidating process. It’s important to know that not all dentists will be a good fit for your unique needs. But don’t worry, there’s a practice just for you, and we’d like to help you find it.

Do Your Research

The first step to finding the best dentist in Asheboro for your family is to do a bit of research. Ask friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers who they trust with their dental care. Then, compile a list of each and every one. Consider how close to work or home you’ll want the office to be and hop online to look into the office specifics. What services do they offer? What do their reviews say? Narrow down your list to a few that hit your most important criteria and pick up the phone and call them.

Ask Questions

Once you get someone on the phone, use this opportunity to ask questions and get a feel of the personality of the practice. Some questions you should consider include:

What should I expect during my first visit?

How does the dentist keep up with new technology or training?

Will my treatment plan and financing options be discussed with me?

Having a conversation with a team member in the office can reveal a lot about the dentist and the practice. The team member should answer pleasantly and be willing to answer any questions you have.

Schedule An Appointment

Once you think you’re ready to make a commitment to one of the dentists you called, it’s a good idea to make an initial appointment and use that visit as a ‘test’ to make sure that you’re comfortable, that you’re treated well, and that the office is clean. At this visit, you should have the opportunity to meet with the dentist so he or she can get to know about your health history, any concerns you may have, and what your oral health goals are. Your first visit should also include a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, an oral cancer check, and any necessary x-rays.

Searching for a new dentist in Asheboro is no easy task. You’re looking for someone who can treat your family the way you want to be treated and who makes you feel comfortable. And even though there are plenty of dental offices to choose from, following the tips above can help make the search easier and ensure you find the right practice for you.

Of course, if you’d like to visit our Asheboro dental office, we always welcome you to give us a call. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have to help you to find the best dentist for you.

Posted August 29, 2017 by Williams Dentistry & filed under oral health, General Dental Articles, Prevention.

At our dental office in Asheboro, we’re all about preventive dental care and doing everything we can to keep our patients’ smiles healthy. We also believe in educating our neighbors about oral health. After all, the more you know, the healthier you can be. Check out the top seven things we feel are most important for you to know.

There’s more reasons to brush your teeth in the morning besides freshening your breath. As we sleep, mouths tend to become dry, and when there’s a dry mouth, there’s usually bad breath. Your morning brushing routine can help combat the ‘morning breath’ smell, but it’s also helpful in removing plaque that has built up on teeth overnight.

Unremoved plaque can lead to tartar. When plaque isn’t removed by properly brushing and flossing everyday, it sticks to teeth and transforms into tartar. Tartar is plaque that has calcified and can only be scraped off through a gentle, yet thorough, cleaning by your Asheboro dentist.

Brushing too much or too hard is a real thing. We typically recommend brushing twice a day every day. You should choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush teeth using a small, circular motion. If you scrub your pearly whites vigorously you may do more harm than good. Rough brushing can damage gums and cause them to recede.

Sugar isn’t the only cavity culprit. When we think of cavity causing foods, we naturally blame the sugar packed treats that help quench the sweet tooth in all of us. But sugar isn’t the only thing that feeds bacteria and causes decay. Foods high in starch such as pasta, bread, and crackers are full of carbohydrates. When carbohydrates begin to break down, they’re converted into sugar, and we all know how bad sugar is for teeth.

Constant snacking is dangerous for your smile. The more food you ingest daily, the more your teeth are exposed to decay-causing bacteria. As you eat, bacteria in your mouth also eat. And like all living things, bacteria also eliminate waste. The waste emitted from bacteria is highly acidic. These acids are what attack tooth enamel and cause decay.

Dental health can affect overall health. Poor dental health has been linked to several whole-body diseases including increased risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. To keep both your smile and overall health safe, remember to brush, floss, and receive dental cleanings at least twice a year.

It’s not normal if your gums bleed. If you see blood in your sink after brushing or flossing, it’s not something you should ignore. Any sign of bleeding gums could be an indicator of gum disease. Gum disease is a serious condition that could lead to tooth loss and other systemic diseases.

If you have questions about your oral health, or if you’re looking for a new dentist, we welcome you to call our Asheboro dental office to schedule an appointment.

Posted August 18, 2017 by Williams Dentistry & filed under Prevention, oral health.

Notebooks? Check. Backpack? Check. Pencils? Check. Every parent has their own list of back to school supplies that their child needs to start the school year off on the right foot. No matter what’s on your back to school to do list, our dental office in Asheboro wants to make sure a dental visit is one of them.

Oral Health is Linked to Overall Health

While there are several reasons children should see their dentist in Asheboro before heading off to their first day of school, perhaps the most important one has more to do with their whole bodies, not just their smiles.

Poor oral health has been linked to several serious diseases including:

Diabetes
Asthma
Heart disease
Obesity

These chronic health issues are so common in children that, according to the National Institutes of Health, 20-30% of American children and adolescents suffer from diseases caused by poor oral health. It’s our goal to keep the children in our community healthy, and their regular dental visits can help. Dental cleanings and checkups at least every six months help identify any problems early while they’re easier to treat and before they start to affect the rest of the body. Cavities can be filled before they cause pain, sealants can be applied to help protect teeth against decay, and gum disease can be treated.

Poor Oral Health Can Affect Grades

Another reason we like to encourage parents to get their children to the dentist prior to beginning school is to help keep kids in school so they can learn. Any dental problem that isn’t caught before the school year begins can cause pain which distracts kids from learning, and even cause children to be absent from class. In fact, a study conducted by the American Journal of Public Health Dentistry concluded that of the six days of school missed each year on average, two of them were because of a dental related issue. In order for children to thrive in school and get good grades, they need to be in school. Seeing a dentist for a clean bill of health can help.

Doing Your Part at Home

Dental checkups at least every six months are only one part of protecting teeth from decay and gums from disease. We also need to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. This means making sure your kids (and you!) are brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.

Looking for a family dentist? Call our Asheboro dental office to schedule an appointment!

Posted July 25, 2017 by Williams Dentistry & filed under Prevention, oral health.

Even if you brush twice a day, floss each night, and visit our dental office in Asheboro at least twice a year, you may be doing other things that could be damaging your smile… and you may not even know it. Today we’d like to talk about some of the most common smile-damaging habits and offer ways to help you break them.

Brushing Your Teeth

Yes, your dentist in Asheboro just said that brushing your teeth can be causing damage to your smile, but there’s a catch. Brushing your teeth too hard can cause gums to recede. Once the protective gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, you can experience painful sensitivity and, if left untreated, could eventually cause gum disease or even tooth loss. Avoid using a back and forth scrubbing motion and focus on brushing in soft circles. Also, make sure you’re using the right toothbrush for you. Usually a soft bristled brush is best.

Biting Your Nails

This is one of two habits that’s not only dangerous for your oral health, but also your overall health (we’ll get the other one is just a bit). Nail biting can introduce all sorts of bacteria that are hiding under nails into your system. And as we know, bacteria isn’t good and can make us sick. In reference to your oral health, biting your nails can lead to jaw issues as well as tooth damage. The position your jaw is in while nibbling on nails can place unnatural pressure on the joint. Doing this repeatedly over years can result in jaw pain or TMJ/TMD. Nails are also made of a hard material, and hard material doesn’t mix well with teeth. Biting nails can lead to chips or cracks in your teeth. To help you break the habit, try using a bitter-tasting nail polish (it even comes in clear if you’re not into colorful nails) to make putting nails to mouth less appealing.

Smoking or Using Tobacco

We mentioned we’d be talking about another habit that’s both dangerous to oral health and overall health… smoking or any type of tobacco use.. It’s fairly common knowledge that using tobacco can lead to all sorts of health problems, but it can also cause some pretty scary oral health issues. Not only can tobacco in any form cause yellow teeth, it can also increase risk for oral cancer or gum disease, which bring on a whole set of problems of their own. We encourage anyone who uses tobacco to try to quit. We know it’s incredibly hard, but we know you can do it.

Clenching and Grinding

Clenching and grinding teeth typically occurs as a response to stress, but it can also happen subconsciously during sleep. No matter when it happens, the results are usually the same. People who clench or grind their teeth tend to experience jaw pain and suffer from TMJ/TMD. What’s more, damage to teeth or dental restorations can also occur. Most times, relief is found by using a nightguard which keeps the teeth from rubbing together or the user from biting down forcefully.

Even though our Asheboro dental office is all about preventing dental problems before they arise, we know that issues will still occur, sometimes as a result of any of the habits listed above. If you ever encounter a problem with your smile, we always welcome you to give us a call.

Posted July 11, 2017 by Williams Dentistry & filed under oral health, Prevention.

At our dental office in Asheboro, we tend to put a lot of focus on our patients’ teeth and any concerns they have in relation to the appearance of their smiles. But there’s so much more to consider when evaluating overall oral health. The gums, for example, are one area that is commonly ignored, yet they are pretty important to talk about.

Why Do We Have Gums?

Before we dive into one of the most common concerns related to gums, let’s take a look at why we even have them to begin with. First and foremost, gums are part of a complex system that holds your teeth in place. When gums are healthy, they’re tight to the teeth and keep them securely in place. Additionally, gums cover and protect the sensitive tooth roots. If gums become unhealthy, teeth can become severely sensitive and may even fall out.

Gum Recession

An extremely common problem with gums is gum recession. Gum recession is basically that — when the gum tissue begins to recede or pull up and away from the tooth. Gum recession can make teeth appear longer than normal and can result in some serious dental problems, including:

Severe inflammation
Increased susceptibility to bacteria
Erosion of bone and supporting tissues
Tooth pain
Eventual tooth loss

What Causes Gum Recession?

There are so many things that can lead to gum recession, which may be why it is so common. Some of the top causes of gum recession are:

Improper or rough brushing
Tooth grinding
Tobacco use
Genetics
Gum disease

Know the Signs

Since gum recession is usually a slow process that tends to progress over time, recognizing symptoms may be difficult. However, some common early signs may include:

Teeth that appear longer
Sensitive teeth
Little indentations on the teeth near the gum line

While you can catch any of the signs of gum recession at home, the best way to catch it early (which makes treatment more successful) is to maintain regular visits to your dentist in Asheboro.

If you notice any signs of possible gum recession, or are experiencing pain that may be related to it, we encourage you to call our Asheboro dental office to schedule an appointment.

Posted June 27, 2017 by Williams Dentistry & filed under General Dental Articles.

At our dental office in Asheboro, we want your smile to look its very best to help you get more satisfaction out of life both professionally and personally. We know your smile is a powerful tool that can tell the world quite a lot about who you truly are. Did you know that evolutionary scientists believe that smiling has its origins as a social signifier? Think of it like a dog wagging his tail. With this action, he can let you know that he wants attention, is happy, etc. A smile does the same thing!

Feeling Self-Conscious About Your Smile

When our smiles say so much about who we are, it’s important that they look their very best. Sometimes due to wear and tear or a dental injury, teeth become cracked, chipped or broken. This can lead to missing teeth and lowered confidence to smile proudly. It can also lead to bad habits such as slouching or poor posture and mumbling. Your smile is your best accessory, so it’s always good to make sure it’s healthy and looking brilliant. This is why it’s important to maintain regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist in Asheboro. Don’t forget to brush twice and floss once daily to keep teeth looking and feeling great.

Teeth and History

Like dentists, archeologists are big fans of teeth when it comes to discovering more information about how people of the past lived their lives. It’s easy to determine how old teeth are and the kind of person they belonged to because all teeth follow similar growth patterns. A teenage boy will have slight variations that differ from those of an adult female. These differences can tell scientists a lot about who a person is, how they lived, what they ate, and how old they are. Your teeth are also one of the very few parts of the body that can start to wear down but still function properly.

Teeth Tell Your Story

Your teeth have something known as universal signifiers, meaning characteristics that are commonly found in people of a certain age, gender, etc.

Central incisors – When you’re younger your central incisors (your front teeth) tend to be a little bit more curvier and rounded at the edges. But the older you grow, these teeth tend to become more square in shape.
Lateral incisors – Right next door to the front teeth are your lateral incisors. These teeth are good for chewing and are round at the ends in women and longer and more square shaped in men.

And guess what else your teeth tell us? If you grind your teeth, it’s usually evident in breaks and chips in your enamel. We can also tell if you smoke, drink coffee and alcohol, and even snore!

If your teeth are painful or making you self-conscious it’s probably a good idea to give our Asheboro dental office a call. We can do a thorough exam and collect x-rays that will give us a more complete idea of what your teeth might be trying to tell you. It’s important to take the steps to have a healthy smile so that you can present your most healthy you to the world!

Posted June 15, 2017 by Williams Dentistry & filed under oral health, General Dental Articles.

At my dental office in Asheboro, we generally advise patients to see the dentist regularly, about every six months, to help maintain excellent oral and overall health. However, sometimes things happen in our lives and we just forget to keep up with appointments or schedule a checkup. We see and treat many patients who have not been able to see the dentist for many years because of many different reasons, but we’re always happy to welcome them!

Why Patients Don’t See The Dentist

These are common, valid reasons people tend to avoid the dentist – for a few months to a few years.

A bad experience at the dentist in the past makes you nervous
You’re afraid to find out what is wrong or what repairs you may need
You’re feeling embarrassed because it’s been awhile since your last visit
You just simply don’t have time to make it to an appointment or cleaning

Let’s Get Your Smile Back on Track

Your dentist in Asheboro is here to help! You don’t have to feel embarrassed or nervous about coming to the office. Thanks to so many advancements in dentistry and a wealth of state-of-the-art technology, going to the dentist is a whole new experience compared to even just a few years ago. If you have an issue that needs to be addressed, we will talk about your options. You’ll never feel pressured to proceed with any treatment you don’t feel comfortable having. We definitely understand how busy your life can be. That’s why we’ve made it easy to schedule an appointment. From the moment you walk in the door, we will make sure you’re comfortable and that you feel at home. We owe it to you and your smile!

What Will Happen At The Office

When you come to see us, we will be there to help you every step of the way. First, we will make sure we have all of the necessary paperwork on file. We can also work with your previous dentist to obtain any past records or x-rays you may have on file there. If you’ve moved or that office is no longer open, it’s no big deal! We will get you set up and comfortable at the office for a thorough exam (including a new set of state-of-the-art x-rays) to get a better understanding of what’s happening with your teeth. Our team will also take a look at your gums too! This way we know if you need extra special care and treatment for gum disease. We will take the time to get to know you and your needs.

My Asheboro dental office is your new home for comprehensive dental care that you can trust. Our team is educated and excited to work with you to get your smile back in the best shape possible, no matter how long it’s been since you’ve sat in the dental chair!

Posted May 18, 2017 by Williams Dentistry & filed under General Dental Articles, Prevention.

There are a lot of things that can cause tooth damage. We’ve seen cracked teeth from sports injuries, loose teeth caused by clenching and grinding, and there’s always the chance for us to treat someone for a simple cavity. But at our Asheboro dental office, it’s also pretty common for us to have patients come in with tooth damage caused by eating. There are several types of foods that are most often responsible for these types of cases, so we’ve put together a list of some of the top culprits for you to help you avoid tooth damage from foods.

Popcorn – Notoriously viewed as the #1 worst food for teeth, popcorn can seem harmless, but the danger tends to hide within the puffy, airy, buttery treat. We’re talking about the kernels. These sneaky, hard bits of popcorn can cause some serious damage if bitten on, so snack away carefully.

Baguettes – When we talk about bread, we typically think about soft, easily chewable sandwich bread. But there’s another type out there that isn’t so easy to nibble. Baguettes have a hard, crispy texture that’s hard to rip and difficult to chew and it can cause some problems for teeth and dental restorations.

Olive Pits – Any type of food that naturally contains a pit or a seed, like olives, is dangerous to your teeth. While oftentimes the pit is removed, there are occasions when it’s not. Since we may not know when the pit is gone, we recommend eating these types of foods with caution as to not quickly bite down and crack a tooth.

Candy – It’s pretty well known that candy isn’t great for teeth, but some types of candy are worse than others. Sticky candy like caramels aren’t only tough to chew, they can loosen fillings and other dental restorations. Hard candy isn’t much better. Although it’s meant to be sucked down and softened to a manageable size, sometimes we become impatient and start chewing right away. This can break teeth.

Ice Cubes – Ice cubes are hard by nature and can be useful when helping to cool down a drink. But we should never chew on them. Eating ice can cause teeth to chip or even to sustain tiny cracks. These cracks may remain unnoticeable, but over time, they’re a great place for bacteria to hide and eat away at enamel creating cavities.

We want our patients to enjoy what they eat, so we’re not asking you to avoid these foods altogether. We’d just encourage you to use caution when eating them to reduce your risk of damage. If you do happen to crack a tooth with a popcorn kernel or lose a filling thanks to a caramel, give our dental office in Asheboro a call. We’ll be glad to help.