Losing a dental filling can be a scary experience, but your dentist in Asheboro wants to remind you not to panic. There are many reasons why a filling can become loose or completely fall out, and it’s important to seek treatment quickly. But other than that, what should you do now? We’ve put together some essential things you can do if you lose a filling. 

Call Your Dentist in Asheboro

The very first step you should take if you lose a filling is to call your dentist to schedule an appointment. If it happens after hours or when your dentist is closed, leave a message so the team can call you back quickly and get you in. The worst thing you can do is wait too long to have your tooth looked at. In fact, the longer treatment is withheld the more likely it is that other problems will develop. 

‘Baby’ Your Tooth

Prior to your dental appointment, it’s important to take extra special care of your tooth to keep bacteria from settling into the old restoration area. You should absolutely still brush your teeth, just perhaps a little more gently than normal. This can remove any bacteria that already found their way into your restoration. Swishing your mouth with warm water can also remove bacteria and any leftover food debris. Warm salt water can also help reduce pain or discomfort. 

Reduce Discomfort

Speaking of pain and discomfort, it’s common to experience tooth sensitivity and ‘zingers’ when you lose a filling. If you can, take over-the-counter pain medications to help manage your pain. However, be cautious about using dental cement to try to replace the filling on your own. This material is messy and can actually damage the tooth and restoration more. Leave treatment to your dentist in Asheboro. 

Avoid Certain Foods

If your tooth is feeling sensitive, try to avoid eating foods that are hot or cold. Foods and drinks of extreme temperatures can make tooth sensitivity worse. You should also avoid eating hard foods like candy and pretzels as they could break your tooth. 

What If Your Filling Is Just Loose?

A loose filling is a failing filling, and it’s still crucial to see your dentist in Asheboro quickly. In the meantime, try to gently remove the filling so you don’t swallow it, which can put you at risk of choking. 

If your filling is loose or you’ve had one fall out, schedule an appointment with your dentist sooner rather than later. None of the above recommendations are meant for long-term use, and the longer you wait to get treatment the more complex treatment may be. 

We’ve all heard our dentists talk about how important it is to take it easy on the soda. But did you know that there’s another drink out there that can also harm your teeth? It turns out that the sugar content in sweet sodas isn’t the only thing that concerns your dentist in Asheboro. Acid is also a problem, and it’s commonly found in many popular sports drinks. 

The Problem With Acidic Drinks

Yes, too much sugar is certainly bad for teeth, which is why many people choose less sugary sports drinks over sodas. But it’s important to know that acid can also wreak havoc on a smile. In fact, acid is often the main factor in cavity development. When we drink beverages that are highly acidic, such as sports drinks or even some juices, the acid can wear down the protective layer of enamel. This loss of enamel leaves teeth exposed to bacteria. These bacteria work their way into the tooth, feed off sugars from the foods we eat, and release even more acid as a byproduct. This endless cycle can easily create decay and cavities. 

Cavities Aren’t The Only Concern

Of course, nobody wants a cavity or to need treatment from their dentist in Asheboro. But getting any area of decay treated quickly is the best way to protect your teeth from additional problems. When decay isn’t treated promptly, the decay will continue to eat away at the tooth and may require additional dental treatment such as a root canal. While nobody wants a root canal either, this treatment can save a tooth and relieve any pain that’s commonly associated with deep decay. If the decay is still not treated when it gets to this point, you may develop a painful infection known as an abscess, or worse, you may even lose the tooth. 

Signs of Decay

As we mentioned, treating a cavity early is the best way to protect your tooth and ward off any additional damage. If you notice any signs of decay, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Asheboro as soon as possible. Some signs of decay include: 

• Toothaches
• Pain with hot, cold, or sweet food or drinks
• A change in tooth color
• Painful chewing
• Noticeable pits or holes

We always recommend dental appointments every six-months to prevent any problems from going too long without proper treatment. So make sure you see your dentist at least twice a year for preventive care and seek treatment quickly for any problems. 

Tooth staining can seem to happen overnight, but chances are, something has been introduced to your teeth over time that slowly darkened your teeth. With the exception of dental trauma, tooth discoloration is mostly caused by repeated exposure to staining ingredients or because of something health-related. So what can you do about discolored teeth? Just ask your dentist in Asheboro. 

Identify The Cause

Before your dentist can find the best way to whiten your smile, we need to know what caused the discoloration in the first place. Tooth staining can be a result of many different things, and it’s important to know exactly what’s contributing to your specific problem as treatment will vary based on this information. Some of the main causes of tooth discoloration are: 

• Beverages & Foods

Foods and drinks such as red wine, coffee, tea, and spaghetti sauce can all contribute to tooth staining. 

• Tobacco

Cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco all contain ingredients that will stick to the tiny pores in teeth and create a dark or brownish appearance. 

• Oral Hygiene

There are many reasons why your dentist in Asheboro recommends daily brushing and flossing. Keeping your teeth white is one of them. Proper oral hygiene routines help remove bacteria and plaque buildup that could lead to decay and discoloration. 

• Whole-Body Health

There’s a well-known link between oral and overall health, and, believe it or not, some whole-body health concerns can affect the color of your teeth. Certain diseases and their treatments, such as cancer and chemotherapy, can contribute to tooth staining. Other over-the-counter medications, such as allergy medication can also lead to discoloration. Don’t stop the use of any medication without talking to your doctor, and make sure you discuss all medicines with your dentist in Asheboro.   

The Best Way to Whiten Your Smile

The best way to treat tooth discoloration depends on your specific situation and cause. But the good news is that there are many cosmetic dentistry options available to brighten any smile. 

• White (composite) dental fillings
• Veneers
• In-office professional smile whitening
• Dental crowns

Avoiding The Problem

Many times, tooth discoloration can be prevented by taking just a few easy steps. 

• Stop smoking

• Brush and floss your teeth daily

• Limit staining foods and drinks and try to rinse with water after eating them

• Discuss all medications and health conditions with your dental team
• See your dentist in Asheboro twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings

Tooth discoloration is something that can often be fixed, so don’t settle for a smile you’re not proud of. Call your dentist to schedule an appointment today. 

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is an incredibly common problem associated with the digestion process. So why in the world is your dentist in Asheboro writing about something that’s typically seen as a stomach problem? The truth is, acid reflux can wear down tooth enamel and increase the risk for decay.

What Is GERD? 

Acid reflux is that uncomfortable burning sensation that some people experience after eating. Usually, it’s described as chest pain or heartburn. But what’s really happening is stomach acid is moving up into the esophagus, creating that burning sensation. When this happens periodically, it’s known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER). If it occurs more than twice a week over the course of several weeks it may be a sign of GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. 

How Does Acid Reflux Affect Teeth 

We’ve already noted that acid reflux can wear down tooth enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay, but there are other ways acid reflux can affect your teeth. As your dentist in Asheboro knows, acid is one of the worst things for teeth and can lead to a whole host of dental problems including bad breath and tooth sensitivity. In fact, the sensitivity can be so bad that it can keep people from brushing their teeth. However, it’s crucial that those with acid reflux brush twice a day. Using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can help reduce discomfort.  

Tips to Protect Your Teeth

If you have GERD or even occasional acid reflux, there are things you can do to protect your teeth from the damaging effects of the acid. The best place to start is to talk to a gastroenterologist to help get your symptoms under control. They may recommend shifts in your diet or habits such as: 

• Avoiding acidic foods and drinks
• Limiting spicy foods
• Eating smaller meals
• Quitting smoking

Then, your dentist in Asheboro can recommend additional ways to keep your teeth healthy and protected. Some of these recommendations may include: 

• Swishing your mouth with water after eating
• Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Waiting an hour to brush your teeth after you eat or drink something acidic
• Brush and floss your teeth every day

Now, even though it’s important for everyone to see the dentist at least once every six months, it’s even more important for those who suffer from acid reflux. Oftentimes, patients are unaware of the damage happening to their teeth until it’s too late. Your dentist will be able to catch any problems early and recommend the best treatment option for you. 

If it’s been longer than six months since you’ve had a dental checkup or cleaning, we welcome you to call us to schedule an appointment today. 

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that affects nearly 75% of Americans at some point in their lives. Usually, when gum disease is caught in this stage it can be treated and any damage can be reversed. But if it’s left alone it can quickly progress into more severe stages of gum disease and actually affect your overall health. In fact, research shows that more serious forms of gum disease can lead to tooth loss, heart disease, and stroke. This is one reason why it’s so important to see your dentist in Asheboro at least every six months. 

Gum Disease, Gingivitis, and Periodontitis

Let’s start by quickly taking a look at the confusing world of gum disease. Gum disease is a term used to describe an infection in the gums. However, not all forms of gum disease are the same. There are three stages of gum disease: 

• Gingivitis — The first and mildest stage of gum disease.
• Periodontitis — The second stage of gum disease. Damage that occurs here can’t be reversed. 
• Advanced Periodontitis — The most severe stage of gum disease which can lead to tooth loss. 

What Causes Gingivitis?

Everything has to begin somewhere, and gum disease begins with gingivitis. This early stage of gum disease occurs with too much plaque builds up on teeth and up under the gums. Plaque, which occurs naturally in the mouth, is a sticky film that adheres to the teeth. Usually, it can be removed by brushing and flossing. However, when it’s not removed, the bacteria found in plaque can wiggle into the gum tissue and cause an infection. There are several things that increase someone’s risk of gingivitis including: 

• Poor dental hygiene
• Tobacco use
• Chronic dry mouth 
• Hormonal changes
• Crooked, hard-to-clean teeth

If you notice any signs of gingivitis, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Asheboro as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to successfully treating gingivitis before it can progress into more severe forms of gum disease. 

Signs of Gingivitis

What makes gum disease so hard to detect, especially in the early form of gingivitis, is that sometimes there are no symptoms. This is why it’s so important to see your dentist in Asheboro at least every six months for checkups. Your dental team can catch what you may not see and get you treatment early. However, when there are signs of gingivitis, you may notice: 

• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Bad breath
• Receding gums
• Red, swollen, painful gums

Treating Gingivitis 

As we’ve mentioned, treating gingivitis early is key to successfully reversing the disease and any damage it may have caused. This may include a deep cleaning from your dental hygienist and/or the use of prescription medications. It’s important to know that gingivitis can’t be treated at home and requires a dental professional. 

We welcome you to call us to schedule an appointment if you’re overdue for a dental checkup or suspect you may have gum disease. We’re here to help. 

Your dentist in Asheboro is a key part of your healthcare team, and while we’re dedicated to protecting teeth, we know that there’s a strong connection between oral health and overall health. In fact, when we talk about good oral health, we need to look beyond the bathroom sink and look towards the kitchen. After all, what we eat affects our teeth. 

National Nutrition Month

Every March is recognized as National Nutrition Month. Sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, its purpose is to raise awareness of how healthy eating and proper nutrition can impact overall health. While eating a well-balanced diet may seem simple, the truth is many Americans don’t eat enough of what they should. Why could that be? 

As it turns out, nutrition is complicated. It’s not as easy as eating your vegetables and avoiding high-fat foods, though that’s part of it. Nutrition can be so confusing that even the Food Guide Pyramid created by the USDA changed twice since it was first developed in 1992. What scientists and healthcare professionals have found out is that different people have different dietary needs. This is one reason why MyPlate was developed and why National Nutrition Month exists. 

But what does all of this have to do with your dentist in Asheboro?  

What We Eat Affects Our Teeth

Even though the MyPlate recommendations are focused on fueling our bodies with the nutrients we need to stay healthy and protect us from whole-body health problems, similar recommendations can also help protect your teeth. You may even be able to find foods that pack a double punch in protecting your teeth and your body at the same time. Some foods that your dentist recommends include:  

• Delectable Dairy – Diary foods and drinks such as milk, cheese, and yogurt provide us with bone-protecting (and teeth-strengthening) calcium and vitamin D. 
• Crunchy Carrots – Raw, crunchy vegetables such as carrots and celery are loaded with vitamins our bodies need and they can gently clean teeth. 
• Mouth-Watering Meats – Lean meats and fatty fish are phosphorus-rich foods that help strengthen tooth enamel.
• Wonderful Water – Water helps wash away bacteria and neutralize acids in the mouth, further protecting against decay. 

The Danger of Sugar & Carbs

Two of the types of foods that increase the chance for decay are sugary sweets and carbohydrate-rich foods. Sugars feed mouth bacteria which increases the presence of acid. This acid wears away tooth enamel, bacteria settle in, and cavities develop. Carbs are similar even though they aren’t sweet. When carbs are digested, they break down into simple sugars. These sugars also feed bacteria, increase acids as a result, and can damage enamel. 

Fueling your body with the foods it needs to function properly can protect you against developing some health concerns such as heart disease. Eating a well-balanced diet can also protect your teeth against decay. So when you’re shopping for snacks for planning family meals, stick to nutritious, body-friendly, and smile-friendly options.

It’s no secret that your dentist in Asheboro isn’t a big fan of sugar. After all, this sweet ingredient can feed mouth bacteria and increase the risk of decay. But what does it mean when your teeth hurt while enjoying the occasional sweet treat? This type of tooth discomfort is just one example of tooth pain that patients can experience. Knowing what different toothache sensations could mean can help you get the right treatment… at the right time. 

A Word of Caution

Keep in mind, the information in this blog is only a guide and is not an official diagnostic tool. You should always schedule an appointment with your dentist in Asheboro when you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort so you can be sure to get the best dental care for your specific needs.

If You’re Feeling… Sensitivity to Sugar

The tooth sensitivity to sugar we mentioned earlier is probably a good indicator of tooth decay. Your dentist can help diagnose this with a thorough exam and some x-rays. Depending on the size and severity of the decay, it may be treated with a filling, inlay or onlay, or perhaps a root canal and dental crown. 

If You’re Feeling… Tooth Pain that Radiates

Tooth pain that seems to move around or radiate to other parts of the mouth could be a sign of a few different things including an abscess, cracked tooth, or TMJ disorder. Treatment will depend on the findings of a dental exam and x-rays and may include TMJ treatment, a dental restoration, a root canal, or an extraction. 

If You’re Feeling… Zings of Pain

One of the most common types of tooth pain patients complain about is zinging pain. This quick burst of shooting pain is a potential sign of several dental problems. Painful zings can be a result of TMJ disorder, a cracked tooth, an infection, or something stuck in the gums. 

If You’re Feeling… Throbbing Pain

Throbbing pain is often described as a thumping or similar to a heartbeat, and like every other toothache, it could mean any number of things. Throbbing tooth pain can be a symptom of a cracked tooth, dying nerve, abscess or other infection, an oral lesion, or an object stuck in the gums.  

As you can see, there are multiple explanations for each type of tooth pain. This is why it’s so important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. 

If you’re experiencing a toothache, call your dentist in Asheboro to schedule an appointment. We’ll help uncover the underlying cause of your pain and work with you to get you back to smiling comfortably in no time.