Thrush: A Common Children’s Oral Health Problem

February 24, 2012 in Children's Dentistry, Dental Tips and Facts | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and Charlotte Dentistry is supporting through additional educational efforts to its patients and the community.Infant Yawning

Thrush is best known as a yeast infection caused by candida fungus. This infection appears in many parts of the body including the mouth. In infants, it also causes diaper rash.

Thrush is particularly common in babies and toddlers as their immune system has not yet fully developed.  It also affects older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.

What Causes Thrush?

The candida fungus is normally present in the mouth, skin and digestive track of a healthy body and is kept under control by other bacteria in the body. The delicate balance of bacteria can be disrupted by specific sicknesses, medications and stress.  Antibiotics and steroid medications can upset the balance of bacteria in some individuals.

What Are the Symptoms of Thrush?

Candida fungus normally develops quickly and can persist over long periods of time. Signs of thrush are white creamy raised mouth lesions on the tongue and cheeks. It is not uncommon to be found on the gums, roof of mouth, back of throat or tonsils. The lesions may bleed slightly and become painful if scraped when brushing the teeth.

How Is Thrush Diagnosed?

Dentists can diagnosis thrush during an examination of your child’s mouth. They look for white lesions on the tongue and cheeks. Redness and slight bleeding may occur when brushing and are distinctive of this infection.

Tissue from the lesions can be microscopically examined to confirm a diagnosis of candida fungus. Throat cultures, endoscopy procedures of the esophagus, stomach and intestines as well as x-rays are used to diagnosis thrush.

How Is Thrush Treated?

Anti-fungal medications are prescribed for 10 to 14 days to treat this condition. Your dentist may also encourage you to see a medical doctor as candida infections can be a symptom of other underlying health problems.

How Can Thrush Be Prevented?

Daily brushing and flossing are helpful in preventing thrush. Avoiding mouth sprays and mouthwashes that destroy the natural balance of bacteria is helpful.

Foods containing large amounts of sugar and yeast encourage candida growth. Limiting bread and sugar can be helpful.  To ward off future infections, avoid giving your child antibiotics unnecessarily. Cleaning and sterilizing pacifiers may also help. And some pediatricians advise breastfeeding mothers to let their nipples air dry between feedings to prevent thrush.

If you have specific questions, use the “Ask The Eperxt” feature on our website, and we’ll be happy to answer them for you.

Teens and Teeth: New Challenges and Opportunities

February 22, 2012 in General Dentistry, Good News Fresh Views, Dental Tips and Facts | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The teenage years can be very trying for lots of reasons.  And for many teenagers, the roller coaster ride of emotions, new experiences, and school mean that good dental health practicesYoung Peolpe get neglected.

In this high-tech fast paced world teens are busier than ever! And sometimes brushing can be overlooked. We all love junk foods but some teens can be notorious consumers of it—which creates a “perfect storm” type of environment inside their mouths for tooth problems.  If a GOOD brushing and flossing routine is not maintained,  it’s not surprising that teenagers have high instances of cavities.

But as a parent, you find yourself more limited in how much you can bug your teen about brushing—natural rebellion may make them LESS likely to brush should you bring it up.  However, there are still some things you can do to help your young adult keep a good smile.

  1. Set a good example yourself.  If you’re going the extra mile, your teen can’t push back too hard when you offer reminders.
  2. Make it extra convenient.  Keep extra brushes around (teenagers lose a LOT of stuff, including toothbrushes).  If your family is really on the go, it might be wise to keep duplicate brushes in all the bathrooms maybe even in the kitchen. That was they are always on hand.
  3. Control the junk food.  You can’t stop it all, but you can make sure snacks at home are nutritious and tooth-healthy. Need some ideas for some tasty snacks? Check out these GREAT suggestions by clicking  HERE.
  4. Point out that your teen isn’t just brushing for himself/herself.  Brushing is really for that girl or boy they’d like to meet.  You might be surprised at how quickly your young man or woman reaches for a brush and floss.

Have other questions about teen dental health, including cleanings and braces? Why not  Ask the Expert or call 704.376-6470 for an appointment.

Toddlers And Teeth: Lifelong Dental Health Starts Early

February 17, 2012 in Children's Dentistry, Dental Tips and Facts, General Dentistry, Good News Fresh Views | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and Charlotte Dentistry® is supporting through additional educational efforts to Our patients and the community.Smiling Mother and Toddler

Toddlers need regular checkups, just like older siblings, Moms and Dads. It all begins with properly caring for their gums and teeth. Baby teeth allow your little one to learn to chew and speak properly.  And perhaps even more important, baby teeth allow the permanent teeth to come in correctly.

To help your toddler get a good start on dental health, here are some simple tips:

  • Begin by cleaning your baby’s gums after each feeding with a clean, soft washcloth.
  • For teething pain, let your child chew on cold wet washcloth or small cool spoon. Rubbing the gums with your clean finger can also be comforting.  As teeth appear, brush with them with water and clean soft washcloth.
  • If a child needs a bottle to go to sleep, fill it with water instead of milk, formula or juice.
  • Medications for young children contain sugar which, if left on the teeth, damage the enamel. Brush or clean teeth with a cloth (if very young) after giving the medication.
  • As children grow and more teeth appear, begin to show them how to brush. Provide a bright colored soft-bristled brush with an eraser head size of toothpaste. Teach them not swallow the toothpaste by spitting it out.  (For more ideas, see our “Coaxing Stubborn Children To Brush” post.)
  • Find the right dentist for your child when the time comes for their first dental visit.  A good “first” experience helps develop good dental habits.  At Charlotte Dentistry®, we recommend children get their first dental checkup around the age of three.

Charlotte Dentistry® has provided dental care to families for over 35 years.  Use the “Ask the Expert” feature on our website for prompt answers to your dental questions.

In Sports, Girls Need Mouth Protection, Too

February 16, 2012 in Children's Dentistry, Dental Tips and Facts, Emergencies, General Dentistry, Good News Fresh Views | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Field Hockey We take it for granted that male athletes should use mouth guards for many sports, but the same is true for female athletics. The growth in sports for girls has been tremendous, and while many programs require mouth protection, some do not. And it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Contact sports such as Basketball, Soccer or Field Hockey certainly dictate the use of mouth guards, but others, such as Volleyball and Softball also have significant risk for mouth injuries. Even Cheerleading, because it has shifted in emphasis toward gymnastics and tumbling, puts athletes into situations where mouth injuries can occur.

Mouth guards help defend against teeth being knocked together, and/or being displaced, moved out of alignment or broken. With a mouth guard, the blow is cushioned and the force is distributed more evenly, so not just one tooth bears the full brunt of the force.

Mouth guards also defend against soft tissue wounds to lips, tongues, and cheeks. They can help protect against jaw fractures or splinters, and may even help defend against concussions.

If you have a daughter involved in athletics (or if you’re a female participating in sports yourself) it’s a good idea to get a good mouth guard. You may never need it. But should you need it even just one time, chances are good it will more than pay for itself by preventing costly damage and pain.

Just click HERE for a great resource for custom athletic mouth guards.

Would you like to know more? Here is what the ADA has to say about Mouth Guards Or you can use our “Ask The Expert” website feature.

Coaxing the Stubborn Child to Brush and Floss

February 7, 2012 in Children's Dentistry, General Dentistry, Good News Fresh Views | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 comment

Lots of kids would rather do most anything than brush their teeth, but most will give in and do the chore when prodded.  But then there’s the occasional strong-willed/stubborn child who won’t budge without tSurprise!ons of extra effort on your part.

There are some tricks you can use to get your child past this point and into the habit of brushing regularly.  First, though, check to make sure there isn’t something that’s causing the little one unnecessary discomfort from brushing.  Does the toothbrush have soft bristles?  Is the toothpaste mild enough so it doesn’t sting a tender mouth? If these issues are OK, then it’s time to experiment to find the right atmosphere to encourage brushing.

Don’t assume it’s going to be easy.  Just remember to NOT expect perfection no matter how you approach it.  Children’s developing dexterity skills hinder them from doing a thorough brush job.  Since toddlers enjoy copying parents and older siblings, start tooth brushing as a family event.

Experiment with different approaches to find the one best suited for your child.  Consider trying some of the tips below:

  • Use whatever toothpaste your child likes – it could be bubble gum flavor or the cartoon character on the tube
  • Purchase two identical brushes – one for the child and the other for you
  • Sit the child on the bathroom counter so he or she can see you brush your teeth – your little person will try to mimic you in no time. Allow them to rinse with water and “spit” in the sink. (Spitting is a favorite pastime!)
  • You can try allowing the child to brush your teeth while you brush theirs. But remember to NEVER share brushes and bacteria.

Don’t push if this doesn’t work. You don’t want to hurt or scare the child.

You might try allowing the child to climb on a footstool to see into the mirror. As you stand behind him or her, point to and count the child’s teeth. Let the child hold the brush and touch each tooth as you count them. This will help your son or daughter get comfortable with having a brush inside the mouth. Place a small amount of paste on the brush and name or count each tooth as it is brushed.

As the child becomes more willing, you can incorporate a favorite song as the child brushes.  We like “this is the way we brush our teeth, brush our teeth, brush our teeth so early in the morning or at bedtime” whichever time it is.

End each brush session with hugs and praises for a job well done!

The Charlotte Dentistry® family wants your child to have the best possible dental experience. Visit our website today to schedule your child’s first cleaning! Have Questions, visit our “Ask the Expert” for additional information.

Thumb Sucking: When To Stop

February 3, 2012 in Children's Dentistry, General Dentistry | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 comment

Thumb sucking is natural.  It’s a mammal thing—the sucking instinct gives us comfort and can help make children sleepy.  It provides comfort.

But if thumb sucking or the use of a pacifier goes on too long, it can create significant dental problems.Thumbs Up

Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can lead to open bite, where the teeth don’t come into contact with each other.  This can impede speech and swallowing, and can even change the appearance of the person’s face.  It’s recommended that children be encouraged to stop thumb sucking or pacifier use between the ages of two and five. The permanent teeth begin to come in between 6 and 8 years of age. At this time, there is cause for concern.

But this can be easier said than done.

To help your child stop thumb sucking, start by comforting him or her.  Feeling secure helps reduce the instinct.  It’s also better to praise the child for not sucking his or her thumb, rather than scolding. If your child sucks his or her thumb when they are bored, try introducing a fun activity to re-direct their attention. And as the child gets older, explaining the dangers to continued thumb sucking can help discourage the practice.

If all else fails, there are dental appliances that can be used to help your child break the habit.

Concerned over your child’s thumb sucking or pacifier use?  Use our Ask The Expert feature to get your questions answered.

National Children’s Dental Health Month

February 2, 2012 in Children's Dentistry, General Dentistry | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Every year, the American Dental Association sponsors Children’s Dental Health Month, a program designed to raise awareness of the importance of good dental health, eRemember to Brush specially at early ages.

Children’s Dental Health Month reaches millions of people in communities across the nation, and provides tips and information designed to instill good dental hygiene practices among children—and their parents.

This year, the theme is “Rock Your Smile”, and the ADA has prepared a variety of materials to reach pre-teens and tweens with fun activities and information to encourage proper brushing, flossing, and snacking.

The materials feature the McGrinn Twins, Flossy and Buck, along with their best friends and next-door neighbors Den and Gen Smiley, dancing and singing their way to a healthy smile.

Throughout National Children’s Dental Health Month, Charlotte Dentistry® will feature elements and activities from the ADA program that you can share with children in your life.  Charlotte Dentistry® encourages parents to schedule their child’s first teeth cleaning visit around three years of age.

Why is this important, especially since baby teeth are replaced by permanent ones as children get older?  Early checkups can spot problems while they are still minor and more easily correctable, and early checkups encourage better dental health habits that can benefit children throughout their lives.

To learn more, give us a call, or stay tuned to our blog and Facebook page. You can also check out the ADA Information about “Rock Your Smile” HERE

Charlotte Dentistry®: An Elite Preferred Provider for Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen®

January 27, 2012 in Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ranked In The Top 1% Of ALL Providers In NORTH AMERICA

Since 2007, Charlotte Dentistry® has held a unique distinction among practices offering Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen®— designated an Invisalign® Elite Preferred Provider.  In 2012, Charlotte DentistInvisalign® Top 1%ry® is ranked among the Top 1% of All providers in North America—the Only office in the Carolinas to earn this ranking.

Being recognized in the Top 1% is Truly an honor for us, and it shows the dedication of our dental professionals to providing the best care possible. Having treated more than 2,000 Invisalign® patients and even more traditional braces patients speaks volumes for the level of expertise provided to our patients.

Is Invisalign® Right For You, Or For A Family Member?

The Invisalign® system provides a series of clear plastic “trays” that are worn over the teeth.  The system is virtually invisible, and can be removed for cleaning or eating.  Trays are switched out at intervals, with each tray gradually moving teeth to the desired position.

Invisalign® works for more and more people, but there are still situations where certain patients can benefit more from traditional metal braces.  Charlotte Dentistry® works with each patient to choose the treatment path that offers the best results.

A Continually Improving Technology

Recent technology advancements have made Invisalign® technology even more effective.  Trays can now be more customized to move your teeth in the proper direction with the use of “attachments,” which are temporarily tooth-colored “buttons” bonded to teeth that require more rotation or movement than others.  And other improvements have helped make Invisalign® more comfortable and easier to use.  (This is where our experience plays a big role—we can help you utilize these advancements to create the optimum program for making your smile the best it can possibly be)

Want to know more about Invisalign® or Invisalign Teen®?  Check out our Invisalign® Page and watch the short Video. Also feel free to ask questions on the “Ask The Expert” feature of our website, or to schedule a FREE Invisalign® consultation (which includes a FREE Oral-B power brush).

Dealing With A Cracked Tooth

January 23, 2012 in Children's Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cracks in teeth are a common occurrence.  They can be cause by a variety of things:  accidents, teeth grinding or bruxism, or biting down unexpectedly on something really hard.  A cracked tooth may become very sensitive, or you may barely notice it at all.

But in any case, the worst thing you can do with a cracked tooth is ignore it.

Here’s why.

A crack creates a weak spot in the tooth that is susceptible to decay, as debris from food becomes embedded in it.  A crack also puts the tooth at serious risk for severe damage—additional trauma or pressure could cause the tooth to break completely, possibly creating a situation where the tooth has to be removed.

And more damage to a cracked tooth can happen at any time—without warning.

Fixing a cracked tooth may be a simple process by Filling, or it may require a Crown to restore the integrity of the tooth.

The most important thing about a cracked tooth, however, is to call your dentist immediately if you suspect a crack.  The tooth will NOT improve on its own.  It will ONLY get worse, and the quicker you get to the dentist, the better chance you have of getting the tooth repaired with as little pain or expense as possible.

Need an appointment to check a tooth?  Call us or click HERE to schedule a time.

Taquana “Tabby” Sears – My Invisalign Ride: The Next Phase

January 17, 2012 in Client Testimonials, Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Invisalign | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Taquana “Tabby” Sears, a Charlotte Dentistry® patient, has agreed to share her Invisalign® experience
with us on a regular basis. For the last several months, she’s given us reports on how she’s doing with
Invisalign®, including ups and downs. Below is her latest blog entry.

This week I started Phase 2 of my Invisalign® treatment. I received a total of nine trays in this set. These are the “refinement” trays. I had four teeth that didn’t move like we had hoped. I’m excited about getting started with this set of trays as it means I’m nearing the end!
During my dental visit this week, five new attachments were placed. There were 11 attachments with my last set of trays. So these five will be a piece of cake! The attachments are small tooth colored buttons attached to your teeth. They guide your teeth to move in the right direction. They also assist in keeping your trays snugly in place. The tighter the fit the faster my teeth will move.

Also during this visit, there was some reshaping of a few teeth, using a very thin strip of blue paper resembling fine sand paper. This procedure removed about .3 millimeters from the sides of the tooth to give it more room to move. This procedure is common with orthodontic treatment, including traditional metal braces. It does not weaken the teeth or enamel since there is minimal removal. The aligners themselves move the teeth.

With these minor changes, I expect these nine trays to “get the job done” over the next 18 weeks. So mid-May I should be finished!
Continue to follow my 18-month Invisalign® ride. Send any questions this way, I’ll be glad to answer them.

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