Southlake Family Dentistry Blog

Which Teeth Whitening Option Will Work for Me?

July 22, 2020

Filed under: Blog,General — Tags: stained teeth, teeth, teeth whitening, whitening options, yellow teeth — southlakedental @ 4:31 pm

Teeth whitening is a popular dental procedure here in Fort Mill and beyond. Most people want their teeth to appear white and bright. Studies show that people feel more confident when they have white teeth. You may feel compelled to whiten your teeth for professional interactions.

Even with perfect at-home brushing and flossing, your teeth can become yellowish or stained due to medications, age, food and drink, and tobacco use. No matter the cause, there is a solution for whiter teeth. However, there are so many options both over-the-counter and through your dentist. How do you know which ones actually work?

Don’t get stuck with teeth whitening gimmicks. There are tons of teeth whitening options, and here is what to know about them:

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips are easy to find over-the-counter at drug and retail stores, and they are relatively cheap. The strips are also reasonably easy to use. The strips come in sections for your top and bottom teeth, and you place and adapt them on. After waiting for the directed amount of time, you can take them off and rinse your mouth. When used over time, at-home whitening strips will make your teeth somewhat whiter. However, the results take time, and you’ll only get a few shades of whitening. Many people also struggle with the strips because the gel doesn’t taste good and can cause teeth or gum sensitivity. Also, user error prevents from achieving desirable results. Sitting there with strips on may feel uncomfortable.

Keep in mind, tooth whitening products sold at stores do not require approval from the Food and Drug Administration because they are considered cosmetic. Only one type of whitening strip has a seal of approval from the American Dental Association.

Please note that most whitening products are not suitable for children. Check with your child’s dentist before applying whitening products.

Whitening Toothpaste or Mouthwash

Another low-cost method to whiten your smile is toothpaste or mouthwash that contain whitening agents. Again, these are an easy choice for many because they are easy to find and don’t cost much more than regular toothpaste or mouthwash.

The great thing about whitening toothpaste and mouthwash is that each can be used in combination with other whitening treatments. This is an easy and affordable way to help achieve white teeth, but unfortunately, it doesn’t always work alone. To obtain the whitest teeth possible, you will need to add another whitening method to your regime. These methods will also only get you a few shades brighter. However, this is a wonderful place to start if you are on a budget and can wait for gradual results.

Teeth Whitening Trays and Gels

Whitening trays and gels are a great way to whiten your teeth while at home. To use, fill the trays with the provided bleaching product and wear them for either a few hours or overnight, then brush the product away. Many Fort Mill dentists, including Southlake Family Dentistry, offer these trays. Please make an appointment to come to the office to custom fit your trays for the maximum comfort possible. We can then select the right level of bleaching for your teeth and goals. These take-home whitening kits cost a little more than over-the-counter strips but are convenient and cheaper than in-office bleaching. The results are more dramatic and take less time to achieve. Also, these trays can be used for future touch-ups as needed.

In-Office Bleaching

Visiting the office for a bleaching treatment is the quickest and most effective way to achieve those pearly whites. During your visit, we can apply a whitening solution directly to your teeth. Your treatment will last 60 to 90 minutes. You can then go about your day, but you should avoid coffee, tomato sauce, yellow mustard, and red wine. This treatment is preferred by many because of its immediate results and effectiveness. However, in-office bleaching is the most expensive of all these methods, so contact us today to discuss pricing and payment options.

Now that you know all of the teeth whitening options we recommend, it should be much easier to choose which one will be best for you and your teeth. If you are interested in teeth whitening trays and gels or in-office bleaching, please contact us to set up an office visit. We can’t wait to see you and your bright smile!

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DIY Tooth Whitening: Does It Work?

February 18, 2020

Filed under: Blog — southlakedental @ 5:00 pm

Everybody wants a brighter smile, but there are a number of things that stain or dull your teeth, including coffee, red wine, smoking, and certain medications. Because these changes to the color of teeth are common, it sometimes seems like everyone has a DIY tooth whitening suggestion. But do any of them really work? Take a look at what you need to know about some commonly-touted home remedies for whiter teeth.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is the practice of swishing oil around in the mouth for anywhere from 10-30 minutes. The practice comes from the Ayurvedic belief that oil is nourishing for all parts of the body. This is an ancient belief, but proponents of natural health remedies have contributed to a new wave of interest in the practice. But can it whiten teeth?

Like many DIY remedies, oil pulling has not been the subject of many research studies, so it’s difficult to say exactly what it can or can’t do. But it’s unlikely that oil pulling can have any effect on tooth whiteness. Swishing oil around in the mouth for an extended time period may be able to help with plaque removal, but there’s no reason to believe it can affect stains.

Activated Charcoal

Another DIY tooth whitening recommendation involves brushing teeth with activated charcoal powder. In fact, toothpastes made with activated charcoal are starting to become more popular. Activated charcoal does have many beneficial uses – doctors use it to treat poisonings and overdoses, and it is also used in air filters to remove impurities from the air.

Advocates of brushing with activated charcoal claim that the substance can remove impurities that stain the teeth. Whether or not that’s true is unclear. However, experts warn that brushing with an abrasive material like charcoal could weaken enamel and damage gum tissue.

If you want whiter teeth, your best bet is to consult your dentist. Your dentist will be able to recommend a whitening treatment that meets your needs and is both safe and effective.

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DIY Tooth Whitening: Does It Work?

August 3, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health — Tags: diy tooth whitening, tooth whitening — southlakedental @ 5:38 pm

Oil Pulling

Activated Charcoal

If you want whiter teeth, your best bet is to consult your dentist. Your dentist will be able to recommend a whitening treatment that meets your needs and is both safe and effective.

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Are Your Gummy Vitamins Causing Cavities?

July 15, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Children's Dental Health,Dental Health — Tags: cavities, gummy vitamins — southlakedental @ 2:05 pm

Swallowing vitamins can feel like a chore, and some children and adults have difficulty swallowing pills, especially large ones. Gummy vitamins seem like a fun and tasty way to ensure that you get the nutrients or supplements that you need. While they may have started out as a way to make vitamins more appealing to children, plenty of adults now use them as well. But are they hurting your teeth?

High Sugar Content

If you’ve ever accidentally bitten down on a vitamin that was meant to be swallowed whole, you probably remember the taste. Vitamins may be good for you, but they tend to have a bitter and unpleasant taste. So why do gummy vitamins taste like candy or fruit snacks? The answer is simple: lots and lots of sugar.

Bacteria that naturally occur in your mouth consume the sugars that are left behind on your teeth and convert it into acid. That acid is what wears away your tooth enamel and causes cavities.

Citric Acid

Of course, you could always opt for sugar-free gummy vitamins. These contain artificial sweeteners that may not be as likely to harm your teeth. But another component of gummy vitamins is the citric acid used to give them their fruity flavors. Remember, acid is what really wears away your enamel.

A Sticky Situation

It’s easy to think that the effects of gummy vitamins on your teeth will be minimal. After all, you’re not chowing down on a whole bag of gummy bears – you’re probably only taking one or a few vitamins at a time.

The problem is that the sticky consistency of the gummies can leave residue on your teeth that lasts for hours. Sugars left on your teeth from less clingy substances can more easily be washed away by your saliva if you can’t brush right away, but the sugar and acid from gummy candy or vitamins tend to hang around.

Your best bet is to opt for non-chewable vitamins, although if you have difficulty swallowing, liquid vitamins or the powdery type of chewable vitamins leave residue that is easier to clean off your teeth. If gummy vitamins are the only tolerable option for you, make sure to take them at a time and place when you can brush your teeth afterward.

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Dental Credit Cards and Loans

July 1, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Insurance and Financial Information — Tags: dental care, dental office, financing, payment — southlakedental @ 4:18 pm

One fact about dental care is that it can be expensive. While dental offices try to keep procedures as affordable as possible, the materials used are pricey and there is a lot of additional overhead in a dental office. Many people have dental insurance, but if you need a lot of work done in one calendar year, it might not stretch as far as you’d like it to. What is the answer? If you don’t have the cash available to spend on your treatment, an increasingly popular option to consider is specialized financing in the form of dental credit cards and loans.

At Southlake Dentistry, we offer a variety of options so you can get your dental work done without having to worry about dipping into your savings or not being able to pay the electric bill.

Two popular dental credit cards are CareCredit and Citi Health. These two companies can also be used for other types of financing, such as eye care and, in the case of CareCredit, veterinary care. There are sometimes special incentives, such as 6 months interest-free. To make it even simpler, you can apply for these right in our office and get an answer immediately. Be sure to get all of the terms so you understand the interest rates, annual fees, and other specifics of the agreement.

We also work with Prosper Healthcare Lending, which is a different type of financing company. With Prosper Healthcare, you will also get an immediate response and you can spread out your payments over a longer period of time. This can be very helpful if you have a lot of work to be done.

It is our goal that every patient can get the dental treatment he or she needs for good health. If you are not sure how you will pay for your dental care, don’t hesitate to ask about these payment options. Many patients are in your situation and we can help you by letting you know about the different programs available. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today!

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Special Dental Concerns for Millennials

June 15, 2018

Filed under: Blog — Tags: dental health, generations, millennials, oral health — southlakedental @ 6:36 pm

You might be surprised to learn that the generation known as the Millennials tends to have poor oral health. Why? There are several reasons: Their busy lifestyles don’t accommodate dental appointments. They have the advantage of good health overall, so they don’t have any pressing needs when it comes to their oral health. And, possibly one of the most important, the types of jobs many Millennials have don’t offer dental benefits. If you are a Millennial, check out this guide to keeping your smile healthy.

Reduce Your Stress Levels

It’s easier said than done, but if you have a lot of stress in your life, as many Millennials do, it makes sense to take steps to reduce it. Stress can cause teeth-grinding, which can lead to enamel erosion, TMJ problems, headaches, cracked fillings, broken teeth, and even loose teeth. If you grind your teeth, you might experience mouth, jaw, and head pain, particularly in the mornings, along with molar sensitivity when you eat. A nightguard can help stave off symptoms while you get your stress under control.

Observe Excellent Oral Hygiene

You might operate under the theory of, “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” but this is a mistake when you’re dealing with your teeth. Things can go from perfectly fine to quite painful (and expensive) in a relatively short period of time. Don’t ignore your oral health: brush twice daily and floss before bed. Also, make an appointment with your dental hygienist if it’s been longer than 6 months since your last visit. Finally, if you notice anything amiss (loose tooth, bleeding gums, uneven filling, mild pain, etc.), make an appointment to be seen by your dentist.

Spruce Up Your Smile

If you hesitate to flash everyone a toothy grin because you aren’t quite happy with how your smile looks, take action now to improve your appearance and boost your self-esteem. Ask your dentist whether teeth whitening, dental veneers, or braces might be worth considering. Invest in your smile and then make sure you do your best to help it last a life time with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits!

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The Best (and Worst) Fruits for Good Dental Health

June 1, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health,General — Tags: dental health, fruits, summer — southlakedental @ 12:12 am

Fruit: It’s healthy, and that means it’s good for your teeth, right? While this is true in most cases, there are a few exceptions. Since summer is a great time to enjoy a variety of fruit, read on for some information about choosing the best (and worst) fruits when it comes to your dental health.

Apples

You’ve heard the adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and you might not realize that enjoying these crunchy fruits can also keep the dentist away (not that you’d want to, of course!). The act of chewing apples creates friction around the teeth and gums that physically scrubs plaque and food debris off of these surfaces. If you can’t brush your teeth after lunch, crunching on a few slices of a crisp apple can help stave off the bacteria that causes cavities. Naturally, you will want to brush when you are able to.

Strawberries

High in vitamin C, strawberries are little powerhouses in the vitamin and health department. They also contain a bit of acid which can neutralize the bacteria hanging out in your mouth. In addition, they are similar to apples in that they create a scrubbing action as you chew them. Strawberries can be eaten whole or sliced up in a fruit salad. One caveat: If you have small pits in your teeth, the tiny seeds can get caught, so be sure to brush and floss well to remove them.

Raisins (and Other Dried Fruit)

Dried fruit is on the list of the worst fruits to eat for good dental health. Why? It’s sticky and contains concentrated sugars without any extra liquid to help wash it off of your teeth. Eating raisins, dried apricots, and dried dates can actually make your teeth less healthy! While it’s fine to eat these foods, it’s very important to brush well afterward to remove traces of the sweet snacks from your teeth so as not to attract the bacteria that causes dental cavities.

With summer right around the corner, fruit makes a great dessert and snack. You can also add it to any meal for a nutritional boost. Just be sure that you choose wisely when it comes to your dental health.

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Keep Your Teeth Healthy This Summer

May 15, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health — Tags: dental health, summer, summer oral care — southlakedental @ 11:41 pm

Summer is here, and you might be looking forward to all of the delights that come with the hottest months of the year. Whether or not they have children, many people slow down a bit in the summer so they can take in all that the season has to offer. It’s important to stay on top of your health, though, and that includes your dental health. Read on for tips on how to keep your teeth healthy this summer.

Don’t Skip Routine Dental Visits

If your last dental visit was before the new year, then you’re going to need to come in this summer to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy and to have a professional cleaning. Check your calendar and book the appointment soon; between children being out of school (and in their various dental and doctors’ offices!) and people traveling, scheduling can get a bit tight if you wait too long.

Brush and Floss After Enjoying Sticky Sweets

Ice cream, popsicles, and amusement park foods like kettle corn and cotton candy are a quintessential part of many summers. Unfortunately, they can cause tooth decay if you don’t have good oral hygiene. Go ahead and indulge in moderation, but be sure to brush and floss before bed, even if you’re tired from having spent the whole day in the sun.

Protect Your Teeth If You’re Playing Sports

If summer is your season to shine on the ball field or the tennis courts, consider wearing a mouthguard to keep your teeth safe. Children who play sports should absolutely wear mouthguards, but adults are not exempt from painful (and expensive) injuries if they don’t protect their teeth. Get one made by your dentist if you play a lot of sports or go to the pharmacy and pick up a boil-and-bite one for occasional contact sports.

If you have questions about keeping your smile safe and healthy this summer, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

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Why Should You Quit Smoking?

May 1, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health,General — Tags: gum disease, quit smoking, smoking — southlakedental @ 3:43 pm

If you smoke, you’ve undoubtedly heard dozens of reasons why you should stop. A lower life expectancy, lung cancer, stroke, heart attack… all of these are more likely among smokers than among their non-smoking peers. If you needed a few more reasons to quit smoking, here are some ways the habit negatively affects your oral health.

Smoking Makes Gum Disease Worse

Smoking can cause or exacerbate gum disease. Why? First, it tends to dry out the oral tissues, leading to more fragility in the gums. As they dry, they pull away from the teeth, leaving a handy spot for bacteria to hang out. Smoking also affects the tiny capillaries bringing oxygen to the gum tissues, which can make it take longer for small abrasions to heal.

Smoking Can Lead to Tooth Loss

As the gum tissues dry out and become more unhealthy, the bone underneath also begins to erode. This can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss. Also, if you have oral surgery, you’re at risk for infection and complications if you keep smoking. You’ll be more likely to keep your teeth if you quit smoking.

Smoking Has Cosmetic Effects, Too

Of course, you might be mainly concerned about the immediate cosmetic effects of smoking. Yellowed teeth and halitosis (bad breath) are common maladies experienced by smokers. Teeth whitening doesn’t work well if you continue smoking while you undergo the treatment. And while good oral hygiene can help with bad breath, the fact is that cigarettes and frequent gum infections will cause halitosis despite your best efforts.

It is hard to quit smoking. The good news is that there are several products and behavior modification techniques that can help. Your physician is a good source of information on how you can kick the habit. Talk to your doctor or dentist today about how you can stop smoking and achieve better oral health (and overall health).

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Avoid Getting a Summer Cold

April 15, 2018

Filed under: Blog,General — Tags: general health, summer cold — southlakedental @ 2:55 pm

With the winter in the rearview mirror now, you’re probably looking ahead with the knowledge that cold and flu season is finally over. Unfortunately, it’s still possible to pick up a cold (or cold-like symptoms) in the spring and summer. There are some steps you can take to avoid getting a summer cold. Read on to find out what they are.

Wash Your Hands

Just as you did over the winter, be sure to wash your hands frequently. Although there aren’t as many germs lurking around as there were at the height of flu season, you can still pick up bugs by touching doorknobs, handrails, grocery carts, and the like. After you get home from being out in public, give your hands a good washing with warm water and soap. If you’re going to a place that’s expected to be crowded, consider carrying hand sanitizer.

Treat Your Allergies

Symptoms of a summer cold that linger for more than a week or two might be caused by allergies to pollen, mold, or other environmental factors. A lingering cough, postnasal drip, stuffiness, or headache might very well be caused by hayfever. This can, in some cases, progress into a sinus infection, so it’s important to have your allergies treated. See your doctor if you get a cold that isn’t improving after a week.

Keep Your Immune System Healthy

There are lifestyle choices you can make that will reduce your risk of developing a summer cold. Eat healthy foods (focus on fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein, and whole grains), get enough sleep, and be sure to exercise each day. Going for a walk outdoors also exposes you to vitamin D, which can boost your immunity. Go in the early morning or early evening without sunscreen so you can reap the benefits of the sun without putting yourself at risk from the UV rays. (Be sure to cover up and use sunscreen the rest of the time.)

Staying healthy through the summer is usually easier than doing so during the winter, but being aware of the ways you can avoid a summer cold is always helpful!

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