There are certain foods that are almost guaranteed to get stuck in between your teeth. Things like seeds, broccoli, spinach, and meat products usually require a good flossing to remove all of the food particles left behind. But did you know that if you always get food stuck in between the same teeth you may have something called a food trap? Food traps can increase your risk of certain dental problems and are a concern for your dentist in Asheboro. 

What is a Food Trap? 

A food trap is essentially exactly what it sounds like – a gap in between teeth that allows food to collect and get stuck. Food from these gaps can be difficult to remove, even with floss, but it’s really important to remove food promptly before it has a chance to build up and cause problems.

Food Trap Problems

Areas of trapped food can be problematic and can lead to additional dental issues. You see, when there are food particles lingering around in the mouth, they can feed bacteria and allow them to thrive. The more bacteria the more likely it is that decay will form and you will get a cavity. But that’s not all. Food traps have also been known to cause gum disease and bad breath, or they can make an area of existing decay even worse. 

Causes of Food Traps

If you notice that food is getting stuck in between the same teeth every time or almost every time you eat, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist in Asheboro for an exam. They’ll take a look at the area to determine what may be causing the food trap and recommend the best treatment for you. Some of the most common causes of food traps are: 

• Gaps

Gaps between teeth that are too big are usually the main culprit behind a food trap. Your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment or perhaps cosmetic dentistry to fill in the gaps. 

• Decay

Many times decay can’t be seen by the naked eye or even felt, but that doesn’t mean cavities aren’t there. Cavities cause a tiny hole to form in the tooth, making it a great place for food to hide. Your dentist in Asheboro will most likely place a dental filling to block up the hole. 

• Damaged Tooth

Similar to decay and cavities, a damaged tooth can provide a great little cave for food to get stuck. Damaged teeth can include broken or chipped teeth or an older dental restoration that needs to be replaced. 

• Gum Disease

Gum disease will cause small pockets to form under the gums and again give food a place to wedge into. Gum disease is a serious condition that requires early treatment so it doesn’t have a chance to progress. Advanced gum disease has been linked to tooth loss and well as whole-body issues like an increased risk of heart disease. 

Don’t assume that getting food stuck in between your teeth is normal. Make sure you talk with your dentist about any problems you’re experiencing so you can get the right treatment for yourself. 

Dentures can be a game-changer for many people. They can help restore appearance as well as confidence. Dentures can even help people enjoy the foods they were once unable to eat. Many patients find their dentures a comfortable solution to missing teeth, but there are times when a denture can start to feel uncomfortable. Here’s some advice from your dentist in Asheboro about what to do if your dentures don’t fit properly anymore. 

Step 1: See Your Dentist in Asheboro

First thing’s first, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist so they can take a look at how your denture fits and talk to you about any recommendations they have. Don’t try to adjust a denture on your own. You can easily damage the appliance and it can be more costly to replace. 

Step 2: Get Your Denture Relined

Next, it’s important to know that dentures probably won’t last forever without any adjustments. This is because things in our mouths such as gum tissue and the jawbone can change over time and can cause a once-perfect fit to feel off and uncomfortable. This is when a reline will come into play. 

Having your denture realigned can adjust the fit to match the changes that have occurred in your mouth, allowing for a proper fit once again. There are two types of relines – soft and hard. 

Soft Reline – This type of relining is usually completed in your dentist’s office and is usually a quick process. Your dentist will make adjustments using a liquid polymer and allow patient feedback right in the dental chair for a perfect fit. 

Hard Reline – A hard reline still requires a dental appointment and your dentist to examine the current fit. However, with this process, your dentist will take new impressions and send dentures out to a lab to be remade using the new ideal fit. 

Step 3: Consider Alternatives

While dentures are a great solution to replace missing teeth, there are other options available that can provide a permanent, and often more comfortable, fit. Dental implants in Asheboro can permanently replace not only the tooth but also the tooth’s roots. This provides a more stable base and continues to stimulate the jaw bone, keeping it stronger for longer. Additionally, dental implants eliminate the need for adhesives and overnight soaking. There are many different types of dental implants available including traditional implants to replace one or two missing teeth, mini implants, as well as implant-retained dentures that permanently affix a full denture on just a few implant posts. 

Living with a denture that doesn’t fit properly can be annoying and sometimes perhaps a bit painful. Don’t live with that discomfort, call your dentist in Asheboro to schedule a checkup and we’ll get you back to smiling confidently in no time. 

You’ve been having some tooth pain. You decided to finally make the call for a consultation with your dentist in Asheboro. Then you learn that your best treatment option is a dental treatment we’ve all heard of by now, and that’s a root canal. A million thoughts start racing through your mind:

• How long will my root canal take?
• How much will it cost?
• How bad is it going to hurt?

We’re here to soothe your anxiety and calm your fears because the tooth truth is that root canals aren’t really scary at all. 

Root Canals Get Rid of Pain

Instead of causing you more dental discomfort, think of your root canal as the solution that can get rid of:

• Pain when chewing or biting
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
• Pimples on the gums
• Swollen or tender gums
• Discolored gums or teeth
• Chipped or cracked teet

In honor of Root Canal Awareness Week, which occurs each May, let’s praise this common dental procedure that happens over 41,000 times a day, according to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). The AAE also says more than 15 million root canals are performed each year in the United States. 

Everything You Need to Know About Your Root Canal

Your dentist in Asheboro will recommend root canal therapy to repair and save a tooth that’s badly damaged, decayed, or infected. During the actual procedure, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, removing the pulp and nerve. Your tooth is then sealed to avoid infection. You won’t feel pain, maybe just some pressure. Remember, root canals relieve your pain, not cause more. Sometimes patients experience tenderness in their gums following a root canal, but over-the-counter pain medications will certainly help. 

How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take to Complete?

When you need a root canal to help heal your smile, how your treatment progresses will be personal to your needs and schedule. Generally speaking, root canals can take up to two appointments, ranging in length from 30 to 90 minutes. What determines how long your procedure will take is the severity of your individual case. The initial appointment is when we do the actual root canal, where all of the infected pulp is safely and effectively removed from your tooth. The second appointment is when your tooth will get a custom crown, matching the rest of your teeth for a seamless restoration.

More Facts You Never Knew About Root Canals

We hope you’re feeling a little bit better about the not-so-dreadful root canal procedure. As we talked about earlier, root canals are commonly thought to be the most painful kind of dental treatment. Also, a 2016 study found that root canal symptoms varied depending on the type of bacteria in the infection.

Don’t be afraid to see your dentist in Asheboro because you’re worried about having a root canal. Please schedule a consultation and talk with us! We have the technology and years of training that make the experience as comfortable and easy as we said it would be in this blog.

May is Women’s Health Month, so your dentist in Asheboro thought it was an excellent time to learn more about the connection between women, hormone levels, and oral health. Women have a unique set of issues that we wanted to shed some light on during this important time of health awareness and wellbeing.

The Teenage Years

When a young girl hits puberty age, estrogen and progesterone play a role in both oral and overall health. They begin the process of puberty that can trigger reactions in your gums that result in redness, bleeding, and swelling within the mouth. Gums may react differently to different germs and bacteria, which could lead to bad breath, cavities, and unnecessary pain. Canker sores and swelling in the salivary glands can also be symptoms of an impending menstrual cycle once puberty has fully set in. It’s essential that adolescent girls regularly see their dentist in Asheboro for regular checkups and cleanings.

Using Birth Control

If you’re someone who relies on oral contraceptives or pills for birth control, you’ll want to let us know that you take this medication. Maintaining your oral health while using these pills is very important. Hormone levels in women on the birth control pill, especially brands containing progesterone, can increase the risk of developing gum disease due to increased blood flow. Sometimes, prescription antibiotics will be necessary to help treat your gum disease.

During Your Pregnancy

Few things are more exciting in a woman’s life than having a child. However, a mother’s oral health can affect the baby’s overall health, so dental care is critical during this time of crucial development. Again, women might experience changes in their oral health due to an abundance of estrogen and progesterone, as we spoke about earlier during the onset of puberty. Due to this hormonal increase, “pregnancy gingivitis” can occur with painful inflammation in your gum and surrounding tissue. Gum disease has been linked to preterm or low birth weight in newborn babies. 

All About Menopause

If you’re a woman going through menopause, it’s important to pay close attention to what’s happening with your oral health and any changes. Women at this stage of life often experience dry mouth due to a decrease in how much saliva their body creates. When there’s not enough saliva in your mouth, it can be a breeding ground for bacteria that leads to dangerous gum disease. You also need saliva to fight tooth decay, wash food away from your teeth, and fight germs. It’s also important to note that certain medications we start to take as we age can also lead to dry mouth as a side effect. Hormonal changes during menopause can also lead to issues with osteoporosis. This could lead to bone loss in your jaw, ultimately leading to tooth loss. 

Hormonal changes are a normal part of a woman’s life, but they don’t have to interfere with how you take care of your teeth. All women should have access to outstanding care like we provide as your dentist in Asheboro. This Women’s Health Month, don’t overlook your dental care. Talk to us about how we can help you stay healthy for a lifetime. 

If you’re experiencing unexplained tooth pain, you’re probably wondering if you have a cavity. While any number of things can cause a toothache, it is one of the most common signs of a cavity and should be treated by your dentist in Asheboro promptly. However, besides a toothache, there are other signs and symptoms that a cavity may be present. 

Symptoms of a Cavity

Any kind of tooth pain can certainly be alarming, and it’s always wise to see your dentist if this pain persists. A toothache may be a telltale sign of a cavity, and the earlier it’s treated, usually, with a filling, the easier treatment can be. If it’s left alone, a small cavity can quickly become large and may require advanced treatment such as a root canal, a dental crown, or even a tooth extraction. Here are some of the other symptoms of a cavity besides tooth pain. 

• Sensitivity

Many people have sensitive teeth, and tooth sensitivity may not necessarily be a sign of a cavity. However, if sensitivity is new, it’s worth a visit to your dentist in Asheboro . Cavities can cause increased sensitivity when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet. 

• Discoloration

Our teeth can become darker in color over time thanks to any number of things, including what we eat, drink, and our habits. But when it comes to cavities it’s important to look out for any new areas of discoloration. A cavity can first show signs as a small white dot or even a brown, gray, or black spot on a tooth. 

• Pitting

In their early stages, cavities may not be able to be seen without the help of dental x-rays or your dentist in Asheboro . However, when a cavity progresses and becomes larger, you may notice a pit or a hole in your tooth. You may also be able to feel these indentations with your tongue. 

Preventing Cavities

Cavities are incredibly common in both children and adults. In fact, the CDC estimates that 90% of Americans over 20 years old have had at least one cavity in their lifetime. So while anyone can get a cavity, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing cavities. 

• Take great care of your teeth by brushing them twice a day for two minutes each time
• Don’t forget to floss at least once a day to remove bacteria from in between your teeth
• Drink plenty of water every day to keep your mouth hydrated and able to wash away bacteria
• Avoid eating a diet high in sugar, acid, and carbohydrates
• Visit your dentist at least every six months for routine checkups and cleanings

Just because cavities are common doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take precautions to try to prevent one from forming. Of course, if you do think you have a cavity, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to get it treated quickly.

If it’s been a few years since you’ve seen a dentist, you may be wondering what could happen to your oral health or just what you should expect when you schedule an appointment. We understand, and we’re here for you. We want to do everything we can to make every visit to our dental office comfortable and stress-free, so let’s take a look at what you can expect on your first visit. 

Why Do We Avoid the Dentist? 

Before we dive into what you can expect at your next appointment with your dentist in Asheboro, let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons people avoid the dentist in the first place. 

• Fear of the dentist in general
• Fear of judgment 
• Moving 
• Life simply got too busy

Whatever your reason may be, we’re ready to help you with open arms. 

Setting Expectations

The best thing you can do when you’re preparing to see a dentist for the first time in a few years is to understand what you can expect. 

• X-rays – Your dentist in Asheboro will usually take dental x-rays once a year to monitor your oral health. If it’s been a while since your last visit, this will be crucial to helping your dental team understand the current state of your dental health. 
• Exam – Besides x-rays, your dentist will perform a thorough and gentle visual and manual exam to take a look at your teeth, gums, tongue, and overall oral health. This helps establish a baseline of your current oral health. 
• Cleaning – Most patients will get a cleaning at their first visit, however, this isn’t always the case. If you have gum disease or advanced dental needs, we may need to schedule your cleaning at a different time. 
• Treatment – It’s not uncommon for people who haven’t seen a dentist in a few years to need more treatment. Don’t be surprised if we find a few cavities or other things. However, this is nothing to be afraid of. We will walk you through everything we find and talk with you about the best treatment. 

Preparation
There are a few things you can do to prepare for your appointment. Make sure your health history is filled out and up-to-date, including any medications. Try to schedule your appointment for a day and time when you won’t be busy with other things. This can help reduce stress levels. Lastly, make sure to communicate with your dentist about any concerns or fears you may have so they can make you as comfortable as possible during your visit. 

Seeing your dentist in Asheboro regularly is an important part of preventing any problems from occurring or making sure we catch any problems early when they’re still easy to treat. Skipping dental appointments could lead to: 

• Gum disease
• Cavities
• Bad breath
• Infection
• Oral cancer

We always recommend that our patients see us at least twice a year so we can monitor their oral health. If you’re ready to see us, we’re ready to welcome you. Schedule an appointment today. 

Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems your dentist in Asheboro sees every day. In fact, the CDC reports that nearly 50% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. While gum disease can certainly cause some unwanted side effects in patients’ oral health, it has also been linked to overall health concerns such as an increased risk of heart disease. Now, recent research from the American Academy for Cancer Research also shows a potential link between gum disease and colon cancer. 

Survey Says…

The exhaustive study completed by the American Academy for Cancer Research surveyed just over 40,000 men and women for more than 10-years to monitor their health, diet, and, most importantly, results of colonoscopies. Just what exactly were the scientists looking for? They were most interested in two types of intestinal lesions that are often precursors to colon cancer –  serrated polyps and conventional adenomas. Since the study followed along with all aspects of the participants’ health history, the researchers were also able to see how many people had a history of gum disease. The results were interesting. 

• There was a 17% increased risk of having a serrated polyp if there was also a history of gum disease.
• There was an 11% increased risk of having a conventional adenoma if a history of gum disease was also present.
• If a participant lost more than four teeth, a common side effect of gum disease, there was a 20% increased risk of having a serrated polyp.

While these survey results certainly seem to point to a correlation between gum disease and colon cancer, researchers say that more studies are needed.

What Does Gum Disease Look Like? 

There are some tell-tale signs of gum disease that all patients should be aware of. After all, early detection of gum disease is key to treating it effectively before it has a chance to cause bigger oral health or overall health problems. Some of the most common signs of gum disease are: 

• Bad breath or bad taste that doesn’t go away
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Gum recession

If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Asheboro . 

How to Prevent Gum Disease 

One of the best ways to protect your body against the potentially fatal side effects of gum disease is to avoid it in the first place. However, that’s not always possible thanks to genetics and age, two of the things that can affect someone’s likelihood of developing gum disease. This means it’s even more important to follow these tips from your dentist in Asheboro to do everything you can to prevent gum disease development. 

• Brush your teeth twice a day

• Floss daily

• Quit smoking 

• See your dentist at least every six months

If you have questions about gum disease and its link to overall health, schedule an appointment with your dentist.