According to the American Dental Association®, brushing alone cleans only about 60% of your teeth. Flossing at least once per day helps target the areas that your toothbrush can’t quite reach, like between your teeth. It is best to curve the floss around your teeth in a “C” shape and target all sides of every tooth individually. Flossing *before* you brush can help loosen debris, allowing your toothbrush to really get to work!

Flossing can help combat bad breath and brighten your smile by preventing dark stains that can occur from tartar buildup. Tartar is the result of too much plaque accumulating on the teeth. Once tartar forms, it can only be removed during your professional dental cleaning using special devices like scalers. By keeping the contacts between your teeth free from debris, flossing helps prevent decay that can lead to cavities. Without flossing, your gums can become inflamed and if left untreated, periodontal disease can develop. Once periodontal disease progresses, it can lead to bone and tooth loss.

Systemically, flossing can help reduce the risk of certain illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and even Alzheimer’s. By reducing gum inflammation, flossing can help manage blood sugar levels, which is especially beneficial for individuals with diabetes. In addition to physical health benefits, consistent flossing can save you money by potentially reducing the need for fillings, root canals and crowns, and even tooth extractions!

We know flossing is almost no one’s favorite part of the day, but doing so can save you a lot of time…and money! Not only is flossing beneficial to your oral health, but it can have a positive impact on other areas of your life such as your overall health and wellbeing. Our dentist, Dr. Stenvall is waiting to hear about how much your flossing has improved during your next hygiene visit! Call Queen City Dental Arts at 704-542-6533 to schedule your next dental cleaning and exam in Charlotte, NC!

The post Don’t Toss the Floss first appeared on Queen City Dental Arts.

Saliva production is crucial to a healthy mouth, and drinking plenty of water ensures you’re producing enough. Dry mouth can cause an excess of bacteria to grow in your mouth which results in bad breath. Not only does it keep things from drying out, but your saliva also contains minerals that keep your teeth strong.

Additionally, water helps wash away food particles and sugars that may be hanging out after meals. While nothing removes these things like brushing and flossing, drinking water helps manage this throughout the day. When food particles and sugars are left on the teeth for too long, they cause harmful bacteria to grow and eventually wear away our enamel. Without water to dilute the acids our mouth naturally produces, they begin to cause erosion which leads to cavities.

While bottled and filtered water do not contain fluoride, some communities can find it in their tap water. Charlotte water contains around 0.68 to 0.7 mg/L which is within the recommended limit.  Fluoride has been linked to stopping the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, strengthening enamel, and even helping to repair parts of our teeth that have become weak.

Think of drinking water as giving your teeth a bath! It’s best to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. Drinking a glass of water during and after meals can also be very beneficial as it can rinse away any food that may have been left behind. Whether you opt for water that contains fluoride or not, staying hydrated helps keep you and your smile healthy!

The post Just Add Water first appeared on Queen City Dental Arts.

To keep things simple, start with a basic dental care kit. This should include your toothbrush and toothpaste, dental floss, and any mouthwash you like to use as part of your routine. Keeping a kit ready is the best way to continue your dental care on that last-minute sleepover or beach trip! It’s important to note that anything you store in a travel case should be completely dry before putting it away. A wet toothbrush harbors more bacteria which will then spread to your mouth.

It’s important to stay mindful of what we’re eating and drinking, even on vacation. If you find yourself indulging in a lot of ice cream or lemonade, be sure to add some veggies and water. Water not only helps us stay hydrated in the summer heat, but it can help maintain saliva production to keep the mouth moist. Water also helps wash away sugars, acids, and other harmful bacteria. Vegetables are a great way to snack because they pack a lot of nutrients that benefit your teeth and your overall health. When eating things like candy and popsicles, try to avoid crunching too hard as this can be damaging to your teeth and any existing dental work such as fillings and crowns.

You can’t forget the SPF! It’s so important to protect your lips anytime you are out in the sun. Your lips are one of the most sensitive parts of the body when it comes to damage from the sun. An SPF of 15 or above is recommended to keep lips hydrated and protected. Remember to reapply after swimming or sweating to keep lips protected all day long.  Feel free to stop by Queen City Dental Arts and grab one of our complimentary chap sticks with an SPF 15.

Whether you’re traveling or staying home to work on projects, summer can get a little busy. Not only is it important to remember these helpful tips, but don’t skip your routine dental appointment either! Dr. Stenvall always looks forward to seeing patients and hearing about their summer adventures.

Give us a call today at 704-542-6533 to make your appointment with our dentist in Charlotte, North Carolina, and learn more about our dental services and our summer dental tips!

The post Summer Dental Tips first appeared on Queen City Dental Arts.

One of the most common causes of bad breath is the bacteria that develops in the mouth. With its wet, dark environment, the human mouth is the perfect home for bacteria to set up camp and stick around. Bacteria can feed on food particles left behind and multiply, so proper brushing and flossing techniques are crucial. Poor oral hygiene habits can lead to oral health problems like tooth decay, infection, and gum disease causing an unpleasant odor.

It is common knowledge that what you eat affects your breath. When eating things like garlic, onions, and sugary drinks like coffee or soda, our breath tends to smell unpleasant. Surprising to some, alcohol consumption can cause serious dehydration and, in our bodies, can convert to acids. When we breathe out, our breath picks up the odor of those acids causing a not so welcome smell. To avoid this, you can try brushing after meals or doing a quick rinse with a minty mouthwash. Some of us at Queen City Dental Arts like to chew sugar free gum or mints to remove food particles and any lingering odors.

In addition to poor oral hygiene and certain diet choices, another common cause of bad breath is dry mouth, or xerostomia. There are several things that can cause a person to suffer from dry mouth, and some may surprise you! According to Mayo Clinic, there are over 500 medications that list dry mouth as a side effect, including antidepressants and blood pressure medications. Mouth breathing and snoring are common as well, leading to the oral passages becoming dry and a decrease in saliva production. Dr. Stenvall can help you pinpoint what is causing your dry mouth and alleviate that symptom as much as possible.

Bad breath is something we all face here and there but isn’t anything we can’t help you with! Dr. Stenvall and the team at Queen City Dental Arts would be happy to hear your concerns and come up with a solution for you. Whether it’s your diet choices, medication side effects, or issues with your hygiene routine, we’ll work with you to form a game plan to get you, and your breath, back on track!

The post Bad Breath: Causes & Solutions first appeared on Queen City Dental Arts.

The most talked about stress-related oral health concern is bruxism, or the clenching and grinding of our teeth, caused by holding tension in the jaw. This can happen when you’re awake or sleeping, but most patients notice it the most upon waking in the morning. An easy solution for this can be a custom-made nightguard which separates the teeth, keeping you from being able to grind at night. More complex cases can be treated with muscle relaxers or BOTOX® to relieve jaw tension and prevent further damage to these joints.

Another extremely common effect of stress can be cold sores or other painful lesions developing in and around the mouth. These sores can be caused by both our weakened immune system and the change in hormones that stress can cause. With a weakened immune system, dormant viruses that cause cold sores can be reactivated, leading to bothersome, painful sores around the mouth. Outbreaks of canker sores can be a side effect of the heightened cortisol levels that stress can cause. Depending on the type of sore, over the counter gels and antimicrobial rinses can be quite helpful when alleviating discomfort and clearing them. Talk with Dr. Stenvall to see what the best course of action would be for you!

In addition to grinding and canker sores, stress can also lead us to unhealthy eating habits and general neglect of our oral health. Everyone has their comfort foods, but those are often sugary or acidic which can cause tooth decay and a buildup of plaque. This, in combination with neglecting to come in for regular cleanings and checkups, can leave issues undetected with the potential to progress into something more serious (a filling turning into a root canal and crown, a crown turning into an extraction and implant, etc.).

Stress is something we all experience and often feel that we can’t fully escape, but managing your stress levels is so important when trying to lead a happy and healthy life. Breathing exercises, healthy diet, and a consistent home care routine can all help manage the effects of stress on your oral health. Speak to Dr. Stenvall during your next visit if you feel like you relate to this blog, and we can help you get back on track!

The post How Stress Can Affect Our Oral Health first appeared on Queen City Dental Arts.

We are thrilled for Dr. Stenvall and her growing family, and we wanted to share this wonderful news with our Queen City Dental Arts community.

Emma joins big sister Hannah in this exciting new chapter of their lives.

Both the mother and baby are doing well. Your kind wishes and prayers are much appreciated!

Next time you visit our office, join us in congratulating Dr. Stenvall.

Remember, at Queen City Dental Arts, you’re not just patients, you’re family.

The post Welcome to the Newest Member of Our Queen City Dental Arts Family! first appeared on Queen City Dental Arts.

Oftentimes, headaches and jaw discomfort can be caused by malocclusion or bruxism, or teeth clenching and grinding. When the upper and lower teeth don’t fit together correctly, the muscles of the jaw, neck and head have to work harder to make your teeth come together, which in turn can cause headaches and migraines.

Bruxism, or tooth grinding and clenching, is often something that is done during our sleep without us being aware of it. Repetitive overuse of the muscles can lead to headaches and migraines as well, often seen more in the morning after a night of clenching and grinding. Not only can bruxism cause headaches, but it also can cause teeth to wear and break.

While any of these can be quite debilitating conditions, there are multiple possible simple solutions that Dr. Stenvall and her Queen City Dental Arts team can discuss with you. It could be as easy as adjusting your bite or making a night guard to wear while you sleep. Let us know if you are experiencing any recurring headaches or migraines. We are always here to help!

The post Migraine And Headache Awareness Month: How To Relieve Pain first appeared on Queen City Dental Arts.

Dr. Stenvall is a self-proclaimed cat lady and has two 13-year-old kitties at home. Boo Radley and Achilles are brothers and were adopted by Dr. Stenvall when she was living in Philadelphia, PA. Boo and Achilles have gone through multiple moves with Dr. Stenvall, and they have always been good sports in adjusting to all kinds of new environments, including the addition of a human baby to the family in 2022. Favorite activities include eating treats, naps on the sofa and getting lots of petting.

Kristin and her family are dog lovers! They have two dogs, Tebow and Suzie. Tebow is a 12-year-old lab/pointer mix they have had since he was rescued at eight months old. He is known as the neighborhood mascot.

Suzie joined our family last year and is an 11-year-old Chiweenie. She brings so much laughter and fun to the family!

Ebony and her kids have an energetic four-legged family member. Dash is a 5-year-old Bichon Frise. He is very loving and loves belly rubs. Dash’s favorite thing to do is lay in the sun. He also enjoys having food snuck to him by the kids.

Linda loves her golden doodle, Eevee. She is a sweet, energetic, people-friendly dog. She became a member of Linda’s family on her daughter’s sweet 16! Eevee loves treats, playing fetch and giving high five’s. At the end of the day, she cuddles on the sofa. Eevee is an amazing companion and brings so much love and joy to my home!

Our Queen City Dental Arts dentist and team are excited to share our fur families with you and welcome you to call us at 704-542-6533 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Meghan Stenvall in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The post A Beautiful, Furry And Heartfelt Showcase For National Pet Week first appeared on Queen City Dental Arts.

Every year, about 53,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with oral cancer. Oral cancer is unfortunately associated with a high death rate, with 60% of people living less than five years after diagnosis, and approximately 9,000 people dying from its complications annually. Many others who are diagnosed with oral cancer undergo extensive surgeries that leave them with disfigurement and difficulties eating and speaking. Risk factors for oral cancer include smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, and a new trend that has shown a high association with HPV (human papillomavirus). Early detection and timely treatment are key for the best long-term survivability of oral cancer. In fact, cases that are diagnosed with early detection are associated with an 80% survival rate.

Things that you should look for at home include:

• Any sore or ulcer that does not heal within 14 days
• A painless, firm, fixed lump on the outside of the neck that has been there for 14 days or longer
• Numbness in the tongue or elsewhere in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• A persistent feeling, like something is caught in your throat
• A white or red patch with an irregular border, on the gums, tonsils, or on/under the tongue

The common theme is to look for abnormalities that are persistent and do not go away on their own. If you ever have any concerns, always reach out to your team at Queen City Dental Arts. We are more than happy to help you assess anything that you might notice. We do perform oral cancer screenings at every hygiene visit and exam, and we always offer the use of the (VELscope® Enhanced Oral Cancer Assessment System) as a way of promoting early detection.

Click the following link for further information from the Oral Cancer Foundation – April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month 2023 Oral Cancer Foundation | Information and Resources about Oral Head and Neck Cancer.

As always, Dr. Stenvall and the QCDA team are here to help you to keep you and your mouth as healthy as possible!

The post Essential Insights And Prevention For Oral Cancer Awareness first appeared on Queen City Dental Arts.

Spring Clean Your Smile

1) Replace your toothbrush: That cool new toothbrush that you got in your stocking this Christmas… it’s time to toss it. It is recommended that you change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. The same applies if you have an electric toothbrush; make sure you are using a new brush head every 3-4 months as well. Bristles wear out over time, and they are not as effective after a few months. Also, if you or your children get sick, it is recommended to replace your toothbrush once you or your kids are feeling better. No need to keep those germs around any longer than necessary!

2) Clean your Nightguard/Denture/Retainer Cases: You probably are good at rinsing your retainer or nightguard or denture/partials daily after you take them out, but what about the case they sit in? Make it a habit periodically to scrub bacteria and debris out of the case. The wet environment is a great place for bacteria to hang out, which then ends up on your appliance and in your mouth. Yuck!

3) Get your dentures/partials and night guards cleaned: It’s great to use soap and water on your appliances on a regular basis, but there still is probably bacteria that stick behind and need a professional solution to remove. Bring your removable appliances to our office, and the Queen City Dental Arts team can use a strong solution and the ultrasonic cleaner here in our office that will get the rest of that stubborn grime off.

4) Make sure you have your dental cleaning scheduled: It’s easy to lose track of time so we always try to schedule our patients for their next cleaning when they are here for their regular cleaning. This way it is on the calendar in advance. But if it’s been a while since you’ve had a regular cleaning and exam, it is never too late to get back on the wagon. Call our office today, and we will get you in for your checkup to look for cavities or other problems that might be starting.

Call Today

Our professional team at Queen City Dental Arts knows that this is a busy time of year for everyone, but don’t forget these simple dental tips to keep your spring cleaning list on track! We welcome you to give us a call today at 704-542-6533 to schedule your dental cleaning in Charlotte, North Carolina with our dedicated dentist, Dr. Meghan Stenvall.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Spring Cleaning, Dental Edition first appeared on Queen City Dental Arts.