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.

People with diabetes are also at risk of having decreased saliva (dry mouth or Xerostomia).  This can lead to increased risk of tooth decay, ulcers, sores and thrush (burning mouth or tongue).  Dry mouth can be caused by uncontrolled blood sugar or simply from the medications that diabetic patients take.  Make sure to let Dr. Stenvall know about any changes to your medications which will help her to know what medications she can and can’t prescribe you.

It is even more critical for diabetic patients to be diligent with their oral home care, because of these complications.  We recommend our diabetic patients purchase an electric toothbrush and use it twice a day so they can thoroughly and easily keep their teeth clean.  Also, maintaining regular hygiene visits at Queen City Dental Arts to help prevent oral problems and to catch any potential problems early before they create any pain or infection.

Keeping your blood sugar levels under control is the most important aspect in maintaining overall wellness when you have been diagnosed with diabetes.  Your HgA1C (Hemoglobin A1C) is the best way to determine the stability of your long-term blood sugar levels.  If your blood sugar is well-controlled, your A1C will most likely be below 7%.  Higher A1C may cause poor healing in patients.  Let our team at QCDA know if your diabetes is uncontrolled.  You will want to postpone any surgical procedures until your blood sugar is more stable unless you have an acute dental infection that needs to be addressed right away.  Be sure to follow any post-op instructions closely to prevent any complications after you go home.

Prevention is always the best policy! Do your best to keep your mouth clean at home by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.  Work with your doctor on maintaining controlled blood sugar and if you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit. Reach out to Dr. Stenvall and the Queen City Dental Arts team if you have any questions about diabetes and how it may affect you and your oral health!

The post Secrets to a Healthier Smile with Diabetes: Your Guide to Oral Care first appeared on Queen City Dental Arts.

Studies actually show that young adults are the highest consumers of energy drinks, with 34% of males between the age of 18 and 24 drinking energy drinks on a regular basis.  While they do provide a quick boost of energy, they also can wreak havoc on teeth.  Many energy drinks contain a high amount of sugar. Some contain up to 55 grams of sugar, the equivalent of 14 teaspoons of sugar, and almost twice as much as the recommended daily allowance! Any food that contains sugar will contribute to tooth decay and the more frequently your teeth are exposed to sugar, the risk of decay increases.  So if you’re someone who sips on energy drinks or drinks multiple energy drinks in one day, remember that you’re increasing the risk of getting cavities!

Energy drinks, even the sugar free varieties, are also highly acidic.  By creating an acidic environment, energy drinks cause the protective enamel layer of teeth to be more susceptible to eroding.  When the enamel is damaged or weakened, teeth are more prone to bacteria creating cavities, which can ultimately cause sensitivity and pain.

The best solution is not to drink energy drinks at all, but if you do, make sure you limit yourself to one.  Drinking some water afterwards can help to reduce the sugar and acid on your teeth as well.  Chewing sugar-free gum after you drink an energy drink can also help to promote saliva production, thereby protecting your teeth.

Dr. Stenvall and the Queen City Dental Arts team in Charlotte, NC, are always ready to answer your questions about energy drinks and the health of your teeth.  Please give us a call today at 704-542-6533 with your questions and concerns. We are here to help you maintain your healthy, beautiful smile!

The post Sports Drinks: How Good Are They? first appeared on Queen City Dental Arts.

Our Queen City Dental Arts team is here to help your child’s smile develop properly for a healthier smile down the road. Our dedicated dentist, Dr. Meghan Stenvall is more than happy to evaluate your child’s dental health in Charlotte, North Carolina, and provide the dental care they need to keep their primary teeth healthy and in place. Please us a call today at 704-542-6533 with any questions or concerns you have regarding your child’s growing smile!

The post Why “Fix” Baby Teeth? first appeared on Queen City Dental Arts.