Dr. Mary Gaddis (Durham) spoke to the Public News Service about the common misconception that sports drinks are healthy. She talked about the need to encourage oral health routines in the summer when kids are out of school and the importance of going to the dentist for routine checkups. Check out the full interview now.

Reach for water instead of sports drinks to stay hydrated, North Carolina dentists are urging residents this summer.

Studies have ranked sugary and highly acidic sports and energy drinks as among the worst for oral health.

Dr. Mary Gaddis, a dentist in Durham, said it is a common misconception sports drinks are healthy. She explained people often sip on these types of beverages over the course of several hours while doing outdoor sports or lounging at the beach, which can set the stage for cavities.

“You’re constantly coating your teeth with acid and sugar,” Gaddis stressed.

She added if you need an extra flavor boost beyond water, bananas and nuts are a good source of carbohydrates and potassium for energy. She pointed out coconut water can provide essential minerals such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.

Gaddis also noted oral-hygiene habits tend to fall off the wagon during the summer among kids, and combined with the chugging of sports drinks, can lead to enamel erosion, discoloration, tooth decay and staining.

“During the summer, they’re off of their routines,” Gaddis observed. “Maybe they’re not getting up and brushing in the morning like they normally would. They’re staying up later, so they’re not brushing at night before they go to bed.”

She emphasized it is important to see your dentist regularly for checkups, even if you are not experiencing symptoms.

“And you definitely need a dentist to check to see what’s happening,” Gaddis advised. “Because most of the time, you’re not going to have any sensitivity. You’re not going to have any pain or discomfort from a normal cavity. So if you’re having any pain or discomfort, usually it’s beyond the level of just a regular cavity. “

In addition to teeth, there is also evidence sports drinks can impact overall health. Research has shown frequent consumption of sports drinks can lead to obesity among children and young adults.

Despite popular belief, there is no official dental specialty for cosmetic dentistry. There are, however, countless courses, training programs and advanced training which can allow a general dentist to master the art of dentistry. When considering cosmetic dentistry, start with a consultation. 

What to Expect During Your Cosmetic Consultation

Just as you wouldn’t paint a house that has yet to be built, you wouldn’t want to address the aesthetics of your smile, prior to ensuring the foundation is healthy and functional. For this reason, you may learn that you have a need for restorative or orthodontic care before receiving the cosmetic plan. This can be disappointing for some patients, however, most agree that having a strong and healthy smile is even more important than its appearance. 

During your cosmetic consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to explain to our team how you’d like your smile to appear. With modern technology and procedures, our dentist in Durham can address and solve a variety of concerns, including: 

• Diastema (gaps between teeth)
• Whitening a dull smile
• Repairing chipped or cracked teeth
• Building up worn teeth
• Reshaping
• Crown lengthening (to correct a “gummy” smile) 
• Misaligned or crooked teeth

The services recommended during your consultation may include one or more of the following: 

• Porcelain veneers
• Teeth whitening
• Inlays and onlays
• Dental Implants
• Dentures
• Tooth-colored fillings
• Orthodontics

During your appointment, you’ll not only express what you envision for your smile, but our team will provide you with a detailed plan for how to achieve your goals. From there, you’ll be able to plan the appointments, financing and more. Often a few small changes can drastically improve the appearance of a smile. It’s very possible that in 1-2 short visits, you can be smiling with confidence. 

If you’ve considered cosmetic dentistry, but aren’t sure where to start, contact our Durham, NC dental office. Our team of professionals will provide you with an individual plan.

Thumb sucking is one of the most recognizable behaviors found in children. Sucking is a natural reflex and infants and young children may use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers, and other objects on which to suck. It may make them feel secure and happy, or provide a sense of security at difficult periods. Since thumb sucking is relaxing, it may even encourage sleep. Studies found by our dentist in 27713 have proposed that as many as 90% of children have engaged in this type of activity in their lives. We have even seen that thumb sucking can begin in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. It’s natural, safe, and can be quite helpful to parents, as their baby learns to soothe themselves from time to time.

Whether this oral fixation is satisfied with a thumb or the commonly used pacifier, most children discontinue this practice before long. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states that most children stop thumb sucking on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. 

Once your baby’s first set of teeth are in and thumb sucking persists, there is a chance that this habit could push the teeth slightly forward. Fortunately, this will in no way affect the placement of the adult teeth or add to the cost of your child’s future dental bills. Thumb sucking, even in toddlers, is considered normal. It does not mean there is anything wrong with your child and that they should feel embarrassed or ashamed. Even the most persistent thumb sucker ordinarily stops on their own by the time toddlerhood has ended.

Thumb sucking infrequently continues past the age of four. This is usually found to be the result of too much attention or negative reinforcement given to the habit in previous years. Beyond this age, thumb sucking can begin to impact the alignment of the adult teeth, so it is best your child shed the habit sooner rather than later.

How do you help them with this? Don’t reprimand them because of it, don’t remove the thumb from their mouth and don’t mention it. This is where their growing awareness and social cues come in handy. As your child begins to notice that the kids around them aren’t sucking their thumbs anymore, they won’t want to either. They will also start to discover other skills or items to give them comfort and security. Peer pressure becomes a much greater deterrent than a parent’s disapproval. Contact our dental office in Durham, NC for more information.

Good oral hygiene habits are essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. What you might not know is that research has found the health of your mouth actually mirrors the overall condition of your body. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a direct relationship between gum disease and many serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The good news is, research also shows that good oral health may actually help prevent certain diseases from occurring.

Understanding the mouth/body connection

Poor oral habits can cause bacteria to build up on your teeth, making your gums more prone to disease and infection. When that happens, your immune system goes to work attacking the infection, leading to inflammation and gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Left untreated, periodontitis and chronic inflammation can wreak havoc on the rest of your body, leading to a host of health problems. Thankfully, this “worst-case-scenario” is easily preventable. Here’s what you can do to elevate your oral hygiene habits and keep unwanted health concerns at bay:

• Brush twice a day for at least two minutes using a soft-bristled brush. Be sure to choose a toothbrush that is the right size for your mouth so you can reach back teeth easily. If you have any questions about which toothbrush our dentist in 27713 recommends for you, you can ask our office during your appointment.
• Remember to replace your toothbrush every three or four months.
• Choose an American Dental Association-approved fluoride toothpaste to keep teeth free from decay.
• Floss daily to remove tooth decay-causing bacteria that tend to linger between teeth. Regular flossing also helps remove plaque under the gum line and minimize your risk of contracting gum disease.
• Eat a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks.
• Avoid cigarettes and other tobacco products, which are known to contribute to gum disease and oral cancer.

In addition to maintaining good daily oral health habits, seeing your dentist regularly is one of the best ways to keep your mouth – and your body – healthy. These exams allow our team to monitor any changes to your teeth and gums and make recommendations that will help you avoid future health problems. Call our Durham, NC dental office today to schedule an exam.

If there is one recommended dental habit that many people struggle to embrace, it’s flossing. Whether you find traditional thread flossing challenging to maneuver, messy, or just time consuming, you are not alone. However, The American Dental Association (ADA) and our office want you to be able to floss regularly and thoroughly. Consider these effective alternatives shared by our dentist in 27713 to remove unwanted plaque from the places your toothbrush simply can’t reach.

1.) Disposable Floss Pick

These convenient little tools have plastic handles and Y-shaped prongs that come pre-threaded with floss. No measuring, snipping or finger threading required. Ideal for travel and on-the-go use, simply grab the handle, insert the floss between your teeth, and when done, toss the tool away. 

2.) Non-Disposable Floss Picks

Fashioned with a longer handle than their disposable counterparts, these picks may be an excellent option for patients with small mouths and/or crowded teeth. They also help to make reaching back teeth a breeze.

3.) Water Flossers

Electronic flossers use streams of pressurized water to clean between your teeth. There are many different models to accommodate price preferences, and most offer adjustable pressure settings to ensure your comfort during use. 

4.) Interdental Brushes

Designed to look like tiny toothbrushes, interdental brushes are especially effective for those who wear braces. They are also a nice option for patients with mobility issues who struggle with traditional flossing. Another plus? Like toothbrushes they can be used repeatedly – simply ask our office when we recommend replacement.

5.) Air Flossers

These high-tech tools use air pressure combined with a small amount of water to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. Considered to be less messy than their water-based cousins, air flossers offer easy point and click instructions – just aim the flosser between your teeth and a blast of air does the rest. 
Keeping the spaces between your teeth and gums free from plaque and tartar is essential to your oral health and oral hygiene. Finding tools and techniques that work for you is the first step towards establishing lifelong habits that lead to a lasting, healthy smile. Consider any of these flossing alternatives or call our dental office in Durham, NC for a recommendation. Our team will be happy to evaluate your unique needs to help you find the solution that is right for you.

According to The American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, oral cancer claims one American life every hour of every day. Unfortunately, most cases go undetected until it is too late, making the need for regular examinations of even greater importance. Those who are proactive and seek treatment early have the best chance of beating the disease and living a long, healthy life. Below are some facts shared by our 27713 dentist that you may not have known about oral cancer, including warning signs, trends, and more.

1.) Oral Cancer Affects More Men Than Women

No matter your gender, you should be aware of the very real dangers of oral cancer. While studies conducted by the Oral Cancer Foundation have shown that oral cancer is one the rise among women too, a 2:1 incidence ratio between men and women still remains. This correlation may be due to the fact that, statistically speaking, men smoke and drink more than women. Regardless of your own habits, remain aware of the signs and symptoms and ask your doctor to perform a regular oral exam if they do not already.

2.) Each Year, 450,000 New Cases Are Discovered

As such, it is likely that oral cancer has affected someone in your life. Whether you know someone who has had, or is currently dealing with their own struggle against oral cancer, you should know that they are not alone.

3.) Alcohol and Tobacco Increase Your Risk

Among the many risk factors, your lifestyle choices can have a huge impact on the likelihood of you developing this cancer. It is estimated by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America that roughly 80% of people with oral cancer are heavy smokers, while 70% are heavy drinkers. Add this unfortunate statistic to the list of reasons why you should leave the cigarettes behind.

4.) When Detected Early Enough, Oral Cancer has a Cure Rate of 90%

According to many experts, part of the reason why oral cancer can be so destructive is because it often goes undetected for long periods of time. Don’t overlook or ignore any suspicious new developments in your mouth and call your doctor or oral surgeon as soon as you notice anything amiss.

The best way to overcome oral cancer is to stay informed and catch it early. As something that is important to all dental professionals, we hope you will take this disease just as seriously as we do. We look forward to helping you stay healthy and protecting your oral health throughout your life. If you have any questions call or contact our dental office in Durham, NC today and we will assist you however we can. 

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and seen what appeared to be small cracks on the outside of your teeth, congratulations. You may have craze lines.

First, it’s important to know that these lines are relatively harmless in most cases. Craze lines appear as a natural response to years of normal tooth function. Throughout your life, teeth can take a lot of pressure from normal chewing. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), or regularly use your teeth as a tool to cut things, these effects may be more severe.

Craze lines can appear on the front or back of your teeth and are common in adult teeth. Usually, they don’t require treatment and are considered by many dental professionals to be simple cosmetic concerns. For instance, if you drink certain beverages or use tobacco, these lines can become stained.

If you have concerns, your doctor can check on your craze lines to see if they are exasperbating any tooth injuries, or seemed to be caused by frequent grinding. The majority of cases have no negative effects. Some studies have explored the possibility that craze lines may increase sensitivity after bleaching treatments, but the results were inconclusive.

If you don’t already have craze lines and want to limit your chances of getting them, it’s important to keep up with your regularly scheduled visits to a dental professional, like our dentist in 27713. While they may be unavoidable for some patients, it’s always a good idea to practice the best possible oral health care.

We are experts in keeping your smile as healthy as possible for as long as you live. If you have any questions about your dental health, please do not hesitate to contact our dental office in Durham, NC. We look forward to hearing from you.   

Accidents always happen. Be sure to know what to do when one arises – it can be the difference of saving a tooth or losing one.

A dental emergency is an injury to your teeth or gums that can be potentially serious. Ignoring one can increase the risk of permanent damage. For all dental emergencies, it is important to contact our dentist in 27713 as soon as the injury occurs.  Provide detailed information about the injury to your mouth. We will be able to give you instructions on how to care for your mouth in the time before coming to our office. In some instances, we may recommend emergency care.

Here are some common dental injuries and how to care for them.

Knocked-out tooth

Rinse the tooth with water if it’s dirty and try not to remove any attached tissue fragments. Keep the tooth moist at all times by carefully putting the tooth back in place without forcing it back into the socket. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a small container of milk or in a cup of water that contains a pinch of salt. Contact our dental office as quickly as possible.

Chipped or cracked tooth

Save any pieces if possible. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the injured area as well as remove any small tooth fragments. Apply cold compresses to your mouth to keep down the swelling and relieve pain.

Objects caught between teeth

Carefully try to remove the object using floss. If you cannot get the object out, see your dentist. It is important to never use a pin or sharp instrument to remove the object since you may cause injury to your gums or the surfaces of your teeth.

Soft-tissue injuries

Injuries to your tongue, cheeks, gums and lips can result in bleeding. To control the bleeding, rinse your mouth with mild salt water. Apply a moistened piece of gauze or tea bag to the bleeding site for about 15 minutes. You may also use a cold compress to relieve pain. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, contact our dental office.

You can also take simple precautions to avoid dental emergencies:

• When participating in sports, always wear a mouth guard
• Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy
• Never use your teeth to cut things – use scissors

If you encounter a dental emergency, always contact our Durham, NC dental office as soon as possible. We can provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to care for your mouth or may ask you to come into the office. If you have any additional dental emergency questions, be sure to contact us.

When it comes to your oral health and dental hygiene, what you should eat is just as important as what you shouldn’t. By limiting certain types of foods and focusing on others, you can set yourself up for a lifetime with a healthy smile. Here is a list of foods you should strive to eat, and others to consume with moderation.

Best Foods for Your Teeth

Cheese and other dairy products. Dairy is high in calcium and protein, which strengthen tooth enamel. Cheese, milk, yogurt, and other dairy products are all great sources.

High-fiber foods. Fiber keeps saliva flowing, which helps to get rid of bacteria and fight decay. Leafy greens, beans, and many fresh fruits contain high amounts of fiber.

Water. Our dentist in 27713 agrees that water should be your main drink of choice. It helps rinse food particles or sugars away and keeps saliva levels high.

Sugar-free gum. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), sugar-free gum can protect your teeth by increasing saliva flow. Chewing a stick after a meal can also help clean any food particles that remain.

Lean protein. Foods like eggs, fish, chicken, and various red meats contain phosphorus, which is necessary for your body to fully absorb calcium.

Worst Foods for Your Teeth

Acidic foods. The acids found in citrus fruits, wine, and candy can wear down the calcium buildup in your teeth and create opportunities for tooth erosion.

Sodas. Soft drinks contain high levels of sugar and acidity which are both equally destructive to your teeth.

Sports drinks. While sports drinks may help you rehydrate during physical activity, they also contain a lot of sugar. We recommend limiting sports drink consumption and switching to water.

Alcohol. Alcohol is known to dry out your mouth, which prevents saliva from doing its job. Alcohol can also stain your teeth.

Sticky or sugary candies. Sugar is one of the main causes of tooth decay and is commonly found in candy. Limit how much candy you eat and drink water afterwards to wash away any remaining sugars.

By watching what you eat or drink, you can protect your oral health. Minimize your consumption of problematic foods and aim for those that will benefit your teeth. In addition, regular cleanings and exams will help keep your smile bright and healthy. Contact our dental office in Durham, NC today to schedule your next appointment.

Keeping up with your dental hygiene and oral health can be easy during your work-week, but being on vacation can complicate things. Follow our advice to ensure your smile stays bright while you enjoy your vacation.

Plan Ahead

Make sure you pack everything you will need, such as a toothbrush, floss, and travel-sized mouthwash. Your toothbrush should have a cover or a separate bag, so that it can dry and avoid contamination between uses. Buying supplies while on vacation can be a hassle, so hit the store before you skip town. If you are in need of dental care such as a root canal or a filling, it is better to have treatment done ahead of time to avoid any emergency care away from home.

Set a Routine

At home, routines for oral hygiene are easy to follow. On vacation, however, your time management might be hectic or sporadic. Our dentist in 27713 recommends to set a routine to ensure you brush twice a day and floss at least once, and stick to it as best you can.

Watch your Diet

Enjoying delicious cuisine while on vacation can be a fantastic experience – just make sure to do so in moderation. Avoid too many sugary or acidic drinks and foods, which can cause damage to the enamel of your teeth. Cocktails are a great example of this. In addition, bring healthy snacks along with you. These can save money while on-the-go, and are easy on your teeth. Try to bring a water bottle or canteen to rinse your mouth when possible, which helps prevent decay and plaque growth.

You can maintain your oral health on vacation without any stress if you plan for it. Bring the right tools, set a routine, watch what you eat, and your optimal oral health will remain. If you need treatment or a cleaning prior to your trip, contact our dental office in Durham, NC.