Helpful Articles.

Have you been waking up your partner, or yourself, in the middle of the night with your loud and relentless snoring? Before you write it off as simple annoyance, consider how your snoring might be a sign of something more serious.

What is sleep apnea?

According to Mayo Clinic, there are 200,000 new cases of sleep apnea in the United States each year. With this common sleep disorder, your airway periodically becomes either partially or entirely obstructed during sleep, which halts your breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form of sleep apnea, can affect anyone, but certain factors such as obesity, age, tonsil size, family history, and a deviated septum can increase your risk.

Is sleep apnea dangerous?

Sleep apnea is considered a serious condition, and can be dangerous if not treated properly. Complications from sleep apnea can include fatigue, stroke, high blood pressure, heart problems, and more.

Is snoring a warning sign of sleep apnea?

Loud, chronic snoring is one of the chief signs of sleep apnea. However, not everyone who snores at night has sleep apnea. In addition to loud snoring, has your partner reported you frequently stop breathing while sleeping? These pauses in breathing may cause sufferers to wake up gasping with shortness of breath. Moreover, evaluate whether you notice any other indicators of sleep apnea, such as a dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening, overwhelming daytime sleepiness and fatigue, irritability, a diminished ability to concentrate, and/or headaches.

Are You Concerned you may have sleep apnea?

If you’re experiencing loud and constant snoring accompanied by other sleep apnea signs and symptoms, schedule an appointment with our expert team at Springs Village Dentistry as soon as possible. We can help determine whether you have obstructive sleep apnea and can recommend proper treatment, such as a special oral appliance or CPAP machine, to improve your sleep quality!

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You probably know that daily brushing and flossing help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but what about using a mouthwash? Can mouthwash really help? Read on to learn about the benefits of mouthwash.

Benefits of Mouthwash

There are many types of mouthwash available on the market today. Using one can be helpful for a variety of reasons. If you’re struggling with any of the following problems, consider adding a mouthwash to your daily oral care routine:

Using a mouthwash with fluoride can help strengthen and protect your enamel from cavities through remineralization.

Certain rinses may help to whiten teeth when used regularly. For whitening, make sure your rinse contains the active ingredients carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. However, we recommend utilizing our professional teeth whitening services for more dramatic results!

If you have bleeding and tender gums upon brushing or flossing teeth, consider adding an anti-gingivitis/anti-plaque mouthwash to your oral hygiene routine to reduce your gingivitis (gums that are inflamed and irritated).

Bad breath can be reduced by using a mouthwash in conjunction with daily flossing and brushing, and routine cleanings. For severe cases of bad breath, a mouth rinse might not be enough, so be sure to notify us if you’re experiencing chronic bad breath, or halitosis. This could be a sign of advanced tooth decay, gum disease, or another issue.

Additional Mouthwash Tips

As you decide which mouthwash would be best for your smile needs, keep in mind the following:

• We recommend reaching for an alcohol-free mouthwash if you have a dry or sensitive mouth.
• Children under the age of 6 should not use a mouthwash, as it could be ingested. Let us know if you have questions about your child’s dental health. We are qualified and eager to help your whole family.

We Want You to Have Excellent Oral Health!

For optimal oral health, maintain a healthy diet, limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and drink plenty of water. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, floss every day, and come visit us every six months. We are here to answer additional questions you may have about mouthwash or any other part of your dental health. Contact us today to schedule your next cleaning. Happy rinsing!

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Seeking a more natural and chemical-free lifestyle has become increasingly popular these days. Many consumers opt for organic or all-natural choices. Today, we want to address the question: “Is organic and all-natural toothpaste really better for your oral health?”

Fluoride

Many of these organic toothpastes are missing a crucial ingredient: fluoride. One of the main things people look for when choosing an organic toothpaste is whether it contains fluoride or not because they do not believe that this is a “natural” ingredient. However, fluoride IS a natural mineral that can be found throughout our environment. It is an important nutrient for healthy teeth that has been shown for decades to decrease the incidence of tooth decay.

– Potential Con: Fluorosis

Since it is in both our water supply and toothpaste, many people worry about being exposed to too much fluoride. Fluorosis is a cosmetic condition that kids can develop if they consume excessive fluoride before their permanent teeth emerge from their gums while the enamel is developing. Although these white flecks and streaks only affect the appearance of teeth, not the integrity, this is why dentists recommend ample toothbrushing practice with parents and continued supervision as kids age to ensure they do not swallow their toothpaste. If children drink water as normally and spit after brushing, they will experience fewer cavities and shouldn’t have adverse effects related to fluoride!

+ Definite Pro: Healthy Teeth

The pros of fluoride definitely outweigh the con. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Dental Association, American Medical Association, and the World Health Organization all recognize the value and safety of fluoride. Fluoride is great for your oral health and has been scientifically proven to promote strong teeth:

• Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel on your teeth by depositing minerals like calcium back on your teeth.
• Fluoride also helps control the acid in your mouth that can erode your enamel.

These are critical because weakened enamel results in decay and tooth sensitivity. Some natural toothpastes do use fluoride so if you want to go the natural route, be sure to check the ingredients.

Ask Us for Recommendations!

If you are unsure about which kind of toothpaste is best for you and your family, consult with our expert team at your next appointment. Springs Village Dentistry would be thrilled to help you find out which dental products work best for your smile. Contact us to set up your next visit to our Holly Springs office.

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A dazzling white smile looks like a healthy and beautiful one. But with so many whitening treatments out there, how do you know which one is best for you? We’ll take a look at over-the-counter options, our custom take-home trays, and our in-office professional whitening treatment so you can determine which one is the right choice for your smile goals.

At-Home Whitening

At-home whitening is either bought over-the-counter or is dentist-dispensed:

Whitening toothpastes, activated charcoal, and baking soda are non-bleaching methods of whitening that work to lift surface stains by abrasion. However, charcoal hasn’t been proven to be safe or effective, and baking soda may damage your tooth enamel if used too much. Enamel damage can actually lead to more staining in the future! Whitening toothpastes and strips can improve your smile slightly, but can’t give you dramatic results. Strips are only effective on straighter teeth and their potency can be diluted with saliva.

Take-home kits from Springs Village Dentistry are made specifically for your smile. We take impressions of your teeth to create your trays, and we’ll give you a professional strength gel that you will use in the comfort of your home and on your own schedule. This is a more effective option than over-the-counter whitening strips because the gel stays close to your teeth with less chance of leaking out.

In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening

In-office whitening dramatically alters your tooth color in just one hour because of its powerful yet completely safe formulation. At Springs Village Dentistry, we offer Zoom!^® whitening, which consists of a whitening gel with a pH booster and a blue LED light that is customizable based on your personal needs. It is also great for sensitive teeth! In-office bleaching is convenient, quick, and can lighten your teeth by five to seven shades in one treatment. Bleaching isn’t permanent, however, so you should brush and floss daily and limit or avoid eating and drinking certain foods and beverages in order to maintain your brilliant white smile.

Financing at Springs Village Dentistry

One thing to keep in mind when considering professional in-office whitening and take-home whitening is your budget. We’re happy to discuss our whitening options further with you as well as what the costs for the individual procedures will be. We strive to make our services as affordable as possible and accept a variety of payment options, so know we are willing to work with you to tailor the perfect whitening plan for you.

Your Dream Smile Is Within Reach!

So what are you waiting for? Stop by our Holly Springs dental office and get the gorgeous smile of your dreams today. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

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Electric toothbrushes are high-tech and, of course, more expensive than manual toothbrushes. But does that make them necessarily better? Here’s what you should know about electric toothbrushes.

So What Exactly is An Electric Toothbrush?

Electric toothbrushes are battery-operated or rechargeable toothbrushes that move in rapid circles on their own to deliver a powerful but easy brushing experience. Some are even similar to the tools your dental hygienist uses to polish your teeth! They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and functionalities, depending on your needs and budget. Most have timers that let you know how long to brush for. Some coach you on the amount of pressure to apply on your gums to keep them safe and healthy. Others remind you to brush in those hard-to-reach areas. Dentists highly recommend patients use electric toothbrushes because they are simple to use and effective at maintaining outstanding oral health.

Who Can Benefit from An Electric Toothbrush?

As any dentist will tell you, it doesn’t matter how often you brush if your technique isn’t correct. When using a manual soft-bristled toothbrush, you may not be brushing your teeth using gentle, tiny circles to lift away the plaque for two minutes each time every time you brush; you may be brushing too vigorously and eroding your enamel! An electric toothbrush will ensure you are actually brushing the way Dr. Moore instructs you to do with very little effort on your part. They are also fantastic for young and elderly patients!

The Price of Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes can be expensive, but think about how much money you might have to spend in the future on costly cosmetic or restorative procedures if your oral hygiene suffers with improper technique sticking with a manual toothbrush now! Electric brushes may be clunky to travel with, but some come with sleek chargers to make it easier for frequent travelers. You can also carry a manual toothbrush when you travel and leave your electric one at home.

Ask us for recommendations!

If you’re ready to switch to an electric toothbrush, our team at Springs Village Dentistry can help you choose the right one for your budget and needs. Contact us to schedule a checkup today to get started!

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You’ve probably come across all sorts of ways that claim to improve your oral health and whiten your teeth outside of regular brushing and flossing. But are they effective? Below are a few dental fads that have been gaining rapid popularity over the years, but may actually have a negative impact on your oral health.

Lemon juice and baking soda have both been said to have whitening properties, but you really shouldn’t try to brush your teeth with them. Lemon juice is very acidic, and exposure to acid can actually wear down the enamel of your teeth and make them more susceptible to stains. Baking soda can be abrasive and also have the same effect.

The ancient practice of oil pulling has seen a surge in popularity recently, with health writers touting about its breath freshening, whitening, and bacteria-fighting capabilities. All you have to do is swish coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil around your mouth for 20 minutes at a time. Although oil pulling may freshen your breath, it should never replace actual brushing and flossing because it cannot remove bacteria as well as those methods can.

Brushing teeth with activated charcoal has become a frighteningly popular DIY whitening method. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), activated charcoal has not been proven as a safe and effective method of whitening teeth. Charcoal can be abrasive on your teeth and actually make them more yellow by wearing down your enamel, which exposes the underlying yellow dentin.

Hydrogen peroxide is a main ingredient in many whitening products and procedures, but you shouldn’t be using it as a rinse at home. While many people advocate for rinsing with it to whiten teeth faster, you should know that hydrogen peroxide is particularly damaging to gums and repeat exposure will cause more problems in the future.

We Can Help You Safely Get a Whiter Smile!

You don’t need to go to extreme measures to gain cleaner, whiter, and healthier teeth. Springs Village Dentistry offers a full range of cosmetic and dental health services that are completely safe for your teeth. Get in touch with us today and find out more. We look forward to hearing from you!

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