Helpful Articles.

For children all over, Halloween is an exciting time. There are costumes, parties, and a seemingly endless supply of candy. However, for parents and dentists alike, Halloween can be a frightening holiday. We often see a rise in cavities, along with other dental emergencies, caused by Halloween activity.

Dr. Molta and Dr. Moore often get questions from concerned parents asking how they can keep their family’s dental health safe while still enjoying the holiday. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of Halloween FAQs our team often receives, with tips on how to keep you, your family, and your teeth in good condition this Halloween season.

Q: Do I need to completely avoid Halloween candy?

A: No! We would never ask you to give up candy completely. However, it is important to consume you Halloween candy in moderation. For parents with kids, we recommend that you limit their candy consumption to one piece per day.

Q: Are there any types of candy I should avoid?

A: Yes! Sticky candies and hard candy are especially bad. Unsurprisingly, sticky candy can get stuck on your teeth, causing a whole host of issues. Hard candy can cause you to break or crack a tooth! Chocolate lovers can rejoice, because chocolate is one of the better choices – it easily washes off the surface of your teeth.

Q: What are some candy alternatives we can provide?

A: We love it when parents think outside the box. You don’t need to go as far as handing out travel-size toothbrushes, but there are plenty of fun options that won’t harm your teeth. To switch things up while still providing a treat, we recommend handing out small toys like bouncy balls, model airplanes, or even glow sticks. These are entertaining to young children without compromising their health.

What are other questions you have about caring for your family during the Halloween season? Our team is always happy to answer questions from patients and to share tips on caring for your smile, no matter the time of year. Schedule your next dental appointment at Springs Village Family Dentistry!

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These days, everyone is talking about dental implants. It’s estimated that three million people have tooth implants, and that number is growing every year. With recent advances in dental technology, dental implants have swelled in popularity.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is the newest and most advanced way to replace a missing tooth. It’s quickly taking the place of its older cousin, a dental bridge, which was until recently one of the best ways to replace a mission tooth. Dental implants are a completely permanent method for replacing a missing tooth, which has made them the preferred choice.

How Does It Work?

During the procedure, your dentist will insert a titanium post, which acts as an artificial tooth root, into the jawbone. This post will fuse into the jawbone and become “anchored” in about 3-6 months. The post supports a dental crown, which your dentist will then cement onto it to complete the natural-looking tooth replacement that is indistinguishable from your natural tooth.

A dental implant requires little to no maintenance (no more than what you do for your other teeth). You can brush and floss the implant just like you would a regular tooth; it becomes a part of your regular routine! It also doesn’t put any strain on surrounding teeth like a dental bridge does. It’s incredibly durable and remains resistant to decay.

The Fine Print

While a dental implant is an effective choice for replacing your missing tooth, it’s important to understand that it does require minor surgery. Unlike a bridge, which is completed in a couple of weeks, an implant procedure takes a few months to complete because the bone needs to heal before the crown can be placed. Dental implants are generally more expensive than dental bridges, although it’s a good investment in your future dental health because they do not need to be replaced every ten years like a bridge does. It is a permanent solution that you will not have to worry about fixing later on.

If you’re in need of a tooth replacement and think a dental implant might be right for you, contact our team today to make an appointment.

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As you age, your teeth naturally change color over time from wear and tear and can stain from the food you eat. Wine, coffee, berries, candy, and many other foods can affect the coloring of your teeth. Luckily, there are a variety of options out there to whiten your teeth.

While we offer professional teeth whitening services at Springs Village Dentistry that can give you that bright, white smile you’ve always wanted, today we want to share some natural remedies that can help restore your pearly whites to their former glory. We’ve compiled our five favorite tips that can naturally whiten your teeth – no professional help needed!

1. Brush After Drinking and Eating

While it may not always be feasible to brush your teeth every time after you drink or eat, this simple trick can help whiten your teeth. If you absolutely can’t brush your teeth after your meal, try drinking water to try to reduce the effects of staining or acidic foods.

2. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

While this tip may feel more like a elementary school science experiment than a teeth whitening treatment, creating a paste from a small amount of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can help remove plaque from teeth. After brushing, rub this paste onto your teeth for about 30 seconds, and then rinse well. Hydrogen peroxide is an antibacterial agent that kills bacteria and, when combined with baking soda, can help whiten teeth.

When going this route, make sure to rinse well afterwards to get rid of any baking soda and hydrogen peroxide left in your mouth. And don’t use this method excessively or it could take a toll on your tooth enamel.

3. Coconut Oil

Some folks report that coconut oil can naturally whiten teeth when applied after brushing. Coconut oil is also antimicrobial, meaning that it can help protect and clean your gums as an added benefit.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, which is a natural antibiotic and tooth cleanser, can remove stubborn stains. For smokers and coffee drinkers, it can effectively remove dark stains from teeth. You can brush with apple cider vinegar, or simply rub it on your teeth with a finger – just be sure to brush again with toothpaste and rinse afterward.

5. Choose Food Wisely

This one is easily the tastiest trick on our list – healthy foods such as: milk/yogurt, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and celery not only help keep your teeth and gums strong as well as help keep your teeth white.

For more difficult stains or quicker results, you may be interested in our professional whitening services. Dr. Molta and Dr. Moore can help you brighten your smile with take-home teeth whitening trays.

Don’t waste any more time hiding your smile because you’re embarrassed about the appearance of your teeth — contact our office today for a consultation!

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Ever wonder what it would have been like to get a cavity treated in the Middle Ages? Not pretty, that’s for sure. Just think about it: hundreds of years ago, if a tooth was painful or infected, a patient had little choice but to let a local craftsman pull it out.

Even though dentistry has existed in some form for thousands of years — first practiced by the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks — modern dentistry as we know it has only been around since the mid-1800s. And like any field, dental technology has made leaps and bound in the past few decades. Here are four important new improvements you might encounter at your dentist’s office today, which your ancestors wouldn’t know the first thing about!

1. Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays use far less radiation than traditional X-rays. This cuts down on risks associated with radiation. Seconds after a digital X-ray is taken, it appears on a screen in the dentist’s office, allowing for faster service and greater transparency. Unlike traditional X-rays, you don’t need to wait for the images to be processed.

2. Six Month Smiles®

Just a few decades ago, people who wanted to straighten their teeth needed to use painful and ungainly braces, often with headgear. The butt of many a pop culture joke, headgear has gone the way of the dodo. One of the newer braces technologies is Six Month Smiles, which is a less noticeable option and can produce dramatic results in a shorter period of time.

3. Dental Implants

Back in the day, treatments for missing or damaged teeth were rudimentary, and limited to a bridge, crown, or similar procedure. Now we have another option, a natural-looking and permanent dental implant. During an implant procedure, a metal titanium root takes the place of the natural root and is covered with a natural-looking crown. The average lifespan of an implant is 15 years or more, far longer than the alternatives.

4. Nitrous Oxide & Sedation

Advances in methods of sedation have made it safer and easier to go under for particular procedures. A patient can be awake but relaxed with nitrous oxide, or can elect to go completely under for something like wisdom teeth extraction. This saves many patients stress and anxiety.

Let’s all take a moment to appreciate the wonders of modern dentistry.

If reading about current dental technology convinces you it’s time to see your dentist and start taking advantage of what’s out there, give our office a call at 252-303-2598 to speak to our friendly team.

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We know it’s important to regularly visit the dentist to make sure our teeth and gums stay healthy; after all, oral health and overall wellness go hand in hand. So what about when it comes to cosmetic dental care? It might not seem as important since it’s a field of dentistry focused more on appearances, but it actually goes deeper than that. Cosmetic dental procedures have a number of benefits that could improve your day-to-day life!

Versatile Treatments

The great thing about cosmetic dental procedures is that there are lots of options suitable for patients of many different needs. From teeth whitening to porcelain veneers, you’ll be able to find exactly what you need to fix the aesthetic concerns that you have. If you don’t like the color, shape, size, or alignment of your teeth, you can find the perfect solution with cosmetic dentistry.

Self-Confidence Boost

When you are happy with the appearance of your teeth, it doesn’t just show in your smile. Smile makeovers have the power to totally transform someone’s self-confidence. We bet that a more attractive smile will help you feel more comfortable taking on interviews, dates, reunions, and other social events. At the very least, you’ll be able to smile and laugh without feeling the need to cover up your smile!

Increased Investment in Oral Hygiene

When you’ve spent money on improving your smile and you’re proud of how it looks, it can motivate you to take better care of it. You may find that you’re better at keeping up with your regular dental check-ups because you are no longer embarrassed about having someone work on your teeth or because you want to preserve the investment you’ve made.

Plus, if you decide to get a teeth-straightening procedure like Six Month Smiles®, it can make it easier to keep your teeth clean because there are fewer nooks and crannies for bacteria to hide in, and that make it difficult to brush and floss properly.

If you’d like to learn more about cosmetic dental procedures or you’d like to set up a smile consultation, contact Springs Village Dentistry today!

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When you think of sleep apnea, we bet one of the first things you think of is a CPAP machine, but would your dentist ever come to mind? It may seem unusual but many dentists offer sleep apnea treatment. Since people visit their dentist more regularly than their primary care physician, there’s a greater likelihood that a dental professional will be the one to diagnose sleep apnea.

What Is Dental Sleep Medicine?

Dental sleep medicine is a field of dentistry focused on using oral appliance therapy to treat sleep apnea and snoring. Dentists who provide this type of care often work hand-in-hand with sleep physicians to accurately diagnose sleep apnea and find the most suitable treatment option for their patient.

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is the use of a removable oral appliance that closely resembles a mouthguard or a retainer. When you wear this appliance, it positions your jaw and tongue forward so that they don’t block your airway. Many patients find it more comfortable to wear than a CPAP mask, not to mention it’s also portable and easier to travel with.

There are some over-the-counter oral appliances available, but you should know that you’re using these at your own risk. Since these generic options aren’t custom-made, you won’t have the fit and functionality of an appliance designed specifically for you based on impressions of your teeth.

Who Qualifies for Oral Appliance Therapy?

In general, oral appliance therapy is a good option for patients who have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. If you have more severe sleep apnea, then CPAP therapy might be a better choice for you. That being said, patients who have failed with CPAP therapy may also qualify for this treatment option.

If you’d like to learn more about oral appliance therapy or if you think you may be suffering with sleep apnea, contact our office. We’re here to help!

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