Helpful Articles.

Insight & Advice
for Your Oral Health

Why Are Some People More Prone to Cavities Than Others?

Traveling & Dental Care: Tips for Maintaining Oral Health on the Go

October 23, 2023
Illustration of a suitcase for traveling.

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but it’s essential to prioritize your health, including your oral health, while on the go. Neglecting your dental care routine during a trip can lead to discomfort and potential issues. In this blog, we’ll provide you with valuable tips for maintaining excellent oral health while traveling. Read on to enjoy traveling and dental health.

Pack Your Dental Essentials

Before embarking on your journey, make a checklist of your dental essentials to ensure you have everything you need. We recommend ensuring you have the following:

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Dental Floss
  • Travel-Sized Mouthwash
  • Travel Toothbrush Holder

Stick to Your Routine

While it can be tempting to skip your dental care routine during a busy day of sightseeing or when you’re on a long flight, it’s crucial to maintain your habits. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque.

Stay Hydrated

Traveling involves changes in climate and long hours on the road or in the air, which can lead to dehydration. A dry mouth can increase the risk of oral health problems like bad breath and tooth decay. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Be Mindful of Your Diet

Exploring new cuisines is one of the joys of travel, but it’s essential to be mindful of your diet to protect your teeth. Limit sugary snacks and acidic foods, which can contribute to tooth decay. Opt for healthier options, and consume sweets and treats in moderation.

Prepare for Dental Emergencies

It’s wise to research dental care options at your travel destination. Know where to find local dentists or dental clinics in case you encounter a dental emergency. Having this information on hand can provide peace of mind and prompt action if needed.

Visit Our Dentist in Holly Springs, CA, Before You Travel

Maintaining oral health while traveling is essential for your overall well-being. At Springs Village Dentistry, we have emergency dental care and comprehensive services available. Whether you’re traveling or about to, get in touch with our dentist for your dental needs!

Contact Us

Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay

How to Properly Floss: A Step-by-Step Guide for Better Oral Hygiene

September 21, 2023
Oral hygiene and health care. Smiling women using dental floss white healthy teeth.

Brushing is a fundamental part of your dental routine, but flossing plays an equally important role in keeping your teeth and gums in top-notch condition. Flossing removes food particles and plaque between your teeth, which your toothbrush can’t reach effectively. It only takes a couple minutes, and it’s a valuable time investment to protect your smile. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you floss properly.

How to Floss Properly

There are various types of string dental floss available. From nylon, woven, waxed, unwaxed, or flavored, it’s important to select your floss based on your preference and needs. While floss picks are handy for on-the-go, for regular oral hygiene, string floss will be more effective. However, the best floss is the one you will use daily. Once you’ve selected your dental floss, you can follow these five easy steps.

  • Step 1: Cut an Adequate Length

Take about 18 to 24 inches of floss and loop it around your middle fingers. Leave an inch or two in between to work with.

  • Step 2: Hold the Floss Correctly

Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers, leaving a small gap in between. This will give you the control you need to navigate around your teeth.

  • Step 3: Gently Glide Between the Curves of the Teeth

Glide the floss gently between your teeth, hugging it around the base of each tooth in a “c” shape. As you curve the floss around the teeth, gently wiggle the floss up and down as you slide slightly beneath the gumline to remove plaque or food that may be lodged there. Be careful not to roughly snap the floss against your gums, as this can cause irritation or bleeding. Check out this video for more help.

  • Step 4: Use a Clean Section for Each Tooth

As you move from tooth to tooth, unwind a fresh section of floss. Using the same section can transfer debris from one area to another.

  • Step 5: Rinse and Dispose

Once you’ve flossed between all your teeth, rinse your mouth with water to wash away loosened debris. Dispose of the used floss properly. In your evening routine, it’s a good idea to floss and then brush.

Preventive Dentistry in Holly Springs, NC

Flossing should be a daily habit, just like brushing your teeth. And so should preventive dentistry appointments! At Springs Village Dentistry, our preventive dental services can improve your oral hygiene, reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities, and maintain a confident, healthy smile for years to come. Contact our office to schedule your visit!

Contact Us

Why the Summer is a Great Time for a Dental Check-up

August 22, 2023

Summertime is the season for family vacations, lazy days by the pool, backyard barbecues, and weekend trips to the beach. With so much fun to be had, prioritizing your oral health could easily slip your mind. But taking care of your smile is a year-round job, and summer is the perfect time to schedule a dental check-up.

Relaxed Summer Vibes

Summer is all about slowing down and taking it easy, which makes it the ideal occasion to set aside some time for your oral health. Unlike the back-to-school rush that’s just around the corner, or the hustle and bustle of the holiday season a few months away, you can more easily find a quiet summer afternoon to schedule a trip to the dentist.

Time for Follow-up Appointments

Routine cleanings and exams are the cornerstone of dental care for many reasons, one of which is that they allow us to catch problems before they turn into a bigger headache. By staying on top of your oral health and scheduling a summer checkup, you are more likely to detect and treat dental concerns early, saving you time, money, and discomfort. If you require follow-up appointments, summer is a great time to take care of additional treatments.

Easily Schedule Appointments for the Whole Family

Take advantage of the kiddos being out of school to make dental appointments for the whole family. You won’t have to worry about your children missing class or waste time driving all over town facilitating pick-ups and drop-offs. Spring Village Dentistry offers convenient block appointments to accommodate families, we are open two Saturdays a month, and we also have extended hours several times per week!

Preventive Dental Care in Holly Springs, NC

If it’s been longer than six months since your last dental cleaning and exam, schedule a dental check-up at Spring Village Dentistry! Our team is always happy to answer any questions you have, and we provide a number of financial options to fit your budget. Make this summer one to remember with a healthy, beautiful smile—contact us today.

Contact Us

Is Custom Take-Home Teeth Whitening Better Than Whitening Strips?

July 25, 2023
A smiling woman points at her white smile with both hands.

A bright, white smile does wonders for your confidence. That’s why whitening products like strips, trays, and special toothpaste are so popular! With such a wide variety of store-bought products available, you might wonder if professional whitening is worth it. Are custom take-home kits better than whitening strips?

Why is custom whitening better?

When you get whitening strips from the store, none of your specific needs or goals are addressed. It’s a one-size-fits-all treatment that often leads to disappointing results. You may even experience unpleasant side effects like inflamed gums and lips. At our office, we offer ZOOM! Whitening, which uses custom-made trays that fit your mouth perfectly. The gel, which is stronger than store-bought strips, stays right next to your teeth and provides consistent whitening for your whole smile.

Can you take our whitening trays home with you?

If you want professional results but aren’t too eager to go to the office, we offer take-home whitening kits! You can whiten your teeth at home whenever you have time. We’ll always provide thorough instructions, so you know exactly what to do.

How do you maintain professional teeth whitening?

Professional teeth whitening provides long-lasting results, but it’s not a permanent treatment. You can maintain your bright new shade with a few lifestyle adjustments, like drinking darker beverages (like coffee and red wine) through a straw, avoiding overly acidic foods and drinks, and rinsing your mouth with water after meals. Good oral hygiene also protects your teeth from stains.

Visit Springs Village Dentistry in Holly Springs, NC for custom take-home whitening kits

Professional whitening is safer, more effective, and longer lasting than strips you buy in a store. At our office, Dr. Molta and Dr. Moore are proud to offer a take-home option, so you can enjoy the convenience of whitening at home with excellent results! If you’re interested in teeth whitening or any of our other services, please contact us today!

Contact Us

Schedule Your Child’s Routine Dental Visit This Summer

June 10, 2023
Mom, dad and two daughters.

Summer is right around the corner, which means cookouts, pool parties, and. . . dentist visits? Going to the dentist may not appear on your list of things to do over summer break, but there are many reasons why it’s a great time to schedule your kid’s next routine appointment.

No School

The most obvious perk of scheduling a dentist appointment during the summer break is that your child won’t have to be pulled out of school. The summer months offer a helpful level of flexibility, making it easier for you to find an appointment without your kid having to miss any class.

Time for Follow Up

Along those same lines, it’s helpful to schedule your child’s routine dental visit at the beginning of summer just in case we find something that requires a follow-up appointment. If your child has to have a cavity filled or get their wisdom teeth taken out, we have a better chance of scheduling that procedure before they have to go back to school. Not only does this help their attendance record, but it also means that they have plenty of time to recover at home.

Instill Important Oral Hygiene Habits

When your kid is in school, do you ever feel like their brain is on overload and it’s hard for them to retain important information? With everything that they are learning in class and all of the extracurricular activities, it can be hard to get new info to really sink in. Summer presents a great opportunity to reemphasize the importance of brushing and flossing twice daily while your child is on a break.

Kid-Friendly Dentistry in Holly Springs, NC

At Springs Village Dentistry, we love teaching children the importance of oral health from an early age. Summer is also a great time to get your athletes fitted with custom mouth guards to protect them from sports injuries. To make things easy for you, we offer extended hours on Mondays and Tuesdays and even have Saturday appointments available. Be sure to schedule your child’s summer check-up and cleaning today!

Contact Us

5 Ways Athletes Can Take Better Care of Their Teeth

May 18, 2023
Young tween in braces holding a basketball on the court with teammates in the background.

If you or a family member love playing sports, you know the importance of physical fitness. Your oral health is just as important! What can athletes do to take better care of their teeth? Here are five suggestions.

#1. Wear a mouthguard

Dental injuries like chipped teeth, cut lips, and knocked-out teeth are very common among athletes. You can protect your teeth and soft tissues by wearing a mouthguard. They’re available at any sports equipment store, but customized mouthguards like those available from Springs Village Dentistry fit better and last longer. Comfortable mouthguards are also more likely to get worn.

#2. Drink enough water

Athletes sweat a lot, so drinking enough water is very important. It’s important for your oral health, too! As you exercise, your mouth can get dry and produce less saliva. Saliva neutralizes enamel-destroying acids, so you want to drink enough water and get your saliva production back up again.

#3. Be careful with sports drinks

Sports drinks have vitamins and electrolytes, but many contain lots of sugar and acids, as well. Your teeth can suffer if you drink too many sugary, acidic beverages. Try sticking with plain water or rinsing your mouth well after drinking a sports beverage. Coconut water is another good alternative since it has lots of potassium and sodium.

#4. Eat other foods with carb-heavy meals

Many athletes eat high-carb diets because they burn so much energy, but cavity-causing bacteria love carbs, too. As bacteria feast on carbs, they produce acid that chews at your tooth enamel and leads to cavities. To protect your teeth, try eating fewer starchy foods and more tooth-friendly foods like yogurt, crunchy vegetables, and leafy greens.

#5. Visit the dentist for regular cleanings & exams

Everyone, not just athletes, should visit the dentist for routine cleanings and exams! We’ll remove plaque and tartar, polish your teeth, and check for problems like cavities or gum disease. If you’re having problems with your mouthguard or experiencing a mouth injury, we can help, too!

Get convenient, high-quality dentistry at Springs Village Dentistry

If you’re an athlete looking for great dental care, please consider visiting us! Dr. Molta and Dr. Moore are pleased to offer services like preventive care, restorative dentistry, custom mouthguards, and emergency dentistry. If you would like to schedule an appointment in Holly Springs, NC, please contact us today!

Contact Us

Connect with us

We can’t wait to meet you.
Call (919) 825-3131 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.