A Dr. Moore in scrubs shows a document on a tablet to an older couple seated on a couch in a bright room at Springs Village Dentistry with a plant.

Helpful Articles.

Insight & Advice
for Your Oral Health

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How Long After Fluoride Treatment Can I Eat?

In this post, find out how long after fluoride treatment you can eat, what foods to avoid, and why waiting is a good idea.

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!

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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!

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What Is Periodontal Care?

April 11, 2023
Cartoon of a patient with advanced gingivitis and bleeding gums.
Image by Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Positive oral health isn’t just about taking care of your teeth — your gums play a vital role in your oral health. Gum disease is a preventable, progressive condition that affects an estimated 19% of the entire adult population. At Springs Village Dentistry, we offer dedicated periodontal care so our patients can have healthy gums as well as healthy teeth. Below, learn more about how we approach periodontal care and our tips for maintaining healthy gums at home.

The role your gums play in your oral health

Your gums are the protective tissue around your teeth. They keep your teeth in place and protect them from bacteria. To maintain healthy gums, it’s best to consistently maintain a good oral hygiene routine. When plaque and tartar build up under the gum line, the gums begin to separate from your teeth. This exposes your teeth at the roots and makes them vulnerable to decay. If left untreated, this can lead to tooth loss.

Tips for better gum care at home

The best way to deal with gum disease is to prevent it from happening entirely! In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, follow up with floss in order to properly clean the tight areas under your gums and between your teeth. This is one of the best ways to avoid gum disease. It is also important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet that is low in carbohydrates and sugar. Smoking is also detrimental to gum health.

Periodontal care in Holly Springs, NC

When you visit Springs Village Dentistry, your dentist will determine the right course of action for you after thoroughly examining your gums. For example, we offer deep cleanings to patients who are experiencing symptoms of early stage gum disease, such as swelling or bleeding gums. A deep cleaning is a dedicated treatment that targets plaque and tartar build up under the gum line. When plaque and tartar are removed from under the gum line, patients should experience a reduction in their symptoms. Some patients can benefit from more frequent examinations to track the progress of their gum disease.

Affordable & comprehensive dental care at Springs Village Dentistry

Dr. Moore and Dr. Molta believe in establishing a meaningful relationship with each patient as part of providing exceptional, individualized care. We offer comprehensive preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments so you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile. Contact us to schedule an appointment today and be sure to review our financial page to learn more about how we make our treatments affordable for patients of all backgrounds.

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What Does Fluoride Do for Your Teeth?

March 17, 2023
Fluoride toothpaste loaded onto a toothbrush.

There are many minerals that help the human body to function properly. When it comes to protecting your teeth, fluoride plays an important role. Unfortunately, many people do not understand what it is and the benefits of this mineral. Here’s what you need to know about fluoride and how it can help you sustain healthy teeth.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral from the ground which can be found in solid, liquid, and gas forms. Some places have no presence of fluoride, but in areas where there is fluoride, it typically means that the mineral can be found in drinking water and the produce grown in the area. Studies have shown that the presence of fluoride in drinking water and food helps to promote healthier teeth. Some governments even increase fluoride levels in the community’s water supply to promote oral health. For example, the US government uses water fluoridation programs to prevent cavities through drinking water.

What Does It Do for Teeth?

Fluoride helps to strengthen your enamel, which can easily be weakened from acids produced by bacteria or the foods and beverages we consume on a daily basis. When the enamel breaks down through demineralization, it leaves your teeth vulnerable to bacterial infections and decay. Fluoride can reverse the process of demineralization through remineralization, which adds minerals back into the enamel. In addition, it can increase bone mineral density which makes your teeth stronger. It can also reduce plaque formation, which can lead to fewer gum infections.

How Can We Incorporate It in Our Daily Regimen?

To take preventive action against everyday plaque build-up and exposure to acids, there are ways you can incorporate more fluoride into your oral care regimen. Consider purchasing fluoride-filled products you can use daily in your oral care routine, like toothpaste and mouthwash. You can also consult with your dentist about fluoride treatments. This is when a high concentration of fluoride is applied to your teeth every 6 months or so to prevent cavities. Children and elderly patients commonly receive this treatment because those ages naturally have higher risks for decay.

Cavity Prevention in Holly Springs, NC

Our team at Springs Village Dentistry can provide further information on other ways to strengthen and protect your teeth. We also offer fluoride treatments that you can get during your regular dental cleaning and exam. Feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment!

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Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

February 9, 2023
Snoring woman with sleep apnea is next to her husband covering his ears with a pillow.

Sleep apnea is something that millions of people around the country suffer from. You may be wondering, “How do I know if I have sleep apnea if I’m asleep?” It’s a valid question! There are plenty of people who don’t actually know that they have sleep apnea unless their partner notices symptoms during the night. Or they might have a particularly attentive doctor who can piece together the symptoms they are experiencing. That’s why it’s a good idea to know what the most common signs of sleep apnea are so if you start to have them, you can get a proper diagnosis.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms During the Night

One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea that occurs at night is loud, frequent snoring. Keep in mind that not everyone who snores is doing so because of sleep apnea. However, if there’s snoring paired with one or more other symptoms, it’s definitely something to look into. Another symptom that those with sleep apnea experience at night is gasping for air. This might accompany moments when their breathing stops altogether. These signs are difficult to identify unless you have a partner who shares your bed or room.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms During the Day

Sleep apnea causes a lack of oxygen throughout the night, which results in poor quality sleep. Obviously this will manifest in other ways throughout the day. Some daytime signs include morning headaches, sleepiness or fatigue, irritability, and difficulty paying attention. Many of us occasionally have nights where we don’t get sufficient sleep and experience these symptoms. However, if you’re feeling fatigued and irritable day after day regardless of how many hours you’re in bed, it’s time to investigate the cause. Similarly, if you always wake up with a headache, then you should consult a healthcare provider.

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Holly Springs

If you or your partner have noticed some of the previously mentioned symptoms, we can help you find out where to do a sleep study that will fit your schedule so that you can get a diagnosis. Springs Village Dentistry provides sleep apnea treatment. Common treatment options include a custom oral appliance or CPAP machine and we can figure out which is right for you. Call or email us today!

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Is Dental Sedation Safe for Children?

January 14, 2023
Boy in the dental chair with a mask for nitrous oxide dental sedation.

Dental sedation is a common technique for patients who feel anxious or nervous in the dental chair. This feeling, often referred to as dental anxiety, is especially common among children. Our practice offers a wide range of dental services for children to achieve and maintain great oral health, some of which can be assisted by dental sedation.

Sedation Dentistry

Visiting the dentist can trigger anxiety or stress in any patient. To help patients, even children, cope with their anxiety, sedation dentistry can make the treatment and visit more comfortable. There are several types of sedation, including:

  • Oral conscious sedation
  • Nitrous oxide
  • IV sedation

Springs Village Dentistry offers oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide (laughing gas.) Nitrous oxide is the most common type of dental sedation and is considered one of the safest kinds of sedation in children’s dentistry.

Preparing Your Child for Dental Sedation

Preparing your child for any type of dental sedation will ensure they have the safest and best possible experience. While our Springs Village Dentistry team will provide you with detailed information for preparing your child, typically, you should:

  • Avoid giving your child solid foods
  • Dress your child in comfortable clothing
  • Provide your child’s current health information

Dental Sedation Aftercare

After sedation, especially nitrous oxide, your child may feel perfectly normal. However, sometimes children feel confused, nauseous, or emotional. These side effects are normal, and your child will need time to rest and recover. Once your child returns home, we encourage you to:

  • Monitor your child after treatment
  • Feed your child soft foods
  • Encourage your child to drink plenty of water

Dental Sedation in Holly Springs, NC

Dental sedation, especially nitrous oxide, is safe for children. We offer dental sedation to help patients feel comfortable and relaxed. If you’d like to learn more about sedation dentistry to see if you or your child is a candidate, contact us today!

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