Malocclusion is the dental term for misaligned teeth, a common condition affecting about 200,000 people in the United States every year. Many seek cosmetic solutions to feel better about their smiles, but there are also negative health consequences including pain and discomfort that result from improperly aligned teeth.
(more…)Brushing with Braces: Cleaning Every Nook & Cranny
October 27, 2021
If braces are in your future, or you have just had them placed, you may be wondering just how the heck to work around them when flossing and brushing. We’d love to calm your mind by reminding you those wires and brackets are temporary visitors, hanging out to help correct the bite and achieve a smile anyone would feel confident flashing.
(more…)Why Haven’t My Child’s Permanent Teeth Come In?
October 13, 2021
If your child’s permanent adult teeth haven’t emerged in a timely manner, you may wonder if there is a reason to worry. Carolina Complete Dental would like to share a few possible reasons permanent adult teeth can be delayed.
(more…)Toothbrush Timers Can Make Brushing Fun for Kids!
September 27, 2021
Many parents wonder how to get—and keep—their kids interested in brushing their teeth. A wall chart with stickers may be enough, but some kids get bored more easily than others (especially in today’s digital age).
(more…)Baby Teeth: Folklore & Traditions Around the World
September 13, 2021
What parents do with their children’s baby teeth varies from family to family. Some save them, some throw them away, some make a craft project or a keepsake from them. Recent research is even exploring the possibility of having parents store their children’s baby teeth to preserve mesenchymal stem cell content in the event the child develops cancer or certain other illnesses in their future. Just for fun, Drs. Bargainier, and Zuffi want to discuss some history of baby tooth traditions around the world.
(more…)Xylitol: Is it Safe for Kids?
August 27, 2021
What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a naturally-occurring substance found in the birch tree and in many fruits and vegetables. Its chemical structure resembles a cross between sugar and alcohol—but it is neither. Xylitol is used as an FDA-approved artificial sweetener that can also assist in the prevention of tooth decay, so Drs. Bargainier, and Zuffi would like to share some information about xylitol’s safety for children.
(more…)Adult Braces: What to Expect at Your First Appointment
August 13, 2021
Orthodontics Aren’t Just Kid Stuff
The use of orthodontic appliances to improve smiles isn’t just for kids and teens anymore. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, about one million Americans and Canadians over the age of 18 wear braces or aligners, and the use of adult orthodontics rose 24 percent between 1989 and 2008.
(more…)What to Expect: Your Child’s First Visit to the Orthodontist
July 27, 2021
If you had to undergo orthodontic treatment as a child or teen, hearing it recommended for your little one might make you wince—we understand! However, we’d like to assure you that just like general dentistry and treatments today, orthodontic care has improved in hopscotch-style leaps and bounds!
(more…)How to Choose the Right Pediatric Dentist for Your Child
July 13, 2021
Being the parent of a little one (or a couple or a few) means making a lot of decisions each day—what to dress them in, what to feed them, what books to read, toys to purchase, schools in your district. There are also a lot of questions you’ll ask, such as: “How do I care for my child’s oral health? How do I help them through teething? When is fluoride toothpaste safe for them to use?”
(more…)Finding Your Oasis: Food & Drinks for Dry Mouth
June 27, 2021
Xerostomia is the technical term for dry mouth, the condition that results from absent or reduced saliva flow. It is not a disease on its own, but it may be a side effect of medication or radiation treatments. Xerostomia affects about 20% of the elderly population—not because of their age, but due to the increased likelihood of using medication or having radiation therapy that causes dry mouth. Drs. Bargainier, and Zuffi is here to discuss some foods and beverages to alleviate the symptoms of dry mouth.
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