20 Mistakes You're Making With Your Teeth

Taking care of your pearly whites isn't rocket science, but it's easy to slip into habits that could cause heartache -- er, toothache -- in the long run. We got the latest on giving your teeth the TLC they need from two New York City pros: Alice Lee, DDS, an assistant professor in the Department of Dentistry for Montefiore Health System, and Alison Newgard, DDS, an assistant professor of clinical dentistry at Columbia University College of Dentistry, will clue you in on where you could be going wrong.

Multitasking while you brush
Every minute in the morning feels precious, so it's tempting to brush your teeth in the shower or while scrolling through your Twitter feed. "To each his own," says Dr. Newgard, "but I prefer patients to be in front of a mirror, over the sink; you can be sure to hit all the surfaces of your teeth, and you'll do a more thorough job when you're not distracted." Better to leave the bathroom a few minutes later having given proper attention to each step of your prep.

Overcleaning your toothbrush
Thinking about running your brush through the dishwasher or zapping it in the microwave to disinfect it? Think again: While we've all seen those stories about toothbrushes harboring gross bacteria, the CDC says there's no evidence that anyone has ever gotten sick from their own toothbrush. Just give your brush a good rinse with regular old tap water, let it air-dry, and store it upright where it's not touching anyone else's brush. More drastic cleaning measures may damage your brush, the CDC notes, which defeats its purpose.

Using social media as your dentist
The web is full of weird and (seemingly) wonderful DIY dental tips that can hurt much more than they'll help. Read our lips: Don't even go there. "I've heard of patients who go on Pinterest and find ways to whiten their teeth there--by swishing with straight peroxide, for example--which are not good for their teeth," Dr. Newgard says. "Use ADA-approved products that have been tested." (Another online tip to skip: trying to close up a gap in your teeth with DIY rubber band braces.) 

To read the entire article written by Lauren Oster, please visit HuffingtonPost.com 

SeaSide Dentistry 
Donna M. Gentry, DDS 
1165 Cedar Point Blvd, Suite P 
Cedar Point, NC 28584 
(252) 764-2784 
SeaSideDentistryNC.com

Antibiotics & Your Heart

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about antibiotics and your heart.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

SeaSide Dentistry 
Donna M. Gentry, DDS 
1165 Cedar Point Blvd, Suite P 
Cedar Point, NC 28584 
(252) 764-2784 
SeaSideDentistryNC.com

Dental Gum Disease

Losing Teeth Because of Gum Disease

Gum disease, not decay, is the most frequent reason for missing teeth. Signs of infected gums are loose teeth and bleeding gums while flossing or brushing. Sometimes there are no significant signs until the problem is severely advanced. When treatment begins in the earlier stages, this problem can be halted by nonsurgical means. If you wait too long, surgery may be the only option.

Serious Consequences of Gum Disease

A link between gum disease and life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke has been identified. Medical research has confirmed that the bacteria infecting gums travel in the bloodstream, affecting vital organs and adding to or playing a role in the development of these serious conditions.

The American Dental Association has provided statistics that state 8 out of 10 people in the United States have this gum problem at some level. Dentists are now more concerned about periodontal (gum) disease, as it can mean more than losing your teeth.

The American Academy of Periodontology reports: "studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases."

SeaSide Dentistry 
Donna M. Gentry, DDS 
1165 Cedar Point Blvd, Suite P 
Cedar Point, NC 28584 
(252) 764-2784 
SeaSideDentistryNC.com

More Than a Quarter of Americans Have This Untreated Disease

Let's just say, it might be time to get your pearly whites checked.

It's time for Americans to get over their fear of the dentist. According to new data published from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, more than 25% of U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated tooth decay. Additionally, 1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older may have it as well.

And if that's not motivation enough to take a seat in the dental chair, 91% have one tooth (or more) that has been treated for tooth decay or needs to be.

To read the entire article written by Samantha Toscano, please visit GoodHouseKeeping.com

SeaSide Dentistry 
Donna M. Gentry, DDS 
1165 Cedar Point Blvd, Suite P 
Cedar Point, NC 28584 
(252) 764-2784 
SeaSideDentistryNC.com

Power Toothbrushes

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about power toothbrushes.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

SeaSide Dentistry 
Donna M. Gentry, DDS 
1165 Cedar Point Blvd, Suite P 
Cedar Point, NC 28584 
(252) 764-2784 
SeaSideDentistryNC.com

Athletic Mouthguards Dentist

An Improved Athletic Performance

The jaw actually plays a role in your athletic performance. When it is properly aligned, it gives you additional power and strength. We proudly present the UnderArmour ArmourBite™ Mouthguard to our athletes to enhance their capabilities and endurance. This mouthguard has over 40 years of research in its design. It incorporates neuromuscular dentistry to provide better endurance, strength, and balance that gives you the extra edge in performance. Let us put ArmourBite on your team for improvement in your athletic feats.

SeaSide Dentistry 
Donna M. Gentry, DDS 
1165 Cedar Point Blvd, Suite P 
Cedar Point, NC 28584 
(252) 764-2784 
SeaSideDentistryNC.com

Risks to Oral Health During Pregnancy

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about risks to your oral health during pregnancy.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

SeaSide Dentistry 
Donna M. Gentry, DDS 
1165 Cedar Point Blvd, Suite P 
Cedar Point, NC 28584 
(252) 764-2784 
SeaSideDentistryNC.com

Dental Veneers

A Beautiful Smile in Only Two Visits

Porcelain veneers can correct the unsightliness of gaps or misshapen or discolored teeth to give you a smile that looks like you had years of straightening. It can take as few as two visits to achieve your new look.

The porcelain veneers we use are the latest, most durable sheets of dental ceramic that are bonded to your natural teeth to create a smile that is even, uniform, and very attractive.

Veneers can also be used on a single tooth that is cracked, worn down, or chipped. This type of restoration will blend in color to match the other teeth, so your smile will be a very natural-looking one

SeaSide Dentistry 
Donna M. Gentry, DDS 
1165 Cedar Point Blvd, Suite P 
Cedar Point, NC 28584 
(252) 764-2784 
SeaSideDentistryNC.com

Best and Worst Halloween Candy Options for Children’s Teeth

Halloween is just around the corner, and although candy consumption is almost unavoidable this time of year, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) wants parents and children to know that there are both good and bad candy options, both of which may find their way into children's trick-or-treat bags this fall. 
  
"Of course, dentists do not advocate that children eat large amounts of sugary treats, but it is that time of year, so we want to clarify for parents which treats are better for their kids' teeth and which ones may increase the risk of developing cavities," says AGD spokesperson Cynthia Sherwood, DDS, FAGD. 

To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com

SeaSide Dentistry 
Donna M. Gentry, DDS 
1165 Cedar Point Blvd, Suite P 
Cedar Point, NC 28584 
(252) 764-2784 
SeaSideDentistryNC.com