When you’re gearing up for your next dental check-up, you might find yourself wondering how much your dentist can deduce about your oral hygiene routine from just an examination. A common query many have is, “Can dentists really tell if I don’t floss?” The short answer is yes, your dentist can definitely tell if flossing isn’t part of your daily regimen. Let’s delve into how they figure it out. Plaque & Tartar Build-Up The main aim of brushing your teeth is to clear away plaque and bacteria, preventing them from building up and turning into tartar, also known as “calculus.” However, brushi ..read more

Dental Hygienist Appreciation Week (April 8-12) shines a spotlight on the extraordinary role dental hygienists play in our oral health care. It’s a perfect time to acknowledge their dedication and the positive impact they have on our smiles. Here’s how you can join in the celebration and show gratitude for their tireless work. Elevating Oral Health Education Dental Hygienist Appreciation Week is not just about saying thanks; it’s also a prime time to elevate our understanding and commitment to better oral hygiene practices. This could be an excellent period for you and your family to reinforce ..read more

At CarolinasDentist, when we ask you to stick out your tongue during a dental exam, it’s not for laughs. This small action is part of a comprehensive check that allows our skilled dental team to inspect your teeth, gums, and entire mouth thoroughly. One critical aspect of this examination is the early detection of oral health issues, including oral cancer. Understanding Oral Cancer Oral cancer encompasses cancers of the mouth and pharynx. It can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. Early detection is crucial as it significantly improve ..read more

While the term “surgery” might seem daunting, at CarolinasDentist Cary, our goal is to demystify oral surgery and make it a positive, fear-free experience. We believe in informed, comfortable care for all our patients. What Does Oral Surgery Include? Oral surgery encompasses a range of procedures that many are already acquainted with, such as tooth extractions, gum grafts, dental implants, and more. While oral surgery is usually thought of in its relationship with restorative dentistry, it’s used cosmetically as well. But, think of it like this: if your dentist needs to access the inside of yo ..read more

At CarolinasDentist, we recognize the indispensable role our dentists and dental assistants play, not just in our office but in the lives of our patients. As we approach Dentist Day on March 6 and Dental Assistants Recognition Week March 3-9, we’re taking a moment to express our profound gratitude for our incredible team. Gratitude for Our Dentists and Dental Assistants Our dentists and dental assistants are at the heart of everything we do. Their unwavering dedication, exceptional skill, and compassionate care are what make CarolinasDentist stand out. They go above and beyond to ensure each p ..read more

Spring is here, making it the perfect moment to revitalize your home, especially the bathroom. This often-neglected space plays a big role in our oral health routine. So, as you dive into spring cleaning, remember to spruce up your oral care corner for a sparkling clean and healthy environment. Declutter and Organize Start by sifting through your bathroom shelves and cabinets. Toss out any expired toothpaste, old toothbrushes, and out-of-date oral care products. Arrange your dental supplies in an orderly fashion for better access and visibility. Deep Clean Your Toothbrush Holder Did you know t ..read more

Each day, we use technology, eat food, take medication, and more. Often, there are invisible women behind the innovations we cherish. This March, we want to do our part to help shine the spotlight on those women! This Women’s History Month, we’re proud to celebrate the first female dentist, Dr. Lucy Hobbs Taylor! A Pioneer in Dental History Lucy Hobbs Taylor, D.D.S., is a trailblazing figure in dentistry, remembered as the first woman to receive a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree. Born in 1833 in New York, Lucy faced significant challenges in her quest to become a dentist. Despite soci ..read more

Gum health is a crucial yet often overlooked part of our oral well-being. Most oral care products focus on teeth, which makes it easy to forget about our gums. But remember, your gums are an entry point to your entire blood stream. Let’s not wait until gum disease starts causing trouble for your pearly whites. Keep an eye out for these five warning signs: 1. Bleeding Gums Spotting pink in the sink? Bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing, are a red flag for gum disease. If your gums bleed without much fuss, it’s time to chat with your dentist. Better safe than sorry! 2. Swollen o ..read more

Many people don’t realize that their oral health can have a significant impact on their heart health. But recent research shows a surprising connection between the two, highlighting the importance of taking care of both your teeth and your heart. Periodontitis and Heart Disease: What’s the Connection? Periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, is not just a threat to your oral health but also poses risks to your heart. This condition occurs when bacteria in your mouth lead to inflammation and infection in the gums, potentially causing tissue damage and tooth loss. But it doesn’t stop there ..read more

Hey Parents! It’s time to celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month in style! This year, let’s make it a month of healthy habits and happy smiles with a range of fun and rewarding activities for the whole family. Check out these ideas to keep your kids motivated and engaged in their oral health journey! 1. Dance Party Brushing Turn brushing into a daily dance party! Create a playlist of their favorite songs and let them boogie down while they brush. It’s a fun way to ensure they brush for the recommended two minutes and start their day with a smile! 2. Sticker Chart Challenge Create a sticker c ..read more