When it comes to the oral health care needs of older adults,  the increased risk of developing problems with teeth and gums can be painful and debilitating, adversely affecting quality of life and overall well-being. Understanding the causes and symptoms of the most common issues will help you manage those risks. Five Common Problems for Older Adults: Tooth Decay:  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), nearly one in five U.S. seniors has untreated tooth decay.  As an older adult, the primary cause of any cavity you may have is the same as for any a ..read more

A Guide to Finding Relief at Carolina Smiling Introduction: Sleep apnea is a common yet often undiagnosed sleep disorder that can have severe consequences for one’s overall health and well-being. Finding practical solutions is crucial for improving sleep quality and overall health if you or someone you know is struggling with sleep apnea. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Carolina Family Dentistry, can be essential in addressing sleep apnea and helping you achieve a restful night’s sleep. Understanding Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths durin ..read more

When you go to your dental appointment, you might be periodically told that it’s time for dental x-rays. Why are these films important? And when should you have them done? Are they safe? Check out this guide to dental x-rays so you can make an informed decision. Why Are Dental X-rays Important? When your dentist looks in your mouth, he or she can see all of the same structures that you can see when you look inside of your mouth. What they can’t see is what’s happening beneath the surface of your enamel, between your teeth, or under your gumline. That is where dental x-rays come in. These films ..read more

Tooth decay is an all-too-common problem that affects countless individuals around the world. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several solutions for restoring the health and appearance of decayed teeth. One of the most popular and versatile options available today is composite fillings. What are Composite Fillings? Composite or tooth-colored fillings are made from plastic and glass particles. They have become the preferred choice for many because they seamlessly blend with the natural color of teeth, providing a functional and aesthetic solution to cavities. Benefits of Composite Fillings ..read more

Our diet significantly impacts our oral health, influencing the development of cavities, gum diseases, and other dental conditions. Understanding the correlation between diet and oral health is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Foods That Can Cause Damage: Sugary Foods and Drinks: Consuming high sugar can lead to tooth decay. Sugars feed the bacteria in the mouth, producing acids that erode enamel and lead to cavities. Examples include candies, cookies, sodas, and sports drinks. Acidic Foods: Acidic foods can erode tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay. Common a ..read more

When it comes to dental procedures, many people experience anxiety and apprehension. Fortunately, sedation dentistry provides various options to help patients relax and stay comfortable throughout their appointment. Two popular methods of sedation are oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide sedation. These methods are effective but used in different circumstances and have other effects. Here’s an overview of their differences and when they might be appropriate. Oral Conscious Sedation Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed pill before the procedure. These medications are typica ..read more

A dental crown can restore the normal size and shape of your natural teeth, make your tooth stronger, and improve your smile and confidence. Crowns can be used to attach bridges, protect a weak tooth, restore a broken tooth, cover an implant, or cover a discolored or badly shaped tooth. They do, however, still require daily oral care just like your natural teeth. Common Problems Dental crowns can last between five and fifteen years, but just like your natural teeth they can develop problems. There are six common problems that can develop with dental crowns: Discomfort or sensitivity: It’s nor ..read more

Have you ever tried to bite into a carrot or a piece of fruit and really struggled? Does your jaw feel tired and achy after eating something chewy? Do you have difficulty opening your mouth really wide, or does your jaw “pop” when you do? While these may seem like minor inconveniences or discomforts, they could be a sign of something more serious and can be an indication of bite alignment issues Take Action If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, you should talk to your dentist right away.  Your dentist will do an evaluation to determine if you have a misaligned bite. Severe m ..read more

Wisdom teeth are the third molars that form all the way to the back of the mouth. They typically emerge when a person is between the ages of 17 and 25. They’ve gotten kind of a bad rap for causing problems and needing to be removed, but that isn’t always the case. Here’s what you need to know about your wisdom teeth and why they might need to be removed.   Emergence When wisdom teeth first begin to emerge it can cause some discomfort. Rinsing thoroughly with a mouthwash of medium-hot water and a teaspoon of salt should help to clean the area and provide some relief. An antibacterial mouth ..read more

What You Need to Know About FSA and HSA Coverage We all know that it’s important to take care of our teeth and visit our dentist regularly for cleanings and routine check-ups. But in today’s economy, paying for those services can be difficult. Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from getting the dental care you need in order to stay healthy. Whether you have dental insurance, a Flexible Spending Account, a Health Savings Account, or no insurance at all, Carolina Family Dentistry can help you navigate the financial aspects of paying for your dental care. Let’s take a look at some of those ..read more