To clean something, to get it really clean, we often think about using ‘elbow grease’ to give a good scrubbing, often with the help of an abrasive substance such as Comet Cleanser. Yet, when it comes to your teeth, such rigorous action can damage gum tissue. When you use baking soda or other abrasive substitutes for toothpaste, the damage can be severe over time. Those good intentions to have a ‘well-scrubbed’ mouth can backfire, leading to exposed tooth roots, gum disease and even tooth loss.

It is recommended that you use a soft bristle toothbrush and a standard toothpaste with fluoride. Rigorous scrubbing is not necessary. Use a circular and swiping motion on all teeth, on all sides. However, blood in the sink when you spit doesn’t mean you did a good job. As a matter of fact, this can be a warning sign of gum disease.

If you see blood, lighten up on the pressure you are using. Flossing carefully so you are not ‘popping’ the floss into between teeth, which can cut gum tissue. If you still see blood after a week, you may have gum disease. Periodontal (gum) disease will only worsen without treatment and you should be seen by a periodontal specialist as soon as possible. Because gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the U.S., early treatment may save your teeth.

Signs of periodontal disease include:

• Gums that bleed easily, or are red and tender;
• Gums that recede from teeth, exposing tooth root portions;
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth;
• Teeth that become loose;
• A change in the alignment of teeth or fit of your dentures or partials.

If you have noticed any of these signs, call (828) 274-9440 for an examination.

There are few things that add so much to your life than a healthy smile. Not only does the health of your mouth impact your overall health, having a great smile tends to boost self-confidence, self-esteem and causes people to smile more often, projecting a positive and upbeat individual.

When a patient decides they cannot afford needed dentistry because “my insurance won’t cover it,” it is the insurance company who is smiling. Insurance firms are profit-making companies. Their goal is to cover ‘basic necessities’ rather than what will enhance your long-term well-being.

For those who make their own decision on what they want, we offer excellent payment options. These enable patients to enjoy the benefits of a confident smile while making monthly payments that fit their budgets. Many of these options require no down payment and are interest free. Some treatments are also tax deductible.

Our goal is to help patients achieve the healthy smile they desire regardless of their insurance coverage. For those patients who know ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way,’ I frequently hear, “It’s the best investment I ever made!” once their new smile is part of their life.

To discuss payment options, call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation. Your new smile may be adding joy to your life soon!

The term “gummy smile” is often used to describe having too much gum tissue visible in a full smile. This may occur with a single tooth, several teeth, or all teeth. Regardless, the disproportion of gum-to-tooth or uneven gum line can cause people to feel self-conscious about smiling. Some feel so awkward about this that they put their hand in front of their mouth when smiling or laughing.

Having a gummy smile may be the result of lengthy orthodontic treatment, developmental influences or genetics. Fortunately, correcting a gummy smile can be performed simply using modern techniques and technology. Most treatments are completed in just one or two visits with a quick recovery time.

The most common method of correction is through a gingivectomy.  This is performed with a minimal amount of gum reduction necessary. This procedure removes excess gum tissue in a comfortable process. The tissue is typically fully healed in 2 weeks.

This procedure is also a common way to create a more aesthetic gum line for crowns and other restorative procedures.

Want to feel terrific about your smile? If you feel your gum line detracts from the appearance of your smile, call (828) 274-9440 for a consultation.

Contrary to what most believe, bad breath is not caused by certain foods we eat. It typically results from sulfur compounds, which are released during the digestive process. These sulfur compounds are released from the back of the tongue and throat, giving off an unpleasant odor.

While some companies now promote products to conquer bad breath, some merely mask the problem or even cause more harm. Home remedies are also risky, as many can actually make the problem worse. The following contributors to bad breath may surprise you:

• Breath mints – Long-lasting sugar candies create acid attacks in the mouth, increasing cavity risk.

• Tongue piercing – Tongue jewelry tends to harbor more bacteria on your tongue, adding to the potential for bad breath.

• Alcoholic beverages – Saliva helps to remove oral bacteria. Alcohol is drying to oral tissues and reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth.

• Mint chew tobacco – Smokeless tobacco causes gums to recede. This increases the chance of losing the bone and fibers that hold teeth in position. The mint does nothing to conceal odor that originates from gum problems.

The best way to eliminate bad breath is thorough dental care. Factors other than food can be causing breath odor, such as gum disease, dry mouth, or certain medical conditions. If you have persistent bad breath (or suspect you do), call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation appointment.