Have you ever been to a dinner or cocktail party and had someone whisper in your ear, “You have spinach in your teeth”? If you’re like me, you start assessing how many people you’ve been smiling and laughing with since you indulged in the spinach dip!

Having an appealing, flattering smile begins with a clean, healthy mouth. If you’re behind on your dental exams and cleaning, then that’s your first step. This visit will only remove any tartar or plaque build-up on your teeth and brighten your teeth with a thorough cleaning on all sides, including in-between. This will also help you have refresher breath!

When heading to a holiday gathering that will include food (as most do!), slip away to the restroom after eating to check your teeth. A bit of black pepper or a poppy seed can ruin your smile, which is often the first thing people notice when meeting you. Also, be sure to tuck some floss in your pocket or purse to remove bits that don’t swish away with water.

One more tip: Every time you eat or drink something (other than water), an acid attack begins in your mouth. This is not only bad for tooth enamel, it triggers production of oral bacteria that eat away at gum tissues and tooth surfaces. Rather than nibble your way through New Year’s Day, consider eating three healthy meals. If you must snack, select crunchy carrots, celery or apples rather than that leftover Christmas fudge! This can help you avoid cavities along with a good oral hygiene routine at home.

Smiling, laughing and being close with others is more joyful when you feel confident about your mouth. A healthy mouth is a positive reflection on you. Call us at (828) 274-9440 if you want to restore your smile to a healthy state.

While regular dental check-ups and cleanings are designed to help you maintain a healthy mouth and catch problems at the earliest stage possible, these visits are not structured to treat a mouth that shows signs of gum disease.

Like many diseases that form in our bodies, there are no obvious signs as gum disease is first forming. For example, by the time many women discover a lump in their breast, it is because it has grown to a sizable mass. This is why mammograms are recommended at regular intervals, so a growth can be remedied when treatment requirements are (hopefully) still minimal.

The initial stages of gum disease are silent. Once symptoms emerge, such as gums that bleed when brushing or persistent bad breath, a more intensive form of “cleaning” is required. This can be successfully and comfortably completed by a Periodontal Specialist, who is specifically trained to treat even late-stage periodontal disease.

By seeking this specialized care, you can hopefully avoid tooth loss. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss, often due to delay in treatment. Once the mouth is restored to good oral health, resuming a committed home care regimen and regular dental cleanings can help keep it that way.

Maintaining good oral health is also necessary to support overall health. The bacteria of gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, preterm babies and impotency. Research has continually shown just how devastating oral bacteria can be once it enters the bloodstream through diseased gum tissue.

Without treatment, gum disease will continue to worsen. The gums become sore and tender and pus pockets form around teeth. Eventually, teeth will loosen and have to be removed. Tooth loss creates an entirely new set of problems.

If you suspect you have gum disease, take proactive measures now by getting periodontal disease effectively treated. Call (828) 274-9440 for an appointment.

Being in close conversations with family, friends or co-workers can quickly become an uneasy situation if bad breath comes between you. For those of us who’ve encountered someone who had bad breath, we tend to associate them with their breath odor from then on. While chewing gum in social settings doesn’t make for a polished impression, bad breath makes a worse one. Fortunately, you can have breath fresh without needing gum as a crutch.

For positive impressions as you celebrate this holiday season, keep your mouth as bacteria-free as possible. This requires a daily regimen of brushing (at least twice – in the morning and before bedtime) and flossing between teeth. Also, a tremendous amount of bacteria are embedded in the grooves of the tongue. When brushing, finish up by brushing the tongue or use a tongue scraper.

Be committed to your six-month dental check-ups and cleanings, which rid your mouth of bacteria accumulation since your last visit. If you are not maintaining those visits regularly, see a periodontal specialist for a thorough exam. A Periodontist specializes in care of the gums and helps you achieve a ‘clean slate,’ so having fresh breath and a healthy smile are easier to maintain.

It is also helpful to limit beverages containing alcohol, which is drying to the mouth. Certain medications, age, or particular foods and beverages can also cause dry mouth. Drink plenty of water. If you take medications that are drying, ask your doctor if there are alternatives. Decrease your intake of alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods as well. Smoking is horribly drying to oral tissues. If you smoke, this is yet another reason to give it up.

Enjoy the holidays with close conversations and hugs with those you love, leaving an impression that makes them smile! Call (828) 274-9440 if you would like to schedule a consultation or an exam appointment. We’ll be happy to help you begin your holiday on a “fresh” start!

When children pretend, they enjoy time with friends and learn by role playing. For a few minutes, ‘pretend’ you have the smile of your dreams. Perhaps you have all of your natural teeth again instead of a partial or crown-&-bridge. Maybe you no longer have a ‘gummy smile’ or worry about persistent bad breath.

Now, imagine smiling with that fabulous, confident smile. How do you feel — more confident? Do you smile more often? Is your smile bigger or do you laugh easily with more pleasure? Are you more outgoing since eating and speaking with others is more comfortable?

You CAN have that smile! I see patients all the time who overcome dental fears, financial constraints and other concerns who are now smiling how once was felt to be a distant dream. Often, just a consultation allows us to address obstacles that are often perceived, but may actually be dealt with easier than you thought.

A healthy, confident smile is a significant part of your overall health as well as your appearance, self-confidence, and even self-esteem. Let’s discuss the smile you’ve always wanted and address those concerns. Call 828-274-9440 to arrange a consultation.