Mallard Creek Family Dentistry

Each tooth only takes a few minutes to seal. First, the teeth that will be sealed will be cleaned. The chewing surfaces are then etched (roughened) with a weak acidic solution to help the sealant adhere to the teeth. Finally, the sealant is placed onto the tooth enamel and hardened. Some sealants need a special curing light to help them harden, while others do not.


Who Should Have Sealants

Although children receive significant benefits from sealants, adults can also be at risk for pit and fissure decay and thus be candidates for sealants. Your dentist can advise you about the need for sealants. Sealants are also recommended even for those who receive topical applications of fluoride and who live in communities with fluoridated water. Fluoride helps fight decay on the smooth surfaces of the teeth but is least effective in pits and fissures.

How Long Do Sealants Last

When the sealant is applied, finger-like strands penetrate the pits and fissures of the tooth enamel. Although the sealant cannot be seen with the naked eye, the protective effect of these strands continues. As a result, it may be several years before another application of sealant is needed. Reapplication of the sealants will continue the protection against decay and may save the time and expense of having a tooth restored. Sealants will be checked during regular dental visits to determine if reapplication is necessary.


How Sealants Save Money

The American Dental Association recognizes that sealants can play a major role in the prevention of tooth decay.

When properly applied and maintained they can successfully protect the chewing surfaces of the tooth from decay. A total prevention program includes brushing twice a day, cleaning between teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaner, regular dental visits, and limiting the number of between-meal snacks. Ask your dentist how to obtain the right level of fluoride. If these measures are followed and sealants are used well, the risk of decay can be reduced or may even be eliminated.



Are you ready to schedule? Give us a call at 704-596-0021 or request an appointment by going to our website at: http://www.mallardcreekfd.com/

If you're taking medications for certain health conditions, it may not have crossed your mind that they can impact your oral health. After all, medications are supposed to bring equilibrium back to your system, not stir things up, right? Truth is a variety of prescribed medications can affect your teeth. Using illegal drugs can also be bad for your teeth (among other things). It's also important to know that mixing certain medications with dental medications can have adverse effects. Talking about medications isn't all about going to the "danger zone" though. There are many teeth medications that help combat infection, relieve pain and reduce swelling. Avoid getting drawn into a medications minefield by arming yourself with the facts. Our articles are a great place to start.
Medications FAQs

Q: Which medications affect my dental health?

A: Antihistamines may cause dry mouth syndrome (xerostemia), which can lead to sore gums, making the mouth more prone to infection. Contraceptives and blood pressure medications may cause mouth sores, gum inflammation and discoloration. Blood thinners can interfere with your ability to form blood clots or cause heavy bleeding after a tooth extraction. Anti-seizure medications can cause an overgrowth of gum tissue (gingival hyperplasia) and make it difficult to practice good oral hygiene.


Q: What does "drug interactions" mean?

A: If you're taking medications and start taking other medications — whether prescribed, illegal or herbal - this can change the effects of both the original and the new medications. Simply put, when certain drugs interact, they may increase or decrease the effects or produce another, unintended effect. This is why it's so important to keep your dentist informed about all the medications you take; any teeth medications you are prescribed will take this into consideration.




Q: What are some commonly used dental medications?

A: Dental medications are prescribed for different reasons. Dental medications from the benzodiazepine family can help put patients in a relaxed state. Ibuprofen, Aspirin or Acetaminophen may be prescribed for mild toothaches, whereas narcotic analgesics like Hydrocodone or Codeine are used to relieve severe pain. Teeth medications used to combat infections include antibiotics like Penicillin or Amoxicillin. And antifungals like Nystatin are used to treat oral candidiasis, or oral thrush.

We encourage you to ask us if you have any questions about your specific medications.

Are you ready to schedule? Give us a call at 704-596-0021 or request an appointment by going to our website at: http://www.mallardcreekfd.com/
source: dentistry.com

30 Million Americans Are Bothered by Bruxism Symptoms
Everybody does it: They grind their teeth during tense or stressful times. What most people don't realize is that when left unchecked, the simple -- often unconscious -- act of grinding, or teeth clenching, can result in a host of serious health issues.

Bruxism, the medical term for grinding, clenching teeth, is a common dental problem. According to Colgate World of Care, more than 30-million adults and children in the United States are bothered by at least one of the many bruxism symptoms. What makes this condition unusual is that it can cause a variety of health complaints many of which seem little connected to the involuntary act of grinding or clenching teeth.

Teeth Grinding Symptoms -- What to Look Out For

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night with a sharp pain in your side? Is the pain caused by your partner elbowing you in the ribs in a vain attempt to silence your incredibly annoying habit of grinding your teeth in your sleep? If so, you probably have bruxism. All kidding aside, teeth grinding at night is recognized as one of the clearest bruxism symptoms. Sleep or nocturnal bruxism typically occurs in the early stages of sleep; it's often loud enough to bother anyone within hearing distance. If you have it and you share a bedroom with someone, chances are you're already keenly aware that your teeth grinding is a real problem.

Bruxism Symptoms Can Be a Real Headache and Much More

Unfortunately, many bruxism symptoms can be as subtle as they are troublesome. Do you regularly suffer from unexplained dull headaches? Is your jaw often sore in the morning? Are earaches a frequent problem? Have your teeth become unusually sensitive to cold or heat? These are just a few of the common overall health and mouth problems experienced by people with uncontrolled teeth grinding clenching.

Bruxism Symptoms Checklist:

Dental experts associated with the Mayo Clinic, the American Dental Association and other leading institutions dedicated to oral healthcare have developed a list of the most common bruxism symptoms.

•Unconscious teeth clenching or grinding
•Rhythmic contractions of the jaw muscles
•Damaged, fractured or chipped teeth
•Worn tooth enamel
•Broken fillings
•Tooth sensitivity
•Jaw pain or tightness in your jaw muscles
•Inflamed jaw muscles
•Headache
•Earache
•Chronic facial pain
•Damaged or chewed tissue on the inside of your cheek
•Tooth indentations on the tongue
•Ringing in the ears
Recognizing Bruxism Symptoms in Children

Diagnosing childhood bruxism symptoms can be especially challenging if the child's communication skills are not yet well developed. Some telltale signs that your child may have a problem with grinding teeth include:

•Audible grinding noises emitted when your child is sleeping
•Daily complaints of a sore jaw or face in the morning
•Thumb sucking
•Fingernail biting
•Gnawing on pencils and toys
•Constant chewing of the inside of the cheek
Unfortunately, many of these teeth grinding symptoms are similar to those exhibited by a child who is teething. As a result, parents often don't realize their child have a problem with clenching teeth. Regular dental visits are the best way to keep abreast of any issues with your children's teeth.

Teeth Grinding Symptoms at Night Can Cause Problems All Day Long

If you are experiencing one or more bruxism symptoms, it is time to visit the dentist for a professional diagnosis. The good news is that unconscious teeth clenching is treatable and responds well to professional dental care

Are you ready to schedule? Give us a call at 704-596-0021 or request an appointment by going to our website at: http://www.mallardcreekfd.com/

What Is Halitosis or Bad Breath?

Halitosis is a condition of having offensive or bad breath. Nobody wants to have bad breath, and many consumers are in search of products -- including toothpaste, mouthwash and mints -- that promise a quick cure for halitosis and fresher-smelling breath. Bad breath is often self-perceived and there is no test or device to diagnose or measure the problem. Breath mints or mouthwash may freshen the breath short-term, but don't often get to the root of the problem. A common source of bad breath is the mouth and tongue. Therefore, a trip to the dentist is the first step to rule out any dental problems.

What Causes Halitosis?

There are many different reasons for having bad breath, including:

- Decaying or Rotten Teeth -- Bacteria and acids in the mouth form a sticky deposit called dental plaque that clings to the teeth. If the plaque is not removed, the acids will destroy the tooth's enamel surface resulting in holes or cavities. If left untreated, tooth decay can result in a foul odor in the mouth.

- Food Trapped in the Teeth or Tongue -- Bacteria and food particles can become lodged in the teeth or stuck on the papillae (small projections on the tongue), causing bad breath. It's important to brush and floss the teeth, and brush the tongue and back of it to remove food debris. Tongue scrapers are also available to help remove debris from the tongue.

- Periodontal (Gum) Disease -- Pockets of plaque form between the teeth and gums -- causing inflammation and irritation to the gums. The constant inflammation can damage the ligament supporting the teeth and an infection can occur, eventually resulting in tooth loss. Gum disease can cause a bad taste in the mouth or halitosis.

- Sinus Problems -- Infections in the sinus cavity can contribute to bad breath.

- Xerostomia or “Dry Mouth” -- When there is decreased saliva in the mouth, for example, during the night, food and bacteria build up and can create odors.

- Systemic Diseases -- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung problems, and kidney and stomach disorders may contribute to bad breath.

- Odiferous Foods -- A diet rich in foods with strong odors, such as garlic and onions, is a surefire way to have bad breath.

- Smoking -- Smoking cigarettes, cigars or a pipe can produce halitosis.

- Menstruation -- Hormone changes in the body during menstruation may also cause bad breath.

How Should It Be Treated?

Good oral health care -- brushing the teeth and flossing -- will help reduce foul odors in the mouth. If you have chronic bad breath, visit your dentist, who can rule out dental problems such as decay or periodontal disease. The dentist may recommend that you visit your physician to determine if the problem is linked to a medical disorder. If bad breath is not related to a dental or medical condition, psychological problems may come into play. In rare cases, individuals become obsessed with body disorders. They may perceive that they have "bad breath," when in fact, they don't.

Source: Dentistry.com

Q: I am three months pregnant, and my gums feel a little bit sore. Should I put off going to the dentist until after my child is born?


A: During pregnancy, many women experience increased sensitivity and puffiness of the gums. Pregnancy causes an alteration in the estrogen and progesterone levels that, when coupled with plaque that is present in the mouth, can cause an exaggerated form of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). In some cases, the infected gum can form a benign growth called a pregnancy tumor. The pregnancy tumor does not usually require treatment, and resolves after the child is born. Professional dental cleanings twice during your pregnancy, as well as frequent daily brushing (three times a day) and flossing, will greatly reduce gum swelling, sensitivity, and the risk of developing a pregnancy tumor.

Most dental treatment can be safely completed during pregnancy. Despite the extremely low radiation of dental X-rays, routine checkup X-rays are usually avoided during pregnancy if the expectant mother has received routine dental care and is in good dental health. If the expectant mother is in pain, dental X-rays can be safely taken, but I advise using two lead aprons to shield the radiation. Dental anesthetics at regular doses are not harmful to the unborn child. Some obstetricians advise dentists to use anesthetics without epinephrine during pregnancy.

Most antibiotics used by dentists during pregnancy do not put the unborn child at risk. Acceptable antibiotics include penicillin, amoxicillin and clindamycin. Dentists should avoid prescribing tetracycline and narcotic pain medication, and not recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil®). Dental pain should be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol®) in most cases.

The best time for dental treatment during pregnancy is in the second trimester. Elective dental treatment such as cosmetic dentistry should be postponed until after the child is born. Always consult your obstetrician if you have any questions about medications or treatment provided by your dentist.



Source: ADA.org

The American Academy of Periodontology's risk assessment test will help you see if you are at risk for having or developing periodontal (gum) disease. Millions of people don't know they have this serious infection that can lead to tooth loss if not treated.
Once your answers are submitted, a proprietary calculation determines whether you are at low, medium or high risk and generates a report of your results. This Periodontal Disease Risk Score and the information contained in your report should not be construed as dental advice or as a substitute for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis by a qualified practitioner. Rather, this report is intended to help educate patients about common risk factors related to periodontal diseases and to assist in the decision of when referral to a periodontist would be advisable.


From: http://www.perio.org/