Paying special attention to your health when you are pregnant is necessary. How important it is to keep up good oral health is often overlooked. Take charge of your health by visiting the dentists at Carolina Smiles Dentistry. Importance of Oral Health Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your gums more susceptible to irritation and… Read More »

The Importance of Flossing Flossing is an essential part of a daily dental health routine. Food particles and plaque gather between the teeth and under the gumline. This buildup causes bacteria, bad breath, and tooth decay. Flossing removes the particles and plaque where a toothbrush has trouble reaching. Flossing every day has shown to decrease… Read More »

As parents, we understand how important regular dental appointments are for our children. However, as adults, we often neglect our own visits to the dentist. Regular cleanings at the dentist are essential for our oral health. Bi-Annual Cleanings The suggested number of cleanings varies from person to person because everyone’s dental health varies. However, the… Read More »

Gums are equally important as teeth for a healthy smile and good oral hygiene. Healthy gums should look full and pink. However, many people experience bleeding and inflamed gums, especially when brushing. Causes There are many reasons your gums bleed. Changing your oral hygiene habits such as flossing more regularly or brushing too hard can… Read More »

Infants are hard-wired with a sucking reflex. It is perfectly natural for babies to suck their thumb or pacifier. Nearly all children suck their thumbs at some point. However, thumb sucking after six months of age can cause future problems. Issues from Thumb-Sucking The force of thumb sucking causes the shape of the mouth and… Read More »

A professional cleaning at Carolina Smiles Dentistry every six months is the best way to maintain your child’s healthy smile. Daily flossing is important to support oral health between appointments.   The Importance of Flossing Brushing alone only cleans about 1/3 of the total surface of the tooth. That leaves a great deal of space… Read More »

Professional six-month cleanings with Carolina Smiles Dentistry are important for maintaining oral health. During your child’s visit, the dentist will check for tooth decay. Preventing a problem is always better than fixing it later. Sealants are also a beneficial preventative option.   What is a Sealant A sealant is a thin, protective cover against decay… Read More »

The season for youth sports is here! Children often drink a sports drink at their practices and games. In fact, 62% of youth consume sports drinks every day. These drinks are advertised as healthy and essential during physical activity. However, the truth is that sports drinks are destructive to children’s teeth and are not actually… Read More »

Gingivitis is a mild form of periodontal disease.  It is most commonly called gum disease.  Symptoms include bad breath, as well as swollen, red and bleeding gums.  There is often little to no pain, but bleeding gums while brushing is common.  Gingivitis affects nearly half of all Americans. What Causes Gingivitis? Gingivitis is caused by… Read More »

Whether or not to allow your baby to use a pacifier is one of the many tough decisions you face as a parent/caregiver. Sucking is a normal instinct for infants and pacifiers help soothe and may keep your baby more relaxed, especially during the first six months of life.   It is a good idea; however, to discourage… Read More »

Do you hear the sound of jaws clenching or teeth gnashing when your child is asleep? These are signs that your little one may be grinding his or her teeth.   Teeth grinding, also known medically as bruxism, can be common in children. According to the University of Michigan Health System, teeth grinding in children may… Read More »

Once again, Valentine’s Day is here with us. If you’re planning on giving your loved one a gift for Valentine’s Day, there is a chance you are going to include candy. It’s important you stay informed when choosing these candies to make sure you get treats that are less likely to linger on their teeth… Read More »

The best thing you can do as a parent is to ensure your child makes healthy food choices early in life. Too much carbohydrates, starches, and sugars can have a negative impact on their dental health, especially if left on the teeth for too long. Here are some tooth-friendly foods that go a long way… Read More »

All children go through a stage in their oral development where they suck on, bite, chew, and sometimes swallow things like toys, paper, and anything else that can put their hands on. For the developing child, mouth-feel is another way of exploring the world around them and to placate their curiosity. However, chewing on random… Read More »

These are 5 New Year’s Resolutions we recommend for your child’s oral health. From switching out sugary drinks and focusing more on timely dental appointments, here’s how to ensure your child’s dental health in 2018 and beyond. 1. Encourage your children to make water the beverage of choice. When it comes to oral health, the… Read More »

Yellowing of the teeth may not be a sign of a serious medical condition, but it can cost you your confidence and willingness to smile every day. It’s important to stay aware of what causes yellowing and the measures you can take to avoid or limit exposure to such things. There are many reasons as… Read More »

For most people, the love for candy is almost irresistible. Despite knowing the potential effects of candy on their teeth, they still buy them. For children, accumulating candy is a distinctive aspect of celebrating the holidays. Not all types of candy are dangerous though. There are some sweets that are not as harmful to your… Read More »

There is a lot of confusion surrounding the exact age at which children can brush their teeth and do a good job. Letting kids brush their teeth before they are ready is one of the biggest mistakes a parent can commit in regards to their young one’s oral hygiene. Even though you think your child… Read More »

Brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent the development of tooth decay and gum disease. However, older children can incorporate mouthwash as part of their daily oral hygiene routine to further improve their oral health. According to the American Dental Association, children older than the age of six can safely use fluoride mouth… Read More »

Even though it’s largely preventable by early examination, tooth decay, and orthodontic issues can quickly diminish the general health quality of infants, toddlers, and children. The tooth enamel is the hardest part of the tooth, with it being the viewable surface. Here are signs to look for if there are problems with your child’s tooth… Read More »