5 Great Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay

When some people think about tooth decay, they immediately associate it with people who smoke and chew tobacco. In reality, sugar is the culprit. The following are tips to prevent tooth decay:

Use non-sugar sweeteners

Saccharine, sorbitol and aspartame are great substitutes because they don’t produce tooth decay. The next time you’re tempted to add sugar to your coffee or tea, try to replacing sugar with non-sugar sweeteners.

Eat healthy sweets

If you love eating sweets, eat snacks that have the tooth-friendly logo. These mouthwatering sweets contain non-sugar sweeteners. If you have young children (or grand-children) this should be avoided because it can cause some GIT disturbance.

Avoid Drinking Soda

Carbonated drinks like soda are so acidic that it can help speed up the process of tooth decay. There are many soda substitutes that you can drink. For example, there are many healthy flavored spritzers that you can drink instead of drinking soda. Another great substitute is to drink fruit juice. Just make sure you choose healthy brands that are low on sugar.

Eat fiber rich natural foods

Examples of foods rich in fiber are vegetables. Fresh vegetables are not only healthy for your body; it can also help prevent tooth decay. Vegetables have what is known as a ‘mechanical cleaning action’ that removes bacteria from the tooth surface.

Chew sugar-free gum

Chewing sugar-free gum is great for stimulating saliva production.

Well, there you have it; five tips that can help you prevent tooth decay.

Dental Tips for Diabetics

It is important that people with diabetes take good care of their teeth. Diabetics are at a higher risk for mouth infections and gum disease. Gum disease can damage the gum and bone that hold your teeth together. This can be extremely painful when chewing food. There are many Americans who suffer from pain when chewing. As a diabetic, this problem should not be ignored. If you are experiencing any type of oral pain, schedule a dental appointment immediately.

Brush, Floss and Control Your Blood Glucose

In addition to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, it is important that you control your blood glucose. You should also brush and floss your teeth daily. Make sure you schedule for a dental checkup at least 1 to 2 times a year. At Preston Dental Center, we can help you prevent gum disease.

Here are a few steps to help keep your mouth healthy:

• Brush and floss at least 3 times a day.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
• Visit your dentist 1 to 2 times a year for a checkup.
• Control your blood glucose levels. This can help prevent mouth problems.

If you notice your gums bleeding when you brush and floss or you notice white patches, soreness and dryness, contact your dentist. These are all signs that you may have a serious dental problem.

Lastly, if you wear dentures that do not fit properly, or your gums feel tender and sore, make sure you tell your dentist.

Dental Office Serving Cary NC and Surrounding Areas

At Preston Dental Center we are proud of our team and we are committed to serving our patients with the most professional care supported by the latest technology.

Our dental office provides family and general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, invisalign and E4D crowns, laser gum therapy, Zoom teeth whitening, sleep apnea treatment and many other services to our neighbors in Cary NC, also serving Raleigh NC, Durham NC and Morrisville NC.

We are dedicated to creating a comfortable and friendly atmosphere for each patient and providing state-of-the-art dental care. It is our top priority to treat each patient as an individual.

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Looking for a Dentist in Cary North Carolina?

If you are currently looking for a dentist, Dr. Gregory Mayes and Dr. Lisa Mayes at Preston Dental Center would love the opportunity to show you what exceptional dental care is all about. Their passion for beautiful smiles goes hand in hand with their professionalism and care for each and every patient.

It has never been easier to get that beautiful smile you always desired. At Preston Dental Center we combine the love of art and the science of dentistry to create beautiful smiles.

Schedule a visit today and find out why Preston Dental Center is your dental office of choice in Cary North Carolina.

Gum Disease: What You Should Know Now

Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? If so you might be at risk for periodontal disease, or gum disease. Over half of American adults have some form of gum disease and aren't even aware. That's why trips to the dentist are crucial: general dentistry practice can identify and treat this disease.

Signs include red, puffy, and bleeding gums. Some patients report shooting pains in their mouths, while others have no symptoms at all. Because the gums support the teeth, gum disease can lead to loss of teeth. Even worse, the condition can begin to affect health in other parts of the body. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, and other diseases.

Some treatments for gum disease include scaling and root planing, as well as antibiotic treatment. It's important to start treatment right away so that it doesn't spread or cause major discomfort. Your dentist can tell you the proper treatment for you.

Many patients don't get the proper patient education about gum disease, so it's important to go to a general dentistry practice where the dentist will sit with you and explain what you need to do to keep your gums healthy. Be sure to see a dentist who can diagnose and better yet, treat your gum disease so you are not at risk for more serious complications.

Healthy teeth and gums are important not just for a beautiful smile, but to preserve the health of your body as a whole.

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6 Steps to the Right Dentist

Choosing the right dentist can be difficult. Many dentists offer general dentistry services, so how can you be sure one is right for you? Here are 6 things to consider before choosing a compatible dentist.

1- Is the support staff kind and courteous?
This is the first thing you'll find out anyway, as support staff will answer the phone when you call. The attitude of those the dentist employs may reflect the attitude of the entire office, so pay attention to the treatment you receive from support staff.

2- Find out the dentist's experience.
Find out a little about the dentist who will be working for you. How long have they been practicing general dentistry? How long has this particular practice been open? Do they have any specialties? Do they take continuing education classes?

3- Do they offer emergency care?

4- How much do procedures cost?
Before going to see any dentist, find out about the costs involved with care. Dental insurance covers many preventative procedures, and there are other programs to help pay for dentistry, but you want to have a good idea of how much out-of-pocket expense may be on the line.

5- Does the dentist offer modern treatments?
For example, are dental lasers used instead of tooth drills? It's easy to find out how modern a practice is by simply inquiring about the newest equipment they have or what they've recently learned.

6- What is in place to make the patient comfortable?
Does the dentist allow patients to listen to music during procedures? Does the dentist pre-medicate patients before certain work is done?

Asking these questions before you decide on a general dentistry practice will give you a great idea of what to expect from a dentist.

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A Better Smile with Porcelain Veneers

Many people have seen television makeovers and want to know whether they too can trade in their smile for a gorgeous, brand new one. The answer is usually yes, with the proper general dentistry practice and porcelain veneers, a wonderful smile is not far away.

Having a smile full of stained, crooked, and chipped teeth can be embarrassing. People who have had veneers done report higher self-esteem, more confidence, and greater success in the dating world. Luckily, the procedure is not difficult and positive effects can be seen in a short period of time.

Typically the process toward porcelain veneers begins with a planning session. The dentist will look at which kind of veneers will look right in your mouth and take out some of the existing tooth enamel in order to accommodate the incoming veneers. Usually temporary veneers are place on the teeth while the permanent veneers are made in a dental lab. Finally the permanent ones are installed and the dentist explains how best to take care of your new teeth.

Because they mimic the appearance of natural teeth, porcelain veneers can replace stained, discolored, chipped, and crooked teeth and make them appear natural, clean, and bright. Come talk to us about having a beautiful smile today!

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