Dentist Near Me Don't be intimidated by the number of choices at the store when choosing a toothpaste. The right kind of toothpaste will be one of your best defenses in combating the buildup of plaque and bacteria, keeping your teeth healthy and free of decay. When deciding, keep in mind the ingredients each toothpaste contains. Here̢۪s what to keep in mind. Whitening Toothpastes Do you want whiter teeth? Many toothpastes are advertised as being effective at whitening your teeth. Common ingredients in a whitening paste include carbonates, phosphates, and aluminum compounds. The goal of these ingredients is to prevent your teeth from further staining. Many whitening toothpastes also contain hydrogen peroxide, but the amount used in most toothpastes is not typically enough to have much of an impact on your teeth's color. Another common component is sodium laurel sulphate (SLS). SLS can cause irritation and mouth ulcers. If you are experiencing such discomforts, talk to our staff about making a change in toothpaste. Toothpastes for Sensitive Teeth If you are suffering from sensitive teeth, there are toothpastes available to help alleviate discomfort and hyper-sensitivity. If you notice your teeth are very sensitive to cold food or drinks, consider changing toothpastes. Some sensitivity toothpastes include potassium nitrate and potassium citrate, while others will use ingredients such as arginine and calcium sodium phosphosilicate. Be sure to check with our team first, as sensitivity can have a variety of causes requiring different solutions and treatments. Age, gum disease, and brushing too hard are often culprits in increased tooth sensitivity. What Else Should I Look For? Perhaps you heard in the news recently about a substance used in soaps called triclosan. The FDA ruled that triclosan can no longer be used in soaps, however it remains in use in many toothpastes. Triclosan can be effective as an anti-bacterial substance, and is also good at preventing plaque and other build-up from causing decay. If you are concerned about using a toothpaste containing triclosan, ask us at your next appointment. Our dentist will work with you to make sure the toothpaste you are using is the most effective, safe solution for you. If you have any questions about which toothpaste is right for you, call our office. We look forward to assisting you. Mayhew Family Dentistry of Harpers Ferry 1238 W. Washington Street, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 (304) 535-2409 ...read more
By Mary H. Makhlouf DMD, MS, PA of Burlington October 03, 2018
Dentist Near Me Don't be intimidated by the number of choices at the store when choosing a toothpaste. The right kind of toothpaste will be one of your best defenses in combating the buildup of plaque and bacteria, keeping your teeth healthy and free of decay. When deciding, keep in mind the ingredients each toothpaste contains. Here̢۪s what to keep in mind. Whitening Toothpastes Do you want whiter teeth? Many toothpastes are advertised as being effective at whitening your teeth. Common ingredients in a whitening paste include carbonates, phosphates, and aluminum compounds. The goal of these ingredients is to prevent your teeth from further staining. Many whitening toothpastes also contain hydrogen peroxide, but the amount used in most toothpastes is not typically enough to have much of an impact on your teeth's color. Another common component is sodium laurel sulphate (SLS). SLS can cause irritation and mouth ulcers. If you are experiencing such discomforts, talk to our staff about making a change in toothpaste. Toothpastes for Sensitive Teeth If you are suffering from sensitive teeth, there are toothpastes available to help alleviate discomfort and hyper-sensitivity. If you notice your teeth are very sensitive to cold food or drinks, consider changing toothpastes. Some sensitivity toothpastes include potassium nitrate and potassium citrate, while others will use ingredients such as arginine and calcium sodium phosphosilicate. Be sure to check with our team first, as sensitivity can have a variety of causes requiring different solutions and treatments. Age, gum disease, and brushing too hard are often culprits in increased tooth sensitivity. What Else Should I Look For? Perhaps you heard in the news recently about a substance used in soaps called triclosan. The FDA ruled that triclosan can no longer be used in soaps, however it remains in use in many toothpastes. Triclosan can be effective as an anti-bacterial substance, and is also good at preventing plaque and other build-up from causing decay. If you are concerned about using a toothpaste containing triclosan, ask us at your next appointment. Our dentist will work with you to make sure the toothpaste you are using is the most effective, safe solution for you. If you have any questions about which toothpaste is right for you, call our office. We look forward to assisting you. Mary H. Makhlouf DMD, MS, PA of Burlington 1682 Westbrook Ave., Burlington, NC 27215 (336) 226-8406 http://burlington.dental/ ...read more
By Mary H. Makhlouf DMD, MS, PA of Burlington October 03, 2018
Dentist Near Me Did you know that tooth decay is the single largest cause of school absences? The longer decay goes untreated, the worse it gets. Not only can this mean costlier expenses for you, but it also jeopardizes your child’s oral health and education. You can help your child have a healthy, happy smile by taking a few steps to defend against tooth decay. Here are three steps you can take at home. 1. Reduce Excessive Sugar Sugary foods feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Limit your child’s sugary intake by keeping candy, soft drinks, juices, and other sweets to a minimum. If your child does indulge in a sugary snack or treat, make sure they brush their teeth afterwards. 2. Follow a Consistent Brushing Routine One of the best steps you can take for your child is to help them establish a daily brushing routine. They should brush for at least two minutes both morning and night. Try brushing at the same times each day so that it becomes a habit. We also strongly recommend that parents monitor their children to make sure they are brushing correctly and safely. It’s important that children avoid swallowing toothpaste or mouthwash. 3. Strengthen Teeth with Dairy Products Dairy products are excellent sources of calcium, particularly cheese, yogurt, and milk. Calcium helps to build strong bones and teeth. Increasing the amount of calcium in your child’s diet can help strengthen tooth enamel, one of the natural defenses against decay. If your child is lactose intolerant or cannot consume other dairy products, we suggest you talk to our team for additional solutions. Healthy teeth start at home. Implement the three simple steps above with your child at home to ensure they have a happy, healthy smile. The single most important step you can take for your child is to bring them in to see our team. Regular oral health examinations for your child are essential to ensure that their teeth are healthy and growing properly. Contact our team to schedule your child’s next examination today. Mary H. Makhlouf DMD, MS, PA of Burlington 1682 Westbrook Ave., Burlington, NC 27215 (336) 226-8406 ...read more
By Mary H. Makhlouf DMD, MS, PA of Burlington July 16, 2018
Having dental insurance is a necessity. It is important to have some sort of dental coverage because visits to the dentist and dental exams can become quite costly. Without dental insurance, you could end up spending a fortune on dental work. Prior to applying for dental insurance, you may have severa... ...read more
Dental implants are different from dentures in that they cannot be removed from your mouth. They are more expensive than dentures but have the benefit of protecting your mouth from gum loss. Fortunately there is little need for special care for dental implants, they just need to be cleaned like regula... ...read more