Helpful Dental Facts – Page 2 – Modern Family Dentistry

07.17.2023

Foods That Cause Tooth Decay

When it comes to tooth decay, it’s important to know the main culprit – acid. Acid is what eats away at our enamel and causes cavities.

Acid can enter our mouths in one of two ways: either directly through what we eat (citrus fruits, for example), or as a byproduct when oral bacteria consume the sugars that we eat.

Ultimately, a simple way to identify foods that cause tooth decay is to ask whether it’s acidic or sweet/starchy.

Acidic foods include things like citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, kombucha and sour candy. Sweet/starchy foods include things like candy, soda or sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit, bread, cereal, pasta and crackers.

The longer these things interact with your teeth, the greater the chance for tooth decay to occur. That’s why it’s so important to brush at least twice a day; once in the morning and once before bed.

Sipping on soda throughout the day, or chewing a gooey caramel treat, increases the amount of sugar that coats your teeth. Bacteria love to feast on this sugar, creating an acidic environment and putting your teeth at risk for decay.

The following healthy habits will help protect your teeth against tooth decay:

1. Reduce your consumption of sweets and refined starches

2. Enjoy acidic foods in moderation or as part of a meal

3. Decrease or eliminate your consumption of soda or sugar-sweetened beverages

4. Swish with water after meals and snacks

5. Maintain good oral hygiene to brush away plaque buildup (floss at least once a day
and brush twice a day)

6. Keep up with your dental hygiene visits – overtime, plaque builds up and needs a professional to help remove it.

Request an appointment online at our Hanahan office or our North Charleston office so we can remove tartar buildup and assess for early signs of decay.

06.28.2023

What You Need to Know About Crossbites

Typically, when a parent brings a young child to the dentist, the last discussion they’re expecting to have is one centered on braces and orthodontic appliances. Yet, even at ages three and four, a talk about braces, sagittal expanders, and retainers can indeed be front and center when a child is diagnosed with a crossbite.

The question then is what to do about it, how soon should intervention take place, and what the complications are that can arise if nothing is done at all. Let’s get some answers.

What Exactly Is a Crossbite?

Imagine for a moment you’re sitting in front of a nice soup bowl with a wide flat brim, and inside that bowl is hearty chowder you’d like to keep warm until you’re ready to devour it. So, you grab another bowl designed exactly like the first, and hover it upside-down over the bowl containing the soup. As you slowly lower it, you try to line up the brims so when they rest together they
form a nice even seal.

Unfortunately, given the soup is hot, you don’t quite get the brims to line up perfectly, and the edge of the top bowl ends up resting just slightly to the left of the lip on the bottom bowl. The way these two bowls now rest unevenly atop one another is exactly what you would see in a person with a crossbite.

A crossbite can affect several teeth, or a single tooth, and can occur on either one side of the mouth or both. Simply put, if any one tooth (or several teeth) lies nearer the tongue or cheek instead of coming together evenly, you’re likely dealing with a crossbite.

So, What To Do About It And When?

The dental community is split on when to initiate treatment for a crossbite, with some suggesting treatment should begin as soon as it is noticed (sometimes as early as age three), while others suggest parents should wait until a child’s sixth year molars have arrived. Despite the difference of opinion as to when treatment should begin, dentists and orthodontist are in agreement that the condition cannot be left untreated.

Doing so presents a host of complications for the child later in life including gum and tooth wear, uneven jaw development that can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and facial asymmetry – something no parent or child wants.

What Does Crossbite Treatment Look Like?

Crossbite treatment generally involves adjusting the spread of a child’s teeth with dental appliances so the bite pattern matches evenly on all sides. Depending on the type of crossbite a child has, this can be done with dental expanders that resemble orthodontic retainers, and include a screw that is tightened nightly to “spread” a child’s bite to the prescribed width.

Additionally, dental facemasks, braces and clear aligners may be used – particularly when a single tooth is out of alignment.

Crossbites are generally regarded as genetic in nature, and they’re not overly common. It is, however, a condition that needs to be treated before permanent damage to a child’s facial and oral development occurs.

So, if you find yourself at the other end of a discussion about having your little one wear a dental expander, be sure you listen and get however many opinions regarding that advice as you require. Your child, and your wallet, will thank you long into the future.

Call our offices at (843) 797 -6297 (Hanahan) or (843) – 767 – 6521 (North Charleston) if you have questions or concerns regarding you or your child’s crossbite.

06.27.2023

Modern Family Dentistry: Trusted Providers of Root Canal Procedures

When it comes to dental health, root canal procedures are often associated with fear and anxiety. However, at Modern Family Dentistry, we strive to change that perception by offering comfortable and advanced root canal treatments in Hanahan and North Charleston, South Carolina.

At Modern Family Dentistry, our skilled and compassionate dental team consists of experienced dentists who specialize in root canal therapy. With years of expertise and a gentle approach, they are committed to ensuring a positive and pain-free experience for every patient.

We understand the importance of using cutting-edge technology to provide the best possible care. That’s why Modern Family Dentistry is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques for performing root canal procedures. Our modern tools enable accurate diagnosis, precise treatment, and improved patient comfort throughout the process.

Before recommending a root canal procedure, our dentists perform a comprehensive examination to evaluate the condition of the affected tooth and surrounding structures. Through digital X-rays and other diagnostic methods, we can identify the extent of the infection or damage and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Our priority during a root canal procedure is to eliminate pain and save your natural tooth. With a focus on patient comfort, we use local anesthesia to ensure a painless experience. Our dentists work meticulously to remove infected pulp, clean the root canal, and seal it with a biocompatible material. This not only relieves pain but also prevents further infection and restores the tooth’s functionality.

At Modern Family Dentistry, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge. We take the time to explain the root canal procedure, address any concerns, and provide detailed aftercare instructions. Our friendly staff is always available to answer questions and support you throughout the healing process.

In addition to root canal treatments, Modern Family Dentistry offers a full range of dental services, including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and preventive care. We strive to be your trusted dental partner, providing personalized treatments tailored to your unique needs and helping you achieve optimal oral health.

If you require a root canal procedure in Hanahan or North Charleston, SC, trust Modern Family Dentistry for expert care and a comfortable dental experience. Schedule your appointment today and let our experienced team restore your smile and alleviate any discomfort you may be experiencing.