Smile Design Modern Dentistry Blog

Explore Our Dental Health Blog

Welcome to the Smile Design Modern Dentistry Blog, your go-to resource for the latest in dental health tips, innovative dental technology insights, and expert advice on maintaining optimal oral health. Whether you're seeking information on the newest cosmetic procedures, ways to prevent dental diseases, or tips for daily dental care, our blog is designed to enlighten and educate patients and readers from Durham, NC, and beyond.

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Are There any Differences Between Mouth Washes?

Mouthwash is used to help rinse away bacteria or food particles after you brush and floss each day. Using mouthwash is an additional way to help protect your teeth and gums. Knowing the differences between mouthwashes can help you choose the right one to incorporate into your oral hygiene routine.

Celebrate Healthy Teeth and Gums With Healthy Foods and Drinks

Upcoming holidays are around the corner, and you’re probably already thinking of all the foodie goodness coming your way. November is Good Nutrition Month, so you might want to consider adding healthy options to your meals to maintain good oral and general health and wellbeing.

Do All on 4 Implants Take a Long Time To Heal?

If you are looking at dental implants and want the process to be quick, then All-On-4 dental implants may be right for you. All-on-4 implants are also known as Teeth in a Day, and can be placed in a single appointment. All-on-4 implants are a fixed denture that is implant supported typically by 4 dental implants.

Do Oral Piercings Cause Infections?

Oral piercings are popular among young adults and adolescents. Piercings are the cool thing to have, and they give people a way to express themselves. Piercings can interfere with your speech or your ability to chew and swallow. Many people also wonder if their choice to have a piercing can lead to infection.

Does Laser Teeth Whitening Have Any Side Effects?

Teeth whitening is a great cosmetic option for patients that want a beautiful white smile. Teeth whitening builds confidence and choosing the right method is important. Laser teeth whitening treatment is the latest technology available, and can brighten your teeth many shades lighter.

Does mild sleep apnea require treatment?

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea this condition is classified by severity. To measure the severity of the condition an index is used. This index is called the Apnea-Hypopnea Index or AHI, and this represents the number of apnea or hypopnea events per hour of a patient’s sleep. Typically mild apnea has an AHI between the ranges of 5-15.

How Can I Fix a Chipped Tooth?

Chipped or injured teeth are typically considered a dental emergency. We offer many cosmetic services, and have years of experience in cosmetic dentistry. If you have a chipped tooth, you may wonder how quick you can get the tooth fixed. Luckily, there area few different treatment options to restore your tooth back to normal.

How Can I Fix a Gummy Smile?

Do you notice when you smile you see gum tissue more than your teeth? This is known as a gummy smile, and many patients are bothered by how their smile looks. There are treatment options to correct a gummy smile, and we are here to help you find a treatment that works best.

How Can I Reduce My Costs for Dental Care?

Dental care can be costly, and simple procedures can even run up your bill. Caring for your teeth is necessary to keep your oral and general health in check. Many people have no dental benefits at all, or if they retire their benefits are lost.

How Can I Remove Coffee Stains From My Teeth?

Coffee is a popular beverage, and many enjoy that cup or two in the morning each day. The downside to coffee is that it can cause staining on your teeth. There are treatments patients can do at home, or in our office to remove those annoying coffee stains.

How Can Poor Oral Health Affect the Rest of the Body?

Oral health is extremely important for many reasons. If patients suffer from gum disease, cavities, or bad breath this can cause issues with your teeth and mouth. Our mouths are a pathway for bacteria to enter the body. The bacteria are able to enter the blood stream, and this can also cause infection or inflammation in other parts of our body.

How Come Some People Get Cavities Easier Than Others?

Cavities are always something we try to avoid with brushing and flossing each day. You may notice you get cavities frequently and others don’t. This doesn’t seem fair ,but there are other factors that play into keeping your teeth free of decay that you may not realize.

How Do I Help with Tooth Pain?

If you think you may have a dental emergency it is important to know what to do to ensure your issue is addressed as soon as possible. Our office provides same day or next day appointments to accommodate our patients that need immediate treatment.

How Do I Know If I Have a Cavity?

Taking care of your oral and overall health must be a priority. Knowing when you need to call your dentist is important. Practicing good oral hygiene habits help to prevent tooth decay, cavities, and many other issues. Cavities are one of the most common issues patients face, and about 30 percent of Americans have untreated dental cavities.

How Long Do You Have to Wear Invisalign Each Day?

Invisalign is a great alternative to traditional braces, and eliminates the need for brackets and wires. The Invisalign system uses clear aligner trays to gently move your teeth into place over time. This treatment is discrete and are the trays are comfortable when worn.

How Long is Wisdom Teeth Recovery?

Wisdom teeth are the back molars in our mouths and tend to erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. Most people do not have enough room in their jaw for wisdom teeth to properly erupt. Wisdom teeth can be impacted, or cause issues once they erupt such as overcrowding or infection.

How Much Radiation is in a Dental X-ray?

Dental x-rays are commonly used when you visit your dentist. Many patients wonder if dental x-rays are safe and if they should worry about radiation exposure. Expressing concerns about your health and safety is normal, and the good news is that dental x-rays are extremely safe.

How to Get Rid of Swollen Gums

Our gums are sensitive, and if we do not practice good oral hygiene habits, they can become inflamed, painful, or infected. Gums are important and help to hold our teeth in place and protect our tooth roots. If gums are not taken care of, bacteria can spread and cause gum disease or other health problems.

Is Tooth Sensitivity Permanently Curable?

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem, and many patients encounter pain or discomfort when they eat certain foods that are hot or cold. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, around 40 million adults suffer from sensitivity. Usually, the pain is temporary and can be treated to improve, but not cure the condition.

Is it Better to Get A Dental Implant or a Bridge?

When deciding on a restorative solution it is important to look at all of your options to help you decide on the best option that works for you. A common question patients face is if they should choose a dental bridge or dental implants when they are looking for a tooth replacement solution. Both are restorative solutions for missing teeth, and it is helpful to understand the differences.

It’s National Gum Care Month!

September brings the month of National Gum Care, a time to raise awareness for healthy gums everywhere. No matter your age, you should always be striving for great oral care, and this doesn’t just mean your teeth. Your gums are just as important when it comes to maintaining a great smile.

New Year’s Resolution: Address Your Bad Breath and Boost Your Self-Confidence Levels!

If you find yourself with bad breath or have had someone remark on your breath, you might be experiencing halitosis. Bad breath may come and go depending on what food you are eating or if you have “morning breath,” common in those who tend to breathe through the mouth. Still, the most common culprit is neglecting your daily oral hygiene care.

October is National Dental Hygiene Month: Brushing, Flossing and More!

Happy October, everyone! It’s one of the spookiest seasons of the year, and one of the scariest things we can think of is having problems with our teeth and gums. Since October is National Dental Hygiene Month, we want to promote a healthy mouth for everyone by acknowledging the importance of your daily hygiene efforts. Healthy teeth and gums are the foundation of a healthy, beautiful smile!

Safeguard Your Mouth This Winter by Limiting Cavity-Causing Sugar, Eating Healthy and Wearing an Athletic Guard

Winter is here and if you are exposed to the harsher weather, you could find yourself experiencing more cold and canker sores, chapped lips and dry mouth from the colder, drier conditions of the season. The good news is, there are steps you can take to protect your mouth, teeth, and gums during this time.

What Does Gum Pain Around a Dental Bridge Suggest?

If you have pain in the gum area around a dental bridge, it may be time to see your dentist. There are several things that can cause pain around a dental bridge, and it is important to make an appointment right away. At Smile Design, we offer a flexible schedule and extended hours to help patients that need to be seen right away.

What Is the Difference Between Composite Veneers & Porcelain Veneers?

If you have stained, chipped, or uneven teeth, veneers can help transform your teeth into a beautiful white smile. Veneers make teeth look uniform, and are bonded to your teeth using a cement material. There are a few different types of veneers, and to determine which type of veneer is best for you depends on the condition of your teeth.

What is considered a dental emergency?

Calling the dentist in an emergency can be stressful, and it is important to know when to call our office. At Smile Design, we offer same day or next day appointments to address any emergency situations for our patients.It is important to know the signs or symptoms that may tell you that you need to contact us.

What is the Difference Between Dental Implants & Veneers?

Dental Veneers and Dental Implants both can give patients a beautiful white smile. Deciding what restorative or cosmetic option works best for you depends on the condition of your teeth. Our staff at Smile Design in Durham, NC provides cosmetic and restorative consultations to all our patients to take a detailed look at your mouth and determine a customized treatment plan that works for you.

What is the treatment for sleep apnea?

If you suffer from Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) or sleep apnea, you may have symptoms that should never be ignored. Many patients have repeated interrupted sleep where they snore loudly or even gasp for air while breathing. Seeing professional help is always a good idea and highly recommended. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep.

When Should a Person Switch Dentists?

Switching dentists can be a hard decision, but patients need to make a change if they notice things aren’t working out with the current practice. Knowing when to make the move can be hard, but there are some tips you can follow to help you find your new dental office or dental clinic in the Durham area.

Have Questions? Contact Us Today!

Thank you for visiting the Smile Design Modern Dentistry Blog. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your dental health. If you have any questions, or if you need more information about a specific dental issue, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your oral health is our top priority, and we are here to provide the support and information you need to keep your smile bright and healthy.

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