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Carolina Smiles Family Dentistry blog

Does a Fissured Tongue Need Treatment?
Sometimes we see a patient with a fissured tongue or a tongue that displays single, multiple, shallow, or deep grooves or fissures. Frequently, a prominent fissure is seen in the middle of the tongue. While this anomaly can be somewhat pronounced, a fissured tongue is not medically serious. How Does A Fissured Tongue Develop? According to the American Academy of Oral Medicine, most tongue fissures develop on the middle third of a person’s tongue and only occur in about 5% of the U.S population. The condition often affects older men, and the severity increases as people age. In some cases, a white coating may develop on the tongue if it

The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Oral Health
It might raise some eyebrows, but there is a connection between your sleeping schedule and oral health. Sleep issues like insomnia and snoring are symptoms of a sleep problem known as sleep apnea. This problem can further damage your oral health as well. Dental problems can also result in sleep apnea. What Kind Of Oral Problems Does Sleep Apnea Cause? Adequate and quality sleep is necessary to keep mouth ulcers, bad breath, and periodontal diseases at bay. If you don’t get quality sleep, you may suffer from problems like mouth breathing, bruxism, and TMD. It might not seem possible, but research has shown that the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) that connects

Why Is Teeth Grinding Bad for You?
Many people think teeth grinding, or clenching isn’t causing harm because there’s no pain or symptoms. But what they don’t know is that if they do not opt for treatment and preventative care for Bruxism (teeth grinding), it can significantly impact your dental health and the well-being of your entire body.Here are some of the many ways that Bruxism can damage your health: Tooth Enamel Erosion Teeth clenching and grinding can wear off and erode your tooth’s enamel – teeth protecting shield. Once it erodes, your teeth will face an increased risk of decay and higher sensitivity to hot and cold foods/drinks. Tooth Loss &Fractured Teeth Teeth grinding and clenching

Debunking Myths About Gum Disease
Gum disease is a dental condition where oral bacteria lead to inflammation. As plaque develops on the teeth and gum line, bacteria emerge and cause redness, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding.While gum disease is common, it should be treated immediately as neglect may lead to serious health issues, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Here are 4 common myths about gum disease: Myth 1: Bleeding Gums Are Not A Big Deal Red, swollen and bleeding gums are all tell-tale symptoms of gum disease. They can be easily noticed while brushing, flossing, or eating certain food items. It is crucial to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you

How to Save Your Knock Out Tooth
It is common for kids and adults to lose their teeth during sports. Most athletes have their teeth knocked out in numerous ways, but they know how to preserve them; that’s why they always have a lustrous smile. You might not know this, but your tooth can be completely restored. If it gets chipped, take it to a dentist, and it will be repaired. Moreover, there are other ways to save your knock-out tooth, but you must act fast. What To Do When Your Tooth Is Knocked Out If you knock out your tooth as an adult, hold it by the crown, not by its root. Rinse it with cold

The Role of Saliva and Fluoride in Tooth Remineralization
Tooth mineralization sounds like an expensive dental procedure for those who don’t know. But, in reality, it’s just the natural reparative process that occurs daily inside our mouths. It’s a simple process that repairs the lost enamel (outermost tooth layer) and helps prevent cavities.At Carolina Smiles Family Dentistry, and can explain everything you need to know about tooth remineralization and how you can boost its effectiveness. The Role Of Saliva In Teeth Remineralization The role of saliva is to neutralize harmful acids by supplying the teeth with calcium and phosphate ions for remineralization. In addition, it prevents debris accumulation and washes away acid-producing bacteria. However, you must maintain the proper