Author: Paris Mountain Dental

Tips for a Whiter Smile

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Brunette woman in a red blouse smiles and looks at her whiter teeth in a handheld mirror

Few people have a naturally white smile. This is because teeth genetically come in many different shades and tend to yellow with age, eating, and inconsistent dental care. Fortunately, some products and techniques can help you achieve a whiter smile. Here are three tips for a naturally whiter smile!

1. Daily Brush & Floss

Consistent brushing and flossing are the best ways to maintain a whiter smile. A toothbrush, especially an electric toothbrush, removes harmful plaque and some surface stains while contributing to good oral health.

If deep tooth stains are already present, brushing won’t make a dramatic difference. However, it can prevent new stains from settling in and be used as maintenance should you choose professional teeth whitening.

2. Limit Deeply-Pigmented Foods & Drinks

Food and drinks with darker pigments and tannins can lead to tooth discoloration over time. Common culprits include tea, coffee, red wine, balsamic vinegar, tomato sauce, and other concentrated and acidic substances.

Consume staining foods and drinks in moderation and rinse with water afterwards.

3. Maintain Regular Dental Cleanings

Routine cleanings at the dentist should recur every six months, and more often if you have current periodontal disease. During these visits, plaque and tartar are removed from the surface of the teeth and the teeth are polished. These cleanings help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and can also result in a whiter smile after the plaque and tartar are removed.

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments in Travelers Rest, SC

If you have tried these tips and your teeth are still not as white as you desire, we invite you to consider at-home or in-office teeth whitening or veneers. Then, following the above tips can help you maintain your smile’s new bright appearance!

Our team at Paris Mountain Dental can help you achieve a whiter smile. We offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry treatments like professional teeth whitening and veneers in Travelers Rest, SC. Please contact us to schedule an appointment.

Paris Mountain Dental can help brighten your smile!

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Fall Foods for a Healthy Mouth

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A wooden bucket of apples has tipped over next to fall leaves

When it comes to maintaining a beautiful smile, regular brushing, flossing, and preventive visits to Paris Mountain Dental are a great start. But there’s another major component to protecting your teeth and gums: your diet. You probably already know that consuming too many sweets can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease – so what foods should you be actively seeking out instead? To help you make seasonal teeth-friendly choices, we’ve put together this list of fall foods that will promote a healthy mouth.

1. Apples

When the weather begins cooling, it’s the season for apple picking. Apples are at the top of our list of fall foods for several reasons! They provide vitamin C, which is necessary for healthy gums and fighting off infection. The fibrous structure of apples acts like nature’s toothbrush by gently scrubbing your teeth of plaque and food particles. Plus, there are many ways to incorporate them into your diet. For example, dip slices into nut butter, spiral onto a salad, or mix chopped apple into oatmeal.

2. Nuts

Nuts are a satisfying year-round snack that contain protein, calcium, and phosphorus, which are important for strengthening and repairing tooth enamel. Pistachios are delightful for snacking. Stir pecans and walnuts into oatmeal, cream of wheat, and baked goods. Mix walnuts or pine nuts with spinach, kale, and/or basil leaves, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon to make excellent pesto that can be served on pasta or spread on sandwiches. Remember to never bite the shell of a nut to crack it–you might crack your tooth! Buy shelled nuts or use the appropriate tools to remove the shells.

3. Pumpkin

Pureed pumpkin is delicious in pasta dishes, soups, pancakes, pie, and other baked goods. Pumpkin contains zinc, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. These nutrients help fortify your gums, prevent tooth decay, and strengthen your bones.

Please contact Paris Mountain Dental to ask questions about your oral health or to schedule an appointment!

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How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?

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Dark-haired woman in a mango-colored shirt holds her jaw and cringes in pain because she needs root canal therapy

A tooth infection can start as increased sensitivity, followed by a slight toothache, then bad breath and throbbing tooth pain. At this point, you may have developed an abscess, which is a pus-filled sac at the root of your tooth. Root canal therapy is necessary to treat a tooth infection.

Infections typically stem from trauma that causes a crack or break in your tooth or an untreated severe cavity. The pain can spread throughout your jawbone, and you can experience a bad smell and taste around the tooth, as well as swelling and a fever.

Root Canal Procedure

Root canal therapy is nearly painless procedure, despite its bad reputation. Before the procedure, your dentist will make sure you are properly anesthetized and feel comfortable. They will then drill a small hole into your tooth to access the innermost areas of your tooth, the pulp and root. This allows them to remove the infected tissue, clean out your tooth, and fill it with a special substance called gutta-percha. Your tooth will be sealed and covered with a crown to reinforce it when you chew. This procedure will have eliminated the source of your pain to protect your oral tissues from damage, while saving the outer structure and roots of your natural tooth.

How to Avoid Root Canal Therapy

There are several steps you can take to protect your teeth from infection and the need for root canal therapy. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, floss your teeth every day, visit Paris Mountain Dental twice a year, consume a balanced diet, stay hydrated with water, wear a mouthguard if you play sports, wear a nightguard if you grind and clench your teeth, and avoid tobacco products.

Affordable Root Canal Therapy in Travelers Rest, SC

Paris Mountain Dental offers comprehensive dentistry, including preventive, restorative, and emergency dental care to help you prevent and treat tooth infections. We also offer flexible financing to make our personalized treatments affordable.

Are you experiencing tooth pain? Please contact us today to schedule an emergency appointment.

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Things to Know If You Have Dentures

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Grandparents smiling and laughing with a daughter and young adult granddaughter.

Are you getting dentures to replace your missing teeth? If so, congratulations! Dentures are a great way to repair your smile, restore your bite, and boost your self-confidence. Here’s what you need to know about your dentures to keep them in tip-top shape!

1. There Is an Adjustment Period for Dentures

When you first get your dentures, it will take a while for you and your mouth to get used to them. At first, your mouth will feel like there is an alien object in it and you may find your tongue rubbing against your dentures frequently. You may also get ulcers on your gums while your mouth is adjusting. However, don’t stress. The discomfort is temporary and should subside over time!

2. Cleaning Your Dentures Is Crucial

When you wear your dentures every day, they will get dirty and gather bacteria just like natural teeth. In order to avoid gum disease and cavities in any of your existing teeth, you have to clean your dentures. There are special denture cleaners that you can use daily to disinfect your dentures.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

While your mouth is getting used to your dentures, you will have to practice eating and speaking, too! It can take time to get it down, but you will soon feel confident using your new teeth. You can practice eating certain types of foods to figure out the most comfortable way for you to chew. You may also have to practice saying your “s’s” because you may have a slight lisp when you first start wearing your dentures.

4. Don’t Put Off Repairs

Over time, your dentures may get damaged from regular wear. Don’t put off getting them repaired. The longer you wear them when they’re broken, the more damage that can occur to the appliances and potentially to your mouth.

Start Your Denture Journey

Are you ready to get started on your denture journey? At Paris Mountain Dental, we are pleased to offer a variety of tooth replacement options, including full and partial dentures. Please contact us to schedule your consultation!

Dentures are a great way to restore your missing teeth!

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How Dental Bonding Can Improve Your Smile

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Smiling man in the dental chair.

It’s not common to have naturally perfect teeth. In fact, most people have at least one thing they would aesthetically change about their smiles. Whether you have a small gap between two teeth or a chipped tooth, dental bonding is a great solution to enhance your smile’s appearance! Here’s what you need to know about dental bonding and how it can improve your smile.

What Is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a treatment that uses a malleable, tooth-colored composite resin that can be molded into any shape necessary. Bonding is applied directly to teeth and can be cured in place with a blue light. The composite resin material comes in a variety of shades, so it can be closely matched to the shade of your teeth.

What Can Dental Bonding Fix?

Bonding is extremely versatile and can be used to correct a variety of aesthetic tooth imperfections.

  • Chipped teeth
  • Cracked teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Short teeth
  • Small gaps between teeth

Taking Care of Your Bonding

Even though bonding is strong, it is not as strong as natural teeth and enamel. It’s important to be mindful of your bonding to prevent it from breaking off. Avoid chewing on hard foods like ice and jawbreaker candy or opening packages with your teeth. You also want to ensure you refrain from staining your natural teeth as this will make the shade of the bonding stick out since it will no longer match your tooth. When playing sports, opt for a mouthguard to prevent anything from hitting your teeth and breaking your bonding.

Schedule Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

Dental bonding can’t fix all smile flaws but Paris Mountain Dental offers many other cosmetic and restorative treatments in addition to bonding. We have lots of options available to help patients achieve their ideal smiles. Please contact our office to schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation to see if dental bonding is right for you!

Dental bonding can fix many smile flaws!

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Are You Ready for Professional Teeth Whitening?

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Smiling young woman pointing to her professionally whitened smile.

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to improve your smile and boost your confidence, professional teeth whitening may be for you. Paris Mountain Dental offers several teeth whitening options in Travelers Rest, SC, that can dramatically improve your smile in a short time!

Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is the simplest way to transform your smile. If you’ve been disappointed with the results of drugstore whitening products, it is definitely time for an upgrade. Professional whitening is also a safe and effective way to brighten your smile. Additionally, it is probably a lot quicker and easier than you’d expect! This cosmetic dentistry service is very popular with our patients and we’ll be here to help you manage any irritation or sensitivity that may occur.

Our Teeth Whitening Options

Paris Mountain Dental offers two ways to whiten your teeth, both yielding professional-quality results: custom tray take-home whitening or in-office whitening.

With in-office whitening, you will see results after just one simple visit to our office! You can sit back and let us handle the entire process.

Alternatively, take-home tray whitening still guarantees a comfortable experience and exceptional results. The custom-fit of the tray maximizes the effectiveness of the powerful gel. It also minimizes the risk for irritation that comes with an ill-fitting tray. You will be able to easily control the whitening process from home. You can adjust the amount of gel used as needed if you find yourself dealing with sensitivity.

Cosmetic Dentistry & More in Travelers Rest, NC

If you would to give your smile a boost, we are just a phone call away. Whether it is professional whitening or another one of our great cosmetic or restorative procedures, we have the tools to transform your smile. Contact us today to get started with a consultation.

Professional teeth whitening provides an instant confidence boost!

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How Dental Problems Can Affect Overall Health

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Couple brushing teeth while camping.

Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist protect your oral health. Did you know that good oral hygiene protects your overall health, as well? Neglecting the care of your teeth and gums can have long-term consequences. Here are some ways that dental problems can affect your health.

Gum Disease Worsens Diabetes

Gum disease (also known as periodontitis) is an infection of the gums. Research shows a two-way relationship between gum disease and diabetes. If you have diabetes, you’re more vulnerable to gum disease. In turn, gum disease makes diabetes more difficult to manage by raising your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, it’s important to avoid getting gum disease.

Tooth Loss Affects Your Diet

Losing just one tooth can affect your chewing function. The more teeth you lose, the harder it is to eat whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and lean meats. This eliminates many nutritional foods from your diet. A poor diet leads to health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, unhealthy weight loss or weight gain, and malnutrition.

Gum Disease Increases Risks During Pregnancy

Changing hormone levels during pregnancy affect oral health in a few ways, including increasing the risk of gum disease. Unfortunately, there are links between gum disease and pre-eclampsia, premature birth, and underweight infants. Routine dental care is an essential part of your health management during pregnancy.

Tooth Infections Can Spread

Tooth infections are often caused by untreated tooth decay. In some cases, an untreated infection can spread from the tooth to your face, neck, and other parts of the body. Tooth infections can even lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition. While rare, people have died from tooth infections that spread.

Maintain Great Oral Health at Paris Mountain Dental

Dental problems affect your oral health and your overall health. Issues like gum disease are especially far-reaching and often worsen existing health conditions. Thankfully, you can keep your health in great shape by brushing, flossing, and visiting our office for services like cleanings and exams. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ghimire, please contact our Travelers Rest office today!

Good oral hygiene protects your overall health!

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The Best Tools to Fight Gingivitis

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Photo of a water flosser and electric toothbrush to help fight gingivitis.

Gingivitis, or early stage gum disease, affects millions of Americans every year. When caught in the early stages, this progressive ailment can be reversible if you invest in the right tools to fight it. Here are some of our favorite gingivitis-fighting tools at Paris Mountain Dental.

Signs of Gingivitis

Some of the common signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:

  • Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
  • Bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
  • Receding gums

If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with Paris Mountain Dental as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and to potentially catch your gum disease in the earliest stages possible.

Antibacterial Mouthwash

Rinsing your mouth is a gentle, effective way at curbing bacteria growth under the gumline. Your dentist can recommend the right antibacterial mouthwash for your smile as well as specific instructions on how often you should use it.

Dental Floss

Dental floss is one of the most powerful ways to address and prevent gum disease. After all, dental floss is the most effective way to dislodge plaque and bacteria from under the gum line, which is how gum disease starts in the first place. You must floss your teeth and gums twice a day to keep them healthy. If you experience bleeding or swelling when you floss, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.

Water Flosser

In addition to dental floss (which you should use twice a day!), a water flosser is a great way to break up plaque and bacteria under your gum line. Using pressurized streams of water, this tool delivers a gentle yet powerful clean, making it ideal for patients who might have difficulties maneuvering regular floss.

Electric Toothbrush

A soft-bristled toothbrush is a great tool to use to prevent gum disease, but an electric toothbrush delivers a more accurate, powerful cleaning experience, making it a great tool to use to fight gingivitis. Many electric toothbrushes come with different settings, including ones that are tailored for gum care.

Dental Picks

If you have tight spaces between your teeth, it might make it harder to floss. Dental picks are a great tool to help you squeeze into tough-to-reach spots and keep them free from plaque and bacteria.

Affordable Comprehensive Dentistry in Travelers Rest, SC

Twice-yearly dental appointments are extremely important, especially for those who might have gum disease. At Paris Mountain Dental, we offer comprehensive preventive dental care along with cosmetic and restorative procedures to give our patients healthy and gorgeous smiles. We also make our services affordable with flexible financing and an in-house dental savers plan. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!

Stop gingivitis from becoming gum disease with early treatment!

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Are You Overdue for a Dental Cleaning?

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Did you know that your smile needs regular dental cleanings to stay in tip-top shape? In addition to cleaning your teeth at home, professional cleanings are a necessity for a healthy smile. Keep reading to learn more about dental cleanings!

How Do I Know When I Need a Dental Cleaning?

The American Dental Association states that adults and kids should get a professional dental cleaning twice a year. Even if you follow a strict at-home oral hygiene regimen, it’s not uncommon to miss the hard-to-reach areas in your mouth. Professional cleanings give your dentist and hygienist a chance to thoroughly clean every inch of your teeth and gums. It also allows them to check for any dental issues and catch them while they’re still small.

What Is a Professional Dental Cleaning?

Dental cleanings are professional-grade cleanings performed by trained dental hygienists. They are a more thorough cleaning treatment that is geared towards removing plaque and tartar buildup. Hygienists utilize special dental tools to scrape off hardened tartar without damaging the teeth. Then, they use a gritty paste and an electric brush to perform a deep cleaning. This is followed by water flossing to remove any trapped particles and debris. After the teeth and gums are completely clean, hygienists will use a polishing paste to make the teeth shine. If needed, fluoride treatments are applied at the end of a dental cleaning. Fluoride helps remineralize weakened enamel to strengthen teeth. Fluoride treatments can be applied by biting into a foam tray or painting the fluoride varnish directly onto the teeth.

Overdue For Your Dental Cleaning?

Have you put off your next dental cleaning? Don’t wait any longer! At Paris Mountain Dental in Travelers Rest, SC, we have extensive experience performing thorough deep cleanings. We’re dedicated to helping our community achieve and maintain a lifetime of great oral health. Please contact our office to schedule your cleaning!

Dental cleanings provide great preventive dental care!

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What Are the Most Popular Cosmetic Dental Procedures?

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Cosmetic dentistry has become more and more popular over the years as patients increasingly want teeth that are beautiful in appearance as well as healthy. Paris Mountain Dental offers a few different popular cosmetic dental options that can help you achieve your smile goals and attain a dazzling smile that you can’t wait to show off!

Professional Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment. That’s why you see so many drugstore teeth whitening products like whitening strips and whitening toothpastes. It’s very common for teeth to naturally appear a little yellow or simply less bright than we want them to be. Professional teeth whitening is a simple and easy way to achieve a consistently bright white smile that lasts for many months or even years. We can work with you to decide what shade will make your teeth look beautiful yet very natural.

Clear Aligner Therapy

Clear aligner therapy is another popular cosmetic dental treatment. Aligners quickly, effectively, and discreetly can shift teeth. If you have always wished you had a straighter smile but don’t want to wear noticeable metal braces, clear aligners are an excellent alternative option. Orthodontic treatments can be used to correct a patient’s bite and reduce crowding. A straighter smile can lead to better overall oral health. Of course, many patients are more interested in the cosmetic enhancements that orthodontic treatment provides. Regardless of your reason for pursuing clear aligner therapy, our team would be happy to help!

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are less common than teeth whitening treatments and clear aligner therapy for a few reasons, but they are still a popular cosmetic dental service. Veneers are a permanent treatment. Once a patient decides to enhance their smile by having one or more veneers placed, the tooth or teeth must always be protected by a veneer or another dental restoration. Veneers tend to be more of a financial investment as well. However, for patients who are looking to achieve a gorgeous, Hollywood-esque smile, traditional veneers can offer them the straighter, whiter, more uniform smile that they have always wanted.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Travelers Rest, SC

Not sure which treatment option is right for you? Schedule a cosmetic consultation with Paris Mountain Dental today. We’ll be happy to help you decide which treatment or treatments will work best for your unique smile.

Learn more about our most popular cosmetic treatments!

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