Category: Oral Health

Proper Flossing Techniques: A Step-by-Step Guide

young man smiles while flossing his teeth

Along with brushing, flossing is a key part of a daily oral hygiene routine. Floss removes plaque between teeth and at the gum line, where decay or gum disease can easily form. At Paris Mountain Dental, we emphasize the importance of flossing during every visit. However, we wrote this step-by-step guide so you can easily reference proper flossing techniques wherever you go!

Choose the Right Floss

Begin your flossing journey by selecting the right tool for the job. Dental floss comes in various types, including waxed, unwaxed, tape and flavored options. Choose the floss that suits your preferences and effectively navigates between your teeth.

Cut the Right Floss Length

Cut a piece of floss around 18 inches long. This length allows you to use a fresh section of floss between each tooth, ensuring thorough cleaning without redepositing plaque.

Proper Holding Technique

Wrap the floss around your middle fingers, leaving a few inches in between for maneuverability. Use your index fingers and thumbs to guide the floss gently between your teeth. Avoid snapping the floss, as this can harm your gums.

Gentle Glide Between Teeth

Slide the floss up and down along the sides of each tooth, forming a C-shape around the tooth and gently moving it below the gumline. Ensure you cover both sides of each tooth, effectively removing plaque and debris.

Utilize a Clean Section for Each Tooth

As you move from one tooth to the next, unwind a fresh section of floss. This prevents the transfer of bacteria and ensures an optimal cleaning experience.

If you find traditional floss challenging, consider interdental brushes or floss picks. These tools can be effective alternatives, offering convenience while maintaining thorough cleaning between teeth.

Schedule a Dental Appointment in Travelers Rest, SC

Mastering proper flossing techniques is a fundamental step in achieving optimal oral health. At Paris Mountain Dental, we always encourage patients, even children, to brush and floss between routine dental visits. Have a question about flossing? Due for a routine dental visit? Call us today!

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The Impact of Genetics on Dental Health: What You Inherit

granddaughter and grandmother share a hug and a smile

When you visit the doctor, you discuss your overall health and lifestyle habits. Your doctor also asks about your family history and diseases that may be genetic or recurring in your family’s lives. It’s probably obvious why this information is valuable to your physician, but did you know this also provides valuable insight for your dentist?

Your genetics play an important role in your oral health in some ways you may suspect, and in others, you may not. We’re here to help you understand these connections.

Alignment & Fit

Your genetics play a role in the size, shape, and alignment of your teeth. A smaller jaw or large teeth could cause crowding in the oral cavity. This crowding makes teeth more difficult to clean and more vulnerable to gum disease, plaque and tartar build-up, infection, and halitosis.

Teeth & Gums

The enamel is your tooth’s first line of defense against invasive bacteria and gives your tooth its tough, durable nature. The strength of your enamel is genetic, so if you’re born with naturally weaker or thinner enamel, you may need to take extra precautions to protect your teeth.

Your gums’ susceptibility to disease and sensitivity are genetic, as are certain periodontal cancers. Since your saliva is responsible for neutralizing acids and helping wash away bacteria, your genetics play a role in the efficacy of your saliva to help protect your teeth and gums.

What Can You Do?

The best way to protect your smile is by scheduling regular appointments with your dentist to review personal and genetic concerns you may have. Your dentist will work with you to ensure you have everything you need to protect your smile!

Mindful, Compassionate Dentistry in Travelers Rest, SC!

Take control of your health and gain the knowledge you need to protect yourself from dental disasters with a visit to Paris Mountain Dental. Call today or click today to schedule your appointment with our caring staff!

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Can Sinus Issues Cause Tooth Pain?

Man tiredly holds his cheek in his hand due to tooth pain from sinusitis

The sinuses are several pairs of air-filled sacs in your skull behind your forehead, eyes, cheeks, and nasal bones connected by narrow passages. Mucus is able to drain out of healthy sinuses, allowing air to flow freely. Sinusitis occurs when these air-filled sacs become blocked and filled with fluid due to inflammation, swelling, and buildup from allergens, viruses, bacteria, fungus, or abnormal anatomy like a facial bone spur.

Most patients will experience some sort of sinus discomfort in their lifetime due to allergies, a cold, a change in altitude, and/or a deviated nasal septum. Symptoms can include a headache, nasal congestion and discharge, sore throat and postnasal drip, fever, a cough that is worse at night, fatigue and malaise, bad breath, loss of smell, facial tenderness, and pressure-like pain behind the eyes and in the teeth.

Are My Sinuses Causing My Tooth Pain?

It is possible for sinusitis to contribute to tooth pain. Therefore, your tooth pain could be due to a problem with your sinuses, particularly if your pain is in the upper back molars and/or accompanied by other symptoms. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for tooth pain caused by sinusitis to change. Bending over, for example, can intensify your pain and cause it to be felt simultaneously in multiple teeth.

The best way to know what’s causing your tooth pain is to visit your dentist so they can give the painful tooth a thorough examination. If they suspect the pain isn’t coming from an oral problem, they will likely suggest you visit your primary care provider for additional insight.

Schedule an Appointment at Paris Mountain Dental!

Our experienced team in Travelers Rest, SC, can help you determine the root cause of your tooth pain so you can get the treatment you need. Contact us today to schedule your visit!

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Yummy Foods for a Healthy Smile

a cluster of strawberries on a white background

Many foods, like sugary drinks and starchy snacks, are poor for your teeth and gums. We recommend prioritizing dietary choices that will benefit your dental health! For example, the following yummy foods help promote a healthy smile:

Strawberries

These bright berries are sweet, juicy, and rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Vitamin C promotes healthy gums and strengthens blood vessels, reducing the risk of gum disease. The natural astringent properties of strawberries can also help remove surface stains from your teeth, enhancing your smile’s brightness.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilling is a popular cooking method, but it’s not only for meats! Try grilling an assortment of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. These vegetables are rich in fiber, which promotes saliva production and helps scrub away plaque from your teeth while you chew.

Dairy Products

Calcium-rich dairy products like low-sugar yogurt, whole-milk cheese, and milk support strong teeth and bones. Dairy products also contain a protein called casein that forms a protective layer on the tooth enamel, shielding it from acid erosion.

Salmon

While calcium is great for the teeth, it won’t matter how much you eat if your body doesn’t have enough vitamin D. Vitamin D is helpful in processing and absorbing calcium. Salmon is one of the best foods for getting vitamin D. The healthy fats from salmon also help prevent oral disease.

Pears

Similar to vegetables like celery, pears are fibrous and can easily stimulate saliva production. Pears also have acid-neutralizing effects in your mouth. Add sliced pears to a salad or eat them on the go!

Schedule a Dental Appointment in Travelers Rest, SC

While what you eat is important, how you care for your smile is even more important! Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles. And don’t forget to schedule routine dental appointments for you and the whole family at Paris Mountain Dental!

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Healthy Oral Habits to Teach Your Kids

A dad smiles as he brushes his teeth next to his son as they look in the bathroom mirror

Here are several oral health habits you should help your child establish when they are young!

Brush Teeth Twice a Day & Floss Daily

One of the most beneficial habits for a child to learn early on is to brush their teeth twice a day, once in the morning when they wake up and again at night before bed. Encourage them to brush in gentle, circular strokes across all surfaces of their teeth for two minutes. Babies, toddlers, and young children will need their parents to brush their teeth for them. Depending on their level of maturity, physical development, and any special needs, your child may be ready to brush their own teeth with supervision around age 5-7. As soon as they have 2 teeth touching, your child will benefit from daily flossing.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Guide your child to develop a positive relationship with food. Allow them to learn how to consume sweets in moderation. Expose them to a balanced variety of foods. Some of our favorite healthy snack options for kids include:

  • Celery and apple slices with nut butter
  • Cheese sticks
  • Whole fresh fruits, like oranges, apples, berries, and kiwi
  • Whole-grain toast with avocado
  • Egg quesadillas
  • Unsweetened applesauce with cinnamon
  • Trail mix
  • Fresh vegetables with hummus or plant-based ranch
  • Yogurt parfaits
  • Smoothies
  • Drink Plenty of Water

    Encourage your child to drink plenty of water every day, especially instead of soda or soda. Water helps give the body energy, reduces cravings, and prevents dry mouth.

    Regularly Visit the Dentist

    We understand that dental visits can feel scary and intimidating for kids. However, becoming accustomed to routine dental visits early on means they will be more likely to continue these visits, which will contribute to good oral health through adulthood. Finding a compassionate dentist who can accommodate your child’s unique needs and appreciate their personality will show your child that going to the dentist can be a positive experience!

    At Paris Mountain Dental, we provide comprehensive dental services and accept patients of all ages. We also offer family block scheduling so we can schedule family members at the same appointment time or back-to-back for your convenience. Please contact us to schedule an appointment for your child!

    How to Floss Your Teeth

    Closeup of a woman flossing her teeth with string floss against a blue wall

    When you visit our office, you will likely be reminded to brush and floss your teeth every day to help prevent cavities and gum disease. If you’re not sure how to floss your teeth properly, these tips can help!

    Tips to Floss Properly

    1) Break off about 18 inches of floss. Wrap a majority of your floss in one of your middle fingers and the rest around the same finger on the opposite hand.

    2) Hold the floss between the thumbs and pointer fingers. This hold is how you will guide the floss.

    3) Gently guide the floss between each tooth. Some teeth may require more force than others.

    4) When the floss is inserted between teeth, curve it into a C shape and slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth on each side.

    5) Gently guide the floss up and down. Repeat for every tooth surface with a new section of the string of floss.

    Why Is It Important to Floss Properly?

    Daily brushing and flossing will not be painful or cause bleeding for healthy teeth and gums. However, infrequent or improper flossing can cause bleeding gums. Flossing too hard can damage the tissue between your teeth. Being inconsistent or too gentle will not effectively get food particles and bacteria out, thus increasing your risk of bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.

    What to Use to Floss Your Teeth

    You’ll likely notice many different dental products available in the oral care aisle at the store. These products may include several types of floss, such as traditional string floss, dental picks, and water flossers. Using a combination of these products will likely yield the best results! Choosing a product with the ADA Seal of Acceptance indicates it will be safe and effective. You can also consult with our team for personalized recommendations.

    Preventive Care in Travelers Rest, SC

    Brushing and flossing are vital parts of good at-home preventive care. Additionally, you should schedule routine cleanings and exams at our office. We offer comprehensive oral healthcare services. Please contact us today to schedule a visit!

    Fall Foods for a Healthy Mouth

    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 Dental Problems Can Affect Overall Health

    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

    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?

    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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