Category: Oral Health

Prevention Saves Money in the Long Run

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Woman and a man brushing their teeth to maintain good oral hygiene.

Staying on top of your oral health can have a positive impact on your smile and your wallet! Preventive dentistry is the key to preventing cavities and avoiding more costly dental issues down the road. Here’s what you need to know about preventive dental care and how it can benefit you!

The Importance of Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry is the foundation for a healthy smile. Preventive care includes dental cleanings and examinations as well as at-home oral hygiene regimens. With biannual cleanings and exams, your dental team can thoroughly clean your teeth and gums by removing any plaque and tartar buildup that you may have missed when brushing your teeth at home. After your cleaning, your dentist will examine your mouth to ensure you don’t have any signs of dental issues, such as cavities. In addition to regular dental visits, you should also maintain a strong at-home oral hygiene routine by brushing twice a day for two minutes each and flossing daily.

Extra Prevention for Kids

Teaching kids good dental hygiene habits will set them up for success maintaining a healthy smile as an adult. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments are two procedures we offer in the office that are especially effective preventive treatments for kids.

Don’t Leave Dental Issues Untreated

If you have any dental concerns, please don’t push them by the wayside! The sooner you seek treatment, the better. If an issue arises in between your biannual visits, contact your dentist right away. When small problems are left untreated, they can turn into more complex and costly dental issues in the long run. If you are experiencing any of the following dental issues, please call Paris Mountain Dental right away.

  • Bleeding, Sensitive Gums
  • Chronic & Throbbing Toothache
  • Sensitivity to Hot & Cold
  • Sudden Tooth Discoloration

    • Protection Is Part of Prevention

    Preventive dentistry also includes preventing damage to teeth when possible. This means that the athletes in your family should wear an athletic mouthguard when participating in contact sports. The cost of a custom-fitted mouthguard is negligible when compared to the cost of replacing a knocked-out tooth.

    Looking For a Dental Home in Travelers Rest, SC?

    Finding a good dental home can help you prevent tooth decay and keep your smile healthy. At Paris Mountain Dental, we are passionate about helping patients of all ages achieve and maintain great oral health! We understand that taking care of your smile is a big responsibility and we’re ready and equipped to assist you along your dental health journey. Please contact us to book your consultation!

    Regular preventive care will save you money in the long run!

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    When Should a Tooth Be Extracted?

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    Masked dental professionals with tools for a dental extraction are looking down on the patient.

    We always try to save a natural tooth if we can. That often means performing a root canal, but this therapy is not always the best option for all teeth or all scenarios. Sometimes, tooth extraction ends up being better for your health. When would you need a tooth removed? Here are the most common reasons.

    Excessive Trauma or Decay

    If a tooth has been severely damaged or decayed, taking it out is the best choice. Decay is preventable when you take good care of your teeth and visit the dentist. To avoid dental trauma, wear a mouthguard when you play sports and chew hard foods carefully. However, sometimes accidents happen and an extraction is necessary.

    Gum Disease Damage

    Severe gum disease makes your gums pull away from your teeth. This causes teeth to become loose. Gum disease can also cause bone loss and infections. Rather than waiting for your teeth to fall out, a clean extraction is better. You can avoid gum disease by brushing, flossing, and coming in for professional cleanings twice a year.

    Crowded or Impacted Teeth

    Sometimes crowded teeth damage your smile. Teeth that are too close together are harder to clean, which makes them more vulnerable to decay. They can also grind against each other. Impacted teeth refer to teeth that haven’t erupted properly. Wisdom teeth are often impacted, so it’s common to need some or all removed.

    Dental Extractions at Paris Mountain Dental

    If Dr. Ghimire decides a tooth extraction is the best choice for your health, our Travelers Rest team will ensure that the experience is as comfortable as possible. A topical anesthetic is always applied, so you may feel pressure when the tooth is pulled, but no pain. If you’re nervous, we also offer nitrous oxide sedation. For a smooth healing process, we’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions for the next 2-3 days of recovery. Wondering if you need an extraction or want to know more about our other services? Please contact us today!

    We make tooth extractions as comfortable as possible.

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    How to Maintain Healthy Gums

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    Graphic showing the stages of gum disease.

    You can’t have healthy teeth without healthy gums as their foundation! Maintaining healthy gums is one of the most simple and powerful ways to boost your oral health. Here are Paris Mountain Dental’s top tips for maintaining healthy gums.

    1. Floss

    Flossing is one of the best ways to keep your gums healthy. Plaque, food particles, and bacteria can get trapped in the tight spaces under your gum line, and can’t be removed through simple brushing. Flossing helps remove bacteria from under the gum line to keep them clean and prevent gum disease, which starts with gum inflammation, swelling, bleeding, and pain.

    2. Avoid Smoking

    Smoking is extremely damaging to your health, and is one of the leading causes of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and many more deadly ailments. Smoking begins in your mouth, and the harmful chemicals in cigarettes can cause dry mouth and increased bacteria growth, accelerating your chances of developing gum disease.

    3. Eat a Balanced Diet

    Diets that are high in sugars, starches, and acid speed up the development of cavities and decay. Eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, protein, and fiber supports healthy saliva production and naturally curbs bacteria growth.

    4. Have a Consistent Oral Hygiene Regimen

    One of the most simple and powerful ways to maintain your oral health is by brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly twice a day. If you use a fluoridated toothpaste, even better! Consistent brushing and flossing helps keep your teeth and gums free of bacteria.

    5. Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

    Dentists and dental hygienists are specially trained in detecting oral health issues even before they’re visible. They can perform any necessary deep cleanings using professional tools to keep your gums clear of tartar and buildup. At Paris Mountain Dental, we offer a suite of preventive services designed to improve your oral health.

    Comprehensive Dentistry in Travelers Rest, SC

    Our staff is committed to helping you have a healthy, beautiful smile, starting with strong gums. Whether you need a preventive or more advanced, custom treatment to suit your needs, we’re here for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment and take a look at our financial page to learn more about our flexible financing options.

    Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile.

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    Chronic Diseases & Dental Health

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    Chronic diseases can have an impact on your dental health. Fifty percent of people have a chronic condition and 25% of adults have two or more, according to The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. It’s essential to let your dentist know if you have a chronic disease. Read on for a couple of the conditions that Dr. Ghimire and the Paris Mountain Dental team will want to know about to better care for you when you visit our Travelers Rest office.

    Diabetes

    Diabetes doesn’t just affect your blood sugar. People with diabetes are more likely to develop dental issues like gum disease, cavities, and tooth loss. It also may take longer for mouth infections to heal. The good news is that taking care of your oral health can improve diabetes control. You should let your dentist know if you are diabetic and when was the last time you took insulin.

    High Blood Pressure

    Chronic high blood pressure can have an impact on your dental health. Medication to control your blood pressure could have a side effect of gingival enlargement. This is where your gums swell and grow over your teeth. Even if you don’t experience this side effect, you’ll still want to let your dentist know if you have high blood pressure. Local anesthesia or numbing cream could potentially raise your blood pressure therefore it’s important to keep Dr. Ghimire informed about your condition and medications.

    Cardiovascular Disease

    If you have heart disease it might be necessary to take antibiotics before some dental procedures to protect your heart from potential bacterial infections. Additionally, heart medications can impact your oral health so it’s always important to let your dentist know what type of prescriptions you are using.

    How Can You Protect Your Oral Health?

    Regardless of any chronic disease, you can save yourself from future dental health problems by taking care of your teeth. Everyone benefits from a proper dental hygiene routine. Here are a few tasks that should be part of your daily hygiene routine.

  • Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss daily
  • Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing
  • Schedule regular dental checkups
  • Avoid using tobacco products

    • Comprehensive Services at Paris Mountain Dental

    Patients of all ages receive quality dental care at Paris Mountain Dental. Our hardworking and caring team can help with a variety of dental issues. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment. We look forward to taking care of your smile.

    Protect your oral health with a good hygiene routine!

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    Signs You Need a Nightguard

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    Photo of a nightguard to manage bruxism or teeth grinding.

    Do you grind your teeth? Because most of those who suffer from bruxism clench and grind while they are fast asleep, it may seem like it is a hard issue to diagnose. In reality though, the signs of this condition are pretty apparent. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the signs that you may need a nightguard.

    Morning Headaches

    The occasional morning headache may not have anything to do with your oral health, but if you’re regularly waking up with unexplainable headaches in the morning, well, we can likely explain that! When you clench and grind your teeth in your sleep, you’re putting stress on the muscles in your face, leaving them tense and sore in the morning. A nightguard will help you reduce some of the pressure you’re inadvertently putting on your muscles.

    Jaw Pain

    The tension you’re causing in your facial and jaw muscles can also lead to a disorder that affects the joint at the hinge of your jaw, known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This disorder can cause a lot of pain and sensitivity and can even make speaking and eating difficult and uncomfortable.

    Tooth Damage

    During your regular dental exams, Dr. Ghimire will look for excessive wear on the surface of your teeth which is a sure sign you’re suffering from bruxism. If the issue is allowed to persist, this surface wear can lead to tooth pain and sensitivity, and even chipping or cracking of the tooth.

    Nightguards to Treat Bruxism in Travelers Rest, SC

    If you are feeling the effects of teeth grinding and clenching, we’re here to help! In a few easy steps, we can fit you with a completely custom nightguard that will revolutionize your sleep habits. Don’t sleep on this solution, call our office to get started today!

    We can help you put an end to teeth grinding!

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    How Cosmetic Dentistry Impacts Your Oral Health

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    Attractive dark haired young woman with curly hair shows off a beautiful smile enhanced by cosmetic dentistry

    Cosmetic dentistry is more than just looking better. It can also impact your oral health and improve your general well-being. Let’s go over some typical cosmetic dentistry treatments and talk about how they can improve your oral health.

    Porcelain Veneers

    Veneers are thin ceramic layers that make custom changes to your teeth. Dental veneers are an excellent option for internally stained teeth, minor alignment issues, and chipped teeth. Porcelain veneers do more than give you a dazzling smile. They often save your teeth from further problems down the road. For example, not fixing a chipped tooth can lead to problems like more cracks in the enamel or the potential for a bacterial infection within the tooth. Both of these issues can lead to more costly and extensive repairs.

    Teeth Whitening

    Stained teeth are a common dental problem. Food and drink particles, smoking, natural aging, or certain medications are reasons for teeth staining. Teeth whitening can lift the stains from your teeth and give you a brighter smile. Professional teeth whitening is superior to store-bought whiteners. A custom-tray whitening treatment from Dr. Ghimire at Paris Mountain Dental is safer for your mouth and more likely to create better results. When you’re proud of your smile, you are more vigilant about taking care of your teeth. This includes implementing a dental hygiene routine that includes brushing your teeth twice a day and regularly flossing.

    Clear Aligner Therapy

    Clear Aligner Therapy can give you a straighter smile that will leave you a healthier person. All of this while avoiding the appearance of traditional metal braces. Straighter teeth can have a considerable impact on your oral health. They are easier to clean and less likely to get broken. Aligned teeth also improve your bite and prevent excessive wear on your teeth. These factors make you less likely to develop jaw pain, gum disease, cavities, or other oral infections.

    Better Oral Health in Travelers Rest, SC

    Paris Mountain Dental in Travelers Rest, SC offers several cosmetic dentistry procedures, including veneers, professional teeth whitening, and clear aligner therapy. They all can help improve your oral health and improve your appearance at the same time. Please schedule an appointment with us to discuss your situation.

    Ask us how cosmetic dentistry can improve your overall oral health!

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    How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

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    pink and white toothbrush in front of a black background surrounded by bubbles

    Image by Ulrike Leone from Pixabay

    Have you ever looked at your toothbrush and wondered when was the last time that you bought a new one? Here we’ll give you some information about replacing your toothbrush.

    How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

    The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you change your toothbrush about every three to four months. If you are a more aggressive brusher, you should change your toothbrush sooner if you notice that the bristles are frayed. This is because frayed and worn bristles won’t brush your teeth as thoroughly. Kids often need to replace their toothbrush more often due to more aggressive brushing. Additionally, if you’ve been sick recently, it’s important to replace your toothbrush once you are healthy again. This is because the bristles on your toothbrush don’t kill bacteria in your mouth or protect you from getting sick again.

    How Can I Maintain My Toothbrush?

    You want to make your toothbrush last as long as possible so you don’t have to constantly be replacing it. The ADA suggests rinsing your toothbrush under tap water after you’ve brushed your teeth in order to wash away any saliva or toothpaste that is left on the bristles. You should also store your toothbrush in a vertical position so that the bristles are positioned well to air dry completely. Be sure not to store your toothbrush near the toilet because that can invite bad bacteria and germs to live on the bristles. Additionally, do not store the toothbrush in a closed container because that can cause bacteria to build up.

    What Kind of Toothbrush Should I Use?

    If it’s time to replace your toothbrush, you may be wondering if you should get a new kind of toothbrush. There are two types of toothbrushes: manual and electric. There are pros and cons for each choice. For example, manual toothbrushes are easily portable and inexpensive and you are able to have complete control over the pressure and motion of your brushing. One disadvantage is that it can be harder to thoroughly brush those harder to reach places with a manual toothbrush. With electric toothbrushes, you can get a very thorough cleaning without doing much of the work yourself. However, electric toothbrushes are more cumbersome and can be expensive. At the end of the day, you should use whatever toothbrush you feel most comfortable with.

    If you have any other questions about replacing your toothbrush or anything else related to your oral health, please give us a call.

    Contact Us Today

    Tips To Protect Your Teeth & Smile As You Age

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    It’s a fact of life that as you get older, you have to take care of your body a little differently than you used to. Your teeth are no exception to that rule! As the years go on, you can become more at risk of certain oral conditions so it’s important to take the necessary steps to keep your smile in its best condition. Here are some tips to help you protect your teeth as get older!

    Avoid Dry Mouth

    For many people, getting older means taking more medication. Some medications have dry mouth as a side effect. When your mouth is dry, it can cause chronic bad breath as well as an increased risk of tooth decay since there isn’t enough saliva to clean your teeth. To alleviate dry mouth, drink plenty of water throughout the day. You can also chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva flow.

    Minimize Wear & Tear

    With daily chewing and biting it’s unavoidable that your teeth will undergo some wear and tear over the years. To make sure your teeth last as long as possible, try not to chew on hard things like ice or your pen. If you notice that you’re grinding your teeth at night, get a night-guard made so you can prevent further damage.

    Try an Electric Toothbrush

    Using a manual toothbrush can become more difficult if you develop a condition like arthritis. To ensure that your teeth are still getting properly cleaned, consider switching to an electric toothbrush. You’ll be able to more easily grip the brush without sacrificing the quality of brushing. Plus, if you have one that signals when you should move to the next section of your mouth or when your recommended two minutes of brushing time are up, it’ll be easy to remember exactly how long you’ve been brushing.

    Want more tips for keeping your smile healthy? Contact the Paris Mountain Dental team! We also provide restorative dentistry in case you need some extra help getting your teeth back to a healthy condition.

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    What Happens If You Don’t Brush Your Tongue?

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    Four yellow emoji faces with tongue sticking outFour yellow emoji faces with tongue sticking outFour yellow emoji faces with tongue sticking outFour yellow emoji faces with tongue sticking out

    You learned years ago how to brush and floss your teeth but what about your tongue? Plenty of people don’t realize that brushing their tongue should be part of their at-home dental routine. Your tongue is home for lots of different bacteria, and letting the bad bacteria stay there can cause you trouble in the long run. Here’s what can happen if you forget to brush your tongue:

    Bad Breath

    There are a few different things that can cause someone to have bad breath, but bacteria settled on your tongue is a major one. When you brush the surface of your tongue, you clean away that bacteria and end up with a fresher smelling mouth. Remember to brush as far back on your tongue as you comfortably can since lots of bacteria live back there!

    Duller Taste Buds

    Since your taste buds are on your tongue, not brushing your tongue can actually affect how things taste. Bacteria and other debris can build up on your tongue’s surface to leave something called a biofilm over your taste buds. That biofilm gets in the way of you tasting things fully. Brush your tongue and don’t miss out on experiencing the real flavors out there!

    Periodontal Disease

    When there’s bad bacteria on your tongue, it doesn’t just mind its business and stay there. It can spread to other areas of your mouth, which means it can cause bigger problems. One example is periodontal disease, or gum disease, because the bacteria can inflame and infect your gums.

    Black Hairy Tongue

    No, this isn’t something from a horror film. Black hairy tongue is an actual condition that’s just what it sounds like: a tongue that looks dark and furry. Don’t worry, your tongue doesn’t actually start growing hair. It’s just that the papillae on it get bigger and darker, giving off a ‘hairy’ look. This condition is caused by too much bacteria in your mouth, and while it may be harmless, it definitely doesn’t look nice. To prevent or get rid of black hairy tongue, take the time to brush away that bacteria.

    If you need help improving your oral health, contact Paris Mountain Dental. Our Travelers Rest team is here to look after your smile!

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    How Long Do Veneers Last?

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    If your smile leaves something to be desired, it’s time to fix that. Veneers can be a great option if you’re looking to improve the look and feel of your smile.


    woman's smile from dental porcelain veneers

    Veneers 101

    Veneers are tooth-shaped shells custom made out of porcelain to fit over the teeth. They are used to fix up the smile, solving a variety of common issues including yellow or crooked teeth. When installing veneers, your dentist will remove some enamel, making room and creating a rough surface for the veneers to adhere to. Veneers are attached to the existing teeth using a dental resin. The result will be an incredibly natural smile—a durable set of teeth that won’t stain.

    Are They Forever?

    Veneers are built to last. Porcelain is strong and durable, much like enamel. But again, like tooth enamel, porcelain can crack. Barring any sort of accidental break, veneers will typically last somewhere in the range of 10 to 15 years. Once that time frame has come and gone, your veneers will either need repair or replacement, depending on the shape they’re in.

    It’s All About Care

    With great care, you can ensure that your veneers will last as long as possible. Since the veneers are simply covering the natural teeth, oral care should remain a top priority. That means brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist twice a year, in addition to maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle habits. In addition to care, if you’re careful you can minimize the risk of wear and damage. Do not bite your nails, never use your teeth to open packaging or rip off a tag, and if you have a teeth clenching or grinding habit, address it before, or soon after, getting veneers.

    Top Quality Care At Paris Mountain Dental

    Whether you want veneers, already have veneers, or are fine without them, you have the power to control the look and feel of your smile by paying attention to your oral health, and we’re here to help. Feel free to call our office with questions about your care, or to set up an upcoming visit!

    To ask our team any questions about veneers or to schedule your visit to our office, contact us today!

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