What Happens If You Go to Bed Without Brushing Your Teeth?

We know you’re a busy person with a full time job, a family, and household chores that don’t do themselves. So every now and then you fall to bed exhausted.By the time you begin to drift off, you remember you didn’t brush your teeth before bed. You may think to yourself, “Okay, how bad can it be to only brush once a day?”.

Skipping that second brushing means that everything you have eaten throughout the day stick around on and between your teeth, leaving bacteria to feast on your teeth overnight. This bacteria naturally resides in the mouth, and just like every other living organism, these bacteria excrete waste after a meal. This waste is highly acidic and breaks down tooth enamel, causing cavities. And let’s not forget: Your breath will smell really bad. Not brushing your teeth lets bacteria multiply inside your mouth, eventually leading to a buildup of fuzzy, foul-smelling plaque.

When you hit the hay without brushing, plaque starts to harden on your teeth. Once this happens, it’s impossible to remove with a toothbrush and floss and can only be removed by visiting your dentist for a teeth cleaning.

What’s the worst that could happen?

Besides cavities, the build-up of plaque can lead to gum disease. The first sign is inflammation. You’ll have gums that bleed when you brush or floss. The gums see plaque buildup as an infection, so your immune system springs into action to attack that infection. When plaque build-up and inflammation is present long-term it can cause damage. By attacking the plaque buildup, your body starts to destroy the healthy tissues that hold your teeth in place, making the gums begin to pull away from the tooth. The good news is, if caught early enough, it can be reversed by treatment from your dentist and sticking to a good oral health routine.

This isn’t something that is going to happen overnight. The buildup of plaque that causes gum disease takes around 24 to 48 hours to develop, so if you forget to brush your teeth before bed every once in a while, it’s okay. Brushing your teeth the next morning will disrupt the bacteria before it gets a chance to really screw up your teeth and gums. But, if you make a habit of not brushing and flossing before bed, cavities and gum disease is definitely in your future.

BOTTOM LINE: BRUSHING YOUR TEETH ONCE A DAY ISN'T GOING TO CUT IT.

How Tooth Decay Affects Your Tooth

Getting a cavity isn’t something you enjoy experiencing, and yet, it happens to almost everyone at least once. Cavities occur as a result of tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris and saliva combine to form plaque, a whitish, sticky substance, that accumulates on and clings to the teeth and gums. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities. Tooth decay can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin (inner layer of the tooth) and in some cases extend into the pulp (nerve).

Cavities can cause the enamel, protective part of the tooth, to weaken a break. Because of all the damage they can cause to your teeth, cavities should never go untreated.

Treating Cavities

There are several ways to go about treating cavities, depending on how bad the decay is.

• If you catch the decay early enough, a fluoride varnish applied to the affected teeth will be enough to stop the decay in its tracks.
• If you’ve already got a cavity, your dentist will have to remove the decay and fill the hole with a filling.
• If the decay has damaged your tooth’s nerve center, you may need a root canal to remove the nerve and restore it with crown.
• If your tooth is severely damaged, it may need to be removed.
  Depending on the damage, there are varying degrees of procedures which one can undergo to fix a wide range of damage to the teeth. Using fillings, composites, alloys, ceramics, and crowns and bridges, we can restore the health, look, and feel of your teeth!
  Preventing Cavities
  So how can you protect your teeth from cavities? Floss regularly and brush with fluoridated toothpaste.You can also remove leftover food from your teeth by rinsing with water after a meal or snack. And, as always, seeing your dentist twice a year will prevent and catch cavities before they cause too much trouble!
  
  

Dental Services at Idlewild Family Dentistry

At Idlewild Family Dentistry, we provide a wide range of dental treatments and oral health services. Asa full-service dental practice, we provide treatments in the many fields of dentistry.

General Dentistry A general dentist monitors and treats your overall oral health care needs. This includes routine exams and cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, dentures, bonding, gum care and preventative education. These are only a few services among many that are offered by your primary dental care provider.

Cosmetic Dentistry You may find that many general dentists also provide cosmetic dental procedures as well. It takes years of continuing education and extensive training for a dentist to gain the knowledge and skills to perform cosmetic dental procedures to the highest standards.These procedures are designed to enhance the smile. Common cosmetic dental procedure are veneers, teeth whitening, porcelain laminates and complete smile makeovers.

Family Dentistry This type of dentistry accommodates the dental care needs of the entire family. It addresses the oral health care needs at every stage of life. It is a convenient choice if you have children.

Orthodontics Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that corrects dental irregularities such as misaligned and crooked teeth, an overbite or underbite and gapped teeth. Premier Family Dentistry offers Invisalign clear plastic aligners as well as traditional metal braces.

Tooth Replacement There are several options to replace missing teeth. The most traditional options are dentures, a partial denture and bridges.Dental Implants are a great option because they are the closest you can get to the look and function of natural teeth.

We understand that accidents happen. Oftentimes, emergency rooms are not equipped to properly treat injuries such as a knocked out tooth or a severe toothache. That is why we committed to providing your family with immediate treatment for a dental emergency.

The Importance of Tooth Enamel

The toughest substance in your body isn't your bones its your dental enamel.As the most mineralized substance in your body, tooth enamel is layer upon layer of minerals that protect the inner portions of your teeth from damage and decay. While dental enamel is the strongest substance in your body, it is not invincible. Enamel can erode and break down over time, especially after prolonged exposure to acids and build-up bacteria known as plaque and can be subject to chipping and cracking.It’s important to go to the dentist as soon as possible when you experience tooth pain, as well as get regular checkups so that you can stop enamel problems before they get more serious.

If your dental enamel has small cracks in it, you may experience pain when eating something hot, cold or sugary as these substances are known to affect your tooths nerves. When tooth enamel starts to break down, it is difficult, if not impossible, to grow back. That is why protecting your dental enamel is vital to keeping your teeth healthy and cavity-free. It’s important to have a thorough teeth cleaning to remove built-up bacteria every 6 months.

The enamel on your teeth is very important because it protects teeth from damage and allows you to eat foods without hurting the sensitive dentin and nerves inside your teeth. As long as you take good care of your enamel, your teeth will continue to be protected for years to come.

We've Moved!

Dr. Dhulab and the team at Idlewild Family Dentistry are excited to announce the opening of our new location in Indian Trail, NC. We are only a short 10 minute drive from our Idlewild Rd. office. Our goal has been to offer the highest quality service and dental treatment to our patients and we hope you will continue to regard us as your dental care provider!

Our new address is4801 Indian Trail Fairview Rd, Indian Trail, NC 28079
You can still reach us by phone at the same number:(704) 893-0351

Click here to get directions to our new location!

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD BEGIN BRUSHING THEIR TEETH?

Oral health is important even before the first tooth erupts. When your child is an infant, gently clean their gums with a warm washcloth after they have a bottle or baby food. As your child gets older, they may want to mimic you and grab for the toothbrush. While it is fine to let them practice, be sure to follow-up and properly clean their teeth for them. You should help your child brush their teeth until they are coordinated enough to tie their own shoe, this is usually around 6 years old.

The amount of toothpaste you use is also important. For a toddler, use only a small amount. About the size of a grain of rice. For slightly older children, toothpaste should be the size of a pea.

Even after your child is old enough to brush their teeth on their own, be sure to continue monitoring them. Make sure they brush for the full 2 minutes. Children may also need help flossing their teeth. If the long strings of floss seem to be too difficult for them to maneuver, opt for an alternative, such as a flossing pick.

New Patient Special

We invite new patients to take advantage of our special offer!

 

 

GENTLE, CARING DENTISTRY FOR YOUR FAMILY

We, at Idlewild Family Dentistry, take pride in our expertise and years of experience. You can rely on us to meet all of your dental needs. We strive to make our office a friendly, welcoming environment so that our patients can feel at ease during their time with us. We hope to make our office more than just “the dentist’s office”, but a place you will come to consider your dental care home!

Meet Dr. Mitesh Dhulab

About Idlewild Family Dentistry

TEETH STAINING FOODS TO AVOID AFTER A WHITENING TREATMENT

The first couple of days after teeth whitening are the most critical. To maximize your whitening results, avoid these 12 stain-causing foods and beverages.

• Black coffee
• Tea
• Red Wine
• Soda
• Cranberry juice
• Slushies and Popsicles
• Soy Sauce
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Tomato Soup
• Blueberries
• Beets
• Curry

Because the bleaching process leaves your teeth extra absorbent, it is important to steer clear of these foods for a few days after a whitening treatment.

PATIENT CENTERED CARE

The focus of Idlewild Family Dentistry is patient-centered, preventative and cosmetic dentistry. We enjoy helping people actively participate in their dental health. Further, we emphasize aesthetic, adult restorative treatments designed for long term beauty, comfort, function and low maintenance. 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE A DENTAL EMERGENCY?

A dental emergency is an injury to the teeth or gums and can lead to serious repercussions if ignored. When you have a dental emergency it is important to know what to do.

• First of all, call your dentist as soon as possible
• Broken Tooth – Rinse your mouth out with a salt water solution and place the tooth fragments in milk and bring with you to your dental appointment
• Knocked-out Tooth – Hold the tooth in the socket if possible. A tooth has a better chance of being re-implanted if you see a dentist with-in 30 minutes
• Crown Came Off – You can use petroleum jelly or denture adhesive to hold it in place until you can see the dentist. It is important to not use that tooth for chewing.
• Cracked Tooth – Rinse your mouth with a warm salt-water solution to clean the area and see a dentist as soon as possible.

These are only a few instances of a dental emergency. Accidents happen, but there are a few things you can do to help prevent a dental emergency.

• Avoid chewing on ice or hard candy
• Wear a mouthguard when participating in sporting events
• Do not use your teeth to open packaging

As a trusted Matthews Dental office, we’re proud to offer our patients emergency dental services. In most cases, Dr. Dhulab can accommodate same-day emergency dental service during regular business hours.

Idlewild Family Dentistry: (704) 893-0351

WHAT IS A DENTAL IMPLANT?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. These metal anchors are tiny titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as tooth root substitutes. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong base for the artificial teeth. Small posts that protrude through the gums are then attached to the implant. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Compared to dentures and bridges, dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth. They are quickly becoming the new restorative dentistry standard in tooth replacement. A dental implant is permanent and is an effective, attractive, secure way to fill gaps in your smile—all while preserving your existing teeth.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE FOR STRAIGHTER TEETH WITH SIX MONTH SMILES

One of the services that Idlewild Family Dentistry does for our patients is helping them improve the look of their smile. That is why we are proud to offer Six Month Smiles. Six Month Smiles is a short term orthodontic treatment for adults with crooked teeth.

Click here to learn more about Six Month Smiles in Matthews, NC.

Fact or Fiction: Do Root Canals Hurt?

Does the phrase “root canal” make you cringe? There’s a common misconception that root canal therapy is a painful procedure. When in fact, it is used to alleviate pain. Root Canal therapy is performed when a tooth is causing pain from an irreversible condition such as a broken tooth, infected pulp,  or a slowing dying nerve.

Root Canal therapy is performed when a tooth is causing pain from an irreversible condition such as a broken tooth, infected pulp,  or a slowing dying nerve. Most people who have undergone root canal therapy admit that they did not experience any pain during their appointment and felt better after the procedure.

Let’s debunk a few of the myth’s about root canal therapy.

MYTH #1 – Root Canal Therapy is Painful

A root canal relieves the pain associated with infection that has reached the root of the tooth, Through modern day advancements in dental technology, having a root canal feels similar to receiving a filling and can be just as painless.

MYTH #2 – Root Canals Are Only Necessary if You Are Experiencing Tooth Pain.

In some cases, teeth that have died need a root canal in order to avoid becoming infected. Rhodes Dentistry can conduct several tests in order to determine if a tooth with dead nerves is in need of root canal therapy

MYTH #3 – Root Canal Therapy is Only Temporary.

The results are long lasting. Root canals relieve patients’ tooth pain and preserve the tooth indefinitely. The final step in a root canal is a well-made and well-fit crown. With proper oral care at home and routine visits to the dentist, your tooth will last a lifetime.

MYTH #4 – Extraction is a Good Alternative to a Root Canal.

Saving your natural tooth is always the best option. A root canal with a good restoration (dental crown) is not only the most cost-effective option, it allows you to keep your natural tooth. Dental implants and other tooth replacement alternatives will require additional treatments and additional out-of-pocket expense.

If you would like to find out more about root canals in Matthews and the surrounding areas or if you think you may be in need of a root canal, give us a call. Idlewild Family Dentistry is here to help you maintain a healthy, natural smile!