Dental Smiles of NC

08/19/2025

Orthodontics isn’t the only route to straight teeth. Veneers can correct minor misalignments by making crooked teeth appear straighter. Ask us if this is an option for your smile.

08/14/2025

Plaque is the sticky, germy mixture that forms on your teeth every day (especially where your teeth and gums meet).

If you fail to clean off plaque, it hardens into tartar — plaque and tartar can cause an infection called gingivitis. Yikes!

Don’t worry, though, because the most effective way to stop plaque in its tracks is by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. You’ve got this!

08/12/2025

Even if you’re wearing full dentures, it’s absolutely important to come to see us for regular dental hygiene checkups.

During these visits, we’ll check for any changes in how your dentures fit, check the health of the tissue under your denture, including an oral cancer screening, and provide oral care instruction to keep your mouth healthy and make your dentures fit better, longer.

Along with taking care of your dentures (brushing and soaking them as required), be sure you’re cleaning your gums and tongue (and any remaining teeth) daily to keep your mouth healthy.

08/07/2025

It’s even more important to visit us regularly when you’re expecting a baby because pregnancy hormones can affect the health of your teeth and gums, especially in the later stages.
Be sure to tell us if you’re pregnant, as we may suggest different treatments in different trimesters. Dental work like fillings, for example, is best done in your second trimester. While it’s best to avoid X-rays entirely in early pregnancy, there is only minimal risk, if emergency dental work is required.
By maintaining good brushing and flossing habits at home — and sticking to your regular hygiene visits with us — you’ll be on the right track for healthy teeth and gums throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

08/05/2025

08/05/2025

A properly fitted sports guard can protect your teeth from serious injuries, but unfortunately, not everyone understands the difference between a custom sports guard from a dentist and a boil-and-bite variety from a drugstore.

A custom sports guard is made to fit your teeth exactly, cushioning them comfortably and protecting them from impact.
Because boil-and-bite sports guards are made with thinner materials and don’t fit snugly to the teeth, they leave athletes more exposed to potential injuries.

There’s no question in this comparison — custom sports guards will win every time! Give us a call if you’re curious about the process or would like to have one made.

07/22/2025

Polishing your teeth removes surface stains, leaving your teeth shiny and smooth and less likely to collect stains and calculus as quickly in the future. Think of it like the finishing touch on a protective dental treatment, designed to help your teeth look and feel their best.

When was your last hygiene visit? Call (919) 341-7555 to check with us!

07/15/2025

Untreated tooth decay can lead to problems with dental health and overall health including dental pain, infections and abscesses. If the decay is detected soon enough, it can sometimes be reversed with treatment. Regular dental exams are key for early detection, so book an examination with us today!

07/08/2025

Somewhere between the ages of 17 and 21, most young adults experience the eruption of their third molars (also known as wisdom teeth).

If wisdom teeth come in properly and there’s room for them in your mouth, they can help you chew. But crowded or partially-erupted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infections, tooth decay, and cysts, in which case it’s best to have them removed for your own comfort and safety.

If you do wind up keeping your wisdom teeth past your mid to late twenties, we’ll continue to monitor them to make sure they don’t cause problems down the road.

07/01/2025

Bonding can make stained or chipped teeth look natural and smooth again. It’s painless and can be done in a single appointment, which makes it a great way to improve your smile!

06/24/2025

Sleep apnea is a serious, potentially life-threatening disorder that causes a person to stop breathing often multiple times, while they sleep.
It’s often at the dental office where the signs of sleep apnea are first noticed. So don’t be alarmed if we start asking you about your snoring habits, sleep schedule, headaches or dry mouth. If we see signs of an issue, we will let you know the next steps to take to get an official diagnosis.
Depending on your situation, your treatment plan might include returning to us for an oral appliance!