My Dentists, helping you understand cavities

At My Dentists, we know there is one word nobody wants to hear when they visit our office: Cavity.

But what exactly is a cavity and how do you get a cavity? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired here at My Dentists, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit Drs. Pinnavaia, Michalski or Yeager every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

We hope this helps, to learn more about cavities, please visit "Dental Health and Cavities," courtesy of our friends at WebMD.

Could you be a teeth whitening addict?

Our team at My Dentists knows that in this age and culture where your looks matter as much as anything in life, more and more people want to look and feel great. But lately, many dentists everywhere are hearing more and more patients complain about irritation and bleeding gums, translucent teeth and excessive teeth sensitivity. This may be because many people become obsessed with making their teeth as white as possible. Our friends at WebMD have written a helpful article on teeth whitening addiction, and we encourage you to give it a read if you suspect you may have a teeth whitening addiction.

At My Dentists, we offer professional teeth whitening and an at-home whitening system that includes paint-on teeth whitening and whitening toothpaste. Remember, if you're considering using a tooth whitening product containing bleaches, the American Dental Association recommends that you visit Drs. Yeager, Pinnavaia or Michalski first.

Give us a call at (704) 375-8577 and enjoy the weekend!

The My Dentists team present: Mr. Bean goes to the dentist

How do you feel about a treat today? Here's a little classic dental humor for you to enjoy, from the bumbling yet lovable British spy, Mr. Bean. Our staff at My Dentists loved it, and know you'll get a laugh as well. Enjoy "Mr. Bean Goes to the Dentist”!

If you have any other suggestions you think we should share with other patients, please let us know!

Ask the My Dentists team: What issues should I be aware of during pregnancy?

Our staff at My Dentists will tell you that maintaining your oral health is an important part of keeping your entire body well, but never more so than when you're expecting. If you're pregnant or considering pregnancy, make a check-up appointment with us, and remember to raise the issue of your oral health at prenatal appointments with our doctors.

If pregnant, Drs. Michalski, Yeager and Pinnavaia want you to be aware of the following issues:

• Tooth Decay
Excessive morning sickness can also contribute to tooth decay, as the stomach acids introduced to the mouth during vomiting wear away the protective enamel coating on the teeth.

• Gingivitis & Gum Disease
The primary issue to avoid during pregnancy is gum disease, due to its link to premature birth. The precursor to gum disease is gingivitis, a condition in which plaque buildup on teeth irritates the gums, making them red, swollen, and sensitive. The high levels of hormones in the bloodstream brought on by pregnancy exaggerate your gums’ reaction to irritation from plaque.

• Loose Teeth
Another risk faced during pregnancy is loosening teeth. The large amounts of hormones in your bloodstream can have an adverse affect on the bones and ligaments that create the foundation of your teeth, weakening them to the point that teeth may loosen.

The ideal time to schedule an appointment at My Dentists is before becoming pregnant. Drs. Michalski, Yeager and Pinnavaia will perform a check-up to determine the state of your oral health and how pregnancy might affect it.

Give us a call at (704) 375-8577 today!