| The answer is simple. Daily! However, the Academy of General Dentistry says that even flossing a couple of times a week is better than not flossing at all. So if you are like most of us, and flossing is a tough habit to develop, try putting your floss on your bathroom sink where you can't miss it, and floss when you can. Some flossing is better than none. For more information, visit this website published by the American Dental Association: www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/flossing Happy Flossing from Creedmoor Family Dentistry! |  |
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In the summer, you may be tempted to drink sports drinks, sodas, or juices loaded with sugar or acid. As shown by this graphic from Wrigley, water is the best choice for your teeth. If you must drink something else, be sure to brush your teeth after, or at the very least rinse with water or chew a piece of sugar free gum. At Creedmoor Family Dentistry, we have your best interest in mind.   We welcome families here at Creedmoor Family Dentistry, but we encourage our youngest patients to visit a pediatric dental office. A pediatric dental office is usually set up with fun decorations, toys in the waiting rooms, cartoons on the televisions, smaller equipment, and even x-rays that fit better in a child's mouth. Pediatric dentists only treat children, and have extra training related to dental care for children. Because we care about your children, we want them to visit to a specialized pediatric dentist so that they can begin a lifetime of routine dental care in a very positive way.
While Dr. Willis is very comfortable with children (he has four of his own), we want our future dental patients to enjoy going to the dental office. At Creedmoor Family Dentistry, we encourage parents to take their children to the pediatric dentist until at least eight, sometimes longer, depending on the child. Dr. Willis is experienced in treating children's dental needs, but there may be situations where even an older child may be more comfortably treated at a pediatric dentist specialist (pedodontist). If Dr. Willis determines that your child's needs will be best served by a specialist, we will be happy to give a referral. If you would like more information, here is a great article to read about why pediatric dentists are a great choice for kids: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/dental-visits/four-reasons-to-choose-a-pediatric-dentist-1213. At the bottom is a search option to find a pediatric dentist. We love children and want them to have the most positive dental experience possible, so we recommend that they begin with a pediatric dentist who specializes in caring for young children. Give us a call at 919-528-4004, and we will be happy to give you a referral! When your child is ready for a positive experience with a general family dentist, we are excited to encourage your child develop great dental habits through effective brushing, flossing, and regular visits to a dentist.
 The recommendation given by The American Dental Association (ADA) and by Dr. Matthew Willis at Creedmoor Family Dentistry is to clean between your teeth at least every day. Flossing daily may reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends cleaning between your teeth daily with an inter-dental cleaner (like floss).
An alternative to floss may be the Waterpik Water Flosser, which has been approved by the ADA. The Waterpik Water Flosser shoots a stream of water that is safe but strong enough to remove plaque and food between your teeth. You can read more here: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/water-flossers Happy Flossing! How often do you visit the dentist and hear words you don't understand? Here are a few words you might hear in the dental office. While we try to explain in terms that everyone understands, you can show off your smarts next time you see your dentist by reading below.
PROPHYLAXIS: The dictionary definition of this is "action taken to prevent disease, especially by specified means or against a specified disease." If you visit our office and receive a prophylaxis, you have have received a cleaning for a healthy mouth. And as the word definition shows, six month prophylaxis cleanings are very important for preventing periodontal disease. GINGIVITIS: Inflammation of the gums that is an early stage of periodontal disease characterized by red or swollen gums. SCALING AND ROOT PLANING: Sometimes called a "deep cleaning or a perio cleaning." Scaling and root planing is a cleaning procedure in which a patient will receive a deep cleaning of the teeth with the goal of slowing the progression of periodontal disease and gingivitis. BITEWINGS: It may sound like a fancy kite or a something a kid would use to decorate a bike, but bitewings in a dental office are the x-rays that capture images of multiple teeth. At Creedmoor Family Dentistry, we love to educate our patients, so feel free to ask about any terms you have an interest in understanding or knowing more about. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) website, over half of American adults "suffer from some form of gum disease." Gum disease is treatable at your dental office. Did you know?
Please click on the American Dental Association link below to read more about gum disease myths, and be sure to see your dentist for regular hygiene appointments, where gum disease is monitored. 
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