GPGDev - Ballantyne Family Dental

August 15, 2021 by GPGDev

Your diet can play a part in the health of your teeth. Drinking soda is common, and many people drink soda every day without even thinking of the effects on your teeth. Not only is soda bad for your teeth, it is associated with type 2 diabetes and weight gain. At Ballantyne Family Dental, we focus on prevention and recommend patients follow a healthy diet, and avoid foods and drinks with high sugar levels. Your teeth are important, and the choices you make can help prevent many unwanted visits to the dentist.

What Happens to My Teeth When I Drink Soda?

Breaks Down Enamel

When you drink soda the sugars in the soda mix with the bacteria in your mouth to form acid. This acid attacks your teeth and can wear down the tooth enamel. The acid breaks down the enamel on your teeth and softens it, making the enamel more prone to decay. Evan sugar free sodas can damage your enamel.

Cavities

When you drink soda, the acid can also reach the layer of dentin that is under the enamel. This can cause cavities to develop over time for people that drink Coke regularly. If you have composite fillings, the soda can also erode away your fillings.

What Can I Do To Prevent Coke From Damaging My Teeth?

If you have to have a soda once in a while, there are things you can do while enjoying your beverage that can help prevent damage to your teeth.

Use a straw to sip the soda. This will help keep the acid and sugar off of your teeth.
Drink soda only on occasion. Only drink soda for special occasions, or try and limit your intake to one soda per day.
Drink fast to lessen the time the soda has to interact with your teeth.
Rinse with water after you drink a soda. Rinsing after drinking soda can help wash the acids and sugars away from your teeth, and prevent damage.
Don’t brush right away after drinking a soda. Brushing right after drinking a soda can cause damage to your teeth. This is because the acid from the soda was just in contact with your teeth, and this makes your teeth more vulnerable to damage while brushing.
Attend regular cleanings and exams at your dentist. Regular visits will allow our doctors to identify problems before they become more serious.
Do not drink soda before bedtime. Drinking before bedtime just gives the acid and sugar all night to attack your teeth and cause damage.
Choose other beverages such as water or sparkling soda water that will not cause damage to your teeth.

Taking care of your oral health should be a priority, and this includes making good choices when it comes to your diet. Staying away from sugary foods and drinks can really help keep your enamel strong, and your teeth free of cavities. If you think you have damage from drinking soda and would like to come in for an exam, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with us. Our team can help get your oral health back on track, and give you recommendations on what to change in order to prevent future issues.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

If you are due for your dental cleaning or exam, or have concerns about the enamel on your teeth and would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Ballantyne Family Dental, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

August 1, 2021 by GPGDev

how come some people get cavities easier

Cavities are always something we try to avoid with brushing and flossing each day. You may notice you get cavities frequently and others don’t. This doesn’t seem fair, but there are other factors that play into keeping your teeth free of decay that you may not realize. There are ways to reduce your risk for cavities outside of brushing and flossing regularly.

Why Are Some Prone to Cavities More Than Others?

Diet – Reducing the amount of sugar you eat or drink can help prevent cavities. Your chance of getting cavities increases if you eat or drink foods with a high amount of sugar.
Gum Recession – If you suffer from gum disease and your gums are receding, the root of the tooth is exposed. Bacteria can reach the root area of the tooth and cavities can develop more easily.
Dry Mouth – If you tend to have a dry mouth your risk for decay increases. We need saliva to wash away bacteria in our mouths.
Genetics – Unfortunately some people are born with a tendency to develop cavities more frequently than others. This is because some people are more susceptible to a certain type of cavity causing bacteria.

How Can I Reduce My Risk for Cavities?

There are things you can do to help reduce your risk for cavities. This doesn’t mean you will never have a cavity again, but it does mean you are changing your habits, and putting forth a good effort to try and prevent decay from developing.

Regular Visits to Your Dentist – Make sure you attend your regular visits to your dentist. These exams help to identify potential cavities, and allow the dentist to get in front of issues before they become worse.
Reduce Sugars in Your Diet– Try and stay away from foods or drinks that are high in sugar.
Keep Up With Oral Hygiene – Stay on top of your oral hygiene with brushing and flossing at least twice a day. This will help prevent plaque buildup that causes decay.
Use a Toothpaste With Fluoride – Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay.
Use Mouthwash – Mouthwash can help rinse away bacteria, and if the wash contains fluoride this can help prevent cavities.

Knowing what you can do to help prevent cavities can help you avoid many trips to the dentist. Taking care of our teeth is very important, and can help avoid dental issues. Always practice good oral hygiene habits to keep your teeth and mouth feeling great.

At Ballantyne Family Dental, we discuss what patients are doing at home to help prevent decay. Our staff provides tips and tricks to help our patients keep their teeth looking great. Taking care of your teeth and gums is important, and can avoid serious issues from developing. If you have not been to our office for your regular dental exam, we encourage you to schedule your appointment.

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

If you are looking for a dentist near you for your regular dental exam, Ballantyne Family Dental is here to help. Our office has state of the art technology and equipment, and we always provide the highest level of service to all of our patients.

To schedule your appointment with us, contact Ballantyne Family Dental, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

November 14, 2019 by GPGDev

Ballantyne Family Dentistry In Charlotte, Nc White Spots Teeth

White spots on the teeth are an aesthetic and health problem. These may appear due to descaling and excess fluoride, among other reasons. This is a fairly frequent problem, therefore, in this post, we tell you what they are and what are their types.

Types of stains on teeth

The most common teeth stains are yellow. The main cause of these imperfections are acidic substances or foods. But they can also appear when brushing is aggressive or in cases in which the person suffers from bruxism.

When there are yellow spots on the teeth, they usually have translucent edges. And, in addition, it causes sensitivity to heat, cold and sweet foods.

Another type of common spots are brown spots. These are produced by the action of external agents, such as the consumption of tobacco, coffee or other substances. Excessive consumption of these not only affects the coloration, but also promotes the appearance of tartar. Therefore, over time they also cause tooth decay and other dental diseases.

Finally, we have white spots, which can appear on all the teeth. There are several reasons for its appearance. First of all, they can be the first sign of future caries. Or they can also alert you to excess fluoride, malnutrition, lack of calcium, among other problems. Having inadequate hygiene also causes this type of white lesions.

What are white spots on teeth?

White spots can appear due to multiple external and internal factors. White spots may indicate a problem of decalcification of tooth enamel or bad mineralization during tooth formation. They can also appear because of lack of consumption of healthy minerals.

The presence of these spots leads to another problem: the aesthetic one. It is capable of damaging the self-esteem and safety of people who are affected by these injuries. But, beyond that, it is essential to get the cause of the problem. So that it can correct and prevent the appearance of new dental white spots.

Children and adults are prone to suffer from these spots. In baby teeth, for example, they can appear after very high fevers. While in adulthood they reflect some problem during the formation of the definitive denture. 

You have to be clear that the spots are preventable and there are treatments that help reduce their effect or eliminate them. The most appropriate will depend on the origin of the disorder and how much it has affected the denture. Your dentist will tell you which is the best way to go to recover a healthy smile.

Contact Ballantyne Family Dental in Charlotte, NC

If you have any questions about white spots or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel to improve your smile, please contact Ballantyne Family Dental and inquire about your options for cosmetic dental treatments in Charlotte, NC.

November 14, 2019 by GPGDev

Ballantyne Family Dentistry In Charlotte, Nc Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic dentistry is not just for celebrities and wealthy people – today, there are a wide variety of options and prices for everyone to get a better smile. From subtle changes to complete oral surgeries, there are a lot of techniques in dental cosmetics to treat discolored, chipped, deformed or missing teeth.

Dental cosmetics, also known as dental aesthetics, is the application of technology to improve our dental health, functionality of our teeth and oral aesthetics, resulting in the improvement of the beauty of our smile. Dr. Vinita Patel, as a cosmetic dentist in Charlotte, NC, can also provide these types of treatments to you and your family!

What dental treatments are we talking about when we refer to dental cosmetics? Here’s a quick guide:

Teeth whitening

Whitening is the most conservative dental aesthetic treatment based on clarifying the tone of our teeth without changing the color of the teeth. Teeth whitening can be of several types.

Dental veneers

Veneers consist of a thin sheet placed on the outside of the dental surface and which is bonded to it by special resins or cements. Forget about yellow, small and broken teeth – through this dental treatment we get to have the smile we want.

There are two types of dental veneers depending on the material with which they have been made.

Composite veneers: This technique is to apply the material directly on the dental surface and then give it the desired shape.
The porcelain veneers: They consist of small pieces of porcelain, manufactured in a laboratory, to be subsequently placed, by our dentist on the surface of our teeth. This type of veneers give us great durability, resistance over time, a color that remains stable and good acceptance by the gums.

Dental Implants

The dental implant is used to replace the teeth that we have lost. The procedure used is the fixation of an artificial tooth to the mandibular bone. The results obtained through this technique of dental cosmetics are natural and much more difficult than the substitutions of pieces by dentures.

Orthodontics

This is a dental treatment that involves the repositioning of the position of the teeth through external forces. There are different methods for performing orthodontics. In your dental clinic, they will tell you which one is the most suitable for your case.

Dental adhesion

This can improve the appearance of splintered, broken, cracked and stained teeth or spaces between them through the restoration of teeth through the use of cosmetic resin.

Dental contouring

This is a treatment that minimally modifies the tooth to achieve an aesthetic change in a non-invasive way. Sometimes it is combined with dental adhesion.

Crown lengthening

You can fix gingival smiles or short teeth through a surgical procedure that removes part of the gingival tissue and makes the teeth appear longer.

Smile Image Changes

It is a comprehensive evaluation of the overall appearance of the teeth and the smile that require several cosmetic procedures in order to achieve a perfect smile.

With the importance of appearance in our society today, cosmetic dentistry has gained many adherents everywhere, and that is due to the advances. Anyone can improve the appearance of their smile even if they have not been graced with an ideal denture.

Contact Ballantyne Family Dental in Charlotte, NC

If you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel, please contact Ballantyne Family Dental and inquire about your options for cosmetic dental treatments in Charlotte, NC.

October 23, 2019October 23, 2019 by GPGDev

Just like maintaining your overall health, your teeth’s health is important too because this is from where the food enters your body, and you would want it to be bacteria-free at all cost. Your teeth require regular cleaning in order to stay healthy, shiny, and of course, having a bad breath would be the last thing you would want.

According to dentists, you should brush your teeth twice a day, and we are sure most of us act upon their advice. But what if you start skipping it? It can be due to any reason, maybe because you are too lazy to get up from your bed or because you stayed up all night and thought you don’t need to brush as you won’t sleep. Before you say ‘count me in,’ let us break this to you that there can be consequences, and they can be actually bad for your overall health too.

You Can Lose Your Teeth

We understand you might take teeth cleaning as a task that requires a lot of effort, but it is not a good enough reason to skip it. Experts say that if your gums bleed, there are chances that you might have gum disease. If you scrub your teeth regularly, you can save them from damage. Being too ignorant towards your oral health can lead to gingivitis. It can create space between your teeth and cause infection. This can result in a lack of tooth retention, and you’ll end up losing a tooth or two.

Having A Bad Breath

Bad breath is everyone’s nightmare. It can keep people away from you, but it’s also a sign that you have health issues. Experts say that an oral source causes 80% of bad breath, but it can also come from health conditions like liver disease, diabetes, acid reflux.

Keeping a healthy diet and regular visits to your dentist can help you prevent bad breath

It Can Cause Diabetes

If you are careless towards your oral hygiene and don’t take care of your teeth’s cleaning, there are chances that you can develop diabetes because of increased inflammation.

If you already have diabetes, you are at greater risk of developing periodontitis, a gum tissue infection.

You're At Risk For Dementia

Your brain can deteriorate if you do not take care of your oral hygiene. According to research carried out in the University of Central Lancashire School of Medicine and Dentistry, in four of the brains with dementia, a bacteria called Porphyromonas gingivalis was found.

Damage To Your Immune System

If you skip your teeth brushing routine, you tend to get more sick than an average person. Bad oral hygiene can put your health at risk by damaging your immune system. Turns out that brushing your teeth is more than just a chore.

It is better to make some efforts and invest in your health by keeping good oral hygiene. Putting your health should not be an option.

Please contact Dr. Vinita Patel, our family dentist in Charlotte, NC if you would like a consultation or if you would like to schedule an appointment with Ballantyne Family Dental.

October 23, 2019October 23, 2019 by GPGDev

When we are young, the loss of dental pieces is a phase on the road to adulthood. However, when we grow up, it is a traumatic and irreversible experience with long-term consequences both aesthetic and functional in the mouth, which can affect self-esteem.

There are a number of reasons that can lead to loss of teeth in adulthood. You can lose teeth in an accident or as a result of a disease such as diabetes. However, one of the main causes of the loss of teeth is a serious and irreversible gingival disease (periodontitis).

Why Can Gingival Disease Cause the Loss of Teeth?

Having healthy gums is of crucial importance for the health of your teeth. Your jaw keeps each tooth fixed in its socket. Therefore, it is very important that this bone is not exposed to bacteria or infections that can cause damage and even the loss of teeth. Your gums are a protective barrier between the tooth and the bacterial plaque of the mouth.

The first phase of gingival disease begins with the accumulation of bacterial plaque capable of irritating the gums. This causes them to redden and swell and bleed when you brush your teeth or floss. Those are the signs of the first phase of gingival disease: gingivitis. If left untreated, it can develop until it reaches the second phase, which is irreversible: periodontitis and the possible loss of teeth.

This occurs because the accumulation of bacterial plaque can cause the gums to separate from the tooth, which creates small spaces where more plaque can accumulate and cause infections. If left untreated, these infections can affect the bone and gum tissues that support the structure of the teeth. If it is damaged, the teeth begin to move. The key to preventing the loss of teeth caused by periodontitis is not to let the disease progress so much.

Regular check-ups with the dentist are of vital importance since, unlike tooth sensitivity or discomfort, gingival disease is not always painful. In fact, to begin with, you may not even notice that you have it, but a professional exam can detect the first signs so you can take the necessary steps to treat gingival disease before it gets worse. This is especially important if you smoke, since tobacco can mask the signs of gingival disease.

If your dentist detects that you have persistent gingival problems or that they get worse, you may be advised to use the 0.2% intensive treatment mouthwash. It has been clinically proven to be an antiseptic to prevent and help treat gingivitis. It contains an active antimicrobial ingredient called chlorhexidine, which inhibits the formation of bacterial plaque and gives your gums the chance to heal. If used early, before gingivitis progresses too much, it can help prevent periodontitis of rapid progression.

If you would like to schedule a consultation at Ballantyne Family Dental for your next dental cleaning, please contact Dr. Vinita Patel, our general dentist in Charlotte, NC today!

October 23, 2019September 24, 2019 by GPGDev

Smiling widely is one of the most admirable qualities of a person. The way you smile has a significant impact on your personality. A confident smile is a reflection of a confident mind and body. Therefore, smiling is something you should never compromise upon!

Are you envious of your friends who smile widely and are not conscious about their teeth? Well, you are not alone as almost all people with stained or discolored teeth feel the same way!

Discolored or stained teeth are what make a person reluctant to smile and can serve as a complete rundown for your personality. Yellowed teeth can take away a person’s confidence, destroy their self-esteem, and even makes it difficult for them to socialize with their friends.

Thinking about how to get rid of the discoloration and yellowness of your teeth? Teeth Whitening is the answer!

Teeth Whitening – Whiter and Brighter Teeth

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening is one of the most common procedures. It is very appealing because everyone desires to have whiter and brighter teeth. As it bestows upon them, the confidence they need to lead a better life.

Dentists use whitening products such as carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. These are the most commonly used bleaching agents in cosmetic dentistry. These agents break the stains into small pieces, which makes your teeth look whiter and healthier than before.

A lot of people opt for this procedure to enhance their quality of life with white and beautiful teeth. It helps you smile with confidence and face the world with their head held high.

Safe Teeth Whitening Treatments

There are many teeth whitening DIY kits that you can find online. It is a much cheaper option than a professional dentist, but is it safe?

Before you take the matters in your hand, you need to make sure if teeth whitening a safe DIY project?

When you visit a dentist for the procedure, the dentist will not proceed with the treatment, unless they are entirely sure that you are fit for the procedure or not. Only after analyzing your dental history will the dentist proceed with the treatment.

A dentist may recommend a whitening toothpaste or in-office bleaching procedure as per the condition of your teeth. If the discoloration or yellowing of your teeth is not very severe, using a whitening toothpaste might do the trick for you. However, if the dentist feels that your teeth need professional cleaning, they will recommend in-office bleaching.

Teeth Whitening procedure is the solution for your stained teeth. Consulting a dentist is the first step towards a better and a confident life for you. Every person in the world deserves to smile widely. Teeth whitening procedures are helping people live better lives with beautiful smiles!

If you would like to schedule a consultation at Ballantyne Family Dental to determine if dental implants are right for you, please contact Dr. Vinita Patel, our dentist in Charlotte, NC today!

October 23, 2019September 24, 2019 by GPGDev

Are you envious of your friends who smile widely and are not conscious about their teeth? Well, you are not alone as almost all people with stained or discolored teeth feel the same way!

Thinking about how to get rid of the discoloration and yellowness of your teeth? Teeth Whitening is the answer!

Teeth Whitening – Whiter and Brighter Teeth

A lot of people opt for this procedure to enhance their quality of life with white and beautiful teeth. It helps you smile with confidence and face the world with their head held high.

Safe Teeth Whitening Treatments

There are many teeth whitening DIY kits that you can find online. It is a much cheaper option than a professional dentist, but is it safe?

Before you take the matters in your hand, you need to make sure if teeth whitening a safe DIY project?

If you would like to schedule a consultation at Ballantyne Family Dental to determine if teeth whitening is right for you, please contact Dr. Vinita Patel, our cosmetic dentist in Charlotte, NC today!

October 23, 2019August 22, 2019 by GPGDev

The technology behind dental science is continually growing and improving the way that people’s smiles look. Dental implants have quickly become the go-to option for patients wanting to enhance their smiles and fill in areas of missing dentition. Implants can replace both the top portion of the tooth as well as the roots. This creates a secure anchor for restorations like crowns, bridges and dentures.

What are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is often made of titanium. The implant’s post is embedded deep into the bone of the jaw where it is able to osseointegrate (fuse) with the surrounding bone structure. Osseointegration can take anywhere from six months to a year depending on the individual’s ability to heal from the procedure. Implants are durable and long-lasting, with the majority of them lasting for decades without showing any signs of damage or wear. Your implants can hold onto crowns, bridge work as well as dentures to keep them from falling out of place.

How Much Do Implants Cost?

The cost of implants will vary depending on how many restorations you’ll need and the specific type of restoration needed for the top of the implant. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 for one dental implant. This does not often include the cost of the crown, bridge or new denture that is going to need to be made to be placed on top of the implant. To determine how much the implant is going to cost you, we advise you to come in for a consultation appointment where we can determine how many implants you may need and the cost of the entire treatment.

Ways to Easily Afford Your Implants

Being able to easily afford your dental care can be difficult, especially if you do not have insurance. We offer a loyalty program that allows our customers to easily save money on the dental work that they will need. Along with offering this loyalty program, we happily take Care Credit. Care Credit is a medical-based credit card that allows you to pay for your dental care in small installments each month. We offer an interest-free period for the work being done in our office.

If you’re interested in dental implants and want to learn more about the procedure, please call Ballantyne Family Dental in Charlotte, NC today and we will be able to answer all of your questions.

October 23, 2019August 22, 2019 by GPGDev

Veneers are a great way to totally transform your smile. They can be used to cover imperfections like cracks, gaps, spaces, uneven teeth and discoloration. Veneers are often made of porcelain, allowing them to look and feel completely natural. Your veneers are incredibly thin, but are durable and resistant to cracking and breaking. If you’ve never had veneers before but are thinking about getting them, you may be wondering about how long they’ll last and if certain factors can cause them to fall off or break.

How Long Will Veneers Last?

Most veneers can easily last for 10 years or longer before showing any signs of wear. Once the veneers have shown signs of wear, it’s important to have them replaced fully. In order to place the veneers, your front teeth will need to be filed down to the point of affecting the look of the teeth. This is why you’ll need to have new veneers made for you as soon as the old ones are removed.

Can They Fall Off?

Veneers are permanently adhered to the front of your teeth. However, they aren’t necessarily permanent in nature. They can and will eventually need to be replaced with new veneers. Rarely will veneers fall off on their own. Certain factors will contribute to the veneers falling off of the front teeth and needing replacement. These include biting onto pens, pencils and other hard objects as well as using your front teeth to open packaging. If a veneer falls off, it can easily be cleaned and adhered back onto the front teeth.

How to Maintain Your Veneers

The best way to maintain your veneers is to make routine trips into the dental office. We can check on your veneers and make notes of any signs of wear or damage. If you have a veneer that has fallen off, do not throw it away. Keep it and bring it with you so that we can attach it back onto the front teeth. If you lose a veneer, a new one is going to need to be made for you and may take some time before you can come back in. You can expect many years of good wear with your new veneers.

If you’re interested in veneers and want to know more about this cosmetic procedure, call our office so that we can schedule an appointment for you to come in.

What Happens to My Teeth When I Drink Soda?

Breaks Down Enamel

Cavities

What Can I Do To Prevent Coke From Damaging My Teeth?

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

Why Are Some Prone to Cavities More Than Others?

How Can I Reduce My Risk for Cavities?

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?

Types of stains on teeth

What are white spots on teeth?

Contact Ballantyne Family Dental in Charlotte, NC

Teeth whitening

Dental veneers

Dental Implants

Orthodontics

Dental adhesion

Dental contouring

Crown lengthening

Smile Image Changes

Contact Ballantyne Family Dental in Charlotte, NC

You Can Lose Your Teeth

Having A Bad Breath

It Can Cause Diabetes

You're At Risk For Dementia

Damage To Your Immune System

Why Can Gingival Disease Cause the Loss of Teeth?

Teeth Whitening – Whiter and Brighter Teeth

Safe Teeth Whitening Treatments

Teeth Whitening – Whiter and Brighter Teeth

Safe Teeth Whitening Treatments

What are Dental Implants?

How Much Do Implants Cost?

Ways to Easily Afford Your Implants

How Long Will Veneers Last?

Can They Fall Off?

How to Maintain Your Veneers

Schedule a Consultation