Lake Boone Dentistry Raleigh Blog

For some people, Halloween might be all about ghastly ghosts and grasping ghouls. But for kids? It’s usually the one night of the year they can indulge in literal buckets of candy. And that means that parents are on sugar patrol. Our Raleigh dentist, Dr. Matthew Ricke, recently shared advice with CBS17 on how families can enjoy the holiday without hurting their oral health. Keep reading to see what he said and find some bonus preventive dentistry tips to keep their smiles strong all year.

When you think of the embodiment of the word “wise,” you likely imagine someone who has gained knowledge and skills over the years. From philosophers to scholars and yes, even owls, the concept of wisdom conjures many powerful images. But what about wisdom teeth? While these pesky, third molars may arrive later than the rest of your pearly whites, they don’t seem very intelligent. In fact, they often grow sideways and almost always need to be removed. Here’s a closer look at why you get wisdom teeth, and why sometimes extracting them is your best option!

While gum disease is certainly awful, it isn’t the only issue that the pink tissues around your teeth could face. You may be irritating your gums – causing bleeding, recession, etc. – with harmful oral habits. You should always correct those patterns if possible, ensuring your smile remains safe. With that said, your Raleigh dentist is here to help you do just so. Read on to learn four actions that irritate gums and how to compensate for them.

You likely already know that living with diabetes puts you at risk of developing more serious oral health problems, including gum disease. It may seem odd that the two are connected, but plenty of research suggests they are intertwined when a person doesn’t practice good oral hygiene. Keep reading to learn more about the link and how you can prevent gum disease while living with diabetes.

Chipping a tooth can happen when you least expect it. Whether you bite down on something hard, suffer a sports injury, or experience a fall, a chipped tooth can leave you wondering what to do next. While some chips are purely cosmetic, others expose the inner layers of the tooth and require prompt treatment to prevent further damage.

If you’ve chipped a tooth, taking the right steps can help protect your smile until you can see your dentist.

Molars are the workhorses of your mouth—the strongest, sturdiest teeth that handle most chewing. Day after day, they grind down your food, and that constant pressure is part of what makes them so strong. However, it also makes them vulnerable to damage. When a molar breaks, it’s a big deal, but your dentist can help. Keep reading to learn what typically causes molar damage and see how dental crowns can fix them.

Tooth pain can range from mild sensitivity to severe throbbing discomfort, and different types of pain may point to different dental problems. While not every toothache is an emergency, ignoring dental pain can allow small issues to become much more serious over time. Understanding the possible causes of tooth pain can help you know when it’s time to schedule a dental visit.

When you get ready for the day, do you take a look at your smile in the mirror? Over time, you may have noticed new stains, chips, or minor gaps develop. These can make you feel self-conscious, but there are effective ways you can fix them.

Veneers are a reliable option that many patients choose. They can correct multiple flaws at once, as the shells are placed on individual teeth. With that, you might wonder how many of them you’ll need, so here’s what you should know.

If you’re unhappy with crooked or uneven teeth but want a faster alternative to braces or clear aligners, you may be wondering if veneers can give you a straighter smile. The short answer is yes, veneers can create the appearance of straight teeth. However, they don’t actually move your teeth like orthodontic treatments do. Instead, they improve the look of your smile by covering imperfections.

Mild to severe dental defects like chips, cracks, stains, gaps, and misshapenness can be quite distracting and make a person less willing to smile or laugh. Thankfully, cosmetic dental treatments like veneers can be excellent ways to enhance your grin and give you the confidence you need to show off your teeth proudly. Here’s a quick look at how veneers work and what you can do if one or more of these devices falls off.