Fun Dental Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving Smile in Apex, NC

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Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food. However, with all the sweet treats and hearty meals on the table, it’s easy to overlook dental health during the festivities. Dr. Rylan Hansen’s family dental office in Apex, North Carolina, wants to help you enjoy Thanksgiving while keeping your smile in great shape. Here are some fun and helpful dental tips to make sure your teeth stay healthy and your smile remains bright throughout the holiday season.

1. Start with the Veggies!

While it’s tempting to go straight for the turkey, stuffing, and pies, starting your meal with vegetables can be a great strategy for your teeth. Crunchy veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers can help clean your teeth naturally by scrubbing away plaque and food particles. Vegetables also stimulate saliva production, which neutralizes acids and washes away bacteria, helping to keep your mouth cleaner and reducing the risk of cavities.

2. Limit Sugary Treats

Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and cranberry sauce are holiday staples, but they can also be high in sugar. Sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to acid production and enamel erosion, increasing the risk of cavities. While you don’t have to avoid sweets entirely, try to limit your intake and opt for healthier dessert options when possible. If you can’t resist a slice of pie, consider drinking water afterward to help wash away some of the sugar left on your teeth.

3. Drink Plenty of Water

Water is your best friend during a big Thanksgiving meal. It not only helps you stay hydrated but also washes away food particles and reduces the impact of acidic and sugary foods on your teeth. Drinking water between bites and after eating can prevent food from sticking to your teeth and help maintain a balanced pH in your mouth. Plus, if you’re drinking wine or other acidic beverages, water can help minimize staining and reduce the acidity’s effect on your enamel.

4. Choose Cheese as a Smart Snack

Cheese is often a part of Thanksgiving appetizers, and it’s actually a tooth-friendly choice! Cheese is high in calcium, which helps strengthen tooth enamel, and its low acidity is less harmful to teeth. Additionally, cheese stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize the acids produced by other foods. So, if you’re looking for a healthier snack option to enjoy while mingling, don’t hesitate to indulge in a bit of cheese.

5. Don’t Skip Your Post-Meal Brushing

After a big meal, it’s tempting to relax and enjoy the company of friends and family. However, taking a few minutes to brush your teeth can be a game-changer for your oral health. Wait about 30 minutes after your meal to allow your enamel to harden back up, then brush your teeth to remove leftover food particles and plaque. This can prevent plaque buildup and reduce the risk of cavities or gum disease. If you’re not at home, consider packing a travel toothbrush or some floss to keep your teeth clean on the go.

6. Be Mindful of Sticky Foods

Sticky foods like marshmallow-covered yams, stuffing, and caramel-based desserts can cling to your teeth and increase the risk of decay. Sticky foods are more challenging to remove and can easily get trapped between teeth, providing a feast for cavity-causing bacteria. If you indulge in sticky treats, make sure to drink water afterward and consider flossing to remove any stubborn bits.

7. Bring a Pack of Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal is a simple way to freshen your breath and protect your teeth. Chewing gum increases saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids. Look for gum that contains xylitol, a natural sweetener that can help reduce bacteria in the mouth. Having a pack of sugar-free gum handy is a convenient way to keep your mouth feeling fresh throughout the holiday.

8. Schedule Your Post-Holiday Checkup

Thanksgiving is a busy time, but don’t forget to prioritize your dental health afterward. Scheduling a post-holiday checkup with Dr. Hansen’s office in Apex, NC, can ensure your teeth are in good shape for the rest of the holiday season. A professional cleaning can remove any plaque buildup and address any dental concerns before they become more significant issues.

Enjoy a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!

At Dr. Rylan Hansen’s family dental practice in Apex, NC, we believe in helping our patients enjoy the holidays without compromising their dental health. By following these fun and simple tips, you can savor your Thanksgiving favorites while keeping your teeth strong and healthy. A few mindful choices can make a big difference for your smile—and ensure that it’s just as bright at the end of the holiday season as it was at the beginning.

For more advice on keeping your teeth healthy or to schedule a post-Thanksgiving appointment, contact Dr. Hansen’s office in Apex, North Carolina. Have a happy, tooth-friendly Thanksgiving!

Halloween Candy Dental Awareness: Tips for Keeping Kids’ Teeth Healthy in Apex, NC

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Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for children in Apex, NC, with costumes, trick-or-treating, and, of course, candy. However, as much fun as Halloween is, it’s also a time to be mindful of dental health, especially when it comes to kids. Dr. Rylan Hansen and his team at the family dental office in Apex want to help families enjoy the holiday while keeping their children’s smiles bright and healthy. Here are some helpful tips, facts, and advice to ensure that Halloween treats don’t lead to dental tricks!

The Sugar and Tooth Decay Connection

When children eat sugary treats, the sugar interacts with bacteria in the mouth to produce acids that can weaken tooth enamel. Over time, this process can lead to cavities. While occasional indulgence is fine, consuming large amounts of sugary candy—especially if it’s sticky or hard—can increase the risk of dental issues. Understanding which types of candy are more harmful to teeth and how to practice good oral hygiene during this season can help keep your child’s smile cavity-free.

Best and Worst Halloween Candy for Teeth

Not all candies are created equal when it comes to dental health. Here’s a quick rundown on the types of candy that can be more or less harmful to kids’ teeth:

  • Worst for Teeth:
    • Sticky and Chewy Candy: Caramels, gummies, and taffy are particularly harmful because they stick to teeth and are harder to wash away. This gives bacteria more time to feed on the sugar.
    • Hard Candy: Suckers and other hard candies stay in the mouth longer, exposing teeth to sugar for an extended period. Additionally, biting down on hard candy can chip or damage teeth.
    • Sour Candy: Sour candies are acidic and can erode enamel, which weakens teeth and makes them more susceptible to cavities.
  • Better Choices:
    • Chocolate: Chocolate is easier to wash away than sticky candies and has less chance of lingering on teeth. Dark chocolate, which contains less sugar, is an even better choice.
    • Sugar-Free Candy: Sugar-free options are much kinder to teeth and are a great choice if available.

Helpful Tips for a Tooth-Friendly Halloween

  1. Set Candy Limits: Allow your child to pick a few favorite treats to enjoy each day, rather than letting them indulge in a large quantity at once. This reduces the amount of time sugar is in contact with their teeth, decreasing the risk of cavities.
  2. Encourage Good Timing: Try to have your child eat candy as part of a meal or shortly afterward. Saliva production increases during meals, which can help neutralize acids and rinse away food particles, making candy less damaging when eaten with other foods.
  3. Drink Water to Wash Away Sugar: Drinking water after eating candy helps rinse away sugar and acids, reducing the risk of cavities. Encourage kids to take a few sips of water after enjoying their Halloween treats.
  4. Establish a Brushing Routine: Make sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day, especially after eating sugary treats. Use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen their enamel and help protect their teeth from decay. You can also encourage them to floss each day to remove any sticky residue from hard-to-reach areas.
  5. Consider Sugar-Free Gum: If your child is old enough, sugar-free gum can be a good option after indulging in candy. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away sugars and neutralize acid in the mouth.
  6. Limit Halloween Candy Stash: One option to consider is the “Halloween candy buy-back” program or simply offering to trade your child’s candy for a small toy or other reward. This helps reduce the amount of candy they consume while still making the experience fun.

The Importance of Routine Dental Checkups

After Halloween, it’s essential to schedule a dental checkup for your child to ensure their teeth are in good shape. Dr. Rylan Hansen’s office in Apex, NC, provides family dental care and preventive services to help kids maintain healthy smiles year-round. A professional cleaning removes any plaque buildup, and an examination can catch early signs of cavities before they become more serious. Halloween is the perfect time to reinforce good dental habits with your kids and to address any concerns with your dentist.

Celebrate Halloween with a Healthy Smile

Halloween can be a fun and enjoyable holiday without compromising your child’s dental health. By making smart candy choices, encouraging healthy habits, and scheduling regular dental checkups with Dr. Hansen in Apex, NC, you can help your child enjoy the holiday and protect their teeth at the same time.

For more advice on keeping your child’s teeth healthy during the holiday season or to schedule a post-Halloween checkup, contact Dr. Hansen’s family dental office in Apex. Together, we can ensure your child’s smile stays bright and healthy, even after enjoying a few Halloween treats!

Prevention Is Key to Dental Health. Here’s More About Our Apex NC Preventative Dentistry Services

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Preventative Dentistry in Apex, NC

Protecting Smiles for a Lifetime

At Hansen Dentistry, we believe that prevention is the cornerstone of excellent oral health. By taking a proactive approach to dental care, we help patients of all ages avoid cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. As your trusted Apex dentist near you, Dr. Rylan Hansen and our experienced team are dedicated to providing gentle, thorough preventative care to keep your smile healthy and vibrant.

Why Preventative Dentistry Matters

  • Early Detection of Issues: Regular dental visits help us catch potential problems before they escalate, saving you time, money, and discomfort.
  • Long-Term Savings: Preventative care minimizes the need for extensive treatments, making it a cost-effective investment in your oral health.
  • Healthier Smiles for All Ages: From fluoride treatments for kids to gum disease prevention for adults, we tailor care to meet the needs of every patient.
  • Comprehensive, Family-Friendly Care: We’re committed to making dental visits stress-free and educational for the entire family.

Preventative Dentistry Services We Provide

Our preventative care offerings include:

  • Routine Cleanings and Exams: Essential for maintaining oral health and preventing decay.
  • Fluoride Treatments: Strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities.
  • Dental Sealants: Shield teeth from decay, especially in children and teens.
  • Digital X-Rays: Advanced imaging technology for accurate and safe diagnostics.
  • Oral Health Education: Guidance on brushing, flossing, and nutrition to promote healthy habits at home.

Your Partner in Proactive Dental Care

Preventative dentistry is the key to avoiding many common dental issues, and our team is here to support you every step of the way. With modern technology, a welcoming environment, and personalized care, we make it easy to prioritize your oral health.

Schedule Your Preventative Care Appointment Today

Protect your smile with expert preventative care from Hansen Dentistry. Call (919) 363-8444 or submit a request form on our website to schedule your next appointment. Discover why Dr. Rylan Hansen is known as the best dentist in Apex for family-focused preventative care.

Check Our Apex Dentist Service: Most Trusted Family Dentistry Practice

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Family Dentistry Services in Apex, NC

At Hansen Dentistry, we understand the importance of comprehensive dental care for every family member, from toddlers to grandparents. Our family dentistry services are designed to provide personalized, compassionate, and high-quality care tailored to the unique needs of each patient.

Benefits of Choosing Our Family Dentistry Services

  • Comprehensive Care for All Ages: Dr. Rylan Hansen and our experienced team are skilled in treating patients at every stage of life, ensuring continuity of care as your family grows.
  • Convenient Scheduling: We offer flexible appointment times to accommodate your family’s busy schedule, making it easier to maintain regular dental visits.
  • Comfortable Environment: Our office is equipped with a kid-friendly area featuring toys, coloring projects, and entertainment to keep children engaged and relaxed during visits.
  • Preventative Focus: We emphasize education and preventive care to help your family achieve and maintain optimal oral health, reducing the risk of future dental issues.

Why Choose Dr. Hansen for Your Family’s Dental Care?

Dr. Rylan J. Hansen combines a passion for dentistry with a commitment to patient-centered care. His unique background and dedication to removing barriers to dental treatment make him a trusted choice for families in Apex, NC. Our hygienist, Rachael, brings years of experience from pediatric dentistry, and together with Dr. Hansen, they have four children of their own, enhancing their understanding of family dental needs.

Services We Offer

  • Preventative Dentistry: Regular check-ups, cleanings, and patient education to prevent dental issues before they arise.
  • Cosmetic Dentistry: Enhance your smile with services like teeth whitening, crowns, and veneers.
  • Restorative Dentistry: Treatments such as fillings, crowns, and bridges to restore the function and appearance of your teeth.
  • Emergency Dentistry: Prompt care for unexpected dental emergencies to alleviate pain and address urgent issues.

Hear from Our Patients

Our patients appreciate the friendly and professional atmosphere at Hansen Dentistry. One patient shared, “Dr. Hansen is such an amazing dentist. He goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and at ease.”

Schedule Your Family’s Appointment Today

Experience the difference of personalized, family-focused dental care at Hansen Dentistry. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or request one online.

  • Phone: (919) 363-8444
  • Address: 800 W Williams St #240, Apex, NC 27502
  • Online Appointment Request: Schedule Here

We look forward to welcoming your family to our practice and helping you achieve healthy, beautiful smiles for life.

Learn More About Our Apex NC Family Dentistry Services

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Family Dentistry in Apex, NC

Comprehensive Dental Care from Infants to Adults

At Hansen Dentistry, we believe that great oral health starts with compassionate, high-quality care for every member of your family. From a child’s first visit to ongoing care for adults, Dr. Rylan Hansen is the trusted Apex dentist near you. With a family-friendly approach and modern technology, we help ensure your entire family enjoys healthy, beautiful smiles for life.

Why Choose Hansen Dentistry for Family Dentistry?

  • Care for All Ages: From infants to seniors, we provide personalized care tailored to the unique needs of every stage of life.
  • Modern Technology: Equipped with state-of-the-art tools and techniques, we ensure safe, effective, and efficient care for your family.
  • Friendly & Welcoming Atmosphere: Our team creates a relaxing environment so even the youngest patients feel comfortable during their visits.
  • Trusted by Families: As one of the best dentists in Apex, Dr. Hansen is known for his dedication to patient care and long-lasting relationships.

Family Dentistry Services We Provide

We offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of your entire family, including:

  • Routine Cleanings and Exams: Keep your family’s smiles healthy with regular preventive care.
  • Fluoride Treatments and Dental Sealants: Protect teeth from cavities and decay.
  • Restorative Care: From fillings to crowns, we restore function and beauty to damaged teeth.
  • Cosmetic Dentistry: Enhance your smile with services like teeth whitening or Invisalign.
  • Emergency Dentistry: We’re here when you need us most, offering prompt care for dental emergencies.

A Family Dentist Who Understands Your Needs

As a father of four, Dr. Hansen understands the importance of finding a dentist who can meet the needs of the whole family. At Hansen Dentistry, we make it easy to coordinate care for your loved ones, so you can spend less time managing appointments and more time enjoying life.

Find Your Trusted Apex Dentist Near You

Experience the difference of personalized, family-focused care at Hansen Dentistry. Call (919) 363-8444 or submit a request form on our website to schedule an appointment. Discover why families trust Dr. Rylan Hansen as the best dentist in Apex for their dental care needs.

Find Out More About Our Apex NC General Dentistry Services

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General Dentistry in Apex, NC

Comprehensive Dental Care from the Best Dentist in Apex

At Hansen Dentistry, we believe that exceptional dental care should be accessible to everyone. As a trusted Apex dentist near you, Dr. Rylan Hansen and his experienced team provide a full range of general dentistry services designed to support your oral health and keep your smile healthy and bright.

Why Choose Hansen Dentistry for General Dentistry?

  • Personalized Treatment Plans: We prioritize understanding your dental history, current concerns, and goals to create care plans that fit your lifestyle.
  • Advanced Technology: From digital X-rays to state-of-the-art tools, our modern approach ensures accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.
  • Comprehensive Care Under One Roof: Whether you need a filling, crown, or routine check-up, we are your one-stop solution for oral health.
  • Welcoming Environment: As one of the best dentists in Apex, Dr. Hansen and our friendly team work hard to make every visit comfortable and stress-free.

General Dentistry Services We Provide

  • Regular cleanings and exams to maintain oral health
  • Cavity treatment with tooth-colored fillings
  • Oral cancer screenings for early detection
  • Gum disease treatment and management
  • Crowns and bridges for restorative care
  • Nightguards for bruxism (teeth grinding)

Find Your Trusted Apex Dentist Near You

Whether you’re maintaining your oral health or addressing specific dental concerns, Hansen Dentistry is here to help. Call (919) 363-8444 or request an appointment online to experience care from the best dentist in Apex. We look forward to being your partner in oral health.

Check Our Apex Dentist Service: Dental Exams & X-Rays

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Dental Exams & X-Rays Services in Apex NC

The Foundation of Excellent Oral Health

Regular dental exams and X-rays are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. At Hansen Dentistry, Dr. Rylan Hansen, your trusted Apex dentist near you, provides comprehensive evaluations and state-of-the-art imaging to detect potential dental issues early. Our proactive approach helps prevent small concerns from becoming major problems, ensuring a lifetime of optimal oral health.

Why Are Dental Exams & X-Rays Important?

Dental exams and X-rays are critical components of preventative care. While exams allow Dr. Hansen to assess your oral health, X-rays provide a detailed view of areas not visible to the naked eye, such as beneath the gums or inside the teeth. Together, they enable us to diagnose issues like cavities, infections, bone loss, and impacted teeth.

Why Choose Hansen Dentistry?

  • Advanced Technology: Our digital X-rays provide clear, detailed images with minimal radiation exposure.
  • Thorough Assessments: Dr. Hansen’s comprehensive exams ensure every aspect of your oral health is evaluated.
  • Patient Education: We explain our findings and recommend personalized treatment plans to keep your smile healthy.
  • Expert Care: As one of the best dentists in Apex, Dr. Hansen is committed to delivering accurate, effective, and comfortable care.

What to Expect During Your Exam

  1. Oral Health Evaluation: Dr. Hansen will examine your teeth, gums, and soft tissues for signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues.
  2. Digital X-Rays: Advanced imaging allows us to see below the surface for a complete understanding of your oral health.
  3. Screenings: We check for oral cancer and other abnormalities to ensure early detection and timely care.
  4. Personalized Recommendations: Based on the exam, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.

The Benefits of Regular Exams & X-Rays

  • Early Detection: Identify problems before they become serious.
  • Preventative Focus: Avoid costly and invasive treatments with routine care.
  • Improved Overall Health: Addressing oral health issues can benefit your overall well-being.
  • Confidence in Your Smile: Stay ahead of dental concerns and maintain a bright, healthy smile.

Schedule Your Exam Today with Our Apex NC Dentist

Stay proactive about your oral health with regular dental exams and X-rays at Hansen Dentistry. Call (919) 363-8444 or submit a request form on our website to book your appointment with the best dentist in Apex.

What Forensic Investigators Can Learn From Teeth! | Apex Dentist

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If you watch a lot of crime shows like CSI: Miami, you may already know that teeth are often the only body parts that can survive severe types of destruction, like burning. Because of this, forensic scientists often have only teeth to work with when it comes to identifying a victim of a crime or natural/manmade disaster. In today’s post, our Apex dentist explains some of the things forensics investigators (and anthropologists!) can determine by examining dental fragments.

Age at the Time of Death

Teeth can help indicate how old an unknown victim was when he or she died. This is especially easy to do when the victim is a child or adolescent, since baby teeth erupt on a generally universal schedule. The first baby teeth start to emerge during the first two years of life; the first two permanent incisors and the first permanent molar emerge between 6 and 8 years of age; and the majority of the remaining permanent teeth erupt between the ages of 10 and 12 years of age. Wisdom teeth tend to erupt around 18 years of age.

Using dentition to age adult victims is a bit more challenging. Once the wisdom teeth have erupted, age can only be estimated by only morphological changes within the teeth. These changes include tooth root translucency, which increases with age; dental wear on the teeth; and the ratio of amino acids in the teeth (D-aspartic acids convert to L-aspartic acids with age).

Racial Determination

There are very slight differences in the skull structure of different races, which can help assist forensic investigators in identifying victims. People of Asian or Native American descent often have incisors which are shovel-shaped, with ridges on the rear surface of the tooth. People of Caucasian descent tend to have pointier incisors, and smaller teeth overall, often with significant crowding and impacted third molars. Those of African descent rarely have crowding, and the upper teeth often project outwards due to the angled shape of the maxilla. However, these differences are becoming less prevalent, and therefore less useful in identification, as our species becomes less geographically isolated.

Lifestyle & Diet

Teeth hold many clues about an individual’s health issues, even issues that did not originate in the mouth. Tooth loss and erosion of the tooth enamel can be a sign of an eating disorder, or a chronic condition like osteoporosis. Heart disease, skin conditions, blood conditions, and kidney disease can all be identified by examining the teeth. The wear on teeth can also show evidence of what the individual ate and chewed, a detail that is more useful to historic and prehistoric anthropologists.

Individual Dental Characteristics

Forensic dentists can often match victims with specific dental characteristics, like cavity fillings, crown or implant restorations, and orthodontic treatments. If the teeth are damaged by fire, the enamel is often burned off, but post-mortem root canals can still provide clues.

Providing Understanding and Closure

In mass casualty disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, or plane crashes, forensic dentists are enlisted to view the most badly damaged or decomposed remains. Dentists are often be the only ones able to identify the dead, giving them back their names and allowing their families much-needed closure. That’s why, even though it’s unfortunate that these types of situations occur, we should be very grateful for this incredible specialization of dentistry.

Hansen Dentistry is a dentist office in Apex, NC, serving residents of Apex, Cary, and Morrisville. To schedule an appointment with our office, please click here.

Tips for Relieving Dry Mouth, from Our Apex Family Dentist

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Occasionally, a patient will visit our office expecting to have no dental cavities, and is very surprised to learn that they have one. Often, this patient is middle-aged or older, brushes and flosses every day, and has no prior history of tooth decay. When this happens, dentists immediately begin to suspect dry mouth caused by new medications or an undiagnosed condition. Dry mouth causes a decrease in saliva production, which is crucial for regulating oral bacteria and keeping the teeth healthy. Below is more information about the causes of dry mouth, and some treatments that can help.

Common Causes of Dry Mouth

Many medications can cause dry mouth as a side effect. Common dry-mouth inducing medications include muscle relaxants; pain medications; antidepressants; blood pressure and heart rhythm medications; Parkinson’s and Alzheimers disease medications; antihistamines; and decongestants. Recreational drug use, chemotherapy, nerve damage due to injury or surgery, and poor nutrition can also cause dry mouth. Note that this list is far from comprehensive; to learn whether a medication, behavior or condition may be causing your dry mouth, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Treatments for Dry Mouth

Regardless of the cause of your dry mouth, it’s important to do something about it, as lack of saliva can lead to cavities, gingivitis (gum disease), and halitosis (bad breath). Below are some tips on managing dry mouth from our Apex dentist.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is important for many aspects of your health in general, but for those suffering from dry mouth, it is even more important. Strive to drink at least 8-12 eight ounce glasses of water a day, unless your doctor advises against it. Taking small sips throughout the day will benefit you more than consuming a large amount in one sitting, as it helps to “wash” your teeth all day long.

Chew Sugarless Gum

Chewing sugarless gum can help to stimulate saliva production, providing your salivary glands are still operational, and not permanently damaged by injury or chemotherapy. The best sugar substitute, from a dentist’s perspective, is xylitol, a plant-derived sweetener that actively kills harmful tooth bacteria. Sucking on sugar-free lollipops can also help boost saliva production.

Avoid Drugs, Alcohol & Citrus 

Alcohol, caffeine, and citric acid can all dry out the mouth and inhibit saliva production. If you use an alcoholic mouthwash, you might want to try switching to a saltwater rinse instead. On the subject of indulgences, tobacco and marijuana can also worsen dry mouth, so if you use these, try to decrease or eliminate your use. Note that the nicotine in electronic cigarettes also contributes to dry mouth.

Add Moisture to Your Environment

Moistening dry foods with broth, sauces, milk or melted butter can make it easier to chew and swallow; you could also simply try adding more non-citric fruit and vegetables to your diet. You can also use a humidifier to add moisture to the ambient air around you, especially while you sleep.

Suffering from Dry Mouth? Talk to an Apex Dentist Today  

As oral healthcare specialists, dentists are able to assess potential causes of dry mouth, and prescribe or recommend products that can treat it. Many moisturizing gels, lozenges, and mouthwashes designed specifically to treat dry mouth are available over the counter; if these prove to be ineffective, your dentist can prescribe medications that stimulate the saliva glands. To reach a dentist in Apex NC, please click here.

Busting 4 of the Most Common Tooth Brushing Myths with Our Apex Dentist

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Most of us learned how to brush our teeth in Kindergarten—so it’s no wonder we tend to get some things wrong. After all, we haven’t had a proper tooth brushing lesson since we were little kids! Coupled with the fact that tooth brushing best practices have changed over the years, and popular myths that exist about dental hygiene, it’s not surprising that so many people visit our office with cavities and caries, even though they brush every day. Here are some ways you may be brushing your teeth wrong.

Myth 1: After brushing your teeth, you should rinse out your mouth with water.

This is by far the most common tooth brushing mistake most people make. When we were kids, an emphasis was placed on spitting out the toothpaste in order to keep us from swallowing it. However, as an adult, you should keep the toothpaste residue on your teeth as long as possible. Toothpaste works by applying fluoride to your tooth’s surface, in order to raise the Ph of your mouth and remineralize the enamel. Rinsing it off with water minimizes its benefits.

Myth 2: After brushing your teeth, you should rinse your mouth with mouthwash.

Mouthwash should be used before you brush, not after. Unless it’s a fluoride mouthwash, you’ll be negating all the hard work you did by brushing, just as with water. Secondly, you’re also creating a more acidic environment in your mouth that wears your enamel down more quickly.

Myth 3: You should brush your teeth soon after eating.

Brushing your teeth after a meal does a lot of damage to your teeth. All the acid in your food is stuck in-between your teeth, and brushing rubs it around like sandpaper. Instead of brushing directly after eating, wait a few hours after eating so that the saliva in your mouth lowers the Ph. If you’re worried about having bad breath, chew a minty gum containing xylitol. The best time to brush your teeth is first thing in the morning, before you’ve eaten.

Myth 4: Since plaque is tough to get off, I need to brush forcefully.  

Brushing too hard can actually cause your gums to recede, and erode your enamel as well. Instead, brush your gums with light, gentle motions. Plaque is not stuck on hard to your teeth, and brushing lightly will remove it. If your toothbrush bristles have a smashed-down appearance, that’s a sign that you are brushing too hard.

Get a Dental Cleaning from a Qualified Apex Dentist

If it’s been a while since your last dental cleaning, be sure to stop in to Hansen Dentistry. Our Apex dentist office is a welcoming, family-friendly, judgement-free zone where we only care about one thing: helping you have the healthiest smile possible. To schedule an appointment, fill out our appointment form here.