Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about what cavities are. The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel. Cox Family Dentistry      James T. Cox, III, DMD      Dallas J. Kunkel, DMD      101 Perpetual Square Drive    Anderson, SC 29621     (864) 226-4300     CoxFamilyDentistrySC.com  

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org Halloween is around the corner, which for most children means bags of free candy and a chance to build a stockpile of sweets for the winter. No surprise, Halloween can also present parents with a variety of health and safety challenges. “It’s OK to eat that candy on Halloween but it’s important to have a plan,” says ADA dentist Dr. Ana Paula Ferraz-Dougherty.  Here's how you can help your family stay MouthHealthy on Halloween and year-round. Time It Right Eat Halloween candy (and other sugary foods) with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals. This helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and rinse away food particles. Stay Away from Sweet Snacks Snacking can increase your risk of cavities, and it’s double the trouble if you keep grabbing sugary treats from the candy bowl. “Snacking on candy throughout the day is not ideal for your dental health or diet,” Dr. F...

Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke Recent medical research has verified a link showing that gum disease contributes to the onset of stroke, heart disease, and many other life-threatening ailments. So you can understand why treating gum disease is an extremely important step in your efforts to retain your overall good health.  The American Dental Association estimates that 8 out of 10 people in the United States have periodontal (gum) disease. An 80% infection rate should require gum disease to be handled as a national epidemic, but because tooth loss has long been thought of as nothing more than unpleasant, the ruthlessness of the disease has been ignored for far too long. However, things are changing.  The American Academy of Periodontology reports: “Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already c...

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about inter-dental cleaners. The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel. Cox Family Dentistry      James T. Cox, III, DMD      Dallas J. Kunkel, DMD      101 Perpetual Square Drive    Anderson, SC 29621     (864) 226-4300     CoxFamilyDentistrySC.com  

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org When he’s feeling under the weather, ADA dentist Dr. Gene Romo says one thing always helps him feel a little more like himself. “Brushing my teeth when I’m sick actually makes me feel better,” he says. “My mouth feels clean, and in a way, I feel like my health is starting to improve.” When you have a cold or the flu, taking care of your body is your top priority-and that includes your mouth. “It’s important to take care of your dental health all year round, but especially when you’re sick,” Dr. Romo says. Here are some simple ways to care for your dental health when you’re not feeling well:  Practice Good Hygiene When you’re sick, you know to cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze . Don’t forget to keep up your dental and toothbrush hygiene as well. According to the CDC, the flu virus can live on moist surfaces for 72 hours. “The number one rule is not to share your toothbrush anytime, but especially when yo...

Snoring Isn’t Just an Annoyance Snoring is often an indicator of the critical health concern known as sleep apnea. People with this problem experience a blockage of their airway while they sleep. This obstruction keeps them from receiving oxygen regularly throughout the night, and unfortunately, they usually don’t even realize it. Sleep apnea is a major contributing element to heart disease. Sufferers of this disorder experience elevated blood pressure, which is a key risk factor in incurring heart disease and strokes.  The consequences of sleep loss can create serious health concerns and even result in premature death. Sleep deprivation negatively affects your brain function, increases stress hormones, and can induce depression. Even if you have only minor issues with sleep apnea, being fitted with an oral appliance can result in a decrease or even a cessation of snoring. This could be a great gift to your partner! Cox Family Dentistry      James T. Cox, III, DM...

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about tooth whitening not being equal to tooth brushing. The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel. Cox Family Dentistry      James T. Cox, III, DMD      Dallas J. Kunkel, DMD      101 Perpetual Square Drive    Anderson, SC 29621     (864) 226-4300     CoxFamilyDentistrySC.com  

A Crown Restores a Damaged Tooth At Cox Family Dentistry, we can often save a tooth that has been damaged or worn to a point where a standard filling won’t bring it back to full functionality. By installing a crown, we can rescue and even add strength to your impaired tooth. Plus, the advanced composite materials we use to create your crown will appear so natural, you’ll have difficulty telling it apart from a real tooth. Cox Family Dentistry      James T. Cox, III, DMD      Dallas J. Kunkel, DMD      101 Perpetual Square Drive    Anderson, SC 29621     (864) 226-4300     CoxFamilyDentistrySC.com  

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Jennifer Mitchell Tooth enamel isn't just strong; it's the hardest substance in your body. It isn't indestructible, however, and can be eroded by substances that are stronger. Acid exposure can come from many sources, but with the help of your dentist, you can keep your enamel strong and healthy. Symptoms  Acid erosion on teeth can lead to a variety of symptoms that should be evaluated by a dentist. As the outer layer of your teeth wears away, you may experience tooth sensitivity . This sensitivity often leads to pain when you consume hot or cold foods and drinks. Your teeth may also become discolored. This is because the enamel is white, unlike the sensitive, yellow tissue underneath is known as dentin. As the enamel erodes and exposes more of your dentin, your teeth begin to show more of its yellow color. The appearance of your teeth can change in other ways as a result of acid erosion, ...