General Archives - Adam Brown Dentistry

Your Teeth as You Age – Adam Brown, DDS

Jon Dalton George2024-01-28T19:56:46+00:00January 28th, 2024|Adam Brown DDS, Dentures, General, Oral Health|

Your Teeth as You Age

Every new day brings in an older and wiser version of ourselves. But we don’t just become wiser; our bodies change too. Teeth are especially prone to change and incur wear over time, something that older readers may have already experienced.

In fact, nearly 1 in 5 adults over the age of 65 are missing all of their teeth — a testament to how the evolution and rapid change of our tooth health can lead to real dental damage. The longer you use something, the more wear and tear it will go under — this is true for your teeth, too!

As you age, the increased likelihood of dental problems is nothing to ignore. And with age introducing new problems and concerns, some people can see a lifetime of care for their teeth seemingly evaporate in months.

“You have people who have maintained their oral health their entire lives, only to see it go down the tubes in six to eight months,” – Judith Jones, Professor at Boston University’s dental school and elder-care spokeswoman for the American Dental Association.

While there are a number of causes for the increased risk in older teeth, the overall change in your teeth is most to blame. Teeth soften as we age, increasing challenges and risks, among other changes.

So don’t leave your aging teeth to fight for their health alone; schedule an appointment with a qualified dentist today to preserve dental health and stay healthy for the long run. And there’s no better dentist to go to for that type of preventive care than Adam Brown DDS. Years of experience helping older patients in the Monroe area equip this office to provide the best care for aging teeth.

What Makes Our Teeth?

Most people believe that our teeth are an extension of our bones — but that’s a common misconception. It’s likely rooted in the fact that your teeth and bones mostly comprise calcium. Additionally, much like our bones and joints, a lifetime of use can create pain and damage, especially if left untreated. While they have these things in common, the two have unique differences.

Bones are living tissue – teeth are not. Most readers know that bones can heal and repair themselves, but teeth can not. This means preservation and additional care are key to having teeth that can stand the test of time. Teeth have four different types of tissue, all of which can experience changes or damage with age:

Enamel – Your enamel forms the outer layer of your teeth, protecting the more sensitive inner parts of your tooth from damage Enamel is the strongest substance in your body, so it plays its role as a protector well.

Over time, your enamel is prone to erosion, opening up gaps in protecting your teeth. And because these cells aren’t living, the cracks formed are permanent. Additionally, this layer is the part of your teeth that can stain, leading to discoloration.

Dentin – Dentin is the layer wedged between your enamel and cementum. Dentin serves a similar role to enamel, protecting the crown of your teeth. Still, it is much softer than enamel, so it can develop decay and cavities rapidly, especially if left untreated.

If there’s been a specific part of your mouth causing you discomfort, it could be the case that your dentin is taking a beating. If that’s the case, it’s important to schedule a check-up with a dentist right away!

Cementum – Cementum is a substance covering the root of your tooth. It connects your teeth to the gums and is softer than both dentin and enamel. This and the next layer are important to keep protected, as damage or decay to these components could spell real problems.

Pulp – Also known as the nerve in your tooth, this layer has blood tissue and nerves that connect your teeth to the rest of your body. Often, we talk about how dental health plays a role in your overall health. If you need an example of this, look no further than the pulp, which plays a bridge between oral and overall health.

The Factors that Change Our Teeth

Still, why are our teeth more prone to damage and disease when we age? There’s no singular answer to this, but rather a number of factors that create an overall more vulnerable oral health for older patients.

Wear and Tear

The longer you use something, the more wear and tear it will go under — this is true for your teeth, too!

Daily use over the course of years can damage your teeth, erasing enamel, an important layer for healthy teeth! Teeth are also more likely to crack or break with age, so avoid hard foods or ice to ensure longevity. Those with enough wear and tear may consider crowns or veneers, both offered by Adam Brown DDS.

To prevent some of the more severe impacts of dental wear and tear, you could try and chew your food evenly. Some people chew with specific parts of their mouth, which compounds the risk of overuse and damage.

Dry Mouth

According to studies by the National Library of Medicine, over 46% of those over the age of 65 experience dry mouth.

Countless medications have side effects that contribute to dry mouth, which could be a cause in this large number of affected people. While dry mouth creates discomfort, you may be surprised at the damage it can cause to your teeth. Saliva is important in fighting off bacteria growth, contributing to tooth decay. Look to switch medications if the issue persists, or drink more water to prevent your mouth from getting too dry.

Overeating and Drinking Certain- Foods

While most foods in moderation won’t impact your teeth negatively, a lifetime of consumption can create real problems. Foods high in acid spell trouble for your enamel, especially if used consistently over the course of years. Other foods that create stains, like coffee and red wine, can lead to real discoloration and a less polished smile.

Maintaining a Strong Support System – Your Gums

Your teeth aren’t alone in oral hygiene. Your gums are an important part of keeping your oral health in check. Gum disease that leads to a receding gumline exposes your teeth to more damage, increasing risks of disease and problems.

“Age itself isn’t a cause, but the periodontal disease often slowly gets worse and goes undetected — and untreated — for decades, leading to more severe problems in the seventh decade of life and beyond.” – Harvard Health Publishing.

As the researchers at Harvard Health Publishing said, if untreated, you’ll encounter severe problems ranging well beyond just your tooth health. Adam Brown DDS offers periodontal treatment that will give your teeth the strong supporting cast they deserve for a healthy life.

The Role of Ongoing Preventative Care

While knowing the factors and what to avoid can prevent some damage, few things are more effective at keeping your teeth healthy than consistent and ongoing preventative care. Many wait until a problem is unignorable to make the jump to schedule a dental appointment, but at that point — irreparable damage could have already happened, squashing a lifetime of care and attention to your teeth. Even worse, a lot of our elderly population is experiencing gaps in care during an important time for checkups and treatment.

“Medicare does not cover routine dental services. Nearly 24 million Medicare beneficiaries lack critical oral health coverage, six meaning many older adults do not receive regular dental services.” – Johnson, Dental Economics.

With new patient specials and an office dedicated to getting you the help they need, Adam Brown DDS is looking to tackle this gap and provide those who need care with best-in-class treatment options. So, don’t hesitate to call and explore your options!

A Dentist Who Understands

We all know that aging creates problems, but having a patient and understanding dentist who’s ready to face those challenges alongside you is necessary to reverse the trends of poor senior dental health across the country. Reviews of Adam Brown DDS echo just that —

“Dr. Brown was friendly and very accommodating. He is honest in his dealings and tries to work with patients’ situations. My parents are both elderly with various health issues that can make visits difficult for both patients and doctors. He has been kind and patient with them. They love him!” – Google Review for Adam Brown DDS.

With the right care and preventative treatment, you can keep the teeth of your youth and have a much healthier mouth and body in turn. Schedule an appointment with Adam Brown DDS today and see about starting a new journey for positive dental health — even after the seventh decade!

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Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth? Should You Have Them Removed?

Andrae Bergeron2023-03-17T14:50:55+00:00March 17th, 2023|General, Wisdom Teeth|

The third molars, commonly referred to as “wisdom teeth,” typically erupt in the mouth of individuals between the ages of 18 and 25. These teeth break through the gums when you mature into young adulthood — hence the term “wisdom” teeth.

Though the name and nature of the teeth are rather straightforward, there are often questions surrounding their usefulness and permanence. For instance, why do some people have them pulled and others don’t? Let’s look at the purpose of wisdom teeth, when you can keep them, and when it’s best to have them removed.

Should you get your wisdom teeth removed.

Why do we have wisdom teeth? Do we need them if they don’t show up until young adulthood? Due to changes in diet over the years, our jaws have evolved to a more compact size. Since we have begun refining our carbohydrates, among other things, a full set of molars simply isn’t needed like it used to be.

We’re not crunching on grains all day long. So, with a smaller jaw comes the need for fewer teeth, which is why most people end up having their wisdom teeth removed. Not enough room at the inn for all the pearly whites!

But does everyone need to have them removed?

Keep Them or Lose Them?

Some people can keep their wisdom teeth, and some need to have them removed for oral health reasons. There are typically five criteria for deciding whether or not one should get rid of their wisdom teeth:

1. Jaw Size

Even though we’ve physically changed as a people over time — smaller jaws, walking upright, etc. — not all the evolutionary changes have happened evenly across humanity. Some of us have a larger jawbone, allowing more room for teeth to grow and spread out. When this is the case, the wisdom teeth don’t need to be removed (unless there are other underlying issues – more on this in a bit), and the person should never have any overcrowding issues.

Those with smaller jaws would be the ones who need these teeth taken out. The best way to find out if your jaw can handle a few more molars is to come in and have a dentist give your mouth a look. Within a few minutes, he will be able to tell if you need tooth removal or not.

2. The Size of the Teeth

Sometimes, wisdom teeth come in a bit smaller with less of a root system. These underdeveloped molars cannot chew food as well as they should and may end up breaking and causing infection. When wisdom teeth break through and show to be smaller like this, it’s recommended to have them removed — even if there is enough space in the mouth for them.

3. Cleaning Capability

When looking over your wisdom teeth and determining if removing them is a good idea, one of the most significant factors is the capability — both in the moment and in the long term — that they can be adequately cleaned. By nature, wisdom teeth are a little more challenging to keep clean than others due to their precarious placement in the back of the mouth. If you can’t get floss and the head of a toothbrush between and around the wisdom teeth, plaque will accumulate, eventually leading to cavities and gum disease.

4. More on Cavities

Some people naturally have a higher risk for cavities. Just like cholesterol or high blood pressure can be hereditary, so can elements of your oral health. As noted in number 3, it’s best to pull the wisdom teeth if there is a probability for cavities to be present.

Even if you plan on thoroughly cleaning those back molars, because of their placement — and because you might have the propensity to have cavities — it is best practice to have them pulled. The last thing you want is for bacteria to build and fester in the mouth, as this can lead to all sorts of maladies, even deadly ones.

5. Risk of Gum Disease

The same goes for those of us who suffer from, or are likely to suffer from, gum disease. There are evil little bacteria that love to find hard-to-get-to hiding places inside our mouths to grow and spread gum disease. Since wisdom teeth are prime hiding spots, the risk of gum disease is another reason to consider removing your wisdom teeth.

When to Remove Wisdom Teeth

It’s tempting to wait until they become an issue, but waiting to have your wisdom teeth removed can be a bad idea seeing how any of the five outcomes above can lead to dangerously poor oral health. Don’t let yourself get to that point. If you know or have a good idea that your wisdom teeth will need removal, get it done sooner rather than later.

A quick consultation with Dr. Brown will reveal:

Where in the growth process you are;
How much longer until they break through the gums;
And whether or not it would be best to have them pulled.

When it comes to the timing of removal, think of it like this: The older you get, the more those teeth grow and expand. The teeth’s size and position are affected by the patient’s age.

You also want to consider healing time after the surgery. The younger you are, the faster you will heal! It takes anywhere from six to nine years for teeth to grow, and they like to form from the top down — meaning they develop from the biting surface on down to the root of the tooth.

By removing these teeth when the patient is young, the dentist can use a less intrusive removal method as the teeth are smaller and less rotted into the gums than fully-formed teeth. Less trauma to the jawbone and gums equals faster healing, which is what we are about!

Tips and Advice For Those Keeping Wisdom Teeth

After consulting with a dentist, if you discover you can keep your wisdom teeth, there are still a few things to keep in mind — a few specific problems to look out for.

The most common issue for wisdom-teeth keepers is pericoronitis. This is a condition where the gums surrounding the wisdom teeth become inflamed, causing a “partial eruption.” Essentially, the wisdom tooth is being hampered from growing correctly because of gum swelling. This can even cause the wisdom teeth to twist or tip, which is not good and will end up requiring removal.

When a tooth partially erupts, it also creates openings where plaque, bacteria, and food debris can all build up and create further health issues, not to mention sharp, intense pain. One way to combat this horrible experience is to rinse with salt water and/or over-the-counter anti-inflammatories regularly. These can help reduce the swelling and discomfort for a time, but a visit to the dentist is what can bring permanent relief.

As always, your best option when considering your oral health is to visit us at Adam Brown, DDS. We can assess your jaw size and the area of the mouth where the wisdom teeth grow to let you know your best option!

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Creating a Healthy Attitude Towards Dentistry

Andrae Bergeron2022-09-14T16:03:21+00:00September 14th, 2022|General|

Tips to Create Healthy Dentist Environment for Kids

Because maintaining one’s oral health is such an important issue—due to the fact that poor oral care can lead to a number of dangerous maladies—it is essential to help children establish, at an early age, a healthy attitude towards dentistry and individual oral care. By taking the time to prepare your child for a dental visit, and by encouraging regular brushing and flossing routines, children realize early on the importance and the benefits of taking care of their teeth and gums.

The patient-dentist relationship is fostered through familiarity with, not only your family dentist but the entire dental staff as well. Due to Covid, we have seen a lack of this rapport between families and dental offices, but it is these relationships that help create positive experiences that reinforce the importance of oral health.

Youngsters who are not taught the importance of regular dental visits, as well as, personal daily care for their teeth and gums can result in poor checkup consistency and resistance to dental care (the use of night guards, braces, etc.). Extreme reluctance to dental care could even result in the necessity of sedation for regular checkups.

Is It Safe?

Though it seems we are mostly passed the big scare Covid gave us all over the past two years, nothing these days is one hundred percent safe. However, with the right safety procedures in place, a family dental visit is nothing to fear.

The dangers of forgoing regular checkups for a prolonged period can cause severe problems, especially after a pandemic where we were confined to small areas and tended to eat more tooth-decaying foods and exercise a bit less. Throw in a few carbonated drinks and sweet snacks every day and it won’t take long for your oral health to drastically deteriorate, and the fact that sugary foods and drinks are especially tempting for children puts them at a higher risk for tooth decay.

The Necessity of Maintaining Your Oral Health

Preventative care and dentistry not only preserve your oral health, but they also save you money. By keeping yourself and your dentist in the know of your level of oral health, your family can take preventative measures to keep harmful bacteria from festering into something dangerous, which requires expensive procedures or surgeries. Your oral health is unique to you, and the more you understand about your particular set of teeth, the better your chances of keeping a healthy mouth. Here are a few more key details of preventative dentistry you should consider:

It takes a community. It’s tempting to go along with the notion that brushing and flossing your teeth every day is enough to keep that mouth sparkly clean. It is true that brushing and flossing are important procedures, necessary for keeping your mouth clean, but without having regular checks where a dentist can give a thorough assessment of your oral hygiene, there is really no way to tell where your level of health is. Always make time for a dentist to monitor the condition of your teeth and gums.
Pay a little upfront to save a ton in the end. Ironically, people tend to skip dental visits in order to save money, however, the price of dealing with a developed condition—that was not caught by your dentist—will end up costing much more money. Imagine paying out of pocket for a tooth extraction—then again for the replacement. The pain and frustration and money simply aren’t worth it.
Visiting your dentist means meeting with a professional who can offer advice on oral hygiene products for purchase that are specific to you and your needs. There are so many products out there to choose from, and without the guidance of someone who knows what works and what does not, you might feel a bit lost.
With poor oral health come a lot of side effects: bad breath, a crooked smile, browning teeth, chipped or lost teeth, and the list goes on. These side effects can do major damage to an individual’s self-esteem and individual health. However, sometimes these issues can be easily dispelled by a quick visit to the dentist.
The most important aspect of preventative dentistry is that one simple visit could identify life-threatening diseases. Like many areas of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria, most of them harmless. Normally the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Certain medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, diuretics, and antidepressants can reduce saliva flow. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, helping to protect you from microbial invasion or overgrowth that might lead to disease. Studies also suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, might play a role in some diseases.

Once you enter the office for your appointment, the nurse will take your temperature before you wait for the dentist.

Preparing Your Child for a Visit

Trying to explain to your children what they are about to walk into before a trip to the dentist will surely scare them, no matter how nicely you try and say it. Chances are, children will hear something like this: “Someone with a gown on is going to stick sharp, metal objects in your mouth,” no matter what it is you actually say.

Instead of starting with an explanation, try to show what the experience will be like as much as possible. Put on a long gown and have your child sit in a chair like he or she would during a visit to the dentist. Mimic the movements of a teeth cleaning, rinsing, etc. Maybe even get a toothbrush and brush your child’s teeth, and do the same with floss. Let them see that dentists are people too!

Try and make it fun, but also mention that this is what it will be like going to see the real dentist. Include the fact that dental visits are going to be a part of life—at least two times a year. Let your children ask questions and keep the conversation open, you know those little minds will be thinking about this for much longer.

Before making the trip to see the dentist, pull up a picture of the entire dental team and show your child. Along with your child, take special note of the names, hair, and eye color of each individual so when they see them in person they already feel a connection.

It is also important to encourage your child to talk to and ask questions of the staff. Anything that can be done to highlight the fact that the entire dental team is friendly and here to help. At Adam Brown, DDS you can definitely count on the entire staff to engage in conversation as much as possible, so you are not completely alone in your quest to normalize your child’s trip to the dentist.

At Adam Brown DDS, we understand that a trip to the dentist can be especially scary for young ones these days. If you find your child is struggling to understand why we visit the dentist, take the time now to show what it will look like and explain that there is nothing scary about a regular visit to your family dentist.

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Adam Brown, DDS: A Safe Return to Routine Dental Care

Andrae Bergeron2020-09-21T16:23:59+00:00September 9th, 2020|General|

Delaying oral care such as routine teeth cleanings can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and even heart disease, and with restrictions slowly being lifted, why continue to put your oral health at risk? Schedule an appointment with us at Adam Brown, DDS today to get your mouth clean and healthy.

As the country slowly comes down off of high alert, there arise questions of what should and should not be done, where we can go and where we can’t. But with North Carolina going from Phase 2 to Phase 2.5, we have more clarity on what activities are safe, and which ones we should get back to right away—like going to the dentist.

But is it safe to go back to the dentist? Thankfully we have clear guidance on this issue, and from a trusted source: The American Dental Association. This association of respected professionals, who are a constant help in providing accurate science and practice procedures within the dental field, recommend keeping up on routine dental procedures.

The ADA has worked closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make sure all decisions and recommendations are made concerning the health of all Americans. In March of 2020, the ADA called for practitioners to push all non-emergency care to a later date in order to limit the possible spread of Covid-19. This decision by the dental community not only limited the spread of the virus, but it also allowed hospitals access to more personal protective equipment and, in turn, saved lives.

In May, experts at the ADA—working closely with the CDC—called for the reopening of dental practices under new safety guidelines, encouraging everyone to get back on track with routine dental appointments.

Is It Safe?

Nothing these days is one hundred percent safe, but with the right safety procedures in place, it is a good idea to go to the dentist. In fact, no Covid-19 cases have been traced to a dental office so far.

The dangers of forgoing regular checkups for a prolonged period can cause severe problems, especially during a pandemic since we are confined to small areas and tend to eat more tooth-decaying foods and exercising less. Throw in a few carbonated drinks and sweet snacks every day and it won’t take long for your oral health to drastically deteriorate. Even dentists have noticed dirtier mouths since the beginning of the pandemic.

If you have visited your dentist lately, you have certainly noticed the difference in your appointment—the change in procedure starts before you even enter the office.

After setting an appointment, patients complete a pre-screening questionnaire, which asks general questions about your current health status, and if you have been around anyone lately who has tested positive for Covid-19.

You may have also noticed fewer times slots for appointments. This is because dentists are seeing fewer patients each day so that each person who enters the office for a dental appointment won’t have to worry about getting too close to others.

Once you enter the office for your appointment, the nurse will take your temperature before you wait for the dentist.

Keeping Your Teeth Clean During Covid-19

Clearly, it’s time to get back to the dentist, but until you can make your appointment with us at Adam Brown, DDS there are plenty of things you can do on your own, during this unprecedented time, to maintain your oral health.

In order to maintain a pleasant smile during a pandemic, set a regime of brushing twice a day. According to www.mayoclinic.org, it’s important to brush your teeth in the morning and at night with fluoride toothpaste. In the morning it’s a good idea to begin with mouth wash, which breaks down plaque and food particles. Then thoroughly floss between each tooth to get those spots your toothbrush won’t reach. When brushing, hold the toothbrush at an angle pointing the bristles towards the gums. Brush, using back-and-forth motions on both the inside and outside of the teeth, making sure not to scrub too vigorously. Brushing too hard can cause the gums to recede and expose sensitive areas of the teeth. It is strongly advised to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush for two minutes a side and repeat the same process at night.

Quick Tip: How to Enjoy Sweets Without Killing Your Teeth

There’s no denying it, it is really hard to stay away from sweets and drinks that are bad for our teeth. And, whether in fresh cocktails to be enjoyed outdoors, or in cakes, candies, and cookies, sugar seems to be one of the main ingredients. Just how do these sweets affect your teeth and gums? What happens when we eat a lot of sugary treats or sip on too many cocktails, is the sugar combines with any plaque (hard or soft) in the mouth to create an acid. This acid then eats away at your teeth. And though this is a serious matter, as no one wants her teeth to be eaten away, it can be prevented.

If you are regularly and correctly caring for your teeth twice a day, there are ways to still enjoy sweet foods and fresh drinks without damaging your teeth. If you are eating something high in sugar, gargle with mouthwash or water after you are finished. This will not completely clean the teeth and gums, but it can clear away enough unwanted matter before you brush next. As for drinks, try and find or make ones with fruit as a substitute for sugar. And, as with sugary treats, it’s a good idea to gargle or have a glass of water after.

It’s best to see the dentist for a cleaning at least every six months. Here are four reasons why:

Removing Hardened Plaque. You know when you visit the dentist and he gets that sharp, silver hook tool and scrapes it against your teeth? Sometimes, he has to press extra hard and poke and prod. What he is doing is removing plaque from your teeth. You see, though flossing and brushing twice a day can get most of it from your teeth, little bits of plaque can remain and harden. In time, that plaque will discolor and can cause damage to the teeth and gums if it’s not removed. Visiting your dentist twice a year will keep this hardened substance from accumulating.
Preventing Gum Disease. Bacteria in the mouth can cause gum disease, and most times it is not noticeable to the individual who has it until it’s festered. However, your dentist can help prevent gum disease from ever occurring by professionally cleaning your teeth and gums. And if signs of gum disease show up, he can recommend the proper medication to help illuminate it.
Preventing Cavities. Plaque and food particles can create cavities, which eat away at the teeth. And like gum disease, cavities can be difficult to notice right away. Unless you see a dentist, that is. If they are found, cavities can be removed and the damaged tooth repaired, or, in extreme cases, the tooth will have to be pulled. Regardless, it is of the utmost importance that cavities are taken care of right away, as they can lead to more serious oral maladies.
Preventing Oral Cancer. The thought of cancer can be scary, but it’s something that should not be ignored. Instead, it should be prevented. Seeing your dentist twice a year and having an oral exam can greatly help reduce your chances of contracting cancer of the mouth.

Besides have a bright smile while we wait for things to slowly become normal again, there are other reasons to keep your mouth clean. For instance, did you know cavities and gum disease, if left alone, could lead to serious medical problems such as heart disease? This is why it’s so important to be sure you are caring for your teeth and gums correctly.

We are happy to be back to work, and we can’t wait to help you get your mouth back into shape. Visit us online today and schedule your next teeth cleaning appointment.

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New Look, Same Great Family

Andrae Bergeron2020-09-09T14:55:17+00:00August 21st, 2020|General|

Dr. Brown and his team of dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants have been providing quality dental services in Monroe for over 37 years. Adam Brown, DDS (Formerly Carolina’s Dental Choice), now owned and operated by Doctor Adam Brown, will to continue with excellent services and innovative practice. Our patients have found that professional dental procedures, no matter how intricate, can be stress-free thanks to our team of professionals.

Dr. Adam Brown grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, and continues to make the Carolinas his home, currently living in Charlotte.

After getting a bachelor’s degree in construction management from East Carolina University, Dr. Brown established a career in residential home building and real estate industries. But after a 13-year career, Dr. Brown felt the call to dentistry. It wasn’t a far stretch for him to go from managing a successful career in the building industry to becoming a dentist, since his father—Dr. Don Brown who founded Carolina’s Dental Choice (now Adam Brown, DDS)—has been a celebrated dentist for many years.

Dr. Brown made his decision and headed to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. And once his schooling was complete, and he obtained his doctoral degree, he joined the family practice.

In November of 2020, Dr. Adam Brown purchased Carolina’s Dental Choice from Dr. Don Brown. After taking over the practice, Dr. Brown has transformed Carolina’s Dental Choice into Adam Brown, DDS.

Dr. Brown is a member of the American Dental Association and the North Carolina Dental Society. He lives in Charlotte with his wife, two kids, and two labs. In his free time, you can find him spending time with friends and family, especially if it’s on the lake or at the golf course.

About Us

At Adam Brown, DDS we have expert technology (designed not to inflict pain, but rather to perfect your smile), great customer care, and an interesting, fun staff.

One great aspect of our office is that it’s unique. To begin with, notice the structure of our building. Doesn’t look like a dental practice, does it? That’s because our office is housed in a…well, a house. We even have a porch! Our physical structure matches the overall goal of our practice: we want you to feel as though you are family. Inside, our friendly office is completely new. Freshly painted walls and trim. Beautiful wood floors. Soft lighting and light music to set the mood. Doesn’t sound like your typical dental practice, does it? That’s because we aren’t.

What Sets Us Apart

How much we care! Not only does our family atmosphere immediately put you at ease, our variety of services offered, and the technology used, provide the highest quality of dental work you will find. When it comes to practices such as teeth whitening, preventative care, and restorative and cosmetic dentistry, we have the latest, newest technology to complete all services quickly, easily, and professionally. Here are just a few of the services we offer:

Another quality that makes us different is our ability to conduct high-level restorative dentistry. Restorative dentistry is an intricate procedure, often left for those few specialty dentists with steady hands and a vast knowledge of the practice. Luckily for us, Dr. Brown is one of these specialists.

What is restorative dentistry, exactly? It is the concept of reproducing or repairing teeth and adjoining bones and tissue through the use of metal and ceramic materials in order to make them whole again. This is a process that can be completed by filling, onlay, crowns, or implants. Dr. Brown and his team are one of the best practices that offer full mouth veneers and crowns. Custom veneers can be a tricky process to grasp. But, between 1-2 visits, you can have the smile you deserve and gain back the confidence that was once lost.

Dr. Brown’s expertise in performing difficult, intricate dental procedures, and his wonderful rapport with patients, provides a perfectly rounded practice. And, in order to establish Adam Brown, DDS as the best practice in Monroe, Dr. Brown has hired a staff that shares in his desire for perfection on all fronts of customer care. From our office manager and patient service operator to our fellow dentists and assistants, all are trained and excited to offer you excellent dental service.

A Few Tips for Great Oral Health

Before you come to visit us for your regular cleaning, or to have other dental procedures done, here are a few tips to help maintain your oral health:

Get the Right Toothpaste

A lot of people like to rush right to the whitening toothpastes. It makes sense, who doesn’t want white teeth? But when you are juicing the acid that does come into contact with your teeth (and no matter what you do, there will be a least a tiny bit that does) makes them softer, more sensitive. And when you combine the harsh chemicals in whitening toothpaste, it can cause a lot of discomfort. It’s better to use toothpaste that is made for sensitive teeth. This will clean the teeth well without hurting them. And, honestly, brushing twice a day will do well at keeping your teeth white. If you feel you need something more there are plenty of products out there that do not hurt the teeth, even sensitive strips and mouthwashes that can advance your whitening.

Avoid Over-Brushing

Never thought you could brush too much, did you? Well, you can. Too much brushing can actually help the acid erode the enamel off your teeth. As previously said, juicing can leave your teeth extra sensitive. To go and brush excessively after that can cause some problems. It is best to stick to the twice a day standard. And when you do brush, use a soft or medium bristle. Brush lightly, and use a mechanical toothbrush if possible. These are made to get to those hard-to-reach places and they put the perfect amount of pressure on your teeth and gums. And nowadays, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get one. There are plenty of reasonably priced electric toothbrushes out there. You just have to do a bit of research.

Use Mouthwash Regularly

Just like flossing and brushing, the twice a day rule is all you need with mouthwash. If you feel the need to rinse more than that use water. But once in the morning, then again at night, can do wonders to clean the mouth. Mouthwash also helps keep your teeth white and your breath fresh.

Drink Through Straws Whenever Possible

When drinking your favorite blended healthy concoction, it is possible to keep most of the liquid from having too much contact with your teeth. And, this is true, especially with thicker drinks. By using a straw, you can keep even more liquid from hitting your teeth. That’s why it’s a good idea to have many different types of straws around. A wide straw for thick juices, and narrow or regular-sized for normal densities, and a bendy straw just because they’re fun. Do stay away from those trendy metal straws though, as they can chip your teeth. Basically, any way of transferring your juice directly from the cup to your throat without touching anything (besides the straw), the better. Just be careful, using a straw makes drinking a lot of liquid much easier. You don’t want to overdo it on the juicing!

Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year

This is one of the most important things to do. One visit to the dentist every six months is the perfect way to gauge how well your teeth are handling the juicing. A dentist can tell you if your teeth are becoming too sensitive or stained and advise you on what to do. It’s also good because you get a professional cleaning where someone is meticulously searching your mouth for cavities, bits of food, or anything else.

Come Join Our Family!

Though we may have a new name, we are still the same family here to provide excellent dental services. Set up your next dental appointment, no matter what it is you need to be done, with Adam Brown, DDS today.

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Water: The Best Beverage for Your Health

monroe2020-06-11T13:20:37+00:00February 24th, 2020|General, Oral Health|

It is remarkable the role water plays in our lives when you stop and think about it. Hydrating ourselves has become so habitual it’s second nature to fill a glass of water and chug it down. But do you ever stop and think about the importance water plays in our lives? And as it turns out, more and more people are thinking about the importance of hydration these days, and rightly so since our bodies are made up of 60% water and it is a necessary component to our survival.

In a recent episode of “Man vs Wild” host and survivalist, Bear Grylls mentioned what he called “The Rule of 3s,” which is this: humans can survive three weeks without food, three days without water, three hours without shelter, and three minutes without oxygen.

One of the most famous football players to ever play the game, Tom Brady, claims to drink anywhere from 14 to 37 glasses of water a day! Of course, he is a professional athlete, and this could be highly dangerous for a non-athlete to drink this much, but Brady’s water intake is just another indication of the importance of drinking water.

Despite what we know about the important relationship we, humans, have with H20 there are still those who fail to see the necessity for regular hydration. Even those of us who do drink water every day, we are probably not drinking enough. Part of the problem is most people know water is important, but they don’t really know why. Sure, it hydrates—but what does that even mean? How much water does it take to be hydrated? And is that all water does—are there other benefits?

What role, more specifically than, “important!” does water play in our lives? In particular, what is its effect on our oral health?

The Basics

Here are just a few of the important things water does when we drink it:

Creates Saliva. Saliva is mostly water mixed with electrolytes, enzymes, and mucus and it helps breakdown food particles and keeps your mouth healthy. By drinking water, on a regular basis, you are able to maintain the correct amounts of saliva in the mouth. As we get older, however, the amount of saliva in our mouths begins to reduce, which is all the more reason to drink water—even more of it as we get older.
Regulates Body Temperature. When we get hot, either from weather conditions or physical excursion, our bodies begin to sweat as a method of cooling the body temperature down. The sweat produced is from the water in our bodies, and if we do not replenish that water we become dehydrated. This is why it’s so important to drink plenty of water when you find yourself sweating.
Helps Protect Your Body. Water actually lubricates your cushions your joints, spinal cord, and body tissues. This, in turn, helps to keep your body young and spry and helps keep you from becoming injured during physical activity.
Aids in Ridding Your Body of Waste. Our bodies need water in order to sweat, urinate, and have bowel movements. By drinking plenty of water, your kidneys are better able to break down waste so that it can be properly excreted.
Allows for Maximum Physical Performance. While performing in physical activity, it is common for the body to perspire up to six to ten percent of body weight. Drinking water during these times keeps your body regulated. Water also keeps up your strength and endurance while performing.

Exercising without hydrating can be fatal. Blood pressure can decrease, hyperthermia can set in, and in extreme cases, extreme dehydration can cause seizures.

Keeps You Regular. A healthy intake of fiber helps prevent constipation, but drinking plenty of water is important as well. Bowel movements need to contain a certain amount of water in order for the movement to work successfully (that is, ridding your body of waste left over from what has been taken in). Without enough H20, constipation can set in.

*(Tip: if you are experiencing constipation, drinking carbonated water can help.)

Aids in Digestion. Experts have recently confirmed that drinking water before, during, and after a meal will help your body break down food more easily, which helps your body successfully pull out the most nutrients.
Helps You Lose Weight. Studies show that, particularly for young girls and women, drinking plenty of water helps the body rid itself of extra fat cells. So drinking water while dieting is even more powerful, which is why it’s so important to have a glass of water before, during, and after every meal—even if that meal is a healthy one.

The list of benefits to staying hydrated goes on and on, and as experts pay more attention to the effects of water on our health, even more revelations come to light. Let’s take a closer look at the effects water has on our teeth.

Water and Your Teeth

Drinking water, on a regular basis, actually strengthens your teeth. What’s more, drinking water with fluoride is one of the easiest ways to prevent cavities (but more on fluoride in a bit).

By keeping your mouth hydrated, you are able to strengthen the teeth by keeping them clean and clear from leftover food particles, which can cause decay and disease. Water will also wash away excess sugar left over from meals or drinks. This sugar, when left in the mouth, can combine with other chemicals to create a dangerous acid that eats away at the enamel on your teeth. But a quick glass of water can keep this from happening—remember, water before, during, and after each meal!

The same goes for the gums inside your mouth as well. Food and the chemicals from the food we eat love to attach themselves to our gums. This is why it’s a good idea to swish the water around in your mouth when you drink, especially after meals.

Fluoride: A Dangerous Chemical, or A helpful Agent?

It’s tasteless, odorless, and it prevents tooth decay—it even has whitening agents to help keep your smile nice and bright. So why would anyone want to remove fluoride from water? Well, ever since the mass introduction of fluoride into our pubic water systems back in the 1940s, there just hasn’t been much hubbub about it. Sure, there have been the naysayers since the beginning, but they never got loud enough to cause any real question. But now, in 2020, new findings are being revealed about the effects of fluoride, and the information coming to light may be worth your time.

What really seems to have gotten people to start questioning the benefits of fluoride is the popularity of home water filtration systems. People are becoming much smarter about their health these days, and the foundation for any healthy human being is a pure water source. At the same time we want to keep healthy, we also want to reduce our use of plastics, which has caused many to look elsewhere for freshwater, besides buying plastic bottles every week.

What Studies Show Us About Fluoride

According to the Harvard Public Health Magazine, a study done shows that fluoride does indeed help prevent tooth decay from children; however, there was absolutely no evidence that it had any positive effects on adults. The study also indicated that the research done back when fluoride was first introduced (the 1940s) is quite flawed, which indicates we don’t have clear evidence for the overall effectiveness of this (natural) chemical added to our water.

The Harvard article goes on to question that just because we have superficial evidence of fluoride helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities—for youngsters, at least—why are we drinking it? By ingesting fluoride we are allowing it into our bloodstreams, our brains! We are, and have been for some time, drinking a chemical of which we do not know everything about. Could there be negative side effects we’ve been living with for years?

The Good and the Bad

The truth is we just don’t know enough about the effects of fluoride—which does seem a bit ridiculous, as we have been incorporating it into our diets for decades. But, we can give a quick breakdown of what we do know. Here’s what is good about using fluoride:

As mentioned above, it has been proven to help prevent tooth decay.
It protects from cavities.
Even though we do not know a lot about the effects of fluoride, in the past seventy years of its implementation, it has been endorsed by numerous U.S. Surgeons General, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
It saves money and trips to the dentist.
Fluoride, in and of itself, is a natural chemical found in groundwater and the ocean.

Now, here’s the bad:

Excessive intake can cause Dental Fluorosis. This can visibly show as white spots on the teeth, or in more serious cases, as brown spots that can weaken the teeth.
Ingesting excess amounts of fluoride can also cause skeletal Fluorosis. This type of fluorosis is actually a bone disease created by an accumulation of fluoride in the bone and is known to be very painful.
In some cases, taking in excess amounts of fluoride has caused major thyroid problems.

The Result

Research on the effects of fluoride seems to be a bit shaky. But even though reports conflict—some say it’s useful for children but of no use for adults, while others say it’s good for all—Carolina’s Dental Choice does have some advice for you:

Don’t overdo it. If you have fluoride in your water, maybe get toothpaste that doesn’t have it.
Try incorporating fluoride-free water into your diet as a change and see if you notice any differences.
Since this is a topic growing in popularity, it’s a good idea to keep up on what research has been, and continues to be, done.
See your dentist. The most important thing to do is see a professional who can look at your teeth and their reaction with fluoride and then advise on what to do moving forward.

If you have any questions regarding your water intake, or the effects fluoride is having on your oral health, don’t hesitate to contact us at Carolina’s Dental Choice. And in the meantime, keep drinking water!

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Staff Spotlight: Thank You for 20+ Years of Excellence

Andrae Bergeron2021-02-25T14:58:50+00:00December 19th, 2019|General|

With over twenty years of excellence in Dentistry, Doctor Brown credits his staff for the success of Carolina’s Dental Choice. A good dentist is a must, but just as important is a good experience—one that is established by each and every staff member passionately going above and beyond for every client.

April Landino-Purser, a Carolina’s Dental Choice patient, states: “Our entire family were patients of Dr. Sassano for about 20 years before Carolinas Dental Choice took over the practice. We absolutely love Dr. Brown and staff and would recommend anyone searching for great quality care to try them. Affordable and compassionate care in a great location!”

Similarly, Sandra Kendall—another proud CDC patient—says, “If you’re searching for a new dentist, start with Don Brown and Associates. Superior service, excellent customer care, and a pleasant environment from an awesome dentist and staff… not just one time, but every single time.”

These are only two of the many reviews found on Google (every one of them positive), all citing the same thing: it’s Dr. Brown and staff who create such a wonderful experience for customers. It truly takes a team to run an effective dental office, and Carolina’s Dental Choice has one of the best in the business. Let’s spotlight a few of our staff members who help create and maintain excellence.

Meet Our Staff!

Best Staff

Lexi Keaton, Patient Services:

Lexi is a part of our Administrative team and uses her passion and knowledge of dental assisting to aid in her skills at the front desk. She enjoys welcoming patients and having them leave with a smile. Lexi and her boyfriend, Zach, have two dogs named Duke and Bandit. They love going to the lake, fishing and traveling to West Virginia to visit family.

Skylar Williams, Patient Services:

Skylar was born and raised in Monroe, N.C. In 2015 she graduated from Union Academy High School and then attended the Dental Staff Institute of Charlotte, graduating in 2016. Although a Dental Assistant by trade, Skylar is also a vital piece of the administrative team. With a smile on her face, Skylar always strives to provide patients with the best care making sure their experience at Carolina’s Dental Choice is nothing short of fantastic.

Benita Watts, Administrative Assistant:

Benita is a native of Union County. Benita has been a part of the dental community for more than three decades. Her dental experience and knowledge working with our patient’s daily has helped provide excellent service to all. Knowing from the beginning that dentistry was a great fit for her, Benita’s passion quickly grew into a true love for every facet of her position with patient care high on her list of priorities.

Through sincerity and a pleasant demeanor, these three women keep our patients happy and coming back—as well as, generate new ones!

The Power of a Good Team

Let’s be honest, most people aren’t naturally excited to have dental work done. Despite the fact modern dental practices have come a long way and are rarely pain-inducing, sitting in a chair with your mouth open while a dentist and assistant peer inside and poke around can incite a bit of nervousness. But an excellent staff can dispel all apprehension. It only takes a smile and kind words, showing confidence in the practice and care for the patients, to make you want to come back.

Our success as a practice is from excellent work, but also from a patients-first attitude. Ask anyone who frequents Carolina’s Dental Choice and they’ll agree: when you are here, it’s you and your needs that come first—always.

One of our customers, Sandra Kendall, had this to say about her experience at Carolina’s Dental Choice: “If you’re searching for a new dentist, start with Don Brown and Associates. Superior service, excellent customer care, and a pleasant environment from an awesome dentist and staff… not just one time, but every single time.”

“Superior service,” “Excellent customer care,”—these are what bring about 20+ years of excellence. Looking over our Google reviews, you won’t find one negative word. But you will find, over and over again, patients sharing examples of wonderful service and care, and this is most important to us.

Whether you are coming in for the first time or a regular check-up, we can’t wait to serve and provide the best care possible to you and your family.

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