What you eat and drink can affect your dental health!

by Alison

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The sugar content in the foods and beverages we eat and drink plays a significant role in the risk of tooth decay. The bacteria that resides within plaque utilizes sugar to propagate .  The presence of sugar makes the plaque grow in size and thickness faster than in the absence of sugar. In addition, the plaque consistency is sticky and thick, making it difficult for normal saliva production to cleanse the plaque off the teeth.  As the bacteria grow they produce acid and this acid can dissolve the surface of the enamel resulting in a hole or “cavity”.  When a person consumes  beverages with high sugar content and higher levels of acidity, he/ she is  putting his/ her teeth at higher risk of developing cavities.

Below is list of some drinks with a high acidity:

  • Coca-Cola                   2.60
  • Pepsi                           2.62
  • PowerAde                   2.67
  • Gatorade                    2.99
  • Propel                         3.08
  • Mountain Dew          3.34
  • A&W Root Beer        4.43
  • Coffee(Black)            6.12
  • Milk                            6.70
  • Water                         7.00

The lower the pH level of a substance, the higher the acidity and the more erosive it is for tooth enamel. Tooth enamel starts to dissolve at a 5.5 pH.

On the other hand, there are many foods and beverages that help to lower the risk of tooth decay and improve oral health.

Here is a list of some foods and drinks with positive oral health benefits:

  • Green Tea:  A natural antioxidant that prevents plaque from accumulating. Green tea also reduces the risk of cavities and bad breath.
  • Milk and Yogurt:  Both have lower sugar content and less acidity; thus, making them a great choice as a snack. Dairy products such as milk that are rich in calcium help to fortify teeth and bones. This is good news for tooth erosion and tooth decay.
  • Cheese:  Helps  balance the pH in your mouth and helps to produce saliva which cleans the teeth. Cheese also helps to rebuild tooth enamel and limits the growth of  the bacteria that causes cavities and gum disease.
  • Fruit:   Fruit helps to keep down plaque and the texture of most fruits massages your gums. Try to add fruits that are rich in vitamin C to your diet. If you are low on vitamin C, gums may become tender and more susceptible to gum disease.
  • Vegetables:  Many vegetables are rich in calcium. Calcium helps to keep teeth and the bones healthy. Some of the vegetables that are rich in calcium are broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin.
  • Sesame Seeds:  Help to dissolve plaque and  build tooth enamel. Sesame seeds are best when they are on bread. Sesame seeds are also rich in calcium.

So as you can see, pure water and milk are the best beverage options  to preserve dental health. If you have a soda, have it with a meal and then brush or rinse your teeth after.

Coming Soon!

Drs. Reid & Reid are sponsoring the Family Mud Fun on June 2, 2017 to benefit Hands On! A Child’s Gallery in Hendersonville.  See more details.





Start dental care at an early age

by Alison

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When a baby is born, there is a set of 20 teeth that are hidden under the gums. The first teeth that will present themselves could begin as early as 4 months. “Teething” begins once the teeth start to come through the gums. During the teething process a baby may drool more, be more cranky and irritable, have red swollen gums, and show a desire to chew on things.

There are a number of different ways to help ease the discomfort your baby is feeling during teething:

  1. Directly massage irritated gums with your finger or a clean, wet, refrigerated cloth
  2. Give your baby a teething ring or a chilled wet cloth to chew on
  3. Provide your baby with a piece of chilled banana. Avoid hard foods like raw carrots that could cause choking. Do not give “teething biscuits” as they contain sugar and could also be a choking hazard

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child has a visual dental exam at the age of one. This first dental visit helps the child to feel more comfortable with the dental environment and is also a great source of information for the parents regarding what to expect during the development of their child’s teeth.

As soon as the first tooth erupts, you can begin cleaning the tooth with a damp washcloth. Around the age of 2 years, a child can begin to use fluoridated toothpaste but the amount should be limited to the size of a pea or smaller. Prior to age 2years, fluoridated toothpaste is not recommended because of the likelihood of the child swallowing the toothpaste.

Every child’s dental development is different and there is a range of what is considered “normal development”.  A baby could possibly start to have a tooth appear as early as age 4 months or as late as 12 months. Also, permanent teeth will start to erupt between the ages of 6-8yrs. The first permanent teeth to appear is usually the two front upper teeth and the two lower front teeth.

Upcoming Events and Sponsorships:

Youth Spring Baseball

Youth Spring Softball




Third Molars/Wisdom Teeth

by Alison

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Wisdom teeth are also called third molars. Third molars typically come in (erupt into the mouth) between the ages of 17-25 years. However the number of third molars that may erupt varies from 0-4.

Third Molar Fun Facts

  • Third molars helped our ancestors grind plant tissue.
  • The skulls of our ancestors had larger jaws that would allow them to hold more teeth.
  • As human diets have changed, smaller jaws  have evolved. This trend in decreasing jaw size has made it impossible for most third molars to erupt into the mouth and be properly cared for.

Wisdom teeth that are in a good position to erupt completely usually don’t cause any problems.  However, if your mouth doesn’t have enough space for the teeth to completely erupt then a number of problems can occur:

  1. The teeth may only partially erupt leading to challenges in cleaning and maintaining.
  2. The teeth may become impacted in the jaw
  3. Tooth decay or gum disease may develop from not being able to clean the teeth completely
  4. Damage to the supporting bone and ligaments adjacent teeth may occur from the unerupted position of the wisdom tooth.

The best way to determine the position of the third molars is with a panoramic x-ray at your dentist’s office. If necessary, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for a consultation about removing the teeth.

Wisdom teeth are usually removed before the age of 21. The older the age of the patient, the move likely for complications from the removal of the teeth such as infection, nerve damage, and dry sockets.  Dry sockets occur when the blood clot that formed to protect the nerve and bone becomes dislodged. The area is then exposed to air, bacteria, and food which can cause very severe pain.



Keys To A Healthy and Beautiful Smile

by Alison

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When the build-up of plaque is left unchecked for greater than 24hrs, the negative effects on the teeth and gums can be widespread and long-term. Plaque forms on teeth when the carbohydrates from food is left on the teeth for a period of time. Bacteria that is present in the mouth will multiply and produce acid as a byproduct.  The acid that is present will cause the enamel of teeth to begin to break down resulting in tooth decay. Plaque can also affect the roots of teeth causing the decrease in the supporting bone of the teeth. This decrease in bony support will cause the teeth to become mobile and eventually, in severe cases, be lost.

There are very simple ways to help avoid plaque build up on teeth:

  1. Be sure to brush your teeth at least two times a day with a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride. Be sure to get in the area where the gums and teeth meet.
  2. Floss between the teeth and down to the gum area at least once a day. This helps to remove the food particles and plaque that are hard to get with a toothbrush alone.
  3. Have your regular cleanings with your dentist.
  4. Eat healthy foods and limit the sugary drinks and foods.
  5. Snack on healthier foods that help salvia neutralize acid causing plaque such as cheese and yogurt.

Plaque is a sticky white film on teeth that is made up of bacteria, food, and saliva that is constantly forming in your mouth on your teeth. The bacteria processes the sugars in food to create acid in your mouth. If the plaque is not removed on a regular basis by brushing and flossing, the build up can lead to decalcification(white spots), cavities, and gum disease. The chance of damaging the tooth enamel increases within a more acidic environment.  PH values indicate how acidic a solution is. The lower the pH level the more harmful the substance is for your teeth and the tooth enamel.

Brushing teeth at least twice a day helps to prevent this but also staying away from foods/drinks with a high acidity level can decrease this from occurring as well.

Here are some examples of pH levels in different items: (remember the lower the pH level-the more damaging it is:

  • Battery acid         1.0
  • Sour Skittles        1.5
  • Stomach acid       1.5
  • Laffy Taffy           2.5
  • Coca-Cola            2.6
  • PowerAde            2.6
  • Propel                 3.08
  • Apple Juice          3.75
  • A&W Root Beer    4.43
  • Pure Water          7.0-This is neutral pH level!!

If you want to drink a soft drink– drink through a straw, have with a meal, and brush your teeth right after. Limiting the time that the acidic soft drink is exposed to the teeth will help prevent the damage to the enamel.





Routine Dental Checkups Can Help Diagnose Serious Health Issues Earlier

by Alison

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Most people are aware that routine dental visits are important for maintaining good oral health but many people are unaware that these same routine dental visits can help alert a patient to a more serious health issue.

There is an estimate of 20 million people with Diabetes but only 2/3rds of them are diagnosed. People with Diabetes are more likely to develop oral infections and gum disease than people with normal blood sugar levels. Diabetes reduces the bodies resistance to infection, which can make the gums more suseptable to gingivitis because of the bacteria in plaque. Gingivitis can lead to periodontitis which is the destruction of oral tissues, supporting bone, and the fibers that hold the gums to the teeth. A dentist may notice a pattern of infection and/ or gum disease in a patient and help to alert the patient to the possibility of a more serious condition, such as Diabetes.

Osteoporosis is a disease that decreases the bony mass and the bone density resulting in “weaker” bones.  Many people are unaware that they have Osteoporosis until a fracture or a break has occurred. A dentist can help to see early signs of osteoporosis such as bone loss around teeth resulting in tooth loss.

Lastly, a dentist can see signs of stress in patient’s mouths. These signs include cold sores, TMD, and excessive wear on teeth. Chronic stress is dangerous to a person’s overall health. For example, stress can be a contributing factor to heart disease, depression, and respiratory disease.  Chronic stress also inhibits the body’s ability to heal efficiently.

So be sure to keep those routine dental visits for the benefit of your overall health!


Coming Up…

Reid & Reid will be sponsoring the 4th Annual Cubcat Crawl on 8/5/16.  All proceeds benefit the Hendersonville Elementary School.



Teeth Whitening

by Alison

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Teeth whitening is recommended for patients who want a brighter, whiter smile. The treatments we recommend are completely non-invasive. The two options we recommend are bleaching trays and whitening strips.

For patients 13 years and older, at home white strips are safe to use. They can be purchased at your local drug store, super stores, or some grocery stores. You need to follow the directions on the outside of the box.

The other option we recommend is bleaching trays that are fabricated in the office. An appointment would have to be made to take an impression of your teeth. The bleaching gel would go into the trays that are made in the  office.

How to use bleaching gel:

  1. Squeeze a thin line of gel in the tray from premolar to premolar ( do not fill entire tooth hole up)
  2. Position the tray on teeth as instructed
  3. Leave tray on teeth for 30 minutes each day until desired result has been reached
  4. Be sure to rinse/brush tray after use
  5. Touch up or maintenance may be needed once every few weeks

Risks that may become present while bleaching/whitening teeth:

  1. Chemical burn to gingiva from gel
    1. correct issue by using less gel in the tray
  2. Pain associated with sensitive teeth and/or hot/cold sensitivity
    1. reduce time using gel
      1. use only every few days and reduce time to 15 minutes
    2. use fluorinated toothpaste and rinse-let sit on teeth for a minute or so

How to help avoid sensitivity:

  1. Avoid eating or drinking highly acidic items right before or after bleaching to avoid sensitive enamel
  2. Do not brush teeth right after use of gel to avoid making your teeth more sensitive


Upcoming Events:

Reid & Reid and staff are pleased to sponsor the Family Mud Fun again this year.  The Family Mud Fun is scheduled for June 3, 2016 at Berkeley Park and proceeds benefit the Hands On! children’s museum in downtown Hendersonville!


Dental Emergencies

by Alison

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When a situation occurs and your child’s tooth is hurting, we understand it can be a stressful situation for parent and child. An emergency can range from a tooth ache to a chipped tooth. Dental emergencies don’t always happen during regular business hours. Reid & Reid is here to help you address the issue as soon as possible.

Sometimes injuries in the mouth look worse than they really are. A small cut in the mouth can bleed a lot because of all the many blood vessels in the head and neck area. Home treatment can stop the bleeding, reduce pain, and reduce/prevent swelling. Place a clean cool compress on the site, clean the area with an antiseptic such as peroxide, and take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin to help with the discomfort.  Be sure to check the label for the correct dose for your child.

Teeth can get knocked out  at a sporting event or at home just playing in the yard. The very first thing to do is locate the tooth and any fragments and place the tooth in the mouth/cheek to keep from drying out. If you are unable to place the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in whole milk. Control the bleeding with a gauze and use a cool compress to control the swelling and pain. Then call your dentist or go to the emergency room for further treatment.

A toothache can be rather irritating and cause frustration until you can get in to see your dentist to have the tooth treated. Clove oil is a natural and effective way to numb the nerves of the tooth. Use a cotton roll and saturate it in the clove oil. Hold the cotton roll against the tooth and within a short time the gums and nerves around the tooth will be numb and the pain will decrease. This should last about half an hour before wearing off.

If you are unsure about how to deal with your child’s emergency call your dentist, they usually have a phone number that you can call and get some guidance as how to handle the situation. And of course if all else fails, go to your nearest emergency room.

Community events:

Reid & Reid are proud sponsors of HCYS and HCYB spring season. Stop by Jackson Park to enjoy some baseball or Etowah Park to enjoy some softball!

In May 2016, Reid & Reid are excited to be partnering with The Mountain Community School to put on the GNAR and with Hands On! A Child’s Gallery to put on the Family Mud Fun.  Both events are family friendly and support the programs and schools in Henderson County.  Drs. Reid & Reid will be at both events so be sure to say “Hello” if you attend!




Flossing is important

by Alison

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Daily flossing is a preventative measure against gum disease and tooth decay. Flossing is a method for removing plaque and food debris that can not be reached by a toothbrush.

There are many undesirable consequences that flossing can help prevent:

  • Bad Breath-which can be caused by decaying food particles stuck between teeth.
  • Cavities-food trapped between teeth can mix with bacteria and acids to form plaque.  The plaque then starts to eat away at tooth enamel resulting in cavities.
  • Gum Disease-plaque can build up along the gum line causing inflammation, gingivitis, and can progress into diseases of the bony and ligament support system of the teeth (Periodontal disease).

If using a piece of regular dental floss the steps are:

  1. tear off a piece of floss that is approximately 6 inches long
  2. wrap the end around your pointer fingers on each hand
  3. insert the floss between the contact point between all teeth
  4. the floss should go all the way to the gum line
  5. make a C around each tooth in an upward and downward motion
  6. move to a new section of floss for the next contact point between the teeth
  7. use a new piece of floss every night.

Regular dental floss is not the only option available. There are floss picks, water picks, supper floss, and bridge aids for patients that have braces or some type of dental work such as a bridge.

As long as you are flossing each night, the method of flossing you choose is not important!!






Proper elastics wear=desired teeth movement

by Alison

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Elastic wear is important during orthodontic treatment!

Elastics/rubber bands are often necessary for proper teeth movement during orthodontic treatment.  Braces can not always move teeth into the proper place without an assist from elastics. It is often the case for a patient to wear the elastics to achieve a proper bite correction.

Elastics will connect from a top tooth/teeth to a lower tooth/teeth. They can be worn in many different ways and patterns depending on the movement that needs to occur. Your orthodontist will instruct the way that you need to wear elastics in order to move the teeth to the desired place. Be sure to wear the rubber bands as you have been showed to insure the most efficient and effective movement. If you have questions as to where the elastics, call and ask the office to be sure.

Elastics come in a variety of sizes. Your orthodontist will give you a particular size of rubber band depending on the force needed to be applied to the teeth. Be sure to always wear the correct size of elastic to also insure the most efficient teeth movement. Do not wear a friend’s bands because the force may not be what your teeth are needing.

In order for teeth to move properly and effectively, elastics must be worn for the time period instructed. If elastics are worn well for a period of time then stopped or inconsistent wear occurs, progress will be lost! Elastics are typically worn all day and night except while eating and brushing. They should also be changed, new ones put on, at least when you wake up and when you go to sleep. Rubber bands lose strength over time, so by changing them the force being applied is kept constant and consistent.


Thank you for your confidence and continued support in Reid and Reid!




Teamwork makes proper oral hygiene easier than ever!

by Alison

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Teamwork makes proper oral hygiene easier during orthodontic treatment!

Dr. Alison and staff have teamed up with Oral -B and now provide a new tool to assist in good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.  Each patient that begins full orthodontic treatment is given the Oral-B Pro 5000 Smart Series electric toothbrush. The Pro-5000 is the first electric toothbrush that is Bluetooth compatible. The Pro-5000 links up to a free app that can be downloaded to a smart phone or tablet.

There are 5 features that the toothbrush itself comes equipped with:

  1. Daily Clean Plus
  2. Gum Care
  3. Sensitive
  4. Whitening
  5. Deep Clean

With these features each patient is able to select the best cleaning process for their needs at that time.  The toothbrush head included with the Pro-5000  is specifically designed for patients with braces.  We do recommend that the toothbrush head be replaced every three months for optimal function.

Oral-B provides a free app that can be downloaded to a smartphone or tablet to help encourage and remind patients of the steps in proper dental care. The timer on the app turns on when the toothbrush handle is started and has a diagram of the quadrants of the mouth to help remind the patient to spend the appropriate amount of time on each area. Each brushing session is recorded daily to monitor the oral hygiene routine. Reminders will pop up on the device to ask the patient if they have flossed or brushed their tongue during that session and will keep a record of the responses. The patient can also customize what they see displayed on their phone or tablet during the brushing session. The patient can choose to see weather, news, or photos. This customizable feature can help encourage the patient to take more time brushing.

The patient will also receive a goodie bag at the appointment when the appliances are placed. The goodie bag includes special tools to help floss with braces, wax to help with comfort adjustments, and a proxy brush that helps with pesky food that can get stuck under wires during treatment.

The staff at Reid & Reid is here to help and assist patients with any questions or issues they are having while adjusting to braces. Each time the patient comes in for an adjustment, Dr. Alison and staff will evaluate the oral hygiene and discuss any concerns with the patient.  Oral hygiene tips and instructions will be given when necessary or requested by the parent or patient.

Upcoming Events Sponsored By Reid & Reid:

Get HIPP-Hendersonville Inclusive Playground Project

Sing Out for Justice-Taking place October 1st at 5:30pm

Healthy Kids Running Series

HCYB and HCYS leagues

Sports Boosters for HHS, WHHS, and EHHS