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Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common complaint and can be caused by a variety of lifestyle habits or health concerns. Dr. Richard Van Gurp understands your personal concerns and will take the time during your visit to our Charlotte, NC office to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment. In many cases, a change in lifestyle habits or additional oral hygiene is sufficient to address chronic bad breath. Here are a few quick tips on how best to keep your breath fresh: Brush and floss daily: brushing the teeth twice a day for two minutes (2X2) reduces bacteria in the mouth and removes food particles that become lodged and contribute to halitosis Mouthwash: rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash after brushing will boost the effects of tooth brushing. Avoid those containing alcohol, which dries the mouth and actually contribute to bad breath Reduce or eliminate the use of tobacco products Eat a healthy and varied diet with fruits and vegetables which can often naturally eliminate harmful bacteria in the mouth Drink plenty of water Chew sugar free gum after a meal Bad Breath and Your Health There are several health concerns that can also be the underlying cause of halitosis and should be addressed by Dr. Van Gurp: Gum disease or tooth cavities The use of certain medications Dry mouth, or xerostomia, caused by a variety of factors Respiratory infections, pneumonia Acid reflux Halitosis can also signal systemic disease such as diabetes or liver and kidney problems. When visiting with Dr. Van Gurp, it is important to discuss your concerns about persistent bad breath so that we may assist you in identifying the cause and ensuring that any health concerns are addressed. As your dentist, Dr. Van Gurp is a partner in your overall health care and strives to help you maintain both a healthy smile and a healthy lifestyle!

The holidays are full of busy days, parties, family memories- and lots of great sweets and goodies that can affect not only our waistline- but our oral health! Charlotte, NC Dentist Dr. Richard Van Gurp offers holiday wishes to all patients- as well as a few quick tips for keeping your smile healthy while enjoying the best the season has to offer. Enjoy those cakes, cookies and candies in moderation- good for the smile and the waistline! Chew sugar free gum or rinse with water after a sweet snack or dark beverages such as red wine Never use your teeth to crack a nut or open a package- keep the right tools handy for guests Brush and floss daily, even when your routine is disrupted by fun and travel Be sure to visit our office for ROUTINE DENTAL CARE as needed to keep your teeth and gums healthy In case of the unexpected dental emergency, contact our Charlotte, NC dentist office as soon as possible for advice on how best to handle the situation and mitigate permanent damage. Is holiday stress leading to teeth grinding or jaw clenching? If so, contact our dentist office to schedule a visit and learn more about how a custom mouth guard could protect your teeth and improve dental health. Left untreated, tooth grinding (also called bruxism) can lead to tooth damage and other dental problems. Looking for a quick smile makeover for those holiday parties and events? Schedule a teeth whitening treatment after your routine dental cleaning for a bright, white smile you will be happy to share. It may also be the inspiration you need to practice the tips mentioned above and moderate those dark foods and beverages. Happy Holidays from Dr. Van Gurp!

Suffering with frequent headaches? Jaw pain? Difficulty chewing? You may have a Temporomandibular disorder (TMD), or bite disorder, commonly called TMJ. TMJ, which means temporomandibular joint, is a dental health condition where the chewing muscles within the mouth are greatly affected in functionality. These are located near the joints between the base of the skull and the lower jaw. For most patients, TMJ is the result of an underlying dental problem that has led to an imbalance in the bite. While in most cases, the signs and symptoms of the disorder are not severe, they can affect the quality of life and lead to more complex dental problems down the road. Charlotte, NC Dentist Dr. Richard Van Gurp offers diagnosis and treatment for bite disorders such as TMJ to relieve symptoms and restore your quality of life. Symptoms of the Disorder Patients suffering from a TMJ disorder, experience the following troubling signs of TMJ, • Limited or restricted jaw mobility • Teeth clenching or grinding • Signs of tooth wear • Shoulder and neck pain • Migraines or headaches • Earaches • Popping, grating or clicking noises while chewing or during mouth movement • Muscle pain around the jaw area • Feeling of a stuck jaw which makes eating difficult All of these symptoms are clear signs that you might be suffering from a TMJ disorder. Causes of TMJ The disorder may be caused by a variety of underlying problems: • Bruxism, that is grinding and clenching of teeth during sleep • Any injury to the joint area caused by an accident or surgical procedure • Any bite disorders, like an uneven bite due to fitted dentures, fillings and dental crowns • Stress TMJ Therapy: Treatment Options To ensure a good quality of life and lasting dental health, it is important to seek treatment in the early stages. Dr. Van Gurp will assess your overall dental health, including the function of your jaw joints, to determine the underlying cause of TMJ. He will look for signs of teeth grinding, a common symptom of a bite disorder which can lead to damaged or lost teeth. Dr. Van Gurp will create an individual treatment plan designed to help restore a healthy smile and lasting oral health. Treatment options can include: • Dental splint therapy • Orthodontic treatment • Occlusal equilibration • Mouth guard Left untreated, TMJ can have a dramatic impact on oral health over time, often damaging teeth and further affecting the alignment of the bite. If you are suffering with any of the symptoms mentioned above, or have been avoiding the dentist for some time, call our Charlotte, NC dentist office and schedule an appointment. Dr. Van Gurp can help you get back a healthy, functional and happy smile.

Though January 1 is a great time for resolving to eat better, exercise more, and make more time for the things we love, any date on the calendar is a great time to resolve to have better oral health. Whether you need to schedule your routine dental hygiene visit, need a new local dentist or have been away from the dentist and want to restore a healthy smile- Charlotte, NC Dentist Dr. Richard Van Gurp can provide the services you need. Oral health is dependent on routine dental care. It’s necessary to visit the dentist at least twice a year for routine cleanings and checkups. Many dental issues, including cavities and gum disease, are found only when dentists are able to perform thorough examinations in a dental office. Additionally, regular cleanings including tooth scaling, which removes tartar from your teeth. This can’t be done at home and is important for your teeth and gums. If oral health problems aren’t spotted as early as possible and effectively treated, they can spread and become more serious, potentially needing more in-depth and expensive care. You should visit the dentist at least twice a year to: • Save on future dental costs • Maintain clean and healthy teeth • Potentially diagnose gum disease or tooth decay In addition to maintaining oral health, there are many dental treatments that improve the health as well as the aesthetics of your teeth and gums. Cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain veneers, dental implants, and teeth whitening not only give you a more beautiful smile, but also contribute to the positive health of your mouth. Teeth that are straight and properly aligned function better and are even easier to brush and floss. At home oral health is equally as important as routine dental visits. Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing with mouthwash are the most important steps in taking care of your teeth and gums. Poor oral health can affect other parts of the body and studies have found correlations between oral health and cardiovascular disease, systemic disease, and prenatal health. Making a resolution is a great way for both children and adults to kick off better oral health. A healthy and beautiful smile is always in season!