Our dental practice is located in the heart of Charlotte, NC in Kenilworth and we are proud to offer high quality dentistry with a personal touch to theQueen City. Our patients comfort is our highest priority and we work to ensure that every patient has a pleasant experience. We use state-of-the-art dental equipment and technology to provide patients with the dental care they want and need.

We want to make your experience with us as comfortable as possible. We offer coffee, tea, or water while you wait, provide IPads to fill out patient information, have TVs in the waiting room and in each operatory, and offer blankets if you get cold. You will always see smiling faces on all of our staff members!

Dr. Jesse Walsh. Dr. Jesse Walsh attended Western Carolina University, earning BS degrees in both Biology and Chemistry. He received his MS degree in Chemistry, with a concentration on molecular biology and thesis work focused on expressed genes in northern red oak trees. After receiving his Masters, he worked three years for UNC- Chapel Hill in next generation DNA sequencing research. Dr. Walsh then decided that he wanted to pursue a career in dentistry. He attended UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry, during which time he had clinical extramural rotations in oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, and public health settings.

Brushingandflossingare everyday ways to keep your teeth bright, white and healthy. Still, if you might feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle or is more yellow than it used to be, youre not alone. When theAmerican Academy of Cosmetic Dentistryasked people what theyd most like to improve about their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth. TheAmerican Association of Orthodontistsalso found that nearly 90% of patients requested tooth whitening.

Food and Drink Coffee, tea and red wine are some major staining culprits. What do they have in common? Intense color pigments called chromogens that attach to the white, outer part of your tooth (enamel).

Tobacco Use Two chemicals found intobaccocreate stubborn stains: Tar and nicotine. Tar is naturally dark. Nicotine is colorless until its mixed with oxygen. Then, it turns into a yellowish, surface-staining substance.

Age Below the hard, white outer shell of your teeth (enamel) is a softer area calleddentin. Over time, the outer enamel layer gets thinner with brushing and more of the yellowish dentin shows through.

Medications Tooth darkening can be a side effect of certain antihistamines, antipsychotics and high blood pressure medications. Young children who are exposed to antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline when their teeth are forming (either in the womb or as a baby) may have discoloration of their adult teeth later in life.Chemotherapyand head and neck radiation can also darken teeth.

Teeth whitening is a simple process. Whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaches (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). These bleaches break stains into smaller pieces, which makes the color less concentrated and your teeth brighter.

No, which is why its important to talk to your dentist before deciding to whiten your teeth, as whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellow teeth will probably bleach well, brown teeth may not respond as well and teeth with gray tones may not bleach at all. Whitening will not work on caps,veneers,crownsorfillings. It also wont be effective if your tooth discoloration is caused bymedicationsor atooth injury.

Whitening Toothpastes All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives that scrub the teeth. Look for theADA Sealfor safewhitening toothpastesthat have special chemical or polishing agents to provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these types of ADA Accepted products do not change the color of teeth because they can only remove stains on the surface.

In-Office Bleaching This procedure is calledchairside bleachingand usually requires only one office visit. The dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect your gums. Bleach is then applied to the teeth.

At-Home Bleaching Peroxide-containing whiteners actually bleach the tooth enamel. They typically come in ageland are placed in a tray that fits on your teeth. You may also use a whitening strip that sticks to your teeth. The concentration of the bleaching agent is lower than what your dentist would use in the office. If you are thinking about using an over-the-counter bleaching kit, discuss options with your dentist and look for one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. That means it has been tested to be safe and effective for teeth whitening.

Some people who use teeth whiteners may experiencetooth sensitivity. That happens when the peroxide in the whitener gets through the enamel to the soft layer of dentin and irritates the nerve of your tooth. In most cases the sensitivity is temporary. You can delay treatment, then try again.

You may be wondering: How can millions of people have a disease and not know? While the term disease sounds dire, the gum condition typically starts with some redness and discomfort. In my years of dental practice, Ive seen a lot of people who ignore gum soreness and tooth problems simply because they dont realize that whats happening in their own mouths is not normal.

Defining Gum Disease Think of all the actions your mouth does. It eats, drinks, talks, kisses, plays instruments and many others. You rely on your mouth to enjoy foods, to share your thoughts, and to generally get you through your day. Your mouth is a huge part of your survival and everyday enjoyment.

Your mouth is more than just its uses, though. Gum disease refers to several different ailments that affect the areas around your teeth and your tooth structures themselves. This includes your gum tissues, the bones underlying your teeth and the ligaments that hold your teeth in their positions.

There are several factors that can increase your risk for gum disease, but these issues dont necessarily cause it: Heredity Diabetes Advanced age Other diseases that decrease your bodys immunity, such as leukemia, HIV/AIDS or chemotherapy Certain medications Substance abuse Hormonal changes, including those related to menopause or pregnancy

When gum disease attacks, it does more than just damage your teeth and gums. Research evidence has linked severe gum disease with cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes, as well as with preterm labor and low birth weights for the babies of affected pregnant women. If you suffer from diabetes, gum disease can make controlling it more difficult. You could also begin to experience respiratory problems, including asthma, as a result of this ailment. These are just a few of the reasons that preventing gum disease is so important.

Preventing Gum Disease Before It Happens We think that gum disease begins with plaque build up on your teeth. Plaque is the sticky gunk that forms from mixing food with the normal saliva in your mouth. When you dont brush and floss thoroughly and regularly, this plaque stays on your teeth, hardening under your gum line in as little as two or three days. That hardened plaque is called tartar.

Unfortunately, its not as easy to get rid of tartar. Simple brushing and flossing doesnt cut it; youll need professional dental cleaning in my office. If you dont come in to have your teeth cleaned, that tartar remains on your teeth and irritates your gums and causes gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Further irritation and bacteria deposits develop into more severe forms of the disease that can lead to lost teeth and more expensive dental work.

Luckily, most of these issues are preventable and even reversible if you properly take care of your teeth and gums: Brush and floss your teeth at least twice every day, once in the morning and once before bed. Use an antibacterial mouth rinse to reduce bacteria. Visit my dental office twice a year for a professional cleaning and inspection. Stop smoking and using tobacco products that raise your risk for periodontitis. Reduce your stress levels that may make it more difficult for your immune system to fight off gum infection. Maintain a well-balanced diet that includes antioxidant-rich foods like green leafy vegetables to help your body repair damaged gum tissues. Try to avoid grinding or clenching your teeth, actions that place added stress on the supportive tissues around your teeth.

Knowing the Warning Signs of Gum Disease Healthy gums look pale pink and firm, but they can still look pink even as the disease begins. There are different classes of gum disease, and as you progress to the more serious forms, your damage will become more severe. You are your own first line of defense! Its important that you know what gum disease looks like in its earliest form so that you can get treatment right away.

Watch for the known warning signs that you are in the beginning stages of gum disease: Gums that are swollen around your teeth. Affected gums swell and protrude in all directions around the teeth that have plaque and tartar. Gums that are bright red or bruised-looking. The color is a result of the infection deep within the gums themselves. Healthy gums are light in color, but the deep or bright hue shows irritation. Receding gums that are pulling away from your teeth, causing your teeth to look longer or larger than usual. Not all gums swell with the disease. In fact, many people report that their gums actually pull back from the teeth, leaving the roots exposed and sensitive. New spaces between teeth that used to be pushed together. When your gums are swelling or retracting, your teeth are also likely to move, a sign that is often more immediately noticeable than gum changes. Pus-forming or oozing from between your teeth. Whether it is excessive bleeding or pus, liquids that come from your teeth and gums always indicate a problem. Loose adult teeth. Your permanent teeth shouldnt be loose. If youre experiencing movement or wiggling teeth, you should visit the office right away. A change in the fit of your teeth when you bite your jaw together. Even if your teeth only move a little, your bite may be affected, causing your teeth to fit together differently than in the past. An ongoing bad taste in your mouth, even if you havent eaten. The layers of plaque and tartar on your teeth can cause a long-standing unpleasant taste in your mouth. Constant sores in your mouth. Sores are another sign of infection, and being unable to get rid of them is a cause for concern. Bad breath that just doesnt seem to go away. This is also typically caused by the buildup of old plaque and tartar on your teeth and tongue.

Its always best to have any dental concern checked by a dentist. I would rather see one of my patients with perfectly healthy gums and reassure that person that everything is fine and worry-free than to discover periodontal gum disease after damage is already done.

Your treatment completely depends on your unique circumstances and the progression of your gum disease. From a high-powered in-office cleaning to the last resort of surgical intervention, well find the right treatment program tailored to your mouth and your needs.