As you are reading this, know first and foremost, we hope you and your family are doing well during these uncertain times. As our office has started to see patients again, we are often asked if it's safe to go to the dentist. Honestly, during the two and a half months we closed our office, Dr. Covington and Dr. DuRant wondered the same thing. When the pandemic first came about there were so many uncertainties about how it spread. As the Covid-19 situation has unfolded, the scientific community has narrowed how the disease does spread. Using this information and after many hours of reading CDC, OSHA and a variety of dental association recommendations, Dr. Covington and Dr. DuRant both felt it was possible to safely reopen the office if …
Temporary Open for Emergency Dental Care Only
Per recommendations from the American Dental Association as well as the CDC, we have elected to temporarily suspend appointments until April (though that date could change). We will be operating as emergency care only. If you have a scheduled appointment during this time, we will be reaching out to you. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to get back to a regular schedule as soon as we are advised that it is safe to do so. We appreciate your understanding in our efforts to help flatten the curve. During this unprecedented time, please know that the health and safety of our patients and our staff is, as always, our #1 priority. Please revisit this page for updates. If you, as an …
Coronavirus: How we all can make a difference in Our Beaufort Community
While I am far from an expert in Infectious Disease or Public Health, I have been actively monitoring developments and attempting to synthesize information from credible sources. I hope this summary helps put many of the pieces of this puzzle together. While we have no control over governmental responses to COVID-19, each of us can play a significant role in protecting ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbors, our communities ,and yes, contribute to overall public health. I think this message is being lost in all the noise surrounding coverage of the disease. Let me stress: Each of us can contribute to the well-being of others by following simple precautions. Let me explain. Due to the tremendous successes of our Public Health …
Coronavirus Update
Dear Valued Patients, we will be doing our best to keep our doors open during these cautious times and plan to keep all scheduled appointments. We care deeply about your health and well being. We have been closely monitoring recommendations from the CDC as well as the American Dental Association. Due to these recommendations, we ask that If you have flu or cold-like symptoms such as a cough or fever, newly developed shortness of breath, or if you have recently traveled to an area outside the US with known Coronavirus (COVID-19) or been in contact with someone who has traveled or contracted the virus, please call us at 843-986-0177 to reschedule your appointment. While our staff follows strict infection …
Cold and Flu: 5 Ways to Care for Your Mouth When You’re Sick
When she’s feeling under the weather, Beaufort dentist Dr. Ashley Covington says one thing always helps her feel a little more like herself. “Brushing my teeth when I’m sick actually makes me feel better,” she says. “My mouth feels clean, and in a way, I feel like my health is starting to improve.” When you have a cold or the flu, taking care of your body is your top priority—and that includes your mouth. “It’s important to take care of your dental health all year round, but especially when you’re sick,” Dr. Covington says. Here are some simple ways to care for your dental health when you’re not feeling well: Practice Good Hygiene When you’re sick, you know to cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Don’t forget to keep up your …
Does Sugarless Gum Prevent Cavities?
When it comes to chewing gum, it's the type of gum you chew that makes a difference in whether it's helpful or harmful to your teeth. While chewing gum containing sugar may actually increase your chances of developing a cavity, there is clinical evidence that demonstrates just the opposite for sugar-free gum. And there's even better news when it comes to chewing sugar-free gum that is sweetened with xylitol. Sugar-free gum helps to clean teeth Studies have shown that chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks can help rinse off and neutralize the acids released by the bacteria in plaque, which are harmful to tooth enamel. Both the act of chewing and the flavor of the artificial sweeteners in the gum stimulate ten times the normal rate …
New Patient 5 Star Review
You all were incredible!!! Tina, Dr. Covington and Kristi. Thank you all for an extremely thorough, and friendly visit... Your technology is incredible!! Thank you so very much!!!! John M.. I will recommend you highly to all!!!! Lowcountry Family Dentistry Replied on Direct Feedback Mar 05, 2020 06:56 AM (PST) Wow John. Thank you so much for the awesome review. We cannot tell you how much we all appreciate reading feedback like this. It puts everyone at the office in a good mood. It is just a pleasure to see you at the office and we all look forward to seeing you at your next appointment. Again, thanks. The positive words mean a lot to us. …
Cavities
Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants. If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best …
Canker Sores & Treatment
A canker sore is a small, painful sore that develops inside the mouth. Also known as aphthous ulcers, these shallow sores can be found on or under the tongue, inside your cheek or lip, at the base of the gums or on the soft palate. Canker sores can appear on their own or in groups and are recurrent. Although canker sores can be painful, they will usually clear on their own within one to two weeks. Although often confused, canker sores are not like cold sores, which are caused by the herpes virus. Unlike a cold sore, canker sores do not appear on the lips and are not contagious. What causes canker sores? Although the exact cause of this type of mouth ulcer is unknown, hereditary factors, stress or tissue injury are the likely causes …
Cancer Treatment & Dental Health
More than one-third of all cancer patients develop complications that affect the mouth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. These mild to severe side effects can include mouth sores, infection, dry mouth, sensitive gums and jaw pain. Your mouth health is an important part of your overall health, so make your dentist part of your cancer care team. At Lowcountry Family Dentistry, our team is experienced and trained in caring for cancer patients. Whether you are a current dental patient or not, you can always call out office if you have questions during cancer treatment. It take us all to battle such a terrible disease. We are here to help anyone in our community that needs it cost free. How Cancer …