Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice and you may have seen this during your visit to our office. Your health and well-being continue to be our high priority and we are ONLY opening because we have carefully planned and revised our office protocol to greatly minimize the risk of infection for our patients and our... read more »

Are you aware of the risk factors associated with dietary choices and selections? Your diet often contains several products that can put your teeth at an extreme risk of dental damage. Although there are several options to enhance your diet and remineralize your teeth and gums, it is important to also be proactive and avoiding products that can lead to... read more »

Are you aware of common risks during your teen years that can put your smile in harm’s way? During your teen years, the last of your adult teeth, known as the wisdom teeth, fully grow in. Once your wisdom teeth have grown in, you will not be getting any more permanent teeth, so they need to be cared for to... read more »

The first year of a child’s life is full of wonder and new developments, which includes the development of your child’s primary teeth. Most children start teething in the first six months and usually have their full complement of teeth by the end of their second year. Our dentists notes that you can start brushing and flossing your child’s teeth... read more »

Maintaining an ideal smile consists of making sure that you receive any necessary dental restorations you may need to improve the condition of your teeth. With healthy teeth, you can dramatically lower your chances of further damage and even improve the visual appearance of your smile. If, for any reason, you have suffered any form of dental damage, it is... read more »

Nitrous oxide is a handy sedative our dentist, Dr. Debora Bolton, uses to make sure you have a positive and successful dental appointment. To help you know more about nitrous oxide in Durham, North Carolina, so you can better understand the sedative, our dental team is happy to share some nitrous oxide facts. Those facts are: -Nitrous oxide is a... read more »

Do you have bleeding in your gums? Do you know that you could be experiencing gum disease if you do? Gum disease can be a tricky condition because it is hard to spot until it is often too late to save a tooth or two. That is why, our dentists with Bull City Smiles Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Debora Bolton... read more »

Do you ever wonder why our dentists, Drs. Bolton and Patel, offer a professional whitening treatment when there are plenty of whitening treatments you can purchase at the store? If so, our dental team will tell you why! Not only will we tell you why, but we will also tell you why professional teeth whitening is for you. Our dentists... read more »

Our mouths frequently develop unpleasant odors as a result of the foods we eat or a buildup of bacteria in the oral cavity. Popping a breath mint or chewing a piece of gum can overpower bad breath for a time, but it won’t make any difference against bacteria in your smile. We invite you to consider the effect of mouthwash... read more »

If you frequently suffer from sensitive teeth, your discomfort does not need to be a permanent part of your smile. If you are tired of having to carefully select foods that won’t irritate your teeth, our dentist and team would be happy to lend our assistance! We invite you to try the following methods to reduce and even prevent tooth... read more »

Dental checkups are recommended every six months. This is because they are vital for a top-notch oral health and smile. Our dentist, Dr. Debora Bolton, encourages you to avoid forgetting about or delaying your appointments. To help you understand why dental checkups are important, our dental team is happy to list the reasons, which are: -Dental cleanings remove plaque and... read more »

A small area of tooth enamel might gradually become demineralized as a result of poor oral hygiene or trapped bacterial deposits. As a cavity starts to become established, you might notice increased discomfort or gradually worsening sensitivity. If the area of tooth decay is on the lingual surface of a tooth, you might also notice a change in texture when... read more »

Never be afraid to speak with your dentist about any oral health care treatment you can receive, including those that may trigger any dental anxiety you may suffer from. Dental anxiety commonly arises from the fear associated with visiting your dentist. To keep your smile safe, it is always a good idea to receive earplugs to use during treatments whenever... read more »

Cavities and tooth decay are always trying to invade your smile. This is why your daily efforts, brushing, flossing, along with seeing your dentist routinely, all work together to keep your teeth safe from harm. But sometimes that is not enough to keep cavities out, and that is why dental sealants are good for certain teeth, the molars in the... read more »

The various surfaces of your teeth have shapes and contours to match the specific tooth’s function in your mouth. This allows you to efficiently break down food into small pieces that can be safely swallowed. Sometimes the contours and spaces between your teeth can trap tiny food particles and plaque buildup. If these bacterial deposits aren’t cleared away when you... read more »

A fractured tooth can vary in severity depending on the size of the specific tooth, as well as the area of the fracture. While some dental fractures can cause persistent pain or sensitivity, others might not cause any immediate distress. The severity of the fracture will largely determine the necessary treatment method that Dr. Debora Bolton advocates. Sometimes Dr. Debora... read more »

With all these false rumors about root canals flying around, you can rest assured with the fact that with modern anesthetic and technology, you can experience little to no pain. There has been much research done and no illnesses can be related to root canals, and saving your natural teeth through this process is one of the best options. Here... read more »

With Halloween approaching, you may want to form a plan to protect your ghouls’ and ghosts’ teeth from cavities. The candies in their Halloween pail contain sugars that could harm their teeth. We’re not saying that you should not let your child eat Halloween candy, but know that not all candies are created equal. When your children come back from... read more »

Stress can make life difficult. Unfortunately, it can even take a toll on your body, making you sick, weak, and tired. It can also severely affect your mouth, which is why our dentist, Dr. Debora Bolton, encourages you to take good care of your smile when you’re stressed. If you’re not careful, the stress can promote teeth grinding habits, canker... read more »

Berries, coffee, sodas, tea, wine – what’s left that doesn’t stain your teeth? Though it may be hard to believe, many substances can stain your teeth darker colors, and those stains can prove to be very difficult to remove once they’ve pierced your tooth enamel. If your teeth are stained or misshaped, dental veneers could be the right option for... read more »

Attending a routine dental checkup and cleaning every six months is an important aspect of maintaining strong teeth and a healthy mouth. Every one of these appoints administered at Bull City Smiles Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Debora Bolton DDS has been carefully designed to clean, exam, and address the wide range of factors that contribute to maintaining good oral health.... read more »

Have you ever thought about which foods are healthy for your smile? Although all foods inevitably wear down teeth slightly due to the chewing mechanism, it is hard to wear teeth out if you are adequately taking care of them. This includes through the use of making healthy food choices. The excitement of a better smile awaits with healthy food... read more »

Protect your smile with the right toothbrush! When you go to the store, it can be a little overwhelming with all the different choices with multiple sizes, shapes, brands, and styles. Dr. Debora Bolton and our professional staff want to help you find the right fit for you, so follow these tips when finding a toothbrush right for you and... read more »

If you have ever suffered a lost tooth, it is important to have it replaced as soon as possible. The gaps where missing teeth once lay can become hotbeds for bacteria and even cause your face to sink in, making you look older than weaker than normal. Restore your smile with the benefits from one of the following tooth replacements:... read more »

Sometimes chips and small dental fractures go unnoticed or undetected. Even if the tooth isn’t overtly distressed, you should still seek professional treatment at Dr. Debora Bolton’s dental office in Durham, North Carolina. The microscopic textures in the damaged enamel can gradually start to trap food particles and bacterial plaque. This could eventually come to foster a large cavity in... read more »

Even damaged smiles can be made to look like new. Did you know two of the most highly effective varieties of tooth restoration therapies for improving the look of your smile are dental crowns and dental veneers, as both treatments cap or conceal troublesome areas of your teeth, but in different ways? To learn more about the sensational benefits of... read more »

Waking up in the morning with a toothache or discomfort in the underlying gums can be quite distressing. This is almost always a sign that something has traumatized the root of the tooth or other important structures. In a situation like this, you should not delay in having the tooth examined and treated at Bull City Smiles Cosmetic & Family... read more »

Does your smile seem a little off lately? Do your teeth appear to be getting longer or do your gums appear to be more flushed with color? If you have not been caring for them properly, it is possible you are beginning to experience the early stages of gum disease. Gum disease, also recognized as periodontal disease, is the result... read more »

Did you know that dental veneers are extremely thin shells, but extremely durable as well? Even if a tooth has suffered damage or slight misalignments, it may be possible for veneers to return a flawless smile to your mouth once again. Listed below are some common questions about dental veneers: What is a dental veneer? a.) A type of floss... read more »

Do you know what you should do to deal with a dental emergency? Do you ever think about what qualifies as a dental emergency? In general, there are a few problems you should know about—and a few options you can try to address these different emergencies. Would you be surprised to learn that having a tooth fall out is considered... read more »

Chewing gum is a fun activity that keeps your teeth busy, right? Right. But, it can also damage your teeth if you’re not careful. That’s right. Chewing gum that is loaded with sugar can cause many dental issues. This is why it’s important to think about your smile while you’re purchasing gum. It’s best to choose a type of gum... read more »

You know that there are ways to recognize that something is wrong in your body. For example, if you have pain in your wrist, you could have carpal tunnel. If your ankle is swollen, it could be sprained. Similarly, your tongue could actually change colors if you’re dealing with an issue. Did you know that your tongue can turn white?... read more »

The natural bacteria living in your mouth are empowered by poor oral hygiene. Without consistent brushing and flossing, this can allow a cavity to form on one or more of your teeth. Procrastinating treatment allows the cavity to spread. In time, the tooth could be so badly compromised that the only viable treatment option is to have Dr. Debora Bolton... read more »

Have you given your toothbrush the care and attention it needs? A toothbrush is required to clean our teeth twice daily, so it’s important to keep it in excellent condition to ensure it remains committed and capable to its daily tasks. If you begin to slack on your toothbrush care, it will not be able to serve you as well... read more »

Dr. Debora Bolton is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association. Our patients truly appreciate the patient-first promise that they and other ADA dentists made as part of the association’s code of ethics. When a dentist joins the ADA, he or she makes five pledges in the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Personal Conduct. You... read more »

Did you know you can stop cavities in their tracks with composite fillings? Well, it’s true! Composite fillings have so much to offer when it comes to restoring cavities. Rather than dealing with the unnatural colors of dental amalgams, composite fillings can blend with your natural colors. That is why our team has this list of facts about composite fillings,... read more »

Are you interested in keeping your pearly whites healthy and strong? If you are, you probably know that you’ll need to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit a dentist once every six months. However, are you ever hesitant to visit the dentist because of dental anxiety? If so, you aren’t alone. In fact, would you be... read more »

If you’ve had multiple teeth lost to severe tooth decay or chronic gum disease, it can compromise your ability to chew food. This could also extend to issues with the appearance of your smile or it can place other limitations on your quality of life. To remedy a problem like this, your dentist, Dr. Debora Bolton, might recommend having the... read more »

As your child grows, he or she learns how to take care of themselves. One of the skills they need to gain during this time is how to brush his or her teeth. Helping your child get into the habit of brushing at least twice a day for two minutes can be difficult. However, if you are creative, you can... read more »

Your teeth get the strength they need to bite and chew hard foods from the mineral density of your tooth enamel. Throughout the course of an average day, the natural bacteria in your mouth and the acidic foods you consume can degrade the mineral density of tooth enamel. In time, this can allow microscopic pores to form. Once this happens,... read more »

Dr. Debora Bolton encourage each of our patients to brush and floss diligently every day. Individuals should brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Unfortunately, there are many people who leave flossing out of their dental hygiene routine. Others do not know how to floss properly. Our dentist and team at Bull City Smiles... read more »

Do you have anxiety whenever you think about coming to the dentist to get your teeth checked? Many people throughout the world do, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Bull City Smiles Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Debora Bolton DDS offers sedation dentistry to help you relax when you come in for oral health care. What is Dental Sedation? Sedation... read more »

Your child’s baby teeth are important to his or her development. These teeth help them chew, speak, and smile. The primary teeth also hold the place for the permanent teeth to grow in. The health of the baby teeth is important because when one is lost too early, the permanent teeth can drift into the space. This can cause the... read more »

Dental anxiety is a very real - and serious - problem in America. On average, it keeps about 14 million Americans from receiving the readily available dental treatment they need in order to maintain optimal oral health. However, sedation dentistry at Bull City Smiles Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Debora Bolton DDS in Durham, North Carolina is the answer to dental... read more »

Hardened tartar develops when residual food particles and plaque have not been removed by regular brushing and flossing. This bacterial-rich substance causes inflammation and infection in the gum tissues, which is commonly referred to as gum disease. The technical name for gum disease is periodontal disease. It has different stages of progression. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease.... read more »

Teeth are secured very tightly into their sockets with the help of a series of very strong periodontal ligaments. As secure as your teeth are, there are unfortunate times when an accidental fall or a blow to the face can knock out a tooth. This is even more likely if you participate in contact sports without wearing a quality mouthguard.... read more »

Dental bonding is a beneficial dental treatment that can improve the health and appearance of your smile. It can repair decayed teeth, fix chipped teeth, restore cracked teeth, improve the appearance of a discolored tooth, and much more. If you’re interested in taking advantage of dental bonding in Durham, North Carolina, then our Bull City Smiles Cosmetic & Family Dentistry,... read more »

Many people feel that a white and even smile says a lot about them. Unfortunately, the natural processes of aging, dark food and drinks, or tobacco use can stain the teeth in your smile. This might leave you feeling self-conscious and wanting to explore your whitening options. It’s a good idea to consult with Dr. Debora Bolton before starting a... read more »

Dental emergencies in Durham, North Carolina, can be terrifying, especially if you don’t know what to do. But, our Bull City Smiles Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Debora Bolton DDS team is happy to help you by explaining the ways to improve the situation when you’ve knocked out a permanent tooth. If you’ve knocked out a tooth, we recommend doing the... read more »

When you shop for dental hygiene products, how do you know which products are best? Which ones will actually provide the promised results and effectively help your smile? In order to know which products are best, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The ADA Seal means that a product is safe and effective, and that it does what it... read more »

Many people struggle with anxiety related to going to the dentist. This can stem from a traumatic or painful childhood memory, feelings of vulnerability while reclined on the dentist’s chair, or discomfort with the physical proximity of the dentist during treatment. One way we work to provide each patient at Bull City Smiles Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Debora Bolton DDS... read more »

If you want a strong, healthy, and beautiful smile, it’s important to use the best oral hygiene instruments possible. However, we’re afraid that might be a bit more difficult than it sounds. There are many products in the world today that can harm and damage your teeth and gums if you let them, which is why it might be difficult... read more »