Author: Holly Chestnut

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8 Travel Tips for Healthy Teeth

It’s travel season!  The perfect time to kick back, relax, and take a break.  That doesn’t mean it’s time to give your teeth a break.  Even on vacation, it’s important to make sure you take care of your oral health.  It can be a little tricky so we made a list of 8 tips on how to take care of your teeth when heading out for the summer. 

Check with your dentist before leaving

No one wants their vacation interrupted by a toothache or a nasty cavity.  Come stop by before you head out to make sure there’s nothing to worry about. 

 

Pack your toothbrush

You can’t brush your teeth without your toothbrush! It’s important to pack it but make sure you pack it correctly.  Before you put your toothbrush in a travel case to visit your destination, make sure it’s dry and your case is clean, no one wants bacteria growing on their toothbrush.  Getting a case with ventilation can help with this as well. 

If you forget your toothbrush or have that extra long flight don’t worry.  Until you get a toothbrush rinse your mouth with clean water or brush with a clean washcloth or finger. 

 

Watch your sugar consumption 

Even though you’re on vacation, sugar isn’t taking a break from building up on your teeth.  Enjoy your favorite sweets, but make sure to eat some foods that help your oral health as well such as:

  • yogurt
  • apples
  • cranberries
  • almonds
  • and carrots 

 

Be prepared for an emergency 

Although it’s unlikely a dental emergency may happen never say never.  Understand your out-of-network coverage for your insurance if you need to visit the dentist and an in-network provider is unavailable. 

If you are out of the country and have a dental emergency don’t wait until you get home.  Contact a U.S. embassy or consulate for a recommendation and make sure to keep a receipt of the dental emergency so you can file a claim form when you return home. 

 

Make sure your water is clean 

Depending on where your vacation spot is the water may not be suitable for your teeth.  Make sure to do your research on the water supply.  A good rule is if it is not drinkable it is best to use bottled water for brushing your teeth. 

 

Carry the essentials with you

To make it easier to keep up with your routine, keep your oral health essentials with you.  Buy travel-size items to keep them close on road trips and flights. 

 

Have sugar-free gum 

If you want to carry gum for your flight to help get rid of that ear pressure or just to freshen up your breath, make sure it is sugar-free and has been approved by the American Dental Association.  According to the ADA, chewing sugar-free gum can help prevent cavities so it may not be the worst pastime when sitting in the airport. 

 

Keep your routine

With the excitement of travel, it can be difficult to prioritize your oral health, but the need to brush doesn’t go away.  Be sure to brush, floss, and use mouthwash, and lastly enjoy your vacation!

 

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 2023 Midtown Diamond Awards Recap

Midtown and Cary Living magazine hosted their annual Diamond Awards and Lane & Associates was more than happy to join the event as this year’s title sponsor. The Midtown 2023 Diamond Awards highlight businesses from across the Triad area awarding Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners throughout the night.

The event was held in Downtown Raleigh at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.  The scene was set for a beautiful evening.  Three levels of the museum were filled with award recipients ranging from categories like entertainment services to professional + educational services. The setting was perfect for networking.  The event was catered and offered finger foods, and had a wall display of champagne glasses filled with “diamonds”.  Everything was aesthetically pleasing!

Lane & Associates Family Dentistry was happy to take home the Silver award for Best Dentist!  Our sister company North Carolina Oral Surgery + Orthodontics was honored to accept the Gold Award for Best Orthodontist.

Overall the event was phenomenal!  We look forward to attending the Diamond Awards in 2024!

Click here to read the full list of 2023 Diamond Award winners.

Photos were captured by: Mash Photography & Alisha Cleveland Photography

 

At Lane and Associates Family Dentistry, we are here to help you during your smile journey! To learn more about all of our dental services, visit us at lanedds.com/services/ or call us at 877-LANEDDS (526-3337).  At Lane and Associates Family Dentistry, We Love to Make You Smile!
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Staying Busy in the Communities That We Serve

Lane and Associates (LAA) takes pride in partnering with local businesses and providing support at community events .  At our core, we strive to connect and give back to those that we serve. Our October has been full of amazing community events that we’ve had the opportunity to be involved in.  Read below about some of the events that we have recently attended.

Caniac Carnival

On October 1st, Lane & Associates (LAA) was invited to the 2022 Carolina Hurricane’s Caniac Kickoff. As the official team dentist, we were more than happy to oblige! LAA’s Smile Squad filled the corridor with smiling faces, cheerful laughs, lane swag, and of course the beloved prize wheel. It was a huge hit amongst guests of all ages. Once the wheel was in rotation, a bright smile would overcome each participant as they awaited to see what prize their spin won. It was a great event full of excitement and energy!

Moore County Employee Health Fair

Lane and Associates also attended the Moore County Employee Health Fair in Carthage, NC. This event was hosted to bring awareness to different healthcare businesses available to Moore County employees. Attendees entered the Parks & Recreation Sports Complex, and were urged to make their round to each table to learn about what each company offered.

Lane & Associates welcomed everyone to their table with a spin of the prize wheel, and gave out informational cards detailing the different services offered. The event had a great turnout. We met some new faces as well as some of our current patients.

Looking Forward to Future Events

We are always looking for ways to get involved in our communities. In a few weeks, we look forwarded to attending the Maysville Fall Fest! Keep a lookout for us, and if you find yourself there, please stop by our booth to say hello!

 

At Lane and Associates Family Dentistry, we are here to help you during your smile journey! To learn more about all of our dental services, visit us at lanedds.com/services/ or call us at 877-LANEDDS (526-3337).  At Lane and Associates Family Dentistry, We Love to Make You Smile!

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PNC Canes Walk

The 9th annual Canes 5k took place at the PNC Arena on September 18th.  People from across the triangle gathered to race and show support for the Canes Foundation.  Lane and Associates were among many organizations there to show support.

The LAA crew arrived to the PNC Arena around 8am. After being greeted with bright smiling faces, PNC blasted music to get everyone pumped.  The crowd was vibrant, and participants began to fill the stadium, painting the arena red with their complimentary Canes 5k tees.  As the time approached for the race to begin, PNC kept the energy high by introducing players from the Carolina Hurricanes. The cheers sent a huge wave of joy throughout the crowd.  This was the perfect segue to begin the race.

Time to Race

PNC concluded the morning warm up, and participants began to line up at the starting line to begin the race.  The whistle blew and everyone started pacing themselves to complete their 5k journey.  The course was strategically mapped with checkpoints staffed by volunteers cheering contestants on and keeping the momentum high.

The Final Stretch

After some time the runners began trickling in to the finish line.  During the final stretch you could see a burst of energy overcome each participant as they approached the finish line.  After each runner crossed the finish line, their hands flew in the air and huge smiles of accomplishment beamed across their faces. At the race’s conclusion a sense of euphoria rushed across the crowd as everyone completed their own personal 5k journey.

In conclusion,  with the help of each and every participant The Canes Foundation was able to raise $50,000 to help provide funding to children’s nonprofits with a health or education focus throughout North Carolina.  Lane and Associates is proud to support its community and give back!  We appreciate the Carolina Hurricanes for their continuous efforts to service their own stomping grounds, and look forward to more community events.

Lane Employees smiling in blue tutus

At Lane and Associates Family Dentistry, we are here to help you during your smile journey! To learn more about all of our dental services, visit us at lanedds.com/services/ or call us at 877-LANEDDS (526-3337).  At Lane and Associates Family Dentistry, We Love to Make You Smile!
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Annual Kay Yow Cancer Fund Golf Classic

Lane & Associates Family Dentistry (LAA) had the pleasure of sponsoring the registration of this year’s Annual Kay Yow Cancer Fund Golf Classic. As Mission Partners of the Kay Yow Cancer Foundation LAA has aided in the uniting of communities in the fight against cancer.

On August 21st golfers and supporters arrived at the beautiful Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst, NC to register for the next day’s golf classic. The Nike swag each golfer received did not disappoint; pullovers, hats, and shoes! Lane & Associates had to get in on the action and gifted each golfer with a backpack filled with golf balls and tees, a cooling towel, and healthy snacks to keep the golfers going.

Kay Yow Cancer Fund Reception Did Not Disappoint

That night, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund celebrated with an outstanding welcome reception at the hotel.  Festive pink up lighting lit the room as you navigated through multiple food stations which included a salad bar, taco bar, charcuterie display, an amazing paella filled with seafood, and so much more.  Let’s not forget dessert, the pink-themed desserts definitely deserve an honorable mention, strawberry shortcake cupcake, cheesecake, and ridiculously appetizing shortbread cookies.

              

Games and a pink paddle auction entertained guests as more money was raised to continue the fight against all cancers affecting women. The auction alone raised over $170,00 dollars.

“It was amazing to see all of these people give. I feel so blessed to be a part of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund through Lane & Associates.  It has become near and dear to my heart; the people and the mission.” says Stephanie Klein, Marketing Director.

One by one women took the stage to share stories of life and loss. Impactful stories of how the fund has helped them through their cancer journey with lessons of how important early detection is.  Lane has worked with Stephanie Glance, outgoing CEO and lifetime board member for many years and we were excited when she was presented the Kay Yow Cancer Fund Impact Award!

The night continued with tears, hugs, empowerment, and of course dancing. We cannot wait until next year!

Kay Yow Cancer Fund Statistics:

The Kay Yow cancer fund has awarded $7.88 million dollars in grants against ALL cancers affecting women. Here are some impressive statistics of Kay Yow Cancer Funds’ grants:

  • $2.4M – Ovarian Cancer$1.6M – Breast Cancer
  • $1.28M – Assisting The Underserved$1.1M – Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
  • $1M – Cancer In Aging Women
  • $200,000 – Women’s Cancer
  • $100,000 – Lung Cancer
  • $5,000 – Mammograms Per Year

We’d Love to Hear and Share Your Story!

Have you or anyone you know been positively affected by the Kay Yow Cancer Fund? If so, share your/their story with us via email at marketing@lanedds.com. We would love to feature you during the Month of October.

To learn more about the Kay Yow Cancer Fund visit their website at www.kayyow.com

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Lane and Associates is the proud sponsor for Phillips Farm this season. What’s Phillips Farm you ask? Only the best place to take your family for some weekend entertainment. Every season Phillips Farm hosts special events, and fun activities for the whole family.  Keep reading to learn more about Phillip’s Farm current summer event!

 

Summer Season at Phillips Farm

 

Each Saturday of the month Phillips Farm hosts a Farmers Market from 9am to 2pm. It’s a Saturday highlight for Cary natives and surrounding cities!

   Lane & Associates Family Dentistry’s  Smile Squad is present every weekend ready to offer you a warm smile and general information on dental services.  Come check out our booth and give our prize wheel a spin to win some Lane swag to take home.

There are so many activities to enjoy while visiting Phillips Farm. Small businesses set up weekly and prepare a beautiful spread to be shopped.  Listen to live music, all while browsing fresh produce and local goods.   Be sure to stop by for some family fun!  Vendors rotate weekly, so there’s always something new to see!

Check out these photos captured from last week’s event.  If you’re able to stop by Phillips Farm please come to say hello!

 

At Lane and Associates Family Dentistry, we are here to help you during your smile journey! To learn more about all of our dental services, visit us at lanedds.com/services/ or call us at 877-LANEDDS (526-3337).  At Lane and Associates Family Dentistry, We Love to Make You Smile!

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Recognition and appreciation of those that contribute to the community is important to Lane
and Associates.  The Johnston Now Honors Award ceremony returned for their 5th year, and as a sponsor, Lane & Associates were among many to present special accolades to Johnston County leaders for their tireless work within community.

Regional stakeholders and community members from Johnston County, and surrounding areas poured in to help celebrate the achievements of each nominee.

The Johnston Now Honors presented 12 awards ranging from Spirit of the County, to Legend Award.  Each recipient was welcomed to the stage with an intro speaker to highlight the qualities exemplified to earn their place on the ballot. 

Lane and Associates was fortunate enough to present an award to Exemplary Volunteer of the Year- Leigh Hudson.  Leigh has dedicated many years serving his community, from being a volunteer firefighter, to his long time involvement in Rotary International.  

The Johnston Now team prepared gift bags full of swag from supporting local businesses and sponsors. It was a sight to watch everyone’s face light up so bright after seeing all of the great items received. Hors d’oeuvres were provided for all attendees from Sak’s Deli & Grill located in Clayton, North Carolina.  They were absolutely delicious!

Lane and Associates was  honored to grace the stage with so many upstanding community leaders. We look forward to Johnston Now’s future award ceremonies and events.

 

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Dental Outreach Day at LAA

As you know, giving back to our community is an essential priority at Lane & Associates Family Dentistry. We take pride in our communities and giving back to those in need. This past weekend, our dentists and staff at the Cary Green Level office provided a Dental Outreach Day to nearly 15 patients throughout NC performing nearly $15,000 worth of dentistry!

dental outreach day at Lane and Associates Cary

Our LAA Volunteer Team

Of course, we wouldn’t be able to perform these amazing feats without our incredible team! Our volunteer staff included doctors Howard, DesRosiers, Piplani, and Bashir, dental assistants Sarah Benore, Alanna Johnson, Megean Rehm, Genevieve Chase Thomas, Amy Kenagy, and Darlene Rivera, hygienist Dorcas Eason, and office managers Heather Egan and Stephanie Santiago. Take a look at some photos from the event below!

Dental procedures performed ranged from dental cleanings and exams to root canals, extractions, and fillings. Patients traveled from all over North Carolina, even some driving from Greensboro to attend the event. We are so proud of our staff for volunteering their services and giving back to our communities! Thank you for your pure hearts and for sharing your talents!

To see more community outreach at Lane & Associates, visit our Community Involvement page here!

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It’s time to announce our Coloring Contest Winners!

We had so many incredible entries that it took us a little longer to decide than usual. Thank you for your patience if your child entered and you were looking on social media for the announcement! Today’s the day!

Winners of the Harlem Globetrotters and JoJo Siwa Tickets

We are so thrilled to announce that we had TWO Grand Prize Winners for the Coloring Contest! Our first winner was 10-year-old Maxon and his space-themed drawing. He will be going to see The Harlem Globetrotters in March! See his masterpiece below! 👇

grand prize winner
10-year-old Maxon holding his Coloring Contest page with a Spaceship named ‘Harlem’ for the Harlem Globetrotters

Our second winner was 9-year-old Bayleigh and her Tooth Fairy Ballerina drawing. She will be attending the JoJo Siwa Concert in March! See her masterpiece below! 👇

coloring contest winner

Second Place Winners

We also had ten second-place prize winners who will each receive a Kids Quip Toothbrush and a Kids Lane T-shirt! Check out all of the incredible coloring contest winners below!

Thank you to all of our patients, friends, and community that entered our #LAAKidsColor contest this year! Keep an eye out for more fun prizes and giveaways as the year continues!

Looking for a pediatric dentist near you? Dr. Victoria Gill is a Pediatric Dentist who offers services at our Dunn, Durham Miami, and Cary St Charles offices! Find out more about our Kids Dental services here.

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MENTAL HEALTH AND physical health are tied together in ways we don’t always expect. That even extends to the relationship between oral health and stress. Fortunately, there are a lot of tools we can use to protect our smiles from the effects of stress.

Stress Could Be Behind a Teeth-Grinding Habit

Bruxism is the habit of teeth-grinding and jaw-clenching. Clenching and grinding are natural responses to frustration and stress for many people. The typical signs of bruxism include a sore jaw and, eventually, flattened chewing surfaces of the teeth. Bruxism brings with it significant oral health risks, and the people with this habit might not even notice they’re doing it — particularly for those who grind their teeth in their sleep.

Stress Can Compound the Symptoms of TMD

Another oral health condition stress can contribute to is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a disorder of the muscles, joints, and nerves in the jaw that is associated with chronic facial pain. Stress is believed to be one of the factors leading to TMD, which has symptoms like frequent headaches, pain in the jaw joint, and popping and clicking of the jaw.

Stress Weakens the Immune System

A brief period of stress is something the body can deal with pretty well, but chronic stress puts a major strain on the immune system, making it harder to fight off oral health issues like infections, canker sores, dry mouth, gum disease, and cavities.

Make Oral Health and Hygiene a Priority

Considering all the negative effects stress can have, good oral hygiene habits become particularly important. That includes brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing once a day, and cutting back on sugar intake. Giving your teeth and gums better tools to fight off oral health problems might not be a solution to the stress in your life, but it can help you feel a little better and more in control.

The Dentist Is Your Best Ally

Dental health experts, such as our team, want to help our patients stress less when it comes to their oral health. The idea of going to the dentist can be stressful for a lot of people, but we’re here to help. We encourage you to keep up with your regular dental checkups and keep a prevention mindset when it comes to oral health issues rather than waiting until an issue gets much worse to finally get treatment.

We want to help our patients smile easier AND healthier! Contact our Lane & Associates dentists to schedule an appointment today!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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Happy Holidays, From Our Family To Yours!

Our offices will be closed from December 24th through December 29th to celebrate the holidays. We’ll be back and ready to assist you on Monday, December 30th.

We wish you a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year!

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