Regular checkups are important, say Drs. Vincent and Capers Lee

Drs. Vincent and Capers Lee want to know: is your child brushing his or her teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s fantastic! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for your little ones to visit our office every six months in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day. If your child will be visiting the Dental Team of Sumter for the first time, it’s important to bring them in after their first tooth comes through, and no later than their first birthday. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Drs. Vincent and Capers Lee can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth

During an oral exam Drs. Vincent or Capers Lee will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not been to the the Dental Team of Sumter in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Gum disease and YOU, from the Dental Team of Sumter

You may remember our blog post from last week, discussing the importance of adding dairy to your everyday diet in order to combat periodontal, or gum, disease. It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!




Signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position


If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, schedule an appointment right away by calling the Dental Team of Sumter at 803-494-8466. Drs. Vincent and Capers Lee can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

Have a great weekend!

Dairy and gum disease, from Drs. Vincent and Capers Lee

Drs. Vincent and Capers Lee want to know: is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and even osteoporosis.

Results of the study showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call ... and have a great weekend!

Drs. Vincent and Capers Lee, Sumter's premier cosmetic dentists

With recent advances in dental care, you can have an attractive smile with a much shorter treatment time. You don't have to settle for stained, unsightly teeth. Rather, you have choices that can help you smile with confidence.

A subtle change in your smile can make a big difference in the way you look and feel about yourself. At the Dental Team of Sumter, we provide a number of treatments that make your teeth stand out, including tooth whitening treatments, porcelain veneers and crowns, CEREC and Invisalign. Talk to Drs. Vincent and Capers Lee about the options most suitable for you, what your expectations are and the dental fees involved.

Learn more about what makes us stand out by visiting our web site or giving us a call.

The Dental Team of Sumter, supporting National Nutrition Month

March is here, and that can only mean one thing: it’s National Nutrition Month. Every March, Drs. Vincent and Capers Lee, as well as thousands of dentists and hygienists celebrate National Nutrition Month. This March, the Dental Team of Sumter want you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health. Drs. Vincent and Capers Lee know small changes really can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your diet this March:

• Focus on fruits and vegetables: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.

• Think local: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods here in Sumter!

• Make your calories count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.

• Expand your horizons: Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new health favorites to add to your regular grocery list.

• It’s tempting, but…: If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you crave a snack in the afternoon, enjoy some trail mix or nuts.

If you have additional questions about periodontal disease or keeping yourself and your mouth healthy, please give us a call!