Author: CdA-AdmiN

Have you ever wondered why the American Dental Association and your dentist recommend you to go for dental checkups once every six months? Practicing good preventative care and getting regular checkups and professional cleanings and treatment are imperative to help you maintain a good oral health. While you schedule your next visit to your dentist, here are few points to consider for better oral hygiene.

• Regular brushing and flossing is a key to keep plaque miles away, as the build-up of plaque can result in periodontal disease. Regular dental visits will help you clean the built-up tartar and calculus which cannot be reached by brushing alone.
• Prevent halitosis (bad breath) by taking care of your gums and teeth. Certain food lingers on the hard-to-reach areas where brushing or flossing might not help.
• It is vital to be aware of the issues related to your health. With science and technology updating every hour, there is a pool of knowledge to explore. In case of any confusion, consult your doctor.
• Having teeth cleaned removes all the stains of coffee, tea, drinks, and other food items you consume, as well as tobacco and other products. Some medications can also cause teeth to become pale.
• One of the most important parts of dental visits should be to keep a check on the probability of oral cancer, where your mouth is surveyed for early signs of one of the very deadliest cancers.
• Eating healthy food is also a way to keep half of your oral problems away.

These are just preventive steps. However, it is always advisable to schedule a regular dentist visit for a detailed check-up. Call or book an appointment online with our office today and carry a confident, happy smile!

Because your teeth are always coming in direct contact with the foods you eat, what you choose to consume is very important; different foods can either help or harm your dental health, depending on the ingredients they contain and how often you eat them. For example, if you drink a lot of sodas or other sugary drinks often, you’re more likely to be at risk for tooth decay. However, there are actually quite a few foods that can provide benefits for your dental health; here are 5 foods that promote healthy teeth:

1. Whole Grains

By eating whole grains like oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice, you can actually reduce your risk of developing gum disease! These foods have more complex carbohydrates, which means their starches do not stick to your teeth as easily as other starches. In addition, whole grains have plenty of minerals that promote stronger teeth and reduces the risk of gum disease.

2. Fruits

Certain fruits that are packed with vitamin C like strawberries and kiwis, can help your gums stay healthy! Vitamin C fights bacteria, reduces inflammation, strengthens blood vessels, and is required for the production of collagen, an important protein that aids in fighting gum disease.

3. Vegetables

Leafy or crunchy vegetables like spinach, greens, and carrots take a little more effort to chew and break down compared to other foods. Because of this, whenever you eat these foods, you produce more saliva, which is your mouth’s natural way of washing away lingering food particles and neutralizing bacteria.

4. Lean Protein

Foods that contain lean protein—such as fish, eggs, and lean beef—are rich in minerals like vitamin D that help your body—and teeth—absorb calcium better. Calcium is especially important for protecting your teeth from decay.

5. Low-Fat/Fat-Free Dairy

Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources of calcium and phosphorus, minerals that help strengthen tooth enamel. Dairy products also contain casein, a type of protein that studies suggest can help stabilize and repair damaged tooth enamel.

Try adding these few foods into your diet for a healthier smile!

A fear of the dentist—also known as dental anxiety and dental phobia—isn’t uncommon. In fact, many children and adults alike have dental anxiety and dental phobia. It’s been estimated that at least 9 to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist as a result of this fear; that’s nearly 30 to 40 million people! So many people are putting off their dental care and putting their overall oral health at risk by avoiding the dentist, and that makes us concerned. We don’t want any of our patients to feel uncomfortable with a dentist, so here are 3 ways you can begin to overcome your fear:

1. Admit your fear to someone you can trust.

One of the best ways to get over a fear of the dentist is to admit your fear and talk about it with someone you trust or anyone else you feel would be an appropriate outlet. Simply talking about it will help you feel calmer about it.

2. Set aside a day to go to the dentist.

Request a day off of work to go to the dentist, or pick a day solely dedicated to going to the dentist. This way, when you visit the office, you’re not already stressed from work or anything else going on in your day. The extra stress could heighten your stress and fear at the dentist’s office.

3. Let the dentist office know about your fears.

It’s very important that you let the dentist know if you’re feeling any anxiety about being there. Don’t neglect to tell us because you feel embarrassed about your fear, it’s completely normal. Dentists have plenty of experience with anxious patients, and they’ll be able to help you relax and feel as comfortable as possible before your exam and cleaning.

A fear of the dentist shouldn’t prevent you from receiving the dental care you need. Our job is to help protect you and your oral health by providing dental care, so if you’re feeling nervous, let us know; we’ll do anything we can to make you feel at home!

Baby teeth first erupt through the gums around 6 months of age; they serve as a placeholder for teeth until a child’s permanent teeth are ready to come in. Caring for baby teeth is important because it allows children to develop a healthy dental care routine in preparation for their permanent teeth. Teaching your children good dental habits early on in life will allow them to maintain healthy teeth for years to come. Here are some things you can do to start encouraging positive dental habits:

Start Dental Care Early

A few days after your child is born, you can begin cleaning their mouth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist washcloth or gauze pad. You should start helping them brush their teeth twice a day as soon as they come in, only using a rice-grain size amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Visit the Dentist

It’s important that you start bringing your child to our office for regular dental exams no later than their first birthday. Between the age of 6 months and 1 year, your child is likely to have their first few teeth. When you bring them to our office, we can examine their mouth for any signs of future decay or dental issues. We also offer preventative dental care such as professional cleanings and fluoride treatments.

Continuing Dental Care

As they become older, begin helping your child brush their teeth twice a day using a child-size toothbrush and only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Continue this process until you feel comfortable that they can brush on their own. Once your child has teeth that are touching, you can help them start flossing daily. Continuously bring them to our office every six months, so we can continue monitoring their oral health and provide preventative care services to reduce their risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Following these methods for your child’s dental health will allow them to enjoy healthy, happy teeth as they become older!

As you enter the new year, you may have a few New Years’ resolutions in mind. Some of the most popular resolutions include exercising more or spending less. However, did you know that there are resolutions for better dental health too? Try incorporating some of these easy dental resolutions for healthier teeth in the new year:

1. Replace your toothbrush often.

It’s important that you replace your toothbrush often in order to maximize a toothbrush’s ability to effectively clean your teeth. A good rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. However, if you’ve noticed that the bristles of your toothbrush have begun to fray sooner, replace the toothbrush then. In addition, if you become sick, make sure you immediately replace your toothbrush after you have fully recovered.

2. Brush for a full 2 minutes twice a day.

While you may already be good about brushing your teeth twice a day, there are many people who actually don’t brush their teeth long enough. In fact, the average time people brush their teeth is 45 seconds! This year, aim closer to the 2-minute mark by either setting a timer, passing the time by walking around or even listening to your favorite song.

3. Be more gentle with your teeth.

Many people assume that by brushing your teeth harder, you’re able to eliminate more bacteria and food particles. This can actually cause problems for your teeth. By brushing harder, you are putting your teeth enamel at risk by gradually wearing it down. A gentle brushing is all you need for bacteria-free teeth.

While your teeth may seem strong, it’s actually not healthy to put them under a lot of pressure. Another way you can be more gentle with your teeth is reducing the number of hard foods or objects you chew on. Chewing on things like ice cubes can actually damage your teeth over time.

Your gums are responsible for supporting and holding your teeth in place. It’s important to take proper care of your gums so they can remain strong and healthy for your teeth, and healthy gums start with healthy teeth. If you don’t take proper care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, for example, a large amount of plaque can build up. Untreated, this plaque can spread down into your gums, which can lead to periodontal disease.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Periodontal disease begins to emerge around the first signs of plaque and inflammation developing on the gum-line, or the line where your teeth and gums meet. Plaque produces acids that will irritate the gums here, causing gingivitis. You may notice your gums bleeding while brushing or flossing as a result. Fortunately, early periodontal disease such as gingivitis can easily be reversed with a visit to the dentist for a routine dental cleaning or simply brushing and flossing your teeth regularly.

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that causes damage to your gums as well as the bone underneath that helps hold your teeth in place. At this stage of periodontal disease, your gums may begin to form pockets that pull away from your teeth and traps plaque that will cause additional damage. While this type of damage is not as reversible as gingivitis, you can prevent further damage by visiting the dentist for dental cleaning and treatment.

Advanced periodontitis is extensive damage to your gums and jawbone, which causes your teeth to loosen. At this stage of disease, if aggressive treatment is not effective, you may lose or have to remove teeth. Damage to your gums and jawbone from advanced periodontitis is not reversible and often requires aggressive treatment to eliminate inflammation and infection.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

While the early development of a periodontal disease is reversible, you can avoid gum disease completely by practicing these good dental habits:

• Visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine cleanings and check-ups.
• Brush your teeth twice a day with antibacterial, fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day or after meals.
• Use antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate bacteria.
• Drink plenty of water daily.
• Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks.

You’ve heard of cosmetic treatments around the world of plastic surgery, where specialists restore, reconstruct, or alter sections of a patient’s body to provide them with an enhanced look. Cosmetic treatments are available in dentistry, too. Cosmetic dentistry specifically deals with restorations and reconstructions of a patient’s teeth. Unlike general cosmetic treatments, cosmetic dentistry’s goal is to enhance a person’s smile, rather than other regions of the body. Treatments that fall under this category include teeth whitening, veneers, gum contouring, and orthodontics, and more.

Teeth Whitening

No matter how well you may take care of your dental hygiene at home (brushing regularly, flossing daily, etc.), sometimes your teeth may not stay whitened as easily as you may want. Other factors, like age and normal wear, can cause your teeth to naturally stain or yellow regardless of practicing good dental care. This is why dentists often offer teeth whitening treatments to their patients. Some dentists may offer an in-office treatment, where the dentist may apply a bleaching solution to your teeth during your visit, while others can offer a home teeth whitening kit for you to use in the comforts of your own home.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are meant to be fitted over your natural teeth. The goal of veneers is to mask the imperfections your teeth may have, from stubborn stains that can’t be easily removed with a whitening treatment, to small chips.

Gum Contouring

Although it is less commonly known, gum contouring has been sought after by many patients. Cosmetic gum contouring involves minor surgery that is meant to reshape your gums in order to give them a more level appearance.

Orthodontic Treatments

Orthodontic treatments are one of the most popular treatments in dentistry next to teeth whitening. Orthodontics are classified as any method used to help properly re-align the teeth and jaw. Popular methods used in orthodontic treatments include clean braces/aligners, expanders, retainers, bumpers, headgears, and more.

The holidays are approaching, and while we just can’t wait to chow down on delicious cakes and cookies galore, our teeth may not feel the same way. Here are 5 tips to keep your teeth happy and healthy during this holiday season:

• 1. Maintain good teeth cleaning habits: Just because the holiday season gets busier, doesn’t mean that you should compromise on your usual dental cleaning habits. Continue to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.
• 2. Keep the sweets to a minimum: As much as we might love mom’s famous peach cobbler, we have to be careful with how much we eat. The bacteria in our mouth thrive on sugar, and end up producing more acid with its intake—acid that can break down our teeth and cause cavities. If you must indulge, remember to brush your teeth afterwards. If your toothbrush isn’t immediately available, rinsing your mouth with water helps in the meantime.
• 3. Avoid chewing hard candy or ice cubes: While we’re on the subject of sweets, try to avoid chewing hard candies. While your teeth are capable of breaking down crunchy foods like chips, it’s not good to put extra stress on them by chewing harder things like candy or ice cubes. Doing so can lead to cracked or chipped teeth, and can cause discomfort to sensitive teeth.
• 4. Drink lots of water: Water not only helps clear our mouth of lingering sugars that can lead to tooth decay, it can also provide our teeth with fluoride, which promotes good dental health.
• 5. Don’t forget about us: While dental offices are closed on major holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, they always stay open throughout the rest of the holiday season. Don’t let a holiday closure be an excuse to not schedule an appointment for a cleaning or checkup for another day!

While many may dread going to the dentist for a surgical tooth extraction, there are many valid reasons as to why it may be necessary. Here are the top three reasons as to why your dentist may decide a tooth extraction is the best option for you:

• Overcrowding: This could mean a number of things. One reason why dentists might decide it’s best to extract a tooth is to prepare your mouth for an alignment. It is harder to straighten your teeth with braces or ClearCorrect if your teeth don’t have the room to adjust accordingly. In addition, your dentist may recommend extracting a tooth if there is not enough room for another tooth to grow.
• Damage: If you have broken or cracked teeth that cannot be salvageable, your dentist may suggest extracting them. Any tooth decay that is beyond repair may also be a candidate for a tooth extraction.
• Infection: If you have tooth decay that is extensive or has affected the center of your tooth, where the pulp is, bacteria can easily infect it. The pulp is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, so if any of these important living components are significantly impacted, the infection can spread to your other teeth. Your dentist may first recommend a root canal to resolve the issue, but if the infection has become critical to the point that antibiotics or the root canal does not prove effective, then the next step would be to extract the affected tooth to prevent its infection from spreading further.

If you feel like you may be experiencing any of these issues with your teeth, it is important to visit your dentist to learn more about tooth extraction houston to see if it’s the right option for you.

Mothers-to-be understand very well how important it is for them take good care of themselves throughout their pregnancy. But many women don’t realize that proper oral care is just as important and that visiting a dentist when pregnant is necessary for both mother and baby’s good health.

Let your dentist know you are pregnant

First and foremost, let your dentist know you are a pregnant woman. This is very important if dental problems occur during gestation. It also allows your dentist to provide information before your next visit.

Understand how pregnancy can affect dental health

Practicing good oral hygiene habits every day is so important for pregnant women. To prevent common dental conditions such as pregnancy gingivitis, always brush your teeth at least two times each day and floss at least once a day. You should be doing this anyway, but it is necessary to be particularly diligent during pregnancy to avoid serious dental problems. A pregnant woman should never have to consider undergoing sedation to address a problem that could have been avoided.

Provide your dentist with a list of current medications

Prepare a list of medications with your current dosages along with any instructions your doctor may have included. This is something your dentist needs to have on record. Certain prescription drugs, such as tetracycline, may negatively affect your developing unborn baby.

Learn about how good nutrition impacts dental health during pregnancy

Just like eating a well-balanced, healthy diet is necessary for your developing infant, it also affects yours and your baby’s dental health. By eating foods rich in calcium, antioxidants like Vitamins D, C, and A, protein, and phosphorus you will give your body the nutrition it needs and avoid dental issues while pregnant.

It is bad practice to get into the habit of snacking excessively with the excuse that you are eating for two. The more you snack, the more plaque will form on your teeth, possibly leading to decay.  If you find yourself craving something sweet, try to satisfy that urge with a high protein, low sugar snack.

Also remember, if you are a pregnant woman or are planning to become pregnant and you currently smoke, now is the best time to quit. In addition, alcohol consumption should be avoided. These stimulants are harmful to your baby and damaging to your teeth.

Some other factors pregnant women should keep in mind:

• Dental x rays while pregnant can be done, if necessary, due to advances in safety procedures, but should be avoided.
• Elective dental work while pregnant should be avoided and deferred until after the birth of your baby.
• If you experiences wollen gums during pregnancy, toothache, dental infection, or bleeding gums, contact your dentist immediately to treat the problem before it worsens.