See a Dentist in Richardson Before Benefits Expire!
October 19, 2018
Happy New Year… almost. With the end of the year around the corner, now is a great time to see a dentist in Richardson. Why? Because whether you are paying for your family’s dental care through an insurance benefits plan or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), chances are the money will not carry over to the next year. In fact, the National Association of Dental Plans estimates that only 2.8 percent of people with PPO dental plans reach or exceed their annual maximums. Make the most of you benefits and take care of your family’s smiles by seeing the dentist today!
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Swimming & Your Teeth
July 9, 2017
Summer is here, and if you or someone you know is going to be spending six or more hours a week in a swimming pool, you better read this important information!
Too much exposure to pool water can affect your teeth! Most people are surprised when they learn about the possibility of corrosive effects that the chemicals in pool water can have on your mouth. With a pool you are constantly trying to keep the same temperature, chlorine level and pH levels balanced. When the pH levels are not balanced and even when they are, your beautiful teeth are being exposed to the acidity!
If you are in a pool for a prolonged time, like on a swim team for school, exercise purposes, or when summertime rolls around, look for these potential problems: (more…)
How to Prepare for an Interview – Smile.
May 8, 2014
Yes, we all know that a relationship builds over time. But an amazing first impression can make a longing impact on another individual. For most people, they want to do their best to make themselves memorable for a job interview and what better way to do that than to improve your smile!
A study done by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry said that 50% of adults remember others by their smile after meeting them. Only 9% recall what that person was wearing. So when you go to pick out your best clothes, don’t forget your pearly whites! (more…)
Don't Feel Guilty for Snacking
April 10, 2014
Everyone enjoys a delicious snack during their busy day or dessert after dinner. But what some may not know is what they are doing to their teeth with this process. Foods have an immediate effect because it comes in contact with bacteria and creates acid which starts the process for cavities.
When eating an unhealthy snack that contains fermentable carbs, they break down in the mouth and form into acid that produce decay. Sticky foods such as raisins cause more damage because of how long they are in contact with the teeth. So while you keep chewing you are letting the acid eat away at your enamel for a longer period of time. This is also true with potato chips because they get stuck in the cracks and interproximal areas within the teeth. After these foods have been swallowed you would think that the acids would disappear with it but in fact they don’t, they sit in your mouth for another half an hour! (more…)
Healthier Gums, Healthier Heart
March 3, 2014
Columbia University research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association shows healthy gums can reduce your risks of heart disease. Heart disease starts with plaque building up in your arteries, a process called atherosclerosis. Good dental care can slow down this process. Professor and study author, Moise Desvarieux says that the study “results are important because atherosclerosis progressed with both clinical periodontal disease and bacterial profiles in the gums.” The study followed and observed 420 adults between 60-75 years old who had oral infections and heart disease. (more…)
How to Care for Dentures?
January 20, 2014
Your dentures will last longer and fit better if you properly care for them. Here are a few tips:
♦ Clean dentures daily to keep them clean.
-First step, rinse your denture thoroughly with water and run your fingers along the inside edges to remove any large pieces of debris or other substances. Rinse them under a full tap to wash away debris.
-Brush all surfaces of the denture with a soft-bristle denture brush, not a toothbrush. Skip the toothpaste for the denture to avoid damaging it. However, remember to use a fluoride toothpaste to brush your own gums, tongue and any natural teeth. (more…)
Your Dental New Year Resolution
January 8, 2014
Here is an easy New Year’s resolution that you can smile about. Set a goal for good dental health, it will benefit your total health too. Follow these simple tips to maintain good oral health all year long.
- Brush your teeth at least two times a day. Proper brushing removes plaque from the surface before it hardens into calculus.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to prevent decay.
- Change your toothbrush every 3 to 6 months, depending upon which type of brush you use.
- Floss your teeth daily. Flossing is the only way to remove plaque from in between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.
- Use a mouth rinse. An antimicrobial mouth rinse can provide extra help in controlling plaque.
- Eat healthy meals and snacks. As your grandmother told you in years gone by, sugar rots your teeth and contributes to cavities. Plus, eating more vegetables helps to remove plaque and has less sugar than processed foods.
- Chew only sugar free gum. If you like to chew gum make sure it is a sugar-free type. There are lots of flavors and no guilt. Chewing sugar-free gum generates saliva which helps rinse stray food particles and acid from teeth.
- Remember teeth are tools for chewing food, not for ripping plastic packages or popping bottle caps open. Even gnawing on pencils, ice, popcorn kernels or other hard objects can result in chipped or cracked teeth. This year try to use your teeth as they were intended and avoid unnecessary damage that could require a root canal.
Sleigh bells ring …
December 24, 2013
As I reflect on the meaning of Christmas, I am filled with appreciation. I want to send out a personal “Thank You” to each of my patients. The trust and confidence you place in me and my team is truly appreciated. All year long, we are given the opportunity to share a small part of your life and build relationships, even friendships. We are honored to have you as patients and appreciate your referrals.
It’s Christmas time, which means lots of family, food, fun… and a LOT of extra sweets! We enjoy holiday treats as much as anyone, so we wanted to give you some tips to keep you smiling and your teeth healthy this holiday season. (more…)
Sensitive Teeth?
December 9, 2013
Those with sensitive teeth are usually always in pain as this condition in dentistry manifests itself through when eating or drinking very hot or very cold things. The pain can be sharp, shooting and you’ll feel it at the ends of your nerves. Sensitive teeth are caused when the underlying layer of teeth, called dentin, is exposed. Microscopic holes called tubules are found in the roots and lead to the pulp where all the nerves are. Usually, the tubules become exposed when the gum tissues recede and hot and cold or even overly sweet food can reach the nerve and cause pain.
There are many reasons why you may have sensitive teeth – it could be because the enamel has worn out due to brushing too hard, or eating too much acidic foods like citrus fruits, tea or tomatoes; it can be caused by gum disease or other gum-related conditions, it can be caused by aggressively utilizing electric tooth brushes; it can even be caused by using the wrong kind of mouthwash or toothpaste. Whatever the cause, these are just some ways you can help with the pain of sensitive teeth. (more…)
What is the history of Dentures?
November 25, 2013
Dentures, also known as false teeth, are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth. Conventional dentures are removable, however there are many different denture designs. Some dentures include bonding or clasping onto teeth or dental implants.
Around 700BC, Etruscans in northern Italy made dentures out of human or other animal teeth. These deteriorated quickly, but being easy to produce, were popular until the mid-19th century. (more…)