Category: Blog
How You Can Keep Your Child’s Oral Health Safe
May 30, 2021Adult teeth are capable of enduring minor oral illnesses without taking severe damage to the teeth and gums. Children, however, can not endure oral diseases since their teeth are not strong enough and are easy for cavities to penetrate.
The first step you can take to protect your child’s oral health is to teach them how to brush their teeth. In the beginning, hold your child’s hand and guide them. Once they begin brushing their teeth on their own, supervise them. Some parents do not supervise their children when they brush their teeth. If you do not watch your child, your child may not use the correct technique for brushing his teeth, which may further endanger their teeth. Next, make sure that your child brushes their teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Your child will need to use fluoride toothpaste for a maximum cleanse.
You will also need to have your child visit the dentist after their first birthday. Dental checkups should take place every six months. An early dental visit helps the child get familiar with dental processes. As a result, the child will not be afraid to visit the dentist when they are old. So, the sooner you bring your child for his first visit, the better experience you will have in your later visits.
It is essential to protect your child’s oral health while they are still an infant. Make sure that your child stays away from chocolates as well since they are harmful to oral health.
At Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry. We have a dental specialist experienced in dealing with children, our team of dentists is always happy to guide you towards protecting your child’s oral health. Do not hesitate to call us at 281-937-7530 or schedule your child’s first visit.
Here Is Why Should You Choose Porcelain Veneers?
May 15, 2021If you are suffering from extreme yellowish teeth, broken teeth, spaced and misalignment in your teeth, then Veneers are the best solution that will help you achieve the best-looking smile.
But if you have any oral health issues or slight discoloration of teeth, your dentist will suggest you first proceed with treating the problem and then proceed with Veneers treatment.
How Does The Procedure Begin?
Your dentist will most probably begin with having you undergo several different tests and examinations. This is important for him/her to determine your condition and the health of your gums and teeth.
If the condition of your mouth is not suitable for Veneers, you may have to undergo the treatment to make your mouth ready for Veneers. Treatments could include anything such as:
- fillings
- root canal treatment
- orthodontic treatments, etc.
During these sessions, your dentist will also take you through clarifying your doubts, expectations and explaining the complete procedure and outcome.
What Happens Next?
Once all the above is complete, now it’s time to fix your Veneers.
The first sitting may take around an hour. Once your examinations are complete, your dentist will use digital technology to show you how the outcome would look. This will help you have an understanding and also set your expectations right.
Once that stage is complete, your Veneers will not take more than two to three sessions. The first session would be to prepare your mouth, impressions, and restorations. The second session would be two three weeks later for testing and fitting.
Maintain Your Veneers
Once your Veneers are fixed in place, it is up to you to maintain them. Remember that Veneers are expensive; hence, it may not be an easy task to have them replaced; therefore, you may never have to have them replaced if you maintain them well.
Keep your mouth clean and practice good oral hygiene, and a regular visit to your hygienist are ways to ensure a long life for your Veneers.
To learn more about Veneers, visit Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry, and our doctors will take you through the complete process. Book an appointment by calling us at 281-937-7530.
What’s So Great About An Electric Toothbrush?
April 30, 2021Electric toothbrushes do the cleaning for you so that you do not have to move your hands. There are various factors for good dental health. Among the most important is your brushing technique. When you brush your teeth, a lot of plaque stays behind, stuck in corners or where you do not rub your toothbrush. An electric toothbrush targets such places and gets rid of such plaque.
Dentists recommend that you should brush your teeth for at least two minutes. If I were to ask you, how long do you brush your teeth for, what would you answer? An electric toothbrush usually has a two-minute timer to ensure that you brush your teeth as you should. Has your dentist ever told you that you brush your teeth vigorously? Brushing your teeth too hard can cause:
- Sensitivity in the teeth
- Gums recession
- Risk of cavities
Also, remember that receding gums do not grow back, and teeth abrasion can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. You mustn’t brush your teeth too hard. An electric toothbrush does just that. Electric toothbrushes have a sensor built within, which will notify you if you brush your teeth too hard.
While adults may find an electric toothbrush beneficial, children benefit from electric toothbrushes even more. Let me explain how: Have you ever stood there while your child is brushing their teeth? Children may not focus on the technique while brushing. They may not brush for long enough, which may affect their oral health.
But there are a lot of different styles, types, and brands for electric toothbrushes. Inquire with your dentist regarding which electric toothbrush you should buy. If you are looking for expert advice, you can visit Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry. Our team of dentists will be happy to assist you in taking your first step towards better oral health. Call us now at 281-937-7530 to schedule a consultation.
How is Oral Health Connected to Pancreatic Cancer
April 15, 2021Pancreatic cancer begins in the pancreas tissues; it is formed with the cells and lethal. Usually, people, after getting diagnosed, have three years to 3.5 years to survive. Since it has no symptoms and can not be diagnosed earlier, it is only diagnosed within its advanced stages. If it is diagnosed at an early stage, it is indeed curable.
If you are overweight, consume alcohol, and smoke, you may be at risk of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer may also travel through hereditary means. If someone in your family has it, you may be at risk.
Recent research has proven that oral health plays a significant part in the progression of pancreatic cells:
Oral Bacteria Can Lead To A Pancreatic Cancer
When your pancreas develops any changes with the DNA, you feel what is described as a tumor. The severity of cancer depends on the number of oral bacteria present within the pancreas.
Teeth Loss and Gum Disease Hit You Late But Hits You Hard
Losing your teeth at an early age has some downsides when you turn old. Recent research has proven that those who have suffered from tooth loss and gum disease are more prone to suffer from pancreatic cancer.
If there is a family history of pancreatic cancer, smoke, consume alcohol or red meat, then remain alert. There is medical research to prove that oral health plays an essential part in your wellbeing, so to stay away from any illness and diseases, remember to eat healthily and visit your dentist regularly.
If you are looking for expert advice, you can visit Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry, where our doctors will be able to assist you and help solve all your queries. Call us now at 281-937-7530 to schedule a consultation.
If You Are Someone Who Wears Braces, You Should Remember These Things
March 30, 2021Now that you have got your braces, you have started the journey to achieving a confident smile. During your treatment, you will have regular dental visits where your orthodontist will make adjustments per your treatment plan. But what more could you do to make the most out of your treatment?
Do Not Miss Your Dental Visits
When you visit your orthodontist, they will straighten your teeth, tighten your braces and monitor your progress to see how your treatment is going ahead. But they will not check for any oral problems. Hence you will have to visit your dentist to ensure your oral health problems are taken care of. Your dentist will check for signs of decay or any gum disease and treat the problem before it interferes with your braces treatment.
Have Your Teeth Cleaned Regularly
We all know that with brackets, wires, and bands in your mouth, it becomes challenging to clean your teeth and mouth properly. Hence there is an accumulation of plaque, stain, and tartar on your teeth. This can lead to several dental problems; therefore, your dentist will recommend you visit them for teeth cleaning session every three months.
You Will Not See Results With Poor Oral Hygiene
If you are teeth and gums healthy can lead to slowing down your treatment. If you do not take care of your oral hygiene, it can cause gum infection. When your gums are swollen, it can hinder the orthodontist’s ability to work on your mouth. And if the infection becomes severe, chances are you will have to stop your treatment by removing the brackets to treat the infection. And this can extensively prolong the treatment.
Listen To Your Orthodontist
Make sure you do not chew ice, candies, or any hard food items, as instructed by your orthodontist, because these food items can lead to bending or breaking your wires. And if your brackets or wires are broken, your teeth will not move. Also, make sure the elastics your orthodontist places in your mouth stay intact. You will require these to move your teeth in the right direction. If you remove them, this can lead to damaging your complete jawline and prolonging your treatment.
What does an orthodontist looks forward to is their patient having a beautiful and confident smile. If you have any questions about your braces treatment, you can always speak to our orthodontists at Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry. Call us at 281-937-7530 to schedule a consultation.
How To Decide When To Change Your Toothbrush?
March 15, 2021Have you ever thought if it’s the right time to throw away that toothbrush of yours? It depends on how you use it, your health, and your preferences. It would be best if you ideally replace your toothbrush approximately every three to four months.
If you think that how you would know the time is right, the best way to figure it out is to remember when you got the last one and if you cannot, then the time is right. Some other factors you can decide on are:
- If you are feeling better after a terrible sickness.
- If you store all the toothbrushes next to one another.
- If the bristles of your toothbrush are frayed.
Some Styles To Choose From:
Now that you have decided that it is time to get a new toothbrush, you need to figure out the type of brush you will be buying. The most common types of brush are a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush. But how do you decide which one is right for you?
- Manual Toothbrush: It is the most commonly used toothbrush which you probably are using since childhood. It is easy to use, portable and handy. It does not vibrate or make any noise when in operation. And it gives you full control over the fact that how much pressure you want to apply to your teeth and gums.
- Electric Toothbrush: An electric toothbrush is a very commonly used toothbrush nowadays. It will require you to charge the brush before you use it, and you will have to take the charger with you when you travel. But the most significant benefit of it is that due to the bristles’ rotating movement, cleaning your teeth and between gum lines become much easier.
Ways To Keep Your Toothbrush Clean
No matter whichever toothbrush you purchase, make sure you rinse it with clean water after using it and always store your toothbrush in a vertical position. The bristles should be upright so they can properly dry.
Our dentists know how important your oral health is; hence, proper use of a toothbrush is crucial. To learn more about toothbrushes, reach out to Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry, and our team of dentists will assist you. Call us now at 281-937-7530 to book a consultation.
Some FAQ’s About Dentistry
February 28, 2021If you are not sure about your oral health and have dentistry questions, you can ask them to your dentist when you visit them the next time. But to give you a head start, here are some questions which patients frequently ask along with their answers.
How Can I Whiten My Teeth?
We are all want to make sure we have a perfect smile, and white shining teeth are an integral part of your smile. Patients always ask about whitening their teeth. It is a difficult question to answer because there isn’t a one-size-fits-all teeth whitening treatment. You can come in for an in-office professional whitening session. This is a fast and effective way to whiten your teeth. If your teeth are not in very bad condition, you can get good results with over-the-counter teeth whitening treatment kits. Your dentist will be able to help you with which is the best solution for you.
How Often Should I Visit A Dentist?
It would be best if you visited your dentist once in six months for a regular check-up and cleaning session. But if you have a history of gum disease or are undergoing orthodontic treatment, you will be required to see your dentist more frequently. Make sure you comply with those recommendations.
What Is Cavity?
We all know that cavity is not good for our teeth. But most people do not understand what a cavity is. If put in simple words, a cavity is when decay causes a hold in your tooth. The tooth structure from this hollow space is completely eaten up, and you must immediately get the cavity filled. Else, it can get bigger with time.
Is It Safe To Have An Dental X-Ray?
Nowadays, dental X-rays are very safe. The amount of radiation your body will receive is the same amount of radiation you receive when flying on an airplane.
These are some questions which patients commonly ask, but if you have other questions regarding your oral health your general dentistry, you can feel and ask our dentists at Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry. Our team of experienced dentists will be able to answer all your questions. Call us now at 281-937-7530 to book a consultation.
Do You Need To Replace That Missing Tooth Of Yours?
February 15, 2021Imagine you just realized that you had lost a tooth. But it one which is not publicly visible to anyone when you speak. Does it get you thinking that you can skip having it replaced and no one would find out?
You indeed can, and you will start feeling normal after a couple of days, but remember that not replacing a missing tooth can lead to severe physical and mental problems. It may not sound straightforward, but replacing a tooth is easy and will be a good payoff in the long run.
Some Physical Consequences:
You might not realize this, but having a missing tooth can lead to several long-term issues. Having to replace a meeting tooth can lead to long-term problems inside and outside your mouth.
As time passes by, you will be facing a condition called malocclusion. This means that the teeth near the space will try moving and fill in the open space. This will lead to problems like overbite and crossbiting. This means you will suffer from continuous pain n the jaw, difficulty in chewing food, and severe tooth decay. Your dentist will have to ask you to wear braces or undergo surgery. And surgeries in such cases are more expensive than a single tooth replacement would be.
Some other issues you can face are. A missing tooth will lead to you not being able to chew your food correctly. Unchewed food will lead to digestive problems and malnutrition. Your missing tooth can also affect your jawline by damaging the bone around it, which will lead to sagging the area around the mouth.
Some Mental Consequences:
Along with physical effects, a missing tooth can also have several adverse mental effects. We’ve always watched in movies that the protagonist or the poor ones are shown a missing tooth. What this does is it is setting up a negative perception in society.
If you lose the tooth at a young age, you will have to live all your life without it, and if you lose it at the age of 50 or 60, it would be challenging for you to manage at that age.
You do not want to open yourself to any criticism and doubt yourself. You have the power to change your appearance, so why not use it.
How To Get Back Your Smile?
If you have a missing tooth or teeth and are looking to replace it, you can visit Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry. Our experienced dental team is available to assist you and help you get back the smile you have missed all this time. Call us now at 281-937-7530.
Breathing With An Open Mouth Is Harmful To Your Oral Health
January 30, 2021Breathing through the mouth is very common within individuals. It could be due to the person suffering from a cold or flu or something they are regularly doing. But the reason for breathing from the mouth is because the intake of air through the nose is not sufficient for them.
There may seem not much of a difference in breathing from the nose vs. the mouth. But there are characteristics that can drastically affect your health, especially your dental health. Breathing from the mouth leads to your mouth becoming dry. When there is a lack of saliva in the mouth or no saliva in the mouth, it can cause damage to your teeth and gums.
Is Mouth Breathing Bad For The Mouth?
Dry mouth is the result of breathing from the mouth, which is the drying up of your mouth’s saliva. The presence of saliva in your mouth protects your teeth and gums by negating the effects of acid in the mouth. And stopping the bacteria from causing any damage.
When there is no saliva, there is no protective barrier in the mouth, which can allow bacteria and germs to grow in the mouth. Once these grow to an extent, they can increase plaque and eventually cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Drying up of saliva in the mouth also increases the number of bacteria on the tongue, the roof of the mouth as these too are dried up surfaces now. Bad breath is also a result of breathing from the mouth and dry mouth. It is the debris and dryness that causes a bad odor.
How Can You Tackle Breathing From the Mouth?
Do not worry too much about the effects of mouth breathing on your teeth and gums. Just visit Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry for consultation, and our dentists will recommend the best treatment that suits you. Call us at 281-937-7530 to schedule a consultation.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in Sugar Land Tx?
January 15, 2021Without the hassle of undergoing surgery or procedure, teeth whitening can dramatically improve your smile. It is a straightforward and convenient solution, but how much does teeth whitening cost?
Based on research by the associated agencies, an attractive smile makes a person the most appealing, and white teeth are essential for a beautiful smile. Discoloration of the teeth is a normal process because of the food items we eat and drink. Hence whitening of the teeth also becomes a requirement.
Read along to learn about how much you have to pay for teeth whitening by Sugar Land dentists.
How Much Will Teeth Whitening Cost Me?
Your dentist may charge you about $650 for regular teeth whitening procedures, but the cost can go up to $1000, depending on several factors, from the type of whitening, etc.
The reason for such high prices is, with teeth whitening, you get what you pay for. If you choose to go for a cheaper option, the results will obviously not be as dramatic as you expect, and you will require to undergo the procedure after a short period.
Another option is using a tube of toothpaste, which includes whitening power. Or a box of teeth whitening strips costs around $20 to $40, and over-the-counter bleaching, gell trays are available for under $100. At-home treatment will undoubtedly be cheaper but not as effective as in-office treatments.
Should You Opt For Profession Teeth Whitened?
Without a doubt, the return on investment of in-office treatments is the highest. The reason is the type of whitening agent your dentist may use contains a higher value of hydrogen peroxide. In contrast, your home treatment kit will have about 10% of hydrogen peroxide.
The results can last up to 18 – 24 months, depending on your lifestyle and food intake. If you are looking for a quick option, and in-office treatment should not take than 60 – 90 minutes. anymore
Does Insurance Cover Teeth Whitening?
In most cases, dental insurance does not cover teeth whitening. You should check with your clinic and insurance provider before visiting them.
If you are looking to undergo a teeth whitening treatment, call Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry at 281-937-7530, and our team of expert dentists is available at your service.