healthy teeth / TAG ARCHIVES
5 Dental Tips To Keep Your Holidays Bright
Twinkle lights, baking cookies, the smell of cinnamon and pine, and the return of Charlie Brown signals that the beginning of the holiday season is in full swing! We understand how busy this time of year can become and we want to help you keep it a happy and healthy season. Here are a few tips to keep your mouth and teeth in tip-top shape. Have a routine. The American Dental Association (ADA) agrees that brushing two times a day for two minutes is a great daily routine. Sticking to this routine not only through the holiday season, but all year long will keep your mouth happy and your smile healthy. Eat Your Veggies. Everywhere you look there are yummy cookies, tasty pies and plenty of chewy candies to tempt you. Go ahead and have some, but remember to get plenty...
Seal Out Tooth Decay
What are dental sealants? Dental sealants are a preventative dental treatment made from a thin plastic material. This material is typically applied to the chewing surface of molars and premolars which have a higher likelihood of cavities, especially at younger ages. The sealants act as a barrier between the teeth and cavity causing bacteria essentially ‘sealing out’ plaque, food and acids in the mouth. How are dental sealants applied? The tooth will be cleaned and prepared to receive the sealant, then the ultra-thin material is ‘painted’ onto the tooth enamel. This can be done by the dentist, dental assistant, or dental hygienist. Once applied, the sealant bonds with the tooth and hardens. Sometime a curing light is used to help speed up the curing time...
Why Do We Go To The Dentist Every 6 Months?
Like most Americans you probably go to the dentist every 6 months. Every other visit you will get X-rays done, but each time you leave it is with a new toothbrush, some floss and a reminder to come again in 6 months. You may have asked yourself; is seeing the dentist twice a year really necessary? We believe it is one of the most important things you can do for your oral and overall health. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Scraping and polishing teeth. Flossing. X-Rays. These familiar activities are the cornerstone of any dental visit, but we do so much more for your health than just those things. Are your gums healthy? During your exam we'll check the health of your gums. Are they fresh and pink? Are they red, swollen...
How to Get Brighter, Whiter Teeth
In the never-ending chase for brighter and whiter teeth, we can all become confused by the many pastes and trays and gums and other tips and tricks out there. Below, we try to cut through some of that confusion by clearing up what works best and what you can do to help get the smile you’ve always wanted. At-home whitening products. White strips, over-the-counter bleach trays, and whitening pens all work to one degree or another. However, even if you follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s packaging the results can be less than desirable compared to treatments at Woodlands Family Dental. Some believe that leaving products on longer or using them more often can produce better results. The reality is that it does not provide any additional whitening and...
Sedation and Relaxation at the Dentist
Let's chat candidly about going to the dentist. Most would not put dental work or even a routine cleaning at the top of their list of favorite things to do. It's an important part of our lives though, so we get a cleaning twice a year. Sometimes we might need a filling. At other times we might need a more 'extended' procedure like a root canal, implant or extraction. For many, going to the dentist is something to be tolerated. For some, it can be down right dreadful. The stress and anxiety about going to the dentist that some patients feel can be debilitating, but it doesn't have to be. Each patient has their own threshold of anxiety. Sometimes a few deep breaths can take care of that. At other times, it requires a more clinical approach. Below are a few of...
Pregnancy and Dental Health
The Woodlands, TX and the surrounding areas are thriving, booming communities. Many families live here and many more are moving in at a high rate. With great schools, churches, parks and activities, families are growing bigger which means more wives are becoming moms and more moms are having second and third children. During pregnancy, we control what we eat and drink, the kinds of medications we take and we try to limit external influences which may affect the pregnancy in some negative way. If you are pregnant or hope to be pregnant in the future, even something as simple as dental cleaning can be a source of stress and anxiety. Below we discuss a few of the conditions and questions that pop up from time to time regarding pregnancy and dental health. Pregnancy...
The Art of Sedation Dentistry
Pain free dental care is a true art form. We understand that a lot of people fear dentists. There is no reason you should not receive comfortable dental care. Finding a dentist that listens to you is a priority when it comes to finding the best dental care. Most dentists will listen, and they can offer many options to help you cope with any anxiety that you may feel concerning your visit. Relax in Total Comfort Dental anxiety is common among children and adults alike. Some cases are worse than others. When you contact your dentist, it is important to discuss your concerns. They will be able to offer sedation choices that will make your visit a whole lot easier. One of the most common choices of sedation is the use of nitrous oxide. Otherwise known as laughing...
