Wonderful Woodlands Kisses Start With Fresh Breath and Healthy Gums

Holiday kisses are some of the best kind! It’s a time when we like to pass the spirit of the season on with hugs and kisses of all kinds, for loved ones new and familiar! And maybe there’s a special kiss (or more!) under the mistletoe.

Whether it’s a quick peck on the cheek or something more special, don’t keep anyone at arm’s length because of halitosis, or bad breath. You’ve probably heard of gingivitis, as well as periodontitis. Both of these gum diseases can have serious consequences, not only for your teeth, but for your overall health as well. Please call our dental office in the Woodlands for gum disease symptoms of any type.

Gingivitis is an inflammation of your gums which, left untreated, can progress to periodontitis, where the periodontal disease has spread to the tissues and bones that support your teeth. The cause of most periodontal disease is bacterial plaque. One of the first symptoms of periodontal disease is chronic halitosis. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.

And we now know through formal scientific studies, periodontal bacteria and inflammation can have a significant impact on managing blood glucose in diabetic patients. Gum disease has also been linked with cardiovascular disease, strokes, and some respiratory conditions. It’s important to let Dr. Cagle know if you have any serious health conditions so she can treat and advise you accordingly.

If your gums bleed while brushing or flossing, if they’re red or sore to the touch, it’s so important not to wait. At our dental practice in the Woodlands, Dr. Cagle will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of periodontal disease.

When caught early, the solutions for periodontal disease can be as simple as more regular brushing and flossing. Dr. Shirley Cagle may recommend some of the latest and most gentle therapies, or she may refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in gum disease.

Call us for an appointment at our Woodlands dental office at 281.681.9442 at the first sign of any of the symptoms of gum disease. Regular dental care, with faithful flossing and brushing is the best formula for healthy teeth and gums, and for preventing gingivitis.

Keep Your Woodlands Holiday Bright, Beautiful, and White

What’s more beautiful than the holidays in the Woodlands at winter? In Texas, we do our holidays like we do everything, with high spirits, big hearts, and big smiles!

Keep that smile white and bright during this beautiful season and be on the lookout for some foods that can stain your teeth.

• Artificially colored gum and candy, nuts: There snacks and goodies are everywhere this time of year! Those extra nibbles of candy (including chocolate!) and nuts can leave food stains on your teeth. Mix in some carrots and celery to help battle food stains.
• Red wine: The darker the wine, the more it can stain your teeth. Keep a glass of water nearby and periodically take a few sips.
• Tomato sauce and ketchup, soy sauce and spices: The acidity, as well as the color of tomato sauce and ketchup can leave stains your teeth. And dark liquids like soy sauce and some dressings can also contribute to a dingy smile.

Some holiday foods, such as antioxidant-rich berries, fruits, and nuts, can be good for you. But one thing that is never good for you is tobacco, in any form. And tobacco can also leave ugly stains on your teeth, and unpleasant odors on your breath.

Enjoy holiday foods and help prevent stains too!

Our dental office serves the Woodlands and other nearby communities such as Tomball and Conroe. We offer comprehensive cosmetic and restorative dental services. A beautiful smile from Dr. Shirley Cagle is a healthy smile, too! Call us for an appointment or consultation at 281.681.9442. Regular care, with faithful flossing and brushing is the best formula for a healthy smile. Have a happy and safe holiday from all of us to all of you!

Keeping The Woodlands, Texas Healthy

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and everyone here at Shirley Cagle, DDS wants to remind you of not only the health consequences of smoking, but also the dental complications that smoking can contribute to.  While it’s important to recognize that not all lung cancer patients are tobacco users, it is equally important to know that smoking is the top risk factor to developing this life-threatening disease.

Smoking not only increases the risk of lung cancer, it can also contribute and lead to other unwanted health and dental issues.  For example, smoking increases the chance for developing periodontal (gum) disease, discoloration of the teeth and oral cancer – and these problems can lead to even more health problems.  Knowing these risk factors, it makes scheduling and keeping regular dental appointments at my Woodlands, Texas dental office even more important. However, not only smokers should take their oral health seriously.  Like lung cancer, periodontal disease, oral cancer and yellowing of the teeth are also found in those who don’t smoke.

At my practice, my team and I focus on treating every individual with care and compassion while also providing thorough and complete dental care.  Our mission is to deliver quality comprehensive and cosmetic dentistry to each and every patient that walks through our door.  We are extremely thorough in all of our treatments including teeth whitening and periodontal (gum) disease screenings.

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults in the United States and can even lead to more serious health issue such as heart disease, strokes and osteoporosis.  In addition to encouraging every patient to perform good daily tooth brushing and flossing habits, we also screen for periodontal disease at every cleaning and exam.  At-home care in addition to regular professional exams and cleanings is the best way to prevent this disease from occurring.  Also, it’s important to know the main factors that affect the health of your gums.  Smoking, diabetes, stress, clenching and grinding teeth, medications and poor nutrition can all negatively affect your gum health. 

Other lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking wine or coffee and eating certain foods can also lead to unwanted discoloration of teeth.  We can help.  We can create custom bleaching trays and provide you with a special bleaching solution that with only a few hours of wear for a few days will help eliminate tooth stains and discolorations.  We also offer an in-office whitening solution with Zoom! In-Office Whitening.  This technology can whiten your teeth an average of eight shades in a little over an hour for immediate results.

During Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and every month, it’s important to become educated on the dangers of tobacco use.  Whether you’re a smoker or not, we’d like to take care of you and your smile at my Woodlands, Texas dental office.  Call us today at 281-681-9442 and let us treat you and your mouth to health.

Giving Thanks in The Woodlands, Texas

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we can’t help but to share all the things that we at Shirley Cagle, DDS are thankful for.

I for one am extremely thankful for my staff and what they do to help both me and our patients.  Our dental team provides quality cosmetic and restorative comprehensive dentistry while always creating a caring and welcoming atmosphere.  Each team member at my Woodlands, Texas dental practice strives to make every patient that walks in our door calm, comfortable and relaxed – and we do a pretty good job!  Don’t take it from us, hear it from our patients – we think they’re just as thankful for us as we are for them.

One of our patients was so appreciative of us and our work, this is what she had to say. “Shirley Cagle is the best kept secret in dentistry in northwest Houston! Her cosmetic work is absolutely astonishing.  I had several veneers and implant crowns done recently and was very pleased! When I looked in the mirror to see my new smile for the first time, I cried with tears of joy. I am so thankful to her and her wonderful staff for giving me the best treatment I’ve ever received!”

We were so touched by this review and thankful that this patient put her trust in us, but she’s not the only one.

Mike first came to us in 2009 after a challenging journey looking for a new dentist.  When he walked in our doors, he knew his search was over.  “I went for my first visit with Dr. Cagle and am happy to report a warm welcome and good first impression. Dr. Cagle is very down to earth, at the same time very professional.  Her staff is equally pleasant and I plan to continue on with her as my dentist.”

These two patients only begin to touch on how much our patients appreciate us and we appreciate them.  They are the reason that we do what we do.  We are so grateful to each and every one of our patients. Thank you for putting your smiles in our trust and care.

Beautifully Restoring Woodlands’ Smiles with Porcelain Veneers

Many people think of porcelain veneers in simply cosmetic terms. While it is true that dental veneers can make teeth look stunningly perfect, they can also be restorative.

Worn, unbalanced teeth can be lengthened, cracked, chipped and broken teeth can be strengthened and repaired and even gaps can be closed.

The process is fairly simple and painless, but if you feel a bit nervous, ask about dental sedation. Once your veneers are placed, your teeth will look amazing, your confidence can be restored and even eating and caring for your teeth are improved. For more information about the benefits of porcelain veneers call my Woodlands, TX dental office –  (281) 681-9442. We’ll get you smiling again in no time!

Keeping Woodlands’ Young Smiles Healthy

How often and how long do your children brush their teeth? They may think they are doing a good job, but new statistics are surprising in what they show about how much time kids take for dental hygiene. The Ad Council recently released a study showing that, in general, kids brush their teeth far less than they ought to. This study indicates that only 44 percent of American kids brush their teeth two or more times per day. That leaves 66 percent of our country’s young population vulnerable to tooth decay.

This is a very serious problem especially when you consider that the bacteria that is produced in an unhealthy mouth is associated with all sorts of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes problems and even obesity. But even if their health isn’t impacted, it can become costly in terms of time lost fixing even minor unnecessary cavities. According to an Ad Council press release, “oral disease causes kids to miss 51 million school hours and their parents to lose 25 million work hours annually.”

Why not schedule your children’s dental cleanings and check-ups today by calling my Woodlands, TX dental office at (281) 681-9442? Their smiles will thank you…and so will your schedule and your wallet.

Here are a few activities and links from the Ad Council on proper brushing and ways to help your kids brush long enough:

Remind kids to brush for two minutes, twice a day. Find fun 2-minute videos to entertain them while brushing. http://bit.ly/QXCOi3   

Parents: keep track of your child’s brushing routine with this handy checklist http://bit.ly/NlmaJV  #2min2X #KidsHealthyMouths

Keeping Woodlands’ Smiles Bright and Whole Dental Diet Tips for a Healthy Mouth

Eating right is important for keeping your body healthy and going strong. But did you know that what you eat affects your teeth as well? I’m not just talking about avoiding sugary snacks and candy. Of course there are things to avoid, but there are also things you can eat to protect your teeth as well!

Here are a few quick suggestions to help keep your mouth and your body healthy:

Ÿ  Cut down on sugary or carbohydrate rich foods and add more Xylitol-based gum and mints. Xylitol actually helps prevent the formation of cavities!

Ÿ  Avoid foods that have the deadly three – sugar, acid and stickiness. If you do eat foods that are highly acidic, wait at least 30 minutes to brush.

Ÿ  Add fresh, unprocessed foods to your diet. In other words, if you want a snack between meals, try something like crunchy and fresh raw veggies or crisp fruit.

Ÿ  Add more milk, cheese or yogurt to your diet.  Dairy products seem to lessen the occurrence or tooth and gum disease and protect your tooth enamel by providing necessary calcium.

Ÿ   Drink tea! Compounds in black tea can kill growth and acid production of cavity-causing bacteria in dental plaque.

For more information about how to keep your mouth and body healthy through diet and dentistry, call me, Shirley E. Cagle, DDS, FAGD, at my Woodlands, TX dental office –  (281) 681-9442.

Woodlands Dentistry You can Count on. Gentle Care for the Whole Family

Once in a while, I stop to think, “What if I had to choose a dentist for my family right now? What would I want?” It is a quick little refresher for me in my approach to dentistry. You see, I always want to offer my patients the kind of dentistry I would expect for myself and for my family. Nothing less.

That’s why I take every day of my work so seriously. I keep up on all the latest techniques, materials and technology through advanced postgraduate courses. I have postgraduate training at The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. I have also studied at The American College of Oral Implantology and The International Congress of Oral Implantologists. All this training gives me the kind of confidence and skill I think my patients deserve and is really important when I am performing delicate, precision dentistry like dental implant placement or the creation of porcelain veneers. But even my youngest patients benefit from this training – parents can count on the fact that I am giving their children the safest, most-up-to-date care available.

However, skill and training are only part of what I would want in dental care for my family. I would also want a very compassionate and gentle touch and a comfortable, friendly, clean office, so of course I offer all this too!

If this is the kind of dentistry YOU would like for yourself and for your family, call me, Shirley E. Cagle, DDS, FAGD, at my Woodlands, TX dental office –  (281) 681-9442. I look forward to treating you to the dentistry I think you deserve. 

Woodlands Summer Smile Surprises Fix Your Teeth Quickly and Easily with Restorative Care from Dr. Shirley Cagle

So much can happen to your smile during these active summer months. Diving into pools, playing sports, riding a bike or a horse…really any activity could lead to a sudden tooth injury. Even munching on a bowl of buttery popcorn with your family could be a recipe for disaster if you hit a hard kernel of unpopped corn! Suddenly you are faced with the hassle of having your chipped, cracked or broken tooth repaired. What should you do? If it isn’t painful, you can usually wait until regular office hours to call me and I’ll get you right in for a restoration. Depending on the size and extent of the damage, we can either fix it with bonding material right in the office or take impressions and send away to the lab for a beautiful and durable porcelain dental crown, inlay or onlay. Of course, we will immediately place temporary restorations so you can get on with the business of life without waiting.

If your tooth has broken off at the root or is lost altogether, or if you are experiencing pain because of the damage, don’t hesitate to call our office right away. If your tooth has been knocked out, put it under your tongue or in a glass of milk to keep it moist until you get to me. Do not throw your tooth away.  We can replace that lost tooth with a number of convenient and attractive restoration methods, including a fixed bridge, but the ideal choice for most patients is a dental implant.

So go on, keep having fun this summer…and if the unexpected happens, count us to get your teeth repaired quickly and conveniently. Call me, Shirley E. Cagle, DDS, FAGD, at my Woodlands dental office –  (281) 681-9442. We can help you feel better fast.

A Brighter Smile from Woodlands’ Dr. Shirley Cagle Smile Whitening for Special Occasions

Do you have any special occasions coming up this August? I have a way to help you look younger and more attractive – and it is super easy. Smile whitening! You would be amazed at what a difference whitening your smile can make in the way you look and in the confidence you feel. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you so when your teeth are discolored or dull, it is not an easy thing for people to ignore.

The truth is, the older we get, the darker our teeth tend to be. Sometimes this is because of enamel thinning. When the outer layer of your tooth thins with age, more of the darker dentin beneath is visible. Staining agents like red wine, tea or, most commonly, coffee, also make your teeth look darker. However, you don’t have to live with it! Even if your dentin has thinned, whitening the outer enamel can make your smile look significantly brighter. If whitening doesn’t do the trick, porcelain veneers can definitely bring your smile back to its youthful splendor. So go ahead and get ready for any special occasion or just feel more brilliant everyday! Talk to me about how tooth whitening or porcelain dental veneers can help you feel younger and more confident today! Call my Woodlands dental office at (281) 681-9442.

Calming Dental Fears and Anxiety in The Woodlands By Shirley Cagle, DDS

Does going to the dentist fill you with fear or anxiety? You’re not alone and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s estimated that as many as 75 percent of adults in America experience some level of unease about the dentist. What can you do? Laugh it off with Nitrous Oxide available at my dental practice in The Woodlands, TX.

Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas, has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. So calming and effective, you may fall asleep through your treatment.

Advantages of Nitrous Oxide

• The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation.
• There is no after effect such as a "hangover."
• Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart and lungs, etc.
• Inhalation sedation is very effective in minimizing gagging.
• It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as little as 2-3 minutes its relaxation and pain killing properties develop.

If fear has kept you from the dentist, consider Nitrous Oxide for your next appointment. If you’ve got any questions, just call my dental office in The Woodlands today.

Dental Advice from Woodlands’ Dr. Shirley Cagle

You are diligent about getting your yearly cancer screenings and doing your self-exams…but are you as diligent about knowing what is going on in your mouth? Believe it or not, awareness of changes in your mouth (not just your teeth) could protect you just as much as all those other exams.

A surprising number of medical conditions first show their presence in subtle and painless changes in your mouth. So go ahead, stick your tongue out at yourself in the mirror every few mornings. Look at the color of your tongue and gums. Changes in color could indicate iron deficiencies, diabetes, or gum disease. If your teeth suddenly seem to be breaking down, it could be an indication of gastric reflux. And be sure to check for any sores or spots. They could be the beginning of oral cancer.

Whatever the changes are, they should be checked out. Remember, home checks are helpful, but they aren’t as thorough as the ones I conduct in my office. I have all the latest equipment to help me see better and in more detail and the training to recognize the most subtle changes. To schedule your yearly exam, call me, Dr. Shirley Cagle, at my Woodlands dental office –  (281) 681-9442.

Sports Drinks Can be Bad for Your Smile! Dental Advice from Woodlands’ Dr. Shirley Cagle

 What you consume can really affect the health of your mouth. And it isn’t just candy or soda that can cause cavities. Sugar isn’t the only culprit in tooth damage. The pH of what you drink (or eat) can also dramatically affect the health of your mouth. Any pH lower than 5.0 can erode enamel, affect the structural integrity of your teeth and cause cavities, sensitivity and even lead to tooth loss. Water has a pH of around 7.0, while sports drinks and sodas have pH levels that start around three and go as low as 2.7. Stomach acid is 2.0! And battery acid is 1.0. That gives you an idea of what you are putting in your mouth and washing over your teeth! Sports drinks are especially bad, and many of our patients have said they drink them instead of soda thinking that they are healthier! Instead of soda, sports drinks or even juice, why not try some coconut water? It has a pH of about 5.4 and contains only naturally occurring sugars and electrolytes. If you have been consuming a lot of sports drinks lately call me, Shirley E. Cagle, DDS, FAGD, at my Woodlands dental office –  (281) 681-9442. A fluoride treatment can help remineralize your teeth and protect them from damage.

Fluoride Treatment in The Woodlands. It’s Not Just for Kids.

Think you’re too old for fluoride treatments? Think again! At my dental practice in The Woodlands, we provide every adult with a fluoride treatment at every hygiene appointment.

Why? Just think about what you expose your teeth to every day. Soda. Coffee. Tea. Sweets. Candy. All that sugar and acidic food can wreak havoc on your tooth enamel, causing decay and cavities. Even bottled water can be a threat to your teeth. Why? It’s not fluoridated.

Fluoride is a natural mineral that protects and strengthens the teeth against cavities. It occurs naturally in water and is added to many municipal water supplies.

Protect your teeth against this daily onslaught. Brush your teeth after you drink coffee, tea, soda or other acidic beverage. Can’t brush? Rinse your mouth with water. Tap water.  Stop drinking bottled water.  Instead, fill a bottle with fluoridated tap water. Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Most importantly, make sure you have a professional fluoride treatment once a year. If you haven’t had a fluoride treatment in awhile, contact me at my dental practice in The Woodlands today.

Cleaning for Your Smile and Your Body Professional Woodlands Hygiene from Dr. Shirley Cagle

The earliest known toothpaste, referred to in an Egyptian manuscript, was a mixture of flowers and mint.  Other common tooth cleaners through the ages have included talc, honey, fruit and even lizards! Nowadays, toothpaste is an even more important element – along with your regular dental hygiene and cleanings  –  in the process of keeping your gums and teeth strong, healthy and clean. We always recommend that you use a toothpaste containing Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral that helps protect and even repair your tooth’s surfaces by making  teeth more resistant to sugars and acids. Use a pea-sized dot of toothpaste – no more – and brush every surface of your tooth, paying careful attention to your gum line, for at least two minutes. Pressing harder on your toothbrush doesn’t help get your teeth any cleaner than gentle, consistent brushing – in fact it can do a lot more damage than good! And don’t forget, no matter what kind of toothpaste you use or how well you brush your teeth, there is no replacement for your regular dental hygiene visits.  To schedule a hygiene visit or a consultation appointment, call me, Shirley E. Cagle, DDS, FAGD, at our Woodlands dental office at (281) 681-9442.

Bringing Woodlands Smiles to Health and Beauty With Exquisite Porcelain Veneers

Anyone can  have cosmetic issues with their teeth. We have had young people come to us with teeth so damaged from drinking sodas that they never smile at all anymore. We have also had older folks come to us with teeth that were too small or so gapped that they have struggled with self-consciousness since childhood. The porcelain veneers I  offer here at my Woodland’s dental office are so strong and beautiful that they are an ideal solution for  anyone, of any age, needing to have teeth corrected. Why wait another minute? Porcelain veneers can repair and restore any smile in as little as two visits! To talk to me, Dr. Shirley Cagle, about whether or not you are a candidate for porcelain dental veneers and to find out how they might benefit you. Call 281-681-9442 to schedule a consultation.

Periodontal Treatment in The Woodlands. More Than Caring for Your Teeth and Gums. Taking Care of Your Health.

Regular visits to your dentist in The Woodlands for check-ups and cleanings do more than keep your teeth and gums healthy. Those visits may also save your life. Why? Because they protect you from periodontal (gum) disease.

It’s common knowledge that periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. But studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of Periodontology report that periodontal disease can also lead to an increased risk of:

• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Certain Cancers (including pancreatic cancer)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Difficulty controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes
• Premature Birth
• Low Birth-Weight Babies
• and more

With more than 85 percent of people in the United States with some level of periodontal disease, chances are you have it. Check for the following symptoms: swollen gums, gums that bleed when you brush or floss, loose teeth, receding gum line and halitosis. But sometimes there aren't any symptoms at all.

The good news is that periodontal disease is treatable, and in many cases, reversible. With dental technology and advanced periodontal therapy, including ultrasonic scalers, dental lasers and antibiotics, gum treatment is more gentle, comfortable and effective than ever before.

It’s easy to keep your gums, teeth and your health in good shape. Simply visit my dental practice in The Woodlands for regular check-ups and cleanings. Brush and floss daily at home and use an oral irrigator. You’ll be smiling and feeling good!

Need a Dentist in The Woodlands? Find the One That’s Right for You.

There was a time when all you had to do to choose a dentist in The Woodlands was to open the Yellow Pages, pick one, and call.

Not anymore!

Today, to choose the right dentist for your needs, you have to do a little research. Why? These days, dentists and dentistry are widely varied. Even general dentists offer different treatments.

Thankfully, most of the information you seek is waiting on the Internet. But before any of the searching starts, you need to start by interviewing yourself! Only then will you get a clear picture of the dentistry you’re looking for.

Ask yourself:

What kind of dentist do I need?

• A family dentist that offers comprehensive care in one location?
• A dentist that focuses on restorative dental care, like filling, bridges, crowns, dentures, etc. for the more mature patient?
• A dentist that offers more specialized care like cosmetic dentistry? Endodontics? Periodontics?  Orthodontics, TMJ treatment, etc?
• A dentist that complements care with comfort, from sedation to patient amenities?

What do I expect from my care?

• To maintain my oral health?
• To restore my mouth to health? Do I have broken teeth? Do I want to replace missing teeth?
• Do enhance the appearance of my smile?
• To restore more than oral health, but also relieve painful TMJ symptoms or sleep apnea?

What do I want in dental care?

• The use of advanced technology?
• A comprehensive range of treatment available in one location?
• Convenient hours or location?
• Dental insurance participation?
• Financing?

Once you know what kind of dentist you’re looking for, search online for someone who meets your criteria. For example, if you want cosmetic dentistry, search: cosmetic dentist The Woodlands. Your search should give you a number of results. Once you find one you like, do some research on that dentist. (Most dentists have websites that have all the information you need. You can also read online patient reviews.)

Does that dentist have specialized training and experience in the area of care you need? Does he or she participate in continuing education?  Does the dentist show photos of his or her patients and describe the treatment they received? Does the dentist offer any patient testimonials that you can read? There’s no better way to get the “feel” for a dentist than to hear what his or her patients have to say.

Finally, call the office and ask specific questions about the dentist and the care offered. If you feel confident and comfortable, schedule a visit. You’ve done your homework and you’re well on your way to getting the care you need and deserve!

Artistic Dental Bonding in Woodlands Texas

Are your teeth chipped or gapped? Do you have stains that whitening just won’t touch? Do you think you could use some dental veneers but worry about the commitment they might require? Dental bonding might be just the procedure you have been looking for. You would be surprised at the difference this simple and painless procedure can make in your smile. But it is important to remember that dental bonding is performed directly on your teeth so you want to find a dentist that has something of an artistic eye and sensibility. This is very important to the bonding outcome, because if the material is not correctly balanced for color or matched to your shade and texture, it will look odd and unnatural. I use the highest quality bonding material and have been trained in bonding techniques to make sure your smile looks and feels natural and that your bonding lasts as long as possible. Remember though, that bonding material is not as strong as porcelain veneers so you need to be careful not to use your teeth as tools and to avoid stains. For more information about cosmetic dental bonding, or to schedule a visit, call me, Shirley Cagle, at my Woodlands, Texas office at 281.681.9442 or visit www.shirleycagledds.com.