Well… That’s Awkward – Handling Embarrassing Dental Moments with Ease

An important business lunch. A promising first date. Meeting your significant other’s parents for the first time at a fancy restaurant. There are plenty of times in our lives when we’re nervous about picking out just the right outfit, deciding what to say and what not to say, and when it’s really important to make sure you’re on your game. While we’re not really qualified to give you fashion direction or small-talk advice, all of us at my dental office in The Woodlands can help you quickly fix any awkward dental moment with ease.

Bad Breath

While bad breath may be hard to avoid after eating a garlic-loaded pasta dish, there are several ways to beat post-dinner bad breath. Some solutions do require a bit of preparation. Before you head out to the meal, stop and grab some sugarless gum. After you eat, pop a piece in your mouth and chew quietly to successfully curb any bad smells from lingering throughout the night. If no gum is available, drink water. Water has cleansing properties that can help remove the bad-smelling agents from your tongue. If your breath is less than fresh all the time, see your dentist in The Woodlands as it could be a sign of something serious.

Something’s Stuck in Your Teeth

It happens, and while there are several ways to successfully remove the pestering piece, not all of them are appropriate at the dinner table, and some can even end up causing damage to your teeth, gums, or mouth. Play it safe. If something’s stuck in your teeth, swish some water around in your mouth to try to loosen it, or chew a piece of sugarless gum to unstick the culprit. If the food is really wedged in there, it’s best to excuse yourself and head to the restroom. Floss is always the best choice, but if you don’t have it, you can use your fingers or try the corner of a folded paper towel. However, never ever use a tool that could cause damage. Avoid wires, pens, keys, tweezers, and bobby pins.

Occasionally, one of your dining partners may be victim of the wedged parsley stuck between the canines. If this occurs, you can help them avoid that crushing moment later, when they’re looking in the mirror, see the piece of food, and wonder how long it was there and why nobody mentioned it. Be a hero. Nonchalantly point to your own mouth which will instinctively tell your pal that something is stuck in his or her grin.  

No matter what the occasion, a little stop for sugarless gum, a habit of carrying floss, and a plan can go a long way toward avoiding what would be an awkward dental moment. With the right tools and tips, you’ll be an expert at easing the worry of dental faux pas.

Serving patients in The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, and surrounding communities.

The 12 Days of Cosmetic Dentistry

A smile can say a lot about a person, and if you’re not comfortable with yours, it can inhibit self confidence. If you’re someone who’s more likely to hide your smile in the upcoming holiday photos, my dental office in The Woodlands has some great news for you.

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just for the rich and famous. In fact, many procedures we perform every day fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry. This holiday season, we wanted to celebrate 12 days of some of the most popular smile-changing treatments. Ask your dentist in The Woodlands which ones are appropriate for you!

Day 1: Smile whitening for simple, quick, effective brightening. This year, make your pearly whites brighter and banish stains from all the red wine you had at the office holiday party.

Day 2: Tooth-colored fillings because it’s so easy to eat too many candy canes!

Day 3: Dental implants. You don’t need to ask Santa for your two front teeth. Just ask us!

Day 4: Porcelain veneers to make your teeth look better than your Christmas tree or Menorah or your Festivus sweater!

Day 5: Fixed bridges. Make up with your Uncle Lenny or fix the gap between two molars for the holidays. We pick molars.

Day 6: Porcelain crowns. You don’t need to be King Wenceslas to wear a crown!

Day 7: Dental bonding is even better than family bonding! We’ll make your teeth so beautiful, you’ll be the envy of the holiday party.

Day 8: Tooth Recontouring. Smooth the shape of your teeth. It’s like the gym for your smile!

Day 9: Traditional orthodontics. Get your teeth lined up nice and straight like toy soldiers.

Day 10: Clear orthodontics to reduce the chance of a dangerous, metal-locked kiss under the mistletoe.

Day 11: A complete smile makeover so at least you can be confident about your smile even if you aren’t about your outfit for the office holiday party.

Day 12: Dentures. With these chompers, you can eat all the fruitcake you’d like without the worry of cavities!

With the holiday season well upon us, there’s never been a better time to reward yourself with the gift of a new smile. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we’d love to talk to you about your smile goals and recommend the best cosmetic dentistry treatment for you.

Serving patients in The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, and surrounding areas.

Dental Habits of Pilgrims & Native Americans

Since 1863, the United States has been celebrating a day of feast, complete with turkey, pies, stuffing, and too much more deliciousness to name. But Thanksgiving isn’t just about eating a plentiful dinner and slipping into a tryptophan-induced afternoon nap, it’s a day dedicated to reflecting on all we are thankful for, gathering around the table with friends and family, and enjoying a meal prepared by all.

While Thanksgiving has only been an official holiday since the days of Abraham Lincoln, the tradition of gathering together to enjoy a large dinner with friends has been in around since the Pilgrims and Native Americans enjoyed the first Thanksgiving meal together. Although the custom of joining together and eating hasn’t changed much since those first Thanksgiving dinners, oral health care sure has.

With all of the advancements in modern dentistry, it’s difficult to imagine a life where there weren’t toothbrushes available at every supermarket, drug store, and gas station, but there was a time when folks didn’t even know what a toothbrush was. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we want to dedicate this seasonal blog to talking about how Pilgrims and Native Americans took care of their grins and how dental health, along with dental care, has changed.

The Pilgrims

It’s a bit of an understatement to say that the Pilgrims didn’t have the best oral hygiene standards. They didn’t have access to proper toothbrushes and toothpaste because they hadn’t been invented yet! Instead, Pilgrims used leaves, herbs, and salt rubbed directly onto their teeth to clean their not-so-pearly whites. For a toothbrush, pig hair was affixed to a twig or animal bone, or sometimes pine bristles were used. Basically, the Pilgrims, who were new to the States and unfamiliar with what was available to them, used whatever items they could find to clean their teeth. Today, we have multiple types of toothbrushes, toothpaste flavors, floss, and other dental hygiene products. Not to mention we have the ability to see a trained dentist in The Woodlands twice a year for checkups and when we have a problem.

The Native Americans

Chances are, the Native Americans had better overall dental health than the Pilgrims. Not only were they more familiar with the land and what was available to them, their diet was healthier. Like the Pilgrims, they also used herbs like sage to clean their teeth, but they used the cucacua plant to make a substance similar to toothpaste. Additionally, while the Pilgrims were eating dried meat and fruits, beans, and a lot of hardtack –  a dry biscuit made of flour, water, and salt – the Native Americans were living off the land and eating more balanced meals of veggies, nuts, and berries. Therefore, they were eating fewer smile-damaging foods to begin with.

This Thanksgiving, take a tip from the Native Americans and try to eat a well-balanced plate (or plates!) of food and try to take it easy on the sugar-filled sweets. And when you’re reflecting on what you’re thankful for, don’t forget to be thankful for toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and modern dentistry as a whole. For it is these advancements in dentistry, plus visits to my The Woodlands dental office, that allow us to have healthy, white smiles every Thanksgiving and all the days in between.

Serving patients in The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.

Diabetes and Oral Health

 

November is American Diabetes Month, during which we dedicate the entire 30 days to encouraging communities to come together and raise awareness of diabetes. While there is no cure for this disease that plagues nearly 30 million Americans, research continues to bring us closer to answers, make advancements in treatment, and link diabetes with other health problems.

Those with diabetes have surely learned that uncontrolled diabetes can contribute to problems throughout your body – your eyes, nerves, kidneys, and heart can all be affected by diabetes. However, we find at my dental office in The Woodlands that many of these individuals aren’t aware of the potential oral health complications that may also arise.

For example, people battling diabetes have an increased chance of developing gum disease. Not simply because those with diabetes have an increased susceptibility to bacteria, but they also have a decreased ability to fight it off. This makes flossing, brushing, and visiting your dentist in The Woodlands regularly extremely important so the bacteria that thrives in the mouth doesn’t cause major problems.  

Not only that, but gum disease can affect blood glucose and make diabetes more difficult to manage and can even make it worse. Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, can be treated fairly easily if caught early. However, periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease, is more difficult to treat and can eventually lead to tooth loss.

When gum disease hits the severity of periodontitis, your gums pull away from your teeth, and create pockets where germs and bacteria love to hide. The bacteria causes the pockets to deepen and, if left untreated, the infection will destroy the bone holding your teeth in place, causing the teeth to move, become loose, or fall out.

Other oral health problems that can result from diabetes include thrush (a fungal infection of the mouth) and dry mouth. These can create even more issues like ulcers, infections, cavities, and more.

The best way to prevent oral health problems for a patient with diabetes is to control their blood glucose level, and brush, floss daily, and maintain visits to my dental office in The Woodlands at least twice yearly. People with diabetes have unique oral health needs, so it’s important to let us know about your health history including any medication and changes to your diabetes. We’re here to help you maintain optimal full-body health, not just your teeth.

Serving patients in The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe.

Top 5 Foods for Your Smile

At my dental office in The Woodlands, we’re not just focused on making sure your mouth is healthy, we’re dedicated to ensuring your whole body is healthy too. One of the key aspects to living a healthy life is choosing the right foods. Not only can healthy food choices help your body be strong and well, eating the right foods can also lead to a happy, healthy mouth.

Some of the basic rules of nutrition still apply when eating with your smile in mind. You should eat well-balanced meals and continue to follow the food pyramid guidelines. Filling your diet with plenty of veggies and fruits, lean meats, whole grains, and dairy keeps your body balanced and healthy, and most of these foods are great for your grin.

Some of the best foods for your smile, and your body, are:

Cheese. Cheese is high in phosphate and calcium and helps balance the acidity levels in the mouth. This can help keep keep bacteria away, which prevents cavities and gum disease.

Celery. Celery is made mostly of water, which is always good for your smile. Chewing on this crispy favorite also produces saliva, which helps neutralize bacteria and keeps cavities away. Additionally, celery can act as an abrasive, cleaning between teeth and massaging gums.

Apples. Like celery, apples contain a lot of water, which dilutes sugars in the mouth, including the ones found in the apples themselves. They also cause saliva flow to increase, again protecting against decay and washing away food particles and bacteria.

Onions. Onions are packed with powerful antibacterial sulfur compounds, making them great for your oral health. They can be consumed cooked or raw, but they pack the biggest benefit when they’re eaten uncooked. Just be careful of the onion breath that tends to follow.

Water. Your dentist in The Woodlands will always encourage you to drink more water. Water isn’t only great for your organs and whole-body health, it’s also beneficial to your mouth. By staying hydrated, your mouth is defended against bacteria.

In addition to eating things that are good for your smile, you should also avoid foods that aren’t so smile-friendly. Stay away from, or limit the amount of, sweets, acidic foods, dried fruits, breads, pretzels, popcorn, and cakes and pies. Not only can these foods provide a great environment for bacteria to thrive, which can lead to tooth decay, some can cause tooth damage or even broken/chipped teeth.

Besides eating right, another way to keep your smile in tip-top shape is to keep your regularly scheduled appointments at my dental office in The Woodlands. We’ll make sure that your smile is in its best condition and ensure that there aren’t any problems lurking in your mouth. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today!

Serving patients in The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.

How to Choose a Dentist in The Woodlands

Whether you’re new to the area or just looking for a new dentist, choosing the right practice for yourself and your family can be an intimidating process. It’s important to know that not all dentists will be a good fit. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we’d like to fill you in on some key questions to ask to make sure you make the right choice for your particular dental needs.

The first step to finding the best dentist in The Woodlands for your family is to do a bit of research. Ask friends and family who they see, think about how close to work or home you’ll want the office to be, and create a list of preliminary practices you’ll want to contact. Then, pick up the phone, make some calls, and start asking questions.

What Should I Expect During My First Visit?

This should be one of the first questions you ask your potential dental office. The answer you receive should always include a consultation or conversation with the dentist so he or she can get to know about your health history, any concerns you may have, and what your oral health goals are. Your first visit should also include a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, an oral cancer check, and any necessary x-rays.

How Does the Dentist Keep Up With New Technology or Training?

Dentists, as well as their staff, typically attend several continuing education courses, seminars, and trade shows to learn new things about dentistry and keep up with the latest technology. Your new dentist should be involved in some ongoing continuing education.

Will My Treatment Plan and Financing Options be Discussed With Me?

You’ll want to be reassured that you’ll be educated on the treatment that’s recommended as well any financing options that are available to you. During your first call, you’ll want to get an explanation that tells you all treatment and all finances will be discussed with you thoroughly before any work is completed.

Once you think you’re ready to make a commitment to one of the dentists you called, it’s a good idea to make an initial appointment and use that visit as a ‘test’ to make sure you’re comfortable, you’re treated well, and that the office is clean.

Of course, if you’d like to visit my dental office in The Woodlands, we always welcome you to call. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you to find the best dentist for you.

Serving patients in The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.

Keep Wearing a White Smile Long After Labor Day

Despite the old adage that says you can’t wear white after Labor Day, at my dental office in The Woodlands, we think it’s always in style to wear a white smile. While habits and time itself can take a toll on your grin and make your pearly whites less than bright, there are some things you can try in order to get, and keep, your smile its ideal shade of white.

One of the best ways to get your smile bright and white is with a professional whitening from your dentist in The Woodlands. After all, these whitening treatments are stronger than what you can get in the store and the trays are often custom-fit to your teeth. A tight fit means there’s is less chance of the whitening solution reaching your gums and causing damage, and it can also help lead to an even white across all teeth. But a professional whitening is only one step you can take in creating a long-lasting white smile.

After you get your teeth nice and white, it’s important that you strive to keep them that way. Some of the most common causes of a dull smile are found in what we eat. Just by avoiding the smile-fading foods and opting for less damaging choices, your whitening treatment will be sure to last longer.

Foods That Cause Staining: Coffee/Tea Soda Red Wine Blueberries Tomato Sauce

Foods That Prevent Staining: Carrots Apples Celery Cauliflower

I  addition to choosing more smile-friendly options, you can also help keep your teeth white by drinking any soda, tea, or coffee through a straw as it will help keep the ingredients away from your teeth; avoiding smoking; and always brushing and flossing.

As always, one of the best ways to keep your smile not only white but also healthy and strong is to maintain regular visits to my dental office in The Woodlands. Routine visits help catch any problems before they become worse, and we can even provide you with a little whitening boost if you need it at that time.

Serving patients in The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.

Top Reasons We Avoid The Dentist

Visiting the dentist is never at the top of anyone’s fun list; and we’ll be honest, sometimes it hurts our feelings. There are some top reasons people avoid going to the dentist, but no matter what your reason for not keeping your appointments at my dental office in The Woodlands, we’ll be happy to reassure you that you’re coming to the right place and that we’re here to help you.

Dental Phobia

Some people are scared of spiders, others of clowns or snakes. There are even people with an incredibly real fear of the dentist. Dentophobia, or fear of dentists, plagues an estimated 75% of the population and ranges from mild to severe. This fear can result in some scary health concerns too. Since those with a high level of fear completely avoid the dentist, they’re never checked for oral cancer, gum disease, or potential problems that can lead to whole-body issues like heart disease, strokes, and many other dangerous and scary complications.

Worry About Pain

When we talk about treatment options at my dental office in The Woodlands, we’re always asked, “Is it going to hurt?” The short answer is that modern dentistry and advancements in technology have made it easier to manage pain. Of course, the more detailed answer is found in the way we treat our patients. All of our care is designed to make you comfortable and relaxed, and our technology makes your treatments easy and virtually pain free. If you are still worried that your treatment will hurt, just talk to us about it. We’ll discuss the procedure in detail and get you completely comfortable before we begin.

The Sounds

Some of the most up-to-date technology allows for easier, pain-free treatments. But they can still sound scary. Whether we’re filling a cavity or preparing you for a crown, the noise of the drill and other tools can be loud and instill fear. The fear is often escalated when an instrument is in your mouth as it sounds even louder than if you hear it outside of your mouth. While the tools may sound like they’re surely going to hurt, we can promise you that they won’t.

There are many reasons people avoid the dentist, and we’ve only touched on a few. But even if your reason for avoiding a visit to my dental office in The Woodlands isn’t listed, please know that we’re hear to listen and we definitely won’t judge. Our goal is to make seeing us comfortable so we can work together to get and keep your smile healthy.

Serving patients in The Woodlands, Spring, and Conroe.

Beware: Common Summer Snacks Are Bad for Your Smile

It’s warm out. And when it’s warm, we tend to switch the type of food and drinks we consume. But have you ever thought that what may be good tasting may not be making your smile happy? There are many common summer treats that, while tasting fantastic, are causing damage to your smile. Everyone at my dental office in The Woodlands wants to educate you on what some smart summer snacks are and which ones to avoid.

What to Eat

Some good choices for summer snacking can include proteins, veggies, and cheese. Proteins, like nuts and turkey, are great at fighting acid and tooth decay while cheese is packed with calcium that not only protects bones, but teeth as well. Veggies are a great alternative to some sugar-dense fruits and many, like celery, contain a lot of water which helps to rinse bacteria from the mouth. When it comes to drink choices, we can’t stress enough the importance of water.

What to Avoid

• Soda, sweet tea, and sports drinks - These beverages are full of acid and sugar and can eat away at your tooth enamel and lead to decay. Choose a smarter option like water and if you have to drink a sports drink or soda, drink it with a straw to limit exposure to the teeth and drink sparingly.

• Iced coffee - When the weather is warmer, coffee drinkers tend to shift to a more climate-friendly morning picker upper. The problem is that this caffeine favorite is rarely just enjoyed in the morning, but rather sipped throughout the day. This increases the amount of time your teeth are exposed to the sugar and acid, causing more damage and even staining your should-be pearly whites.

• Pickles and pickled foods - Like sugar, acid is also dangerous for your smile and these foods are packed with both smile-damaging ingredients. Take it easy on these and opt for a raw veggie instead.

• Starch-loaded snacks - Snacks like potato chips and white bread are high in starch, and starchy foods like these can often get stuck in the grooves of teeth. Once they’re stuck, they can then feed the bacteria and plaque in the mouth, making it a great place for cavities to form.

While you’re enjoying the summer sun, make sure that you’re choosing snacks that not only hit the spot, but are healthy for both your body and your smile. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we encourage you to make healthy decisions about the treats you buy next time you’re at the grocery store. Your teeth, and your dentist, will thank you for it.

Serving patients in The Woodlands, Spring and Conroe.

Tired of Sleeping with a Snorer?

Snoring can be annoying, especially if you share a bed or room with a snorer. Your sleep gets interrupted, you become tired of using earplugs, and you may even go sleep in a different room. But snoring can not only put a dent in your relationship, it can also be a sign of something serious. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we like to educate our patients on the dangers of snoring.

Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea, a dangerous breathing disorder that attacks sufferers while they’re asleep, causing them to stop breathing several times during the night, sometimes for a minute or longer. Sleep apnea is a dangerous problem that can lead or contribute to serious health problems.

Sleep apnea has been linked to:

• Strokes
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Erectile dysfunction
• And much more

In sufferers of sleep apnea, when breathing stops for extended periods of time during sleep, their bodies aren’t able to get an adequate supply of oxygen to vital organs. What this means is that the body isn’t getting what it needs to stay healthy and functioning at its best. It’s also very common for people with sleep apnea to be chronically tired, which can lead to accidents on the job, at home, and in the car. In fact, according to the American Academy of Dental sleep Medicine, drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving and can cause at least 100,000 accidents each year; many fatal.

At my dental office in The Woodlands, we strongly encourage anyone who snores, sleeps with a snorer, or who has signs of sleep apnea to get checked as soon as possible. Some of the other common symptoms associated with sleep apnea include feeling as if you never get enough sleep, waking up choking or gasping for breath, unintentionally falling asleep during the day, and chronic fatigue.

Once you’re able to get an official diagnosis, there are a few treatment options to explore. Treatment for sleep apnea can include a CPAP, a mask that’s worn during the night and forces air into your mouth, a mouthpiece that’s designed to keep your airway open; or a combination of both. Whatever treatment is appropriate, it’s important to start it right away. It can not only save your relationship, it can also save your life.  

Serving patients in The Woodlands, Spring and Conroe.

Common Dental Misconceptions Explained

Nothing bugs us more than when people make up stories to try and scare others. We’ve all heard of urban legends, and some of us may have even fallen victim to believing them. What concerns all of us at my dental office in The Woodlands are the legends that cause misconceptions about dentistry and the fact that, if believed, could cause people to avoid dental care.

One of the most common dental urban legends out there is one that says root canals are super painful when, in fact, they’re really not a big deal. Those who have had a root canal often say that there was little or no pain involved in the procedure. Where the misconception of pain comes into play is before the procedure even happens. Root canals are needed when there is an infection or deep decay and, as a result, a lot of pain. What your dentist in The Woodlands wants you to know is that a root canal is a way to relieve the pain, not cause it.

Another tale that’s well-know is that baby teeth aren’t important. Many people think that if a baby tooth falls out prematurely, or gets a cavity, that it’s not a big deal. In fact, baby teeth are important, as they hold the place for your permanent teeth. If they fall out too soon, or if they become infected or decayed, the natural eruption and placement of your permanent teeth could be altered, leading to greater dental problems down the road.

Lastly – and this one is really important – is the belief that if gums bleed, it’s not a big deal. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we try to educate our patients on the fact that bleeding gums are a sign that something is not right. Healthy gums don’t bleed unless you’re brushing or flossing too roughly. Bleeding gums often mean that you have developed gum disease or even gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis could lead to periodontitis and eventually loss of teeth.

Don’t let common dental urban legends keep you from a strong and healthy smile. If you hear of a dental story that you think may not be true, just call my dental office in The Woodlands. We’ll be sure to set the story straight, relieve any fear you may have, and get your smile strong and healthy.

Serving patients in The Woodlands, Spring and Conroe.

How to Handle a Dental Problem While on Vacation

You’ve finally made it to your destination. You’re ready to relax, and your vacation has officially started. All of a sudden, it happens. An unexpected dental problem pops up from nowhere and threatens to ruin your hard-earned time off. But don’t worry, tips from my dental office in The Woodlands can help get you back to smiling – and back to that hammock.

A dental emergency can mean anything from a chipped tooth to a lost filling, a knocked out tooth to a toothache. But just because a problem in your mouth occurs when you’re not at home doesn’t mean that you can’t fully enjoy your vacation. There are several ways you can resolve or ease a variety of dental problems even when you’re away from your dentist n The Woodlands.

Dental Problem: Broken/Chipped Tooth

How to Help It: Rinse your mouth and any tooth pieces with warm water. If you’re bleeding, use a piece of gauze and apply pressure to the area until the bleeding stops. A cold compress can help reduce pain a swelling. Simply hold it to the outside of the mouth.

Dental Problem: Lost Filling

How to Help It: Using either a piece of sugarless gum (one with sugar will cause pain!) or a dental cement that you can find at a drugstore, fill the cavity until you can get to a dentist.

Dental Problem: Knocked Out Tooth

How to Help It: If you can find the tooth, do not touch the roots! Hold it by the part that’s usually exposed in your mouth to keep damage minimal. Rinse the tooth with warm water and try to put the tooth back in place. If you can’t get it back in, put the tooth in some milk (it’s best for preserving the tooth) and find a local dentist. It’s important to get the tooth back into the socket within an hour in order to save it.

While these tips can help you get back to your vacation, perhaps the best way to avoid a dental problem while out of town is to get a checkup before you leave. At my dental office in The Woodlands, we will make sure your mouth is in its best shape and that there aren’t any potential dangers just waiting pop up as soon as you lay down your beach towel. You can also help protect your teeth by avoiding dangerous snacks like popcorn, sticky candy, and chewing ice.

If you’re planning a vacation, schedule a pre-trip appointment at my dental office in The Woodlands.

Serving patients in The Woodlands, Spring and Monroe.