Is Your Baby Teething? What to Know

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Do you have a new baby in the house? Not long from now, your baby will start teething. While it can be an exciting time to know that your baby will soon grow new teeth, it can also be an uncomfortable time for your baby. As a parent, there are many things you can do to alleviate your baby’s discomfort, if you recognize the signs of teething. Here’s what you need to know.

Signs Your Baby Is Teething

Babies react to teething in many ways, with some displaying all or some of the symptoms below. Some babies have no noticeable symptoms while teething.

  • Red, swollen gums
  • One cheek is flushed
  • Rash on the face, around the chin
  • Excessive drool
  • Gnawing and chewing on everything
  • Rubbing their ear
  • Mild fever

While teething, your baby will likely be fussier than usual and may have a hard time sleeping. Luckily, teething only lasts a few days for most kids!

When Do Babies Get Their First Teeth?

Babies tend to get their first teeth between ages 5 and 7 months. Most babies get their bottom incisors first, followed by their upper incisors.

How Can You Alleviate Discomfort?

Rubber teething toys may provide some relief to your child. You can also help your baby by rubbing their gums with your finger, or by allowing them to chew on your finger. Wash your hands!

Some doctors recommend infant acetaminophen for teething. Talk to your child’s doctor before giving this to your child.

When Should Your Baby See the Dentist?

Bring your baby to see the dentist in Sugar Land, TX when their first tooth erupts, or when they turn one year old, whichever comes first. Bringing your baby to see the dentist can help set your child up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene.

When you bring your baby in to the dentist, we’ll examine your child’s tooth and give you information about what you can do to keep your baby’s teeth clean. We’ll show you how to brush their teeth and give other tips.

At First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re proud to provide pediatric dental care in Sugar Land, TX. Call today to make an appointment.

Does Your Child Need Dental Sealants?

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Even the most conscientious parent can’t watch over their child every minute of the day. And even if you’ve taught your little ones to brush and floss regularly, there may still be those times when they forget. Fortunately, your dentist in Sugar Land, TX, has a backup plan — at least for those hard-to-reach back molars. Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that help guard against decay when your child forgets to brush. As a parent, there are things you need to know about dental sealants.

Dental Sealants Reduce the Risk of Cavities

Dental sealants can reduce the risk of tooth decay by as much as 80 percent, says the American Dental Association. In fact, school-age children who don’t have dental sealants have roughly three times more instances of cavities than children who do have them. That’s an impressive number. And because tooth decay can lead to painful toothaches, chronic bad breath, and other negative outcomes, you’ll want to help your child avoid it as much as possible. That’s where dental sealants can help.

Dental Sealants Are Made of Medical-Grade Resin

Dental sealants are made of medical-grade resin. This is similar to the material your dentist uses to fill your tooth. They’re applied using a brush and then hardened off using an LED blue light. Once cured, they protect the delicate enamel of teeth from damage and decay for several years. Your child will still need to brush and floss regularly, and you’ll want to keep regular appointments with your pediatric dentist. But the sealants add an extra layer of protection for those lumpy and bumpy back molars that are so hard to clean.

Dental Sealants Are Safe

Dental sealants are safe for use in children and adults. Modern versions are BPA-free, and they’re applied in such a way that the liquid runs into little cracks and crevices in your child’s molars. This effectively ‘seals’ them from the food debris that causes tooth decay.

If you’d like more information on the many benefits of dental sealants in Sugar Land, TX, call First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today. Our friendly and experienced team will be happy to schedule a time that’s convenient for you.

 

The 5 Most Common Causes of Tooth Enamel Loss

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Are you wondering how you can prevent tooth enamel loss in Sugar Land, TX? We are here to give you the most common causes of tooth enamel loss and what you can do to prevent it.

Here are five of the most common causes of tooth enamel loss and what you can do to prevent it.

1. Poor Dental Hygiene

Your mouth contains about 700 species of bacteria. Most are harmless and others help with digestion. However, there are some that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Therefore, you need to brush and floss at least twice a day or this bad bacteria will erode your tooth enamel.

2. Food and Diet

Your dentist in Sugar Land, TX will tell you that one of the main culprits of tooth enamel loss comes from your diet and the acids in the foods and drinks you consume. Your saliva is designed to neutralize the acid in your mouth which, in turn, helps protect your teeth. However, if you consume too many acidic foods and drinks, then you don’t brush your teeth correctly, the exterior layer of enamel on your teeth will degrade over time.

Here are the most common items that cause tooth enamel loss when consumed.

  • Sugary foods like candy, ice cream, syrups, etc.
  • Starchy foods like bread.
  • Carbonated sodas, in addition to the sugar it has in them, also contain citric acid and phosphoric acid as well.
  • Citrus fruits and excessive vitamin C.
  • Fruit juices and other fruity drinks.

3. Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is another major cause of tooth enamel loss. Talk with your dentist in Sugar Land, TX for information about how to prevent teeth grinding.

4. Acid Reflux

Acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a condition where your stomach acids back up into your mouth throughout the day. This constant gastric acid can cause the loss of your tooth enamel.

5. Using the Wrong Mouthwash

The mouthwash ingredient chlorhexidine gluconate is used in germicidal mouthwashes as a disinfectant and antiseptic. And while it works quite well for that, it is also known to increase the formation of tarter on your teeth which could affect your tooth enamel.

What’s Next?

If you want more information about how to prevent tooth enamel loss, please Contact First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today. We have been bringing healthy, beautiful smiles to Texas since 1997 and we look forward to serving you too!

3 Tips for Teeth Grinders

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Teeth grinding, sometimes called bruxism, can be a difficult problem for many people. Because it mainly happens while people are asleep, they have to wait until the dentist tells them that they’re even doing it. Clenching your teeth once in a while won’t make a difference to your oral health, but constant grinding can cause everything from unexplained headaches to severely damaged teeth. We’ll look at three tips if you’re grinding your teeth in Sugar Land, TX.

1. Take Immediate Action

Teeth grinding is associated with a loss of tooth enamel, which will make the teeth more sensitive. The repetition can also cause more severe injury, including breaking or fracturing. Because you’re unlikely to be able to direct yourself not to grind your teeth while you’re asleep, we recommend a mouth guard at night. This doesn’t have to be a permanent solution, but more of a stop gap as you work on the larger problem. Whether it’s a custom-made one (which we recommend) or a store-bought one, you’re giving your teeth some degree of protection at night.

2. Focus on Relaxing

Teeth grinding and stress very much go hand-in-hand, so it pays to have a more relaxing routine. Easy ways to bring down the tension include more exercise, fewer screens, and a quick massage of your jaw muscles. If you find yourself clenching your mouth when you’re under pressure, stop and take a few deep breaths. Amp up your bedtime ritual so you’re giving your bodies clear signals that the day is winding down. This can mean anything from having a cup of herbal tea to reading a boring book right before turning out the lights.

3. Visit the Right Dentist in Sugar Land, TX

Teeth grinding symptoms are usually the result of stress but can be exacerbated by chewing things like ice, taffy, or even steak. A good dentist in Sugar Land, TX can shed more insight into why you’re grinding your teeth and how you can prevent it on a long-term basis. At First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re here to help teeth grinders get the support and treatment they need to break the habit. Contact us today to see how we can help you get the situation under control.

4 Ways to Deter Bruxism in Children

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While adults may be the most common patients seeking bruxism treatment in Sugar Land, TX, children can also have issues with grinding their teeth. For children, much like it is for adults, jaw clenching and teeth grinding can be more common at bedtime and through the night.

1. Do what you can to deter stress before bed

Stress and teeth grinding can go hand-in-hand. If your child is anxious at bedtime and through the night, they are more likely to grind their teeth. While it may take some time to determine what’s causing tension for your child, doing so can make a lot of difference. For example, children may feel tense at bedtime if they are not used to sleeping in their own bed or in the dark, so turning a light on can help.

2. Help your child relax their facial muscles

Facial muscle tension can lead to teeth grinding in the middle of the night. Simple exercises to help release tension from these muscles just before bedtime may be enough to reduce issues with the problem.

3. Ensure your child gets enough water

Lack of hydration can make the mouth feel uncomfortable through the night. In turn, children may be more likely to grind their teeth. By offering water throughout the day and making sure your child is properly hydrated, you could see a difference in their tendency to clench their jaws or grind their teeth together while they sleep.

4. Avoid stimulants near bedtime

Certain stimulants can actually make jaw clenching and teeth grinding more probable during sleep. Unfortunately, everyday stimulants like caffeine and sugar are prevalent in foods you and your family may eat on a regular basis. Try to limit your child’s intake of things like caffeine, chocolate, and sugar, especially close to bedtime.

Talk to a Sugar Land, TX Dentist for Help

If you believe your child has issues with grinding their teeth, it is important to talk to a Sugar Land dentist for help. This issue can lead to damage to the teeth, alignment issues, and even painful conditions that affect your child’s jaws and facial muscles. Reach out to us at First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

The Connection Between Oral Health and Alzheimer’s 

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By now, most people know about the connection between oral health and overall health. Poor oral health and the buildup of bacteria in the mouth can pollute the body, including the blood stream and the heart. But did you know that there is also a surprising link between poor oral health and Alzheimer’s? If you ever needed more motivation to visit your Sugar Land, TX dentist on a regular basis, the following information will surely be it.

Understanding Alzheimer’s

Before discussing the link between oral health and Alzheimer’s it’s important to fully understand the devastation of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia. Dementia is defined as a reduction in cognitive function, most notably memory function. While many older folks experience some level of dementia in their final years, this isn’t the same as Alzheimer’s. With dementia, a person may not be able to remember vocabulary words as readily as they did as a youngster. Or they may enter a room and forget why they came in there for a few seconds. But with Alzheimer’s the level of dementia is much more severe.

Eventually, people with Alzheimer’s may forget their loved ones, or even forget they have children. They may forget where they live, who they are or even where the bathroom is in their own house. This angers and frustrates them, and they may undergo marked personality changes, lashing out at those who are trying to help them. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s at this time.

Proven Link Between Poor Oral Health and Alzheimer’s

Recently, a significant and ominous connection was made between oral health and Alzheimer’s. Researchers discovered that a common oral bacteria, called Porphyromonas gingivalis, was in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. This particular bacteria is the main pathogen in patients who have chronic periodontitis. Another type of bacterium related to poor oral health, ginipains, was also identified in samples from brain tissue of Alzheimer’s patients. This is irrefutable evidence that oral bacteria can and does travel from the mouth to the brain, where it colonizes and plays a part in the advancement of Alzheimer’s disease.

The point here is that there is more at stake than having attractive teeth. Your very health is endangered when you don’t take oral health seriously. Book an appointment today with your Sugar Land, TX dentist, and visit your dentist every six months at a minimum.

Is it Still Safe to Get Dental Care During COVID?

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The COVID pandemic has disrupted so many aspects of our normal lives. One area that has been altered is access to healthcare. For many, it’s been a challenge to receive treatment for conditions other than COVID. At First Dental, we are committed to continuing to provide dental care to our patients. Dental care in Sugarland, TX is available in a safe environment. Here are the precautions we are talking in the midst of this pandemic:

Personal Protective Wear

We are taking PPE very seriously at First Dental. Our first line of defense for staff and patients is PPE, or “personal protective equipment.” We ask that all persons entering our office for any reason wear an approved face mask. This includes patients, attending family members and friends and even couriers who may enter just for a minute to drop off or pick up packages. Our staff wears masks continually throughout the workday.

Our professional treatment staff wear a state-of-the-art Respiratory Protection Equipment Suit that allows the dentist and other treatment professionals to perform procedures without exposing themselves or their patients to potential threats from the COVID virus.

Protective Lighting

UV light has been known for decades to be an effective weapon against viruses. As such, we’ve invested in our patients’ health by installing an advanced UV lighting protection system within our A/C unit. The UV light sterilizes the air that passes through our ventilation system, helping to ensure that airborne particles are safer to breathe. This particular system is so effective, that we have decided to keep the system in place, even after the pandemic has passed.

Sterilization of Surfaces

Your Sugarland, TX dentist at First Dental is also highly sensitive to the number of people passing through the office on a daily basis. This is why surface sterilization takes such a high priority at our offices. Each day, we carefully clean and sterilize the lobby area, door handles, countertops and work room areas so that our office is as clean as possible for each of our patients.

At First Dental, we follow CDC guidelines, which include social distancing and certain other protective measures. We are fully committed to providing a safe environment for our dental patients in Sugarland, Texas.

COVID-19 and Your Teeth – Is there a connection?

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From fever and sore throat to difficulty with taste and smell, the COVID-19 virus has been linked to a litany of different symptoms. Risk factors for contracting the virus range from age to underlying medical conditions. But, could COVID bring about oral health concerns, or does your oral health have anything to do with COVID-19? Some researchers believe that to be the case. Known for our advanced dental treatment in Sugar Land, First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry has the facts.

Poor oral health may be a risk factor.

One small study in 2021 suggested that poor oral health may actually play a role in contracting SARS-CoV-2. The researchers noted that people who have poor oral health have more angiotensin-converting enzymes, and those enzymes may make it easier for the virus to break through cells when the viral cells enter the mouth. One study also stated that people with gum disease may actually be more likely to have more severe symptoms with the virus.

Complications of COVID-19 may be linked to oral health changes.

After experiencing COVID-19 complications, a patient may actually be more prone to certain oral health changes. However, the research for this is not well-established due to limited time for the measurement of virus outcomes. The reason behind this could be related to not practicing good oral hygiene while sick.

Be aware of dry mouth as a COVID symptom.

Some research on people with early symptoms of COVID-19 shows that dry mouth may be one of the more common symptoms people experience. In a study of 108 people with COVID-19, dry mouth was listed as the most common oral symptom. However, why this happens to be the case is not yet entirely clear. Some suggest that the virus may affect the salivary glands.

Talk to a Sugar Land Dentist for More Insight

If you believe COVID has affected your oral health or you fear you may be at risk because of poor oral health, talk to a Sugar Land dentist for advice. While there is still a great deal we do not fully know about COVID-19 and oral health, we can definitely help you keep a close eye on your teeth and gums. Reach out to us at First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

What’s Causing My Teeth to Stain?

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When you were little, your teeth were pearly and white. As you aged, your teeth became slightly yellow with age. As an adult, you may see now that your teeth are a slightly yellow or brownish color. What caused your teeth to change, and what can you do about it?

It can be discouraging when your teeth get stained over time. Fortunately, you can take control of the color of your teeth. Knowing what causes teeth to become stained and where to get your teeth whitened can help you maintain beautiful, white, healthy teeth. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Teeth to Stain?

Teeth become stained when you eat foods and drink beverages that stain tooth enamel. Dark-colored foods and beverages, as well as acidic foods, can play a role in the staining of your teeth. Here’s what to watch out for:

  • Coffee
  • Soda
  • Beets
  • Soy sauce
  • Tomato sauce
  • Red wine
  • White wine
  • Barbecue sauce

Want to know one other thing that can stain your teeth? Smoking. People who smoke often struggle to keep their teeth white. The longer you smoke, the harder it will become to maintain attractive, white teeth.

What Can You Do to Get Rid of Stains on Teeth?

There are many products sold in pharmacies that can help people get rid of stains on their teeth. Tooth whitening toothpaste and home whitening kits do have an effect on the way your teeth look. However, the best way to make your teeth white is to visit your dentist in Sugar Land, TX. Getting your teeth whitened in Sugar Land is the best way to see fast, long-lasting results.

There are many methods that dentists use to professionally whiten their patient’s teeth. When you visit your dentist, you can learn more about the best way to get your teeth whitened by a dental pro.

Contact Your Dentist in Sugar Land

Are you upset by the color of your teeth? You can change your teeth back to a beautiful white. To find out more about how you can improve the color of your teeth, call First Dental today.

What is Gum Disease?

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Gum disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gum tissue. It is an extremely common condition. In fact, half of people who are over the age of 30 have gum disease. Gum disease in Sugarland, TX is as prevalent as it is in the rest of the country.

The First Stage of Gum Disease

Gingivitis is known as the mild form of gum disease. It causes redness and swelling in the gums. In most cases, proper oral care can prevent or reverse gum disease. Technically, anyone can develop gum disease. However, chronic substance abuse, certain diseases, inadequate nutrition, stress and hormonal fluctuations can make a person more susceptible to developing gum disease.

The Second Stage of Gum Disease

If gingivitis is not treated, then it will eventually turn into periodontitis. When this happens, the gums will begin to separate from the teeth. Pockets will also develop around the teeth. Untreated periodontitis will often cause the teeth to loosen from their sockets and fall out.

Treating Gum Disease in Sugarland

There are a few ways that gum disease can be treated. Your dentist in Sugarland, TX may recommend scaling and cleaning. The dentist will use a device to clean below the gumline. They will use either an ultrasonic device or a hand tool. Root planing can get rid of the large pockets around your tooth. This may require one or two trips to your Sugarland, TX dentist for gum disease.

There are also medications that can be used to treat gum disease. For example, your dentist may recommend using chlorhexidine, which is a type of clinical mouthwash. It has been shown to be effective at controlling the growth of harmful oral bacteria.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

The best thing that you can do to prevent gum disease is to have regular dental checkups. Most people will need to see a dentist twice a year. However, if you have had a history of dental problems, then you may need to see your dentist more often. At home, you should floss and brush regularly.

Gum disease is a serious condition, but it is entirely preventable. If you have concerns about gum disease in Sugarland, TX, contact your dentist for an appointment today.