Water: A Simple Secret Behind Good Oral Health

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Water—the human body is actually made up of roughly 60 percent of it. We, humans, are constantly told how important it is for us to drink water. Yet, a good portion of the population doesn’t take in near enough on a daily basis. Not only is water an important way to support your bodily functions, but getting enough water is also important for your smile. Take a look at how water can be the simple secret behind good oral health.

A hydrated mouth contains fewer bacteria.

Did you know drinking water can lower your risks of infection? Not only can drinking water help with issues like urinary tract infections but taking in ample fluid can also lower bacteria levels in your mouth. Bacteria can be direct contributors to issues with things like bad breath, gum disease, and even tooth decay.

Drinking water helps encourage a healthy blood supply to your mouth.

Health water intake supports a healthy circulatory system. Blood plasma can be as much as 90 percent water, so if your body does not have enough water, your blood supply can be less and your circulatory system may slow. What you may not realize is just how important all this is to your teeth. A healthy blood supply is critical to the health of your gums, saliva production, and more.

Decay can be a direct result of lacking water intake.

When the healthy bacteria in your mouth break down food particles, the result can be a spike in pH levels due to acidic waste products from the bacteria. Higher pH levels in your mouth can be directly linked to heightened chances of tooth decay. For example, when you eat something sugary, the bacteria in your mouth process the particles and the result is an acidic waste. Due to this acidic waste, the pH levels in your mouth go up, which can be hard on your teeth and gums. Drinking water helps to wash away the acidic waste and neutralize pH levels in your mouth.

Take care of your smile with our help!

Sometimes, taking good care of your teeth comes down to some of the simplest changes, and drinking plenty of water is the perfect example. Contact us at First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Sugar Land, TX to schedule an appointment if you need help making sure your smile is as healthy as possible.

Are Mail-Order Braces a Good Idea?

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You come across an ad for smile straighteners you can get right in the mail. Maybe you’ve always needed braces and never got them or have a few small issues you would like to correct. The idea of getting braces in the mail without ever visiting a dentist may seem attractive. However, mail-order smile aligners may not be as good as they seem. Take a look at some of the downfalls of this too-good-to-be-true solution.

You are never directly assessed by an orthodontist during treatment.

When you are referred to an orthodontist for braces, you will go through a thorough evaluation of all of the parts of your mouth. Yes, the orthodontist will likely take impressions of your teeth, but these impressions are not the single determining factor for how your treatment progresses from there.

Important professionals recommend against mail-order braces.

Both the American Asociation of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association recommend steering clear of offers for mail-order braces. Both of these organizations dictate the standards of care with dental health, and their recommendations should be highly regarded. Both organizations have released statements warning that improper treatment with braces without the oversight of a medical professional could lead to negative consequences or outcomes. For example, if your teeth are improperly moved with the treatment, you may end up with a lot of costly treatment required to actually get your teeth straight.

The treatment is not really tailored to you personally.

This downfall can seem counterintuitive. After all, you do give impressions of your mouth and get sets of aligners that are custom-made for you. However, it is not the aligners that you get that are not tailored to you; it is the treatment. When you work directly with an orthodontist with braces, you will go in periodically to make sure the braces are working. When you are simply getting a set of aligners, you do not have anyone adjusting your treatment as your smile changes. If something happens and one set of aligners is not moving your teeth in the right direction, you would never have someone watching to make sure adjustments are made to the treatment plan.

Talk to a Dentist in Sugar Land About Braces

In the end, it is far better to trust a dentist’s advice about braces and an orthodontist when it comes to braces treatment. Reach out to us at First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for advice.

 

 

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

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Are you living with stained or damaged teeth? The appearance of your teeth affects most areas of your life. It determines how strangers form their first impression of you, and can be either helpful or detrimental when it comes time to interview for that dream job. If you’re worried about what your smile may say about you, dental implants could be the solution.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial teeth attached to posts implanted in your gums. They’re a permanent solution for missing or extracted teeth. They fill unsightly gaps and help prevent bone loss inside your mouth. Dental implants look and perform just like your natural teeth, so no one will ever know you weren’t born with them.

Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

To qualify for dental implant procedure, you must meet several important criteria, including:

  • You’re a non-smoker.
  • You have good, overall oral health
  • There are no pre-existing conditions that could impede healing.
  • There is sufficient healthy jawbone tissue present.
  • You have missing teeth or teeth that are too damaged to repair.

Many people are suitable candidates for this dental procedure, but you must commit to a period of months to allow the implanted posts to bond with your jawbone. Dental implants require repeat visits to your dental professional with sufficient healing time in between.

What’s Involved in a Dental Implant Procedure?

Your dental professional will first implant a titanium post in your gums. Over time, this post will osseointegrate, or bond, to your jawbone. Once you’ve healed from this procedure, your dentist will place an abutment on the post. This acts as a connector of sorts, between the artificial tooth and the titanium post. The last step in the procedure involves placing the dental prosthetic onto the abutment. Your new tooth or fixture will function just like a natural tooth, and you’ll care for it in the same way. There’s no need to remove it for sleeping or cleaning. Dental implants help you avoid the damaging bone loss that comes when teeth are lost or extracted and nothing is used to replace them.

To schedule a consultation for dental implants in Sugar Land, Texas, call First Dental, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today.

 

How to Choose a New Dentist

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If you have recently moved to a new place or switched jobs, there are several things that you need to take care of. One of the crucial things you need to do is look for a new dentist because oral health is vital and should never be overlooked. Here is what to look for in a new dentist.

Check Their Acceptable Insurance Plans

Whenever you are looking for a new dentist, you should confirm the insurance plans that they accept. Specific dental care procedures like fillings or root canals are not cheap; hence, it would help if you ensure that the dentist takes your existing insurance plan before scheduling an appointment.

Ask About the Services Offered

You may want your dentist to perform an array of services for you or your family members. Therefore, you should look for a dentist who can perform several procedures. You don’t want to move from one dentist’s office to another looking for the multiple services that you require. If you find a dentist who offers all options that you need, then they are a great choice.

Check the Reviews

Before settling on a new dentist, it would help if you read the reviews of existing patients. Read the reviews of the dentist you are considering, and pay close attention to any recurring themes. Remember that unhappy patients are most likely to leave a review than happy ones; therefore, be very attentive when reading negative reviews.

If a single patient states that the dentist was awful, but several patients state that the dentist was excellent, you can still choose him or her. However, if you see several reviews saying that the dentist is unpleasant and lacks experience, you shouldn’t consider that one.

Consider Their Availability

You want a well-qualified dentist that will be available for appointments when you and your family need them. If all their available appointments are at least a year out, you might want to choose a dentist that is more accessible.

When looking for a dentist, pick a well-qualified one who offers all the services that you need. If you are looking for a new dentist in Sugar Land, contact us today to book an appointment. We provide top-notch dental services to people of all ages.

 

Bruxism: A Look at Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Grinding of the teeth, which is technically referred to as bruxism in the dentistry field, can have negative effects on the health of your smile. From broken and worn teeth to sore jaws, the negative implications can be severe. Find out the causes, symptoms, and treatment for bruxism that every dental patient needs to know.

Bruxism: A Look at the Common Causes

Bruxism is not a condition that really has a definitive cause. However, there are a few people who are more at risk of grinding their teeth. For example, people who have issues with anxiety, take certain medications, or have a family history of teeth grinding may be more at risk. Children may also be more likely to grind their teeth than adults, especially during sleep.

How Do You Know If You Grind Your Teeth?

Many people who grind their teeth have no idea that they have a problem because they most commonly do it while they are asleep. However, there can still be some telltale signs that may mean you are grinding your teeth, such as:

  • Waking up with your jaws feeling stressed and tired
  • Feeling like your teeth hurt for no other reason, especially upon waking
  • You have worn places on your teeth where they contact each other

A quick visit to the dentist can also tell you whether or not you are dealing with bruxism. Dentists are familiar with what teeth look like when the patient has been grinding them.

Common Treatments for Bruxism

If a dentist does diagnose you with bruxism, they may take a few different steps to help you with the issue. First and foremost, any damage done to your teeth will be attended to. Secondly, the dentist may prescribe you a mouth guard that you can wear while you are sleeping. In some cases, certain types of medication can help combat the problem as well.

Talk to a Dentist in Sugar Land, TX About Bruxism

Even though grinding your teeth may seem like no big deal, an ongoing issue can lead to permanent damage to your smile. If you suspect you may have an issue with bruxism, contact us at First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

Is Tooth Decay a Hereditary?

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Your mom/dad/sister/grandmother lost their teeth at an early age due to decay. You are not that old, but you have had a few cavities yourself. Your concerns about hereditary links to tooth decay may have you worried that you, too, will lose your teeth at an early age. Here is a closer look at what you should know about genetic factors and tooth decay.

Your genes can play a role in some oral health problems.

Some oral health concerns can be hereditary. For example, something like gum disease or a misaligned bite are both related to genetic factors. If your parents had gum disease, for instance, it may mean that you are also at a higher risk. Oral cancer can also have genetic links as well. Therefore, if one of your parents had oral cancer, it is best to be screened a bit earlier than the average patient.

Cavities and decay are not typically relative to genetics.

Scientifically speaking, cavities and decay are not considered to be genetic issues by most dentists. However, there is some debate here among the scientific community. Some studies have stated that some people have teeth that are automatically more prone to cavities, but the information has not been completely conclusive. If your parents’ teeth decayed and had to be pulled at an early age, this does not mean you are automatically at risk for the same fate. Usually, there are other factors at play that cause decay, which is explained next.

Poor oral hygiene habits can be family-learned.

Even though cavities and tooth decay or not technically a genetic problem, members of the same family often have similar issues with decay. Most often, the thing to blame here is the fact that oral health habits are learned early on by children who watch their parents. If Mom, Dad, or other caregivers are not brushing and flossing as they should, kids may follow suit. Likewise, members of the same family may have similar diets; if Mom is always baking cookies and offering sugary sweets, just about everyone in the house will take part. Of course, poor dietary choices can lead to dental health concerns.

Let Us Help You Determine Your Risks

The most important thing you can do for your oral health is to get dental checkups regularly. If you want to know more about your risks, reach out to us at First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Sugarland, TX for an appointment.

5 Things to Stop Doing NOW to Protect Your Teeth

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The flash of a smile can change everything about how you’re perceived, but so many of us take that for granted. Check out a few things that you should stop doing today if you want your smile health to last a lifetime.

1. Chewing Bubble Gum

It’s fun to chew and tastes yummy, but bubble gum is not so good for your teeth. If you are a gum chewer, exchange your sugary bubble gum for a pack of ADA-approved chewing gum. This gum is not going to leave you at risk of decay development due to constant sugar contact.

2. Drinking a Lot of Soda

You may feel like you must have your daily dose of cola, but soft drinks like these can be really hard on your teeth. They have high levels of sugar, and if you are sipping this sugar-filled beverage throughout the day, your teeth are getting a constant layer of decay-causing sugar. Limit your soda intake and always brush after you have one.

3. Grinding Your Teeth

Some people grind their teeth when they’re anxious, and some people grind their teeth while they sleep, concentrate, or chew. In any case, tooth-grinding can be really hard on your teeth. Talk to your dentist about ways to stop this habit and maybe finding a mouth guard to wear while you sleep.

4. Forgetting to Floss

It’s such a small part of your daily routine, but it is one that is most neglected by the general public. More than 32 percent of people surveyed claim they never floss their teeth, and only 30 percent actually floss every day. Unfortunately, not flossing is a number-one contributing factor to tooth decay.

5. Smoking

Without question, smoking is one of the most damaging things you can do to your teeth. The inhaled puffs of smoke can elevate the temperature inside your mouth, which is hard on your gums and can make you more prone to bacterial issues that lead to decay.

Recent Advances in Dental Technology That You Need to Know About

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If it’s been a while since your last dental appointment, you’re probably unaware of certain advances in dental technology. Not only do these create a better patient experience, but they may also save you money while increasing the quality of the end result. Dental treatments have vastly improved in recent years, which is great news for those who are reluctant to see a dentist because they’ve experienced discomfort in the past. The following are just a few recent advances in dental technology that you can find at your local dental office in Sugarland, TX.

Digital Dentistry

The Digital Age has revolutionized all aspects of medicine, and dentistry is no exception. Digital scanners are now used to quickly produce exact dental impressions of teeth and gums in a way that causes the patient no discomfort whatsoever. Because of the increased degree of accuracy, dentists are able to offer more effective treatment strategies.

Enhanced Cavity Detection

Today’s technology utilizes devices equipped with infrared light that vastly improves the ability of dental health care providers to discern the presence of emerging cavities. In the past, cavities were often too difficult to detect during their initial stages, which meant that they weren’t usually treated until they’d caused major damage to the tissues of the teeth. As a result, treatment will be less invasive, therefore involving less discomfort on the part of the patient. As an added bonus, treatment costs for cavities in their initial stages are far less than for their more advanced counterparts.

Improved Implant Technology

Breakthroughs in dental implant technology have made it possible for an increasing number of patients to enjoy implants that mimic natural teeth in functionality and appearance. The implant procedure from start to finish is faster than it has been in the past, and the success rate of modern dental implants is higher than ever before.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us at your convenience to find out more about the exciting changes that have happened in dentistry in recent years. We’re a full-service dental health care provider that can take care of the needs of everyone in your family.

 

What Does “Preventative Care” Mean in Dentistry?

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When you’re a kid, losing teeth is fun. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a visit from the tooth fairy, but even if she doesn’t have time to stop by your house, you’ll still get the esteemed privilege of showing people that huge gap where you proudly lost a piece of enamel that tried to show you who’s boss. As an adult, losing teeth is no longer a laughing matter. Once those baby teeth are gone, you won’t get any natural replacements; it’ll be up to you and your dentist to choose the right artificial teeth to fulfill your smile.

That’s why preventative care is so important. But, what exactly does that mean? Let’s take a look!

Preventative Dental Care at Home

Healthy teeth begin at home. It’s important to maintain a good oral health regimen to remove remnants of the food and drinks you consume throughout the day. Anytime you eat, small bits of the food stay in your mouth, often hiding in your gum lines and between your teeth.

  • Brushing is the first step in preventative care. It removes many of the surface-level particles that could cause bacteria to form in your mouth.
  • Flossing gets those pesky pieces that find their way into your gum line. Ultimately, those can be the most dangerous because, when left to their own devices, they can begin to create plaque, which can later lead to gum disease.
  • Mouth wash helps usher all the bad stuff away so you have a fresh, clean mouth that’s as free and clear of bacteria as you achieve at home.

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Preventative Care at Your Dentist’s Office

Your dentist has special tools that can scrape plaque and tartar off your teeth and gums in ways that simply can’t be performed at home. It’s important to see your dentist at least twice a year because he or she will remove substances that can cause decay and cavities. Your dentist will also:

  • Perform routine oral exams, looking for signs of damage and other health problems, such as oral cancer and cardiovascular disease;
  • X-ray your mouth to ensure everything’s in good working order, even in the places you can’t see when you look in the mirror;
  • Apply sealants when applicable to help your tooth enamel stay strong and resilient;
  • Show you how to brush and floss correctly so your next visit goes as smoothly as possible.

 

Are you searching for a dentist in Sugar Land, TX? We’re so glad you’ve found us! Schedule your initial appointment with our First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry team today!

The Awesome Benefits of Fluoride

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Although it is just a simple mineral, fluoride has the power to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. Adults and children alike can benefit from drinking water enriched with fluoride and properly using a fluoride-rich toothpaste each day. To see the power of this mineral in action, check out these awesome benefits of fluoride.

Rebuilds Enamel

Plaque harbors harmful bacteria that can quickly decimate tooth enamel with their acidic waste products. As the acids come into contact with tooth enamel, it begins to lose vital minerals, weakening its structure. The gaps in protection reduce the enamels’ ability to act as a shield against erosion from acidic waste.

By working with calcium and phosphate, fluoride can halt and reverse this demineralization process. This helps the enamel rebuild its structure to better withstand the acidic waste released by plaque bacteria. And with that, the shield returns, helping protect against cavities and tooth decay.

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Halts Tooth Decay

As fluoride helps rebuild and strengthen enamel, its dense structure can better protect against tooth decay. Plaque bacteria’s acidic waste cannot easily penetrate the strengthened enamel, resulting in fewer cavities. In fact, recent studies show that the regular use of fluoride can decrease cavities by up to 25%.

While helping restore minerals in tooth enamel, fluoride can even reverse early tooth decay, restoring the health of the tooth. The replacement of lost minerals can fill in the holes left behind by acidic waste attacking the enamel. This keeps the cavity from forming and reaching deep down into the dentin and root of the tooth.

How to Enjoy the Benefits of Fluoride

You have many options in how you will integrate fluoride into your dental care routine. Consuming tap water on a regular basis can help you get a jumpstart on your dental health as it contains an optimal amount of fluoride. You should go one step further, however, by using a fluoride-rich toothpaste each time your brush.

You can also talk to your dentist at First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry about fluoride treatments and other ways to use this mineral to your advantage. Give us a call at 281-494-3368 to schedule your visit.