Tuesday 29 January 2013

Costs of Drinking Flavored Water


We mistakenly see Vitamin Water and other flavored waters as an acceptable alternative to water. However, flavored water and any other type of enhanced water may be having adverse effects on your oral health. Numerous studies have highlighted the fact that flavored waters contain high fructose corn syrup, sugar and various types of acid —all of which can lead to tooth decay, tooth erosion and other dental problems.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Consuming a lot of high fructose corn syrup or other sugars can cause serious health conditions such as diabetes, liver disease and obesity, in addition to tooth decay and other dental problems. It blocks your body’s ability to recognize when it is full and can actually increase your appetite. These are just a few of the reasons flavored water can be dangerous if consumed in large quantities.

Acidity
You would have never thought that acid could harm your teeth, but it has basically the same effect as sugar over time.  Acid leads to the breakdown of the enamel of the teeth, which can lead to erosion or decay over time.  Excessive intake of acidic drinks can literally “eat” away the hardest layer of your teeth, the enamel! 

You don’t have to necessarily give up drinking flavored water, it’s just best to consume them in moderation and lean towards water for your daily thirst quencher. If you have any concerns about your oral health, contact us today and we will be happy to answer your questions!

Wednesday 23 January 2013

Importance of Tooth Replacement

Learn more about the importance for keeping your teeth by viewing the video below



Above video created by: InfoStarProductions


Richardson Dentistry
1231 East Belt Line Road, Suite 103
Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (972) 690-8617

Cosmetic Dental Procedure – Dental Crowns

Learn more about dental crowns by viewing the video below


Above video created by: InfoStarProductions


Richardson Dentistry
1231 East Belt Line Road, Suite 103
Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (972) 690-8617

Cosmetic Dental Procedure – Dental Veneers

Learn more about dental veneers by viewing the video below


Above video created by: InfoStarProductions


Richardson Dentistry
1231 East Belt Line Road, Suite 103
Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (972) 690-8617

Thursday 10 January 2013

Flossing Guide


We have all heard about the importance of flossing.  Richardson Dentistry decided to create a flossing guide to aide you.

What type of floss is best?
There are two different types of dental floss that you can choose from. You should try both to see which kind you prefer.

      1)  Nylon (multifilament) floss contains strands that are intertwined. While it tends to break easier and has a knack for getting stuck between teeth, this type of floss is great for removing particles.
      2)   PTFE (monofilament) floss contains only a single strand and is usually made of Teflon. Although it tends to bunch up and become ineffective if you use the same portion over and over, it does slide between teeth easier than nylon floss.

How often should you floss?
Twice a day is ideal, but if you are at least making sure to floss before bed then you should be in good shape.

When should you floss – before or after brushing?
In this case it’s a matter of personal preference. However, it is a good idea to floss before you brush so you can loosen plaque and particles in your teeth. If you like to floss afterwards, make sure you rinse your mouth out with mouthwash or water to remove all the food and debris.

How should you floss?
1) Get a piece of floss 16-22 inches long.
2) Wind one end around your finger about 3 or more times --- this helps you keep a strong grip on the string.
      3) Grip the floss with your thumbs and slide between a tooth, move the floss up and down and in and out multiple times from different angles.
      4) As you floss your teeth you want a fresh portion of the floss, so unwind a loop one finger and wind it up the other as you go.
      5) After you are done with all of your teeth, make sure you rinse your mouth out to remove all the dislodged particles.

Thursday 3 January 2013

Dry mouth


A dry mouth isn't just unpleasant, it's bad for your teeth. Saliva washes away cavity-causing bacteria and neutralizes harmful acids.

"Without saliva, you would lose your teeth much faster—it helps prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems," says Meinecke.

Drink lots of water, chew sugarless gum, use a fluoride toothpaste or rinse, and consider over-the-counter artificial saliva substitutes. See your doctor if it's a frequent problem.

Above article from:  Health.com

Richardson Dentistry
1231 East Belt Line Road, Suite 103
Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (972) 690-8617


Common Myths About Children's Teeth
As parent’s, we want the best for our children. With an influx of myths and misconceptions out there, however, it can sometimes be difficult to sort through what is fact and what is fiction. The following are some common myths about children’s teeth that parents should be aware of.
Myth #1: Baby teeth aren't important
Many people think that baby teeth are unimportant because they fall out; however, this is not true. Baby teeth are just as important to a child’s overall health as their permanent teeth are. Not only do baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent adult teeth, they are also just as susceptible to the same decay as permanent teeth. Not to mention, baby teeth issues can still cause your child pain and discomfort, which in and of itself is a good enough reason to take care of them.
Myth #2: Children are OK to brush their own teeth
It’s hard enough for adults to brush their teeth properly, let alone little kids.  While it may appear that they can brush their own teeth, it’s highly unlikely your child will be able to clean all those hard to reach places. Giving them the opportunity to get in the habit of brushing their teeth is a good idea, but you may want to oversee some of their brushing efforts to make sure the job is getting done.
Myth #3: Babies have “soft” teeth, which are more susceptible to cavities
Although babies have a reputation for being cuddly and soft, their teeth are far from that. In fact, the enamel of both baby teeth and permanent teeth is the hardest substance in the body. The main reason little kids tend to get cavities and such is because of their diet. It is rich in milk, baby food and juice, which all contribute to cavity causing bacteria.
Myth #4: Fluoride toothpaste is harmful to children
A lot of research has been done to determine the health hazards of fluoride. Evidence shows that fluoride is actually extremely helpful for preventing cavities, but should only be used sparingly.
Myth #5: Children don’t have to go to the dentist until they start school
It is actually recommended by most pediatric dentists that you bring your child in once their first tooth erupts, which usually occurs around age 1. Having children come to the dentist’s office early on will help ensure that their dental health is in tip-top shape and no cavities are present. As mentioned before, baby teeth are just as important to keep healthy and shouldn't be neglected. It’s also important for the child to get used to visiting the dentist so they can dismiss any fears, establish a preventative plan to fight tooth decay and have an emergency contact in case of a dental emergency.

Wednesday 2 January 2013

Dieting


Restrictive diets and poor eating habits can deprive you of the vitamins and nutrients necessary for a beautiful smile.

It's especially important to get enough folate, B vitamins, protein, calcium, and vitamin C—all of which are considered essential for healthy teeth and gums.

"Poor nutrition can affect your entire immune system, increasing your susceptibility to many disorders and infections, including periodontal disease," says Halpern.

Above article from:  Health.com

Richardson Dentistry
1231 East Belt Line Road, Suite 103
Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (972) 690-8617

Tuesday 1 January 2013

Teeth grinding


Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can affect your jaw, cause pain, and even change the appearance of your face.

"People who have otherwise healthy teeth and gums can clench so often and so hard that over time, they wear away their tooth's enamel, causing chipping and sensitivity," says Halpern.

Stress and anger can increase nighttime teeth grinding. "Finding ways to alleviate these feelings can help, but it's also important to see your dentist, who can recommend solutions like a custom night guard," advises Perle.

Above article from:  Health.com

Richardson Dentistry
1231 East Belt Line Road, Suite 103
Richardson, TX 75081
Phone: (972) 690-8617