Why do I need dental x-rays?

Radiographic, or X-ray, examinations provide your dentist with an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, its roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones. X-rays can help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal (gum) disease, abscesses and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. X-rays also can show the exact location of impacted and unerupted teeth. They can Continue reading “Why do I need dental x-rays?” »

What is a Dental Sealant?

A dental sealant is a thin plastic film painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities.

How effective are sealants?

Studies have proven that properly applied sealants are 100-percent effective in protecting the tooth surfaces from cavities. As long as the sealant remains intact, small food particles and bacteria that cause cavities cannot penetrate through or around a sealant. Sealant protection is reduced or lost when part or all of the bond between the tooth and sealant is broken. However, clinical studies have shown that teeth that have lost sealants are no more susceptible to tooth decay than teeth that were never sealed.

Why can’t I just brush and floss?

While brushing and flossing help to remove food particles and Continue reading “What is a Dental Sealant?” »

Teens: Want a Brighter Smile? Visit the Dentist, not the Mall

Although teeth whitening may be one of the safest, non-invasive and cost-efficient ways for teens to immediately boost their appearance, parents should learn about the best whitening options for their adolescent, reports the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing education.

Teeth whitening is a multi-million dollar industry that is partly fueled by image-conscious teens heading to the mall to pick up instant, do-it-yourself teeth whitening kits, many of which are heavily marketed and are not dentist-supervised.

“Teens should visit their dentist instead of the mall for a healthy, white smile,” says AGD spokesperson Manuel Cordero, DDS, MAGD, who has seen a steady increase in his teen patients’ requests for this procedure.

Proper whitening depends upon the use of a custom-made bleaching tray, which only a dentist can properly fit. Some Internet companies sell the materials that allow consumers to make their own whitening tray. But only dentists can assure the proper use of these materials. Without supervision and expertise, these materials can cause damage to existing dental work. As with any dental procedure, whitening should always be done under the supervision of a dentist.

Tips for teens and their parents on tooth whitening:

According to Dr. Cordero, teens should wait for whitening procedures until at least the age of 14. At this time, the tooth’s pulp is fully formed, which means the teen will experience less sensitivity.
Drink soda and coffee through a straw to prevent discoloration of the upper, front teeth.
Wearing braces? Brush and clean teeth meticulously because food and their bi-products can discolor teeth as well as create cavities.

Is Fluoride still important for adult oral health?

FLUORIDE: Fluoridated community drinking water and fluoride toothpaste are the most common sources of fluoride in the United States and are largely responsible for the low risk for dental caries (cavities) for most persons in this country. Persons at high risk for dental caries might require more frequent or more concentrated exposure to fluoride using a prescribed mouth rinse, topical gel or varnish that leaves a temporary layer of material on the enamel surface. The fluoride in this material is released when the pH drops in the mouth in response to acid production and works to remineralize tooth enamel.
Please feel free to share this information if you think there is an interest, or give us a call!

Why is Xylitol a better sweetener?

I have reviewed the medical research and feel confident recommending Epic Dental products as your “sugar free” choice for gum and mints. Here is what they have to say about Xylitol:

Xylitol – Not a Drug – Just a Wonder!
Epic Dental products contain xylitol, a powerful all-natural tool to improve your family’s oral health.
Not a chemical or a drug, xylitol’s completely natural and even produced by the human body during normal metabolism.

What It Does
Xylitol Prevents Cavities: Xylitol’s unique molecular structure works against bacteria. In fact, studies show that 6 grams of the xylitol found in Epic reduce acid-producing bacteria. By reducing the bacteria, you reduce cavities.
Xylitol Is Diabetic Friendly Sweetener: Our friends with diabetes have repeatedly thanked us for finding them a wonderful replacement to sugar. In fact, xylitol is only an 11 on the glycemic index, and since xylitol contains 40% fewer calories than sugar, you’ll be smiling each time you step on the scale as well.
Xylitol Soothes & Quenches Dry Mouth: Epic’s xylitol not only naturally stimulates saliva flow, but also fights the cause of the acid production. Both our gum and mints are ideal ways produce additional saliva. You’ll find our mouthwash an ideal catalyst for an extra dose of cavity-fighting-gentle-buffer-building goodness. Learn more about relief from dry mouth.
Xylitol Can Help Prevent Kids’ Ear Infections: Xylitol has been approved for use by people of all ages. Studies suggest that children especially, can benefit from using xylitol. In fact, in most of the xylitol research studies, children have been the key participants. Interestingly, studies have also shown that xylitol can strongly impact the bacteria that causes many inner-ear infections.
Xylitol? Too Good To Be True?
Xylitol is considered a healthy alternative to sugar and lacks major side effects. In fact, most users experience virtually no side effects when using the recommended dosage (usually 6-8 grams) for dental benefits. Some users, however, may experience some initial side effects when first using xylitol in large quantities.

Remember, xylitol’s not created in a lab. It comes from nature.

Cavities – Dental decay

Fluoride has been a great benefit to patients of all ages in helping prevent dental decay. Regular brushing and flossing lowers the chance of developing “cavities.”

At Dentistry For Adults we know that the most decay-prone areas of teeth are the grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, which require further preventive care.

To prevent decay, a plastic-like coating called a sealant should be painted on the chewing surfaces of all the back teeth. Studies have shown that sealants can reduce tooth decay by as much as 90% to 100% in the Plano area and nation wide.

The American Dental Association recommends that sealants be placed as soon as the first adult back teeth come in at age 6 or 7. Sealants should continue to be used as each adult back tooth comes into the mouth. All back teeth that need to be sealed are present by age 13. Sealant application is simple, fast, and painless.

Please call Dentistry For Adults with any questions you may have about the benefits using a sealant in preventing dental decay.

General Denistry

A quality Plano general dentist is hard to find.

We are a caring, friendly team of dental professionals committed to providing a comfortable dental experience. That is just one trait of this fine Plano family dentist.

Our goal is to provide the best dental care possible for you and your family in a compassionate, caring environment. At Dentistry For Adults we want to help you maintain your oral hygiene in a way that will keep your teeth and mouth healthy for a lifetime.

Many dentists in the Plano area are not general dentists. You can rest assured your family will receive the best possible care from this great Plano general dentist.

Click below for general dental health topics…

• Emergency dental treatment
• Diet and dental health
• Prevent tooth decay
• Dental decay “cavities”
• Some dental problems are easy to see: Plaque!
• When should my child first see a dentist?

Please call (972) 981-8653 now to make an appointment.