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.
Men’s Oral Health- Looking for a New Job? Visit the Dentist!
Men’s Oral Health
Looking for a New Job? Visit the Dentist!
An online poll of 289 general dentists and consumers confirms the traditional stereotype that men are less likely to visit the dentist than their female counterparts, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Why? Nearly 45 percent of respondents felt that men don’t see a need to go to the dentist, and about 30 percent of those polled reported that men may not visit the dentist because they are afraid or embarrassed to go. Almost 18 percent revealed that men just don’t have the time for a dental visit, and about 5 percent felt that men don’t even have a regular dentist.
Please feel free to share this information if you find it useful and informative, or post a comment or question below.
You and Your Bite (Part 2)
Occlusal Therapy
Occlusal Disease therapy commonly begins with a “bite splint.” This hard acrylic appliance is fabricated to fit snugly over either your upper or lower teeth. It becomes a temporary perfect bite for you.
Wearing the bite splint is a time of discovery for both you and your doctor. You will experience what a comfortable difference a stable, solid bite can make on your teeth, your muscles, and your jaw. It is very likely that many of the signs and symptoms of occlusal disease will diminish or even disappear. How long this takes depends on your situation and the signs and symptoms with which you start.
Following a new bite evaluation, your doctor may ask permission to reshape teeth so they move smoothly against each other and fit together in the same solid position that you felt with the bite splint.
In rare cases where the joint has been badly damaged, the bite splint may not achieve the desired results. When this occurs, advanced joint imaging and consultation with a specialist may be necessary to address the changes in the joints.
Whatever is recommended, the best dentists will be sure to spend time ensuring that you have a clear understanding of why it is prescribed, what to expect, and a clear picture of the anticipated outcome. They also will welcome your questions and concerns.
Keeping your teeth in maximum comfort, function, and esthetics for your entire lifetime depends on you. Seeing and addressing the signs and symptoms of the disease processes that work against that goal depends on what your dentist knows and discovers. Together you can be an unbeatable team that keeps occlusion working for your health and not against it.
Reasons For A Root Canal
Many people flinch when their dentists tell them they need root canal therapy. While dentists are sympathetic to fears of pain, at Dentistry For Adults we also want you to know that root canal therapy has three purposes:
- Stop the toothache
- Prevent bacteria and pain from spreading into the jaw
- Maintain the original tooth instead of replacing it with a denture or bridge.
The root canal is actually a channel that runs from the root of the tooth, which connects to the bone, up to the top surface of the tooth. The canal contains blood vessels, nerves, and the complex cells that make up the living tissue inside the tooth. This lifeline inside the tooth is called the pulp.
When a tooth is decayed or cracked, bacteria can get to the pulp. The acid from the bacteria irritates the pulp and it becomes inflamed; it’s the same process you watch when other parts of your body become infected. When the pulp tissue becomes inflamed, it’s harder for blood to flow to the tissue, and the resulting pressure creates pain inside your tooth.
For more information about how we at Dentistry For Adults can help you with your root canal problems, call us at (972) 981-8653, we will be happy to talk with you.
General Denistry
A quality Plano general dentist is hard to find.
Dr. Paul F. Willliams
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.
TMJ Disorder
Dr. Paul F. Williams
TMJ disorder describes a variety of conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (the point where the jaw opens and closes) and nerves related to chronic facial pain. These problems are now more easily diagnosed and treated than in the past. Women are twice as likely to be affected than men.
In most cases, the symptoms related to TMJ disorders can be successfully treated to reduce or eliminate your discomfort. Postponement of treatment usually results in more damage to the joint, muscles, or teeth. Be sure to discuss any questions you may have about TMJ symptoms and treatment plans with us before beginning.
Dr. Paul F Williams treats TMJ disorder in Plano. With the doctor’s knowledge and expertise, he is considered one of the best dentists to treat TMJ disorder in the Plano area. To find out more about TMJ disorder, click the articles below.
