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What Tara Lipinski Does To Protect One Of Her Most Valuable Assets-Her Smile

Posted on: May 3, 2021 by Arpit

Tara Lipinski loves to smile. And for a good reason: The Olympic gold medalist has enjoyed a spectacular ladies’ figure skating career. Besides winning gold in the U.S. Nationals and the Grand Prix Final in 1997, Lipinski became the youngest skater to win a World Figure Skating title. Now a sports commentator and television producer, Lipinski still loves to show her smile—and counts it as one of her most important assets. She also knows the importance of protecting her smile with daily hygiene habits and regular dental care.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Our teeth endure a lot over our lifetime. Tough as they are, they’re still vulnerable to disease, trauma, and the effects of aging. To protect them, we must brush and floss daily to remove bacterial plaque—that thin accumulating film on teeth is most responsible for tooth decay and gum disease.

To keep her smile in top shape and reduce her chances of dental disease, Lipinski flosses, and brushes daily, the latter at least twice a day. She also uses a tongue scraper, a small handheld device about the size of a toothbrush, to remove odor-causing bacteria and debris from the tongue.

Lipinski is also diligent about visiting the dentist for professional cleanings and checkups at least twice a year because even a dedicated brusher and flosser like her can still miss dental plaque that can harden into tartar. Dental hygienists have the training and tools to clear away any lingering plaque and tartar that could increase your disease risk. It’s also a good time for the dentist to check your teeth and gums for any developing problems.

Teeth Grinding Habit

The high-pressure world of competitive figure skating and now her media career may also have contributed to another threat to Lipinski’s smile: a teeth-grinding habit. Teeth grinding is the unconscious action—often while asleep—of clenching the jaws together and producing abnormally high biting forces. Often a result of chronic stress, teeth grinding can accelerate tooth wear and damage the gum ligaments attached to teeth. To help minimize these effects, Lipinski’s dentist created a custom mouthguard to wear at night. The slick plastic surface of the guard prevents the teeth from generating opposing biting forces when they clench together.

The importance of an attractive smile isn’t unique to celebrities and media stars like Tara Lipinski. A great smile breeds confidence for anyone—and it can enhance your career, family, and social relationships. Protect this invaluable asset with daily oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and prompt treatment for disease or trauma.

If you want more information about protecting your smile, please contact us or schedule an appointment. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Tooth Decay” and “Teeth Grinding.”

Protect Both Your Mouth And Your Body With These Oral Health Practices

Posted on: May 3, 2021 by Arpit

March is here, and it’s time for the big day. No, not St. Patrick’s Day: It’s World Oral Health Day! The FDI World Dental Federation, representing over one million dentists worldwide, commemorates each March 20th in honor of everyone’s mouth—and how to keep it healthy through good oral health practices.

So why give your oral cavity its own day? For a very good reason: A healthy mouth is a key to a healthy body and a happy life. Diseases like tooth decay or gum disease don’t just ruin your teeth and gums (or your winning smile)—they can contribute to decreased nutrition, opportunistic infections, and systemic inflammation. The latter is a huge factor in diabetes, heart disease, and similar health conditions.

World Oral Health Day isn’t just about highlighting what can rob you of a healthy mouth. It’s primarily about taking action—the things you and we can do to maintain and improve your oral health. Here are a few basics that can go a long way in keeping your teeth and gums healthy for life.

Keep up a good oral hygiene habit

Dental plaque is the primary engine of dental disease. This thin film that builds up on teeth is the main source of food and lodging for disease-causing bacteria. We know you have a hectic schedule, but all it takes is 5 minutes a day to effectively remove accumulated plaque. That includes brushing AND flossing—the latter removes plaque between teeth your brush can’t reach.

Schedule regular dental visits

Even with excellent oral hygiene, you will develop tartar. Tartar is just as important in causing disease and is impossible to remove by brushing and flossing alone. That’s why at least every six months, you need professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar you might have missed. It’s also a good time for us to check your teeth and gums for signs of decay or gum infection.

Make lifestyle changes

What you put in your mouth could raise or lower your risk for disease. A healthy mouth starts with a healthy, tooth-friendly diet: less (or no) added sugar, more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and dairy. You’ll also improve your mouth health if you abstain from tobacco products (both smoking and smokeless) and only drink alcohol in moderation.

Investing in your mouth with daily hygiene, regular dental visits, and healthy lifestyle practices will pay dividends now and in the future. It doesn’t take much, but these simple things could boost oral and general health.

Please contact us or schedule a consultation if you want more information about the best oral health practices. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine article “Daily Oral Hygiene.”

Tom Cruise Transformed His Smile Through Braces And So Can You

Posted on: May 3, 2021 by Arpit

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Schedule your visit now for personalized care in a comfortable environment. Your journey to a brighter, healthier smile begins here.

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email address

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our address

26735 US Hwy 380 E, Suite 105,Aubrey, TX 76227

Opening hours

Monday 8:00am – 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 5:30pm
Thursday 8:00am – 5:30pm
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Saturday Closed
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Friendly Bacteria Can Help Protect Our Mouths From Disease

Posted on: May 3, 2021 by Arpit

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contact us

get in touch

Schedule your visit now for personalized care in a comfortable environment. Your journey to a brighter, healthier smile begins here.

phone number

972-347-1090

email address

[email protected]

our address

26735 US Hwy 380 E, Suite 105,Aubrey, TX 76227

Opening hours

Monday 8:00am – 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 5:30pm
Thursday 8:00am – 5:30pm
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

COMMUNITIES WE ATTEND

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These 3 Tasks Show How Saliva Is Amazing

Posted on: May 3, 2021 by Arpit

Saliva probably doesn’t rate high on your amazement meter. You’re more likely to notice its absence and the dry irritation that results.

But you might be more impressed with this unsung bodily fluid if you knew all the things it does. It’s definitely a multi-tasker, performing a number of jobs (including aiding in digestion) that not only keep your oral health on track, but your general well-being too. And there are even new testing methods where saliva may even tell us when you’re not doing so well.

Here are 3 more tasks your saliva is doing for your mouth right now that truly make it amazing.

Cleansing. Your teeth’s chewing action shreds food so it’s easier to digest. But that also leaves behind tiny particles in your mouth. Bacteria feast on these particles (especially carbohydrates like sugar) and produce acid as a byproduct, which can increase your risk of tooth decay. Saliva serves as a kind of “rinse cycle” for your mouth, helping to wash a good bit of these errant particles down your throat and away from hungry bacteria.

Defense. Speaking of bacteria, your mouth is home to millions of them. While most are harmless or even beneficial, a fraction can harm your teeth and gums. Saliva is your first line of defense, emitting an antibody known as Immunoglobulin A that targets these bacteria. Saliva also produces an antibacterial substance called lyzozyme that prevents bacteria from growing.

Enamel Protection. Although it’s the strongest substance in the body, your teeth’s enamel can’t withstand the effects of mouth acid, the by-product of bacterial feeding and growth. Acid levels naturally rise after eating, but even this sudden rise can begin the process of demineralization, where minerals in enamel dissolve. Saliva saves the day by first neutralizing the acid and restoring the mouth’s normal pH in about thirty minutes to an hour. It also helps restore minerals in enamel, a process called remineralization. It’s all in a day’s work for this remarkable fluid.

If you would like more information on the importance of saliva to oral health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Saliva: How it is used to Diagnose Disease.”

Nancy O’Dell On Making Oral Hygiene Fun For Kids

Posted on: May 3, 2021 by Arpit

When Entertainment Tonight host Nancy O’Dell set out to teach her young daughter Ashby how to brush her teeth, she knew the surest path to success would be to make it fun for the toddler.

“The best thing with kids is you have to make everything a game,” Nancy recently said in an interview with Dear Doctor TV. She bought Ashby a timer in the shape of a tooth that ticks for two minutes — the recommended amount of time that should be spent on brushing — and the little girl loved it. “She thought that was super fun, that she would turn the timer on and brush her teeth for that long,” Nancy said.

Ashby was also treated to a shopping trip for oral-hygiene supplies with Mom. “She got to go with me and choose the toothpaste she wanted,” Nancy recalled. “They had some SpongeBob toothpaste that she really liked, so we made it into a fun activity.”

Seems like this savvy mom is on to something! Just because good oral hygiene is a must for your child’s health and dental development doesn’t mean it has to feel like a chore. Equally important to making oral hygiene instruction fun is that it start as early as possible. It’s best to begin cleaning your child’s teeth as soon as they start to appear in infancy. Use a small, soft-bristled, child-sized brush or a clean, damp washcloth and just a thin smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice.

Once your child is old enough to hold the toothbrush and understand what the goal is, you can let him or her have a turn at brushing; but make sure you also take your turn so that every tooth gets brushed — front, back, and all chewing surfaces. After your child turns 3 and is capable of spitting out the toothpaste, you can increase the toothpaste amount to the size of a pea. Kids can usually take over the task of brushing by themselves around age 6 but may still need help with flossing.

Another great way to teach your children the best oral-hygiene practices is to model them yourself. If you brush and floss every day and have regular cleanings and exams at the dental office, your child will come to understand what a normal, healthy, and important routine this is. Ashby will certainly get this message from her mom.

“I’m very adamant about seeing the dentist regularly,” Nancy O’Dell said in her Dear Doctor interview. “I make sure I go when I’m supposed to go.”

It’s no wonder that Nancy has such a beautiful, healthy-looking smile. And from the looks of things, her daughter is also on track to have one. We want to see every child get off to a good start!

If you have questions about your child’s oral health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Taking the Stress Out of Dentistry for Kids” and “Top 10 Oral Health Tips for Children.”

The True Cause Of Your Gummy Smile Determines How We Treat It

Posted on: May 3, 2021 by Arpit

contact us

Scroll to see more

contact us

get in touch

Schedule your visit now for personalized care in a comfortable environment. Your journey to a brighter, healthier smile begins here.

phone number

972-347-1090

email address

[email protected]

our address

26735 US Hwy 380 E, Suite 105,Aubrey, TX 76227

Opening hours

Monday 8:00am – 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 5:30pm
Thursday 8:00am – 5:30pm
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

COMMUNITIES WE ATTEND

PROVIDING DENTAL care services for

Zac Efron’s Smile Transformation Could Happen To You

Posted on: May 3, 2021 by Arpit

Actor Zac Efron has one of the top smiles in a business known for beautiful smiles. Bursting on the scene in 2006 at age 18 in High School Musical, Efron has steadily increased his range of acting roles. He recently starred as Ted Bundy on Netflix, wearing prosthetics to match the notorious serial killer’s crooked teeth.

With his growing fame, Efron’s attractive smile has become one of his more memorable attributes. But it wasn’t always so. Before Hollywood, Efron’s smile was less than perfect with small, uneven teeth and a gap between his top front teeth. Before and after pictures, though, make it quite apparent that the actor has undergone a significant smile makeover.

While fans are abuzz on the 411 regarding his dental work, Efron himself has been hush-hush about his smile transformation. We won’t join the speculation: Instead, here are a few possible ways you can get a more attractive smile like Zac Efron.

Teeth whitening. A single-visit, non-invasive teeth whitening procedure can transform your dull, stained teeth into a brighter, more attractive smile. Although the effect isn’t permanent, it could last a few years with a professional whitening and good oral practices. Having it done professionally also gives you more control over the level of shading you prefer—from soft natural white to dazzling Hollywood bright.

Orthodontics. Like Efron, if your teeth aren’t quite in proper alignment, straightening them can make a big difference in your appearance (and your oral health as well). Braces are the tried and true method for moving teeth, but you may also be able to choose clear aligner trays, which are much less noticeable than braces. And don’t worry about your age: Anyone with reasonably good dental health can undergo orthodontics.

Bonding. We may be able to correct chips and other slight tooth flaws with durable composite resins. After preparing your tooth and matching the material to your particular color, we apply it directly to your tooth in successive layers. After hardening, the unsightly defect is no more—and your smile is more attractive.

Veneers. Dental veneers are the next step up for more advanced defects. We bond these thin, custom-made layers of dental porcelain to the front of teeth to mask chips, heavy staining and slight tooth gaps. Although we often need to permanently remove a small amount of tooth enamel, veneers are still less invasive than some other restorations. And your before and after could be just as amazing as Zac Efron’s.

Improving one’s smile isn’t reserved for stars like Zac Efron. There are ways to correct just about any dental defect, many of which don’t require an A-lister’s bank account. With a little dental “magic,” you could transform your smile.

If you would like more information about how to give your smile a boost, please contact us or schedule a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine articles “The Magic of Orthodontics” and “Porcelain Veneers.”

Inform Your Dentist If You’re Taking Blood Thinners

Posted on: May 3, 2021 by Arpit

Dental work isn’t performed in a vacuum. The state of your general health can impact procedures and vice-versa. This is especially true if you’re taking certain medications like blood thinners.

Blood Thinners

Blood thinners such as Warfarin or Clopidogrel are used for several medical conditions as an anti-coagulant (inhibiting blood from clotting). They’re commonly part of a stroke or heart attack prevention strategy in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Those with tendencies for thrombosis (blood clot formation within blood vessels) or pulmonary embolisms (blood clots within the lungs). They’re also used with patients with artificial heart valves or temporarily with patients who’ve recently undergone knee replacement or similar surgical procedures.

In most cases, dental work won’t be affected by your use of a blood thinner. An issue might arise, however, if an invasive procedure has the potential to cause bleeding. For example, tooth extraction or gum surgery. Because the blood doesn’t clot normally, it may be difficult to stop the bleeding during such procedures.

To avoid undue complications, it’s always best to let your dentist or oral surgeon know your medications, especially blood thinners. This includes low-dose aspirin, a common over-the-counter drug often prescribed as a mild blood thinner. Then, depending on the procedure and your dosage, they may consult your prescribing doctor. Just to see if temporarily stopping the medication or reducing the dosage. It is a good precautionary measure for your dental treatment.

Reduce Bleeding

Your dentist may also take precautions during the procedure to help reduce bleeding, such as using hemostatic agents around the wound site to help stabilize blood clotting while carefully suturing the wound to avoid disrupting smaller blood vessels (capillaries) that easily bleed.

If your dosage has been temporarily stopped or reduced, you’ll usually be able to resume blood thinners immediately after the dental procedure. Working together, your dentist and doctor will help ensure that your health won’t be at risk. A dental practice will occur without undue complications.

If you would like more information on dental work precautions with medications, please get in touch with us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Oral Surgery & Blood Thinners.”

Try The Conservative Path To Jaw Pain Relief First

Posted on: May 3, 2021 by Arpit

If you have chronic jaw pain, you know how difficult eating, speaking, or even smiling can be. Many sufferers will do anything to gain relief, even surgery. But before you go down that road, consider the traditional conservative approach to temporomandibular disorders (TMD) management first. It could provide the most relief with the least risk of side effects.

TMD

The temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull on either side of the head. These ball and socket joints also contain a cushioning disk to facilitate movement. This disk is believed to be the primary focus for jaw pain problems known collectively as TMD.

Doctors now believe injury, stress, metabolic issues, jaw anatomy defects, or similar factors trigger the chain reaction of muscle spasms, pain, and soreness that can erupt during a TMD episode. A TMD patient may experience pain within the jaw muscles or joints themselves, clicking sensations, or an inability to open the jaw to its full range.

TMD Therapy

TMD therapy has traditionally followed an orthopedic path—treating jaw joints like any other joint. In recent years, a more aggressive treatment model has emerged that promotes more invasive techniques like orthodontics, dental work, or jaw surgery to relieve discomfort. But the track record for this model, especially concerning jaw surgery, remains hazy at best and offers no guarantee of relief. These techniques are also irreversible and have even made symptoms worse in some patients.

It’s usually prudent, then, to try conservative treatments first. This can include pain and muscle relaxant medication, jaw exercises, stretching and massage, and dietary changes to reduce chewing force. Patients with teeth grinding habits may also benefit from a bite guard worn at night to reduce the biting force during sleep and help the joints relax.

Relief From TMD Symptoms

By finding the right mix of treatments, you may be able to find significant relief from TMD symptoms with the conservative approach. If not, you might then discuss more invasive options with your dentist. But even if your dentist recommends such a procedure, you would be wise to seek a second opinion.

TMD can definitely interfere with your quality of life and peace of mind. But there are ways to reduce its effects and make for a happier life.

If you would like more information on managing chronic jaw pain, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Seeking Relief from TMD.”