Dentist, Dr. Bill Blandford of Energy Square Dental in Dallas Tx 75206 provides a full range of dental treatment services. Dental care services include: general, cosmetic, sedation, dental implant, six month smiles, restorative, and preventive dentistry. Visit our main website at www.EnergySquareDental.com to learn more about our dental treatment in Dallas.
What to Know About Cavities and Tooth Decay While cavities are very common dental problems in both children and adults, they can be prevented. Find out what you need to know to stay ahead of cavities. What Exactly Is a Cavity? It’s actually pretty simple. Decay (or softening of enamel) happens over time and the result is a cavity-a defect left in the tooth. Teeth are covered with a hard protective top layer called enamel. But once the enamel is weakened by acids produced by bacteria, a pit or cavity is formed in or on the tooth surface. What Causes Cavities and Tooth Decay? While it’s ultimately acid-producing bacteria that leads to cavity formation, the most common cause of bacterial growth is inadequate daily brushing and flossing. Certain foods (carbs) and sugary drinks contribute to cavity formation-bacteria metabolize these carbohydrates and sugars and produce cavity-forming acids.
Lots of people ask their dental professional if there’s a difference between plaque and tartar-and it’s a great question. Both plaque and tartar buildup are common dental problems. Significant plaque buildup can result in tooth decay and gum disease. Tartar is calcified plaque. Arming yourself with the facts can help you be smarter about how you care for your teeth. The Facts About Plaque Plaque is sticky, colorless film containing bacteria that builds up naturally on tooth surfaces and especially along the gum line within four to 12 hours after brushing. Sugars in food and drinks can combine with plaque bacteria to release acids. These acids attack tooth enamel and break it down, which can then create cavities. Plaque bacteria can also contribute to gum disease, like gingivitis. Regular brushing and flossing are your most effective tools in the fight against plaque. If it’s not removed daily, plaque eventually accumulates and hardens into tartar. To read the entire article visit OralB.com.
Dentist Dallas TX Energy Square Dental Bill Blandford, DDS, PC (214) 369-9966 4849 Greenville, Suite 173 Dallas, TX 75206
What Is Gingivitis? Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque bacteria on the tissues that surround the teeth. Plaque, a naturally occurring biofilm containing bacteria, can lead to gingivitis if not removed by daily brushing. Who Can Get Gingivitis? Gingivitis is quite prevalent. But while almost 80% of adults will experience some symptoms of gingivitis, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inevitable. It’s important to note that occasionally there might be no noticeable pain or apparent signs, leaving people unaware that they have it. That’s another good reason to schedule regular checkups with your dental professional every six months so he or she can identify it and suggest treatment options. Gingivitis Symptoms Some symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Chronic gingivitis can lead to periodontitis and chronic bad breath. If these symptoms persist, it's important to talk with your dental professional to determine the best treatment. In the meantime, learn what you can do to protect against gingivitis. To read the entire article visit OralB.com.
Dentist Dallas TX Energy Square Dental Bill Blandford, DDS, PC (214) 369-9966 4849 Greenville, Suite 173 Dallas, TX 75206
#5: Watch out for starchy foods These are sneaky because they often get trapped in your teeth. If you choose to indulge in chips and cakes, take extra care when you floss that day to remove all the food particles that can lead to plaque build-up.
#6: You can still have fun So, what can you eat? Lots of stuff! Make lean protein choices, such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish and vary your diet. Eat whole grains and choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods. The holidays are a great time of year to start thinking about healthier habits. If you do snack, make it a nutritious choice-such as cheese, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables-for your overall health and the health of your teeth. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org. Dentist Dallas TX Energy Square Dental Bill Blandford, DDS, PC (214) 369-9966 4849 Greenville, Suite 173 Dallas, TX 75206
#3: Limit your alcohol intake ’Tis the season for egg nog, Brandy Alexanders and glog! If you choose to imbibe, try to drink water alongside your drinks. And remember: Too much alcohol can dry out your mouth.
#4: Take it easy on the hard candies Some candies are more problematic than others. Hard candies can put your teeth at risk because in addition to being full of sugar, they’ve also been known to cause broken or chipped teeth. (Be careful not to break or chip your teeth when eating nuts as well!) To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org. Dentist Dallas TX Energy Square Dental Bill Blandford, DDS, PC (214) 369-9966 4849 Greenville, Suite 173 Dallas, TX 75206
#1: Timing matters Timing matters. While everything is fine in moderation, it helps to eat sweets and other sugary foods with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals and helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps rinse away food particles. #2: Be picky if it's sticky When it comes to picking healthy snacks, many people put dried fruit at the top of the list. But many dried fruits are sticky and sticky foods tend to stay on the teeth longer than other types of food. If you find yourself eating a lot of dried fruits such as cranberries, make sure to rinse with water and brush carefully. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
Dentist Dallas TX Energy Square Dental Bill Blandford, DDS, PC (214) 369-9966 4849 Greenville, Suite 173 Dallas, TX 75206
An effective oral hygiene routine starts with a few simple steps: A Proper Brushing Technique for your Teeth A proper brushing technique is the first step to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Plus, it helps minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, the major causes of tooth loss. Before You Begin While there are several tooth brushing techniques with a manual toothbrush, always ask your dental professional for their recommendation and be sure to follow their instructions. To start, use fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristle toothbrush, and don't forget to replace it every three months. Two Minutes, Twice a Day To brush your teeth correctly, spend at least two minutes using a recommended brushing technique, which includes 30 seconds brushing each section of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left), both morning and night. Since most manual toothbrushes don't have built-in two-minute timers, you may want to have a clock handy so you can be sure you're brushing long enough. Positioning the Toothbrush How you hold the toothbrush depends on which part of the tooth you're brushing. Please read the entire article, found at DentalCare.com, to see more detailed information on manual brushing and flossing.
Dentist Dallas TX Energy Square Dental Bill Blandford, DDS, PC (214) 369-9966 4849 Greenville, Suite 173 Dallas, TX 75206
You can achieve better plaque removal and gingivitis reduction with an electric toothbrush that utilizes oscillating-rotating technology than with a regular manual toothbrush. This brushing action is very different from ordinary manual toothbrushes, as it does the job of brushing for you. Be sure to guide the brush head to all parts of your mouth. Rotating Electric Toothbrush Instructions Hold the brush parallel to the floor, against the side of your teeth. Guide the brush head slowly from tooth to tooth, following the curve of the teeth and gums. It isn't necessary to press hard or scrub. Simply let the electric toothbrush do all the work. Hold the brush head in place for a few seconds before moving on to the next tooth.
Please read the entire article, found at DentalCare.com, to see more detailed information on how to use an electric toothbrush.
Dentist Dallas TX Energy Square Dental Bill Blandford, DDS, PC (214) 369-9966 4849 Greenville, Suite 173 Dallas, TX 75206
Your child’s well-being is your biggest concern and their oral hygiene is an important part of their overall health. The care of your child’s teeth and gums begins with you - - you can set them on the right path for a lifetime of excellent oral hygiene. Oral Hygiene for Infants Babies are born with all their teeth - you can't see them because they are hidden in the gums. Baby teeth start to break through the gums around 6 months but it is important to start good oral care for infants even before the first tooth comes in. From healthy gums come healthy teeth.
Wipe your baby’s gums with a soft washcloth after feeding. This helps remove the bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
Once they begin to erupt, brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear the size of a grain of rice - use a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Please read the entire article, found at DentalCare.com, to see more detailed information on dental hygiene for children.
Dentist Dallas TX Energy Square Dental Bill Blandford, DDS, PC (214) 369-9966 4849 Greenville, Suite 173 Dallas, TX 75206
While cavities are very common dental problems in both children and adults, they can be prevented. Find out what you need to know to stay ahead of cavities. 
Lots of people ask their dental professional if there’s a difference between plaque and tartar-and it’s a great question. Both plaque and tartar buildup are common dental problems. Significant plaque buildup can result in tooth decay and gum disease. Tartar is calcified plaque. Arming yourself with the facts can help you be smarter about how you care for your teeth. 
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque bacteria on the tissues that surround the teeth. Plaque, a naturally occurring biofilm containing bacteria, can lead to gingivitis if not removed by daily brushing. 
#5: Watch out for starchy foods 
So, what can you eat? Lots of stuff! Make lean protein choices, such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish and vary your diet. Eat whole grains and choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods. The holidays are a great time of year to start thinking about healthier habits. If you do snack, make it a nutritious choice-such as cheese, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables-for your overall health and the health of your teeth.
#3: Limit your alcohol intake 
#1: Timing matters 
Timing matters. While everything is fine in moderation, it helps to eat sweets and other sugary foods with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals and helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps rinse away food particles. 
A Proper Brushing Technique for your Teeth 
You can achieve better plaque removal and gingivitis reduction with an electric toothbrush that utilizes oscillating-rotating technology than with a regular manual toothbrush.
Your child’s well-being is your biggest concern and their oral hygiene is an important part of their overall health. The care of your child’s teeth and gums begins with you - - you can set them on the right path for a lifetime of excellent oral hygiene.