Great American Smokeout

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about about quitting smoking.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966  
4849 Greenville, Suite 173
Dallas, TX 75206

What to Know About Gingivitis

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

Sugarless Gum

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about sugarless gum.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966  
4849 Greenville, Suite 173
Dallas, TX 75206

Dental Caries: How They Are Formed and What You Can Do to Prevent Them

Dental caries (cavities) are the most common form of oral disease known to man, and the process of getting caries is called tooth decay.
Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel -- the hard, outer layer of your teeth. This issue can affect children, teens and adults. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is constantly forming on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods or beverages containing sugars, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth, and over time the enamel can break down, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

The types of caries formed can be broken down into two major groups:

Pit and fissure caries. These are found most often on the chewing surfaces of the back (molar and premolar) teeth, and the back of the front (anterior) teeth. Your teeth are composed of several sections of enamel, and where these sections meet, pits and grooves can trap plaque, causing decay. The proper application of pit and fissure sealants, a hard plastic material applied to seal the grooves and pits when the teeth have erupted, can prevent this type of dental caries. The sealants also make it less likely that you will need restorations (fillings) on those surfaces of the teeth.

Smooth surface caries. These are found most often along the gumline or where two teeth touch (interproximal or the space between teeth), if plaque forms in those areas. With the proper use of dental floss, you can prevent most smooth surface caries in the interproximal area, and using a manual or power toothbrush along the gumline can prevent caries in that area as well.

To read the entire article written by Richard A Huot, DDS, please visit Colgate.com

Dentist Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966  
4849 Greenville, Suite 173
Dallas, TX 75206

Periodontal Screening

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Periodontal Screening!


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966  
4849 Greenville, Suite 173
Dallas, TX 75206

Like Parent, Like Child: Good Oral Health Starts at Home

Parents are a child's first teacher in life and play a significant role in maintaining his or her overall health. Providing oral health education to mothers and families is essential to teaching children healthy habits and preventing early childhood tooth decay, according to an article published in the May/June 2010 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

With all of the challenges that new parents face, they may not think much about the link between their child's oral health and overall health. In fact, an understanding of oral hygiene can help parents to prevent tooth decayóthe single most common chronic childhood disease in Americaóand to create a lifetime of healthy habits for their child.

"Ideally, the oral health education for any family will begin with prenatal education and the establishment of a dental home by the time the child is 12 to 18 months of age," says Tegwyn Brickhouse, DDS, author of the study. "Many people don't realize that the oral health of the mother affects both the infant's future oral health and the child's overall health. In fact, some studies show that periodontal disease has been linked to preterm labor. That's why pregnant women should be evaluated for cavities, poor oral hygiene, gingivitis, loose teeth and diet."

After the child is born, families should become familiar with their child's dental and oral health milestones, which will be determined by discussion with the family dentist or a pediatric dentist. Children should have their first dental visit at age 1 or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. A dentist will be able to discuss when parents can expect to see a child's first tooth and the best technique for brushing his or her new teeth.

Diet is another factor that affects a child's oral health. Frequent and long-term exposure to liquids that contain sugars commonly results in tooth decay. In addition to eliminating sugary drinks altogether from a child's diet, parents can adopt other habits to prevent tooth decay due to beverage consumption.

"Parents should avoid giving their children milk, formula, juice or soda at naptime or nighttime," says Bruce DeGinder, DDS, MAGD, spokesperson for the AGD. "The sugars will linger on their teeth and gums for a prolonged period of time, promoting decay."

Parents are responsible for their child's oral hygiene practices and are advised to meet with a general dentist to determine the best way to establish and maintain their child's oral health. A general dentist also can provide families with oral health literature that is designed to educate both the parent and child. This education has multiple benefits; as Dr. Brickhouse notes, "Healthy teeth in early childhood can provide a positive self-image and improve the child's quality of life."

To read the entire article please visit KnowYourTeeth.com

Dentist Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966  
4849 Greenville, Suite 173
Dallas, TX 75206

Regular Visits To The Dentist Can Give Warning Signs for Diabetes

Learn what Delta Dental of New Jersey has to say about how 'Regular Visits To The Dentist Can Give Warning Signs for Diabetes'.

The above video is found on the Delta Dental of New Jersey YouTube Channel.

Dentist Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966  
4849 Greenville, Suite 173
Dallas, TX 75206

Early Detection With Oral Cancer Exams Can Save Lives

Learn what Delta Dental of New Jersey has to say about how 'Early Detection With Oral Cancer Exams Can Save Lives'.

 

The above video is found on the Delta Dental of New Jersey YouTube Channel.

Dentist Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966  
4849 Greenville, Suite 173
Dallas, TX 75206

6 Habits That Harm Your Teeth (And How to Break Them): Chewing Ice Cubes

The habit: “Tooth enamel is a crystal. Ice is a crystal. When you push two crystals against each other, one will break,” Dr. Messina says. “Most of the time it’s the ice, but sometimes the tooth or a filling will break.”

The solution: Drink chilled beverages without ice, or use a straw so you're not tempted. “The risk of chewing ice is greater than any pleasure that comes from chewing it,” he says. “Besides, ice is really cold!”

To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org

Dentist Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966  
4849 Greenville, Suite 173
Dallas, TX 75206

6 Habits That Harm Your Teeth (And How to Break Them): Grinding and Clenching

The habit: “This can cause chipping or cracking of the teeth, as well as muscle tenderness or joint pain,” Dr. Messina says. “You might also feel like you can’t open your mouth wide or chew with pain.”

The solution: “Relaxation exercises and staying aware makes a difference,” he says. A nighttime mouthguard can also help. “You’ll have less tooth damage, less pain and muscle soreness and better sleep.”

To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org

Dentist Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966  
4849 Greenville, Suite 173
Dallas, TX 75206

A New Year's You: Dental Health Resolutions

Your dental health is an important part of your overall wellness, and the New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving your health. Many people have dental health resolutions that range from improving their toothbrushing habits to completing delayed dental treatment. Understanding the benefits of your particular resolutions can be motivating and rewarding. Whatever your goals might be, it is important to take small steps to achieve them. Consistency is key with any resolution that you make.

Improving Toothbrushing and Flossing Habits
Perhaps you would like to improve your oral health. Daily toothbrushing and flossing is a sure and simple way to improve your oral health. For successful bacterial plaque removal, it is important to brush at least twice a day using an appropriately sized, soft-bristle, manual or electric toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, gently position the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and move the toothbrush across the teeth to effectively remove bacterial plaque. It is also important to floss at least once per day to remove bacterial plaque and food that has accumulated throughout the day. Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, as well as after you have a cold or flu or if the bristles are frayed. Daily toothbrushing and flossing help to prevent gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath). The daily use of antimicrobial and fluoride mouthrinses also helps to improve your oral health.

To read the entire article written by Yolanda Eddis, please visit Colgate.com

Dentist Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966  
4849 Greenville, Suite 173
Dallas, TX 75206

After-Hours Emergency Dentistry

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about after-hours emergency dentistry.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966  
4849 Greenville, Suite 173
Dallas, TX 75206

Risks to Oral Health During Pregnancy

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about risks to your oral health during pregnancy.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966  
4849 Greenville, Suite 173
Dallas, TX 75206

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 6: Floss Every Day

Flossing helps control plaque. It can reach where a toothbrush can't, like between the teeth. Floss daily with floss and interdental cleaners that carry the American Dental Association (ADA) seal. Ask your dentist for tips if you're not sure how to floss. Like everything else, flossing gets easier with practice.

The above article is from: WebMD.com

Dentist Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966  
4849 Greenville, Suite 173
Dallas, TX 75206

Custom Mouth-guards

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about custom mouth-guards.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966  
4849 Greenville, Suite 173
Dallas, TX 75206

Great American Smokeout

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about about quitting smoking.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966  
4849 Greenville, Suite 173
Dallas, TX 75206

Sugarless Gum

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about sugarless gum.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-9966  
4849 Greenville, Suite 173
Dallas, TX 75206

Periodontal Screening

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Periodontal Screening!

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

 

Dentist - Six Month Smiles Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-99664849 

Greenville, Suite 173, Dallas, TX 75206

 

Sports Safety: Avoiding Tooth and Mouth Injuries

A few years ago, a dental newsletter published what seemed like an unusual story. A boy snagged his teeth on a basketball net while doing a slam-dunk.
A freakish accident? Not quite. After the article appeared, nearly 40 dentists wrote in with their own stories. They all told of would-be Michael Jordans who sacrificed their front teeth in pursuit of the perfect dunk.
In older children and adults, sports injuries are common. Dentists estimate that between 13% and 39% of dental injuries occur while playing sports.
About 80% of all dental injuries affect at least one of the front teeth. Damage to the tongue or cheek is common, too.
Basic Protection
Even if a tooth has been knocked out, it often can be saved if you get to a dentist quickly enough. Minor chips and cracks can be repaired. Dentists use tooth-colored materials that are nearly as strong as the original tooth. However, even "minor" injuries can cause serious and costly damage. If you enjoy sports or other high-risk activities, protect yourself. The use of mouth guards among football players, for example, is believed to prevent about 200,000 mouth injuries a year.
Depending on the sport, two types of protection are available:

• Helmets- A helmet is a must for activities that involve speed or impact. These include football, hockey, skating and bike riding. The helmet should fit correctly. It should also be appropriate for the sport you are playing.
• Mouth guards - Wearing a mouth guard is one of the best ways to prevent injury to your teeth, tongue and lips. A custom-fit mouth guard from your dentist is recommended. This type of mouth guard usually fits better than a ready-made one (found in sporting-goods stores). That means it may protect your teeth better.

If a custom-fit mouth guard isn't an option, try a "boil-and-bite" mouth guard. You can buy one in a sporting-goods store. You place the mouth guard in boiling water. Once the plastic is soft (but not too hot), you bite down on the mouth guard and mold the softened plastic around your teeth. If the mouth guard doesn't fit comfortably the first time, you can reheat it and do it again.

©2002-2013 Aetna, Inc. All rights reserved.
09/25/2013

The above article is from: Colgate.com

 

Dentist - Six Month Smiles Dallas TX
Energy Square Dental
Bill Blandford, DDS, PC
(214) 369-99664849 

Greenville, Suite 173, Dallas, TX 75206

5 ways to preserve your teeth as you age

(CNN) -- For all intents and purposes, we really get only one shot to take care of our teeth.
The good news is, science and research have taken a front seat in dental education, making today's dentist savvy on "prevention" dentistry rather than the "drill, fill and bill" mentality of decades ago.
Things like adhesive dentistry, recalcification and dental implants have given dentists more options. But for many patients, it's a lot of information to process.
Here are five ways you can ensure that you hang on to your teeth as you age:

Educate yourself on dental care

Dentistry today has taken a much more conservative approach. But it can be hard to know what your options are. Here are some key points that you should know about dental treatment.

• Small cavities can be recalcified. Strong doses of fluoride, or something called MI Paste, applied directly to small cavities can actually recalcify or rebuild the enamel, removing the need for a filling.

5 things to do at the dentist's office
That said, the key to recalcification is early detection. Regular dental visits are crucial to early detection.

• Fillings, crowns or any dental restoration should be replaced or heavily scrutinized every eight years.

Some patients are of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" era. But the reasoning behind this advice is to eliminate the spread of recurrent cavities that lurk under dental restorations.

The longer you wait to replace dental restorations, the more problems you can run into. If the decay spreads undetected, it may eat up too much healthy tooth structure and need the support of a crown or reach the nerve and need a root canal.

• Make sure your children are getting fluoride treatments until at least the age of 15. Kids, especially, consume a lot of sugar, which breaks down into a biproduct of acid that erodes teeth, quickly causing cavities. Fluoride is a great treatment in rebuilding enamel and neutralizing those acids.

Use an electric toothbrush

In dentistry, the electric toothbrush has been one of the biggest advances in home dental care. Ninety-nine percent of patients don't really know how to brush with a manual brush and, more important, don't brush for the full two minutes needed.

The dental screening that could save your life

Electric toothbrushes remove the confusion and have a timer to ensure that the full brushing is done at each session. Improper brushing can lead to plaque buildup, swollen gums, cavities and overall poor oral health. The sonic brushes remove plaque and get into hard-to-reach places like in between teeth and under the gums to ensure a healthy mouth.

If you grind or clench, wear a night guard

Grinders can wear away a millimeter of tooth structure per year if undiagnosed. Clenchers may not see any immediate signs of wear on their teeth, but the pressure that clenching puts on your teeth is destructive. It slowly breaks down the supporting bone around the teeth, leading to gum recession, bone loss and inevitably tooth loss.

If you feel that you may fall into either of these categories, you should be wearing a night guard. It may not be sexy, but it's much sexier than missing teeth.

Know what oral hygiene regimen is right for you

Today, there has been a lot of money and research into better oral care products. But understand that there is an actual regimen of toothpaste, mouth rinse and "extra-care" products that's right for you.
The first step is defining what "type" of patient you are. I like to break it down into four basic types: cavity-prone, sensitive, stainers and those with bad gums.

Baby's teeth: What you should know
You can ask your dentist which category you fall into. Each product in the sea of dental products in the drugstore has key ingredients tailored for each category of patient. Using the right oral care products can make a big difference in the longevity of your teeth.

Choose the right dentist
Fortunately -- or unfortunately -- your dentist has a lot to do with the preservation of your teeth. Make sure your dentist is up on all current research and his office is updated and state-of-the-art, but most important, make sure your dentist is taking time and looking after you. It sounds simple, but it's probably the most important item on your checklist.

By Dr. Michael Apa, Special to CNN
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/09/health/preserve-teeth-apa/
December 10, 2013 -- Updated 2245 GMT (0645 HKT)