Southlake Family Dentistry Blog

2018 New Year’s Resolutions

December 28, 2017

Do you have a list of new year’s resolutions that you’d like to make? Over half of Americans make resolutions on any given year, and the majority have to do with health and fitness. If you are struggling to decide on a new year’s resolution, check out these three good habits that can positively impact your dental health.

Resolution #1: Floss Daily

You already know you should be flossing each day. If you don’t, your dentist or hygienist surely reminds you during each cleaning. And if you are experiencing any swelling, tenderness, or bleeding of your gums, you likely have gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of periodontal disease. Why not make it your new year’s resolution to get into the habit of flossing every day?

You can do this by connecting your flossing to something else that you’re already doing. If you are currently finding it hard to remember to floss, then connecting it to brushing your teeth (which you’re presumably doing before bed) isn’t working. How about promising yourself that you’ll floss immediately after dinner? (This can also stop you from eating dessert later.) Or floss while watching television or before you allow yourself to surf social media each evening.

Resolution #2: Watch Your Diet

Are you addicted to sugar? Many Americans are, and many of them don’t even know it. If you find yourself craving sweets every day or if you wake up wanting to eat something sweet for breakfast, chances are great that you have a bit of a sugar addiction. Breaking the addiction is a matter of cutting back and getting through a difficult day or two of intense cravings. Once you get over that hump, though, you’ll find that sugar isn’t on your mind nearly as much.

When you cut down on sugar and other processed carbs, you’ll find that you have more energy and you might even lose weight. Another benefit is that you’ll be less likely to develop dental cavities. Without sugar sitting on your teeth, bacteria in your mouth will be less active an won’t multiply as quickly.

Resolution #3: Stop Smoking

Smoking negatively affects most of your body, and your mouth and teeth are no exceptions. It’s a difficult habit to give up, but when you do, you’ll notice drastic health differences. You’ll be cutting your risk of heart attack, lung diseases, and certain cancers within a matter of days or weeks. You’ll also enjoy better oral health. Your dentist or doctor can give you some tips on how to quit smoking.

Whatever your new year’s resolutions, we wish you success! Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year.

Infection Control in the Dental Office

December 13, 2017

It’s cold and flu season, so infection control might be on your mind. While you might ramp up your handwashing this time of year, your dental office follows the same precautions all year long. Have you ever wondered how infection control is handled in dental offices? Read on and find out!

Spray Down the Room

After you leave the exam room, your hygienist or assistant will make sure it’s ready for the next patient. Anything that was covered in plastic (such as the seat) will have the plastic changed. Anything that wasn’t will be sprayed down with an antimicrobial sanitizing agent and then wiped with paper towels. This removes any debris and kills bacteria and viruses that might have been left behind.

Change Personal Protective Equipment

Every time a clinical staff member (dentist, hygienist, or assistant) enters your exam room, they will don fresh gloves. The protective equipment is to protect not only the workers but the patients as well! If you don’t see the staff member put on fresh gloves, feel free to ask or to request that they do so in front of you.

Sterilize the Equipment

The instrument and equipment that go into our patients mouths is all sterilized before being put on a tray to use on someone else. We have cold sterilization processes for plastic instruments and hot sterilization processes for glass and metal equipment. Most instruments go through an ultrasonic cleaning procedure first. Then the cold sterilization process includes a solution that the instruments soak in overnight, and the hot sterilization includes a run through the autoclave.

Good Hygiene

In the dental office, hygiene is not limited to cleaning teeth! Our staff members wash their hands in between patients as well as after using the restroom, after eating, and after leaving the operatory area. Long hair is pulled back and good personal hygiene is expected and enforced. Our goal is to keep everyone healthy, so that includes minimizing bacteria and germs that are introduced into the office in the first place.

If you have questions or concerns about sterilization and sanitization procedures, please don’t hesitate to ask! We would be happy to discuss our processes with you so you can be assured that we take infection control and our patients’ health very seriously.

Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

December 3, 2017

‘Tis the season for holiday greetings, mall Santas, and getting together with family and friends. While all of these are wonderful, the winter season often features something not-so-wonderful: symptoms of coughing, sneezing, sniffling, headaches, and fevers. Unfortunately, cold and flu season is upon us. We want all of our patients to stay healthy, so here are our best tips for staying healthy this winter and beyond.

Get a Flu Shot

If you are able to safely get a flu shot (your doctor will be able to tell you if it’s right for you or if you should skip it), please strongly consider doing so! The influenza vaccine can protect you, your family, and members of the community from an illness that kills approximately 36,000 Americans every year. It’s recommended for almost everyone over the age of 6 months, and even during the seasons when it’s not a perfect match for the viruses circulating in your area, it can reduce your chances of being hospitalized with the flu. Note that the flu shot can’t give you the flu; it might make you achy and give you a fever for a day, but you won’t be contagious or at risk for the complications that influenza can cause.

Wash Your Hands

Following the flu shot, the most important and effective way to stop the spread of illness is simple handwashing. Make it a habit to lather up after getting home from being out and about, before preparing food, and, of course, after using the restroom. If you work with the public, wash more frequently; you might also consider using an antibacterial gel for times when you can’t access a sink for a full wash.

Quarantine Yourself

If you notice that you’re getting sick, stay home if at all possible. Preventing the spread of colds and the flu through the community does everyone else a favor. Cough into your sleeve or a tissue, wash your hands often, and don’t share utensils, glasses, or towels when you’re sick. If you can’t stay home, at least minimize your interactions with others, particularly those who are under the age of 5, elderly, or immunocompromised.

Keep Up With Your Healthy Habits

One final way to keep yourself healthy is to follow the rules of a healthy lifestyle. Don’t smoke, exercise daily, get outside each day for fresh air, get enough sleep, and eat healthy foods. These will all help you stay healthy all year long and are especially important during cold and flu season.

What You Need to Know About Dental Insurance

November 15, 2017

It’s that time of year again: Millions of Americans will be choosing their healthcare and dental insurance plans for 2018. If you are doing the same, read on to learn a bit about dental insurance and how to choose a plan that will be right for you.

Preferred Providers and In-Network Dentists

If you have a dentist who you like, the first item to find out is which dental insurance plans they accept. While you can go to out-of-network dentists with some plans, you’ll save the most money if you choose a plan that your dentist participates with. If your dentist doesn’t participate in any of the plans that are available to you, then you’ll need to decide if you should see them out of network or if you should choose a new dentist. Keep in mind that while you can see any dentist you want (with a higher out-of-pocket expense if they’re not participating) with a POS or PPO insurance, a dental HMO, sometimes called a DMO, generally won’t pay for you to see an out-of-network dentist at all.

Deductibles and Maximums

Most dental PPO plans have a deductible and/or a maximum. A deductible is a fee that you need to pay the first time you see the dentist each calendar year. Sometimes the deductible is waived on preventative care (cleanings and checkups). A maximum allowance is the amount of money that the dental insurance will pay per calendar year.

It makes sense to think about how much work you’re likely to need. If you need a lot of treatment, then choosing a plan with a low maximum might not be in your best interest.

Coinsurance and Copays

If you have a dental PPO plan, you will have coinsurance for each procedure. This is a percentage of that plan’s UCR (usual, customary and reasonable fee) for the procedure. This is outside of any deductible that you need to pay. If you see a dentist out of your plan’s network, the UCR might be substantially lower than the fee your dentist charges. For example, if your dentist charges $200 for a filling and your plan’s UCR is only $120 and your coinsurance is 50%, then they will pay only 50% of the $120, or $60. You would then be responsible for the rest of the fee, or $140. (If your dentist is in-network, then they will accept the UCR, so you’d only need to pay the additional $60 left after the insurance paid $60.)

DMO insurance plans assign you a copay for each procedure. You have to see an in-network dentist if you want the procedure paid for. If the procedure copay is $40 for a filling, then that’s all you pay; it doesn’t matter what the dentist’s normal fee is, because the insurance will cover the rest of the contracted fee.

Dental insurance can be confusing, so be sure to talk to your HR representative or an insurance coordinator to learn more about what type of plan would best meet your needs

Gum Disease and Your Heart

November 2, 2017

You might not know this, but if you have gingivitis or periodontitis, the mild and severe stages of gum disease, respectively, you could be putting your heart at risk. At the same time, if you have heart problems, it’s very important that you take good care of your gums. What’s the connection? Read on to find out.

Gum Health Affects the Heart

If you have gum disease, there is more bacteria than normal in your gum tissue. This bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and attach to fatty deposits in the blood vessels. This can cause the deposits to break off and head toward the heart, which can cause a heart attack. If the bacteria travels to the heart, you’re also at risk for heart infection. This is particularly true if you have certain heart conditions already.

Preventing Problems With Good Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene can make it less likely that you will have heart problems caused by gum disease. Be sure to brush twice daily and to floss every night before bed. Also, see your dentist regularly. Follow his or her advice regarding how often you should have your teeth cleaned; some people need to go more often than twice yearly, particularly if they have gum disease.

Ask Whether You Need Antibiotics

There are certain heart conditions that make infections more likely. If you have had recent surgery or if you have an artificial heart valve or any other heart condition, check with your cardiologist as to whether you should take antibiotics before having dental work (including cleanings). Be sure to follow the directions; many protocols call for a very large dose of antibiotics one or two hours before the appointment. If you are prescribed antibiotics for a gum infection, take them as directed and don’t stop taking them early unless your doctor or dentist tells you to.

Your gum health is essential to protecting your heart. Talk to your dentist about how you can preserve the health of your heart by combating gum disease.

Handling a Dental Emergency While Traveling

October 15, 2017

With the holidays right around the corner, many people will be planning to travel to visit family and friends in other parts of the country. If you are one of them, you will be making a list and checking it twice to be sure that you are prepared for your trip. One potential pitfall that you might not be prepared for is a toothache or a lost filling while on your vacation. While we hope you don’t need it, here’s a list of things you can do if you experience a dental emergency while traveling.

Take an OTC Painkiller

If you are dealing with a toothache, the fastest and easiest course of action is often to take a painkiller. If you can take ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil), that’s usually the best for reducing pain and inflammation. If not, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a good substitute. Follow the directions on the bottle and if you are taking any other medications, talk to the pharmacist at the store you go to to get the pills.

Look for Temporary Dental Filling Material

If you’ve lost a filling or a crown, dental filling material is available at most pharmacies. Look in the toothpaste aisle. This is a type of temporary cement that will reduce discomfort and smooth out the tooth (or hold the crown on for several days). Do keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution and that you will need to see your dentist when you get back.

Monitor for Signs of Infection

A toothache or a lost filling can turn into an infection, so it’s important to be aware of the signs. Swelling of the jaw, excessive pain, and a fever are all symptoms that you need to see a professional. In this case, the best course of action is to try to be seen by a local dentist. If it’s a weekend and no dentists are available, an urgent care center or, as a last resort, an emergency room can give you antibiotics if an infection is to blame.

Call Our Office

If you are traveling and you experience a dental emergency, we can advise you on what to do if the above options aren’t improving the situation. Also, we can make you an appointment for the day after you return home so we can get the problem addressed in a more permanent manner.

Dentures vs. Implants: What’s the Right Choice for You?

October 1, 2017

If you’ve had several teeth removed or you’re facing an upcoming extraction, you need to think about how you will replace the teeth. Two of the most common options are dentures and implants. How do you know which is better for you? Only your dentist knows your specific circumstances, but here are some considerations to keep in mind.

Cost

One of your primary concerns might be cost. If you have many teeth that need to be replaced, than dentures will cost substantially less than implants. You should talk to your dental office’s financial administrator to find out what the cost difference will be. Also, find out whether your dental insurance will cover any of it. There might be payment plans to consider, too. Get all of the details before you make a decision based solely on the price.

Convenience

Once your implants heal, all you need to do is treat them like natural teeth. They stay in your mouth permanently and just need to be brushed and flossed. With dentures, you’ll need to take them out each evening to clean them. You also might need to avoid certain foods that are difficult to eat with dentures.

Ease of Use

Dental implants function like natural teeth. You can speak, whistle, chew, bite, and do everything you do with the teeth you’ve had your whole life to this point. Dentures have a bit of a learning curve. They can slip a bit and you might have a hard time whistling or biting into certain foods. Some of this will be overcome as you get used to them.

Your Dentist’s Recommendation

If you don’t have a lot of bone available, dental implants might not be an option for you. Also, there might be reasons why dentures won’t be your best option. Because your dentist knows your specific anatomy and challenges, he or she can best advise you on which type of tooth replacement is appropriate for you.

Keep in mind that some people choose to have one or more implants placed to give full dentures something to snap onto. This is a great way to maximize the benefits of both types of appliances. You can enjoy better stability of the dentures while minimizing the cost of the dental implants.

If you need your teeth replaced and aren’t sure what to do, please call us today to schedule an appointment.

Dentin Hypersensitivity: What You Can Do

September 15, 2017

Do you ever take a breath of fresh air and wince from the pain of cool air running over your teeth? What about biting into an ice cream cone or sipping a cup of hot coffee? If your teeth are sensitive to heat and cold, you might have dentin hypersensitivity. This is a frustrating condition and it can be very uncomfortable. Read on to find out more about what might be causing it as well as tips on how to make it go away.

Receding Gums

Whether due to age or gum disease, your gums might be receding. This means that more of the porous dentin is exposed, causing sensitivity to hot and cold stimulus. You might also develop some gum recession if you use a medium or hard toothbrush or if you are using too much of an abrasive toothpaste.

See your dentist to evaluate the cause of your gum recession. In some cases, changing your oral hygiene routine can help. Other times, periodontal work is needed; for that you’ll probably be referred to a gum specialist.

Dental Decay

If you are having sensitivity that seems to be focused on one area, it might be caused by dental decay. Particularly if you have decay under a metal filling, the heat or cold might transfer to the area around the nerve, causing pain. See your dentist promptly to find out if you have a cavity in the affected tooth.

Bruxism (Clenching and Grinding)

Are your molars sensitive? If you’re also waking up with headaches or jaw pain, you might be clenching or grinding your teeth in your sleep. This can cause hypersensitivity as you grind away the enamel. You can also create crazing, or tiny cracks, in your molars.

Some ways to reduce bruxism include reducing stress and using a nightguard. A nightguard is an appliance that your dentist can make for you. You wear it overnight and it, rather than your teeth, takes the brunt of your grinding.

Dentin hypersensitivity is an uncomfortable condition, but one that can often be remedied. There are toothpastes made specifically for sensitive teeth that you can ask your dentist about. Give us a call to talk about your options and to schedule an appointment.

Worst Foods for Dental Health

September 1, 2017

You might already know what foods to eat for stronger teeth. Some examples are apples, strawberries, cheese, and foods high in calcium. While you might know that eating too much sugar is bad for teeth, you might not know other worst foods for dental health. Read on to find out which foods are the worst for your teeth.

Dried Fruit

Fruit is good for you, but if it’s dried, it can wreak havoc on your teeth. Dried fruit tends to be chewy and sticky. It’s also full of concentrated sugar. Chewing on raisins or sticky fruit leather can leave pieces of sticky, sugary fruit on your teeth. This gives bacteria something to feast on while they contribute to gum inflammation and tooth decay. If you do choose to eat dried fruit, be sure to brush very well afterward.

Potato Chips

Potato chips are exactly the type of starchy treat bacteria love. The starch tends to stick to and get in between your teeth, where it can cause tooth decay and gum inflammation. Keep in mind that starch turns to sugar, so avoid eating a lot of potato chips, white bread, and pasta for healthier teeth.

Unpopped Popcorn Kernels

You’ve probably had the experience of biting down on a handful of popcorn and crunching down on an unpopped kernel. This is painful and it can also cause damage to your teeth. Eat popcorn cautiously to avoid cracking a tooth or breaking a filling on kernels. Other foods that you should avoid biting down on include peppercorns, ice, and hard candies.

In general, if you stick to a diet of lean proteins, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you should be able to improve your overall health as well as your dental health. If you have questions about what types of foods are best for your teeth, ask your hygienist the next time you are in for a cleaning.

Are Dental Sealants Right for You?

August 15, 2017

During one of your cleanings, your dentist or hygienist might suggest that you get dental sealants. Sealants are also commonly recommended for children as their permanent molars grow in. Have you wondered what sealants are? And if your dental insurance doesn’t cover them, do you want to know if paying for them out of pocket is worth it? Read on for valuable information you should know.

What Are Dental Sealants?

Sealants are a type of liquid filling material that go into the grooves on the biting surfaces of the molars. Because many people have deep pits and grooves in their molars, sealants can prevent bacteria from getting into these deep grooves where they can multiply and cause dental decay. For children, sealants are usually put on as the permanent molars erupt, preventing decay from occuring in the first place. For adults, they’re generally offered only to those with deep pits.

What Is the Procedure Like?

You won’t need any type of anesthetic if you have sealants placed. It’s a quick and non-invasive procedure. First, your hygienist or dentist will clean out the grooves of your teeth by spraying them with water and air. Then, they’ll apply an etching material, which prepares the surface for the filling material. A small amount of material is dripped onto the tooth, and it’s cured with an ultraviolet. The procedure is repeated for each molar being treated. Throughout the procedure, you’ll have a suction straw and cotton rolls in your mouth to keep saliva from contaminating the area.

Will Dental Insurance Cover Dental Sealants?

Many dental insurance carriers will cover the procedure for children under a certain age. They might or might not cover it for adults. Even if yours doesn’t, however, paying for sealants is often less expensive than paying your copay for fillings, root canals, and crowns that might become necessary if you were to develop decay. In addition, sealants are much less invasive than fillings and maintain the integrity of the tooth.

If you have questions about any procedure your dentist recommends, including dental sealants, don’t be afraid to ask! You can ask during your appointment or call us later with any questions.