Custom Athletic Mouth Guards and Night Guards

If you are a parent with kids playing sports—especially high impact sports—you are no doubt aware of the inherent dangers involved. You’ve probably purchased shin guards, kneepads, shoulder pads and a helmet or two…but have you considered the risks to your child’s mouth?

According to WebMD, 40% of mouth injuries occurring in adolescents and young adults happen while they are playing sports, yet only about 7% of young people wear mouth protection. In 1962, when colleges and high schools began requiring young people to wear mouth protection during sports, the risk of injury dropped from approximately 50% to less than 1%, depending on the sport and the study cited.

What kind is best?

The best type of mouth guard is one that has been specially molded to fit your teeth and jaw. Your dentist can make one for you, and while they are not cheap, when you factor in the physical and emotional cost of a catastrophic injury to your mouth or face, it is definitely worth it.

How is it made?

Your dentist will make a plaster cast of your teeth, and then use that cast to make a mouth guard specifically designed for you. Most dentists will allow you to “personalize” your guard, including making it in your team colors or putting your team mascot on it. In any case, you can be assured that the protection that it provides will reduce your risk of injury. A well-made guard is comfortable to wear as well, unlike the over-the-counter brands that can be awkward.

What is the difference between a mouth guard and a night guard?

As we have discussed, a mouth guard is typically used during sports. A night guard is prescribed by your dentist when you have been diagnosed with bruxism (grinding your teeth) and is used to prevent injury to your teeth and jaw while you are sleeping. Night guards should also be molded specifically to your mouth, to provide maximum protection. It should be noted that the two are not generally interchangeable. A night guard is not made of the same heavy material as a mouth guard and will not provide the level of protection that you need for sports play. In addition, while you can conceivably wear your mouth guard while you’re sleeping, it will most likely be rather uncomfortable, as it is made of a stronger, thicker material.

Contact us at Pearland Family Dentistry today to make the proper recommendation for your particular sport or activity. Make an appointment once you have decided what sport you plan to play, and have a complete oral checkup, then invest in proper mouth protection. All it takes is one good hit to the mouth to do major damage—and it is preventable!

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How To Prepare For A Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is one of the few things that we do not wish on our worst enemies. After all, how often do you hear, "I'd rather get a root canal than do that." The pain is enough to force you to flee the dental office. In addition, the amount of time that it takes to endure the pain exacerbates the rampant anxiety.

How to prepare for root canal treatment involves a few simple steps.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Dentists perform root canals to repair the damage caused by decayed teeth. During the procedure, the dentist and/or dental assistant remove hard to extract pulp from the center of a tooth's cavity. The removal of pulp significantly lowers the chance of the tooth incurring a painful infection that spreads to other teeth adjacent to the damaged tooth. Root canals mitigate teeth pain, prevent infections, and encourage healthy teeth and gums. Despite the long lasting health benefits, most people abhor root canal treatments.

4 Tips on How to Prepare for a Root Canal Treatment

You should never expect the root canal pain to disappear, but you can do some things to make your root canal procedure easier to take.

Do You Need an Antibiotic Before the Procedure?

Antibiotics expunge some of the chemicals that build up to infect damaged teeth. By taking an antibiotic, you lessen the pain and length of treatment. Ask your dentist about taking an antibiotic to reduce swelling and speed up the often-slow healing process after surgery. Make sure you know which antibiotics do not cause severe allergic reactions.

Plenty of Rest Helps

Yes, it is normal for root canal patients to toss and turn the night before the procedure. However, a solid night of sleep reduces the fear and anxiety that many root canal patients feel as they approach the dental office. You can also ask for sedation during a root canal treatment to lower your blood pressure. However, dentists prefer that you remain coherent during root canals, so they have the capability to monitor you accurately.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs to Alleviate Pain

Depending on your pain tolerance, simply taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) pills according to recommended time intervals should ease your teeth pain. NSAIDs also do a great job of reducing the swelling that commonly develops after root canal surgeries. If you have a low threshold for pain tolerance, ask your dentist about prescribing pain medication, such as Percocet or Vicodin.

A Full Stomach Boosts Your Pain Resistance

A full stomach gives you enough energy to make it through the lengthy dental procedure. Average root canal treatments take between two and three hours to complete. Consuming a generous meal before your root canal treatment ensures you do not succumb to hunger pains during the procedure. A full stomach also may make you drowsy, which heightens the relaxed mental state required to endure a root canal.

The typical response after a root canal is for someone to go, "Whew, I'm glad that's over." Well, it's not completely over, as perhaps the best tip on how to prepare for a root canal involves following up with your dentist for the restorative work necessary to reinvigorate your bright smile. Restorative work that follows a root canal can include teeth crowns and a little more pulp extraction from severely damaged teeth. Dental follow-ups also keep your dentist informed of your condition.

If you have a painful cavity and believe that a root canal may be in order contact us at Pearland Family Dentistry today. Our friendly professionals will make sure that your procedure as as pain-free as possible. If you are concerned about discomfort during procedure such as this consider sedation dentistry which is also a service offered by Pearland Family Dentistry.

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Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the field of dentistry that pertains to the treatment and care of your teeth. In addition, orthodontist is the professional who develops the skills to practice orthodontists and this professional is concerned primarily with the study and treatment of your teeth and improper bite, which is also called the malocclusion. This can result from a tooth irregularity in the improper alignment between your jaw and your teeth.

Orthodontists do not focus on treatments like crowns fillings cleanings or implants.

When a malocclusion occurs it usually means that the upper and lower teeth do not touch each other in the correct proportion. Malocclusion conditions are different with each patient and the method used to treat each patient is different. About 30% of the population that is affected by a malocclusion has to be given orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatments focus on the dental displacement and deals with the modification and control of the growth of facial bones and teeth. If the condition is severe, orthodontics and jaw surgery has to be performed on the patient. In addition, orthodontists will require surgical skills in order to treat the jawbone if this is required for a patient.

More comprehensive orthodontic treatments may require the use of metal wires, which are inserted into braces or brackets and these, are made from stainless steel material or they can be used from more aesthetically pleasing ceramic material. The ceramic material is often colored to match the color of the patient’s teeth. The wires are tightened in a manner that allows the brackets to move the teeth into a position desired by the orthodontist. Other options for orthodontic treatment involve the use of aligner trays, which consists of clear plastic trays that are applied to the teeth to help to move them into the desired location.

There are many appliances that orthodontist can employ in order to read direct the growth of a patient’s jaw. These may include removable appliances like plates headgear or other expansion appliances. These types of functional appliances are generally used on patients who are between the ages of 5 to 14 years. This is because their job can be modified and altered more easily than an adult jaw. This sort of treatment is classified as dentofacial orthodontics, which is followed by a mixed multi-bracket therapy to align the teeth and refine the malocclusion as well.

After the teeth have been aligned with, the patient needs to wear retainers over the teeth so that the teeth remain in the new positions. During this time, the bone reforms to the teeth appropriately. The retainers are worn for a few days or for as long as year and can be taken off a short time during the day. Although the teeth will stay aligned for the rest of the patient’s life, they may tend to crowd together as the patient ages even if the patient has never undergone orthodontic treatment. Accordingly, you can assume that your teeth may move a little bit as you age as an adult.

If you are in need of orthodontics, treatment contacts us at Pearland Family Dentistry today. Are orthodontist can identify the necessary features of your malocclusion and define the nature of your teeth problem. We can help to design a treatment strategy, which is based on the needs of our patients.

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Make Your Dentist Happy - Brush Your Teeth the Right Way

Brushing your teeth properly is not terribly complicated but it is important to do it correctly, and the biggest factor in determining whether you are brushing properly is the length of time you spend brushing your teeth. Unfortunately in today’s busy society, people are often hurried in the mornings are rarely spend the appropriate amount of time brushing their teeth. The correct amount of time to spend brushing is at least two full minutes. This may be disconcerting to some and if you were to time yourself with a stopwatch, you may find that two minutes seems like a very long time. There are some difficult areas to reach within your mouth and the best way to reach all of them is with a careful, thorough brushing.

Time is not the only factor to proper brushing however. Technique is also very important. Your focus should be all outer surfaces of your upper teeth, followed by all inner surfaces of your upper teeth. You can then turn your attention the outside surfaces of your lower teeth and then the inner surfaces of your lower teeth. If you make these steps routine, you will find that it is easy to build a two-minute brushing habit. Once the outer and inner surfaces are finished, it is time to focus on the chewing surfaces of your upper and lower teeth, particularly those teeth located far to the back of your mouth.

In order to maintain fresh breath and fewer bacteria in your mouth, it is also a good idea to brush the surface of your tongue, which can also harbor bacteria. Since this bacteria is what causes tooth decay, it is important to remove as much of it from your mouth as possible during brushing.

Here are some important hints regarding the products you use for brushing your teeth.

Your Toothbrush

There are different types of toothbrushes available, which offer a wide range of designs. The shape of the handle and the head are both personal choices, but it is often recommended that a smaller bristle head is best because it allows you to maneuver the brush into those hard-to-reach areas better.
There are also choices you have in terms of the firmness of the brush bristles. These range from hard to soft, and many dentists recommend that soft-bristled brushes do a better job of removing plaque from your teeth.
For many, the best choice is an electric toothbrush because it does a superior job at cleaning your teeth and keeping them free from debris and bacteria.
Your toothbrush won’t last forever and it is important to recognize when it is time to replace your brush, whether you use a conventional toothbrush or a powered toothbrush. When the bristles begin to show signs of visible wear, it is time to replace your brush. You will also want to replace your toothbrush after suffering any illness or cold because the brush can harbor germs that can cause your illness to return.

Your Toothpaste 

Toothpaste products today offer a wide array of choices so there should be something to satisfy just about anyone’s taste, and toothpastes are formulated for specific purposes including plaque fighting toothpaste, tartar control, sensitive teeth toothpaste and even teeth whitening toothpaste.
If you are confused about the best way to brush your teeth and the best products for your particular dental condition, call us at Pearland Family Dentistry today. We will be happy to offer advice regarding your teeth and we can make recommendations for the best techniques and products for you to use to keep your teeth healthy.

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Mouthwash and Rinse Choices

When you consider the number of products available today for dental hygiene, the choices for mouthwash products can be overwhelming. Most people base their choices on products they have used in the past and some evidence suggests that cost is an important factor in people’s selection of mouthwash products. There are many choices of brands for consumers, but there are also different types of products available that are actually designed to treat your mouth differently.

There are three primary groups of mouth rinses to select from. The most common is a mouth rinse that contains Fluoride, followed by a category of anti-gingivitis/anti-plaque products, and finally, there are products for cosmetic purposes. While many of these products are available over the counter, some are prescription only. You should be aware of the differences in these products when shopping for an effective mouthwash or mouth rinse.

Mouth Rinses with Fluoride
Enamel is the natural substance that covers your teeth protecting them from the rigors of daily chewing. It is harder than bone and Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel on our teeth. Fluoride also helps to prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride is present in the drinking water in many Houston’s developed areas, and almost all toothpaste now contains fluoride. Because of this, fluoridated mouthwash products are likely unnecessary for most people in Houston with a few exceptions. In some cases, certain oral conditions require extra doses of fluoride such as xerostomia, which is an abnormal dryness of the mouth. This can increase bacteria levels in the mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and a fluoridated mouthwash can help correct this problem.

Cosmetic Mouth Rinse
Some mouthwash products are produced solely to provide your mouth with a nice fresh scent. While they may make your mouth smell minty fresh, they do not provide any dental health benefits. Some may argue that these products can kill bacteria, they are not primarily designed for this purpose. Instead, their focus is to offer short-term fresh breath to reduce the effects of halitosis or bad mouth odors. While this helps from a cosmetic perspective, there are no other dental hygiene benefits from mouth rinses without bacteria killing agents or fluoride.

Anti-Gingivitis/Anti-Plaque Mouth Rinse
Bacteria are the main cause of bad breath and the main cause of tooth decay so an effective mouthwash product should ideally get rid of as much bacteria as possible during use. Brushing and flossing are great ways to reduce the chances that bacteria will settle into your teeth, and a follow up with an anti-gingivitis/anti-plaque mouthwash will provide an even greater level of protection against tooth decay because this type of mouthwash is specifically designed to kill dangerous bacteria. For people with serious plaque and gingivitis problems, a prescription strength mouthwash can be also used to kill bacteria and to treat any inflammation from infections.

Pearland Family Dentistry offers the best in dental care and advice to our Houston, TX patients. If you have questions about tooth decay, bacteria, and the mouthwash and mouth rinse products that can help you the most, contact us today for a consultation.

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Dental Sealants for Protection from Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is prevalent among the molars and premolars of most people because these teeth contain small irregularities that are prone to the collection of debris and bacteria. Proper flossing and brushing can help to eliminate the risk of tooth decay effectively on the front teeth, but for teeth located toward the back of your mouth, the risk is higher because it is more difficult to properly care for these teeth due to their natural irregularities. They tend to have deeper crevices and folds in surfaces of the tooth, which act to trap food and food particles that can act as a breeding ground for bacteria. In order to fight against this risk, dental sealants can be used to provide a protective layer for your teeth and prevent tooth decay. A sealant will cover the crevices commonly found in molars and prevent particles from lodging in place.

Who Needs a Dental Sealant?

Those who have a particularly high risk of tooth decay in their molars or premolars are the best candidates for dental sealants, particularly for children or teens. When permanent teeth first emerge, the application of a sealant can help prevent cavities. Baby teeth can be treated with a sealant as well. Ideally, sealants are used for children from age 6 up to teens of age 14. Adults who have no decay or fillings are also candidates for sealants.

How is a Dental Sealant Applied?

The application of a dental sealant to your teeth involves minimal time or effort on the part of your dentist and there is no pain associated with the procedure.

The first part of the process involves a thorough cleaning to ensure that no debris or bacteria become trapped beneath the sealant. Once the cleaning is completed, each tooth must be dried and protected from any moisture and then a mild acid solution is used to make the surfaces of the teeth porous so that the sealant can bond easier. Once this is done, the teeth are once again rinsed and dried and the application of the sealant can begin.

The dental sealant is applied to the teeth by your dentist with a small brush and shortly after the application the sealant will harden and bond to the teeth. Your dentist may use a special light to shine on the sealant to help it harden and bond to the surfaces of your teeth.

How Durable are Dental Sealants?

A properly applied dental sealant can last ten years or more, but as time goes on your dentist will want to check your sealants regularly to see how they are holding up. In the event that sealant is damaged, it can be repaired by your dentist.

If you are looking for the best in dental care, be sure to contact the professional and friendly staff at Pearland Family Dentistry. We can provide you with all of the information you need to make a decision regarding your teeth and dental sealant options

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Flossing Properly – Frequency and Technique

Do you floss regularly and properly? If you are not sure simply ask your dental hygienist, who can quickly deduce whether you are engaging in the recommended flossing routine. A simple examination of your teeth and gums will provide the hygienist with all the information necessary to determine your flossing habits, whether they are good or bad. If your hygienist asks whether you have been flossing, your best response should be an honest one.

Many people floss too infrequently or improperly. Just because someone flosses every day, that does not necessarily mean they are gaining the full benefit of their efforts if their technique is improper. In order to make sure your flossing routine is effective, be sure to exercise care with the following helpful flossing tips.

Use a Liberal Length of Floss

If you are skimpy with the amount of dental floss you use, it will be difficult to floss properly. In order to gain the full benefits of flossing, it is important to use a healthy length of floss each time. For most people this means about 18” to 20” of floss material. Remember that this is well over a foot of floss! If you have concerns, follow your hygienist’s lead on this matter. More floss will help you get the job done properly.

Zig-Zag and Slide the Floss

Some teeth are close together and some are farther apart. When you pull floss between your teeth, particularly tight ones, it is sometimes easier to pull the floss taught until it pops itself between your teeth. Try to avoid this technique and instead, slide the floss back and forth in order to ease it between those tighter joints in your teeth. By using a zig-zag motion your floss will be more effective.

Don’t Ignore Your Gums!

Sliding the floss in between your teeth is important to clear any food particles that are stuck between them but many people neglect those hidden areas between your teeth and your gums and ignoring this area can lead to problems with your gum tissues. It is important to slide the floss down around the base of each tooth where it meets your gums in order to remove food that can be trapped in these areas.

Use Fresh Sections of Floss As You Go

As you floss between your teeth and around your gums, the floss will pick up food particles and bacteria. If you are not advancing along the length of the floss to a fresh length for each tooth, you will simply transfer food particles and bacteria from one tooth to another. This is why it is so important to use the proper length of floss, so you can continually use a fresh section of floss.

Don’t Forget to Rinse!

The flossing process loosens and removes food particles from between your teeth, but they are not all stuck to the floss. Much of this material may be left behind in your mouth so it is important to remove it with a thorough rinsing before you are finished in order to prevent having them wind up back between your teeth.

These simple techniques will ensure that you are flossing properly so it is important to establish a flossing routine. With the correct frequency and technique to your flossing regimen, your dental hygienist may not even have to ask whether you floss.

If you have questions about your flossing frequency or technique, contact as Pearland Family Dentistry today. We are ready to serve the greater Houston, Pearland, TX areas so call our friendly staff with any questions or to schedule your next dental visit.

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