Month: February 2023

protect your teeth dfw tx

Everyday Ways to Improve Dental Health

Posted on | by mel | Leave a Comment on Everyday Ways to Improve Dental Health

Protect Your Teeth While You Still Have Them

protect your teeth dfw tx

Unless you have a lot of extra money to spend, it is a good idea to protect your teeth so that you can keep them for as long as possible. As many as 30 percent of people in America over 65 do not have any natural teeth left. By taking care to improve dental health now, you may be able to keep your natural teeth much longer than that. 

 

Start with Good Oral Hygiene

There are many kinds of bacteria in your mouth – about 500 different kinds. They are constantly forming plaque on your teeth after each meal. By practicing good oral hygiene, you can help protect your teeth from premature and unnecessary cavities. You want to be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time and then floss between your teeth every night before you go to bed. 

The bad bacteria multiply and convert sugar and food into an acid. This acid attacks and corrodes the enamel on your teeth – leading to cavities and gum disease. With good oral hygiene, you can minimize the effect of the acid.

 

Be Aware of Gum Disease

If you have not taken good care of your teeth up until this time, you need to watch for symptoms of gum disease. The key symptoms include bleeding of your gums and red or inflamed gums. If you have these symptoms, it is the early stages of gum disease. It is an indication that you need better oral care. Practicing brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily will usually help you eliminate gum disease. 

Gum disease is a more serious problem than many people realize. It can lead to significant health problems that could even shorten your life. In recent years, researchers have discovered that the bacteria that cause gum disease are responsible for at least other 50 diseases. The primary factor is inflammation, which this bacteria causes. The diseases include cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, infertility, rheumatoid arthritis, aging, dementia, many forms of cancer, and many more. 

 

Periodontitis

As gum disease progressively gets worse in the absence of good oral health, it becomes periodontitis. The CDC claims that almost 50 percent of adults over 30 have some form of periodontitis. 

At this stage, pockets are formed along the gum line, and the bad bacteria produce colonies – out of reach of your toothbrush. The acid that the bacteria produce now starts attacking not only your gums, but also the structures that keep your teeth in place, and your jaw bone. If periodontitis is allowed to continue, your teeth will become loose and start to fall out. It is because of this disease – which is preventable – that so many seniors do not have their natural teeth. 

 

Eating Right

What you eat also greatly affects the condition of your gums and teeth. The bacteria produce acid every time you eat or drink something sugary – especially soda. The acid takes the minerals out of your enamel which weakens it. Eating healthy foods helps to remineralize the enamel, making them strong. It is an ongoing process. 

The right kind of foods will also strengthen your immune system, enabling it to fight gum disease. This will also make it stronger to be able to help fight against oral cancer. 

Soda and other sugary drinks are also a serious problem for your teeth and gums. You can do much to improve dental health by greatly reducing the sodas and sugary foods you drink and eat. Sodas contain strong acids, too, as well as up to nine teaspoons of sugar per can. 

 

Quit Smoking

Two-third of all cases of oral cancer is caused by smoking and other forms of tobacco. The nicotine in e-cigs is also a carcinogen. Tobacco hurts your oral health because it weakens your immune system by reducing the flow of blood in your mouth and gums. 

 

Keep the Saliva Flowing

Another important key to having a healthy mouth is to ensure that you constantly have a good supply of saliva. It also helps to keep the bad bacteria under control. A dry mouth can be caused by diuretics such as coffee, tea, and other sugary foods. Medications can also cause it, as well as some diseases – such as diabetes. If medications are causing it, talk to your doctor about changing your prescription, because it can impact the health of your gums and teeth. 

 

Get Regular Dental Check-Ups

Getting regular dental check-ups can also help you to have better oral health. A dentist can correct problems before they become severe – and costly. 

If you live in the Farmers branch TX area, you can start to improve dental health by making a dentist visit at the Champion dental office. We perform many dental services and can help you get on the right track with teeth cleaning to avoid gum disease. For more information, or to set up an appointment, you can call (214) 747-0763.

 

gum disease diagnosis test dfw tx

What Are Bacterial Tests To Test Your Risk of Gum Disease?

Posted on | by mel | Leave a Comment on What Are Bacterial Tests To Test Your Risk of Gum Disease?

Can Gum Disease Be Prevented with a Test?

gum disease diagnosis test dfw tx

Like any disease, being able to know exactly what it is will enable medical professionals to effectively overcome the problem. When guesswork is involved, it is likely to take longer to defeat the disease – and it may not work at all if the treatment is wrong. Bacterial tests are important when it comes to understanding your risk of getting gum disease. 

 

Periodontal Disease

When it comes to gum disease, there are two types: gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the milder of the two. This type can usually be eradicated simply by regular brushing twice a day and flossing each night. The early symptoms of gingivitis include red or inflamed gums and bleeding gums.

If the early stages of gum disease are ignored, the gum disease progresses and becomes periodontitis. As it gets worse, the bacteria that causes the periodontitis gets under the gums and forms pockets. From there, it multiplies faster and produces acid, which deteriorate the gums, the structures that keep your teeth in place, and your jaw bone. Your teeth will become loose, and may even fall out. Periodontal disease continues to be the number one cause of Americans losing their teeth. 

 

Periodontal Bacteria

In the average person’s mouth, there are more than 700 different types of bacteria. Out of this number, 11 of them can cause periodontitis. While some of these are milder, four of them can cause an aggressive form of periodontitis. This means it can advance faster than other forms, and it also means that it is going to be harder to control.

Having the periodontal bacteria in your mouth does not necessarily mean that you will develop periodontitis. If you have a good regimen of oral care for your teeth and gums you may be able to avoid it. 

 

Bacterial Tests

A dentist can provide a bacterial test that will identify which of the various periodontal bacteria is present in your mouth. This will enable the correct treatment – an antibiotic – to be given. It is a test using your saliva to detect the various types of bacteria that may cause periodontitis. 

If a dentist uses the wrong antibiotics on bacteria, it can enable it to become a super bacteria – one that does not respond to normal antibiotics. A bacteria test can provide the dentist with the knowledge of the exact antibiotic to add to the mixture. 

This enables the treatment to be able to deal directly with the cause, rather than with the symptoms or risk factors. As an example, smoking is a serious risk factor to getting periodontal disease, and so is diabetes, but neither one can actually cause gum disease. A bacteria test gives dentists a powerful advantage in treating, and even preventing gum disease. 

 

Periodontal Disease and Your Overall Health

A powerful reason to get a bacteria test if you have periodontitis is to be able to put an end to the problem as fast as possible. Studies now reveal that the same bacteria involved in periodontitis are also behind the formation of many major health problems, including cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and stroke. 

The same bacteria can begin to cause these problems after it gets into your gums. From there, it gets into your bloodstream and then can go anywhere in your body. 

Typical periodontal treatment is usually only initiated after you already have the symptoms of the disease. This means that some damage has already been done and it is going to be costly to repair it. The usual treatment is planing and scraping, and the use of antibiotics – unless it has already reached an advanced stage. 

 

Bacteria Test for Prevention

Testing someone for periodontal bacteria that does not yet have any symptoms of periodontal disease can benefit someone who may have these bacteria. Testing for the bacteria can enable dentists to eliminate it before it becomes a problem. Or, it may alert the individual to be sure to have regular dental checkups to watch out for its development. 

A bacterial DNA test enables dentists to be able to correctly identify any bacteria that are behind your periodontitis. The test uses paper points that are inserted under the gums for just a few seconds. This is all the time that is needed to collect a bacteria sample. Once obtained, the samples are sent to a lab that can identify the bacteria involved. This test eliminates the guesswork and lets the dentist treat the exact problem. 

 

Periodontal Disease Treatment

When periodontal disease treatment is desired or needed, a bacteria test can help reduce the treatment time. Even though treatments may have had limited success in the past, this method can speed up the process. For people who have a family history of periodontitis, getting a bacteria test may help prevent it. 

 

If you want to have bacteria tests to test your risk of periodontal disease, or if you want to be tested because treatments so far have had limited success, you can call Champion dental at 214 747-0763 

guide to healthy teeth

How-To Guide To Healthy Teeth

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Steps You Need to Take to Keep a Beautiful Smile

guide to healthy teeth

When thinking about health, most people do not think much about caring for the health of your teeth. The truth is there is a definite connection between having a healthy mouth and having a healthy body. This how to guide will present an overview of what you need to keep your healthy teeth.  

 

Brush Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth and flossing form the basic two things that serve as a starting place for healthy teeth. You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time and floss them once a day – preferably before you go to bed. 

 

Gum Disease

The bacteria in your mouth will form a film (plaque) on your teeth every so many hours. This is constantly occurring and brushing your teeth will remove it from the surface of your teeth, and flossing removes it from in between your teeth. 

When you eat sweets and sugar-laden drinks, it causes the bad bacteria in your mouth to multiply. When it does, it produces an acid that starts attacking the enamel on your teeth. Without the proper care, the bacteria will continue to create dental problems. Your healthy gums will start to show signs of gum disease, which in the early stages are revealed by bleeding gums when you brush your teeth, they may possibly be inflamed, and your gums may be noticeably receding.

In more advanced stages, gum disease becomes periodontitis, which causes more adults to lose their teeth than any other cause. The same bacteria involved in the more mild form of gum disease (gingivitis) continues producing acid that destroys your gums, the structures that hold your teeth in place, and your jawbone. Only a periodontist can help restore your gums and teeth at this point – and it will be very costly. 

 

Why Healthy Teeth and Gums Are Important

Recent research has discovered that the bacteria that cause gum disease and inflammation are also a major factor in as many as 50 different diseases and health problems. Among them are diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke. Several types of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, COPD, pregnancy complications, and many more are caused by these same bacteria. 

 

Eat Healthy Foods

The acids and sugars in many foods attack the enamel on your teeth, which leads to a process called demineralization. This means it is actually removing important minerals from your teeth, weakening the enamel and even making holes in it. By eating balanced healthy foods, your teeth can be remineralized and strengthened. Both processes are constantly occurring, but healthy eating helps ensure that the right vitamins and minerals are available. 

The right kind of nutrition is also necessary to help your immune system. When healthy, your immune system can help fight off both gum disease and some oral cancers. Both of them are apt to grow faster when you do not get enough of the right kind of nutrition. 

Smoking, or using chewing tobacco or even e-cigs, weakens the immune system in your mouth. This is why dental work on smokers takes longer to heal, and it is also why many smokers develop oral cancer. 

 

Teeth Cleaning

Making regular visits to the dentist is also important to keep healthy teeth. The dentist can spot dental problems in their early stages and treat them, which could easily prevent the need for more costly treatments later on. As the dentist provides regular teeth cleaning, they can also tell you about spots you may be missing in your own dental care. 

In between teeth cleanings, there may be other times when you should contact your dentist. These include occasions when you notice:

  • Red or tender gums that may also bleed when you brush.
  • Your gums are pulling away from your teeth.
  • Your teeth become sensitive to hot and cold.
  • Bad breath that you cannot prevent.
  • Some teeth are becoming loose.
  • Sores in your mouth are not healing.
  • Your teeth do not align the same way.
  • Your dentures or partials do not fit the same way.
  • You have difficulty when swallowing.

 

Be Careful of Drugs

The illegal kind of drugs can contain many harmful types of chemicals that will help destroy your teeth fast. They contain acids that will weaken your teeth’s enamel quickly, leading to serious cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Even prescription drugs can harm your teeth. Some drugs, such as some antibiotics, can lead to discoloring them. If you are taking a drug that seems to be discoloring your teeth, see if your doctor can prescribe an alternative medication. 

In order to maintain your healthy teeth and gums, you need the regular assistance of a dentist. If you live in Farmers Branch, TX all you need to do is call 214-747-0763 , Champion dental clinic  for your regular dental check ups and affordable oral care. Make Champion Dental as your preferred dentistry for all your family dental needs.

detox your mouth dfw tx

How to Detox Your Mouth?

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Get Better Dental Health with an Oral Detox

detox your mouth dfw tx

Your mouth is the host to more than 500 different kinds of bacteria. While much of it is necessary and beneficial, some of this vast number is harmful to your teeth and gums. If you have bad breath or know that you have gum disease, you can detox your mouth to help remove some of these problems. 

 

Why You Should Detox Your Mouth

Every day there is a battle going on in your mouth. It is the good bacteria versus the bad. The good bacteria try to keep the bad bacteria under control, but there are some things that can energize the bad bacteria so that the good bacteria are not strong enough to do so. 

Evidence that the bad bacteria is out of control in your mouth is bad breath. Another piece of evidence is that your gums bleed when you brush or floss them. If your gums appear red or inflamed is one more piece of evidence that you need detoxification. Detoxing your mouth can help eradicate the bad bacteria and restore the health of your mouth over time. 

 

Why the Health of Your Mouth Matters

Recent research reveals that having gum disease, caused by the bad bacteria being out of control, will affect your overall health. This is because the bad bacteria cause inflammation, and inflammation leads to coronary artery disease, diabetes, heart attacks, stroke, and even some forms of cancer. Because of this, no amount of gum disease is healthy. 

 

Things That Strengthen the Bad Bacteria

Before you can understand how to reduce and control the bad bacteria, you need to understand what causes it to get out of control in the first place. It may surprise you to learn that the bad bacteria feed on sugar. This means that every time you drink a soda or sip on a coffee or tea with loads of sugar in it, you are strengthening the bad bacteria in your mouth. The problem with this is that when it gets sugar, it turns it into an acid that slowly corrodes the enamel on your teeth.

So, while you may detox your mouth to try and remove some of the bad bacteria, if you eat a lot of carbs and sugar-laden drinks, you are not going to have much success. Drinking water and eating healthy foods will be much better for your overall health. Diabetes will also need to be controlled because high sugar levels in your blood will promote gum disease. 

 

How to Detox

There are numerous ways to detox your mouth. Here are some that you may want to try.

  • Green Tea

Green tea is known for its many health benefits. It contains anti-oxidants and flavonoids that have properties needed to help control the bad bacteria in your mouth. One study, published in the Journal of Periodontology, indicated that men who drank green tea had better oral health than those who did not. For every cup of green tea consumed, it reduced further the indicators of periodontal disease.

  • Oil Pulling

Oil pulling has been used for thousands of years in India as a way to prevent tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, and more. Although this may not be as appealing as some other methods of detoxing your mouth, the benefits of using sesame oil have been tested by the National Institutes of Health and found to be an effective way to improve your oral health.

Sesame seed oil, some people also like coconut oil, can be used to detox your mouth. Simply swish it around your mouth for around 10-15 minutes or more before brushing your teeth. Then spit it out in the trash can (it can clog your drains), and rinse with water. In the case of coconut oil, which is a semi-solid at room temperature, let it melt in your mouth first, and then swish it around. Some people also say that it will whiten your teeth.

 

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has also been used for centuries to help reduce oral problems. It is known to have anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. This ability can be used to detox your mouth and help to alleviate the bacteria that cause periodontitis. One government report indicated that it was helpful in reducing the bacteria that cause periodontitis and reducing inflammation.

Detoxing your mouth is not a substitute for dental care. While it can help control the bacteria and reduce inflammation, it will not fix problems once they develop. You will still need cavities to be filled, and antibiotics, and possibly even surgery may be necessary to correct problems caused by a severe periodontal disease. 

For the best mouth health, you will also need to quit smoking. The chemicals from tobacco of any kind will raise your risk of gum disease, and it will also slow the ability of your gums to heal or fight the disease. 

 

Even though you use various home remedies to detox your mouth, it is still necessary to see a dentist for regular checkups. If you live in the Farmers Branch, TX  you can get dental care by making a visit to Champion Dental office. We perform many dental services and can help you get on the right track with the dental care you need. For more information, or to set up an appointment, you can call (214) 747-0763

peppermint oil and teeth natural remedy dfw tx

The Power of Peppermint Oil for the Gums

Posted on | by mel | Leave a Comment on The Power of Peppermint Oil for the Gums

The Power of Peppermint Oil for the Gums

peppermint oil and teeth natural remedy dfw tx

Peppermint has been in use for centuries as a powerful health aide. Even today, many people grab for peppermint candy, gum, or sprays to freshen their breath before entering a social situation. What many do not realize is that peppermint, in its natural form, can actually be a potential complementary adjunct in the fight against gum disease. While peppermint will not solve anyone’s oral health issues, natural peppermint oil has been shown to be very effective at keeping the teeth and gum line clean from bacteria.

Again, peppermint is not an end-all and be-all for gum disease prevention. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are necessary for maintaining the integrity of the gums. Here are some of the ways peppermint oil and gum disease are linked:

 

  • Antibacterial. The fight against gum disease is really the fight against bacteria, as bacteria thrive in an unhealthy mouth and increase inflammatory conditions along the gum line. Peppermint oil has natural antibacterial compounds that may be helpful for reducing the number of bacteria in the gums. Patients should always use any type of oil or natural approach in combination with the advice of their dentist.
  • Anti-inflammatory. Most natural plants and essential oils contain anti-inflammatory properties. Mint is no different. Peppermint oil is highly anti-inflammatory and may reduce inflammatory conditions in the mouth and in the rest of the body. Often, peppermint oil is diluted and rubbed against inflamed areas to reduce this pain and swelling. Again, always do this with professional guidance.
  • Antioxidant. Peppermint contains antioxidant compounds that may protect the gums from bacteria, inflammation, and other factors that attack the gums. Drinking peppermint tea or using peppermint oil with the advice of a professional physician may be helpful for providing the body antioxidants essential for protecting against gum disease.

 

Our My Champion Dental specialists look forward to seeing you to help restore a Lifetime of Healthy Smiles! To schedule appointment, visit our website

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Getting the Most for Your Dollar at the Dentist's Office

How to Maximize Your Visit to Your Dentist?

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Getting the Most for Your Dollar at the Dentist’s Office

Getting the Most for Your Dollar at the Dentist's Office

Going to a dentist’s office is not something that people do very often. Since that probably includes you, it is important to ensure that you are going to make your dentist appointment as productive as possible. You want to be prepared before you go to get the most out of it. 

 

Write Down Your Questions and Needs

You are the one who is most aware of what has been going on with your teeth and gums. The dentist will be limited to what can actually be seen at the time of your dental visit – unless you remember to reveal other things or ask questions. 

The best way to remember your questions or problems is to write them down in advance of your visit to the dentist. Some things that you may want to include are if you have a tooth that has become sensitive to temperature or when you bite on it. 

Another thing that you will especially want to mention to your dentist is if you have any sores in your mouth that do not seem to go away. A sore that does not heal could be an indication of oral cancer. Dentists are trained to be able to identify it, and getting early treatment for it is very important.

If your gums have been bleeding when you brush your teeth or floss it should also be mentioned. This is an indication of early gum disease, and the dentist can advise you on how to treat it before it becomes worse. Other symptoms of gum disease include swollen gums, bad breath, pus appearing between your teeth and gums, loose teeth, and spaces appearing between your teeth. 

If you have been experiencing dry mouth recently, this should also be mentioned to the dentist. This is a problem the dentist is concerned about because it means that the amount of bad bacteria that harms your teeth has increased. It can be caused by various diseases and medications. When this occurs, the bacteria start producing an acid that slowly destroys the enamel on your teeth. Having a healthy amount of saliva helps keep the bad bacteria under control, and also helps to repair your teeth. 

 

Understand What Services the Dentist Provides

Most likely, you already understand some of the dental services you may need. Prior to making an appointment, make a list of things you want a dentist in your area to offer. Once your list is complete, call the dental office and ask your questions. 

Among the things you want to ask, there are some things you need to ask for sure. The topics you want to learn about include:

  • Do they accept your dental insurance?
  • If you do not have dental insurance, do they offer a flexible payment plan?
  • Do they handle emergency dental situations?
  • Do they provide dental services for children? Orthodontics – which options?
  • Can the dentist remove fillings made of mercury?
  • Do they offer tips for better oral health care?
  • If desired, do they offer sleep sedation dentistry?
  • What materials are available for fillings?
  • Do they offer cosmetic dentistry services?

Another thing that you may want to ask about is if the dentist office offers any of new high-tech forms of dentistry. This could include using a laser to detect cavities or drill them out, using ozone for sterilization, and thinner veneers that make removing tooth enamel unnecessary. 

 

Create a List of All Medications and Supplements You Are Taking Now

The dentist will need to know what medications and supplements you are taking at the time of your dental appointment. This is important because it can affect your treatment. If you are taking a blood thinner, for example, the dentist needs to know it because a dental procedure may involve excessive bleeding in that case.

 

Ask About Your Dental Cleaning Methods

When looking into your mouth, a dentist can quickly spot how well you are – or are not – cleaning your teeth. By asking the dentist to let you know what you can do to improve your teeth cleaning methods, you can help cut down on your overall annual dental costs.

 

Get a Referral

One of the best ways to choose a dentist is to get a referral from a friend, co-worker, or relative. You want to find one that offers the services you need, but is also friendly and answers your questions. A referral is especially good when you need to get the same type of dental services as the person who referred you. 

Our MyChampion Dental expert dentist team will gladly help you get the most out of your routine dental visit. For more information, or to set up an appointment, you can call our office today at (214) 747-0763.

Sodas and Teeth DFW TX

Sugary Sodas Linked Again to Higher Chance of Dental Cavities

Posted on | by mel | Leave a Comment on Sugary Sodas Linked Again to Higher Chance of Dental Cavities

Are Sodas Worth the Cost of a Lot of Dental Care?

Sodas and Teeth DFW TX

During the summer months especially, people are going to be drinking a lot of soda. It is used at meals, sipped on through the day, and many people drink some for snacks while watching TV. While many people have heard it is not good for teeth, few people understand what happens when you mix soda and teeth. 

 

Why Sugar Can Cause Dental Decay

There are naturally more than 500 different types of bacteria in your mouth. Some of them are good, and some are bad. In a healthy mouth, these two types of bacteria are balanced. Introducing sugar into your mouth produces an imbalance and the bad bacteria multiply. As it does, it produces an acid that erodes the enamel on your teeth. 

These same bacteria also cause gum disease. Sipping on sodas and other sweet drinks through the day only increases the number of bad bacteria, and this leads to more destruction of the enamel on your teeth. Soon, cavities will appear and your teeth will be stained. 

 

Soda and Sugar

One of the reasons that soda is a problem is because sugar and tooth decay go together. The sugar in soda is sticky and it sticks to your teeth longer than some other foods. Because it sticks to your teeth, it enables bacteria to multiply and cause erosion to the enamel on your teeth. 

Each can or bottle of soda has a lot of sugar in it. More than most people know about. A can of Coke contains about nine teaspoons of sugar. Clear sodas contain about the same amount, and root beer contains even more sugar than Coke.

 

Sodas and Acid

Sodas also contain a lot of acid in them. Each sip you take of soda causes an acid attack on your teeth for about 20 minutes. This acid is in addition to the acid created by the bad bacteria. Sipping on soda all day exposes your teeth to a very powerful acid – phosphoric acid. One study compared the acid in soda to battery acid. Citric acid is the most powerful type of acid used in soft drinks. 

Diet soda often contains no table sugar, but it is not harmless either. It may contain another type of acid.

 

The Effects of Acid

The acid in soda will cause a noticeable difference in your teeth after a while. Because the enamel is getting thinner, if you continue to drink a lot of soda regularly, your teeth will start to yellow more. This is caused by less enamel covering the dentin, which is a darker yellow. The chewing surface of your teeth may be dented, uneven, and rounded. Less enamel can also make your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks.

The acid removes some of the minerals in your teeth, making them weaker. It also creates tiny holes in the enamel of your teeth, giving the acid access to the dentin. It is these holes in your tooth’s enamel that makes it sensitive to certain foods or temperatures. 

 

The Need for Saliva

The saliva in your mouth helps protect your mouth and teeth from the bad bacteria. When you have a good amount of it, it washes away the bacteria, acids, sugars, and helps destroy the bad bacteria. Sodas tend to dehydrate and can make your mouth dry. Many other drinks have this same effect. 

A dry mouth promotes the growth of the wrong kind of bacteria. Some medications will also help to cause a dry mouth, and this can lead to gum disease. 

Saliva also helps to repair damage to your teeth. Healthy eating provides the right minerals in your mouth and it can repair the enamel – but possibly not faster than it is destroyed if you drink a lot of soda. 

 

Evidence of Cavities

One of the key effects of soda on teeth is that it will eventually cause cavities. Some symptoms are that you will have a toothache, brown or black stains on your teeth, pain in a tooth when you bite on something or you may even have a visible pit or hole in a tooth. 

 

How to Prevent Cavities from Soda

Because of the acid in sodas, and the harm it does to the enamel on your teeth, it is not a good idea to brush your teeth right after drinking soda. The acid weakens the enamel, and brushing right away will cause some of it to be knocked loose with your toothbrush. 

Drinking water and rinsing your mouth with it after drinking soda and sugary foods will help to remove some of the acid and sugar. You also do not want to sip soda all day. Instead, drink it rather quickly and follow it up by rinsing with water. 

If you have dental decay from acidic drinks and need tooth decay treatment, MyChampion Dental clinic certified dental specialists’ can assist you. We perform a wide range of dental services, including treating the effects of soda on teeth. Call our Farmers’ branch office for more details

dental health insurance dfw tx

Dental Health Insurance – Things You Need to Know

Posted on | by mel | 4 Comments on Dental Health Insurance – Things You Need to Know

Choose Your Dental Insurance Carefully for Best Results

dental health insurance dfw tx

Buying dental insurance is different than buying a regular health insurance plan. The terms and the focus are often different, and some of the things that you might think are covered may not be covered at all. Dental insurance plans vary considerably between companies, so you will need to look carefully at the details if you are getting individual dental insurance. 

 

The Focus Is Different

Instead of just meeting needs as they occur, dental plans aim for prevention. Many of them will offer 100 percent coverage for preventive care, which will usually cover such things as x-rays, dental cleanings, and check-ups. The higher percentage for preventive care aims to prevent costly procedures before they occur, and will pay a smaller percentage for the actual treatment of larger problems. 

 

Maximum Coverage

Nearly all dental plans will have a maximum amount of payments that they will make each year. The caps are usually set at either $1,000 or $1,500 per year. Many of the more expensive procedures may cost more than this, so it is likely that you will still be paying considerable costs out of pocket. In addition, there may also be a deductible amount. 

 

Partial Coverage

Many dental treatments are only covered by a percentage of the cost. Basic procedures will often pay around 80 percent of the cost, and this may include fillings – amalgam only, reattaching existing crowns, and dental extractions.

Major dental work is usually covered by more dental insurance plans at a rate of 50 percent. This would include treatments such as bridges, crowns, root canals, and dental implants. This means that if you have a root canal and a crown, the total cost could be around $2,000, or more. If the insurance pays 50 percent, you will pay $1,000 for it, plus any co-pays.

Depending on your dental plan, this could end up being the only service the dental insurance plan will pay for because you reached the maximum amount. Of course, they would still pay for preventive dental services. 

 

Pre-existing Conditions

Most dental insurance companies have clauses in their contracts that will prevent you from benefiting by getting dental coverage just when you need to have some major work done on your teeth. In many cases, after you buy a dental insurance policy, you may still need to wait at least 30 days before you can even get any preventive care. Getting fillings and other restorative services may require a waiting period of three months or more, and any major treatments may require a wait of at least six months or more. 

When you go to buy dental insurance, it is quite likely that you will need to sign up for a minimum of one year. Some of the more expensive treatments may require waiting a year or more. These treatments often include orthodontics (if covered at all), bridges, and dentures. 

 

Group Dental Insurance

There are also some things you need to know about getting a dental insurance plan through your employer’s group plan. While it may only cost you a few dollars a month for it, it may not be worth it if it is for your whole family. Many times these plans only have a maximum cap of about $1,000 for the entire family. As seen earlier, this cap may not cover much if one or more of your family members need some major dental work. 

 

Dental Insurance Not Required

Under the Affordable Care Act, health plans offered in the Marketplace may also offer dental health insurance. If it is offered as part of the plan, it is included in the cost of the premiums. If it is not part of the plan, you are free to buy the one offered by the health insurance company you choose, or you can buy a separate dental plan. 

 

Dental Insurance for Kids

If you have people in your home under the age of 18, the Affordable Care Act requires that the insurer make dental insurance available for them – but you do not have to buy it. Adults do not have to have it, either. 

 

Buying Dental Insurance

Before you go and buy any dental insurance, if you have a dentist you like already, check to see what insurance plans they accept and choose one. Look for one that provides the best benefits for you and your family. 

 

Dental Savings Plans

This alternative to dental insurance offers club members a discount of anywhere between 10 to 60 percent of the usual costs. There are many dentists that honor dental savings plans, and some of them are offered by major insurance companies. There are no annual caps, limits, or waiting periods.

When you need dental care and have a dental health insurance plan, or want help in choosing one, reach out to Champion Dental, Farmers Branch TX at 214-747-0763-

 

dry socket causes and remedies dfw tx

What Are Treatment Options for Dry Socket?

Posted on | by mel | 2 Comments on What Are Treatment Options for Dry Socket?

Get Relief from Dry Socket Pain

dry socket causes and remedies dfw tx

 

After a wisdom tooth is pulled, a patient may experience what is called a dry socket. This can be rather painful, but it may not even begin to hurt until two to four days after the tooth has been removed. When you have a dry socket, you will likely need to go back to the dentist for dry socket treatment.

 

The Cause of Dry Socket Pain

When a wisdom tooth is extracted, it leaves a gap in the gums and the jawbone is exposed. Normally, the space left by the tooth will be filled in with a blood clot, which is part of the normal healing process. 

Various situations can cause the blood clot to break loose. When it does, it interrupts the healing process and delays it. The nerves in your jaw bone become exposed, and this causes the pain. Things like cold air, cold water, food, salt, etc., can cause considerable pain.  

It is also possible that an infection can get into the jawbone, causing the pain. If it does, it may necessitate taking oral antibiotics, or possibly getting them intravenously.

 

Why Dry Socket Healing May Be Delayed

When the clot forms, it helps stop the flow of blood and also stimulates the area to heal the bone. The formation of the blood clot in the tooth socket can be delayed or interrupted by several things. When it is delayed, the patient may feel considerable pain for several weeks, but dry socket treatment can greatly reduce that time. 

 

Risk Factors 

Several risk factors will lead to the greater likelihood of getting a dry socket. Only about two percent of people will develop one. These risk factors include:

  • Smoking – The many chemicals in the smoke or liquid can slow healing and actually contaminate the open wound. The nicotine reduces the flow of blood in your mouth. 
  • Bacteria – Some of the bacteria in your mouth can stop or hinder the formation of a blood clot – particularly periodontal disease. It may also help to break down the clot. 
  • Sucking through a straw – or inhaling on a cigarette can cause the clot to break loose, as well as spitting, or rinsing your mouth aggressively. 
  • Hormones – Women are at a greater risk of dry socket due to menstrual cycles, birth control pills, estrogen replacement therapy, etc. 
  • Not following instructions – After an extraction, a dentist will often provide some instructions about what you should and should not do. Failure to follow this advice may lead to a dry socket formation. 

 

Signs of Dry Socket

If you get a dry socket after a tooth extraction, there are several things to look for that will indicate you need to contact the dentist for some dry socket relief. The symptoms include:

  • Severe pain where the tooth was extracted within three days
  • Partial or complete loss of a blood clot in the socket
  • Bone will be visible in the socket
  • Pain may also be felt in your neck, ear, temple or eye
  • Bad breath and unpleasant taste in your mouth.

 

Dry Socket Remedies

Going back to the dentist for dry socket remedies will most likely result in several options or a combination of them. The treatment may include:

  • Removing debris in the socket by flushing it out.
  • Applying medicated dressings – the dentist may use a medicated gel along with medicated dressings. For severe pain, the dentist will determine if you will need multiple dressing changes. 
  • Prescription pain medication – it is unlikely that over-the-counter medications will be of much help. The dentist will likely prescribe some more powerful medications to provide pain relief. 
  • Prescription for antibiotics – to prevent infection in the bone.
  • Guidelines for home care – may include rinsing with salt water each day and using a special mouthwash.

After going to the dentist, you should notice some dry socket pain relief and the soon disappearance of any symptoms. Additional dressing changes may be needed to be obtained from the dentist. 

 

Dry Socket Prevention

You can take several steps before and after the dental extraction that will help to reduce the possibility of getting a dry socket. 

 

Before the Surgery

  • Stop smoking or using any tobacco products.
  • Check with the dentist about any medications or supplements you are currently taking to see if they will interfere with the formation of blood clots.
  • Women on birth control pills need to schedule the surgery when you are getting the lowest dose of estrogen – during your period.

 

After the Surgery

The following things should be avoided for at least three days after an extraction. They include:

  • Avoid smoking and using tobacco
  • Do not drink through a straw
  • Do not rinse your mouth more than prescribed. 
  • Avoid exercise.

If you need treatment for a dry socket and you live in and around Farmers Branch, Fortworth, Texas, you can get dry socket pain relief from  Champion Dental Board-certified  dental specialists. You can set up an appointment or get more information by calling our office at (214) 747-0763.

toothbrush type dfw tx

Are Powered Toothbrushes As Good As They Sound?

Posted on | by mel | 4 Comments on Are Powered Toothbrushes As Good As They Sound?

Does the Toothbrush Type Really Make a Difference?

toothbrush type dfw tx

Before buying your next toothbrush, you might want to know whether an electric toothbrush is really the best toothbrush you can buy. There certainly are many choices available today, and they all have a new and improved design. The only thing that really matters, though, is how good of a job it does in cleaning your teeth.

 

Many Kinds of Electric Toothbrushes

When you go to the store to buy a good electric toothbrush, you may be surprised to find so many different kinds. Not only are there some top name brands, but you can also choose between rechargeable toothbrushes, sonic, battery operated toothbrush, and a travel electric toothbrush. Then you must also consider the options they come with, such as a timer, an electric toothbrush with pressure sensor, variable brushing modes, etc. 

 

Advertising

Another element that needs to be considered is the advertising. There is plenty of it, and as might be expected, they all claim to be the best – but are they really? 

 

Types of Powered Toothbrushes

Many electric toothbrushes use the word “power” to describe them. They all use electric power of one sort or another, whether battery operated or plug-in, so this term really does not differentiate them. 

 

Battery Operated Toothbrushes

This type of toothbrush operates using an AA battery, which can be easily replaced. The power vibrates the head, giving it a little more cleaning power. 

 

Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

This toothbrush needs to be plugged in when it runs low on power. They often have heads that need replacing about every three months, and they will either have oscillating heads, rotating heads, or possibly sonic capabilities. This kind will usually come with a number of features, too. 

 

Sonic Toothbrushes

These toothbrushes take brushing teeth to the next level. The heads on them vibrate at very high speeds – between 30,000 and 40,000 vibrations per minute. The advertisement also claims that it can clean places where an ordinary toothbrush cannot reach. It can do this by swishing the water, toothpaste, or saliva into the crevices between teeth, enabling it to clean where other toothbrushes cannot reach. 

This toothbrush, many claim, gets their teeth cleaner and they are also more confident that it is doing a good job. Of course, the vibrating speed seems to have influenced some to think it is doing a better job.

 

The Top Electric Toothbrush

When you consider which model is the top electric toothbrush, it is also worthwhile to think about what makes any toothbrush a good one. When it comes right down to it, it is not the variety of options a toothbrush has that makes it valuable, it is the user. 

Whether a user takes a minute with a good toothbrush, or a minute with a high-powered one, the difference depends on how careful the user is to brush all the surfaces of his or her teeth. If he or she is careless, or in a hurry, surfaces will be missed, and it will provide a place for plaque to start building up. 

 

Flossing Still Necessary

No matter what kind of toothbrush you use, it cannot take the place of flossing. A toothbrush cannot get all the plaque and food particles from in between your teeth. While a sonic one may get a little more than other ones, you still need to floss and do a thorough job in order to get the best protection for your teeth. 

Despite the advertising claims, a high-tech toothbrush cannot do any better than a standard non-electric version, if you rush brushing your teeth or do not floss. 

 

Which Is Better?

Over 30 studies have been conducted to investigate the issue of which is better – a manual or an electric toothbrush. The conclusion is that one is not necessarily better than the other because it all depends on the user. A rotating toothbrush, however, did seem to rate a little better. 

Consumer Reports indicates that the best toothbrush may be an electric toothbrush.  A particular type was not indicated. Care needs to be given, though, when it comes to how much pressure you use, and how often you use it.

 

Are They for You?

A high powered toothbrush is not for everyone. If you are the kind of person who can still take the time to ensure you hit all the surfaces of your teeth – and floss regularly, you are the one who can benefit most from it. On the other hand, if it will make you lazy or careless, or if you might come to think that it is all you need for clean teeth, you may want to avoid it. 

It is also important to understand that a toothbrush, no matter how fancy, is still not a substitute for going to the dentist. A dentist still needs to check for cavities so that they can be stopped before they get worse. Checking for gum disease is another issue, as well as for the possible start of oral cancer. 

Letting an experienced dentist help you with dental care, in spite of having the best toothbrush, is a good idea. If you live in the Farmers branch Texas area, you can let Champion Dental Clinic, meet you and your family’s dental needs. For a consultation or treatment on how to get better oral health, you can contact our office at today at (214) 747-0764.