How Cranberries Can Help Fight Tooth Decay

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The fall season brings a lot of reasons to celebrate, but Thanksgiving is perhaps the most celebrated and widely-known fall holiday. Though the reason for its popularity lies mostly in the food, the delights of Thanksgiving dinner feed more than just your palate and belly. They also feed the biological reactions of the bacteria that live in your mouth–such as those that produce acids that destroy your teeth’s protective enamel. According to research, however, you might find a powerful ally in one of the more commonly-used Thanksgiving foods, cranberries, which can help fight tooth decay at a molecular level.

What the Fight is About

Oral bacteria are the reason why food can be such a destructive force to your teeth. Of the over 600 identifiable kinds of bacteria in your mouth, Streptococcus mutans are among the most notable for their habit of creating acids out of sugars and starches. The acids weaken your teeth’s enamel, and sap your teeth of the minerals they need to replenish their outer layer.

Cranberries—The Secret Weapon

Over the last few decades, and perhaps longer, people have searched for natural substances to aid in the fight against cavities and other issues. In this quest, experts have learned that cranberries—a regular find on most Thanksgiving dinner tables—is one of the more potent natural weapons against cavities. The berries contain compounds that help block the enzymes of harmful oral bacteria, like the ones that cause cavities, in order to inhibit their ability to form dental plaque. By stopping them from sticking together, cranberries helps reduce the risk of tooth decay forming from he accumulation of oral bacteria.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

filed under: Grand Prairie Dentist

Light Up Your Winter

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It’s that time again! You know, time to bundle up with friends and loved ones, pile into the car with a thermos of hot cocoa, and drive through the Prairie Lights holiday light park, where the sparkling light displays dazzle against the night sky. Four million lights that cover an area of an approximate two-mile journey, that is. What better way to get into the festive spirit for the upcoming holiday season?

When Is It?

The light display opens Thursday, November 27, 2014 (Thanksgiving night) and continues through Sunday, January 4. You and your loves ones can drive through the spectacular sights according to the following schedule:
  • 6:00 to 9:00pm: Sunday through Thursday
  • 6:00 to 10:00pm: Friday and Saturday, as well as holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. 

Where Is It?

The holiday lights display is located at the following address:
Lynn Creek Park
5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy
Grand Prairie, TX 75052

What Can I Expect?

You have a couple of options when it comes to taking in the beautiful glowing lights. You may choose regular vehicle admission to drive your party through the holiday lights, or you may select this year’s new VIP option, which allows you to choose a guided tour as a way to bypass nights with heavy traffic. Prairie Lights also offers a variety of out-of-car options for the whole family, including a holiday magic forest walk-through and an indoor holiday laser show.

Can I Contact The Park?

For questions and pricing information, check out the Prairie Lights website at http://prairielights.org/.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST: 

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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Dental Anxiety? Rest Easy with Sedation

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Do you find that you avoid visits to the dentist because you suffer from dental anxiety? You may feel like you’re the only one, but you are actually one of millions who puts off a trip to your friendly dental office. Yes, even patients who have had good experiences fall victim to nervousness that keeps them from receiving the dental care necessary for maintaining optimal oral health. Consider the following answers to some frequently asked questions regarding sedation if you think it may work for you.

What Is Sedation, Exactly?

Sedation in dentistry is the administration of tranquilizing drugs. This means, your dentist will carefully choose a medicine from a class of drugs called sedatives that will relax your central nervous system. Rather than feeling on edge or anxious, your dental anxiety will melt away, so you can enjoy a truly relaxing, calming visit.

What Types of Sedation Can I Expect?

We offer a variety of sedation solutions to ensure all of our patients have access to the dental care they need for long-term oral health. You may choose from among the following options:
  • Nitrous Oxide: You may have heard this referred to as “laughing gas.” You will inhale this sedation through a comfortable mask placed over your nose for a feeling of euphoria.
  • Oral Sedation: Your dentist will provide you with Valium pill that you will swallow before your procedure, so you can feel at ease.
  • IV (Intravenous) Sedation: For complex cases or patients who require the deepest level of sedation, your dentist may offer this option. A licensed anesthesiologist will place an IV in your hand, you will experience an extremely deep form of relaxation without falling asleep, and the anesthesiologist will monitor your vitals throughout your appointment. 
Keep in mind, with oral or IV sedation, you will need a friend to drive you home after your procedure. 

What Types of People Ask for Sedation?

Many different types of people with varying levels of anxiety. Some suffer from a strong gag reflex, some are afraid of needles, others feel anxious about certain procedures, while some simply feel too nervous to even schedule an appointment. No matter your concerns, we will treat you with compassion, so you can receive excellent care. 


ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST: 

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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Are You Ready to Fix That Chipped Tooth?

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Sometimes, a chipped tooth can add character to a smile, but if you don’t fix it, then the damage could eventually become much more than just a unique expression. If it’s bad enough, the blemish can weaken your tooth’s structure, making it more likely to crack or break. If it’s just a minor chip, then the normal wear and tear from biting and chewing might take a while to make it worse, but it will still take more of a toll than it does on your healthy, whole teeth. When you’re ready to fix your chipped tooth, we can help you decide on an appropriate, non-invasive restoration that will fill in your smile without standing out from it.

Like Your Tooth’s Old Self

To fix a chipped tooth, we’ll first examine it, and teeth around it, to determine how serious the blemish is. If it isn’t dire, then we may be able to restore the tooth’s appearance by bonding and sculpting tooth-colored composite resin to the chipped edge. Known as dental bonding, often coupled with contouring (tooth sculpting), the procedure can reestablish your tooth’s smooth, symmetrical edge without having to drastically alter its healthy structure.

What if It’s More than Just a Chip?

While dental bonding is a common and effective fix for a chipped tooth, it might not suffice if the chip is actually a crack, or if it exposes your tooth’s sensitive main structure, called dentin. In such cases, you might benefit more from a cosmetic veneer or a dental crown, both of which are crafted from lifelike ceramic. A veneer is a thin porcelain shell that’s bonded to the front surface of your tooth, while a dental crown resembles the entire top portion of your tooth, and is securely placed over it.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE COSMETIC DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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How Fluoride Helps Prevent Cavities

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Though many people are familiar with the advice that fluoride can help prevent cavities, not everyone understands how, or why it’s important. If you don’t, then you might skip checking if a certain toothpaste contains the mineral before you buy it, or you might not understand the significance if your dentist recommends a topical fluoride treatment. To clarify, we explain just how fluoride helps prevent cavities, and why it’s become a staple of effective dental hygiene.

A Tooth with a Cavity

Have you ever wondered how a cavity develops? It begins when bacteria found in dental plaque attack the enamel around your teeth by producing acid. Poor hygiene practices can leave your tooth enamel weak, and eventually, bacteria will infect the tooth with decay, and a cavity (hole) will form. Therefore, keeping your tooth enamel strong and effective is the cornerstone of preventing cavity formation.

The Science that Binds Fluoride and Dental Health

Tooth enamel is made almost completely of specially-formed mineral crystals. The minerals consist mainly of calcium and phosphate, but enamel is also compatible with fluoride and other minerals. By applying fluoride, either through toothpaste or as a topical treatment at the dentist’s office, you can allow the mineral to bind to acid-weakened enamel, reducing your risks of forming a cavity.

Other Ways to Prevent Cavities

As effective as fluoride is, it isn’t the most important element of cavity prevention. To keep your teeth safe, be sure to attend yourdental checkups and cleanings every six months, or as often as recommended by your dentist. In the meantime, be sure to brush and floss your teeth at least twice every day, and after each meal, if possible. Also,  refrain from drinking sodas, fruit juices, energy drinks, and other highly-acidic and sugary beverages.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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Your Dentist’s Warnings About Snoring

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Your dentist warns you about a lot of things. Not brushing and flossing enough, eating too much too often, and skipping your dental checkups are among the more common warnings. What you might not realize, however, is that if your dentist knew you snore, you may also be warned about the dangers of not having your condition checked out and treated. As a general dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith has helped many patients stop snoring through customized dental treatment, usually in the form of an appliance that helps keep your airway clear while you sleep.

Facts About Snoring and Sleep Apnea

  • Sometimes, the obstruction can totally obstruct your airway and force you to stop breathing. When this happens consistently, the condition is known as obstructive sleep apnea, and can pose a serious threat to your systemic wellbeing.
  • Even in the absence of sleep apnea, snoring can increase certain risks to your cardiovascular system by restricting your intake of oxygen. Over time, the exertion to breathe and the diminished oxygen can begin to affect your vital systems, and lead to fatigue, illness, and other symptoms.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE GENERAL DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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Common Questions About Dental Emergencies

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Though you might never experience a dental emergency, chances are you might at least have a fright or two. For instance, if you bite down hard enough on a popcorn kernel to make your tooth hurt, or if you notice blood when you brush and floss your teeth. If it is an emergency, however, then seeking appropriate treatment from your emergency dentist could be vital to saving your dental health. To help you recognize when it’s time to seek treatment immediately, we answer a few common questions about dental emergencies, and what to do if the time comes.

When is it considered an emergency?

In most cases, a dental emergency means your tooth and/or surrounding oral tissues are in immediate danger of serious damage or infection. Usually, this occurs in the form of a traumatic injury, like a fractured, broken, or knocked out tooth. Sometimes, though, it can also mean that a dental disease has progressed far enough to make discomfort (and possibly tooth loss) imminent.

Is it possible to prevent a dental emergency?

You can prevent a dental disease from becoming an emergency situation by addressing it early. Practicing good hygiene and visiting your dentist for regular checkups will significantly improve your chances of prevention and early treatment. In the case of accidental trauma, you might not be able to prevent the accident, but you may be able to prevent severe trauma with prompt attention from your dentist.

What should I do if my tooth is knocked out completely?

Once a tooth’s root is forcibly removed from its socket within your jawbone, there’s a small window of opportunity to successfully reattach the tooth. If possible, collect the avulsed (knocked-out) tooth and try to replace it in the empty socket. If it doesn’t fit, place the tooth in milk, call our office immediately, and bring the tooth with you to your visit.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE EMERGENCY DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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How Dental Care Reduces the Risks of Respiratory Infections

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Your dental health influences quite a lot more than just your smile. How your teeth and gums look can influence your confidence; your teeth’s alignment can affect how well your jaw and other facial structures interact; and in many cases, the health of your teeth and oral tissues can play a role in your overall wellbeing. In fact, according to a recent study, one of the more significant connections between oral and systemic health involves the role regular dental care plays inreducing the risks of respiratory infections.

Connecting Oral and Systemic Health

Oral-systemic health, or the mouth-body connection, describes the relationship between a health/unhealthy mouth and a healthy/unhealthy body. The source of most dental health issues, like tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, are the hundreds of types of bacteria that make up the plaque on your teeth and gums. When these germs grow in number, they can invade your bloodstream through infected oral tissues, or be inhaled into your respiratory tract, and become a serious threat to your systemic health, as well.

Regular Dental Care vs. Respiratory Infections

Ina study published by the Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, researchers determined that improved professional dental care significantly reduced occurrences of respiratory infections among patients being cared for in ICU (intensive care unit). Being unable to care for themselves, ICU patients are typically at an increased risk of developing oral health issues, as well as lower respiratory tract infections that begin with bacteria originating in the oral cavity. However, after introducing routine dental care to a randomized selection of ICU patients, Dr. Fernando Bellissimo-Rodrigues and his team noted that participants who received dental care were up to 56% less likely to develop a respiratory infection during their stay, compared to others.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

filed under: Grand Prairie Dentist

Questions About Cavities and Tooth Fillings

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You can’t discuss tooth fillings without discussing cavities. After all, the infection that causes cavities (tooth decay) is the reason why fillings are necessary in the first place. Nevertheless, even patients who’ve received the restorations to treat tooth decay may still have questions about their cavities and tooth fillings, some of which we’ve answered below.

How will a tooth filling treat my cavity?

Regardless of how big it is, a cavity, or hole, will leave your tooth weak, and if not treated, the cavity will grow. A tooth filling involves cleaning and sanitizing the cavity to remove the bacteria and infected tooth structures. Once it’s cleaned, a filling is placed into the cavity and hardened for stability. The restoration helps keep your tooth strong and healthy while repelling bacteria from entering its inner structures.

Is a dental filling a viable alternative to root canal therapy?

Cavity treatment is relative, and depends on the severity of your tooth’s infection. While tooth fillings are great for mild to moderate tooth decay, more extensive tooth infection could require root canal therapy. If so, a filling alone won’t suffice, since the tooth’s inner chamber will have to be cleaned and the root canal sealed before the filling material can be placed.

What are tooth-colored fillings made of?

Many patients have, and still receive, metal amalgam fillings, though we typically recommend more discreet tooth-colored fillings, instead. Made from a mixture of acrylic and glass-like particles, known as composite resin, tooth-colored fillings not only blend in with your smile, but also create a more secure barrier against bacteria when bonded to your tooth’s structure.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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When Breath Goes Bad: The Causes of Halitosis

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Bad breath doesn’t always mean that you need to seek immediate dental treatment, even if it doesn’t easily go away when you brush and floss your teeth. While it’s true that dental infections, like tooth decay and gum disease, can foul your breath as they progress, halitosis (chronic bad breath) could just mean that your hygiene needs some improvement—before an issue does develop. To help you understand the source of your potential embarrassment, we explain a few common causes of halitosis, and how they make your breath smell bad.

Common Causes of Bad Breath

Hygiene

Unclean teeth and gums can cause bad breath in a number of ways. By neglecting to clean them, you can allow food particles to remain in your teeth, which can rot over time and threaten your oral health, as well as your breath. Also, some oral bacteria (particularly the ones that linger on your tongue) tend to release unpleasant sulfur gases that can overwhelm your mouth.

Diet

Even if it doesn’t hang around for long, your food can contribute to persistent bad breath in numerous other ways. If you eat pungent foods, like garlic, the smell may not leave your mouth along with the food. If you don’t receive the right kinds and amounts of necessary nutrients, your body’s physiological responses can result in a foul smell being passed through your bloodstream and expelled from your lungs.

Illnesses

Besides oral health issues, some systemic illnesses can also contribute to bad breath, such as respiratory illnesses, diabetes, or gastrointestinal (GI) complications. If your bad breath continues after improving your hygiene, and your teeth and gums are healthy, then you may have an underlying health condition, and could be referred to your physician for treatment.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative, and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

filed under: Grand Prairie Dentist