“But I Don’t Remember Grinding My Teeth!”

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Your dentist tells you that it seems you’ve been grinding your teeth, but you don’t recall any specific instances of actually doing so. The problem with bruxism—the clinical name for destructive teeth-grinding—is that it’s most likely to occur in your sleep, so you’re bound to have no recollection of it. So how can your dentist tell? Usually by detecting the typical signs, like excessively worn teeth, during your routine dental checkup; making regular dental visits all the more important.

It’s More than a Habit

Habits are more like nervous tics than conditions, and with a little effort, most of them can be stopped. Bruxism, however, is more than habitually grinding your teeth when you’re nervous—it’s the unconscious, involuntary clenching of your jaw muscles that forces your teeth to rub aggressively against each other. The reasons behind bruxism differ from patient to patient, and might include;
·         Overwhelming stress
·         Jaw dysfunctions (TMJ disorders)
·         Asymmetrical bite (like crooked teeth, or an uneven jawbone)
·         Injury to the face, mouth, or jaw

How to Stop Grinding Your Teeth

Since the cause of your condition will differ from the causes of others, your treatment will have to be tailored to the specific condition driving your bruxism. For instance, crooked teeth can be straightened with discreet orthodontic treatment. For most patients, however, you can protect your teeth with a custom-designed mouthguard, or sleepguard, that you can wear at night to stop your teeth from grinding together. Even if the guard doesn’t cure your bruxism, it can prevent extensive tooth damage and help your jaw muscles relax until you receive successful 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

Ways to Prevent Gum Disease and Tooth Loss

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Given the fact that it’s the leading cause of adult tooth loss in theUnited States, successfully preventing gum disease is one of the most effective ways of preserving your teeth. However, its prevalence belies the fact that gum disease prevention isn’t typically complex. The good news is that, even if it develops, the condition may be reversed if treated in its early stage (called gingivitis). To help you better prevent gum disease, or stop it in its tracks if it becomes an issue, we offer a few ways to prevent gum disease and the tooth loss that it can cause.

It’s All in Good Hygiene

Brushing and flossing

The most effective hygiene routines involve brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice every day, and after meals whenever you can. The bacteria (plaque) that lead to gum disease tend to gather along your gum line, so be sure to pay special attention to where your gums meet your teeth. Angle the brush to effectively clean plaque and food debris from your gum line, and floss carefully enough to avoid traumatizing your gums.
Invest in mouthwash

If you notice that your gums appear a little red andswollen, or they bleed when you brush your teeth, then ask us about prescribing a mouthwash to combat harmful oral bacteria. Prescription mouthwash is more potent than over-the-counter brands, and can provide increased protection against gingivitis, gum disease, bad breath, cavities, and other dental health issues.
Make your dental appointments a priority

Every six months, or sooner, you should visit our office fora routine dental checkup and cleaning. Postponing the appointment, or skipping it altogether, will allow plaque and oral bacteria more time to wreak havoc with your gums, increasing your chances of developing full-blown gum disease.

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

Dental Implants—The Closest Thing to Natural Teeth

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As dentistry has advanced over the centuries, the methods and materials used to address tooth loss have become more and more realistic. The advent of dentures, partial dentures, dental bridges, and various forms of dental porcelain make for a wide variety of options when it comes to choosing the right replacement teeth. However, the most recent innovation—dental implants—hold the key to making your replacement teeth more realistic than ever before by reestablishing the roots of your lost teeth.  

Why Realism Matters to Replacement Teeth

In the past, realistic replacement teeth meant dentures and dental bridges that closely resembled the appearance of healthy, natural teeth. That realism is still accomplished today by using materials such as dental porcelain that mimic the texture, color, shade, and light-reflecting abilities of healthy teeth. Lifelike appearance means that your dental prosthetic will be nearly indistinguishable from your natural smile, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’ll function the same.
Besides the visible portion, called a crown, losing a tooth also means losing the root that supported it. Embedded in your jawbone, your teeth’s roots are the canals through which your jawbone sends them nutrients, and also act as anchors that secure your teeth as you bite and chew.  

How Dental Implants Work

Every time you bite and chew, your stimulated teeth roots tell your body that your jawbone needs a certain amount of minerals and nutrients to support your teeth. After losing the roots, your jawbone receives fewer nutrients, and the deficiency can’t be addressed with traditional dentures or dental bridges. Dental implants, which are small posts that are surgically inserted into your jawbone, provide root-like support for your replacement teeth, creating a realistic prosthesis complete with roots as well as crowns.

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

Kids and Cavities

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As a parent, you worry about how well your kids take care of their teeth. You spent the better part of their early childhood teaching them to brush and floss, and you come up with innovative ways to excite them about visiting the dentist every six months. If they follow the tenets of good hygiene that you so diligently taught them, then your kids should be no more likely to develop cavities than the average adult. However, considering that over 90% of adults in the United States have had at least one cavity in their permanent teeth, those odds aren’t necessarily comforting.

The Nature of Cavities

The assumption that kids are more susceptible to cavities is a popular one, likely because of their lack of willpower when it comes to candy and other sugar-rich treats. As one of the most notorious instigators of tooth decay (along with starch and other carbohydrates), sugar feeds oral bacteria that convert it into acid. The acid immediately attacks the enamel that surrounds teeth, depleting the teeth of minerals in the process so that enamel can’t regain its composure. The more often teeth are exposed to acid, the more prone they’ll be to cavities as bacteria slip past weakened enamel and infect the main body of the tooth.

Cavity Prevention for Kids & Adults

Though everyone’s smile is different, and kids sometimes have particular dental needs, the principles of cavity prevention are the same for nearly everyone. Sugar-hungry bacteria accumulate on a daily basis, forming dental plaque as they gather, and controlling their numbers with daily hygiene is the key to preventing the damage they can cause. We advise patients of all ages to brush and floss their teeth at least twice every day, and after meals whenever possible. If you can’t brush after eating, then rinse your mouth with water to wash away food particles and neutralize bacterial acid. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments at our office can help fortify your and your children’s teeth against acid erosion and cavities if they’re especially weak and vulnerable.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE CHILDREN’S 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: Children's Dentist

How You Care for Your Toothbrush Matters

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For many of us, it’s tough enough dedicating adequate time in our busy days to properly brushing and flossing our teeth. With such limited time, that attention might not always extend to how well you care for your toothbrush when you’re not using it. Unfortunately, improper care can render your toothbrush not only ineffective, but a liability to your dental health, increasing your risk of tooth damage and diseases stemming from poor hygiene.

When You’re Not Paying Attention

Most personal bathrooms include a toothbrush holder that keeps the occupants’ toothbrushes off of the counter, usually in an up-right position. Perhaps without realizing it, many people place their toothbrush holders dangerously close to the toilet, where countless colonies of germs congregate. If you prefer, you might store your toothbrush in its own personal holder, complete with a cap to conceal the brush entirely. However, storing a wet toothbrush in a concealed environment can facilitate the growth and accumulation of various bacteria and other microorganisms.

Toothbrush Care Techniques

·         After brushing your teeth, rinse the bristles thoroughly, passing a clean thumb or finger over them to dislodge food and bacterial particles.
·         Shake the brush and bristles, then place it in a holder as far from the toilet and bath tub as possible.
·         If you use an enclosed container, try to keep the cap slightly dislodged to allow the brush to air dry.
·         Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly before using it, as well, to make sure you don’t transfer unwanted microorganisms to your mouth.
·         Once you notice that your bristles are frayed, change your toothbrush for a new one. If three months pass and the bristles still seem strong, change it anyway to be on the safe side.

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

Is There a Better Way to Floss?

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It should be ingrained into your dental hygiene routine so well that flossing is as natural as brushing your teeth. Unfortunately, for many people, it’s not, and for others, a cursory pass between a few teeth once in a while is all of the flossing they’ll commit to. However, if you’re among those who take their dental health seriously and you’re diligent about flossing, then you should know if there’s a better way to floss thoroughly without damaging your sensitive gums. To find out, compare your flossing techniques to our professional recommendations.

Tips for Effective Flossing Techniques

  • When it comes to flossing, length matters. Use at least 18” of floss to ensure that you have a fresh section each time you move between your teeth. Wrap the floss around each middle finger, and use your thumbs and index fingers to manipulate the strand.
  • Floss carefully between each tooth, bending the floss to the contours of each tooth’s side and carefully moving the floss up and down. Bend the floss to match the opposite tooth’s side and repeat, then carefully extract the floss, expose a clean section of it, and repeat for every crevice.
  • Don’t rush. Choose a time of day to floss when you know you’ll have the extra few minutes to devote to your hygiene. Taking your time will help ensure that you remove all of the food debris from between your teeth so they can’t feed the bacteria that live in your mouth.
  • Floss before brushing your teeth. The particles that you pick out from your teeth’s hiding spots can remain on your teeth and gums, defeating the purpose of flossing in the first place. Brushing afterwards will help remove the extracted food debris from the surfaces of your teeth.

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

A Teeth-Whitening Test of Wits

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Whether one or two of your teeth are stained, or all of your teeth have just sort of lost their shiny hue, teeth-whitening might be heavy on your mind if you’re unhappy because of tooth discoloration. Despite the ease and convenience of the procedure, however, there are several things you should know about teeth-whitening before deciding if it’s the right option.

Questions About Teeth-whitening

1.) Will teeth-whitening treatment make my teeth sensitive?

a.) Never
b.) Always
c.) Sometimes, but only slightly

2.) What makes professional whitening better than over-the-counter whitening?

a.) Convenience
b.) Strength
c.) Both

3.) Is professional teeth-whitening guaranteed to work?

a.) Yes, because it’s stronger
b.) No, but it usually does
c.) It depends on the nature of your teeth stains

Answers

1.) Sometimes, but only slightly—tooth sensitivity is commonimmediately following a teeth-whitening treatment; however, it can be reduced with sensitivity toothpaste, and will usually dissipate quickly. Many patients experience no sensitivity at all.
2.) Both—professional teeth-whitening can be applied in two ways; either during a single, one-hour visit to our office, or for about half an hour every day (for two weeks) from the comfort of your home. Also, since results are significantly more satisfying, you won’t have to deal with the frustration of a failed OTC application.
3.) It depends—teeth-whitening is designed to erase external stains and brighten the outer layers of your teeth. If one or more teeth are discolored from within (intrinsic staining), then you may need a more involved improvement, like porcelain veneers. After a thorough examination, we’ll help you determine the cause of your teeth stains and the most effective method for treating them.

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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Important Questions About Gum Disease

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It affects over 75% of adults in the United States, and if not treated, it can lead to the permanent loss of one or more of your teeth. It’s also highly-preventable, and most people who experience it could have avoided it, so why is gum disease still one of the most destructive dental health issues around? Typically, gum disease is allowed to progress because of a lack of knowledge about gum health and disease. If you don’t recognize the signs, you might not know to seek treatment in time. For a better understanding about gum disease and how to protect your smile against it, we answer a few important questions about the notorious condition.

Gum Health and Disease

1.) Can gum disease affect anyone?

Some people may be genetically predisposed for a higher risk of gum disease, but under the right circumstances, it can affect anyone. The condition develops when oral bacteria and dental plaque, which are inherent in everyone’s mouth, are allowed to grow and multiply on your teeth and along your gum line.

2.) Is gum disease preventable?

Like most issues that develop from poor hygiene, including cavities and chronic bad breath, gum disease can be prevented by controlling the bacteria and plaque that cause it. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth at least twice every day, and stick to a schedule of routine checkups and cleanings as often as recommended.

3.) How will I know if I have gum disease?

One of the most prominent signs of early gum disease is bleeding gum tissue, usually when you brush and floss your teeth. However, we can detect earlier signs and symptoms, such as minor gum inflammation and recession, with advanced diagnostic equipment during your regular dental checkup.

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

Understanding Fluoride and Dental Fluorosis

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Fluoride is a negatively charged ion of the element fluorine. It’s naturally found in water, food, and soil, and is also artificially synthesized in laboratories for various uses, including water fluoridation. For decades, people have debated the wisdom of treating public water supplies with small amounts of fluoride. On one side of the debate, research has proven that fluoride in small measures promotes healthy mouths by fighting cavity formation. On the other, people believe that fluoridating water supplies is useless and unsafe. Rather than reignite the flames of debate, your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, explains how fluoride helps your teeth and why some people consider it dangerous.

Fluoride’s Benefits to Your Teeth

Tooth decay begins when acids attack tooth enamel, which is a highly mineralized substance that protects the outer surfaces of your teeth. Everything you eat or drink contains elements that oral bacteria also process. When these bacteria synthesize sugars and carbs, the result is lactic acid, which is excreted onto your teeth. Other foods and beverages contain a natural acidity that changes the pH (acid alkali balance) of your mouth to facilitate acid production and damage. The acid dissolves your tooth enamel and siphons minerals from your teeth (demineralization). To strengthen your teeth and reduce the risk of cavity formation, fluoride protects enamel from the demineralization process. If enamel is already damaged by acid erosion, fluoride can accumulate in the demineralized areas and strengthen the outer layer of your teeth through remineralization.

The Risks of Fluorosis

Fluoride’s benefits to dental hygiene were discovered in the early 1900’s, when a dentist in Colorado Springs noted that the townspeople had brown-stained teeth, but very little tooth decay. The resulting research discovered that the discolored but healthy teeth were due to fluoride levels in the water supply. The brown teeth foretold the main drawback of fluoride. If a child is exposed to too much of the mineral during the years when permanent teeth are forming under the gumline, dental fluorosis can affect the tooth enamel’s appearance. These changes can range from barely-noticeable stains to deep discoloration, pits, and grooves. Because fluorosis occurs during permanent tooth formation, it cannot occur once the tooth has already fully developed and erupted.

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

Children’s Dentistry, Hygiene, and Care

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As placeholders for the permanent teeth that have yet to come in, young children’s teeth need as much care as yours; in some cases, more. That care begins with what you teach your children about good hygiene and dental care, from brushing and flossing their teeth to visiting the dentist on a regular basis. Because they’ll carry what they learn into their teens and adulthood, the children’s dentistry services we offer include helping you teach your children the basics of properly caring for teeth.

What to Teach Your Children About Hygiene

You should teach your children to brush and floss their teeth as soon as they’re able to learn (though you can keep their mouths clean until then by doing it for them). However, simply showing them the routine might not generate their interest. You can make the learning process more fun by describing the purpose of brushing their teeth in a story, where they’re the heroes, their toothbrushes are the weapons, and the plaque on their teeth is the villain. Eliminating the bad guy from every surface of their teeth is the only way to defeat it. 

How Does Your Child Feel About the Dentist?

Its importance may seem like common knowledge to adults, but to children, visiting the dentist can generate mixed emotions, like wonder, excitement, apprehension, and fear. Part of their dental care education should include becoming accustomed to visiting the dentist on a regular basis, which they should begin doing by the age of two. With a specifically kid-friendly environment, our office is designed to help children feel more at east about professional dental care.

Children’s Dentistry Services

A box full of prizes and a warm, welcoming demeanor are only compliments to the compassionate care we provide for children of all ages. In addition to the kid-centric amenities we offer, Dr. Smith can also help clean, treat, and protect your child’s smile with a variety of children’s dentistry services. For instance, to protect your children’s still-developing teeth from destructive cavities, Dr. Smith may recommend fluoride treatments and/or dental sealants that shield teeth from 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: Children's Dentist