Tooth Decay Explained: Preventive Dentistry Practices

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Your teeth are like the gatekeepers to the rest of your body. As you eat, drink, or inhale, various foods, liquids, particles, and chemicals your mouth acts as the gateway to your body. Teeth remain an important piece of the oral health puzzle, and they require special treatment just like any A-list celebrity you see on the cinema screen. However, the care your teeth need is specific and finite, meaning it’s manageable by anyone willing to make their teeth a priority. Dr. Smith explains the progression of tooth decay and ways to combat bacteria and dental caries in your mouth in the following article as a part of preventive dentistry.

The Bacteria In Your Mouth

Did you know that at least 600 different kinds of bacteria have been identified to exist in any one person’s mouth? Did you also know that a specific type of anaerobic bacteria is the main culprit in causing tooth decay? The Streptococcus mutans is an anaerobic microorganism that despises oxygen, but it prefers dark, damp environments. As the S. mutans accumulates in the plaque and tartar on your teeth, it feeds on the sugar and starches from your diet, releasing a toxin that demineralizes your enamel. This is how dental caries (cavities) are formed. 

Preventing The S. mutans

Anaerobic bacteria cannot survive in oxygen. This is why S. mutans hides beneath the plaque that may build on your teeth surfaces. To prevent the accumulation of cavity creating bacteria, preventive dentistry practices, such as: brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and using mouthwash as recommended. 

What If It’s Too Late?

Unfortunately, not all cavities can be prevented with at-home dental care. To reduce your chances of dental caries, attending regular dental checkups and cleanings allows for Dr. Smith to examine and identify various oral health conditions, his professional hygienist to remove the remaining plaque and tartar, and for you to benefit form a clean, healthy smile. 
Also, if S. mutans has caused enough demineralization, a filling may be required to take the place of lost enamel and protect that portion of your tooth from further damage. No matter the tooth decay severity, Dr. Smith and his professional team at Pecan Tree Dental ensure compassionate dental care to any that visit. 

About Dr. Quinn Smith

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant 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’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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Win Wisdom With This Fluoride Quiz

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Among the various conditions that one can experience in their mouth, tooth decay remains one of the most prevalent. Alongside gum disease, tooth decay is preventable with at-home dental care, in-office checkups and cleanings, and an awareness of diet. If you didn’t already know, the development of dental caries (cavities) in your teeth is a slow, ongoing process. It correlates directly with the overall health and cleanliness of your mouth. To prevent tooth decay with brushing, flossing, and mouthwash, Dr. Smith suggests fluoride as an addition to your preventive dentistry practice. 


The Questions

1. What Is Fluoride?
B. A blue, red, or white paste that can be used to brush teeth
C. An ion derivative of the fluorine element
D. All of the above
2. How Does Fluoride Prevent Tooth Decay?
A. Systemically
B. Topically
C. None of the above
D. A and B
3. Where Can Fluoride Be Found?
A. In various dental hygiene products
B. Under the sink next to the cleaning products
C. Possibly in your community water supply
D. A and C
4. What Is Fluoridation?
A. The process when fluorine changes from gas to liquid
B. When people retire to Florida
C. The incorporation of fluoride in your community water supply
D. B and C
5. What Are The Benefits Of Fluoride Use?
A. Reduce dental decay
B. Remineralize your teeth enamel
C. Strengthens your teeth’s defense against decay
D. All of the above

The Answer Key

  1. C, Fluoride is an ion derivative of the fluorine element. As a gas, fluorine never exists on its own, but only as a compound with other elements. It’s abundant in the rock and soil of the earth’s crust
  2. D, Whether ingested orally (systemic prevention) or applied directly to your teeth (topical prevention), fluoride helps reduce the chance of tooth decay.
  3. D, In most dental products, fluoride is an ingredient, and your community water supply may incorporate fluoridation in the water. The two combine systemic and topical fluoride treatment to defend against dental decay
  4. C, The process of incorporating flurried into a community water supply. In most cases, fluoridation involves 0.7 to 1.2 parts per million included in the water. For more information on whether or not your water supply contains fluoride, call your local water district supply. 
  5. D, The use of fluoride is continuously proven by research that it reduces and prevents the presence of tooth decay in adults and appropriately aged children. 

About Dr. Quinn Smith

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant 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’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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Steady Your Nerves With Sedation Dentistry

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It’s normal to feel uneasy about certain things in life. You’re not alone. Anxiety and fear are internal mechanisms that derive from self-preservation. However, anxiousness and fearfulness can harm you in more ways than one. If you’re apprehensive towards visiting the dentist due to irrational fear, rumors, or childhood memories, Dr. Smith at Pecan Tree Dental provides sedation dentistry to ease your worries. Our team in Grand Pairie, TX provides gentle, compassionate dental care, as if a family member were sitting in the dental chair. 

What Types Of Sedation Do You Offer?


Oral Sedation: This is the most conservative type of sedation offered. It involves ingesting a pill orally to induce a relaxed, calm state of mind. The patient is able to communicate with and respond to the doctor once induced. 

Nitrous Oxide: Otherwise known as “laughing gas,” this type of sedation relaxes the patient with a small, gentle plastic mask that fits over the patient’s nose and mouth. As a pleasantry, the mask is scented, and the gas induces a mellow, “twilight” state of mind. The patient is able to follow instructions and speak with the doctor once induced. 

Intravenous (IV) Sedation: In some cases, a patient will be recommended IV sedation due to severe anxiety and fear relating to their dental treatment. Dr. Smith brings in a licensed anesthesiologist to sedate the patient and monitor their vitals during the procedure. The patient will remain conscious, but will most likely not remember the treatment.
Remember to schedule a ride with a family or friend to and from the office if you expect sedation dentistry to be involved with your treatment or procedure. 


Let Pecan Tree Dental Know About You 

If you need reassurance, call our office today, and our team will discuss with you in more depth about sedation dentistry. Our goal is to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Dr. Smith and the team at Pecan Tree Dental treat every patient like family, which means you will experience individual, tailored service according your dental care needs.


About Dr. Quinn Smith

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant 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’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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Halitosis: Five Common Bad Breath Causes

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There are very few things worse than morning breath. The stench that emanates from your mouth upon waking could scare off the dog, the children, or even your significant other. However, bad breath (halitosis) isn’t as severe as it seems, but it can affect your life in a negative way if not treated or addressed properly. One thing worse than a faint stink permeating your mouth is the alarm cock reminding you it’s time to rise and shine. Dr. Smith explains bad breath below, and he suggests tips on how to control your oral health to prevent the stench.

Common Causes

  1. Alcohol and/or Tobacco Use: These habits can leave a stingy residue smell in your mouth or directly feed the anaerobic bacteria with sugar that accumulate to cause stinky breath. 
  2. Bacteria: Microorganisms take cover between and around your teeth, surviving on your daily intake of food and liquid. If these bacteria are fed properly and aren’t prevented, they release toxins that can cause odors to emanate from your mouth 
  3. Pungent Foods or Beverages: Edibles, such as: garlic, onions, and fish are liable to cause odors on the breath, even hours after brushing your teeth. 
  4. Tonsils: If you still have tonsils, you may experience bad breath on a regular basis. There are holes in your tonsils called crypts, which facilitate the growth of bacteria, causing a smell similar to cheese to escape from your mouth. 
  5. Stomach Conditions: In some cases gastrointestinal (GI) issues can cause bad breath. Also, if you posses any cysts or ulcers in your stomach, they could issue an odor when you burp. Low carb diets also evoke bad breath due to a fat-burning process in the body called ketosis. 

Tips To Tackle Bad Breath

The following list shows a list of ways to tackle bad breath: 
  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss at least once a day
  • Gargle peroxide to reduce bad breath
  • Rinse with fluoride mouthwash
  • Hydrate your body. Dehydration can be a reason for bad breath 
  • Antacids or lactase tablets to reduce upset stomach or GI problems
  • Cure sinus infections
  • Eat foods with antibacterial properties 
  • Chew gum that includes xylitol in ingredients 
  • See your dentist for regular dental checkups and cleanings

About Dr. Quinn Smith

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant 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’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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A Dental Crown Quiz From Dr. Smith

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Did you know that summer is nearly here? June 21 at 10:51 UCT marks the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Do you have a damaged, decayed, or discolored tooth you would like restored? Dr. Smith and our team at Pecan Tree Dental offer teeth restorations to enhance or correct your smile. Why not correct your smile before the warm weather officially blankets Texas? Your family dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, offers a restorative dentistry quiz on dental crowns to help educate his patients. 

Questions

  1. True or False: Dental crowns can be a solution to a single tooth with damage, decay, or discoloration.
  2. True or False: A dental crown completely replaces a tooth, leaving no natural tooth to exist.
  3. True or False: A crown does NOT assist in dental bridge placements.
  4. True or False: The appearance of your smile will not benefit from a dental crown.
  5. True or False: Candidates for dental crowns must possess a disease or damage to a tooth. 

Answer Key

  1. True: If you have a tooth that is damaged (fracture, chip, or crack) it can most likely be restored using a dental crown
  2. False: A crown in restoration procedures caps the existing tooth as a cover to protect and support the adjacent teeth. However, in a dental implant procedure, a crown is attached to the protruding abutment piece to mimic the original tooth. 
  3. False: In some dental bridge applications, the adjacent teeth to the gap are modified to accept dental crowns to secure the bridge into place. 
  4. False: If you have unsightly stains or discoloration, a dental crown may be an option to restore the beauty back to your smile.
  5. False: A candidate for a dental crown involves restoration, implant, and cosmetic procedures. It is one of the more prevalent dental treatments for teeth with damage, decay, stains, or discolorations. 

About Dr. Quinn Smith

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant 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’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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Let Your Lifestyle Lead Your Teeth Whitening Endeavor

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Many of us indulge in coffee, wine, tea, or other dark beverages. We also enjoy darker pigmented foods, too. Although the beverages and foods may satisfy your taste buds and hunger, they can have adverse effects on your tooth enamel. Stains and color imperfections can result from the routine consumption of specific foods, beverages, or even the use of tobacco products. To maintain a bright, beautiful smile while enjoying your favorite liquids and sustenance, whiten your teeth with Pecan Tree Dental cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Smith encourages you to continue your lifestyle because he and our team in Grand Prairie, TX offer two ways to brighten your smile shades at a time.


In-Office Teeth Whitening With Zoom!
If you desire to have a professional teeth whitening, schedule an appointment with our office in Grand Prairie, TX where we administer Zoom! The process involves applying a bleach gel solution to your teeth, which whitens, on average, the teeth 8 shades brighter.
The process is achieved within 60 minutes. However, Dr. Smith may recommend a dental cleaning prior to the whitening to enhance your smile to its fullest potential. 

At-Home Whitening Trays
If your lifestyle inhibits a visit to the dental office during regular business hours, Dr. Smith offers an at-home teeth whitening treatment involving trays, bleach gel solution, and an hour of your time. The plastic trays are typically custom-fitted to your teeth, which enhance the whitening process. One hour a day for 7 to 14 days brightens your smile shades at a time and allows for the application whenever is convenient for you. 

White Teeth For Life
Dr. Smith and our team at Pecan Tree Dental offer a lifetime white smile program. Your teeth can be whitened for free if you visit our office every six months for a dental checkup and cleaning. 
As you may already know, your smile is the centerpiece to first impressions. A bright, beautiful smile is invaluable when it comes to professional or social endeavors. Schedule a consultation today and whiten your teeth for the betterment of your life.

About Pecan Tree Dental
Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant 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’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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More to Know About Tobacco

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Chances are, you know that smoking and chewing tobacco are among the worst things you can do to your body. The devastating effects of tobacco use are well-documented and often discussed, yet an estimated 19.3% of adults aged 18 and older in the United States smoke cigarettes. To help raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco use, Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, lists some of the things you should know about smoking’s effects on your physical and oral health.

Just Say No

  • Due to its widespread use, cigarettes are the leading cause of preventable death in the US. The habit is responsible for approximately 443,000 deaths every year (which equals about one out of every five deaths).
  • To clarify, smoking is a major contributing factor to a host of humanity’s most daunting diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory illness/failure, and many more. In fact, for every person who passes away from a smoking-related disease, there are 20 more still suffering from at least one illness caused by the bad habit.https://peterpate.wordpress.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif
  •  According to numerous studies and research data, smoking takes an average 13-14 years off of a smoker’s lifespan.
  • Whether you smoke or chew tobacco, your mouth is the medium used to introduce the substance into your body, so its effects on your teeth and gums should come as no surprise. Tobacco use can stain your teeth, contribute to chronic bad breath (halitosis), and significantly increase your risk of developing destructive dental diseases.
  • The toxic chemicals in tobacco can interfere with the proper function of your gum tissue cells, making you more susceptible to gum disease. Smoking also impairs the blood flow to our gum tissue and can negatively affect your mouth’s ability to heal.
  • Tobacco use is also one of the leading causes of oral cancer, which newly affects 42,000 Americans a year and claims the lives of over 8,000 people in the same time span.

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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How Long Has It Been Since Your Last Dental Cleaning?

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Hopefully, you already know that brushing and flossing your teeth are essential to keeping your mouth clean and free of disease. However, ensuring your smile’s long-term health also requires regularly scheduled visits to the dentist’s office for thorough dental exams and cleanings. To help you understand the importance of professional dentistry’s role in your oral health, Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, describes the benefits of routinely attending your dental checkups and cleanings.

Professional Maintenance for Your Smile

Your toothbrush and floss are your main weapons against the excessive buildup of dental plaque—the sticky stuff that coats your teeth and gums from time to time. Plaque is more than annoying; it’s a danger to your oral health because it’s composed almost entirely of oral bacteria. These germs are responsible for the processes that cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath, and some of them are suspected instigators in certain systemic illnesses, like heart disease and respiratory illnesses. When you miss a spot of plaque and it remains for more than 48 hours, the sticky stuff becomes a hard and insoluble substance that needs professional maintenance to remove. One of our talented hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth and underneath your gums of plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria, increasing your chances of successful prevention.http://www.ravonknopfdds.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif

Detection & Prevention: The Most Effective Treatments

Aside from cleaning up what your hygiene routine has left behind, your dental checkup and cleaning will allow Dr. Smith to thoroughly inspect your mouth for early signs of trouble. As progressive diseases, tooth decay and gum disease are more successfully treated the earlier they are detected. Early treatment can also help you avoid the need for extensive dental procedures later on down the line.

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 Your Teeth Sensitive To Temperatures?

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If you wince from the cold when biting into ice cream, or from that hot cup of tea or coffee hitting your teeth in the morning, then you may have sensitive teeth. This is a common condition; in fact, at least 45 million people suffer from sensitive teeth at least once in their lifetimes. While they can be painful and a bit of a burden for some people, sensitive teeth are, more often than not, highly treatable, and you may find relief by visiting your Pecan Tree dentist’s office.

Reasons for Tooth Sensitivity

There are multiple reasons why you may experience dental discomfort, most of which involve the exposure of a tooth’s sensitive underlying tissues. Tooth enamel, the highly-mineralized, highly-resilient protective outer layer of your teeth, surrounds and protects the main structure of each tooth, called dentin. Similar to bone tissue, dentin is porous, consisting of miniscule tubules that send sensory information to the nerves housed at the tooth’s center (in a hollow chamber called the pulp). If enamel becomes too thin or breaks down, or if a tooth becomes infected by oral bacteria (tooth decay), then the dentin and nerves can become exposed, making the tooth sensitive to irritation, such as hot and cold foods and beverages. 

Ways to Treat Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is not inevitable. It can often be prevented with a good hygiene routine, including scheduled dental checkups and cleanings, and tooth sensitivity can usually be treated with prompt dental care.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste—Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that strengthens teeth by bonding to thin, weak layers of enamel. Make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride, as well as the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance on its packaging.
  • Use a softer toothbrush—Toothbrushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and from a number of different materials. For effective cleaning, choose a brush with soft nylon bristles, as opposed to harsher ones that can scratch and damage your tooth enamel.
  • Use restraint when snacking—To bypass your teeth’s enamel and reach the dentin underneath it, some oral bacteria convert sugars, starches, and other carbohydrates into acids that erode your enamel. Excessive snacking means excessive amounts of acid exposure, an increased risk of enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity, and an enhanced possibility of developing cavities.

ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST: 

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant 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’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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Do You Have Bleeding Gums?

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When you hear about oral health, more than likely you think about tooth cavities. While this can be an important factor pertaining to teeth health, your gums are also very important. Your gums not only play an important role in just your oral health, but in your overall well-being as well. In most cases, swollen and bleeding gums are a potential sign of gum disease. There are a number of different things that cause gum issues. Whatever the issue, there are steps that can be taken to minimize gum damage and discomfort.

What Causes Your Gums to Bleed?

Bleeding gums could result from a bleeding disorder, brushing your teeth too hard, hormonal changes during pregnancy, improper flossing, ill-fitting dentures, and even infection. Your gums could also bleed from inadequate plaque removal on your teeth, around the gum line. This leads to gingivitis or inflamed gums. Plaque can be removed through regular brushing and dental appointments; however, without this, the plaque can harden (calcify)into what’s called tartar. This will ultimately lead to increased bleeding and a higher level of gum and jawbone disease, known as periodontitis.

How Can This be Prevented?

Prevention can be pretty easy. When toothbrush shopping, whether it be a manual or electric one, choose one that has soft, nylon bristles, and the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance on its packaging. There are toothbrushes that have medium or hard bristles, but they can damage the enamel on your teeth and cause red, swollen gums. When you brush, use gentle, circular motions to massage and clean your teeth and gums. Some people use a back-and-forth method, but this method can irritate and damage your gums, making them sore and prone to increased bleeding. If the bleeding is severe or chronic, or if your gums continue to bleed even after treatment, it would be best to consider coming in and seeing Dr. Smith for further diagnosis and potential treatment options.

About Your Grand Prairie Dentist: 

Dr. Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant 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’re a new or returning patient, you can schedule a consultation or your next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.

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