It’s Never Too Early to Prevent Gum Disease

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Although it tends to affect older people more often than the young, gum disease isn’t an age-related disease; it’s neither determined by age, nor is it a natural part of the aging process. On the contrary, gumdisease can develop from poor dental hygiene regardless of age, race, gender, and color, and if not prevented or dealt with early, the disease can cost you one or more teeth. As a progressive condition, gum disease can’t be completely eradicated once it’s developed; therefore, keeping your mouth safe from it is best accomplished by preventing gum disease development in the first place.

Tips to Prevent Gingivitis & Gum Disease

Make Brushing and Flossing a Priority

Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, describes a gum infection that results from excessive bacteria along the gum line. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice is the most effective method of controllingoral bacteria on a daily basis. If you skip one or two brushings, then the germs can accumulate enough to irritate and infect your gum tissues. For improved results, use antibacterial mouthwash to further combat bacteria buildup.

Attend Every Scheduled Checkup & Cleaning

The same way your teeth need daily attention with a toothbrush and floss, they also need routine professional care every six months, or more often, if recommended. During your visits, Dr. Smith and our talented hygienists can thoroughly clean your teeth to remove the gumdisease-causing bacteria that you may have missed. Dr. Smith can also spot signs of early gingivitis and recommend treatment to prevent it from becoming full-blown gum disease.

Pay Attention at the Bathroom Sink

When your gums are infected, you may notice that they look red and swollen, and probably bleed when you brush and floss your teeth. If any of these occur, or if your teeth grow loose or feel sensitive around the gum line, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith as soon as possible to determine if gingivitis and gum disease are a threat. Treating it early will improve your chances of avoiding irreversible damage and the need for extensive, specialized periodontal 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: Dentist, Grand Prairie Dentist

Think Twice About Energy and Sports Drinks

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It’s summer, and in Texas, that means HOT! So, naturally, your first instinct may be to keep a beverage with you at all times, and given their popularity, that beverage may often be a sports drink or energy drink. They’re full of flavor, electrolytes, and lots of other things that many people automatically assume are good for them. Unfortunately, that misconception hides the fact that many of what today’s sports and energy drinks contain can seriously affect your dental health, such as causing irreversible damage to your teeth.

What’s REALLY in the Bottle

Although the right sports beverage can satisfy your thirst, and an occasional energy drink can give you the boost you need to make it through the day, most of them are chockfull of sugar and highly-acidic substances. When acids come into contact with your teeth, they deplete your teeth of minerals, causing the enamel around them to weaken and dissolve. As sugar interacts with bacteria-laden dental plaque, the germs convert it into more acid, further damaging your teeth until they fall victim to cavity-causing tooth decay. Weak teeth are also more prone to chipping, cracking, and breaking, making sports and energy drinks among the most damaging influences on your dental health.

Flavorful Alternatives

Need ideas to replace your sports and/or energy drink habit? To quench your thirst, try water—an all-time favorite of doctors and dentists. Water can naturally rinse food particles and bacteria from your mouth, as well as neutralize the acids that oral bacteria produce. Many grocery stores carry sugar-free, fruit-flavored water to help please the palate while hydrating your mouth and body. Milk, which contains teeth-strengthening calcium, and unsweetened tea, which contains numerous antioxidant properties, are also good, teeth-friendly alternatives.

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: Dentist, Grand Prairie Dentist

How Dental Implants Compare to Traditional Dentures

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Though today’s modern implant dentures are far more advanced than what our ancestors could have imagined, the idea of crafting artificial teeth to replace thenatural ones you’ve lost originated long ago. In fact, the earliest known example of tooth replacement comes from the Etruscans of ancient Italy, who crafted primitive dentures from human and animal teeth around 700 BC. Today, innovative and lifelike materials have replaced used teeth, but the philosophy remains the same; restore your mouth’s full set of teeth to restore your ability to chew and speak properly. Along with innovation, however, has come a greater understanding of our oral health, and we now know that restoring lost teeth’s roots is as important as filling the space left in your smile.

A Look at Modern Dentures

Modern dentures are crafted from high-quality dental porcelain, which is tinted to match your smile’s natural color and layered to mimic your enamel’s light-reflecting properties.http://www.ravonknopfdds.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gifYour replacement teeth sit on a gum-colored base that is secured to your dental ridge using advanced dental adhesives. In the case of upper dentures, the appliance is further secured in place by the suction naturally created by the concave roof of your mouth. Dentures are custom-crafted to fit snugly on your dental ridge for optimal comfort and security, and by replacing your missing teeth, they help restore your ability to chew your food thoroughly and enunciate your words correctly.

Room for Improvement

As advanced and lifelike as modern dentures are, they cannot address the loss of your teeth’s roots. A dental implant, however, is surgically inserted into your jawbone to do exactly that. Made from biocompatible titanium, dental implantsare designed to allow your jawbone to fuse to its surface, holding the small post as securely as though it were a natural root. Once healed, your dental implants will be topped with a connective post upon which Dr. Smith can attach your implant-supported dentures. The improved security prevents your dentures from moving around as you eat or speak, and the implants are stimulated when you bite and chew, helping preserve your jawbone’s health by signaling your body to send it nutrients for adequate support.

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: Dentist, Grand Prairie Dentist

Is TMJ Disorder Your Problem?

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Does your jaw pop and click when you open and close it? Do your jaw and/or face feel stiff, sore, and chronically uncomfortable? Your Grand Prairie dentist, Dr. Quinn Smith, has helped many patients find relief from craniofacial discomfort by treating a condition known as TMJ disorder, which affects the joints and muscles that control your jaw’s movement. Today, we explore how TMJ disorder can develop and list a few other seemingly-unrelated aches and pains that may also indicate a jaw dysfunction.

What is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder is named after your temporomandibular joints, or TMJs for short, that connect your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull, just in front of each ear. Like other joints and muscles throughout your body, overexertion can damage your TMJs, leading to inflamed and sometimes misaligned joints that can result in debilitating chronic discomfort. How these small joints can cause such discord throughout your head, neck, and facial areas can be explained by the nerve that innervates your jaw. Called the trigeminal nerve, your jaw’s nerve is only one of three branches of the same nerve. The other two branches spread throughout the much of your craniofacial structure, and the trigeminal nerve accounts for the majority of your cranial nerves’ input to your brain. The jaw pain from TMJ disorder can be transferred along the nerves path, leading to a number of varying issues.http://peterpate.wordpress.com/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif

The Different Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

Aside from jaw pain, TMJ disorder can also be the cause ofchronic headaches, earaches, lockjaw, neck pain and stiffness, difficulty moving your jaw, and many others. Because of the diversity of TMJ disorder’s symptoms, the condition is often misdiagnosed, or written off as bad nerves. As a result, many patients can endure for years before discovering the possibility of TMJ disorder and seeking appropriate 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: Dentist, Grand Prairie Dentist

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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