Electric vs. manual, soft-bristle vs. hard-bristle, ergonomic vs. traditional…there are so many choices. Do you wonder what all the fuss is about? What is the difference between all of these toothbrushes? Are ergonomically designed toothbrushes better than other toothbrushes? What is so special about them? Do you need an ergonomic toothbrush? We answer some of these pressing questions below.
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Does Your Jaw Ache?
Do you wake up in the morning with a jaw ache? It may ache from your ears down, you may have a headache, or even a pain in the neck…literally. If so, you should have your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) examined. What is your temporomandibular joint? It is the joint that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull. Your temporal bones are located at the front of each ear. As the joint that attaches your lower jaw to your skull, your TMJ is the reason you can move your jaw, open your mouth to eat, talk, chew, yawn, and even move your jaw side to side.
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Does Your Tooth Need To Be Crowned?
If so, do you know what that means? What is a dental crown? Crowning a tooth is a common dental procedure. Dental crowns are also referred to as caps because your dentist is putting a protective cap over your tooth. There are different materials to choose from when getting a tooth crowned: porcelain, metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and zirconia. The material used is usually determined by where the crown is going to be placed. Today we discuss the steps involved when your tooth needs to be crowned.
Shiver Me Timbers – A Night of Pirate Music!
Find yourself looking for something exciting to do in Grand Prairie that the whole family can enjoy? Happen to have a penchant for pirate talk and the glorious life of sailing the high seas? Well, even if you’re only a mild pirate enthusiast, a night full of seafaring tunes is sure to put you and your friends in a good mood. Jump on board and enjoy a night full of not only local music, but also some inspiring poetry brought to you by the Seadog Slam.
Flossing: Make the Most of It
Have you been flossing for most of your life and simply assume you have been doing a wonderful job? Are you a recent convert who has realized that dental floss protects your smile from gum disease and tooth decay? Whatever your stance, we applaud your efforts in maintaining a healthy mouth. However, we also encourage you to consider the following tips for ensuring you’re making the most of this dental hygiene essential. By making even a few minor changes, you may see exceptional improvements in the look, feel, and long-term health of your smile.
Quiz: How Do I Stop Snoring?
Does your significant other frequently complain about your snoring? Do you wonder what you can do to stop snoring? In many cases, this could be a warning sign of a serious sleep disorder. In order to obtain better rest, we offer a number of solutions. Find out what you can do to enjoy deep, fuller rest.
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Quiz
1. True or False: Snoring is a warning sign of OSA (obstructive sleep apnea).
2. True or False: Sleep apnea occurs when patients stop breathing during sleep.
3. True or False: We can screen patients for OSA.
4. True or False: With a SomnoMed appliance, we can treat sleep apnea.
Answer Key
1. True. In addition, patients may also notice daytime drowsiness, even though they slept the night before. Patients often wake up gasping for air or choking and may be irritable and having trouble focusing at work or school.
2. True. The throat tissues will become overly relaxed and obstruct airflow. The patient stops breathing, depriving the brain of oxygen. The patient wakes to resume breathing, but will have no memory of waking. This can happen hundreds of times in a single night. Without treatment, sleep apnea can increase the risk of depression, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
3. True. We will ask a series of questions and exam your mouth and throat. In some cases, we may request a formal sleep study. After a diagnosis, we can assess the cause and severity of your sleep disorder, recommending the most appropriate treatment options.
4. True. An oral appliance worn during sleep, this device keeps the airways open to ensure easy breathing and reduced OSA symptoms.
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.
The Truth About Common Porcelain Veneer Myths
If you start talking to friends or looking online for more information about improving your smile, chances are you will cross paths with veneers. While you may know that porcelain veneers offer patients a dramatic transformation that leads to a stunning smile, you may not have a solid grasp on the details. In these cases, we find that patients often come to us with a mind full of myths that they have picked up from some not-so-reliable sources. To set your heart at rest and give you the confidence to say yes to a more beautiful smile, we have decided to debunk the following common myths associated with this cosmetic treatment:
Myth: Your Smile Will Look Artificial
Truth: Your smile will look natural. This is partly due to the fact that we will work one-on-one with you to create veneers that beautifully complement your other facial features. The most important fact? Just like your teeth are created out of translucent tissue layers, veneers are created out of thin layers of translucent porcelain. The final effect looks just like a natural tooth for a believable, gorgeous finish.
Myth: Veneers Won’t Last Very Long
Truth: When you hear the word “porcelain” or “ceramic” you probably equate these terms with fragility. Fortunately, veneers may last quite a long time because of their durability. Care for them like your own teeth. Just don’t use abrasive toothpaste. You can even eat and drink what you would like – veneers have stain-resisting power.
Myth: Veneers Are Not Cost-Effective
Truth: Porcelain veneers often require a greater initial investment compared to other cosmetic treatments. However, they do the work of several treatments, such as teeth whitening, dental bonding, and orthodontics. They also allow you to improve the size and shape of your teeth, which you may not achieve with other solutions. Even better? They provide fixed, long-lasting improvement, which means they offer a lasting, cost-effective solution.
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.
Do You Love the Music of Johnny Mercer?
Do you find yourself humming “Moon River” to yourself when you’re lost in thought? Whether you are a long-standing fan or a new Huckleberry friend to Johnny Mercer, his standards offer beloved American songs – many from Broadway productions – that the whole family can enjoy. Come enjoy his hits from the 30s through the 50s as performed by talented vocalist Carolyn Lee Jones.
What Is It?
The Carolyn Lee Jones Sings the Music of Johnny Mercer event is a live evening performance of Johnny Mercer’s music.
When Is It?
This musical event will occur as follows:
Date: January 13, 2015
Time: 7:30pm
Where Is It?
Carolyn Lee Jones will be singing at the Uptown theater, located at 120 E. Main Street, Grand Prairie, TX 75050
How Much Are Tickets?
Tickets cost $30 per person at the door or $25 in advance.
Who May I Contact?
You may contact the group by calling 1-800-547-4697 or email
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.
What Does Saliva Do for Your Dental Health?
Your saliva is made almost entirely of water—over 98% of it, to be more precise. Along with its other ingredients, the high water content makes your saliva an important defense mechanism against the harmful bacteria found in dental plaque. Besides preparing your food for digestion by making it easier to bite and chew, a healthy flow of saliva is also vital to maintaining your dental health.
Saliva vs. Oral Bacteria
Though experts have identified over 600 kinds of oral bacteria in a healthy human mouth, there are still hundreds that are more difficult to classify, for various reasons. One of those reasons is that oral bacteria are largely anaerobic, meaning they can grow weak and die when exposed to too much oxygen. Since oxygen is a building block of water, saliva acts as a natural rinse against oral bacteria, helping to stop dental plaque formation. As a neutral substance, saliva also helps protect your dental health from the acids produced oral bacteria, which can weaken teeth and lead to tooth decay.
Tips to Keep Saliva Flowing
- Drink plenty of water. Keeping your body hydrated will promote a healthy flow of saliva, but sugary and carbonated drinks can inhibit saliva flow and strengthen oral bacteria.
- Brush and floss often. Plaque and bacteria develop constantly, and removing them before they become too strong will boost your saliva’s effectiveness as a defense mechanism.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Many different issues can lead to or increase your risks of dry mouth—a severe decrease or lack of saliva production.
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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