There are various reasons, including these top ten reasons people choose veneers.
 

• Throughout a person’s life, their teeth can become faded and stained from different foods and beverages, some of which stain heavily. For example, coffee can cause your teeth to lose their white appearance.  Also, those that smoke have discoloring from the tobacco.  Veneers restore your teeth to their beautiful white unstained smile. The porcelain is more resistant to stains than your own tooth’s enamel.

•  Veneers change the appearance of gapped or irregularly spaced teeth. Sometimes adult teeth grow in crooked or with wide gaps between for instance, the front upper teeth. Veneers offer a solution to close these gaps without the lengthy process of using traditional braces.

• Veneers are easier to care for than caps. Since veneers only cover the front of the tooth they are easily cleaned and in less time that dental caps which have more surfaces for bacteria to hide in.

• Retain more of your natural teeth and tissue. Because veneers only cover the front the dentist will only have to remove a small area of your natural tooth as opposed to much of the tooth needing removed for caps. Additionally, there won’t be any changes to your gums.

• Veneers react to light the way that enamel does so therefore teeth look natural. Nobody will know you have them.

• It is a fast procedure. Placing veneers involves preparing the front of your natural teeth, then gluing the veneers onto the prepared surface. Normally this only takes about an hour in one visit. Some may take a little longer but still in most cases it only takes one visit to complete the process.

• Veneers are very durable and can last ten years or more with regular care of the teeth and gums such as brushing and flossing. You can eat any foods aside from extremely sticky or extremely hard, which can prematurely shorten the life of your veneers.

• Veneers can be combined with other procedures successfully. Sometimes a more involved procedure is needed by a tooth such as an implant or gum restructuring because of advanced gum disease.  A veneer on the tooth gives a finishing touch to other procedures bringing your teeth back into a uniform smile.

• Sometimes teeth become chipped or cracked but not to an extent where they cause problems. Still, it can look very unsightly and distracting to the point of affecting your confidence. Veneers cover these small damaged areas making your teeth look as good as new.

• Finally, veneers can last up to more than 20 years!

Our smile is one of the first things people see when meeting us. Having a beautiful one helps us feel great and make a terrific first impression.  The dental veneer procedure restores your smile to one you can be proud of.

The post Top Ten Reasons People Choose Veneers appeared first on Dr Kathy Frazar.

Halitosis or bad breath has affected every human being at one time or another.  While you can’t do anything about theirs, knowing the secret to fresh breath you can avoid having bad breath yourself.

True chronic bad breath generally has one cause which is bacteria. When you eat, food can remain behind. Bacteria thrive, especially without proper routine dental care and these bacteria can cause infection. Sometimes such as in the case of early gum disease you cannot see the infection and bacterial waste without a microscope but it is there.

You might especially notice bad breath after sleeping all night because the bacteria have been growing and multiplying while you sleep contributing to that dreaded “morning breath” we tend to joke about. But it’s really no joke because as the bacteria grow, besides making your breath smell bad they eat away at tooth enamel causing cavities and decay plus cause a gum disease called gingivitis.

Gingivitis makes your gums eventually swell, hurt and bleed which then allows teeth to become loose in the gum, which in turn causes even worse breath.

So the big secret to fresh breath really is just taking proper care of your teeth. Proper care includes the following;

Brush your teeth regularly but don’t just spread germs around your mouth. Start with the brush against the upper part of the tooth and gum on the top teeth. Gently brush in a gentle circular motion before brushing down against the length of the tooth.  Repeat the process until all upper teeth are brushed. Now do the bottom teeth in the same way only brushing up. Brush the occlusial (top chewing) surfaces of the teeth as well.

Scrape your tongue as well. Using your toothbrush or a tongue scraper. Gently start at the base of the top of the tongue and scrape with a light pressure down and out. This removes even more food and bacteria but is often a step that is overlooked when cleaning your mouth.

Several tools on the market claim to help users eliminate halitosis and achieve a healthier, cleaner smile but only mask underlying issues without actually correcting them. One tool that is actually very beneficial to its users is the HYDRO FLOSS Oral Irrigator.  Incorporating the HYDRO FLOSS consistently into your daily oral care regimen can help reduce odor-causing bacteria.

The use of Perio Protect trays is another method of managing and working towards the elimination of halitosis is through.  Through the Perio Protect Method, patients use a solution prescribed by their dentist in combination with a custom made tray to ensure long-term maintenance of oral care.

Make use of mouthwash. Rinsing the mouth also helps get rid of bacteria. There are many commercially prepared mouthwashes that help but many only cover up the breath, that is, coat the bacteria in mouthwash. However, there are some rinses that are better than others. We highly recommend using CloSYS Alcohol-Free Oral Rinse.  This alcohol-free rinse kills up to 99.9% of harmful bacteria in a matter of seconds. This rinse is even more effective when paired with CloSYS Anticavity Fluouride Toothpaste. The combination of these two products not only helps neutralize odors, but also helps prevent cavities and plaque buildup.

Floss every day in between the teeth. Odor causing bacteria love to hide in the crevices between your teeth. Be sure to floss as well when you brush your teeth. Floss also comes in flavors so you can add an extra freshening component to your flossing routine.

Remember to stay hydrated. A properly hydrated mouth and body are more effective in fighting bacterial infections and decay, plus drinking water helps wash tiny crumbs of food from the mouth. 

Don’t forget to change your toothbrush every three months and avoid foods that cause bad breath, such as garlic or brush immediately after eating it.

Bad breath happens to everyone occasionally but by being diligent in care of your mouth you can avoid it lingering.

The post The Secret to Fresh Breath appeared first on Dr Kathy Frazar.

It comes as no surprise that Americans will try almost anything to keep their pearly whites whiter. Many Americans go through a variety of procedures to keep their teeth white, including drinking through a straw to prevent stains, using at-home bleaching agents, and even swishing straight hydrogen peroxide. In answer to this trend, comes the tooth whitening gum.

Tooth whitening gum claims to make your teeth whiter and brighter as you chew. Some gums even claim that chewing their gum will offer protection against further staining after you chew it. So are these claims actually true? Can gum really help whiten you teeth?

According to Dr. Scott Frey, a well-known dentist, the answer is not really. Most tooth whitening gums contain whitening ingredients, including:

• Baking soda
• Titanium dioxide
• Citric acid
• Calprox
• Tetrasodium pyrophosphate
• Sodium ascorbate
• Malic acid

Most of these ingredients work by acting as a gentle abrasive on the tooth, similar to what would happen during regular tooth brushing. Most tooth whitening gums act more like stain removers and preventers than true tooth-whitening methods. A few ingredients, like calprox and Tetrasodium pyrophosphate, coat the tooth and make it harder for stains to stick to the teeth. This can seem like it aids in whitening, but in reality, it simply prevents further darkening.

Generally, most gum whitening affects are temporary. Few coatings or stain-fighting ingredients last longer than the duration of when the gum is in your mouth. If you want a truly whiter tooth, chewing gum alone is not going to make a difference. You will need to try more aggressive whitening procedures such as bleaching and zoom whitening to really see a visible difference in your teeth.

Tooth whitening gum can be helpful in maintaining a whiter smile obtained through professional or over-the-counter whitening treatments. Gum will help reduce the amount of stains that are absorbed by the teeth. However, according to Dr. Scott Frey, regular gum that contains xylitol gum will have a similar stain-fighting effect on the teeth. Tooth whitening gum chewed immediately after a meal may also weaken the natural enable on the tooth, causing sensitivity. This is because teeth naturally have a higher acidic level after eating, and adding additional abrasives can potentially damage the teeth.

For a truly brighter smile, try a professional tooth-whitening method. This is the safest and most effective way to brighten the teeth. In Houston, a bright smile is a must, and professional dentistry is the best way to accomplish a sparkling smile no matter where you are. And if you must chew tooth whitening gum, try chewing it between meals rather than right after to prevent tooth sensitivity.

The post Teeth Whitening Chewing Gums – Do They Really Work? appeared first on Dr Kathy Frazar.

Brush Your Whole Mouth – Some people start their brushing in one area of the mouth and mostly keep brushing that area. It is important to start brushing at a different area of the mouth each time. Don’t get bored with brushing, remember it is the most important thing you do for your teeth.

Bush Twice A Day For Two Minutes Each Time – Brushing twice a day is essential and doing so thrice is even better. Brush at least for two minutes per session, three if possible.

 Change Your Toothbrush Every Three To Four Months – This is the recommendation of the American Dental Association. See when the bristles get bent, lose flexibility or break apart – this is a good time to change the tooth brush.  The state of the bristles is more important to decide when to change the tooth brush than a fixed period of time.

The Right Bristles – Are straight bristles better or angled ones? Brushing technique is more important than the bristles. But it is a better idea to not buy stiff bristles. The bristles should be easy on the gums yet strong enough to remove plaque. Boar bristles, animal hair bristles and other natural bristles are not recommended.

Use the right toothbrush – Using the correct toothbrush is essential and the toothbrush that is correct for you is correlated to the size of your mouth. If the brush is too big you will know – it will be difficult to get it in and to maneuver it around. A good yardstick for handle comfort is the eating fork. The handle should be as comfortable to the hand as an eating fork. Whether you choose an electric toothbrush or a manual is based on your preference. If you brush well a manual is as good as an electric.

Do Not Brush Too Hard Or Too Often – While brushing twice or thrice a day is great, doing so more than four times a day is unhealthy. Brushing vigorously can expose roots of teeth to damage. This irritates the gums. Brushing for 2-3 minutes gently is ideal.

Brush Correctly – Brushing for long enough is important but brushing correctly is essential. If you brush horizontally you risk damaging your gums. Brush up and down your teeth vertically and in circular motions to clean your teeth best. Brush your tongue, chewing surface and outer and inner surfaces.

Don’t Miss Inner Tooth Surfaces – Sometimes we do not brush the inner teeth surfaces because our tongue presses down on them. The lower front teeths’ inner surface is often missed out. It is essential to remove unseen plaque.

Rinse Your Toothbrush After Brushing – When you finish brushing, often the bacteria sit on the toothbrush and remain there till you clean it out. This is why it is essential to rinse the toothbrush after brushing

Let Your Toothbrush Dry – If you do not let your toothbrush dry, it may result in bacteria breeding on it. The best thing to do is shake out the moisture and cap it with a cap that allows air flow in.

The post Proper Ways For Brushing Teeth appeared first on Dr Kathy Frazar.

Bi-yearly Visits To The Dentist

If you have done all there is to do to control bad breath but it has not borne fruit, maybe it is time to visit the dentist. The dentist tackles the problem at the root and thus ensures a health mouth free of bad breath. Not visiting a dentist at least once every six months is seen as a reason for bad breath. Dentists clean your teeth professionally. Some for whom tartar builds up fast may need to see the dentist four times a year.

Give Up Cigarettes

In 2011 46.6 million Americans smoked cigarettes. Cigarettes not only fill the mouth with chemicals, they are also a cause of several problems including bad breath.  Cigarette smokers are likely to encounter bad breath and mouth disease in addition to higher levels of plaque. Dry mouths caused by cigarettes lack oxygen – an environment in which bad breath causing bacteria multiply.

Eat Right

Eating the right food can go a long way towards making your mouth smell good. Fruits containing a high level of vitamin C kill the bacteria in your mouth. Such fruits include – citrus fruits, berries and melons. Celery, carrots and apples help to remove foods that stick to your teeth. Saliva production is also stimulated by these foods; this helps cure bad breath.

Natural Bad Breath Fighters

Sipping green tea is a great way to keep bad breath away. Stir your tea with a cinnamon stick so that its essential oils send the bad breath away. Even if you do not have the time to brush for a day or two these foods keep bad breath away – dill, cilantro, basil, parsley and mint. Use chlorophyll as sublingual drops or tablets to cure bad breath.

Rinse Your Mouth

After eating and drinking, remember to rinse your mouth. Acidic beverages result in bad breath. They also promote bacteria in the mouth. Rinsing the mouth rebalances the pH levels. So remember to do it after eating or drinking.

Understand What You Eat

Understanding what you eat and how it contributes to bad breath is essential. Garlic and onions are notorious for causing bad breath. A lesser known culprit is meat. Meat sticks in-between teeth and helps bacteria to reproduce.

Keep Your Mouth Wet

Waking up in the morning you may notice ample bad breath in the mouth. This is because saliva production has dwindled in the night and also because the mouth has remained closed to oxygen for so long. Drink plenty of water so that saliva is produced in your mouth the whole day. In addition brush, floss and rinse for that healthy breath.

Keep Your Tongue Clean

It is believed that some bacteria on the tongue promote good breath. On the other hand some bacteria produce a foul smell.  Cleaning your tongue keeps harmful bacteria out and promotes good breath.

Brush And Floss

This is the most well known method to keep your mouth clean. The reason is that it works. Brush twice a day and floss once a day to keep the bad breath away. Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill the bad-odor causing bacteria.

If we know how, bad breath can be beaten in a number of ways and by employing these ways in combination. By using common sense, natural and scientific techniques bad odor can be banished forever. Use these tips to keep that nauseating breath away.

The post How To Beat Chemical Bomb Bad Breath appeared first on Dr Kathy Frazar.

If you are one of the 95 percent, you may know on the surface that flossing is good for your health, but since you can’t see the results, you may think that flossing won’t make much difference. This is not the case, and individuals who do not floss are increasing their chances of other dental issues.

The benefits of flossing on a daily basis

Flossing provides several benefits- some immediate and some more long-term.

Stops bad breath: Cleaning the plaque from between your teeth will reduce the build-up between the teeth and reduce the bacteria in your moth. This will lead to enhanced breath.

Prevents gingivitis: The bacteria between your teeth will continue to grow if it is not removed. This can lead to gingivitis in your gums, which is extremely damaging to your teeth, gums, and your entire mouth.

Helps prevent cavities: Many cavities form between the teeth where brushing cannot reach. Flossing will eliminate the bacteria that causes cavities and keep your teeth sparkling and clean.

Reduction of plaque and tartar: Simply removing plaque from between teeth will help reduce your chances of tartar build-up. Tartar is bad for the teeth and uncomfortable to remove.

Reduces risk of periodontal disease: The more bacteria in your mouth, the higher your chances of getting periodontal disease. Keeping your teeth clean will help reduce your chances of getting a periodontal disease.

How often should I floss?

Some people believe they should floss after every meal, but unless you have something stuck between your teeth this is usually not necessary. The best way to floss is to choose one time to complete a thorough flossing and take the time to really clean out between every tooth. The evening before bed is often the best time to accomplish this. Adults may want to help children floss.

What is the best way to floss?

Flossing by pulling the floss straight between your teeth is not the most effective flossing method. Rather, you should form a “C” or cup around the tooth with the string. Gently pull the floss down between the teeth to remove the stuck plaque from between the teeth. This is more effective than simply running the string between the teeth and it also will reduce the chances of bleeding. For the most effective flossing routine, floss between every tooth that you can reach. Brush after flossing to remove the loosened plaque completely.

If you follow the correct procedure for flossing, you will improve the overall health of your mouth. It is important to clean your entire mouth for effective dental health, not just the visible surfaces of the teeth. In some cases, it can be of benefit to have your teeth professionally flossed, or you can ask your dentist to show you the most effective flossing method.

The post The Importance of Dental Floss in your Daily Routine appeared first on Dr Kathy Frazar.

The function of wisdom teeth

Since most people need their wisdom teeth removed, it is a puzzle to many why they exist at all. One anthropological theory is that when humans ate a diet more heavy in rough foods, the teeth were necessary for additional chewing power. Mouths were bigger in the past, which could handle the additional room that wisdom teeth required. Another theory is that when other teeth fell out due to poor dental hygiene, there was enough space for the slower-growing wisdom teeth.

In today’s modern world, the wisdom teeth are considered vestigial organs, which means that through evolution, are no longer necessary. So, blame your ancient ancestors for moving toward a soft diet for your need for oral surgery.

How to tell if you need your teeth removed

Not everyone has to have their wisdom teeth pulled. Some people do not have wisdom teeth at all. Most wisdom teeth grow in between age 17 and age 25. If you have not had your teeth grow in by the age of 25, then it is likely that they will never grow in. Some people’s mouths are big enough to make room for the new teeth. If your mouth is big enough, then you won’t have to have them pulled. However, even if your mouth is big enough, in many cases the teeth grow in facing the wrong direction, which can cause all kinds of problems like bacterial infections and tooth abscess.

Generally, dentists recommend early removal of wisdom teeth to prevent problems. As people age, the cavity risk on wisdom teeth are high. There is also a higher risk for gum disease, and destruction on the second molars when wisdom teeth are present. For this reason, many people will benefit from wisdom tooth removal, even if they are not bothered by their wisdom teeth.

However, if you feel pain or pressure near the back of your mouth where your wisdom teeth are located, then you should see a dentist right away before the problem gets any worse. The longer you wait to address wisdom tooth issues, the more difficult it is to recover.

How wisdom teeth are removed?

Most wisdom teeth are removed through surgery. The patient is sedated (usually completely). The dentist will cut away any tissue covering the tooth. The tooth is then loosened with extraction tools. Once the tooth is loosened, the dentist can remove the tooth using forceps. The cavity is then sewn closed (sometimes stitches are not necessary).

The removal of wisdom teeth is something that most people must do at some point in their lives. Wisdom teeth generally cause a lot of problems in the mouth, and the sooner they are removed the better.

The post Problems with your Wisdom Tooth? All you need to know about removing wisdom teeth appeared first on Dr Kathy Frazar.

Here are the answers to some of the most popular tooth whitening myths:

White teeth are healthy teeth
Just because your teeth are white does not mean that they are healthy. In fact, over-whitening your teeth can have damaging effects if the enamel wears away and the base of the tooth is exposed. White teeth also do not prevent any tooth diseases, including gum disease or cavities.

Tooth whitening hurts
Tooth whitening can cause some pain, because hydrogen peroxide can increase the sensitivity of the tooth. During professional whitening procedures, tooth sensitivity will typically last for about 24 hours. After that, the teeth are re-mineralized by saliva. However, over the counter whitening strips prolong the period of sensitivity, because they strip the teeth each time you use them.

Professional whitening will result in bright white teeth
If you continually whiten your teeth over and over through professional methods you may see bright white teeth, but professionally whitening your teeth once a year or every couple years will not turn your teeth bright white. Usually, your dentist will be able to adjust the level of brightness to your teeth so that the results are not so shocking. It is best to start with a low amount of bleach because teeth do not whiten evenly, and the amount of bleach may have to be adjusted to make all teeth the same color.

There are no side effects to tooth whitening
Most people will never see harmful side effects from tooth whitening. However, potential side effects can include increased sensitivity, gum irritation, or enamel erosion. You can minimize these effects by choosing products for sensitive teeth and choose products with mild chemical compositions.

Whitening teeth will cause cancer
Some people believe that professional tooth whitening will cause cancer. This is not the case. The chemicals used to whiten teeth have been proven to have no influence on your chances of getting cancer.

Tooth whitening will damage the nerves
While tooth whitening can make your teeth feel sensitive for a while, it is unlikely that a professional treatment will damage the nerves. Dentists carefully study the right way to administer the treatments without damaging the nerves or tooth pulp. The chemical composition of professional treatments is low enough that it is extremely unlikely to damage the teeth. However, you should never try professional-strength treatments outside of a qualified dental practice to avoid the potential for causing permanent damage to your teeth.

Just like with many other medical procedures, there are many myths surrounding the practice of tooth whitening. In general, professional procedures are completely safe for most people. However, if you are scared about potential side effects of a whiter smile, simply wear your teeth naturally. Your teeth will not decay faster simply because they are a few shades darker.

The post The Myths Behind Teeth Whitening – Facts and Fiction appeared first on Dr Kathy Frazar.

Brush Your Teeth After A Meal

Make brushing and flossing a part of your daily routine. Brushing after every meal is extremely healthy, but brush at least twice a day – once in the morning after waking and once at night before sleeping. In addition to brushing, floss daily. It is best to use a soft bristled tooth brush with rounded ends so that the brush is easy on the gums and teeth.  Get a new tooth brush every 3-4 months.

It is a good idea to use an electric toothbrush approved by the American Dental Association. Electric toothbrushes that have a back and forth movement are superior to non electric brushes or brushes that do not have this oscillating action. Using fluoride toothpaste is recommended. Some toothpaste companies offer tartar-control fluoride toothpastes. They resist formation of tartar (hard minerals) on the teeth.

Do not brush too vigorously or scrub. Place the toothbrush at 45 degrees at the meeting point of gums and teeth. Move the brush circularly as you clean the teeth. If you apply too much force while brushing you may scratch the tooth enamel. Brush the cheek side of teeth and the tongue side.

Brushing your tongue is another essential habit. You can remove bad-breath-causing plaque this way. Disclosing tablets are chewable and let you see how much, if any, plaque is left over on the teeth.  Use disclosing tablets – they are easily available.

Use Floss Everyday

Floss daily. What type and flavor of floss you use is unimportant. You can use the finger wrap method or the circle method for flossing. In the finger wrap method, wrap a piece of floss 18-20 inches long around the middle finger of both hands till the hands are about two inches apart. Use it to floss. In the circle method, tie a 12 inch piece of floss at both ends. In case the loop is larger than needed wrap it around your fingers to make it smaller. For children’s teeth, appropriate flossing tools are available.

Floss gently as you curve the floss into a U shape around each tooth. Bring it below the gum line gently. Scrape the plaque off firmly in gentle up to down movements. If you do not scrape, then plaque will not be removed. Interdental brushes are as effective as floss.

Eat A Diet That Is Healthy For Your Mouth

Certain types of foods are good for your mouth. These include – fruits vegetables, whole grains and foods that are low on sodium and saturated fat. Chew on sugar free chewing gum and consume milk, yogurt, peanuts and cheeses. Avoid sugary foods. Food that sticks to teeth at night is likely to cause cavities, hence do not consume foods at bedtime.  Decreased saliva production at night does not contribute to mouth cleansing during this time.

Stop consuming tobacco that can cause oral cancer and gum disease. Tobacco delays healing too. It contributes to bad breath and stains teeth. So there you have it – a small bit of do’s and do not’s for your better dental health. Follow these suggestions to have a healthy, happy set of teeth and for a beautiful smile!

The post Healthy Teeth: A Guide To Caring For Your Teeth At Home appeared first on Dr Kathy Frazar.

Dental sealants are a liquid plastic covering which seal the teeth and prevent food having direct contact with the flat surface part of the teeth, which avoids decaying of the molar teeth.

Dental sealants are not an expensive item but nevertheless only one in five children at the poverty level and around two in five of higher income homes receive the treatment. Research suggests that dental sealants can reduce cavities by up to 80% and many dentists automatically suggest that adult teeth (for children) are sealed as soon as practical.

Talk to Your Dentist about Dental Sealants

When you talk to your Houston dentist about the possibility of dental sealants for your children, the professional will be able to give you a balanced view of whether they are a good idea or not. Some dentists might suggest that dental sealants should not be placed until there is evidence of some decay.

The success of dental sealants is dependent upon the skill of the person carrying out the work. Therefore, your choice of dentist should be someone who readily completes dental sealants for their patients.

How Are the Teeth Sealed?

The plastic like liquid is dripped carefully onto the biting surface of the tooth. This coats the top area of the tooth which is where food and bacterial growth can cause problems. They are usually applied when children are between five and seven years old. The dental sealants are set with the use of an ultraviolet light.

Figures suggest that around 50 million sealants are used and applied in the US each year, and are particularly successful among children who are usually at a slightly higher risk of decay.

The addition of dental sealants to the molars will hopefully prevent decay in young teeth, giving the child the opportunity of having healthy teeth throughout their lifetime. If a child’s second tooth begins to decay, they may begin a lifetime of problems that could have been avoided.

The process of applying a dental sealant is very simple as they will hardly even know that their teeth are being coated. They may see some of the ultraviolet glow, but this will have been explained in advance by the professional dentist so that the child can remain relaxed throughout the entire process.

If you’re interested in learning more about teeth sealants, contact our Houston dental office for a consultation.

The post Children’s Tooth Sealants Rising in Popularity in Houston appeared first on Dr Kathy Frazar.