Dental Credit Cards and Loans

July 1, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Insurance and Financial Information — Tags: , , , — southlakedental @ 4:18 pm

One fact about dental care is that it can be expensive. While dental offices try to keep procedures as affordable as possible, the materials used are pricey and there is a lot of additional overhead in a dental office. Many people have dental insurance, but if you need a lot of work done in one calendar year, it might not stretch as far as you’d like it to. What is the answer? If you don’t have the cash available to spend on your treatment, an increasingly popular option to consider is specialized financing in the form of dental credit cards and loans.

At Southlake Dentistry, we offer a variety of options so you can get your dental work done without having to worry about dipping into your savings or not being able to pay the electric bill.

Two popular dental credit cards are CareCredit and Citi Health. These two companies can also be used for other types of financing, such as eye care and, in the case of CareCredit, veterinary care. There are sometimes special incentives, such as 6 months interest-free. To make it even simpler, you can apply for these right in our office and get an answer immediately. Be sure to get all of the terms so you understand the interest rates, annual fees, and other specifics of the agreement.

We also work with Prosper Healthcare Lending, which is a different type of financing company. With Prosper Healthcare, you will also get an immediate response and you can spread out your payments over a longer period of time. This can be very helpful if you have a lot of work to be done.

It is our goal that every patient can get the dental treatment he or she needs for good health. If you are not sure how you will pay for your dental care, don’t hesitate to ask about these payment options. Many patients are in your situation and we can help you by letting you know about the different programs available. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today!

Special Dental Concerns for Millennials

June 15, 2018

Filed under: Blog — Tags: , , , — southlakedental @ 6:36 pm

You might be surprised to learn that the generation known as the Millennials tends to have poor oral health. Why? There are several reasons: Their busy lifestyles don’t accommodate dental appointments. They have the advantage of good health overall, so they don’t have any pressing needs when it comes to their oral health. And, possibly one of the most important, the types of jobs many Millennials have don’t offer dental benefits. If you are a Millennial, check out this guide to keeping your smile healthy.

Reduce Your Stress Levels

It’s easier said than done, but if you have a lot of stress in your life, as many Millennials do, it makes sense to take steps to reduce it. Stress can cause teeth-grinding, which can lead to enamel erosion, TMJ problems, headaches, cracked fillings, broken teeth, and even loose teeth. If you grind your teeth, you might experience mouth, jaw, and head pain, particularly in the mornings, along with molar sensitivity when you eat. A nightguard can help stave off symptoms while you get your stress under control.

Observe Excellent Oral Hygiene

You might operate under the theory of, “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” but this is a mistake when you’re dealing with your teeth. Things can go from perfectly fine to quite painful (and expensive) in a relatively short period of time. Don’t ignore your oral health: brush twice daily and floss before bed. Also, make an appointment with your dental hygienist if it’s been longer than 6 months since your last visit. Finally, if you notice anything amiss (loose tooth, bleeding gums, uneven filling, mild pain, etc.), make an appointment to be seen by your dentist.

Spruce Up Your Smile

If you hesitate to flash everyone a toothy grin because you aren’t quite happy with how your smile looks, take action now to improve your appearance and boost your self-esteem. Ask your dentist whether teeth whitening, dental veneers, or braces might be worth considering. Invest in your smile and then make sure you do your best to help it last a life time with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits!

The Best (and Worst) Fruits for Good Dental Health

June 1, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health,General — Tags: , , — southlakedental @ 12:12 am

Fruit: It’s healthy, and that means it’s good for your teeth, right? While this is true in most cases, there are a few exceptions. Since summer is a great time to enjoy a variety of fruit, read on for some information about choosing the best (and worst) fruits when it comes to your dental health.

Apples

You’ve heard the adage, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and you might not realize that enjoying these crunchy fruits can also keep the dentist away (not that you’d want to, of course!). The act of chewing apples creates friction around the teeth and gums that physically scrubs plaque and food debris off of these surfaces. If you can’t brush your teeth after lunch, crunching on a few slices of a crisp apple can help stave off the bacteria that causes cavities. Naturally, you will want to brush when you are able to.

Strawberries

High in vitamin C, strawberries are little powerhouses in the vitamin and health department. They also contain a bit of acid which can neutralize the bacteria hanging out in your mouth. In addition, they are similar to apples in that they create a scrubbing action as you chew them. Strawberries can be eaten whole or sliced up in a fruit salad. One caveat: If you have small pits in your teeth, the tiny seeds can get caught, so be sure to brush and floss well to remove them.

Raisins (and Other Dried Fruit)

Dried fruit is on the list of the worst fruits to eat for good dental health. Why? It’s sticky and contains concentrated sugars without any extra liquid to help wash it off of your teeth. Eating raisins, dried apricots, and dried dates can actually make your teeth less healthy! While it’s fine to eat these foods, it’s very important to brush well afterward to remove traces of the sweet snacks from your teeth so as not to attract the bacteria that causes dental cavities.

With summer right around the corner, fruit makes a great dessert and snack. You can also add it to any meal for a nutritional boost. Just be sure that you choose wisely when it comes to your dental health.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy This Summer

May 15, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health — Tags: , , — southlakedental @ 11:41 pm

Summer is here, and you might be looking forward to all of the delights that come with the hottest months of the year. Whether or not they have children, many people slow down a bit in the summer so they can take in all that the season has to offer. It’s important to stay on top of your health, though, and that includes your dental health. Read on for tips on how to keep your teeth healthy this summer.

Don’t Skip Routine Dental Visits

If your last dental visit was before the new year, then you’re going to need to come in this summer to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy and to have a professional cleaning. Check your calendar and book the appointment soon; between children being out of school (and in their various dental and doctors’ offices!) and people traveling, scheduling can get a bit tight if you wait too long.

Brush and Floss After Enjoying Sticky Sweets

Ice cream, popsicles, and amusement park foods like kettle corn and cotton candy are a quintessential part of many summers. Unfortunately, they can cause tooth decay if you don’t have good oral hygiene. Go ahead and indulge in moderation, but be sure to brush and floss before bed, even if you’re tired from having spent the whole day in the sun.

Protect Your Teeth If You’re Playing Sports

If summer is your season to shine on the ball field or the tennis courts, consider wearing a mouthguard to keep your teeth safe. Children who play sports should absolutely wear mouthguards, but adults are not exempt from painful (and expensive) injuries if they don’t protect their teeth. Get one made by your dentist if you play a lot of sports or go to the pharmacy and pick up a boil-and-bite one for occasional contact sports.

If you have questions about keeping your smile safe and healthy this summer, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Why Should You Quit Smoking?

May 1, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health,General — Tags: , , — southlakedental @ 3:43 pm

If you smoke, you’ve undoubtedly heard dozens of reasons why you should stop. A lower life expectancy, lung cancer, stroke, heart attack… all of these are more likely among smokers than among their non-smoking peers. If you needed a few more reasons to quit smoking, here are some ways the habit negatively affects your oral health.

Smoking Makes Gum Disease Worse

Smoking can cause or exacerbate gum disease. Why? First, it tends to dry out the oral tissues, leading to more fragility in the gums. As they dry, they pull away from the teeth, leaving a handy spot for bacteria to hang out. Smoking also affects the tiny capillaries bringing oxygen to the gum tissues, which can make it take longer for small abrasions to heal.

Smoking Can Lead to Tooth Loss

As the gum tissues dry out and become more unhealthy, the bone underneath also begins to erode. This can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss. Also, if you have oral surgery, you’re at risk for infection and complications if you keep smoking. You’ll be more likely to keep your teeth if you quit smoking.

Smoking Has Cosmetic Effects, Too

Of course, you might be mainly concerned about the immediate cosmetic effects of smoking. Yellowed teeth and halitosis (bad breath) are common maladies experienced by smokers. Teeth whitening doesn’t work well if you continue smoking while you undergo the treatment. And while good oral hygiene can help with bad breath, the fact is that cigarettes and frequent gum infections will cause halitosis despite your best efforts.

It is hard to quit smoking. The good news is that there are several products and behavior modification techniques that can help. Your physician is a good source of information on how you can kick the habit. Talk to your doctor or dentist today about how you can stop smoking and achieve better oral health (and overall health).

Avoid Getting a Summer Cold

April 15, 2018

Filed under: Blog,General — Tags: , — southlakedental @ 2:55 pm

With the winter in the rearview mirror now, you’re probably looking ahead with the knowledge that cold and flu season is finally over. Unfortunately, it’s still possible to pick up a cold (or cold-like symptoms) in the spring and summer. There are some steps you can take to avoid getting a summer cold. Read on to find out what they are.

Wash Your Hands

Just as you did over the winter, be sure to wash your hands frequently. Although there aren’t as many germs lurking around as there were at the height of flu season, you can still pick up bugs by touching doorknobs, handrails, grocery carts, and the like. After you get home from being out in public, give your hands a good washing with warm water and soap. If you’re going to a place that’s expected to be crowded, consider carrying hand sanitizer.

Treat Your Allergies

Symptoms of a summer cold that linger for more than a week or two might be caused by allergies to pollen, mold, or other environmental factors. A lingering cough, postnasal drip, stuffiness, or headache might very well be caused by hayfever. This can, in some cases, progress into a sinus infection, so it’s important to have your allergies treated. See your doctor if you get a cold that isn’t improving after a week.

Keep Your Immune System Healthy

There are lifestyle choices you can make that will reduce your risk of developing a summer cold. Eat healthy foods (focus on fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein, and whole grains), get enough sleep, and be sure to exercise each day. Going for a walk outdoors also exposes you to vitamin D, which can boost your immunity. Go in the early morning or early evening without sunscreen so you can reap the benefits of the sun without putting yourself at risk from the UV rays. (Be sure to cover up and use sunscreen the rest of the time.)

Staying healthy through the summer is usually easier than doing so during the winter, but being aware of the ways you can avoid a summer cold is always helpful!

Get Your Healthy Smile Ready for Spring

April 1, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health — Tags: , , , — southlakedental @ 3:43 pm

With spring and summer on their way, lots of warm-weather events will be coming up. These might include prom, graduation from high school or college (your own or your child’s), family reunions, and weddings. It’s natural to want to look your best, so now is the time to get your healthy smile ready for these events! Check out a few ways to boost your self-esteem and feel more comfortable with your smile.

Teeth Whitening

If you are hesitant to smile for photos because you don’t think your teeth are as white as they could be, talk to your dentist about teeth whitening. There are many products on the market that you can use to make your teeth whiter and brighter, ranging from whitening toothpastes to gels, strips, and bleaching trays. Most are available over the counter and others are available from your dentist. Give the office a call to ask about what we have available and what we recommend.

Braces for Adults

Many adults wish that they had had orthodontic treatment as pre-teens or teens, but it’s not too late. There are several options that adults might prefer; instead of metal braces, many people choose ceramic braces, lingual braces, or Invisalign. Your dentist might fabricate braces or they might refer you to an orthodontist. If you are concerned about how your teeth fit together, be sure to ask about the options available.

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that fit over the front teeth to reduce spacing and eliminate minor imperfections. These can make you feel better about your smile. Veneers are a permanent dental appliance, so it’s important to be sure that they’re right for you. Your dentist will help you make that decision.

As always, brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist every six months will also help you keeping your healthy smile looking great. Give our office to schedule an appointment if you are overdue.

Tooth-Friendly, Healthy Foods for Spring

March 15, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health — Tags: , , — southlakedental @ 3:11 pm

Spring has sprung, and with it comes the start of garden season. While most fruits and vegetables are excellent for not only your overall health but also your dental health, there are some healthy foods that are particularly good for your teeth. Check out this list of tooth-friendly foods that are excellent for planting this spring.

Greens (Kale, Spinach, Collard Greens and Cabbage)

Greens are good for teeth because they are chock-full of minerals and vitamins that your body needs for strong teeth and bones. These include magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C and beta carotene. Early spring is the right time to plant most leafy greens, so get them in the ground soon to benefit from these delicious tooth-friendly foods later in the season.

Carrots and Celery

These both physically scrub plaque and bacteria off of the teeth when eaten raw. If you can’t brush your teeth after lunch at work, for example, chewing on some carrot and celery sticks can clean your teeth and stimulate your gums. In addition, carrots are a good source of beta carotene, which your body needs to make tooth-strengthening vitamin A.

Bell Peppers, Broccoli and Strawberries

These three foods contain a lot of vitamin C. Vitamin C reduces inflammation, which leads to healthier gums. They also, along with grapes and other types of berries, contain antioxidants, which also reduce inflammation and help you fight off the bacteria leading to gum disease.

Of course, no matter what you’re eating, it’s also important to brush twice daily and to floss once per day. In addition, you should see your dentist every six months (or more frequently if you have gum disease or other conditions that warrant more than two visits per year) for a cleaning and a dental checkup.

If you have questions about tooth-friendly foods, give our office a call to schedule an appointment.

Do You Need a Mouthguard?

March 1, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health,General — Tags: , , , , — southlakedental @ 5:08 pm

Have you ever considered wearing a mouthguard? If you’re like many dental patients, you probably associate mouthguards with the safety gear that football players wear. If you’re not a football player yourself, you’ve probably never considered that you might need a mouthguard. But mouthguards can benefit other patients as well.

Athletes

Football is a rough sport, but it’s not the only one that poses a danger to your mouth and teeth. The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for athletes participating in a number of different sports.

Basketball, handball, racquetball, baseball, softball, and soccer, are all sports that carry the risk of getting hit in the mouth by a fast-moving projectile. Track, acrobatics, skiing, surfing, martial arts, skydiving, and track and field events all come with the risk of impacts or falls that could cause a mouth or tooth injury. If you participate in any sport where a mouth injury is possible, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth, tongue, and gums and potentially save you a lot of money in dental bills.

Nighttime Teeth Grinders

Do you ever wake up with a stiff, sore jaw or a headache? Are your teeth chipped or worn down? You may be grinding your teeth in your sleep. This is called bruxism, and it can damage your teeth, cause pain and difficulty speaking and chewing, and contribute to conditions like Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD).

While daytime teeth grinding might be a bad habit that you can overcome with willpower, there’s not much you can do to stop yourself from grinding your teeth in your sleep. Nighttime teeth grinding can be caused by many things, including stress or certain medications. A mouthguard designed for wearing while you sleep can protect your teeth from nighttime tooth grinding.

Your dentist can create a custom mouthguard that fits the precise size and shape of your mouth and is optimized for your needs, whether you’re an athlete or a person suffering from bruxism. Talk to us about whether you need a mouthguard at your next appointment.

Swollen Gums: What Should You Do?

February 15, 2018

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health — Tags: , — southlakedental @ 5:06 pm

If you want to keep your natural teeth for the rest of your life and maintain a healthy smile, taking good care of your gums is a good place to start. If your gums are unhealthy, you’re at greater risk for tooth decay, root infections, and tooth loss. Therefore, it’s important to be on the lookout for gum problems, like swollen gums. Take a look at what you should do if your gums seem swollen.

Assess Any Recent Changes

Gum swelling can occur as a side effect to a new medication or a reaction to a new toothpaste or mouthwash. Have you recently started taking a new medication or switched to a different brand of oral care products?

If it’s a reaction to your toothpaste or mouthwash, you should be able to solve the problem by switching back to your regular brand. If you’re taking a new medication, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist if gum swelling is a side effect of your medication and what you should do about it.

Consider Your Diet

Swollen gums can also be a response to nutritional deficiencies. A lack of vitamin C in particular can cause gum inflammation. Have your grocery trips been a little light on the produce lately? If so, making an effort to work in more fresh fruits and vegetables can help.

Have Your Dentist Check For Gum Disease

Swollen, inflamed gums are often a sign of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by bacteria that’s found in the plaque that builds up on your teeth. You can get rid of this bacteria by brushing your teeth two or three times a day and flossing at least once a day. Gingivitis often occurs when patients aren’t diligent about their oral hygiene.

If you have swollen gums, it’s important to step up your oral hygiene routine, and you should also make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The earlier gum disease is spotted and treated, the more effective your treatment will be.

Don’t ignore swollen gums, as they can signal a more serious issue. Talk to your dentist about the things you can do to improve your gum health.

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