Why do Teeth Get Stained?

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Every day, people come to Chloe Dental for professionalteeth whitening in Katy, TX. Everybody wants to have whiter, brighter teeth, but over time, teeth do tend to get stained. This discoloration is not only unpleasant to look at, but it can detract from the overall healthy appearance of an individual. One of the many questions that we are regularly asked is, why do teeth get stained?

Why do Teeth Get Stained?
After you have your teeth professionally whitened, you can help to keep them looking great by avoiding these common culprits:

Tobacco
Whether you chew tobacco, smoke cigarettes, cigars or pipes, the use of tobacco will always lead to stained teeth. It’s the nicotine that discolors teeth, making them look old and yellow.

Red Wine
It’s debatable whether red wine actually has health benefits, but dentists are sure that red wine stains teeth. If you choose to imbibe, be sure to brush teeth well afterward.

Lack of Good Dental Hygiene
Speaking of brushing teeth, a lack of good dental hygiene also causes stained teeth. Plaque is a yellow-ish film that stains teeth if allowed to remain on the surface. Regular brushing and rinsing will minimize this buildup, although routine dental cleaning are still needed for healthy, whiter teeth.

Prescription Medications
If you need to take prescription medicine, you shouldn’t stop just because it may yellow teeth. Talk to your doctor if your teeth are becoming discolored to a point where it’s problematic.

The porous nature of teeth makes them susceptible to discoloration, and this can’t be avoided. But you can always have your teeth whitened at thedentist in Katy, TX. For your convenience, Chloe Dental also has a practice in Houston, TX where you can get teeth whitening. Contact us today to book your teeth whitening services at your nearest location!

What to Expect During a Deep-Cleaning Dental Hygiene Appointment

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When it comes to comprehensive dental care in Houston, TX, oral hygiene appointments are undeniably important. However, a deep-cleaning appointment goes beyond the typical cleaning processes during your usual dental cleaning. Take a look at what to expect during a deep cleaning below.

Expect the Appointment to Take a Bit Longer
The general teeth cleaning appointment usually only takes about 30 to 45 minutes. However, a deep cleaning appointment can be a bit more time-consuming. In fact, the treatment may involve a series of appointments in which a section of the teeth is covered at each one instead of your full mouth at one time.

Expect Local Anesthetic to Be Used
Because the treatment involves working beneath the gum line, deep cleaning can be a little uncomfortable. Therefore, you will be given a locally injected anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the appointment. This is not common during a standard hygiene appointment but is necessary when doing deep work beneath the soft tissues in the mouth.

Expect a Brief Recovery Period
Generally, the recovery period after a deep cleaning will take a few days. The soft tissues must heal and close around the teeth during this time. Therefore, you can expect some sensitivity and may need to alter your usual oral hygiene and eating habits. Be sure to go over the after-care instructions for scaling and root-planing before your appointment so you know what to expect during recovery.

Discuss Deep Cleaning with a Houston Dentist
While not every patient will need deep cleaning, when a Houston dentist recommends the procedure, rest assured that this is a positive treatment for your oral health. Reach out to Chloe Dental if you have questions about scaling and root-planing appointments.

What Is the Difference Between Tartar and Plaque?

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When it comes to maintaining good dental hygiene, keeping plaque and tartar off your teeth is one of the most effective things you can do to prevent gum disease. But what is plaque and tartar, and how can you prevent it? Working with your dentist in Katy and Houston, TX, can help. It’s also important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s Plaque?

Dental plaque is a sticky, gummy substance that builds up on your tooth enamel when you eat food. Plaque builds up over time and can be difficult to remove when you’re brushing your teeth. However, it’s easy for your dentist to remove plaque when you come in for a routine dental cleaning. Plaque is usually white or yellowish, like your tooth enamel.

What’s Tartar?

Tartar is what happens to plaque when it combines with the minerals in your saliva. Tartar is a hard, crusty substance that sticks to your tooth enamel, usually near and below the gum line. Tartar can’t be removed when you’re brushing your teeth. Instead, tooth enamel must be removed by the dentist. Tartar is usually yellow or brown.

How Can You Avoid Plaque and Tartar Buildup?

The best way to avoid plaque and tartar buildup is to brush your teeth regularly and to see the dentist for dental cleaning every six months. Floss once per day. When you go to the dentist for your routine dental cleaning, ask the dentist for a brushing tutorial. Your dental professional can give you a demonstration to ensure that you’re brushing your teeth correctly.

When was the last time you came in for a dental cleaning in Katy and Houston, TX? If it’s been more than six months, call your dentist at Chloe Dental today to make an appointment.

4 Things You Can Do to Avoid Cavities

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A cavity is a hole that develops in your tooth enamel when bacteria causes dental decay. Cavities can cause pain and, if left untreated, may lead to a more serious problem down the road. It’s important to protect your teeth from cavities. There are many things you can do to keep your teeth in good health.

1. Maintain good oral hygiene at home.

Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is one of the most important things you can do to take care of your teeth. Some suggestions:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
  • Floss your teeth once daily.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three months.
  • Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
  • Use an electric toothbrush.

2. Limit your consumption of sugary drinks.

Sugary drinks coat your teeth in sugar, which can lead to dental decay. Avoid drinking sodas and sugary coffees. Water is best.

3. See the dentist twice a year.

Most dentists recommend that their patients come in for dental exams and cleanings twice per year. Unless your dentist in Katy and Houston, TX has given you different instructions, see the dentist twice annually for checkups.

4. Consider dental sealants.

Dental sealants are a plastic coating that adhere to the teeth to protect the enamel from dental decay. Dental sealants are a great tool for protecting your teeth from cavities. If you have children, this is a good way to protect your child’s molars. Talk to your dentist about dental sealants in Katy and Houston, TX to find out if this is a good option for you.

Want more suggestions? Talk to your dentist.

At Chloe Dental, we’re happy to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Call today to make an appointment and find out what else you can do to avoid cavities.

3 Things You Can Do to Take Care Of Your Teeth This Summer

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Taking care of your teeth is an ongoing process. Maintaining good habits and making good lifestyle choices is an important part of keeping your teeth bright, white, strong and healthy. As your dentist in Katy and Houston, TX, we have advice that can help you take care of your teeth this summer.

1. Stay Hydrated

Saliva in the mouth helps wash away bacteria and keep your mouth clean. In the summer, when you’re outside doing activity that can cause dehydration, you may go through periods of time when you experience dry mouth. Make a point of drinking water or sugar-free sports drinks that have electrolytes. Doing this will help ensure that you’re properly hydrated. To make this easy, carry water in a bottle where ever you go.

2. Get Your Teeth Whitened

Do you want to look your best for summer weddings and family reunions? Get your teeth whitened in Katy and Houston, TX. Getting your teeth whitened at the dentist office will help ensure that your teeth have long-lasting beauty.

3. Catch Up on Dental Appointments

Summer is a time when many people find it easier to take time off from work. This is a good time to catch up on your dental appointments, if you’re behind schedule. Most dentists recommend coming in for a dental appointment every six months. If your last appointment at the dentist was more than six months ago, make time to see them now.

Do you need to make an appointment for a dental examination and cleaning? Call Chloe Dental today to make an appointment, before the end of the summer is here!

Should I Be Brushing My Tongue?

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Hopefully you brush your teeth every day, but do you brush your tongue? If you’re not brushing your tongue, is this a habit you should develop? As your dentist in Katy and Houston, TX, the professionals at Chloe Dental are here to help you get answers to dental questions like this one. Here’s what you should know about brushing your tongue in Katy and Houston, TX.

Tongue Brushing Vs. Tongue Scraping

Tongue brushing can help remove some bacteria in the mouth, and can also help you maintain fresher breath. However, there’s an even more effective tool for cleaning your tongue: a tongue scraper.

A tongue scraper is a device that removes dead cells and bacteria from the surface of the tongue, and it does so more effectively than simple brushing. Below are some of the benefits of scraping your tongue:

  • Less bacteria. Scraping your tongue removes a layer of bacteria that lives on the tongue. This bacteria can be responsible for tooth decay.
  • Improved breath. Bacteria causes bad breath, so doing anything to remove bacteria from the mouth can help make your breath smell cleaner and fresher.
  • Improved oral hygiene. Keeping your mouth clean of bacteria can help improve your overall oral hygiene and may lead to fewer cavities and other oral health problems.
  • Improved appearance of the tongue. Tongues can develop a layer of white plaque on top, but scraping your tongue can remove this layer.
  • Improved sense of taste. This may come as a surprise, but scraping your tongue can lead to an improved sense of taste.

It’s important to take good care of your teeth and gums. In addition to brushing or scraping your tongue, you can have good oral hygiene by coming to the dentist for regular dental exams in Katy and Houston, TX. See your dentist every six months for a comprehensive cleaning. Call today to make an appointment.

Sources

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/tongue-scraping#benefits

Does Tongue Scraping Actually Work, and Should I Be Doing It?

Are You Flossing Effectively?

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Practicing good oral hygiene requires daily brushing and flossing: Removing the sticky biofilm on the teeth (i.e., plaque) and trapped food particles (i.e., debris) helps the teeth and gums remain healthy. Effective flossing is just as important as brushing because the floss reaches places in the mouth that the toothbrush cannot. Disregarding these areas could result in dental issues, including swollen gums that bleed, which may be the onset of gum disease (aka gingivitis). Left untreated, the gum line may begin to recede.

Effective Flossing Helps Prevent Gum Disease

Using traditional floss incorrectly increases the risk of developing a dental issue (e.g., tooth decay, a receding gum line).

Here is the correct way to use traditional floss:

  1. Brush before flossing.
  2. The floss should be about 24 in (61 cm) long. This long strand ensures the floss is easy to grip and there is a fresh section available when switching from one set of teeth to the next. Using the same section of floss between more than one set of teeth defeats the purpose of flossing: The plaque and debris removed from the first set of teeth is transferred to the next set of teeth.
  3. Loosely wrap the ends of the floss several times around the middle finger of each hand. This anchors the floss.
  4. While holding the floss between the thumbs and index fingers, slide the middle section between two teeth.
  5. Gently move it back and forth, up and down.
  6. Slide a new section of floss between another set of teeth, once again, clear away the debris and plaque using the up and down, back and forth motion.
  7. Repeat these actions with each set of teeth.
  8. Swish mouthwash or water around. Then spit it out.By spitting the mouthwash or water out in the sink, the plaque and debris no longer remain in the mouth.

To maintain a healthy mouth and prevent gum disease, floss at least once a day and remember to have a dental cleaning every six months.

If you think you may have gum disease, and you reside in the Houston or Katy, Texas, area, contact Chloe Dental today. You can click here to use the online form to request an appointment at your closest office. Or, if you prefer, you can make an appointment with a dentist at the Katy, Texas, location, at 281-578-3300 or the Houston location, 281-800-2019 to make an appointment.

How To Help Children Establish a Good Dental Hygiene Routine

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Many young children dislike the daily chore of brushing and flossing their teeth. To help these children establish a good dental hygiene routine, parents need to make brushing and flossing more fun. In addition, parents need to help their child become accustomed to biannual cleanings and dental exams. Once a few primary teeth emerge, parents should schedule their child’s first dental exam with one of Chloe Dental’s pediatric dentists in Katy, Texas.

The Importance of Establishing a Good Dental Hygiene Routine Early On

When a child neglects to practice good oral hygiene, the likelihood that he or she will develop a cavity, experience pain and lose a tooth prematurely, increases.

4 Tips To Help a Child Establish a Good Dental Hygiene Routine

1. Brush and Floss Together

Since toddlers love mimicking their parents, consider completing this task at the same time. By watching a parent brushing and flossing, the child recognizes that everyone needs to care for their teeth. Some parents find it helpful to allow the child to brush their teeth, while they brush the child’s teeth. Be sure to use a traditional toothbrush while playing this game. An electric toothbrush could be somewhat messy (and potentially dangerous).

2. Act Silly

While brushing and flossing, parents can amuse their little ones with silly faces. These funny faces may even make brushing and flossing something that a small child looks forward to.

3. Empower Your Child

Sometimes, empowering a child makes brushing and flossing more enjoyable. For example, while at the store, parents can take their child down the dental care aisle so he or she can choose several toothbrushes. However, before purchasing them, make sure all the toothbrushes have the American Dental Associations’ (ADA’s) Seal of Acceptance.

4. Choose the Lucky Toothbrush

When it is time to brush, let the child decide which toothbrush to use. Make the child feel like every time he or she selects a toothbrush, the chosen toothbrush is lucky because it gets to help keep his or her teeth healthy. In addition, consider asking if the child would like to name his or her new toothbrushes.

By following a daily oral hygiene routine, and bringing your child to see a Chloe Dental dentist in Katy, Texas, you are helping establish an oral health routine that is likely to last a lifetime. To schedule your child’s appointment at the Katy, Texas, location, please call 281-578-3300. If you would rather use an online form to request an appointment, please click here.

Which Is Better: Professional Tooth Whitening or Tooth Whitening Kits?

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Having white teeth can boost your confidence in your appearance and your smile. While maintaining good oral hygiene can help you keep your teeth white, getting your teeth whitened can eliminate existing stains and make your teeth several shades whiter in a short period.

If you’re considering teeth whitening in the Houston area, you’ll have your choice between getting your teeth professionally whitened or getting your teeth whitened from an at-home kit. Making a decision can be tough. Here’s what to know.

Benefits of Professional Tooth Whitening

Professional tooth whitening is one of the most effective ways to get your teeth whitened. Tooth whitening with the dentist is more effective, so you can enjoy greater benefits overall.

  • Greater confidence in your smile. Having confidence in your smile can lead you to smile more. This can then lead to easier interpersonal and professional relationships and improved self-confidence.
  • Removal of difficult stains. Some people spend years trying to get rid of stains on their teeth. Sometimes brushing and maintaining good oral hygiene isn’t enough. If your teeth have become stained, tooth whitening may be the solution.
  • Your teeth look years younger. When you were young, your teeth were white and beautiful. As adults, our teeth age and may become yellow, brown or gray. By getting your teeth professionally whitened, you may enjoy beautiful white teeth again, like they were when you were young.

Tooth Whitening Kits

Tooth whitening kits aren’t as effective or long-lasting and professional tooth whitening, but they do cost less and are easily available in pharmacies. If you’re on a budget and would like to enjoy a temporary reprieve from yellowed or brown teeth, a tooth whitening kit may be for you.

Which Is Right For You?

If you’re serious about getting your teeth whitened, contact a dentist in the Houston area. Your dentist can help you enjoy white teeth that are shades brighter than your teeth are currently. Call Chloe Dental today.

Is It Time to See the Dentist? When It’s Time to Make An Appointment

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Adults need to see the dentist on a regular basis in order to maintain good oral hygiene. Knowing when to see the dentist in Katy and Houston TX can help you avoid problems that could negatively impact your oral health. You should see the dentist as often as recommended by your dentist, and also when you’re noticing signs of a dental health problem.

Every 6 Months

Most dentists recommend that their patients come in for a visit every six months. Some patients need to see the dentist more frequently, if they have a condition that requires more frequent attention.

Some patients who have very good oral hygiene habits and good oral health only need to see the dentist once per year. You should go in for cleanings as often as your dental professional recommends.

You’re Noticing Signs of a Dental Problem

Are you noticing signs of a dental problem? Some common examples include:

  • Toothache.
  • Loose permanent teeth.
  • Chip or crack in a tooth.
  • Bad breath that won’t go away with a tooth brushing.
  • Red, inflamed, puffy gums.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, it’s time to consult with a dentist. Contact your dental professional to see if you need to come in for an appointment.

When You’re Having an Emergency

If you’re having a dental emergency in Katy or Houston TX, don’t hesitate to contact the dentist right away. Whether you’ve just lost a permanent tooth or you’re experiencing swelling and severe pain in your mouth, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Call today to find out more about getting dental care in Katy or Houston TX.