Do Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips Actually Work?

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White, bright teeth are all the rage. There appears to be an increasing desire for people to have whiter teeth, and a lot of it likely has to do with the plethora of social media sites promoting gorgeous smiles. Fortunately, whiter teeth are also a sign of healthier teeth, so it’s actually a good thing that people are paying more attention to the way their teeth look, in the opinion of dentists in Katy, TX. For many, whitening strips seem to be an option. But does this cheap drugstore product actually get the job done?

How Whitening Strips Work

Over-the-counter whitening strips use peroxide to break down stains on the outer enamel layer. When applied consistently, they can lighten teeth by a shade or two. However, the concentration of whitening agents in store-bought strips is much lower than what your dentist can provide, leading to slower and, frankly, less dramatic results that won’t leave you smiling.

The Limitations of Store-Bought Whitening

One of the biggest drawbacks of whitening strips is their inability to provide even, long-lasting results. Because they’re one-size-fits-all, they might not even fully cover your teeth or fit securely, leading to uneven whitening. Plus, overuse or not following directions right can cause gum irritation or tooth sensitivity. Sigh. Worse, for the toughest stains, whitening strips leave a lot to be desired.

Why Professional Whitening is Superior

Our best recommendation is, don’t waste your money on over-the-counter whitening strips. Professional whitening treatments use stronger whitening agents that penetrate beyond surface stains for more noticeable and lasting, predictable results. Custom trays or in-office treatments ensure even application and minimize sensitivity. Your dentist can also assess whether a patient is a good candidate for teeth whitening in Katy, TX and address any underlying dental issues before treatment.

Whitening strips don’t come close to the effectiveness, speed and safety of professional whitening. If you’re looking for a truly bright and even smile, contact Chloe Dental to book an appointment for professional teeth whitening services.

Why do My Gums Bleed When I Brush My Teeth?

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The only thing you should be spitting into the sink when you brush your teeth is foamy white—or minty gel—extra toothpaste, mixed with saliva. If you’re seeing red, it’s not because you’re angry, but because your gums are bleeding when you brush your teeth. This isn’t cause for immediate alarm, but your next step, after getting dressed for the day, should be to book a dental exam in Houston, TX with Chloe Dental, because your gums shouldn’t bleed when you brush your teeth.

Poor Oral Hygiene and Gum Disease

One of the most common reasons for bleeding gums is plaque buildup along the gumline. If plaque isn’t removed with regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, leading to gum inflammation known as gingivitis. Swollen, irritated gums bleed more easily when brushed. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to gum recession and tooth loss.

Brushing or Flossing Too Hard

Using excessive pressure while brushing or flossing can cause gum irritation and bleeding. A toothbrush with hard bristles may also be too abrasive for sensitive gums. Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and using gentle, circular motions while brushing can help prevent unnecessary damage. Likewise, flossing should be done carefully to avoid cutting into the gum tissue.

Other Possible Causes

Certain underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or vitamin deficiencies, can make gums more prone to bleeding. A lack of vitamin C or vitamin K in your diet can weaken blood vessels, increasing gum sensitivity.

If your gums bleed, be sure to check in with your dentist in Houston, TX before the condition worsens. Bleeding gums is an early sign of some potentially serious conditions, so you will want to get treatment sooner rather than later.

Is it Really so Bad to Chew Ice?

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Is your freezer door working hard because you keep reaching in for a fresh batch of ice to chew on? We get it. Houston temps can be brutal. But chewing ice on a habitual basis is like dipping into the cookie jar a bit too often. The consequences to your teeth are more serious than you might realize.

As your dentist, we want to remind you that ice is hard and unforgiving, and biting down on it can create tiny fractures in your enamel. Over time, these micro-cracks can grow, leading to chipped or broken teeth. People with fillings, crowns, or veneers in Houston, TX are especially at risk, as ice can weaken or even dislodge dental work.

Not only that, but the sudden temperature change from ice can also cause tooth sensitivity. Extreme cold can make nerves in your teeth react, leading to sharp discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods.

Why Do Some People Chew Ice?

Chewing ice is sometimes linked to an underlying condition called pica, which causes cravings for non-food items. In many cases, it’s associated with iron deficiency anemia. In other cases, people chew ice just to cool down, or even to suppress food cravings in a bid to lose weight.

A Better Way to Cool Down

If you love the refreshing feel of ice, try letting it melt in your mouth instead of chewing. Drinking cold beverages or opting for slush-style drinks can also help. If chewing is a habit, switching to sugar-free gum may be a safer alternative.

Protecting your teeth from unnecessary damage is key to maintaining long-term oral health. Contact your Houston, TX dentist if you need help with chipped teeth from chewing ice—or any other reason!

Dental Abscess? It’s an Emergency You Can’t Afford to Ignore

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You may not be able to spell abscess, but you’ll know it when it happens. Dental abscesses aren’t common, but they do occur, and when they do, you’ll need an emergency dentist in Katy, TX to help.

What is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is a painful infection that develops at the root of a tooth or between the gum and the tooth. This condition often happens due to untreated tooth decay, gum disease or trauma to the tooth, maybe because of a motor vehicle accident or a sports injury. While it might start as a minor discomfort, a dental abscess can quickly escalate into a serious health issue if ignored, which is why you should contact Chloe Dental immediately if this happens to you.

The Signs You Shouldn’t Overlook

The symptoms of a dental abscess are hard to miss, so you won’t have a problem there. You won’t be able to ignore the intense, throbbing pain and the swelling in the face, jaw or gums. Other warning signs include fever, a persistent bad taste in your mouth, or difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing. In some cases, the infection may literally drain pus. Sometimes this makes the pain go away briefly, but it will come back.

What to Do If You Suspect an Abscess

If you experience any symptoms of a dental abscess, don’t wait for the pain to worsen, because things will only go south from there. Contact your dentist in Katy, TX immediately for an evaluation. Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide temporary relief, but they won’t resolve the infection. Only professional dental treatment can effectively address the issue.

Taking swift action could save your tooth—and protect your overall health. Don’t let a dental abscess become an emergency you regret ignoring.

3 Benefits of Routine Dental Exams

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Routine dental exams in Houston, TX can feel, well…routine. But they are a vital part of your oral health. Experts recommend that you see your dentist at least once every six months. But with oral health being a big priority these days, especially with photo and video sharing on social media, many people favor seeing their dentist every three months or even more frequently. Here are three benefits of routine dental exams to know about.

1. Early Detection of Problems

The sooner a problem is detected, the better and faster it can be solved. This is true of all problems in life, but especially those concerned with oral health. Cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer can develop without you noticing. Dentists are trained to spot early signs of these conditions, allowing for quicker and easier treatments. It’s always better to treat a small issue before it becomes a big, painful one.

2. Prevention of Tooth Loss

No one wants to lose their natural teeth, even though lots of great solutions are available, such as dental implants and more. But with routine dental exams on a regular basis, you have a higher chance of keeping those choppers for a lifetime. And we know you’d like that!

3. A Cleaner, Fresher Smile

It’s a fact. No matter how well you brush and floss, there are areas in your mouth that are hard to reach. During a dental exam, your dentist or hygienist will professionally clean your teeth, removing stubborn plaque and tartar buildup. This not only leaves your teeth feeling squeaky clean but also gives you that fresh-breath confidence you love so much!

Contact your Houston, TX dentist today and book a routine dental exam appointment. You’ll be so glad you did!

What Happens if Overbite is Not Treated?

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If your child has an overbite, it’s imperative to have it treated as soon as possible. This is particularly true if the overbite is severe. And, while a mild overbite might look charming, there can be serious oral health problems that occur as a result of not having it corrected.

What is an Overbite?

Bite is the term for the way the upper teeth and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is clamped shut. Ideally, the front top teeth fit into place just in front of the lower front teeth, and the upper and lower molars all meet at the back. An overbite is when there is a gap between where the upper front teeth land, and where the lower front teeth land. A gap of a certain depth would be considered an overbite. (The opposite is true in the case of an underbite.)

Impact on Oral Health

If an overbite isn’t treated with braces in Houston, TX or some other method, it can lead to several oral health issues. This misalignment can cause uneven wear and tear on the teeth, leading to premature tooth erosion. Over time, this wear can weaken the teeth and increase the risk of cavities and fractures. It can even lead to premature tooth loss, since teeth and jawbones need a certain amount of pressure in order to remain functional and healthy.

Impact on Gum Health

An overbite can also affect gum health. The misalignment can cause certain areas of the gums to be exposed to more pressure and wear, which can lead to gum irritation and inflammation. The chronic irritation can even raise the risk of developing gum disease if not managed properly.

Don’t ignore an overbite. Book an appointment with your Houston, TX dentist today for a consultation.

Are Dental Implants Safe?

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Dental implants are used worldwide to address the problem of missing adult teeth. Since they were first invented, they have become the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, and the procedure is done in countless dental facilities around the globe. Still, if you have little experience with dental implants, you may be a bit wary about this solution. You may even be wondering if dental implants in Houston, TX are safe.

What Are They Made Of?

Dental implants are made of three components. The actual implant is made of titanium. This is the only part of the dental implant that is embedded in the jawbone. Titanium is used because it’s an inert metal. Inert means that it won’t mingle or interfere with your body in any way. It stays exactly as it is, with no reaction to your bone or tissue. Titanium is the metal that’s used in other kinds of implants, like hip replacements, arm bone implants and more.

Safety

The success rates for dental implants range from 95% to 98%. Even if a dental implant fails for some reason, all that’s needed is to remove the implant and try again. No one gets sick or suffers fatal consequences from dental implants. Furthermore, the procedure itself has been refined over decades, and advancements in technology and techniques have further improved its safety and effectiveness.

Quality Dentist

The success rate of dental implants is increased when you choose a quality dentist like Chloe Dental. We have highly-trained staff in addition to our dental professionals. You’re in good hands when you get dental implants at Chloe Dental!

If you have more questions regarding this procedure, we hope you will contact your dentist in Houston, TX to set up an appointment. Soon, you can have your problem with missing teeth completely resolved!

2 Signs You Can Benefit from Braces Without Braces

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When you have crooked or misaligned teeth, getting them straightened can help improve how you chew and talk. Braces without braces can help with this. These clear aligners fit over the teeth and gently move the teeth back into place. As your dentist in Katy and Houston TX, the professionals at Chloe Dental can help you decide if braces without braces are right for you. Below are two signs that you may be able to benefit from braces without braces.

1. Your teeth are crooked.

If your teeth overlap one another, don’t line up properly when you smile, or if you have a hard time pronouncing certain words because of the alignment of your teeth, braces without braces may be able to fix the problem.

Braces without braces primarily benefit patients with mild to moderate tooth alignment problems. Your dentist will let you know if you’re a good candidate for this dental tool.

2. You don’t want braces.

While braces are a very effective tool for correcting mild to severe tooth alignment problems, braces can have some downsides. They can impact the appearance of your smile, and they can also be tough to keep clean. If you don’t want these downsides, then braces without braces might be a preferred option for you.

Want Braces Without Braces? Make An Appointment At Chloe Dental

The dentists at Chloe Dental can help you decide if braces without braces are right for you. To find out if you’re a good candidate for braces without braces in Katy and Houston TX, call us today to make an appointment.

How to Prepare for Your Oral Surgery

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Whether you need wisdom teeth removal or need an implant, you will need the services of a Houston or Katy oral surgeon. Once you have found the right provider, you need to prepare yourself mentally and physically for your procedure. Here are some tips from the team at Chloe Dental.

Learn Your Needs

Talk to your oral surgeon well before your surgery to know what you need to do to prepare. Then, follow all instructions. This is the best thing you can do to prepare for your surgery.

Get a Ride

Many types of oral surgery require general anesthesia. If yours does, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. Even for procedures done under local anesthesia, you may want to have a ride in case you have pain or complications.

Dress the Part

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and something that makes it easy to access your arms for your IV. Even if you aren’t going under, your nurse may take vitals, and a short-sleeved shirt makes that easier and more accurate.

Be on Time

Try to arrive at the surgery center 20 minutes before your procedure. There is often last-minute paperwork to fill out, and that will help you settle in and get started on time. Running late will add to your stress and make the entire day less productive. Getting there early also allows you to ask any lingering questions about your procedure.

At Chloe Dental, our team is here to make your oral surgery as comfortable and convenient as possible. If you have any questions or need to schedule a procedure, reach out to our dentists in Katy and Houston today for help. You can also conveniently schedule your appointment online.

5 Qualities to Look For In a Dentist

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Choosing a new dentist can be difficult! Knowing which qualities to look for can make maintaining your teeth much easier. When choosing a dentist in Katy and Houston TX, it’s important to consider their availability, experience, good reviews, patient care, and whether they accept your dental insurance. Here’s what you need to know as you consider dental professionals in the Katy and Houston area.

1. Availability

Not all dentists have availability for new patients. You can find out whether a dental office accepts new patients by giving them a call.

2. Experience

Experience matters. An experienced dentist will have strategies for helping patients stay comfortable during their dental exams. Experience also helps dentists improve their patient outcomes. You can check a dentist’s experience by looking at their website.

3. Good Reviews

Good dentists tend to get good reviews from satisfied patients. You can find reviews of each dental provider online, or by talking to previously satisfied patients. At Chloe Dental, you can even see testimonials from our satisfied patients by looking at our website.

4. Good Patient Care

Good dentists offer good patient care. They take steps to help patients have a good experience when they come for dental care. For example, good dentists streamline the dental exam experience to ensure it’s fast and efficient for the patient. They also tailor the patient’s treatment plan to their diagnosis, and treat their patients with respect.

5. Accepts Your Dental Insurance

If you have dental insurance, it’s important to ensure that your dentist accepts that type of insurance. Call the dentist before your dental exam in Katy and Houston, TX to learn whether they accept your insurance.

Do you need to see the dentist for a dental exam? Call Chloe Dental today.