What’s Causing My Teeth to Turn Yellow?

Tooth enamel stains can be frustrating, no doubt about it. If you have teeth that are slowly turning yellow, it helps to understand the cause, and what you can do about it. There are many ways to get whiter teeth in Katy and Houston TX. Start by working with your dentist at Chloe Dental. Below are a few things you should know if you would like to improve the appearance of your teeth.

What Causes Teeth Stains

There are many things that cause teeth to become stained. The dark-colored foods and drinks that people consume every day are one of the primary reasons teeth turn yellow. Coffee, tea, tomato sauce, gravy, beets, red wine and berries are all examples of the types of things that people consume that can stain their teeth. Other potential causes include:

  • Certain medications and medical treatments (chemotherapy, for example)
  • Tobacco use
  • Poor oral hygiene habits (not seeing the dentist often enough, not cleaning teeth twice daily)

What You Can Do

Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is one way that you can help keep your teeth white. Brushing your teeth twice per day and seeing the dentist twice annually can help keep your tooth enamel free of stains.

Another way that you can maintain whiter, brighter teeth is to get your teeth professionally whitened at the dentist office. Teeth whitening from a dentist can get your teeth several shades lighter. Whitening from the dentist is an affordable and effective way to lighten your teeth.

Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Today

Would you like to get your teeth whitened? Contact your dentist in Katy and Houston TX to make an appointment. The professionals at Chloe Dental offer safe, effective teeth whitening.

Benefits of Staying With One Dentist For a Lifetime

Imagine how awful it would be if you had to start over every time you visited the dentist. Every visit would be a new round of x-rays, a new chart set up for you, and the same questions asked about your health history, again and again. That’s how it is for people who go from dentist to dentist. They miss out on all the benefits of staying with one dentist in Katy, TX for a lifetime!

Comprehensive Dental Care in Katy, TX

When you keep the same dentist your whole adult life, you can be assured of comprehensive dental care. Even if you visit the minimum times of twice a year, your dentist will be able to keep track of the progress of your dental health over the years. You’ll get whole dental care that takes into account your changing needs as time passes.

No Missed Signs

Your dentist has a chance to become familiar with your teeth and gums when you stick with the same dental provider. That means less likelihood that subtle signs of problems will go undetected. Your dentist can even notice small shifts in your teeth or new gaps that seem to be forming, often before you do!

Recognition

The staff at your dentist’s office will get to know you, too. There’s nothing better than to come into your dentist’s office and be greeted by a familiar face who remembers your child’s name and asks how they’re doing. That’s what it can be like when you stay with one dentist.

Finally, there’s an easy way to feel more comfortable when visiting the dentist, and that is to stay with your Katy, TX dentist for your lifetime. We sure welcome the chance to care for your dental health for as long as possible! Contact us today to book your next appointment!

4 Qualities to Look For in a Dental Professional

Your dental professional is someone that you should be able to trust to provide quality care. Whether you’re in need of a root canal, a crown placement or even emergency dental care, you should be able to say with confidence that your dentist has your best interests in mind. As your dentist in Katy and Houston TX, we provide quality care to patients of all ages and in need of all types of dental care. Here’s what to look for in a good dental services provider.

1. Offers a Range of Services

It’s important to go to a dentist that will provide enough services that you can get all dental work you need in one spot. When you’re researching dentists in your area, look for a dentist that offers a range of services including emergency dental care, root canal service, general dental services, tooth whitening, crowns and veneers in Katy and Houston TX, and more. The more services your dentist offers, the better.

2. Convenient Hours

It’s important for your dentist to offer convenient hours, especially if you’re a busy working professional. Check your dental professional’s hours before signing up for your first dentist appointment.

3. Courteous Phone Staff

When you call the dentist, you want to be treated with respect and professionalism. Look for a dentist with courteous phone staff. If you call the dentist and don’t feel like you’re getting good customer service, it may be time to move on.

4. Convenient Location

If at all possible, work with a dental professional that has more than one location. This makes it easier to stay with the same dental organization even if you move.

Need a good dentist? Call Chloe Dental. We provide a range of services, offer convenient hours and operate in convenient locations. We also have courteous phone staff – find out for yourself when you call!

The Uses and Benefits of 3-D Dental Printing  

Did you know a 3-D printer could be used by your dentist in Katy, TX to provide you with a better, more cost-effective dental experience? That’s right! The concept of 3-D printing is being used for dentistry in almost endless ways.

This is still a relatively new technology, but it continues to grow and evolve and will be the predominant technology of the future. In fact, 3-D printing technology is expected to be used for more than 60 percent of all dental production needs by the year 2025.

What Do 3-D Dental Printers Do?

A 3-D dental printer uses a laser along with computer-guided precision to help produce small objects with intricate details more easily and accurately in four simple steps.

  • Scan
  • Design
  • Print
  • Prepare

The Benefits of 3-D Dental Printing

Here are some of the benefits of 3-D dental printing in Katy, TX.

1. Less Expensive for Dentists

Using a 3-D dental printer versus installing an in-office dental lab is much less expensive for a dentist.

2. Less Expensive for Patients

Since the dentist is saving money by using a 3-D dental printer, they can pass that saving onto their patients.

3. Dental and Orthopedic Services are More Accurate and Faster

Manually crafting dental models is time-consuming. However, using a 3-D dental printer is faster because it can print multiple appliances at one time. Additionally, a 3-D printer is more accurate because it takes digital images and converts them into physical objects. It does this by printing 16 extremely thin layers of whatever it’s printing, one on top of the other. This benefits both the dentist and the patient.

What’s Next?

If you are looking for a dentist in Katy, TX, please Contact Chloe Dental today. We offer the most advanced dental care in the industry and pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality of personalized care to all our patients.

 

4 Reasons to See the Dentist as Soon As Possible  

Do you know when it’s time to see the dentist in Houston, TX? Your dentist can help you with pain, swelling, loss of a permanent tooth – or even something as minor as bad breath. Knowing when it’s appropriate to see the dentist can help you take care of your teeth. Below, we’ve recorded four scenarios when you should see the dentist.

1. Lost or Loose Permanent Tooth

No one should lose a permanent tooth. If you lose a permanent tooth, you’re having a dental emergency – call your dentist to let them know you’re on your way. If you’ve noticed that your permanent tooth is loose, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.

2. Tooth Pain

Tooth pain could be a sign of several problems – from cavities to an infection. If you’re having tooth pain, don’t wait to see your dentist. If you have an infection, your tooth could be at risk. An infected tooth can even put other aspects of your health at risk. Call your dentist as soon as possible.

3. Swelling

Swelling in the mouth, cheek or gums could be a sign of an infection – especially if the swelling is accompanied by pain. Don’t wait to call the dentist – make the call.

4. Bad Breath

Bad breath isn’t a dental emergency, but it is a problem! It may be that you need to change your oral hygiene routine – or you may need to get a deep cleaning of your teeth. To find out more about getting rid of bad breath, all your dentist at Chloe dental to make an appointment for preventative care in Houston, TX.

 

Do I Really Need to See the Dentist Every 6 Months?  

How often do you go to the dentist? If you’re not seeing the dentist in Katy and Houston every six months, then you could be negatively impacting your oral hygiene! Seeing the dentist twice per year is important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. If you haven’t been keeping up with your dental appointments, here’s what you need to know.

Benefits of Seeing the Dentist Every 6 Months

There are many benefits of getting a dental exam in Katy and Houston every six months!

  • Catch oral problems in their early stages. Your dentist will be able to identify oral hygiene problems before they become serious, so you can get treatment.
  • Keep your teeth looking beautiful. Teeth can get stained if they’re not kept clean. Going to your dentist on a regular basis can prevent this from happening!
  • Prevent pain. When you catch oral hygiene problems in their early stages, you can prevent painful problems like cavities and infections. Seeing the dentist regularly can make chewing and smiling more comfortable overall.

What to Expect When Seeing the Dentist

When you see the dentist, you’ll get a cleaning every time. The oral hygienist will scrape plaque and tartar away from the teeth. You may get a fluoride treatment and x-rays, and your dentist may provide you with a dental exam to check for problems like cavities, cracked teeth and more. Let the dental professionals know if you have any questions about your dental health, or if you need a tutorial on tooth brushing.

Make An Appointment Today

Want to keep your teeth healthy? Make an appointment with Chloe Dental today. Our dental professionals can help you maintain healthy teeth while avoiding stains, cavities and more. Call to make an appointment.

 

How 3D Dental Printing Can Change Your Dental Crown Experience

When a tooth is damaged, severely decayed, or otherwise breaking down, dental crown treatment in Katy, TX can be the single thing that allows you to keep that tooth. While effective, dental crowns have not always been practical because of the time involved in treatment. Thankfully, the development of 3D printing technology makes the dental crown a far more convenient treatment option for most patients.

More Precise Fit

When using a 3D printer to create a custom crown for a patient, the dentist first uses in-depth scanning and mapping software that can assess every angle of the existing tooth. This information, which is a series of extremely accurate measurements, is then fed into the printer so the printer “knows” what shape the crown should be for the proper fit. The process is much more advanced than the standard mold or impression that is traditionally used to create a dental crown.

Faster Treatment

Perhaps the most desirable aspect of dental crown treatment that has changed due to the use of in-office 3D printing software and equipment is the fact that treatment times are substantially shortened. The normal process for getting a dental crown involves the dentist taking measurements, sending those measurements to a lab, and then waiting for the crown to be completed. With 3D printing, the crown can be produced literally in a matter of minutes while the patient waits.

More Natural Appearance

When a crown is made in such a precise way to align with the underlying tooth and the surrounding teeth, it is less likely to appear unnatural. While a well-made crown that is not 3D printed can be adjusted to be almost as streamlined, there is simply no match for the crown created using advanced technology.

Talk to a Katy Dentist About 3D Dental Crowns

Do you have a tooth that could use the protection of a crown? At Chloe Dental, we are a Katy dentist that can help. Contact our office today to discuss options for same-day crowns.

What to Expect from Your Oral Surgery

Oral surgery sounds foreboding, and you may envision a painful procedure that takes hours to complete. In reality, however, oral surgery is simple and mostly painless. You’ll receive anesthesia before most oral surgeries, so you’ll have no pain. And while you may experience some discomfort afterward, your dentist in Katy, TX,will provide prescription or over-the-counter medication to make you comfortable.

What Happens Before Oral Surgery?

Before your dentist refers you to an oral surgeon, they’ll meet with you for a consultation. They’ll usually take X-rays and perform diagnostic tests to determine why you’re experiencing tooth or jaw pain. In some instances, you may not have pain at all, but oral surgery is still necessary to prevent problems in the future. This is usually true for wisdom tooth extraction.

You will also consult with your oral surgeon in Katy, TX, before your surgery, and they’ll take a brief medical history. They may ask you which type of sedation you prefer and whether you’re allergic to any medication. They’ll then give you a list of pre-operative instructions and schedule your oral surgery for a future date.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Oral Surgery

On the day of your surgery, you’ll want to forego breakfast. Your pre-operative instructions will likely mention the need to fast from midnight on. You’ll also want to have another licensed driver with you to take you home afterward.

If you elected sedation, you’ll be unconscious during your surgery. Afterward, your oral surgeon will provide you with a list of care instructions for your incisions, to prevent problems such as infection or dry socket.

If you think you may need oral surgery in Katy, TX, contact Chloe Dental today. We’ll book an appointment that fits your schedule and consult with you to determine whether oral surgery is a sound solution.

The Effects of Periodontal Disease on Your Smile

Periodontal disease is a fancy way of saying your gums are infected. Also called gum disease, this condition usually happens as a result of inadequate brushing and flossing. It’s estimated that around 65 million people suffer from gum disease, so if you have it, you’re far from alone. Your dentist in Katy, TX, can help alleviate the symptoms of gum disease and reverse the damaging effects it has on your smile.

What Does Periodontal Disease Look Like?

Symptoms of periodontal disease include red, or swollen gums, gums that bleed during brushing or when you bite into solid food, such as an apple. Gums may hurt, also. And in some instances, they may recede from the teeth. This can cause teeth to loosen and fall out. If you have gum disease, you may suffer from chronic bad breath or sensitive teeth. It may hurt to chew, also.

These issues can impact the way you feel about your smile, as well as how your smile appears to others. Inflamed gums may be visible when you talk or grin. You may also lose confidence in your smile if you struggle with bad breath.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

Your dentist in Katy, TX, can treat most forms of gum disease by cleaning your teeth and gums thoroughly. This usually entails a procedure called scaling and root planing. Your periodontist will use instruments to scrape away the build-up of plaque and tarter. You’ll follow up at home with improved dental hygiene procedures, and your gums will typically begin to heal.

If you need treatment for periodontal disease in Katy, TX, book an appointment with Chloe Dental today. Our friendly and experienced dental professionals can treat gum disease before it becomes a chronic condition.

Do You Get Bleeding Gums When Brushing? Try These Treatments.

The taste of blood in your mouth after brushing your teeth can make you gag. Try these methods to treat bleeding gums when brushing your teeth.

In 2017, 64% of adults in the United States visited a dental clinic. The recommended frequency of oral checkup is at least two times in a year. You don’t have to wait for extreme gum disease symptoms to seek treatment.

Bleeding gums is one of the most common oral health problems. In its mild form, gum bleeding should not cause panic. Yet, failure to improve your oral hygiene or see a dentist can lead to severe gum diseases.

Bleeding when flossing or brushing your teeth is an unpleasant experience. The taste of blood in your mouth after brushing your teeth can make you gag. Try these methods to treat bleeding gums when brushing your teeth.

1. Improve Your Oral Hygiene

If your gums have been bleeding, it’s probably time to assess your oral hygiene practices. Gum inflammation mainly results from plaque buildup along the gum. Failure to floss and brush adequately leads to the spread of bacteria, leading to gum disease and tooth decay.

You can improve your oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day. Ensure that you brush gently to avoid hurting your gums. The right toothpaste and toothbrush are a prerequisite for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums.

Floss once a day and oil pull as necessary. Removing the bacteria between your teeth is an essential practice. Regular dental checkups are also necessary for the early detection of gum diseases.

2. A Healthy Diet

Your diet determines if you’ll have bleeding gums when brushing. If you’re a sweet tooth, the sugary stuff you indulge in is to blame for bleeding gums. The sugar you consume in foods is ideal for plaque formation.

Simple carbohydrates are also culprits in gum bleeding. You can take sweets and simple carbs in moderation. Ensure that you brush your teeth after that to prevent the sugar from sticking.

Bleeding gums can be a manifestation of Vitamin K and Vitamin C deficiencies. If you’re confident that your oral care is spectacular, check the Vitamins K and C levels. You will need to increase the intake of foods rich in both vitamins.

Most of the leafy greens such as spinach, kales, and watercress are great sources of Vitamin K. You can get Vitamin C from a range of citrus fruits, potatoes, and broccoli. Include crunchy vegetables such as carrots to help remove debris from teeth.

3. Use Hydrogen Peroxide

If you’ve been using hydrogen peroxide solely for cuts, you’re missing out on the indispensable dental benefits of this solution. Hydrogen peroxide on gums can reduce plaque. It kills the bacteria that cause gum diseases.

The anaerobic bacteria between your teeth can’t survive the oxygen released by hydrogen peroxide. The solution further destroys the plaque barrier. Once you apply hydrogen peroxide, 10 minutes are enough to regain your healthy smile.

Don’t wait to have gum disease to use hydrogen peroxide. Applying the solution can reverse early gum infection. Use a soft-bristled brush to apply the hydrogen peroxide, rinse and floss your teeth.

Consult with your dentist before using higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Avoid ingesting the product. If unsure of how to go about using hydrogen peroxide for bleeding gums treatment, seek clarity from a professional.

4. Cold Compress

Gum diseases can increase the risk of hypertension by up to 20%. For most people, gum diseases can be a source of stress and discomfort. A cold compress might offer a temporary solution.

A cold compress is one of the treatments of the bleeding gums that can give you instant relief. This option applies when the gum bleeds out of injury or trauma. It is ineffective when dealing with advanced gum disease.

Applying a cold compress on the gum line reduces swelling. It further stops the gum from bleeding because of blood flow restriction. If you have recurring bleeding gums when brushing, you can apply a cold cloth or an ice pack several times a day.

5. Check Your Toothbrush

When was the last time you changed your toothbrush? Well, most dental professionals recommend a change of toothbrush every three months. You shouldn’t wait for the bristles to fray.

Hard toothbrush bristles hurt your gums. Getting the right toothbrush is one of the inexpensive treatment measures that can prevent bleeding gums. Your toothbrush should have soft and blunt bristles to prevent enamel agitation.

Brush your teeth through gentle circular motions to prevent gum erosion. Vigorous front and back motions can cause further bleeding.

6. Take Green Tea

Bleeding gums without brushing or when brushing can be confusing. It is crucial to adopt healthy lifestyles, such as drinking green tea daily. The catechin in green tea can stop gum inflammation and bleeding, besides reversing periodontal disease.

A worry related to the regular consumption of green tea is teeth staining. Yet, there is no conclusive evidence on the adverse effects of green tea intake. In fact, green tea has overall health effects on your body.

7. Visit a Dentist

Bleeding gums when brushing necessitate the attention of a dentist. While cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile, you should seek professional dental care when your gums start to bleed. A dentist will examine you to diagnose any case of advanced periodontitis.

A visit to the dentist can give you alternative treatments such as deep cleaning, laser dentistry, or periodontal surgery. Deep cleaning removes tartar, leading to gum healing. A lab test can also identify any case of vitamin deficiencies that cause your gums to bleed.

Home remedies should not substitute medical advice. Ensure that you visit your dentist when gum bleeding seems persistent. Don’t ignore gum bleeding that takes more than ten days.

Bleeding Gums When Brushing Requires the Attention of a Dentist

For most people, bleeding gums when brushing is a normal occurrence. Yet, the condition can be a sign of progressing periodontal disease. Besides practicing oral hygiene practices, see a dentist.

Most of the stages of periodontitis are irreversible. Once your dentist detects the gum bleeding, early treatment can save you the trauma. An adverse effect on your smile can hinder the quality of your life.

For all your dental needs, contact us today.