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    5 Simple Ways To Avoid A Cracked Tooth in Pearland

    Posted on
    Categories: Dental Health, Porcelain Veneers, Restorative Dentistry

    Cracked tooth in Pearland

    A cracked tooth in Pearland can be painful, unattractive, and pricey to repair. Today’s post in the David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry dental blog contains an easy-to-follow list of tips to keep your teeth strong. If you are suffering from a cracked tooth in Pearland, please visit our office so we can treat it right away.

    1. We Hate to State the Obvious, But Don’t Chew on Hard Food

    Mind-blowing, right? People should steer clear of ice, hard candies, hard nuts, popcorn, and beef jerky. Also be careful with pitted fruits—that peach may be soft but if you bite hard into the pit, you could damage a tooth.

    2. Protect Your Teeth While Engaging in Any Physical Activity

    This rule should definitely take precedence when you’re playing a sport where you could be hit in the mouth. If you enjoy pick-up basketball games, indoor soccer leagues, rec center flag football, and many other activities, you should be using a well-fitting mouth guard.

    3. Don’t Use Your Teeth as a Tool

    Take a minute to find a pair of scissors before you tear open a package of lunch meat or rip the price tag off a new piece of clothing with your teeth. Use a nutcracker for nuts. A quality dental crown can cost hundreds of dollars.

    4. Don’t Grind Your Teeth

    Most people know that grinding your teeth is harmful, but did you know that it can lead to a cracked tooth? Furthermore, most people don’t know that their headaches or jaw pain could be caused by their teeth grinding. If you know or suspect that you are a tooth grinder, speak with your dentist so you can address the problem with stress reduction techniques or a mouth guard.

    5. Lastly, Make Sure You Visit Your Dentist Regularly

    Your dentist can alert you to conditions that might predispose you to cracked teeth, such as having an uneven chewing surface or brittle teeth. Your dentist may also discover tiny cracks you aren’t aware of. These cracks can then be repaired before further damage or decay occurs.

    If you already have a cracked tooth, never fear! Treatment is available for all cracks, small and large. Veneers, cosmetic dental bonding, inlays/onlays, fillings, and dental implants are all used to repair or replace damaged teeth.

    If you live in the Pearland area and you are seeking a friendly, experienced, and gentle dentist, please give us a call at 832-895-5120.

    Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:

    832-895-5120

    Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

    2443 S Galveston Ave
    Pearland, Texas
    77581

    Dental Health in Pearland: When It’s Better Not To Brush

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    Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

    dental health in pearland

    Although it is thin and partially translucent, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body and has the critical job of safeguarding teeth from constant use and the continual assault of chemicals in food and drink. Enamel also safeguards tooth nerves from hot and cold food and beverages. That’s why enamel loss often causes tooth sensitivity.

    Cuts heal. Bruises fade. Broken bones mend. The body’s ability to heal itself is truly incredible. But tooth enamel is different. When it’s gone, it’s gone. The team at David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry encourages our patients to guard their tooth enamel for a lifetime of dental health in Pearland.

    Brushing After You Eat

    This may seem counter intuitive, but sometimes it is better NOT to brush immediately after eating. Specifically, after eating acidic items. The acid weakens the enamel which can be further weakened by brushing. Waiting 60 minutes will allow the acid to dilute. Furthermore, rinsing immediately after eating acidic foods is washes away some food particles and speeds up the dilution of the acid.

    If you sip soda, tea, or coffee all day, we suggest you switch to water to halt any enamel erosion that has already transpired. It may be a hard change to make – but if you are successful – your teeth will thank you for it.

    Chew on This

    Some people don’t realize that dry mouth can cause or exacerbate enamel erosion. The calcium and phosphate in saliva safeguards your enamel. When there is little saliva, the enamel is left exposed. Chewing stimulates saliva production but constant snacking is not the answer for dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum and sipping water periodically can stimulate saliva production between meals without increasing the risk of or upping your calorie intake.

    Don’t Grind Your Teeth

    Additionally, tooth grinding wears enamel away. If you are one of the many Pearland residents who grinds their teeth at night, it’s essential to get a mouth guard immediately. People who grind their teeth are at a high risk for enamel erosion and the cavities that can follow. Athletes should also protect their teeth on the playing field with a mouth guard. For more specifics about dental health in Pearland, communicate with Dr. David C. Montz at David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry about custom mouth guards.

    Using teeth as tools can impair enamel, as well. Take a moment to fetch scissors before tearing a package or ripping duct tape with your teeth. Do you really want to take a chance on chipping a tooth just to open a package of lunch meat?

    Avoid Hard Candy

    Chewing ice and hard candy can also damage enamel. If you simply must have sugar, soft candy is best as long as it is not left to sit on teeth for long period of time. If your molars are packed with gummy candy, it can lead to cavities which erode enamel just as capably as chipping it with hard candy. Many of the old-school hard candies we enjoyed as kids now come in soft versions. Enjoy them sparingly because constant sugar is bad for teeth. Period.

    If you have already experienced enamel erosion or other dental troubles, Dr. David C. Montz can help you safeguard your dental health in Pearland. With General Dentistry and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer services such as root canal treatment and dental implants. To schedule an examination or to receive a teeth whitening treatment, contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Pearland by giving us a call!

    Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:

    832-895-5120

    Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

    2443 S Galveston Ave
    Pearland, Texas
    77581

     

    Fluoride For All! Dental Health in Pearland

    Posted on
    Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental Implant, General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Gum health

    fluoride treatment Pearland

    You rarely hear the word “toothpaste” without it being preceded by “fluoride.” David C. Montz DDS in Pearland reminds you that fluoride is good for  dental health at all ages.

    Fluoride is a critical mineral that helps your teeth stay strong. It is found in some foods and water, and makes toothpastes more effective at fighting cavities. It makes teeth stronger and more resistant to the detrimental acid that is formed by bacteria. We may recommend a fluoride treatment during your regularly schedule dental cleaning.

    The fluoride used in in-office treatments comes in either a gel or foam, and may be available in several flavors. It is applied directly to teeth through the use of a plastic dental tray. The tray is kept in your mouth for just a few minutes. Fluoride treatments are an easy and painless way to strengthen your teeth and keep an attractive smile.

    While many of our patients understand the importance of fluoride treatments for children, some do not realize its importance for adults. Yet fluoride treatments are sometimes recommended for adults who are susceptible to enamel wear or cavities.

    We urge you to see us at David C. Montz DDS in Pearland every six months for a complete dental checkup and cleaning. Our services include general and cosmetic dentistry, gum disease treatment, and dental implants. Call for an appointment today.

    Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:

    832-895-5120

    Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

    2443 S Galveston Ave
    Pearland, Texas
    77581

     

    Let’s Talk About Smiles: Cosmetic Dentistry in Pearland

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    Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implant, Invisalign, Porcelain Veneers, Teeth Whitening

    cosmetic dental Pearland

    At David C. Montz DDS in Pearland, we’re devoted to upgrading smiles with cosmetic dentistry. Few physical improvements have such a dramatic influence on attractiveness and self-confidence as a smile makeover. Excellent oral health and a beautiful smile contribute to overall physical health and a high quality of life.

    If you have ever wondered whether cosmetic dentistry could change your life, we invite you to schedule a consultation. The initial consultation is the most crucial part of any treatment plan. We’ll consider the following:

    • Your goals for your smile.
    • The state of your oral health.
    • The individual characteristics of your teeth and gums.
    • Which treatments are best for you.
    • A detailed explanation of each needed procedure.
    • Our smile gallery.
    • Options for scheduling treatment (all at once or over time).
    • Information about sedation dentistry.

    Cosmetic dentistry options include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and Invisalign clear braces. Your stunning smile begins with David C. Montz DDS in Pearland.

     

    Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:

    832-895-5120

    Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

    2443 S Galveston Ave
    Pearland, Texas
    77581

     

    Test Your Knowledge: Gum Disease in Pearland

    Posted on
    Categories: General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Gum health, Oral DNA

    gum disease treatment Pearland

    One of every ten Americans is likely to get gum disease by the age of sixty-four. That’s why David C. Montz DDS in Pearland stresses the importance of regular flossing and brushing. We invite you to take our short quiz, to see how much you know about this preventable condition.

    1. Which of the things listed below are risk factors for gum disease?

    a. Pregnancy
    b. Underbite
    c. Diabetes
    d. Genetic make-up

    2. Which of the things listed below are possible signs of gum disease?

    a. Teeth that appear longer
    b. A change in the way dentures fit
    c. Bleeding gums
    d. Sore gums

    3. Which of the things listed below are possible health issues linked to untreated gum disease?

    a. Asthma
    b. Low birth weight babies
    c. Parkinson’s disease
    d. Stroke

    4. What percentage of people age 65+ have gum disease?

    a. 5%
    b. 12%
    c. 10%
    d. 50%

    5. Which of the following procedures are used for gum disease?

    a. Scaling and root planing
    b. Gum grafting
    c. Flap surgery
    d. Flip surgery

    Answers
    1. All of the above. Pregnancy, menopause, or any other condition that causes hormonal changes is a risk factor as is any type of malocclusion.
    2. All of the above. Note: some patients don’t see any symptoms.
    3. a,b,d.
    4. c.
    5. a,b,c.

    Fortunately, gum disease usually responds well to treatment, especially if caught early. If you haven’t visited David C. Montz DDS in Pearland in a while, or have been noticing problems with your gums or teeth, please schedule an appointment right away. We’ll check your gum health with our advanced Oral DNA testing. If necessary, we provide gum disease treatment. We also offer general dentistry.

    Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:

    832-895-5120

    Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

    2443 S Galveston Ave
    Pearland, Texas
    77581

     

    Regular Dental Floss v. Picks: Dental Health in Pearland

    Posted on
    Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental Implant, General Dentistry, Teeth Whitening

    are floss picks as good as regular floss? Friendswood

    Our patients sometimes ask whether there is much difference between floss picks and regular dental floss. At David C. Montez DDS in Pearland, we say that while it’s better to use a floss pick than to not floss at all, we wholeheartedly recommend traditional floss or dental tape for healthy teeth.

    A floss pick holds just a small length of floss, stretched in a straight line. But a tooth is rounded or oval, with occasional irregularities. Geometrically, a straight length of floss just doesn’t make sense because it doesn’t conform to the contours of the tooth as well as traditional floss.

    By wrapping traditional floss completely around a tooth, you can more effectively clean that vital area around and just below the gumline. And your fingers are much more nimble than a piece of plastic.

    We have seen dutiful floss pick users who nevertheless developed decay due to a hairline crack the floss pick missed day after day.

    Here is a review on proper flossing:

    • Cut a strip of floss about 18 inches long and securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
    • Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with.
    • Thread the floss between two teeth.
    • Hold the floss tightly against the side of the tooth and move it up and away from the gumline. You want to clean the space between the tooth and gum without pulling more gum tissue away, so it’s important to scrape up and out of the pocket.
    • Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface – especially those that your brush can’t reach. You can use a “shoeshine” method if you like. As you use a section of floss, unwind from one hand to access a clean piece. With 18 inches, you should have enough to provide a clean length for each tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new piece.
    • Some people find it more straightforward to begin on one end of the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side, and then repeat for the lower arch. Whatever method you select, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the rear molars.

    If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times. The bleeding may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding ordinarily stops within a week or two.

    The team at David C. Montz DDS in Pearland are concerned about the dental health of each of our patients. We provide general and cosmetic dentistry, as well as procedures like teeth whitening and dental implants.

    Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:

    832-895-5120

    Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

    2443 S Galveston Ave
    Pearland, Texas
    77581

     

    Comprehensive Cosmetic Dentistry In Pearland

    Posted on
    Categories: Cosmetic bonding, Cosmetic Dentistry, Invisalign, Porcelain Veneers, Sedation Dentistry, Teeth Whitening

    Comprehensive Esthetic Dentistry At David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates - Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

    If you want a movie star smile, David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates in Pearland can explain your cosmetic dentistry options.

    Whether you have damaged teeth, aging enamel, or teeth that need aligning or whitening, we can address your problem areas, provide you with an overall assessment, and discuss the treatments that are best for you.

    A smile makeover usually involves two or more procedures, which may include dental veneers, dental implants, cosmetic bonding, and teeth whitening or bleaching.

    Sometimes the initial examination reveals dental treatments that are necessary to correct other problems, such as bite alignment. In such cases, Invisalign clear braces may be an unobtrusive option.

    Visit our smile gallery for some before-and-after images of our cosmetic dentistry at work.

    David C. Montz has years of experience in CEREC dental crowns and sedation dentistry, helping our Pearland patients leave our office with more confidence and a smile they are proud to show off.

    Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:

    832-895-5120

    Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

    2443 S Galveston Ave
    Pearland, Texas
    77581

     

    Teeth Whitening For A Whiter Pearland Smile

    Posted on
    Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Whitening

    Pearland Tooth Whitening For Whiter Smiles Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures in Pearland. It comes with a lot of options. How do you decide which one is best for you?

    Visiting David C. Montz DS, PA & Associates is a good start! We’ll recommend teeth whitening procedures based on your age, dental hygiene, existing dental work, and personal goals.

    Most importantly, we can help you assess the condition of your teeth and understand how to care for them once they are whitened.

    Now, about those whitening options: they range from procedures you can do at home, to professional in-office whitening. The one best for you can depend on many factors, starting with the color of your teeth and how white you want them to be.

    Consulting with us before you begin has several advantages. They include our professional care, experienced advice, and reliable recommendations for which procedure is best for you.

    If you are contemplating teeth whitening in Pearland, come in and meet with us for just a few minutes. We’ll discuss your goals, your options, and the results you can expect. You will be much happier with your results with the advantage of professional advice.

    Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:

    832-895-5120

    Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

    2443 S Galveston Ave
    Pearland, Texas
    77581

     

    Dental Anxiety? Try Sedation Dentistry in Pearland

    Posted on
    Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

    Pearland teeth bleaching best price

    Do you worry about seeing the dentist? Does your anxiety level start to rise, even when you set up an appointment? David C. Montrz, DDS, PA & Associates in Pearland have a solution: sedation dentistry.

    Most of us get at least a little nervous before an appointment. For some people it’s more than that. It may be because you suspect you have new cavities, or worry about the idea of drilling, but for such patients, the anxiety is in overdrive. With sedation dentistry at our Pearland or Friendswood office, we’ll put you at ease.

    There are several options.

    1. Nitrous Oxide

    This is what is commonly known as laughing gas, and it’s been in use at dental offices across America for more than a hundred years. Once it’s administered, probably won’t make you laugh (you never know, though), but most patients are put at ease within a few minutes. Afterward, it wears off quickly and there are no side effects, so you’ll be able to drive yourself home.

    2. Oral Conscious Sedation

    For patients who need a little more than laughing gas, the next level is oral conscious sedation. We prescribe a sedative that you take an hour before your scheduled appointment. Most patients are awake through the entire procedure but don’t remember anything. Since this is the next level of sedation, it’s more powerful – and you’ll need a ride back home.

    3. IV Sedation

    IV Sedation is for those patients with dental phobia, have a medical issue, or want to complete a series of treatments in a single visit. At this level, the patient is completely out. It is administered by professionals and is perfectly safe, but again, you will need a ride home when it’s over.

    Our practice has created a special website devoted to sedation dentistry, and it should answer all of your questions:

    DentalSedationHouston.com

    At David C. Montrz, DDS, PA & Associates, we also practice general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Call today to see what we can do for you.

    Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:

    832-895-5120

    Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

    2443 S Galveston Ave
    Pearland, Texas
    77581

     

    Dental Bridge vs Dental Implant

    Posted on
    Categories: Dental Implant

    Attention Pearland Replace Your Dental Bridge Before You Lose TeethHello Pearland visitors, welcome to David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry. Let’s talk about a tooth replacement option common in Houston: dental bridges.

    While dental bridges have restored smiles for thousands of Houston dental patients, they are not problem free. Many Texas people with dental bridges find it impossible to keep the small areas around the bridge clean. This is not surprising because it is hard to get toothbrush bristles or dental floss under the bridge.

    Of course harmful bacteria has no trouble moving in and taking over without the Pearland dental patient even knowing it. When the decay reaches the roots of the surrounding teeth, it is not only painful, the person is at risk of losing those teeth also.

    That is one reason why a dental implant is superior to a dental bridge. Most Houston people with missing teeth are great candidates for dental implants.

    A dental implant looks just like the beautiful tooth restoration on a high-quality dental bridge, but the important part is what you don’t see.

    A dental implant is screwed directly into the jaw bone. It is not attached to teeth like the dental bridges traditionally used in Houston. In a way, a dental implant is a more conservative tooth replacement because it leaves the adjacent teeth intact. The bone and gum tissue mesh permanently with the titanium post that serves as the replacement tooth root.

    Dental implants do not have the same decay risk as the teeth that anchor dental bridges. Of course patients with dental implants need to brush and floss, but cleaning a dental implant is usually no more difficult than cleaning a normal tooth.

    Dental implants have a far better track record in Texas than dental bridges. With proper care, a dental implant can last a lifetime for smile-smart Houston dental patients.

     

    At David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, dental implants can replace one or more teeth providing stability, beauty, and natural function.  Furthermore, they can also serve as anchors for full or partial dentures. No more embarrassing slipping!

    If you want more details about dental implants, I invite you to call David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry at 832-895-5120. I am Dr. David C. Montz. Call today to schedule a dental implant consultation. A remarkable smile can be yours with dental implants.

    Ask us about dental financing options.

     

    Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:

    832-895-5120

    Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

    2443 S Galveston Ave
    Pearland, Texas
    77581

     

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