Dental Health

Taking a Look at Dental Health in Pearland

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, Oral Health

dental health in pearland Dentists in Pearland are dedicated to your oral health and care about the condition of your teeth. At Montz and Maher Dental Group we recognize that your teeth help you to eat and speak. You use your teeth to tear, scrape, and chew food, as well as to form words with your tongue.

Importance of Dental Health in Pearland

Healthy teeth and gums are an important component of complete physical and mental health. An unhealthy smile can erode confidence, cause embarrassment, and make eating and speaking difficult. At our practice, we want to help keep your mouth and teeth healthy so that they don’t adversely affect your health in any way.

We humans have two sets of teeth in our lifetime. The first set is called your ‘primary teeth’, which many people around Pearland often call ‘baby teeth’. Baby teeth typically start to come in at about 6 months old. An average healthy mouth for a Pearland resident has a total of 20 primary teeth by about age 5.

Your primary teeth will eventually fall out and new teeth, known as ‘permanent teeth’, will grow in. Permanent teeth typically begin to come in around age 6 for most Pearland residents, but every person is unique and it could be a little earlier or later. By about age 13 an average healthy mouth should have 28 of the total 32 permanent teeth. The last four permanent teeth may or may not come, but typically come in between the ages of 17 and 21 if they do. Because of the late age that these last teeth come in, they are commonly called ‘wisdom teeth’.

Dealing with Wisdom Teeth

Many adults have their wisdom teeth pulled out because these teeth can be problematic to your dental health in Pearland, such as crowding the mouth. Other adults in the Pearland keep these teeth because they are not causing problems. If you are concerned about the state of your wisdom teeth you can visit our local Pearland office and we can help you make this critical decision.

Caring for all of your teeth is necessary for your dental health in Pearland, so never ignore signs of pain or discomfort. Let your Pearland dentist help you keep your smile healthy and happy.

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

 

Advanced Dental Technology in Pearland: Give Me Some Air

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Categories: Dental Health, Dental Technology, General Dentistry

Dental Technology in Pearland How long have dentists been drilling teeth? Would you believe 9,000 years? In an ancient graveyard in Pakistan, archaeologists discovered skulls containing teeth that had been subjected to drilling. The stone-age dentists removed decay using drills constructed of sharpened flint.

Though advanced dentistry would not be possible without drilling, the whine of a dental drill can make many patients’ hearts pound. However, with the available dental technology in Pearland, there is another way cosmetic dentists can remove dental cavities.

We’ve Come A Long Way

This treatment is known as air abrasion or drill-less dentistry. An air abrasion instrument removes material by spraying miniature aluminum oxide particles onto the tooth. The particles work like a sandblaster spraying away the affected tooth structure.

The many merits of this dental technology in Pearland make it a popular procedure for dentists and patients alike. Because air abrasion is typically free of pain, the necessity for anesthesia is reduced. The air abrasion instrument does not create vibrations or pressure.

Patients Love It!

Patients welcome the fact that air abrasion instruments don’t produce that whiny sound that rings in your ears and makes your palms sweat. Because of this dental technology in Pearland,  dentists have found a reliable way to treat young patients or those with dental anxiety. Air abrasion is frequently quicker and more exact than traditional drilling, leaving more of the healthy tooth intact.

At David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we practice anxiety-free dentistry. If you would like to learn more about air abrasion or dental sedation, call us at 832-895-5120.  The friendly staff at David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry is enthusiastic about your comfort and satisfaction. If you’re interested, we also offer other services such as dental veneers and restorative 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

 

3 Reasons Not To Skip A Checkup With A Pearland Dentist

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

cosmetic dental Pearland dentist

Life can get busy in Pearland. Sometimes it seems impossible to keep up with everything you need to do. At David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we understand that. But we encourage you to think twice before you cancel or postpone a dental checkup with a Pearland Dentist because you think it’s less important than the other twenty things on your to-do list.

Twice-yearly dental exams are indispensable for keeping your smile in prime shape! “But my teeth feel fine.” We’ve heard this excuse before. The fact is that no news isn’t necessarily good news. Dental problems can be progressing without you being aware of it.

  • 1. Your Gums May Be Receding – Gum recession doesn’t happen all at once. Gum tissue can move back almost imperceptibly until teeth and bone are in jeopardy.
  • 2. Decay May Be Lurking – When the acids in plaque start drilling into a tooth, we usually don’t feel it until it has passed through the enamel and dentin and hits the nerve. Ouch! By that time, there is a crater in the tooth. Regular cleanings with you Pearland Dentist can remove plaque before it can do any damage to your teeth.
  • 3. Prevent Oral Cancer – About 50,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Dr. Montz will screen for oral cancer during your exam. As with all types of cancer, early diagnosis is essential.

After your entire mouth has been examined, Dr. Montz will detail what is needed moving forward. Whether that’s flossing more often or discussing major fixes such as braces, we will make certain that you get all the information you need to ensure your smile is bright and beautiful! Scheduling twice-yearly exams with your preferred Pearland Dentist, David C. Montz at David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry, will ensure you avoid severe dental problems. We offer services such as restorative dentistry, dental implants, and six-month-smiles.

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

 

Oral Health in Pearland: Persistent Dry Mouth Causing Trouble?

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Gum health

oral health in pearland

Many residents in our Pearland community experience dry mouth occasionally. Some develop dry mouth in social situations or when they are under a lot of stress. Sporadic or infrequent dry mouth is usually not a serious issue. Constant dry mouth, or xerostomia, is not only irritating, it can lead to problems with oral health in Pearland.

Saliva to the Rescue

Your saliva plays a vital role in maintaining your health. One of its roles is to help digest your food. The moment food enters your mouth, saliva starts breaking it down, so your body can metabolize it. If you don’t produce enough saliva to complete this task your body may not be getting vital nutrients needed to maintain oral health in Pearland.

Saliva also functions as a disinfectant by cleansing the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This helps prevent tooth decay and infections. Many Pearland residents don’t realize that many of the foods we eat are very acidic and our saliva helps to counteract those acids in our mouths.

Causes of Dry Mouth

At Montz and Maher Dental Group we recommend that our patients cut back on caffeine in such drinks as cola, coffee, and tea to improve their oral health in Pearland. Not only do these beverages stain and discolor your teeth, the caffeine can contribute to dry mouth. We also recommend drinking water throughout the day to make sure you are adequately hydrated. Tobacco and alcohol can also contribute to dry mouth. Consult your physician if you are taking medication that is causing your dry mouth. Dry mouth is not a natural part of aging, so call your dentist today and schedule an appointment if your dry mouth is getting worse as you grow older.

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

 

Saliva And Dental Health in Manvel

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Saliva And dental health in manvelToday in our dental blog, we consider the importance of your saliva. Though most people may think it’s gross, saliva is critical for digestion and dental health in Manvel.

A Recipe for Success

Saliva is mostly water, but a small portion of it is made up of enzymes, antibacterial substances, mucus, and minerals. The ideal pH balance of the mouth is maintained by saliva, and pH balance is an important factor for preventing cavities.

The minerals in saliva help to maintain the enamel surface of the teeth. Immunoproteins in saliva curb the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth, thereby protecting the gums from gingivitis. Furthermore, saliva also protects your dental health in Manvel by preventing tooth decay.

Dry Mouth Can Ruin Dental Health in Manvel

Now that you know how vital saliva is to your dental health in Manvel, I’m sure you can see why sufficient salivary flow should concern you. For most men and women, everyday chewing is enough to stimulate salivary glands to release saliva. However, dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a condition that should be dealt with quickly before oral health problems transpire.

If you think you have xerostomia, schedule an appointment with our office today and we’ll give you an examination. Additionally, if you live in the Houston area and you’re looking for quality dental care, please contact my office today at 832-895-5120. We have been providing general and cosmetic dentistry in Pearland since 1997.

Our friendly staff would be happy to speak with you about our wide variety of services, such as sedation dentistry, CEREC dental crowns, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and the other treatments we provide to our valued patients.

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

 

Less is More With General Dentistry in Pearland Texas

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry

With General Dentistry in Pearland

There are compelling new developments in Texas dentistry: stronger, natural-looking materials; improved techniques; more effective diagnostic methods; and more precise instruments. Combine these with the experience and expertise of Dr. David C. Montz and you’re left with an advanced practice of general dentistry in Pearland.

Less Pain With General Dentistry in Pearland
Improved painkillers, lasers, and state-of-the-art techniques take the pain out of dental procedures.

Less Inconvenience With General Dentistry in Pearland
Laser dentistry, which employs powerful beams of light, has significantly minimized the time required to complete dental treatment.

Less Time Needed To Heal With General Dentistry in Pearland
Our practice uses the professional techniques to reduce recovery times for procedures such as dental implants, root canals, smile makeovers, and other types of oral surgery.

Less Risk With General Dentistry in Pearland
The overall success rate of many dental procedures, including dental implants, has increased. You leave our office without ever worrying about a crown popping loose.

Less Loss of Healthy Tooth Structure With General Dentistry in Pearland
Dental procedures such as decay removal, inlays, porcelain veneers, and crown restoration can be performed with less loss of healthy tooth structure. We never want our patients to feel like they sacrificed healthy teeth for their improved smile.

David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, is a reputable local practice located in Pearland. We are currently accepting new Houston area patients to our state-of-the-art facility. We offer advanced cosmetic dental procedures and general dentistry in Pearland. Ask us about teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, sedation dentistry and CEREC dental crowns. We look forward to meeting you. Call us today at 832-895-5120 to schedule an exam, cleaning or consultation.

Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates:

832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2443 S Galveston Ave
Pearland, Texas
77581

 

5 Simple Ways To Avoid A Cracked Tooth in Pearland

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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

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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

 

Regular Dental Floss v. Picks: Dental Health in Pearland

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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