Dental Health

Dental patients may wonder what would happen if they didn’t seek quality dental care on a regular basis. The answer isn’t pretty.

A common result of untreated cavities are abscesses. A tooth abscess is an infection near the root of the tooth or between the gum and the tooth. This collection of pus can be very uncomfortable, either causing a shooting pain or a dull throbbing pain. You may also experience bad breath, fever, swollen neck glands, and feelings of general discomfort associated with the infection.

Tooth abscesses can also be caused by a chip or a crack in the tooth that allows bacteria to enter.

To avoid unpleasant dental problems like abscesses, have regular visits with your dentist. With daily brushing and flossing and regular check-ups and cleanings, you can keep your mouth in peak health.

If you are looking for quality dental care in the Pearland area, come visit us here at David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry. Dr. David C. Montz has been a dentist in Pearland since 1997.

We can also answer any questions you have about smile makeover procedures such as dental crowns, veneers, teeth whitening, dental bonding, gum countouring, and dental implants.

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

sedation dentistry
CEREC dental crowns
porcelain veneers
teeth whitening

Call 832-895-5120 to schedule an appointment!

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

It may surprise you to know that some people have very strong opinions about which type of toothbrush is the best: manual or electric. Is there really one that is clearly better?

Most cosmetic dentists will tell you that all toothbrushes, when used correctly, are effective in removing plaque and that choosing which kind you like is really up to you.

Today in the Pearland dental blog, we want to give you some extra information about toothbrushes to help you pick which kind is right for you or your child.

You need to consider cost and convenience. Some argue that even though electric toothbrushes are more pricey, you’ll save on dental bills. However, there are no definitive studies to back up this claim.

Manual toothbrushes are easy to find, whereas not all drugstores carry all types of electric toothbrushes. This can be difficult when buying replacement heads. People who travel may find that a smaller, manual toothbrush is easier to pack (and batteries are not required).

The pressure you put on your gums with either type of toothbrush is essential. Some say that it’s difficult to know how much pressure to use with electric toothbrushes, while others say that, because of the quick electrical movements, they tend to be more gentle on their gums than when they use manual brushes. You may want to try them both to see what your brushing style is and discuss it with your dentist.

Special consideration should be taken for people with arthritis. Most dentists advise their elderly and arthritic patients to use electric toothbrushes when their manual dexterity is diminished.

As for children, once they are old enough, an electric toothbrush may be preferable, but safety should always be the first concern for parents. Make sure you look for the ADA seal on any dental product you buy. Whichever type of toothbrush you choose, make sure you get soft bristles and replace it every three to four months.

I’m Dr. David C. Montz and I want to thank you for visiting my Pearland dental blog. If you are looking for friendly dental care, tooth whitening, or cosmetic dentistry in or around Houston or Pearland, give us a call at 832-895-5120.

The following online article was used as source material for this blog: Brichford, Connie, “Choosing a Toothbrush: Manual vs. Electric,” WebMD, http://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/101/manual-v-electric-which-is-the-better-brush.aspx, accessed on November 29, 2011

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

Hi. I’m Dr. David C. Montz, an experienced dentist here in Pearland. It is my goal to help my patients have optimum oral health, and today I would like to talk about something else associated with our mouths that doesn’t get as much attention as cavities or cosmetic dentistry: it’s our sense of taste.

A happy mouth is not only a healthy mouth, but also a mouth that can enjoy the flavors of all types of foods. And it turns out that many of the habits that will keep your taste buds sensitive are those that will also be good for your teeth and gums. So here are a few tips to help you better enjoy the flavor of your food.

1) Treat dry mouth. Dry mouth can create a loss of taste sensitivity, so it should be treated quickly. Plus, optimal levels of saliva are important to avoid cavities and keep gums healthy.

2) Avoid processed foods with fake flavors and too much sugar and salt. They will quickly desensitize you to more subtle, healthy flavors.

3) Don’t smoke! Cigarettes are responsible for so many horrible health issues, but many people don’t realize that their sense of taste is dulled while they smoke and the olfactory nerves can even be damaged permanently.

Thank you so much for visiting the Pearland dentist blog. Along with dental health and a keen sense of taste, I want my patients to have the beautiful smile they have always desired. So, if you have any questions regarding cosmetic dentistry such as smile makeovers, dental implants or teeth whitening, please contact us. We are located at 2443 S Galveston Ave  and you can reach us for an appointment at 832-895-5120.

Call a member of our friendly staff 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

Dr. David C. Montz is passionate about the prevention of dental caries, which is the foundation for a healthy and beautiful smile. Preventative dentistry – brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings with a dental hygienist – are crucial for keeping your smile bright and free of cavities. There are some places, however, where enamel degeneration can occur even with dedicated oral hygiene.

The very back of the mouth, where the premolars and molars are, is the most challenging area to brush and floss. Deep pits in molars and spaces between teeth are the perfect environment for dental caries to flourish. Food and bacteria that is lodged in pits of molars and spaces between teeth create acid that has direct contact with tooth enamel and immediately goes to work.

While brushing frequently is essential, an additional safeguard against dental caries is the application of dental sealants. Dental sealants are a plastic barrier that Dr. Montz can apply. The sealants are placed over the top of each tooth, to prevent bacteria and plaque having direct contact with the tooth.

Many Pearland parents obtain sealants for their children and teens, and many adults in the Houston area are having them applied to help fight dental caries and protect enamel. After sealants are applied, they will be examined at each visit and reapplied as required.

Are they cost-effective? Sealants are relatively inexpensive initially and downright cheap when you consider the cost of filling cavities and restorative procedures that may be needed in the future. Sealants may be the best investment you ever make in your child’s smile.

To maintain a healthy smile, follow these important steps:

Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush that is replaced every few months
Brush with ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste after each meal
Eat a diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and low fat protein sources.
Limit or avoid sugary foods and drinks, especially soda and hard or chewy candy
Visit Dr. Montz at least once a year and have your teeth cleaned and examined
Consider having sealants to help protect the enamel in the hard-to-clean places

People all over the Houston area trust us for their family’s dental care. We specialize in sedation dentistry, CEREC dental crowns and porcelain veneers.

Call today for an appointment at 832-895-5120 and trust the friendly team at David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry to help keep you smiling.

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

You’ve been doing it since you were five. You switch to auto pilot morning and night and get it done. But are you doing it right?

Actually, many people are making tooth brushing mistakes. You may need to tweak your routine to better benefit your oral health and guard your smile from tooth decay and gum disease.

Here are vital tooth brushing tips:

1. Take your time.
It’s understandable. You want to get it over with and go to bed. Proper teeth cleaning takes time and careful attention. Time yourself the next time you brush – you might be surprised at how quickly you finish. The process should take at least take two to three minutes. It can also be helpful to take a different route around your mouth every few days. By changing your pattern, you approach areas from a different, and possibly, better angle.

2. Don’t forget to floss.
No matter how agile you can be with your brush, it’s difficult to remove the plaque from all those narrow gaps between your teeth. That is where bacteria can easily multiply and start the decay process.

3. Use the right toothbrush.
It is ironic that some people impair their enamel or gums because they brush too vigorously with an inflexible brush. Dr. Montz counsels patients to only use a soft brush. If you’ve had gum grafts, you may want to use an extra soft brush.

4. Don’t keep your tooth brush near the toilet.
This is terrible to think about, but each time the toilet is flushed, bacteria is sent far into the air – even if you close the lid. Keep your toothbrush in a clean place and allow it to air dry.

5. Use fluoride toothpaste.
This may seem like a no-brainer but you may be surprised that some oral care products don’t contain fluoride. And you may think it’s only for children. Not true. Your enamel is continually under assault from acidic foods and drinks and fluoride helps it remineralize.

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

Hello, I’m David C. Montz of David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry. Manvel parents usually know the basics on children’s oral health: limit sugar, make sure they brush and floss regularly, take them to the dentist for twice-yearly exams and cleanings, discourage between-meal snacking, see that they get enough calcium and Vitamin D, etc. Many Texas parents also give their kids fluoride supplements if their municipal water supply has an inadequate level of fluoride.

Is there anything else a concerned Manvel parent can do to promote children’s oral health? Yes! Have children use an oral rinse that contains fluoride.

Fluoride supplements help strengthen teeth that are still forming, but fluoride rinses help teeth that have already come in. A fluoride rinse is an added measure of protection.

I recommend Texas children use an oral rinse after they brush and floss. They should swish it around in their mouth for thirty seconds or so, and then spit it out. (Make sure your child doesn’t swallow it!) This should be the last substance in their mouth before they go to bed. The fluoride will remain on the teeth and help prevent new cavities from forming. It can also help stop any demineralization that has already begun by accumulating in the tiny fissures and fortifying the enamel.

At David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we focus on preventative dentistry for Houston families. We believe that today’s Texas children can enjoy healthy teeth for life.

In addition to all general dentistry procedures, we also offer complete smile makeovers. If you are interested in transforming your entire smile with precision cosmetic dentistry, call us at 832-895-5120 to schedule an appointment.

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

Today in our Pearland dental blog we will highlight some of the simple things you can do with your toothbrush to keep your mouth as clean and healthy as possible.

One of the most important habits Houston residents can form is to always allow their toothbrush to completely air dry between uses. The best way to let the toothbrush air dry is by placing it in a toothbrush holder on the counter with the bristles pointing up. This method of storage is much better than sticking it away in a drawer, since it will take longer to dry in there.

Also, when you travel away from the Friendswood, Alvin, or Manvel area, make sure your toothbrush is dry before you seal it away in a travel container.

A good strategy for Pearland residents to make sure their toothbrush has ample time to dry is to buy two toothbrushes at your Houston drugstore. Then alternate between the two so each has time to fully dry out between uses.

And Houston dental patients should remember to replace their toothbrush (or toothbrushes) every 3-4 months, or sooner if they’ve had a cold!

Hi. I’m Dr. David C. Montz, a dentist in Pearland. I want my patients to have the best oral health possible. At David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry we offer the following services:

Sedation dentistry
CEREC dental crowns
Porcelain veneers
Teeth whitening

We are currently accepting new Houston patients and the friendly staff here would be happy to answer any questions you have about teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, or other cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Why should everyone in Pearland brush at least twice a day? Let’s take a look at why this is so important.

Brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent decay.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and carefully flossing removes the food from our teeth and inhibits the build up of plaque. If we let food stay on our teeth, the starches in the food will mix with the plaque. This nasty mixture forms an acid which immediately starts drilling into the enamel to form cavities. Brushing can’t get all the spaces between your teeth, so you’ve got to floss also.

Brushing and flossing keeps gums and bone healthy.

If you let gum disease go untreated, you can lose teeth that are cavity-free!

The progression of gum disease (gingivitis) goes like this:

1. Plaque build-up irritates gums.
2. Irritated gums pull away from teeth.
3. Bacteria multiplies in the spaces between the gum and tooth.
4. The bone holding the tooth is eaten by the bacteria.
5. Say goodbye to the tooth.

The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed if detected early.

Call David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry at 832-895-5120 to schedule a gum disease evaluation at our office in Pearland.

Do you suspect that you have bad breath? I’m David C. Montz of David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, a full-service dental office in Pearland, Texas. I help our dental patients diagnose and overcome this unpleasant, bothersome, and potentially embarrassing condition.

Halitosis is caused by the bacteria that live on and around your teeth, gums, and tongue. Breath mints and mouthwashes do not cure bad breath, they only mask the symptoms. Proper oral hygiene can cure many cases of bad breath. However, in some cases, bad breath is caused by more serious health matters. Sinus and tonsil infections, acid reflux, ulcers, diabetes, hypoglycemia, kidney malfunction, and eating disorders are just some of the troubles that can cause bad breath.

If you have bad breath, the first thing to do is make sure you are cleaning your teeth, gums, and tongue thoroughly. This does not mean you should brush as long and forcefully as possible. Brushing too vigorously is harmful to gums and contributes to gum recession. At David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we help patients of all ages learn safe and effective brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning methods.

And don’t forget regular professional cleanings. Our friendly dental hygienists are trained in the latest and most effective deep-cleaning procedures. Your teeth feel so good after being cleaned professionally!

To make an appointment for an exam, cleaning, or consultation, call 832-895-5120. Your teeth are too essential to neglect.