Dental Health

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

 

Cosmetic Dentistry vs. General Dentistry

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Pearland Cosmetic Dentistry Hello, I’m Dr. David C. Montz. Welcome to my Pearland cosmetic dentistry blog. Today’s article focuses on the difference between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.

General dentists in Pearland are dedicated to preventing and treating oral disease such as cavities and gum disease. When a problem is diagnosed, let’s say, a cavity between two teeth, a general dentist will assess the best way to restore the tooth involved.

Pearland cosmetic dentists perform elective dental procedures that make a smile more attractive. Cosmetic dentistry procedures available at David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Pearland include teeth whitening, tooth-colored fillings, dental bonding, veneers, inlays, onlays, and dental crowns.

Some Pearland dentists, like myself, offer both general and cosmetic dentistry procedures. In some cases, there is a cosmetic component to restorative procedures. For example, if a Pearland dental patient comes in after receiving an injury that chipped a front tooth, the tooth needs to be restored to prevent decay. The tooth is also less structurally sound, so it is vulnerable to further damage. In addition, the tooth affects the overall appearance of the smile. Depending on the specifics of the damage, there are several restorative options. Dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and crowns are all used to repair a damaged tooth.

As you can see, there is not always a definitive line between general and cosmetic dentistry. At David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, my friendly team provides a full spectrum of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental procedures. We treat Houston area patients of all ages: from toddlers just beginning to get their baby teeth to mature patients who remember the days when many people were afraid of dentists and their whiny drills. (Some of our wonderful elderly Pearland patients have crowns that are twice as old as our hygienists.)

Experienced Pearland dental professionals who perform family, general, orthodontic, and cosmetic dental procedures can meet all of your family’s dental needs.

If you are looking for a full-service dental practice in the Houston area, I invite you to come into David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Pearland, We are located at 2443 S Galveston Ave . To schedule an oral examination or smile makeover consultation, call 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

 

The Future Of Tooth Decay In Pearland

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Categories: Dental Health

The Future Of Tooth Decay In Pearland

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

 

Toothbrush Wars In Pearland

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Categories: Dental Health

Toothbrush Wars in Houston

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

 

3 Ways To Keep Your Mouth Happy!

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Categories: Dental Health

Pearland Teeth Bleaching

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

 

Protect Those Nooks And Crannies

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Categories: Dental Health

dental sealants Pearland

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

 

Think You Know How To Brush? Think Again.

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Categories: Dental Health

Pearland tooth brushing tips

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