Family Dentistry

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

When Mommy Is Scared Of The Dentist

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Categories: Family Dentistry

sleep dentistry Houston

If you are dreading some upcoming dental treatment, you may want to consider oral conscious sedation. First off, oral conscious sedation or sleep dentistry is perfectly safe. At David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we have been providing sedation since 1997. We offer different levels of sedation and a choice of medication including oral analgesics, laughing gas, and IV sedation.

When choosing a type of sedation, it is helpful to consider the type of anxiety (fear of immobility, fear of loss of control, fear of pain, etc), the specific procedure(s) you will undergo, the length of time needed to complete the treatment, past experiences during treatment, and any complicating health issues. Call 832-895-5120 to schedule a consultation with Dr. David C. Montz to discuss your options.

Perhaps you have a dentist-wary child who needs treatment. For simple dental procedures, topical anesthetics are applied to the gums and other tissues reducing sensation. If your child requires more sedation, laughing gas and general anesthesia are both safe options.

Perhaps Mommy is the one who is anxious about her child undergoing dental work. Sorry – we can’t sedate you while your child is being treated – but you can take comfort in the fact that we take excellent care of our youngest patients. We make sure they are comfortable, relaxed, and understand exactly what is going to happen. Our team of child-friendly dental professionals have been putting children at ease since 1997.

Regular dental check-ups are important for your child’s lifelong oral health, so it is important that your child has a positive experience during dental visits. If possible, don’t let your child know that you have dental anxiety. If he/she already knows, explain why your fears are unreasonable and why you are having treatment regardless of your anxiety. Show them how brave Mommy is because she wants healthy teeth.

David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry offers full-service dental care including porcelain veneers, sleep apnea, and sedation dentistry. Thanks for visiting our blog. Check back for more helpful dental information from David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry 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

 

Has Your Child Visited A Dentist?

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Categories: Family Dentistry

Pearland Family Dentistry

Hello Texas! Today’s David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry blog is for new Pearland, Friendswood, Alvin, and Manvel parents. We know that your child’s health and safety is your top priority. That’s why you baby-proof your home, serve healthy foods, and buckle them tightly in their car seat before you pull out of your driveway.

I’m Dr. David C. Montz. I want to remind Pearland parents that oral health is an intrinsic component of overall health. Teeth and gum condition can affect speech development, nutrition, and self-confidence. From birth, there are important things parents can do to promote healthy teeth – even before your son’s or daughter’s first tooth erupts.

At David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we maintain a kid-friendly environment so our youngest patients look forward to dental check-ups and never develop the fear of dentists that was more common in generations past. I love working with you and your child to ensure a healthy smile for life and I can assure you that my friendly staff will help your child have a positive experience.

We recommend bringing your child in for a first exam before age one, or when their first tooth erupts. During the visit, we can discuss pediatric dental issues such as fluoride treatments, brushing and flossing techniques, orthodontia, and dental sealants. Dental sealants are composed of a plastic material that is applied to children’s teeth. The sealants bond to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, mainly in the pits and fissures and protects the enamel against acids and plaque.

Pearland children’s dentists also advise Texas parents about pacifier use, thumb-sucking and other habits that can affect your child’s tooth development and oral health. Remember to call us immediately at 832-895-5120 if your child (or any member of your family) experiences a tooth injury.

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Houston Dental Patients, Take Care Of Your Toothbrush!

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Categories: Family Dentistry

Houston Dental Patients Take Care Of Your Toothbrush!

The common household toothbrush. Every Pearland home has at least one, and hopefully all Pearland residents are brushing their teeth after each meal. While cosmetic dentistry and a complete smile makeover seem to be all the rage these days, daily brushing is still the most important thing you can do for your oral health.

It has been said that each toothbrush can contain millions of bacteria. But don’t worry, those bacteria come from our mouths, which harbor equal amounts of bacteria. For a person with a healthy immune system, these bacteria pose no threat.

However, a few common sense tips might keep any unnecessary germs from affecting the toothbrushes of Friendswood, Alvin, and Manvel dental patients.

First, be sure to store your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible, and close the toilet lid before flushing. Each flush of the toilet releases a spray of bacteria into the air, so it’s best to just eliminate the spray.

Next, since bacteria like a moist environment, store your toothbrush upright and without a travel case so that it can dry completely between uses.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Brushing and flossing are the key to good oral health, and doing both each day will keep Houston dental patients’ risk for gun disease, cavities, and bad breath low.

Keep your smile bright by visiting David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry regularly and practicing proper oral hygiene.

Dr. David C. Montz has been a dentist in the Pearland area since 1997. We can answer any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and clear braces.

Call to schedule an appointment today!

Preventative Maintenance For Your Irreplaceable Smile In Pearland

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Categories: Family Dentistry

Preventative Maintenance For Your Irreplaceable Smile In Pearland

Hi, I’m David C. Montz of David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry. If you are one of my existing patients, welcome back. If this is your first visit, I appreciate you stopping by.

My friendly team and I love taking care of our admired Pearland, Friendswood, Alvin, and Manvel patients.

Today’s article is for Houston smiles that are overdue for a cleaning and exam.

During dental deep cleanings, our hygienists thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. By scaling and planing, they remove areas where bacteria can easily multiply. We are dedicated to preventative dentistry to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. If you are due for a cleaning, call us today at 832-895-5120 to schedule.

After your teeth have been cleaned, I perform a thorough examination. I check for overall tooth and gum health, the presence of cavities, gum pocket depth, bite issues, and signs of oral cancer.

Some people mistakenly believe that they can skip dental visits if they don’t notice anything out of the ordinary. This attitude is risky. Many dental issues advance silently. When the patient experiences pain, much damage has been done. Gum disease, especially, often progresses unnoticed.

If you don’t have dental insurance, ask us about dental financing options. It is far less costly to prevent dental problems than to treat them after they have become severe.

Dr. David C. Montz has been a dentist in the Pearland area since 1997. We can answer any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and clear braces.

Dr. David C. Montz
David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry
2443 S Galveston Ave

5 Benefits Of Preventive Dentistry For Houston Kids

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Categories: Family Dentistry

Manvel Pediatric and Cosmetic Dentistry

At David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Pearland, we promote preventative dental care by developing decay prevention plans and helping our patients establish and maintain proper dental practices. If today’s Pearland kids can avoid tooth decay, they can save themselves more than you may realize.

1) A healthy mouth equals better overall health and well-being.
Maintaining optimum oral health puts Houston children at a lower risk for diabetes and heart disease.

2) A beautiful, healthy smile boost confidence and self-esteem for Pearland children.

3) By keeping teeth and gums healthy, Pearland children can save thousands on restorative dental work as adults.

4) Strong teeth help kids get proper nutrition. Tooth decay makes eating difficult.

5) Proper dental hygiene beginning at birth and twice-yearly exams commencing at age 2 promote normal speech development. (The American Dental Association recommends toddler dental visits to begin at age 2.)

If you are looking for an experienced family dentist in the Houston area, we invite you to call David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Pearland at 832-895-5120. Our friendly team ensures that dental visits are pleasant and comfortable for our patients of all ages.

If you have a toddler that has not yet visited a dentist, call today to schedule an examination. Proper dental care is just as important as immunizations,  nutrition, and medical care.