General Dentistry

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

 

Test Your Knowledge: Gum Disease in Pearland

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

gum disease treatment Pearland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2443 S Galveston Ave
Pearland, Texas
77581

 

Regular Dental Floss v. Picks: Dental Health in Pearland

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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

 

Dental Anxiety? Try Sedation Dentistry in Pearland

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

Pearland teeth bleaching best price

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

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

There are several options.

1. Nitrous Oxide

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

2. Oral Conscious Sedation

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

3. IV Sedation

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

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

DentalSedationHouston.com

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

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

832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2443 S Galveston Ave
Pearland, Texas
77581

 

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

 

Relax. It’s Not The End Of The World.

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Categories: General Dentistry

root canal sedation Pearland

Today’s David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry post addresses one of the most feared dental procedures: the infamous root canal. If you are told that you need a root canal, don’t panic. Your dentist recommends this procedure when it is better for your tooth than the alternatives.

A successful root canal (or endodontic treatment in dental-speak) can save a tooth and prevent the need for an extraction followed by a dental bridge, dental implant, or gap in your smile.

If, after a thorough evaluation, Dr. Montz determines that a tooth is going to need a root canal, Dr. Montz will explain the procedure and costs that are involved. Root canals are handled to save an infected tooth. If not treated, abscesses and complete tooth loss may occur.

During the procedure, your dentist will remove the nerve and pulp, and then clean and disinfect the interior of your tooth – the canal. The next step is filling and sealing the cleaned area with a special rubbery material, and then protecting the restored tooth with a crown or filling.

Root canals have the reputation of being painful, but this is not the case anymore. There are several effective pain management methods available today at David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry. From local painkillers and numbing agents to oral sedation, we will make sure you are comfortable during the procedure. Once the infected tissue is removed, your dentist will focus on helping the oral site heal, which may require another visit.

If you have a tooth that is bothering you, call Dr. Montz now at 832-895-5120 for an appointment.

If you are unfamiliar with our services at David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, be sure to visit our website at https://www.pearlandsmiles.com/about-us.html to get more details.  Dr. David C. Montz opened David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in 1997 here in the Pearland. Dr. Montz is well-known throughout the state of Texas as a provider of outstanding dental care, including sedation dentistry, CEREC dental crowns, and porcelain veneers.

In addition to general dentistry, we provide outstanding cosmetic dental services; everything from tooth whitening to complete smile transformations.

 

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

 

Don’t Bite The Dentist!

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Categories: General Dentistry

cosmetic dentistry Friendswood

Bite down hard, but not on Dr. Montz’s hand!

Do you find that biting down hard is painful or awkward? There are ways to find the source of the trouble and there are ways to make it right.

Let David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in Pearland, Texas help you with that everyday chewing luxury most of us take for granted. Let us get you back to chewing pleasurably every meal of the day.

As we examine your mouth and survey the damage, we will remain gentle and forthright. We can guarantee a wonderful view of our ceiling. And if you haven’t already, come check out our customer service. Call now while you’re thinking about it: 832-895-5120

David C. Montz DDS is a dental provider worthy of your trust. We offer cosmetic dentistry. When we schedule you for cosmetic dentistry, you can be secure and confident that we’ve got it handled. We also encourage our Houston friends to consider dental implants as an option with us.

Instead of the dentist, chew on that, 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

 

For A Healthier Smile, Stop Doing This

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Categories: General Dentistry

Pearland friendly family dentist

Chewing sugared gum all day.
Cavities, a sore jaw, or damaged bridgework may result. If you must chew, select gum with Xylitol.

Drinking soda and energy drinks.
These sugary, acidic beverages are uncommonly efficient at eroding enamel.

Chewing ice or hard candy.
Your enamel is quite strong. But so are ice and hard candy, and head-to-head, sometimes they win, resulting in a cracked tooth.

Skipping flossing.
Maybe you think brushing is sufficient. Following brushing with a careful flossing job cleans away bits of food and plaque between teeth.

Using a firm bristled toothbrush.
A soft bristled brush is the best tool for the job. Save your firm brush for cleaning the grout around your bathtub.

Delaying dental checkups.
Don’t wait until you have a problem. Call 832-895-5120 to book a thorough exam and the best deep dental cleaning you can get anywhere. Our exceptional hygienists really are the best!

Dr. David C. Montz has been providing first rate dental care in Pearland area since 1997. For more information on how to keep your smile healthy, 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

 

The Dream Of No Drill In Houston

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Categories: General Dentistry

The Dream Of No Drill In Houston

If you ask dental patients in the Friendswood, Alvin, and Manvel area what they hate the most about dental visits, chances are that they’ll mention the drill. Just the sound of it is enough to make people cringe.

Many residents of Pearland, Texas may wonder if there will ever be an alternative to the dreaded dental drill. Guess what? Now there is!

Drill-less dentistry is also known as air abrasion or microabrasion. Air abrasion can be used for common dental procedures such as removing tooth decay or preparing tooth surfaces for sealants or bonding. These instruments work like a little sandblaster that aim a fine stream of particles at the area that would normally be drilled. After the stream of particles strikes and removes the decay, the materials are suctioned out of the mouth.

Hi. I’m Dr. David C. Montz of Pearland. I want my patients to be aware of the latest dental technology available, especially as it pertains to cosmetic dentistry.

If you are in need of quality dental care in the Houston area, or if you are interested in a smile makeover, give David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry a call at 832-895-5120. We can answer any questions you have about teeth whitening, veneers, gum contouring, or dental implants.

Make your appointment today so your teeth can look and feel their best!

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