Graceful Smiles Dentistry | Dental Blogs

How Can Poor Oral Health Affect the Rest of the Body?

September 30, 2020September 29, 2020 by Admin

Oral health is extremely important for many reasons. If patients suffer from gum disease, cavities, or bad breath this can cause issues with your teeth and mouth. Our mouths are a pathway for bacteria to enter the body. The bacteria are able to enter the blood stream, and this can also cause infection or inflammation in other parts of our body.

Taking good care of your teeth and mouth can keep your body healthy, and can also help avoid serious issues in the future. At Graceful Smiles Dentistry in Richmond, TX, we encourage our patients to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. We also promote overall health and wellness. Our team cares about each patient, and keeping up with your oral health not only can keep your teeth and mouth feeling great, but your body feeling great also.

What Problems Can Occur From Poor Oral Health?

Respiratory Infections

If you have infected or inflamed gums that bacteria can transfer into the lungs. This can lead to respiratory infections, pneumonia, or even bronchitis.

Dementia

Inflamed gums can release substances that are harmful to our brain cells. This can lead to memory loss that is a result of bacteria spreading to the nerves.

Cardiovascular Disease

If you have poor oral health you are at risk for cardiovascular disease. The bacteria from the infected gums enters the bloodstream, and can cause the arteries to build up plaque. This can put you at risk for a heart attack.

Prostate Problems

If men suffer from periodontal disease they may have prostatitis. This condition causes irritation and other prostate related problems.

Diabetes

Diabetics are more likely to have infected gums over those that do not have diabetes. This can make diabetes difficult to control due to unregulated blood sugar levels. Gum disease can lead to higher blood sugar levels and this can put a person at risk for developing diabetes.

Infertility

Poor oral health and infertility in women are linked. If a woman suffers from gum disease this can lead to issues with infertility, and may make it difficult for a woman to conceive or have a healthy pregnancy.

Cancer

Poor oral health can put patients at risk for kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, or blood cancer. In addition if patients smoke or use tobacco products this can lead to oral or throat cancers.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

People who have gum disease are more likely to have Rheumatoid Arthritis. The bacteria in our mouths can increase inflammation in the body, and this increases the risk for developing Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a health problem that affects the kidneys, heart, bones, and blood pressure. Periodontal disease can lead to kidney disease. Patients with gum disease typically have weaker immune systems, and this can make them susceptible to infection. Many patients that have poor oral health also have kidney disease, and this can lead to kidney failure if not treated.

How Can I Prevent These Health Issues?

In order to prevent serious health issues caused by bad oral health habits you must take care of your oral health. Scheduling regular dental exams in our office can help keep your teeth and gums clean, and get in front of any issues before they arise. Dr. Elsa Mammen’s friendly Richmond dental team always put our patients first, and complete a thorough exam of your teeth and mouth to ensure everything is looking and feeling great. If we do have concerns, we will discuss those with you and develop a customized treatment plan to take care of any issues right away.

Tips for Good Oral Hygiene

Brush and floss your teeth daily
Avoid smoking or using any tobacco products
Use mouthwash that contains fluoride
Try and stay away from food and drinks that contain lots of sugar
Eat a well-balanced diet
Exercise and take care of your overall health

If you take care of your oral health, you take care of your body. Good oral hygiene can help prevent problems such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, as well as prevent more serious health issues in your body.

Looking for a Family Dentist Near You?

At Graceful Smiles Dentistry, we provide the highest level of dental care for patients of all ages. We welcome all new patients, and use state of the art technology to ensure our patients have an exceptional experience when visiting our office. If you are looking for a dentist near you, contact our dental office in Richmond, TX to schedule your next dental exam and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

Is Gum Disease Over if the Bleeding Stops?

September 1, 2020August 28, 2020 by Admin

If you have inflammation in your mouth or gums it may be time to consult with a Periodontist. Gum disease is one of the most common disease patients face today. This condition must be treated promptly to avoid receding gums, or even tooth loss. Attending regular visits to our office can help to prevent gum disease and get in front of any issues with your gums or teeth before they become worse. At Graceful Smiles Dentistry, we provide many periodontal treatment services for our patients including scaling and root planing in Richmond, TX.

If you have had previous treatment for gum disease, you may have had great results, and your gums have improved or stopped bleeding. Once you have suffered from gum disease, it is important to keep up with your oral hygiene and gum treatments, because gum bleeding and disease can reoccur. Brushing and flossing around the gums carefully at home help continue to keep your teeth and gum free of disease.

Learn more about our amazing dental practice in Richmond, TX!

How Do I Care for My Gums and Prevent Gum Disease from Returning?

Routine dental cleanings and periodontal treatment help to get rid of plaque and bacteria that cause gum disease to return or get worse. Scaling and root planing is a great technique to remove plaque and tarter, and also helps to smooth out the surface of your gums. This procedure shrinks periodontal pockets to prevent future bacteria from entering the area. Dr. Elsa Mammen, our dentist in Richmond, TX recommend patients come in for their regular dental exams twice a year, and for periodontal treatment at least once a year.

Keeping up with good oral hygiene is the most important part of preventing gum disease. Dr. Mammen recommends patients brush twice a day, and floss once a day. If you keep up with your oral hygiene you can reverse gum disease, and never have to deal with painful bleeding gums again. Attending your regular dental exams can help keep an eye on any developing periodontal pockets, and stop gum disease in its tracks.

Staying on top of your general health is also important. This includes avoiding alcohol or smoking, and staying away from sugary drinks. Taking care of both your oral and general health is imperative, to ensure your teeth and gums will last you a lifetime.

Our team at Graceful Smiles provides a detailed consultation process to examine your teeth and gums and determine if you can benefit from periodontal treatment. Our creates a customized treatment plan to help restore your gums and teeth and keep any signs of inflammation or gum disease from progressing further.

Looking for Gum Disease Treatment Near You?

Choosing the best option is important, and our team at Graceful Smiles Dentistry is here to help give you all of the options available to achieve that bright white smile. We welcome all patients, and strive to always provide quality service our patients can count on.

If you are interested in finding out more about gum disease treatments in Richmond, TX, please contact Dr. Elsa Mammen to schedule your consultation.

Is it Better to Get A Dental Implant or a Bridge?

September 1, 2020August 26, 2020 by Admin

When deciding on a restorative solution it is important to look at all of your options to help you decide on the best option that works for you. A common question patients face is if they should choose a dental bridge or dental implants when they are looking for a tooth replacement solution. Both are restorative solutions for missing teeth, and it is helpful to understand the differences.

At Graceful Smiles Dentistry in Richmond, TX, we provide our patients with a thorough consultation to examine their teeth & mouth and will discuss the differences between all of the restorative options available. Our staff works closely with our patients to help choose the best solution.

Dr. Elsa Mammen addresses a common question that patients raise at our dental office in Richmond, TX

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Bridges are anchored to one or more neighboring teeth also known as abutment teeth. Bridges can be supported by natural teeth or by dental implants. The false teeth are in-between and are called pontics.

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

During your first appointment at our dental office in Richmond, TX we prepare the neighboring teeth. The preparation for a bridge involves removing part of the enamel to allow room for the crown. The crowns are placed over the neighboring teeth. Impressions of your teeth are taken to make the bridge in the lab, and temporary bridges are used while you wait for your permanent bridge.

Patients return to the office, and we remove the temporary bridge to prepare for the permanent bridge. The new bridge is installed, and we check to make sure the bridge is comfortable, and the perfect fit. Patients may have to return to our office again to ensure the bridge is working well with your bite. Once we know the bridge fits properly we will cement the bridge in place.

How Long Will Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges last around 10-15 years. Bridges do involve using some of your natural teeth, and this can cause your bridge to fail over time. The teeth around the bridge are still vulnerable to decay and disease which can attribute to the life of the bridge. Patients must practice good oral hygiene habits at home to keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. Dr. Elsa Mammen, our dentist in Richmond, TX recommends brushing twice a day and flossing to ensure you carefully clean around both the false and natural teeth. Visiting our office regularly can help to keep your teeth clean, and your bridge looking and feeling great.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

Surgery is not required
Dental bridges tend to be less costly compared to implants
Jawbone density is not an issue with bridges
Overall the bridge procedure is less invasive compared to dental implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Implants are a permanent solution for patients that have missing, broken, or damaged teeth. They are durable, and act similar to a screw that is placed into the jawbone. The screw acts like an artificial tooth root, and provides a strong base for one or more artificial teeth. Implants require a healing period to give the implant time to fuse to the jawbone. This process allows the implant to function just like a natural tooth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants require multiple appointments in our dental clinic in Richmond, TX, and the process takes a few months. The first step involves placing the implant into the patient’s jawbone. Once this is done there is a healing period where we must give the implant time to fuse to the jawbone. This process is known as osseointegration.

Part of our implant evaluation process is to determine if the patient has adequate bone in the jaw to support the implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to give patients the bone required to provide the necessary support. Once the healing process is complete the patient returns to our office, and an abutment or connector is placed on top of the implants. This allows the crown to be secured to the implant. Custom crowns are made to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. Temporary crowns may be used while patients wait for the permanent crowns to be installed.

How Long Will Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are durable and last upwards of 25 years, or a lifetime if they are cared for properly. Implants are built out of titanium, and provide patients with a permanent solution for missing teeth. Caring for dental implants is like caring for natural teeth, and Dr. Mammen recommend practicing good oral hygiene habits at home to keep your implants looking and feeling great.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are long lasting, and are a permanent restorative solution
Easy to care for
Implants function like natural teeth
Chewing power is restored with dental implants
Speech and overall appearance are improved
Patients can eat all the foods they normally would with implants
Dental Implants tend to cost more, but are a good investment because they are built to last

Looking for a Dentist to Provide Dental Implants or Dental Bridges Near You?

Choosing the best restorative option is a big decision, and our team is here to help. Our consultation process will answer all of your questions, and we will discuss what option may work best for you. We want our patients to be proud of their smile, and our team works to give patients the highest level of care.

At Graceful Smiles Dentistry, we welcome our patients in a comfortable and relaxing environment using state of the art technology. Creating beautiful smiles is what we do, and we take pride in giving patients a smile they can be proud of.

If you are interested in finding out more about your restorative options such as dental implants or dental bridges, please contact Dr. Elsa Mammen in Richmond, TX today to schedule your consultation.

When Should a Person Switch Dentists?

August 2, 2020July 30, 2020 by Admin

Switching dentists can be a hard decision, but patients need to make a change if they notice things aren’t working out with the current practice. Knowing when to make the move can be hard, but there are some tips you can follow to help you find your new dental office or dental clinic in the Richmond area.

There are signs you can look out for that indicate it may be time to start your search to find your next dental practice. At Graceful Smiles Dentistry, we welcome new patients to our practice, and strive to provide exceptional service to patients of all ages. We know how important finding the right dentist is, and we go above and beyond to provide the highest level of service and care for our patients!

What Are Some Signs That Indicate it May Be Time to Switch Dental Practices?

Your dentist has retired or moved
You have decided to move away from the area
Appointments tend to be at inconvenient times
Getting to your dentist is difficult, and the practice may be in an inconvenient location
The practice does not offer the dental procedures you need
Your friends or family have recommended another practice that sounds like it may be a better fit
You have had to call the billing department and dispute charges multiple times
Your dental insurance has changed
You do not feel comfortable with the recommended treatment plan at your current dentist

How Should I Go About Switching Dentists?

Once you have made the decision to switch dentists you can focus on finding your new practice. Making sure the new dentist is a good fit is important, and there are many things to consider. Think about what type of dental practice you would like for you and your family. Would a family practice work better and if so, make sure the new practice can provide all of the necessary services for your entire family. Research if the practice offers orthodontics if you have teenagers, should you need that type of treatment. This will help to eliminate the need for switching dentists again in the future.

Do your research and check out some online reviews to read about the dentist’s certifications or background. Read about the mission statement to understand the practice values, and how the practice is run. Make sure the facility is updated, and has the latest technology and advanced procedures available.

Once you have done your research and have found a dentist you think may be a good fit, schedule a visit to check out the practice. This way you can see firsthand if you are comfortable, and if your family would benefit from joining the practice.

When visiting the office take mental notes of important things such as how you are treated during your visit, and how long it takes you to get to and from the practice. Ask the staff if you can have a tour of the office to ensure the practice meets your expectations.

Looking for a quality Dentist Near You?

If you are looking for a family friendly dentist near you, contact Dr. Elsa Mammen for your next dental cleaning. Our goal is to provide exceptional service in a family friendly environment. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and we welcome all new patients to our office.

If you are interested in scheduling your next dental cleaning with us, please contact Dr. Mammen in Richmond, TX, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

What is Better for a Tooth Cavity? – A Dental Filling or a Root Canal?

August 2, 2020July 19, 2020 by Admin

When patients have cavities the surface of the tooth is permanently damaged, and tiny holes develop. They can be caused by bacteria, the food you eat or drink, and poor oral hygiene. The severity of the decay, and the condition of the tooth will determine what course of treatment is best. At Graceful Smiles Dentistry, we provide many services for our patients, and your health is our first priority.

Our team will always try and save your tooth, and clear away any infection. Many patients enter our dental office in Richmond, TX with symptoms that something is wrong, but in some cases cavities are found during our normal dental exams.

If you have extensive decay, and the infection has reached the pulp area of the tooth, a root canal may be needed. Both fillings and root canals are great ways to save teeth, and prevent further decay or infection. We always choose the best treatment option depending on the condition of the tooth.

When is a Tooth Filling Needed?

Tooth fillings are used for smaller cavities that have not reached the pulp of the tooth. Fractured teeth that are not infected can also be saved using a filling. The area of decay is cleaned out, and then filled with a tooth-colored composite material. This material keeps the tooth intact, and helps to prevent further issues with the tooth in the future.

What Are Some Symptoms That I May Need a Dental Filling?

Here are some symptoms and signs that may indicate that you may need to get a dental filling in Richmond with Graceful Smiles
Sharp or throbbing pain in or around a tooth
Your tooth is changing color, or spots can be seen on the surface of the tooth
You experience pain while chewing or biting
Your tooth is cracked or injured
You have a cracked or missing filling

When is a Root Canal Needed?

Root canals may be needed if they area of decay is severe, and the infection has reached the pulp area of the tooth. If a tooth is injured or cracked, and has been left untreated, the tooth may have an infection and need root canal therapy. With root canal therapy the infected pulp area is cleaned out and sealed to restore the tooth. If needed, a dental crown may be used to fully restore the tooth’s functionality.

What Are Some Symptoms That Indicate I May Need a Root Canal?

Here are some symptoms and signs that may indicate that you may need to get a root canal in Richmond with Dr. Elsa Mammen:

You experience severe tooth pain
Gums are tender and swollen around the tooth
Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold
Chewing or putting pressure on the tooth causes severe pain
The tooth has changed color
A bump has appeared on the gum area around the tooth

Looking for Root Canals and Dental Fillings Near You?

If you are looking to find an amazing dental practice in near you, consider visiting our office! We provide a comfortable and welcoming environment, and provide superior dental care in Richmond, TX. Our patients are treated like family, and your oral health is our first priority. We service your entire family, and offer many dental services using state of the art technology.

Building a relationship with our patients is important, and our goal is to give patients beautiful smiles. We welcome all new patients, and encourage each patient to tour our office and meet our amazing doctors and staff.

If you are interested in scheduling a consultation visit with us please contact Graceful Smiles Dentistry and one of our friendly staff members will be happy to assist you!

What is the Difference Between Dental Implants & Veneers?

June 9, 2020 by Admin

Dental Veneers and Dental Implants both can give patients a beautiful white smile. Deciding what restorative or cosmetic option works best for you depends on the condition of your teeth. Our staff at Graceful Smiles Dentistry in Richmond, TX provides cosmetic and restorative consultations to all our patients to take a detailed look at your mouth and determine a customized treatment plan that works for you. We listen to your goals and look at all options to give you the opportunity to choose the best one.

So, what is the difference between the two? Typically, Dental Veneers and Dental Implants are used for different reasons. This all depends on how much damage a patient has to their teeth.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are the leading restorative solution for many patients and one of the most common procedures done today. Implants are permanent and reliable giving patients the feeling that they have natural teeth. Implants are used for patients that have lost a tooth or teeth, have suffered from periodontal disease, or an injury. Dental implants take multiple appointments across a few months to complete.

Implants last upwards of 25 years or a lifetime if taken care for properly. They provide many benefits to patients, and are comfortable in the mouth. Implants allow patients to speak, eat, and function just like they would with natural teeth.

As part of our evaluation process, Dr. Elsa Mammen will determine if the patient has enough bone present in the jaw to support the implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to provide the additional support. During the implant procedure metal posts are placed in the jaw, and these act similar to artificial tooth roots. These posts provide the required support needed for the implants. Once the healing process is complete, an abutment or connector is secured on top of the implants. This allows the crown to be secured on top of the implant.

Crowns are custom made to match the color, size, and shape of your teeth. Temporary crowns are used while the patient waits for the permanent crown to be placed. Practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting our office regularly will help to keep your implants looking and feeling great.

Still Not Sure? Contact Our Cosmetic Dentist in Richmond, TX

If you are interested in finding out more about Dental Veneers or are looking to get dental implants in Richmond, TX, please contact Dr. Elsa Mammen to schedule your consultation.

Can Dental Cleanings Damage Enamel?

June 9, 2020 by Admin

Dental cleanings are integral part of our oral health, and are typically recommended twice a year. Keeping our teeth and gums free and clear of harmful bacteria is important. At Graceful Smiles Dentistry, our team is proud to offer general dental treatments like dental cleanings in Richmond, TX. We strive to provide quality services for our patients, and always make sure our patients are relaxed and comfortable during their visit.

However, some patients have asked us if having their teeth cleaned regularly can damage the enamel on our teeth. We hope that this article can help address this common concern.

Can Dental Cleanings Damage Enamel?

Dental cleanings do not damage the enamel on your teeth! Cleanings safely remove the plaque and bacteria that builds up over time on the teeth and under the gums. If teeth are not cleaned regularly inflammation can occur, and this can lead to gum disease. Brushing at home is a great way to remove bacteria from the teeth, but brushing cannot clean our teeth like a professional cleaning. Our certified hygienists provide quality cleanings to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

If teeth are cleaned improperly at home or by a non-professional, damage can occur to the enamel. Enamel is extremely durable, and it is hard to chip or damage during cleaning exams. Enamel can wear off if patients suffer from bruxism, or use harsh brushing strokes while brushing their teeth at home. Acidic foods or drinks can also cause erosion to enamel on our teeth.

If you have concerns about the condition of the enamel on your teeth, please let our team know when you schedule your appointment.

What Should I Expect During my Cleaning Appointment?

Dental cleanings in our office typically take anywhere from 30-45 minutes. X-rays are taken if needed, and carefully reviewed during your exam to help our team to provide a customized treatment plan for each patient. Our skilled hygienists use special tools to carefully remove the hard layer of plaque from a patient’s teeth, and we ensure your mouth is free of any plaque or bacteria. Our staff will discuss the health of your teeth and gums, and will recommend further treatment if needed.

Your oral health is extremely important to us, and we encourage our patients to keep up with regularly scheduled dental cleanings to keep their teeth looking and feeling great. Regular dental cleanings are a great way to prevent future issues. Dental exams give us the opportunity to catch any potential issues early, and prevent serious issues from developing.

Looking for a quality Dentist in Richmond, TX for your next Dental Exam?

If you are looking for a family friendly dentist in Richmond, Texas, contact Dr. Elsa Mammen for your next dental cleaning. Our goal is to provide exceptional service in a family friendly environment. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and we welcome all new patients to our office.

If you are interested in scheduling your next dental cleaning with us, please contact Graceful Smiles Dentistry, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

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Call us today!

Graceful Smiles

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Call us today!

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Call us today!

Graceful Smiles

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What Problems Can Occur From Poor Oral Health?

Respiratory Infections

Dementia

Cardiovascular Disease

Prostate Problems

Diabetes

Infertility

Cancer

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Kidney Disease

How Can I Prevent These Health Issues?

Tips for Good Oral Hygiene

Looking for a Family Dentist Near You?

How Do I Care for My Gums and Prevent Gum Disease from Returning?

Looking for Gum Disease Treatment Near You?

What Is a Dental Bridge?

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

How Long Will Dental Bridges Last?

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

What Are Dental Implants?

How Do Dental Implants Work?

How Long Will Dental Implants Last?

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Looking for a Dentist to Provide Dental Implants or Dental Bridges Near You?

What Are Some Signs That Indicate it May Be Time to Switch Dental Practices?

How Should I Go About Switching Dentists?

Looking for a quality Dentist Near You?

When is a Tooth Filling Needed?

What Are Some Symptoms That I May Need a Dental Filling?

When is a Root Canal Needed?

What Are Some Symptoms That Indicate I May Need a Root Canal?

Looking for Root Canals and Dental Fillings Near You?

What are Dental Implants?

Still Not Sure? Contact Our Cosmetic Dentist in Richmond, TX

Can Dental Cleanings Damage Enamel?

What Should I Expect During my Cleaning Appointment?

Looking for a quality Dentist in Richmond, TX for your next Dental Exam?

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Contact Graceful Smiles Dentistry in Richmond

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