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Common Oral Health Problems That Affect Your Smile

July 27, 2015

ThinkstockPhotos-164144314Keeping your mouth happy and healthy shouldn’t have to feel like a chore. It should be second nature. Think about it: from the time you were a tyke, you should have been taught how to properly brush and floss your teeth. Some patients have the process down pat, others find themselves struggling with keeping up with their dental regimen. A rare collection of patients doesn’t properly care for their teeth at all. You don’t want to become one of “those” patients. Not caring for your teeth is just plain dumb. Putting your smile at risk of contracting a disease will increase the likelihood of more problems arising, including losing your teeth altogether. You like your teeth, right? We like teeth, too. We like them so much that offering advice on how best to care for them is what we enjoy doing. An educated patient is an informed patient. When you visit our office in San Marcos, TX, you’ll receive the best dental care from San Marcos dentist Dr. Robert Donnelly and Dr. Gregory Wang.

Common Dental Problems and How to Prevent Them

Dental issues can creep up at a moment’s notice, and sometimes symptoms are too difficult to notice. The most common oral health problems are three-fold:

  • Cavities
  • Gum disease (periodontitis)
  • Clenched jaw

Cavities: Did you know tooth decay is the second most prevalent disease after the common cold? Regular brushing and flossing can help keep cavities at bay, in addition to dental sealants and fluoride treatments. If you’re a fan of sugary treats and drinks, we have bad news: you might want to curb your sugar addition. Sugar is enamel’s worst enemy, and can contain enamel-harming acid.

Gum disease: When your gums are on the decline, the rest of your smile suffers. Preventing gum disease is quite simple, but the power is your hands. Floss once a day and brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. If you use an electric toothbrush, just make sure the bristles are soft. We also recommend getting a professional cleaning twice a year. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right?

Clenched jaw (TMJ): Grinding your teeth or clenching the jaw is the most common cause of TMJ. It isn’t just a sore jaw you have to deal with, either; gum disease, tooth erosion and cracked teeth can be caused by excessive grinding. Our mouthguards reduce the pressure on your teeth and jaw so you can enjoy living in comfort.

See Us To Receive Proper Treatment

Dr. Donnelly and Dr. Wang are the dentists New Braunfels and other residents can trust to treat common dental health issues. Our office in San Marcos, TX is pleased to staff dentists Wimberley, Redwood, Hunter, Martindale, and other residents can appreciate for their experience and professionalism. We can’t wait to see you!

 

 

Expert Sedation Dentist, San Marcos

July 6, 2015

ThinkstockPhotos-168372883 (1)If the thought of going to the dentist makes your heart race and sweat break out on your forehead, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from some level of dental anxiety, but at San Marcos Gentle Dental, we are dedicated to providing patients stress free, painless dental health care. That’s why our San Marcos, TX practice offers oral conscious sedation to help patients relax and enjoy their dental visit. Call the office of Dr. Robert Donnelly to schedule an appointment or find out more about sedation dentistry today.

Oral Conscious Sedation Dentistry, New Braunfels

Sedation dentistry has several levels, and there are numerous sedation methods. At San Marcos Gentle Dental, we offer our patients oral conscious sedation. This level of sedation is generally considered ideal for any level of anxiety, and for preparing patients to undergo multiple or extensive treatments. Patients with extreme levels of dental anxiety may be offered a sedative to take the night before their appointment to help them sleep, and will be given a sedative about an hour before their visit to help them relax.

Patients who receive oral conscious sedation should not drive or operate other machinery, so you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you to your appointment and pick you up. Patients with several dental anxiety may request to take their sedative at home before arriving at the office, but we recommend taking a sedative after arriving at our office. This allows our staff to monitor your vital signs as the sedative takes effect, and provide treatment at the optimal time.

The effects of sedation will vary between patients, but typically, people are able to relax into a sleep-like state. Many patients do not fall fully to sleep, but are extremely relaxed and not fully aware. As your procedure is performed, you will be given a warm blanket, and our team will monitor your vitals throughout the procedure for your safety.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry has made it possible for many dental anxiety sufferers to return to the dentist and achieve a happy, healthy smile, but sedation dentistry has helped dentists treat patients of all kinds with less pain. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry include those with:

  • Sensitive teeth and gums
  • Sensitive gag reflex
  • Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive disorders who otherwise become anxious because they may not understand their treatment

Sedation dentistry has also made it possible for dentists to perform numerous or complex dental procedures at one time saving patients time and money without causing undo pain or stress.

Learn More About Sedation Dentistry, San Marcos

If you are interested in finding out more about sedation dentistry and how it could benefit you or your family, call San Marcos Gentle Dental to find out more or schedule a consultation today. Our friendly staff, has made your comfort and peace our top priority. Don’t let fear keep you from the dental care you need. Our San Marcos office welcomes patients from New Braunfels, Kyle, Wimberley, and beyond.