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!

 

 

Rest Soundly with Non Invasive Snoring and Sleep Apnea Therapy in San Marcos, TX

March 23, 2015

460211887Do you struggle to breathe while sleeping? If you awake at night feeling short of breath or unable to breathe, you may already have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a persistent, debilitating, and possibly life-shortening sleep disorder that’s estimated to affect over 22 million Americans. Most patients with sleep apnea don’t even realize they have a problem. But if left untreated, the disorder can lead to depression, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic daytime fatigue. If you suspect that you may be suffering from sleep apnea, schedule the sleep apnea therapy appointment you need with Dr. Donnelly at San Marcos Gentle Dental today. Dr. Donnelly is a trusted San Marcos family dentist, now delivering quality care daily throughout San Marcos, TX, Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels, and the surrounding communities.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is actually an involuntary stoppage of breath while sleeping. There are three categories of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and a combination of the two. Of these three types, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common. Despite the difference in causes of each type, with all three, breathing stops repeatedly during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times per night, often for a minute or longer. Since these pauses rarely trigger a full awakening, most patients fail to realize what’s happening.

Do You Have Sleep Apnea?

Although all patients with sleep apnea also have a snoring problem, most people who snore don’t have obstructive sleep apnea. You may have sleep apnea if:

  • You suffer from loud and persistent snoring
  • You experience pauses in breathing, accompanied by gasping episodes while trying to sleep
  • You are excessively sleepy during normal waking hours

Dr. Donnelly Offers Snore Guard Therapy to Treat Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Snore guards look similar to the athletic mouth guards worn by ball players. Dr. Donnelly can prescribe custom fabricated snore guards to eradicate your sleep apnea and snoring symptoms. The appliance can be worn in the mouth during sleep, and works by re-positioning the lower jaw slightly forward of its natural rest position. This small change is typically enough to keep your airway open as you sleep, thus eliminating snoring problems and associated sleep apnea symptoms.

San Marcos Sleep Apnea Therapy Appointments

If you’re looking for a reliable sleep disorder solution, schedule a sleep apnea therapy appointment with Dr. Donnelly at San Marcos Gentle Dental today. Dr. Donnelly is a leading San Marcos family dentist, now proudly serving patients daily throughout San Marcos, TX, Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels, and neighboring areas.

Alleviate Dental Fear and Anxiety with Sedation Dentistry at San Marcos Gentle Dental

November 23, 2014

78325800Even the bravest among us have some form of dental fear or anxiety. It may be because of the drills, the needles, or just a bad childhood experience. No matter where your fears of dental treatment came from, you should know that you can easily get past them with Sedation Dentistry from San Marcos Gentle Dental.  Dr. Donnelly understands dental fear. That’s why he always offers oral conscious sedation to his patients. If you have been postponing the dental treatment you need because of your dental anxiety, be brave, and make an appointment with Dr. Donnelly and his experienced team at San Marcos Gentle Dental today. They will find the right Sedation Dentistry solution for you. Dr. Donnelly proudly serves patients throughout San Marcos, TX, Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels, and the surrounding communities.

Sedation Dentistry at San Marcos Gentle Dental

Oral Conscious Sedation

This is the least invasive sedation dentistry option. All you need to do is show up to the office one hour before your appointment time. You will be given a sedative pill that will take full effect before your treatment begins. The sedative will relieve any anxiety or apprehension, and make you feel completely calm and relaxed. The effects of the sedative lasts 5 to 6 hours, so you will need a friend or family member to drive you home after your appointment.

Sedation Dentistry Appointments in San Marcos, TX

Sedation Dentistry can alleviate all of your dental fears and anxieties. However, the sedatives don’t block pain. As such, Dr. Donnelly will always administer a local anesthetic that blocks any pain or discomfort during your treatment. With sedation dentistry, and local anesthesia, you don’t have to avoid receiving the dental treatment you need. So make your sedation dentistry appointment with Dr. Donnelly at San Marcos Gentle Dental today. Dr. Donnelly restores smiles daily throughout San Marcos, TX, Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels, and the surrounding communities.

Teeth Whitening Solutions for the Holidays

October 23, 2014

As the holiday season approaches once again we are all interested in looking and feeling our best. This includes making sure that we have a bright white smile. While there are many choices to whiten your teeth, you should know that not all methods will work for everyone. Choosing the wrong teeth whitening system can costs you time and money that you can’t afford to lose this holiday season. Before you attend that holiday office party, or play hostess for your family and friends, make an appointment with Dr. Donnelly and his team at San Marcos Gentle Dental. You can get your bright white back in just one visit. Dr. Donnelly provides fast and easy teeth whitening treatments to patients throughout San Marcos, TX, Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels and the surrounding communities.

What Are Your Teeth Whitening Choices?

Whitening Toothpaste- Whitening toothpastes can only polish away the shallowest surface stains. They are completely ineffective for removing enamel stains or correcting discoloration. To see any results the toothpaste must be used daily for several weeks. Whitening toothpastes can’t come close to producing the bleaching effect you get from your dentist’s office.

Over-the- Counter Whitening- These products may come in the form of strips, gels, rinses or whitening trays. They contain bleaching agents to change the color of your teeth; however they’re not as strong as professional teeth whitening treatments. They can also take weeks of daily use before you begin to see any significant color correction. In addition, these products can easily irritate your gums if used improperly.

Instant Holiday Teeth Whitening in San Marcos, TX

You shouldn’t have to wait weeks and weeks to get the teeth whitening results you want. If you want instant results in a professional setting, you should seriously consider in-office bleaching or professional at-home whitening. In-office whitening with the Zoom! teeth whitening system can take less than an hour and you can leave the dentist office with teeth that are 8 to 10 shades whiter. With professional in-office whitening, your dentist will make sure that the teeth whitening treatment will be effective at getting you the whitening results you desire. If you prefer at-home whitening Dr. Donnelly can also provide you with custom whitening trays along with peroxide-based gels that you can take home for the same professional whitening results. Make an appointment with San Marcos Gentle Dental today for your holiday teeth whitening appointment. Dr. Donnelly proudly serves the Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels and surrounding areas.

What You Should Know about Pediatric Dental Care

September 23, 2014

178067812The health of your child’s teeth and gums is an important part of their overall health and well being. Though your child will lose their first set of teeth, it’s important to start early to set the foundation for healthy teeth later in life. You can start by choosing an experienced and caring family dentist. Make an appointment with Dr. Donnelly and his team at San Marcos Gentle Dental. Dr. Donnelly proudly serves patients of all ages throughout San Marcos, TX, Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels and surrounding communities.

Pediatric Dental Care: Prevention

Your child should start to see a dentist no later than his or her first birthday. Caring for their “baby teeth” should be a top priority because those teeth help children speak clearly and chew naturally. They also aid in forming the path that the permanent teeth follow when they are ready to erupt. After the first appointment, a check-up every six months is strongly recommended to prevent cavities and other dental problems. When your baby’s teeth first appear, you can start brushing them twice daily using a fluoridated toothpaste and a soft, age-appropriate toothbrush. You should use a smear of toothpaste to brush the teeth of a child less than 2 years of age, and a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for a  2-5 year old with assistance brushing. Remember that your child does not have the ability to brush their teeth independently at this age.

Pediatric Dental Care: Treatment

Dentists now have advanced diagnostic tools like DIAGNOdent to help them to catch decay earlier than ever before. As your child grows you should limit their daily servings of sugars and starches to protect their teeth from decay. The dentist can place dental  sealants on your child’s teeth. Dental sealants work by filling in the crevasses of the chewing surfaces of the teeth. This shuts out cavity causing food particles that could get caught in the teeth, . The application is fast, comfortable, and can effectively protect their teeth for many years. If your child participates in sports activities, the dentist can also fit a custom mouthguard to protect your child’s teeth, lips, cheeks and gums from sports-related injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard developed by a dentist can also protect your child from injuries to the head, like concussions. If your child has developed a prolonged thumb sucking habit (past the age of three) a mouth appliance may also be recommended by your dentist to prevent the formation of a misaligned bite in adolescence.

Quality Pediatric Dental Care in San Marcos, TX

No matter how attentive you are to your child’s dental health, injuries and accidents can happen. Make sure you’re prepared by having a family dentist like Dr. Donnelly on hand to fix any dental emergencies your child may encounter. The health of your family’s teeth is a top priority for you, and should also be a top priority for your dentist.  Your whole family will appreciate Dr. Donnelly’s gentle and caring approach to dentistry.   Make an appointment today for his San Marcos, TX  dental office today. Dr. Donnelly proudly serves patients throughout  Kyle, Wimberley, New Braunfels and surrounding areas.

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