The Las Colinas Smiles Blog

Which Toothpaste Should I Buy?

These days when you go to the grocery store or your local health food store, the number of toothpaste choices on the shelves is overwhelming. With annual sales of more than $1.5 billion, the toothpaste industry has evolved into something most of us couldn’t have predicted. Today there are a dizzying array of flavors, formulations, colors, and other options, making it difficult to know which direction to go in. From trendy packaging and fancy dispensers to products that promise to calm sensitive molars, prevent gum disease, and whiten your teeth in a just a few brushes, it’s not hard to…

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5 Foods That Can Help Whiten Your Teeth

It is no secret that certain foods and drinks can have detrimental effects on your teeth and overall wellness, but did you know there are also a handful of foods that can actually whiten your teeth? While there is plenty of propaganda out there blasting the likes of coffee, wine, soda, and other sugar-filled favorites for the damage they can do to the teeth, there seems to be a lack of info on which foods actually support our oral health. Sure, whitening products, flossing, and generally taking good care of our teeth all play important roles in maintaining that bright,…

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What You Don’t Know About Saliva

Saliva. Probably not everyone’s favorite subject, but nonetheless an important part of our bodies that should be discussed. While most of us don’t give much thought to the saliva in our mouths, truth be told it is one of the most fascinating components of the human body. Sure, cringe when we see someone drool or spit, but saliva is actually pretty darn cool. Not only is it an essential part of your oral health, but your overall well-being, too. When you think about oral health and taking the steps to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy, you probably picture…

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Diabetes and your dental health

All of our bodily functions are linked, in one way or another. Having neck pain can cause headaches or lead to back pain, which can lead to hip pain, which can lead to, well, it can lead to most any part of your body. The point is, having certain gaps in your health can affect the health of another part of you, and it’s important that you keep your health in check to your best ability in order to keep the rest of your body functioning properly as well. In which case, if you suffer from diabetes, it is vital…

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What exactly is a root canal?

It turns out that a lot of people have just heard stories, or mentioning’s of root canals, but don’t actually even know what the procedure entails. Some people associate going to the dentist as something scary, but it doesn’t have to be. The best way to face any ‘dentist fears’ you may have, is to just know exactly what to expect. By understanding what you are dealing with, and what you are going to encounter, it will help a bit of any existing fear to diminish. Out of the dental procedures that we have to go in for, for some…

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Do I have to remove my wisdom teeth?

Having one’s wisdom removed is typically a normal procedure that most everyone must go through. Every so often, there is a handful of people whose wisdom teeth begin growing into their mouths in that they are correctly positioned where there is enough room, and they are not causing any pain or other dental issues. But generally, having one’s wisdom teeth removed is just another part of the high school experience and growing into a young adult. The wisdom teeth will either come in without any problems, or they will attempt to emerge and cause pain or begin pushing on the…

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How can I improve my smile?

Having the smile of your dreams is not far away. The cosmetic dentists in Irving, Texas offer clear braces, veneers, and laser teeth whitening options to help you get one step closer. But, also, there are ways to improve your smile at home that you can discuss with your dentist. In the decision process for the best option for your smile, a full dental work up with your dental and medical history will be assessed. Furthermore, our dental team understands that having straight and white teeth are not the only necessary components to a perfect smile. Likewise, we know that…

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Should I buy a water flosser?

A water flosser is a dental health appliance that you can use at home, just like traditional floss. The main reason why most people choose a water flosser is because they do not like string floss or they find string flossing difficult. Flossing is not an alternative to brushing, but an adjuvant to your daily oral hygiene routine, so everyone should have the floss that fits their daily needs. Most water flossers come with a motor with a pump, a water reservoir, and a special water flosser tip. The motor and pump cause a stream of pressurized, pulsating water to…

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Common Dental Emergency

There are many ways we can hurt our teeth; however, it is important to know when the injury is an actual emergency. With the proper knowledge, when you identify your injury as an emergency, then it is best to contact your dentist right away, if it is within office hours, or go to the emergency room (ER) right away. The first, most common, condition is dental caries, known as cavities. These guys are characterized by destruction of enamel and dentine leading to pain. If a dental cavity are left alone, they will become necrotic. Necrosis then lead to abscesses that…

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How to get your child to brush their teeth

It can be difficult to explain to a child the significance of brushing their teeth, especially since bacteria and gingivitis are words beyond their full comprehension. Finding a dentist for your child is important, just as important as home dental care. Before we begin with the fun stuff, the first thing we recommend you rule out when your child is brushing their teeth is sensitivity. Some children are sensitive to touch, which makes teeth brushing unpleasant, especially those with autism or attention disorders. If you believe your child's resistance to brushing is linked to a sensitive mouth, ask your dentist…

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