The Las Colinas Smiles Blog

You Need Dental Cleaning to be Fully Healthy

Many people think that brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing after every meal is enough to maintain perfect dental health. They do not feel that an annual dental cleaning at their dentist’s is important to ensure that they have healthy gums and teeth. It is no surprise then that more than 80% of Americans have some sort of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease ranges from gum inflammation to damaging infections that affect the soft tissue and the bone supporting your teeth. The bacteria that live in our mouth and causes plaque mostly cause it. Regular brushing and flossing get…

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The Top 3 Myths About Root Canals

Root canal therapy is probably the most dreaded oral health procedure out there today. However, advancements in dentistry - in particular in regards to root canal therapy - have come a long way over the years. A root canal may be necessary if one or more of your teeth have been damaged or are badly infected. During this procedure your dentist will remove the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp), clean and disinfect it, then fill and seal the area. While this may seem overly complicated, it doesn’t have to be. Root canal therapy is actually one of the…

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Is Teeth Whitening Right for Me?

If you’ve always struggled with slightly discolored or yellow teeth, it may be time to consider teeth whitening. Over the years teeth whitening techniques have advanced in a major way, making it far easier (and more affordable) for people of all different ages to achieve the brilliant white smile they’ve always wanted. Unfortunately, there are lots of harmful and ineffective teeth whitening products on the market today, making it difficult for consumers to tell the difference between which are legit - and which are just a scam. The teeth whitening industry is worth a reported $15 billion, which is why…

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Just How Important is Flossing Your Teeth?

We’ve all heard it before - flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth. However, many of us still aren’t in the habit of flossing everyday. So just how harmful is this to your dental health? It depends on who you ask, but the overwhelming majority of those within the dental industry believe that not flossing can lead to numerous serious oral health concerns. While flossing may seem like a nuisance to many, the fact of the matter is that taking 2 minutes out of your morning and evening routine to floss could be doing more good for your…

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3 Signs It’s Time to Get Braces

Braces are one of the most common treatments performed at dental clinics across the country, and for good reason. Even though that is the case, it is not always clear whether or not you or your child is in need of braces. One of the tell-tale signs that a child, teenager, or adult needs braces is if they have crooked teeth. However, that is not the only reason your local dentist may suggest braces. Today we are going to go over the top three signs that it’s time to get braces. When orthodontic problems or oral health issues are ignored,…

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Preventing Problems with TMJ

TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome) is one of the most common dental problems that people experience. While many people have heard the term ‘TMJ’ before, it’s safe to say that most don’t truly understand what it is and what can be done to prevent problems associated with this important joint. This is because many of the symptoms and signs of TMJ are common with other conditions. Recurring headaches, neck pain, and earaches are some of the first signs you may be suffering from TMJ, but these symptoms can also be associated with hundreds of other conditions. This is why it is…

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Be Careful – Stress Can Affect Your Oral Health in a Major Way

With the holidays behind us and the start of a fresh year, many people take the opportunity to change their lifestyle habits and works towards a healthier future. There are many ways to do this, from cutting out sweets to making a commitment to going to the gym on a regular basis. One area that could probably use some attention that many people neglect is their oral health. Believe it or not, but our oral health actually has a major impact on our overall health and happiness. While the holidays are notoriously the time of year many people feel stressed…

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Invisalign or Braces – Which one can give you the perfect smile

To achieve the perfect smile many people look towards ways of straightening their teeth that can also help them maintain their dental health. Most dentists recommend either braces or a relatively newer orthodontic treatment called Invisalign. Both treatments are different in the following ways: Braces are made of metal brackets and wires that are fitted on to the teeth and can be clearly seen. On the other hand, Invisalign is a treatment that uses customized aligners that are made of BPA-free plastic, worn over teeth and are virtually invisible. Braces are glued to your teeth for the duration of your…

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Tips to Help Protect Your Beautiful Smile

Let’s face it- it’s not easy to stay (and eat) healthy in general, especially during the cooler months. There are numerous sweet temptations that can affect your mouth, teeth, and overall health. This is true for kids and adults alike, as we all have a sweet tooth buried somewhere inside of us. With all the different food choices out there today, it can be difficult to maintain a smart oral health routine. However, it is imperative that you give yourself the gift of good oral health, at the start of the New Year and throughout the rest of the year.…

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At-Home Oral Hygiene Tips for a Great Smile

Making sure you visit the dentist at least twice a year for in-depth cleanings is an absolute must when it comes to your oral health, but there are a handful of other things you should do at home in-between these visits which are just as important. We all want to reap the benefits of excellent oral hygiene: a stunning white smile, straight teeth, fresh-smelling breath, and healthy gums. While some people are lucky enough to be born with these features, most of us have to work for them. Practicing good oral hygiene from an early age can go a long…

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