Dental Health

If you have been to a doctor for some ailment at any point in your life there is a good chance that you may have seen a notice on the billing counter saying CareCredit accepted. Ever wondered what is CareCredit? We will try to solve that mystery here today in this blog. CareCredit is like a medical credit card only a little different from an actual credit card because you can only use it pay for your medical expenses. It is much closer to a loan than a credit card. 

How did it start? 

CareCredit company came into existence in 1987 that was into making dental implants. The owner of the company Ralph Stern wanted to make sure that more and more people could benefit from the dental implants as it was a new technology then. While many people wanted to try dental implants, they were not sure how to pay for them. That’s when he came up with the idea of a private credit card for dental care. CareCredit the healthcare card thus came into existence.  

What kind of treatments does CareCredit cover? 

According to the website of CareCredit  www.carecredit.com the CareCredit card is now accepted at more than 2,50,000 service providers and these don’t include only dental care. The card has truly become a healthcare card making it easy for patients to make their payment not just for dental work but also for vision care like LASIK surgeries, routine eye checkups, sunglasses, dry eye treatment, cataract procedures, contacts lenses and more. The card is also accepted in cosmetic surgery financing like nose jobs, facelifts, tummy tucks, botox treatments and many other cosmetic treatments. Besides these they are now into animal/ pet care, fitness, dermatology, hearing, chiropractic treatments, labs and diagnostics, pharmacies, medical equipment, hospitals, primary clinics, wellness spas, sleep clinics, weight loss programs and even specialists (ENT, Nephrology, Urology, Neurology, Orthopedics, Imaging and Radiology etc.). For the complete list of treatments covered please visit their website. 

How does CareCredit work?  

There is always some part of medical expenses that are not covered by insurance. Well, this is where CareCredit comes in picture. You can use CareCredit to pay your out-of-pocket expenses with those healthcare providers who have a tie up with CareCredit.  The card also offers special financing options which are not offered by any credit card especially related to health care. 

Like a credit card you can make payment for your medical expenses on the spot using the CareCredit card. After that all you need to do is repay the amount within a period of 6, 12, 18 or 24 months as approved by the credit team of CareCredit, without any extra interest. All you have to do is pay a minimum amount monthly and the entire due amount before the expiry of the above decided period. 

CareCredit also offers long term financing for larger amounts for 24, 36.48 or even 60 months period. To reiterate once again no interest is charged on the due amount before the said period elapses. However, if full due amount is not repaid in time, then the interest is charged on amount due from the date of the purchase just like a credit card. Credit limit, approval of the finance and repayment of the same is subject to some terms and conditions which may differ from case to case. To know more about approvals and repayments do check out their website. 

Which dental procedures are covered by CareCredit? 

Since Ensure Dental Care is a family dental clinic, this blog is the right place to highlight the some of the major dental procedures covered by CareCredit (this info is as per their website as on 04/11/22 and subject to change). There are other dental procedures which are also catered to. We urge you to visit their website for the same. 

Restorative and Cosmetic Procedures 

• Dental Implants 
• Ceramic crowns 
• Root Canals 
• Braces and retainers 
• Invisalign 

• Six Month Smiles 
• Veneers and Lumineers 
• Teeth cleaning and repairs 

Preventive Dentistry 

• 6 monthly checkups 

• Gingivitis prevention 
• Fluoride treatment 
• Ceramic Fillings 
• Sealants 
• Scaling 

• Sports mouthguards 
• Endodontics and Periodontics 

Benefits of CareCredit  

1. Your health care expenses especially the big ones can be made more manageable using a CareCredit card.  

2. You can get an interest free loan to pay for your out-of-pocket medical expenses almost instantly without much effort. 

3. It is much easier to get a CareCredit card than a regular credit card. 

How can I apply for CareCredit card? 

CareCredit allows anyone to check if they qualify for a card but in order to apply, you will need to provide them with some personal information like: 

• Name 
• Address 

• Date of birth 
• Social Security number  
• Net income 
• Housing Information 

The approval of the card is determined by the company as per their rules and regulations and the credit limit on your CareCredit card is determined by your credit history. 

A hugh medical bill can dent anyone’s pocket and upset our monthly budget. Cards like CareCredit come in handy at such times. A word of caution, all types of financing come with their own terms and conditions and hence we encourage you to read all of them properly before availing for CareCredit or other similar health cards. 

Hope this blog has been an interesting and informative read. Please share this blog with your family and friends. If you wish to avail our services call Ensure Dental Care on 940-274-3229 for an appointment today. We are family dentist in Saginaw Tx. We accept all major insurance providers. We also have an in-house payment plan. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Irrespective of the problem we offer same day emergency treatments. We entertain walk ins also. 

We would love to hear from you. If you want to interact with us or give feedback and suggestions about our website, content or services on social media you can follow us on Instagram. Our Instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. Look out for exciting offers, deals and more fun stuff on our social media handles. We look forward to interacting with you on Instagram soon.

First and foremost, let us settle the question – Is oral health important? Well, the answer is pretty obvious yes of course! We are sure no one will dispute this fact. Something that has been drilled into us since childhood is that we need to brush daily, we need to take care of our teeth and mouth and therefore it comes as no surprise that most people will agree with our statement of fact that oral health is important. But if we were to ask why? Why is oral health important? We are likely to get some logical some vague but mostly uninformative answers. The most common answer one gets it is that we eat with the help of our teeth and we need to eat to stay healthy so taking care of one’s teeth automatically gains importance. Well, that is true, partly! There are a number of reasons besides this main reason that oral health is important. Let us explore those reasons today in this blog. 

Why is oral health important? 

Surveys done in May 2012, conducted by the American Dental Association about oral health found that many people are unaware of the importance of practicing good oral hygiene and its connection to overall health. Many people were not even certain of basic stuff like proper dental care, recommended time for replacing toothbrushes, and causes of dental cavities among many others. Dental and oral health is linked with one’s overall health and well-being. Poor oral hygiene can lead to dental cavities and gum disease, and has also been found to be associated with heart diseases, cancer, diabetes and a host of other diseases like respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Benefits of good oral health 

Good oral health can have multiple health benefits. By maintaining a good oral hygiene routine like brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day and going for a dental checkup every six months can help in a number of ways – 

1. Reduce plaque and tartar deposits on the teeth. 

2. Reduce the risk of diseases of the gum and tooth decay. Both gum diseases and tooth decay if left untreated can lead to tooth loss. 

3. Reduce the risk of heart diseases – the bacteria in our mouth can get into our blood causing the chances of more clot formation resulting in an increased risk of heart disease. Good oral hygiene can prevent this. 

4. Gum diseases can inflame the blood vessels thus impacting the blood flow going to the brain, this can result in strokes which can be debilitating for many individuals. Gum diseases are avoidable and even reversible if detected during early stages.  

5. Recent research has indicated that the chances of a person developing diabetes goes up considerably if they have untreated gum diseases. People with gum diseases have a harder time in controlling blood sugar levels as compared to people with no gum diseases. 

6. Some bacteria from the mouth can be pulled into the lungs causing respiratory diseases like the pneumonia. 

7. Keeping the teeth and gums healthy can go a long way in reducing the chances of developing oral cancer. Oral cancer is the 6^th most common cancer in the world and is a highly deadly disease. Smoking and drinking alcohol have been associated with increased risk of getting oral cancer and these two habits are also harmful for the teeth. It is better to quit smoking and minimize the alcohol consumption for the sake of one’s oral health. 

8. People with healthy gums have been found to be less likely to develop dementia and diseases like Alzheimer’s as compared to people suffering from chronic gum diseases for long.  

9. Osteoporosis is linked to periodontal and tooth bone loss. 

10. Other disorders linked to oral health are rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s disease, pancreatic cancer, chronic kidney diseases and some eating disorders too. 

11. Good oral health, no bad breath and sparkling white teeth can also boost one’s confidence. Healthy teeth and a healthy smile go a long way in improving one’s self esteem.  

With so many benefits accruing from good oral health you can only imagine how important oral health is. 

If these reasons are not enough, we will give one final reason which hopefully will set you on the path of good oral health. Research shows that a person’s longevity is directly linked to the number of teeth one has. With good oral care and frequent dental checkups, you will not only be looking good and taking care of your teeth and gums but you will also be taking care of your overall health and contributing to the length of your life.   

Hope this blog has been an interesting and informative read. We hope it helps you take oral health more seriously. Take care of your oral health and you will be confident, healthy and live a long life too. We wish you all the luck and good oral health. 

Make sure that your share this new found wisdom with your family and friends. If you wish to avail our services call Ensure Dental Care on 940-274-3229 for an appointment today. We are one of the best family dentist near you. Ensure Dental Care is the one of the best Saginaw Tx dentist. We accept all major insurance providers. We also have an in-house payment plan. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Irrespective of the problem we offer same day emergency treatments. We entertain walk ins also. 

We would love to hear from you. If you want to interact with us or give feedback and suggestions about our website, content or services on social media you can follow us on Instagram. Our Instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. Look out for exciting offers, deals and more fun stuff on our social media handles. We look forward to interacting with you on Instagram soon.  

When was the last time you got your teeth cleaned at a dentist’s clinic?  Do you know that American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you must visit your dentist at least twice a year for a check up and professional dental cleaning? Despite this 28% Americans go without a dental checkup for more than 1 year. May be some of you are wondering if one brushes twice a day and flosses every day then why does one need to get teeth cleaned by a dentist? Let us understand what is this teeth cleaning done by the dentists and why is it important. 

What is teeth cleaning? 

This is a routine dental treatment. Your family dentist can do it so that your dental hygiene is maintained and improved if need be. Professional dental cleanings are extremely important for not just your oral health but also overall health. 

What happens during the teeth cleaning procedure? 

Your dentist will check your jaws and neck to see if there are any irregularities. He/ She may take an X-Ray too. After the external examination the dentist will then check your mouth for cavities, fillings, cracked teeth, any symptoms or signs of gum disease or oral cancer. Then the dentist will start the cleaning process. Using their tools, they will clean any plaque or tartar build up from the surface and in between the teeth. The dental hygienist may also use a floss for reaching the hard-to-reach areas. Finally, the dentist will polish the teeth to avoid any future problems. They may also for some patients do the fluoride treatment. In case they encounter any cavities or gum diseases or signs of any other problems they will advise suitable steps or treatments to you. 

Why is professional teeth cleaning important? 

Professional teeth cleaning is important for a number of reasons. Here we list the most important ones – 

1. Despite having good oral hygiene, we end up eating food and drinking stuff that is harmful for teeth. For example, drinking too much tea, coffee or wine can stain our teeth. If we go for regular dental cleaning then these stains on the teeth can be removed leaving us with a whiter brighter smile. 

2. Most gum diseases have no symptoms during the initial stages. And during this stage they are actually reversible. If you go for regular dental cleanings, you will have double benefit, one the cleanings will help prevent gum diseases and secondly incase there is a sign of occurrence of any gum disease it will be detected promptly and suitable treatment can be given immediately. Gum diseases in advanced stages are responsible for a number of problems including loss of teeth. Regular teeth cleaning can help prevent and treat the same. 

3. Regular teeth cleaning ensures that you can get rid of any bad breath you may have. Bad breath can have a number of reasons like eating certain foods or drinks, bad habits like consumption of tobacco, poor oral hygiene and some health conditions like dry mouth. All these can be checked during the dental cleaning. 

4. Good oral hygiene is linked to good cardiovascular health and also diabetes. With regular cleaning you can ensure that you take care of your oral hygiene and at the same time you are promptly warned of any problems that may be indicating a heart problem or diabetes etc. 

5. Oral cancer kills. Early detection can help. Regular teeth cleanings can do just that. 

6. The dentist can also check for cavities, broken fillings and fractures or cracked teeth during the cleanings which can then be fixed. 

How often should I get regular teeth cleanings? 

Recent studies have shown that people who are not at risk of any major health problems can visit the dentist once a year for dental cleaning and that will be sufficient to ensure prevention of gum diseases and potential tooth loss. If, however you are over the age of 50 years you must visit the dentist for teeth cleaning at least twice a year. People with health risks or exacerbated dental problems may be required to visit even more frequently. What’s more is that teeth cleanings come under preventive oral care and most insurance companies cover it so you can go for regular dental cleanings without worrying about the expenses. You will be not only taking care of your teeth but also not spending a bomb on the same.  

Your dental health is in your hands. A dental hygienist will help you keep your mouth healthy.  

We come back to the same question with which we started this blog today – When was the last time you got your teeth cleaned at a dentist’s clinic? Even if you think I don’t need it because I have a good oral hygiene or if you feel that you have not gotten your teeth cleaned in a long – long time so how do I start now, let us tell you it is never too late.  Call Ensure Dental Care on 940-274-3229 for a teeth cleaning appointment today 

We are the family dentist near you. Ensure Dental Care is the one of the best Saginaw TX dentist. We accept all major insurance providers. We also have an in-house payment plan. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Irrespective of the problem we offer same day emergency treatments. We entertain walk ins also. 

Hope this blog has been an interesting and informative read. If yes make sure that your share it with your family and friends. We would love to hear from you. If you want to interact with us or give feedback and suggestions about our website, content or services on social media you can follow us on Instagram. Our Instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. Look out for exciting offers, deals and more fun stuff on our social media handles. We look forward to interacting with you on Instagram soon.

Your smile goes a long way in forming first impressions. We all want to give good first impressions be it on a date or an interview. Sometimes our smile gets marred by how our teeth look. Discoloration, staining, chipped or broken tooth, uneven teeth all these factors impact our smile negatively. But worry not we have a solution for you that will make your smile perfect and that solution is called dental veneers. Veneers are a long term and long lasting solution to one’s cosmetic concerns. 

What are dental veneers? 

Veneers are thin coverings that are bonded to the front of your teeth using a cement in order to change the shape, size, color and even the length of your teeth. The purpose of the veneers is to improve your smile. A veneer can be made up of ceramic, porcelain or composite materials. Porcelain veneers are generally more popular amongst the three kinds. These are cosmetic changes that are permanent in nature done to restore the function and look of your teeth. Veneers are a go to option for dentists to fix uneven teeth, spaced out teeth, chipped tooth as well as stained and discolored teeth. Usually, veneers are used on the 8 top front teeth. So, you must now be wondering what are the benefits of getting dental veneers? 

Benefits of dental veneers 

Getting veneers can be beneficial in many ways like – 

1. Getting natural-colored appearance of the teeth if your teeth are discolored and stained due to excessive drinking of tea, coffee or wine. 

2. You can even make your teeth look whiter than their actual color and get veneers easily. 

3. Fix minor teeth issues like chipped teeth, gaps between the teeth.  

4. Enamel if it wears off exposes the yellow dentin layer. Veneers cannot replace the enamel but they can cover the exposed dentin and camouflage it. Veneers are one of the best solutions for enamel erosion due to ailments like acid reflux. 

5. It is a permanent treatment and in case you get porcelain veneers then you have an added advantage that the porcelain veneers are stain resistant. 

6. Veneers are strong and with proper care veneers can last up to 20 years also. 

7.  Get a smile makeover and a perfect smile to boost your self-esteem. Because veneers are a cosmetic treatment, they can make your smile look better consequently improving your confidence and self-esteem. 

How can I get veneers? 

You need to first visit us or your family dentist to figure out if veneers are the best solution for you. In case of serious damage or decay to the teeth crowns are considered better.  Read more about it in our blog Veneers vs Crowns. Your dentist will most likely take an X-Ray and check your teeth for signs of tooth decay, gum diseases and need for root canals. In case you can get a veneer then you must choose between the kind of veneer you want (each kind has its own pros and cons)– 

1. Porcelain Veneer – these are strong, natural colored, stain resistant and you can make them whiter than your natural teeth as well. These can be expensive and need multiple visits to the dentist. In case of porcelain veneers after the initial consultation the dentist will grind down the teeth, make an impression of your teeth and create a mold during the second visit. The mold will then be sent to the lab for porcelain veneers to be made. Once the veneer is ready you need to visit the dentist again. Now the dentist will clean and then grind your tooth and get the veneer cemented to the front of your teeth. He will then harden it with a UV light. 

2. Resin based composite Veneer – easier to fix (but can get damaged easily), less expensive than porcelain veneers, and require very little enamel removal. In case of resin based veneers the dentist will prepare your teeth by etching the surface of the tooth and then applying a thin layer of the resin based composite material. The dentist will then harden it with UV light. This can be done in a single visit also. 

3. No prep veneers – these are also called lumineers and they don’t need too much teeth preparation to be fixed. These are made of laminates. They are not permanent and can be removed after putting them. Getting lumineers is generally painless and fast and less expensive than other kinds of veneers. As the name suggests teeth does not need to be prepared and the veneers only affect the enamel. This procedure does not even need any local anesthesia. Read more about lumineers in our blog Veneers vs Lumineers. 

You can choose a veneer which suits your needs but you should also take the dentist’s recommendation on this subject. 

Cost of getting veneers 

The cost of veneers depends on the type of veneers you have chosen. Veneers treatment is generally not covered under insurance as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. Porcelain veneers can cost anywhere from $900 to $2500 per tooth. Composite veneers can be in the range of $400 to $2000 per tooth. Other factors that can change the cost is your area’s general standard of living, brand of veneers used and the expertise and experience of the dentist. 

Hope this blog has been an interesting and informative read. If yes make sure that your share it with your family and friends. For any dental queries and appointments call Ensure Dental Care on 940-274-3229. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Irrespective of the problem we offer same day emergency treatments. We entertain walk ins also. 

We are the family dentist near you. Ensure Dental Care is the one of the best family dental clinics at Saginaw Texas. We accept all major insurance providers. We also have an in-house payment plan. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. 

We would love to hear from you. If you want to interact with us or give feedback and suggestions about our website, content or services on social media you can follow us on Instagram. Our Instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. Look out for exciting offers, deals and more fun stuff on our social media handles. We look forward to interacting with you on Instagram soon. 

What is orthodontics? 

Before we answer this question, let us understand what is orthodontics? Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry. The word orthodontics comprises of 2 parts Orthos meaning straight and Dontics meaning teeth. We are sure you would have understood by now what is this special branch of dentistry is all about. Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with alignment of the teeth and jaw.  

Who are orthodontists? 

The specialists who practice Orthodontics are called the orthodontists. Orthodontist undergo additional 2 or more years of training post the 4 years at the dental school in order to specialize in this branch of dentistry.  

They help prevent, diagnose and correct teeth irregularities like overbites, underbites, cross bites and also the use of braces falls under the purview of their work. The goal of an orthodontist is to improve your bite and align your teeth so that you can eat, chew and speak properly.  

Benefits and importance of orthodontics 

Alignment of teeth really helps improve speech, bite and also allows a person to chew better. To read more on different kinds of bites and the importance of orthodontics read our blog – Importance of Orthodontics. Besides these the most important benefit of alignment of teeth is the cosmetic effect and the boost to one’s self-esteem. Straightening teeth also means better cleaning and reduction in chances of getting cavities. 

What kind of problems do orthodontists fix? 

Orthodontists help in resolving a number of issues of alignment of teeth and jaw like – 

1. Under bite – when the lower jaw appears in front of the upper jaw when the mouth is closed. 

2. Over bite – when the upper jaw appears in front of the lower jaw when the mouth is closed. 

3. Cross bite – When some teeth of the upper jaw are in front and some behind the corresponding teeth in the lower jaw when the mouth is closed. 

4. Open bite – When there is a gap between the front teeth of upper and lower jaw when one bites down. 

5. Overcrowding of teeth 

6. Spacing – fixing gaps between the teeth. 

If you feel you have any of these problems then you must consult an orthodontist. Only they can determine the problem and consequently the right line of treatment for you.  They use clinical examination, X-rays, plastic models and different kinds of appliances for different problems. Let us explore some of the most commonly used appliances by orthodontists. 

Types of appliances used in orthodontic treatments 

Orthodontists use different kinds of appliances in different orthodontic treatments. These appliances are used to move the teeth slowly into desired place, retrain muscles by putting pressure on the jaws gently. Some of these appliances are fixed while some are removable. 

Fixed appliances include – 

1. Braces – These are also called orthodontic braces, traditionally they are made of metal. They have bands, wires and brackets. Brackets are attached to the front or back of the teeth and the wires connect these brackets to bands. The wires are tightened at regular intervals thereby putting pressure on the teeth forcing them to move in the desired position. 

2. Dental space maintainers – some children lose their primary teeth earlier than usual. In such cases orthodontists use what is known as dental space maintainer to make sure there is space for eruption of permanent teeth. 

3. The Herbst^® appliance – generally used to reduce overbites it brings the lower jaw forward and take the upper molars backwards. Used generally in growing children. 

Among the removable appliances we have – 

1. Aligners – The most popular now a days are the aligners because of their aesthetic appeal. These work on the same principles like braces however they don’t have brackets or wires and are available in clear or invisible variety making them very popular. These have to be removed while eating, drinking and brushing. 

2. Removable space maintainers – These serve the same purpose as the fixed dental space maintainers except that they are made of plastic with an acrylic base that fits on the jaw. They are placed where the teeth are missing. 

3. Splints – These are removable appliances used to reposition the jaw to reduce pain in TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders. They help in the opening and closing of the jaw. They are placed on either upper or the lower jaw depending on the problem. 

4. Retainers – Generally after braces dentists recommend wearing retainers which are worn on the roof of the mouth and prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original position. 

5. Palate expanders – Sometimes teeth can be overcrowded because the palate and upper jaw are constricted. These devices made of plastic plates are used to expand the palate by fixing them to the roof of the mouth leading to widening of the upper jaw. 

There are some risks associated with orthodontic treatments like early tooth decay, loss of gum support and dissolving roots of teeth. The benefits of orthodontic treatments outweigh most of these risks. However, always make sure you understand the risks involved before undergoing any orthodontic treatment.  

Hope this blog has been an interesting and informative read. If yes make sure that your share it with your family and friends. For any dental queries and appointments call Ensure Dental Care on 940-274-3229. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Irrespective of the problem we offer same day emergency treatments. We entertain walk ins also. 

We are the family dentist near you. Ensure Dental Care is the one of the best Saginaw dental clinics at Saginaw Texas. We accept all major insurance providers. We also have an in-house payment plan. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. 

We would love to hear from you. If you want to interact with us or give feedback and suggestions about our website, content or services on social media you can follow us on Instagram. Our Instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. Look out for exciting offers, deals and more fun stuff on our social media handles. We look forward to interacting with you on Instagram soon. 

Dentures are false teeth that are most commonly used to replace lost teeth. They are as old as 2500 BC when animal teeth were used to make dentures. Then came the Egyptians and Etruscans who made dentures not only from animal teeth but also bone, wire etc. There was a time when wooden dentures were also used in Japan. 

With advancements in technology now dentures are made of materials like acrylic, nylon, porcelain, resin etc. Generally, the frame of the dentures is made up of metal or acrylic. 9^th March is observed as National False Teeth Day every year to raise awareness about oral care and the importance, use and care of false teeth or dentures. They are used by many celebrities like Ben Affleck, Miley Cyrus, George Clooney etc. 

Dentures are now a days giving way to implants and yet dentures are still popular among young as well as old because they are comfortable, efficient and aesthetically pleasing. The average age of when people start using dentures is somewhere between 40 to 49. This is the age when they first experience tooth loss due to age related factors. To know more about types dentures, their advantages and disadvantages read our blog – Dentures. You can also check out our blogs – Myths about Dentures and Dentures vs Implants if these topics interest you.    

Now that we have established that dentures are widely used, we must try to understand how to take care of Dentures. This blog is to raise awareness about that. 

Tips to take care of your dentures 

1. Handle dentures with care. Take appropriate precautions while handling them to avoid dropping them. They can break if they fall hard on a surface. 

2. Remove your dentures after every meal and rinse them under running tap water. Dentures like our natural teeth can also have food particles stuck on and in between them and if not cleaned properly can lead to plaque formation and other oral problems. While you clean your dentures make sure to wipe your gums and teeth too with a soft wet cloth or gently with a toothbrush. 

3. Just like we brush our natural teeth, make sure you brush your dentures too daily. The only difference is don’t use a toothpaste. A toothpaste is abrasive and can make scratches on the dentures which can be ideal pockets for plaque to build up. Use a non-abrasive denture cleanser. Don’t use a hard bristled brush, there are special brushes available for brushing of dentures. Use them. Denture brushes are effective and do not harm the dentures. Avoid brushing too hard as this may wear down the dentures.    

4. Soak your dentures overnight and when not using in water or denture cleanser soaking solution. This is to make sure they stay moist and retain their shape. If the dentures have metal attachments the denture soaking solution may not be the best option to soak them in. Please check with your dentist on how best to take care of them. Never put dentures in hot or boiling water, it can warp the dentures. Also never use denture soaking solution while the dentures are in the mouth. 

5. Don’t wear dentures overnight. This is to avoid getting fungal infections like denture stomatitis which is caused by a type of yeast. Research has shown that 70% of denture users generally develop this condition. It is very important to take care especially in the case of feeble and incapacitated patients who use dentures.   

6. Every morning before putting on your dentures make sure to rinse them thoroughly with water especially if you are using a denture soaking solution. The chemicals in these solutions can cause vomiting, pain and even burns if ingested. 

7. Visit the dentist regularly for checkups. This will keep not only the oral diseases at bay but also will help diagnose any issues with the dentures. In case of a loose fit visit your dentist as soon as possible. Loose dentures can cause irritation, sores as well as infection. 

This is how you can take care of your dentures on a day-to-day basis.  

Other than these measures you must also keep an eye out for the following – 

1. Any inflammation or irritation beneath the dentures. 

2. If dentures do not stay in place on their own and need adhesives to keep them in place. 

3. If the dentures are stained, worn out, cracked or broken. 

4. If there is any change in the mouth due to which the dentures no longer fit properly. 

5. If the dentures were fabricated more than 5 years ago. 

In all the above cases maybe, it is time to get rid of the old dentures and get new ones made. 

Be gentle with your dentures. Try to take small bites and chew gently if you are using dentures. Denture care is easy and if taken proper care your dentures will last longer and you will stay healthier. 

Hope this blog has been an interesting and informative read. If yes make sure that your share it with your family and friends. For any dental queries and appointments call Ensure Dental Care, your family dentist in Saginaw TX, on 940-274-3229. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Irrespective of the problem we offer same day emergency treatments. We entertain walk ins also. 

We are the family dentist near you. Ensure Dental Care is one of the best Saginaw dental clinics. We accept all major insurance providers. We also have an in-house payment plan. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. 

We would love to hear from you. If you want to interact with us or give feedback and suggestions about our website, content or services on social media you can follow us on instagram. Our instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. Look out for exciting offers, deals and more fun stuff on our social media handles. We look forward to interacting with you on instagram soon.

Oral health is an important part of children’s overall health. Children face the same if not more dental issues as adults do. As per CDC more than 13% of children between the ages of 5 years to 9 years have untreated cavities. Are your aware that 20% children aged between 5-11 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth and 1 out of 7 adolescents aged between 12-19 years have at least one untreated decayed tooth? ADA recommends that all parents must be aware of children’s oral health and take care of it till the child is old enough to understand and take care of it himself. Today we talk of some common and frequently asked questions that we encounter about pediatric oral health. 

Q: How is family dentistry and pediatric dentistry different from one another? 

A: While family dentist refers to a dentist who can take care of the oral issues of all age groups of people pediatric dentistry confines itself to only children of all ages in its scope of work. A pediatric dentist is a specialist who specializes in the oral health issues of children from infants to adolescents including those who have special needs. This requires the dentists to train for a couple of more years than regular dentists. A family dentist on the other hand is more likely to be aware of common dental problems that run in the family as compared to a pediatric dentist. Read more about it in our blog Pediatric Dentistry. 

Q: Are children’s milk teeth really important? They fall off eventually giving way to permanent teeth so is oral care really important with children having only milk teeth? 

A: Primary or milk teeth are very important. They help children speak and chew properly. And also, they make way for the eruption of the permanent teeth. 

Q: When do we start using toothpaste for children? 

A: Start brushing their teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Use as fluoride toothpaste and a toothbrush having ADA seal and acceptance. Use the following measures depending on the age of the child – 

• < 2 years – grain sized. 

• From 2 to 4 years – pea sized. 

• 5 and above – bean sized. 

Read our blog Keeping your child’s teeth healthy and Things all parents must know about baby teeth for more details depending for age related oral care tips. 

Q: When should I take my child for the first dental check-up? 

A: As soon as the first teeth erupts your child is ready for their first dental visit. 

Q: What do I do if my child has a toothache? 

A: Rinse the area with water and use a cold compress if there is a swelling. In case of severe pain give a pain medication approved for children (not aspirin). Then try and visit a dentist as soon as possible. 

Q: My children play a lot of rough sports? How do I protect their teeth? 

A: Mouthguards are the thing for you. You can choose between ready made guards that are available over the counter or get them custom made from a pediatric dentist. 

Q: What can I add to my child’s diet to make it healthy for teeth? 

A: Let your child have sufficient fruits and vegetables along with fish, meat, eggs, cereals and dairy products. Avoid sugary and starchy stuff. 

Q: My kid hates brushing his teeth, Help! 

A: This is a very common query we get and we have dedicated an entire blog on this subject called – Kids hate brushing? What can you do? 

Q: What to do if a kid knocks off a permanent tooth? 

A: Firstly, keep calm, locate the broken tooth. Don’t touch the root of the tooth. Try to insert it in the cavity if you can. If not, put it in a glass of milk and rush to an emergency near-by. 

Q: When do babies start teething? And what care can I take? 

A: Babies are teething from the age of 6 months to up to 3 years of age. For how to care read our blog – Baby Teething Comforting Tips. 

Q: How often do children need a dental checkup? 

A: Kids needs a dental checkup as often as adults which is every 6 months. In case of any special needs this frequency may vary. 

Q: Is thumb sucking or use of a pacifier bad for teeth? 

A: It can be bad for the erupting permanent teeth if the child does not stop these habits by the age of 3 years. Take the advice of a pediatric dentist for more.  

It is important that you inculcate good oral habits in children from a very young age. They will thank you later as they grow up. Oral health has a deep connection with overall health. Healthy teeth mean a healthy body too. Teach your children the importance of good oral care. We at Ensure Dental Care love our little patients and we hope you will be visiting us soon. 

Did reading this blog help you? Share it with your family and friends if you liked it. For any dental queries and appointments call Ensure Dental Care on 940-274-3229. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Regardless of your problem we offer same day emergency treatments. We entertain walk ins also. 

We are the family dentist near you. Ensure Dental Care is the one of the best family dental clinics at Saginaw Texas. We accept all major insurance providers. We also have an in-house payment plan. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. 

If you want to interact with us on social media or give any suggestions you can also follow us on Instagram for offers, deals and more fun stuff. Our Instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. We look forward to interacting with you on the Instagram soon.  

A toothache can make one miserable. A toothache is a dull or sharp pain experienced mostly in and around a tooth. Toothache can be due to many reasons. It is generally a symptom that something is amiss with our teeth or our gums. Toothache must not be ignored. Today we highlight some of the main causes behind toothaches and how to take care of your teeth to avoid toothaches. 

What causes toothache? 

Toothache can have a number of reasons. Some of the most commonly found reasons are as follows – 

1. Tooth decay and cavities – Cavities are caused by poor oral hygiene, frequent snacking and also by the bacteria in the mouth. If cavities are not treated in time it can lead to tooth decay and this may result in a severe toothache. 

2. Tooth infection and tooth abscess – Sometimes tooth may get infected by bacteria causing tooth infection. If the bacteria invade the pulp in the tooth, it can also lead to tooth abscess (to know more on this topic read our blog Tooth Abscess). In such a case one may experience a throbbing pain radiating up to the jaw. This may be accompanied with a swelling of a portion of the face and fever.  

3. Tooth fracture – Tooth fracture can lead to toothache. Some of the common causes of tooth fracture include age, biting hard foods instead of sucking them like candies, ice etc. and bruxism i.e.- grinding of teeth. We have a separate blog on Bruxism if you are interested. People with dental cavities are more vulnerable to tooth fractures. Fractures are common in upper front teeth and lower back molars. 

4. A damaged filling – Fillings are used by dentists to restore a decayed tooth. Post a filling people sometimes experience sensitivity and toothache. Some people may have a toothache because the they are allergic to the substance used for filling like silver. Constant pressure on fillings due to biting and chewing which were done long time ago can lead wearing away of the filling thereby exposing the tooth to further decay. This can also result in a toothache. 

5. Excessive teeth grinding – Bruxism can lead to toothache. People who suffer from bruxism grind their teeth unknowingly in their sleep mostly, this can lead to tooth erosion and toothache. 

6. Infected gums – Gum diseases can make your teeth sensitive to hot and cold and they may also ache. 

7. Tooth extraction, fillings, root canal treatment – Many such dental procedures can make teeth sensitive and there may be toothache for a temporary period post these procedures.  

8. Wisdom teeth – Eruption of wisdom teeth in some people is accompanied by toothache. 

9. Braces and dentures – Some people experience toothache due to braces and dentures too.  

 Some other issues not related to the teeth can also cause toothache – 

1. Cluster headaches and migraine  

2. Blocked and infected sinuses 

3. TMJ pain (jaw pain) 

In rare cases toothache has been associated with heart related problems and nerve diseases also.  

When to seek medical care for a toothache? 

1. If fever and swelling accompanies toothache it is best to go to the dentist. 

2. In case the pain is not relieved by over-the-counter painkillers. 

3. If there is any discharge from the teeth. 

4. In case of a severe injury if the tooth is knocked out then you must rush to an emergency. 

5. If you are unable to open your mouth fully and or eat and chew foods that you normally eat. Difficulty in swallowing food is another sign that you need medical help. 

6. Facial rash that comes along with a toothache needs a doctor’s intervention. 

A dentist will be able to diagnose the root cause of the toothache and provide a cure accordingly. This generally will involve medications like antibiotics to ease the pain and other lines of treatment depending on the real reason behind the toothache. 

How can I avoid a toothache? 

We can confidently say that a good oral hygiene routine will help you avoid toothache for most of the time. However, toothache can still occur due to other reasons listed above. Other than brushing and flossing your teeth regularly one should do the following to avoid toothaches- 

1. Always maintain a healthy diet. Avoid eating starch and sugar rich foods.  

2. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice and candy.  

3. Use a fluoride toothpaste to avoid getting tooth decay.   

4. Keep your bridges, dentures and braces clean. 

5. Wear a mouthguard or nightguard to protect teeth from grinding and if playing rough contact sports. (Read our blogs – Benefits of wearing mouth guards in contact and collision sports and Should I wear a night guard). 

6. Last but not the least do visit your dentist at least once every six months. There are some problems that only a dentist can diagnose on a physical check up which may not have any or little visible symptoms like cavities and gum diseases in their initial stages. Early detection and diagnosis mean early cure and treatment. This can save your teeth. 

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. We request you to share it with your family and friends if you liked it. For any dental queries, you can always call Ensure Dental Care on 940-274-3229. Schedule an appointment with us at the same number. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Regardless of your problem we offer same day emergency treatments. We entertain walk ins also. 

We are the family dentist near you. Ensure Dental Care is the one of the best family dental clinics at Saginaw Texas. We accept all major insurance providers. We also have an in-house payment plan. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. 

If you want to interact with us on social media or give any suggestions you can also follow us on instagram for offers, deals and more fun stuff. Our instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. We look forward to interacting with you on the instagram soon.  

Hi, so you want to know how often should you change your toothbrush? We will tell you that in a minute but before we do that, we would like you to see some stats regarding how often toothbrushes are changed. On an average Americans change their toothbrush approximately 2 times a year. But do you know what the ADA (American Dental Association) recommends in this regard?  

The ADA recommends that you must change your toothbrush at least 4 times a year. Well, there you have it! However, you may be still wondering why do you need to change your toothbrush so often?  

Why do I need to change my toothbrush? 

It is important to change your toothbrush regularly for a number of reasons. The primary reason is that a toothbrush is a tool used to clean your teeth and if it does not perform the intended function then it must be replaced. 

How do I know my toothbrush needs to be replaced? 

There are many reasons that should prompt you to replace your toothbrush. We will be listing the major ones below – 

1. The bristles of the toothbrush have become frayed. Bristles on the toothbrush help clean the teeth. If they become frayed or get chewed on, they lose their shape and may not end up cleaning the surface of the tooth as one wants them to. ADA recommends changing your toothbrush every 3 months or as soon as the bristles become frayed. 

2. A toothbrush also gets dirty like any object. If a toothbrush is not cleaned properly after using it, there can be a buildup of bacteria on the surface of the toothbrush.  The older the brush the more the bacteria there can be on the toothbrush. Hence getting rid of the old and buying a new one is important so that you don’t end up transferring more bacteria into your mouth than removing.  

3. If the bristles on your toothbrush have worn out that is a definite indication to throw the toothbrush out. Worn out bristles can be abrasive and can harm the soft tissue inside the mouth while brushing. Not only that they will not clean your teeth effectively making your teeth vulnerable to dental problems like plaque buildup, tooth decay and gum diseases. 

4. If you have been sick recently due to any viral or bacterial infection, it is a good time to replace the old toothpaste with a new one because viruses and bacteria tend to linger on the surfaces of the toothbrush and you would not want to risk a reinfection now, would you? 

5. It also depends on the kind of toothbrush you are using. Generally electric toothbrushes have shorter bristles than the manual ones and may therefore get worn out quicker than manual toothbrush. Hence electric toothbrushes may need head replacement more often than a manual toothbrush. 

Can I do something to make my toothbrush last longer? 

Well of course you can make your toothbrush last longer than the usual if you take care of a few things like – 

1. Always make sure you clean your toothbrush after brushing your teeth. Rinse off the head with running water after every use. Do not use any cleaning agents to clean the head of the toothbrush. You may end up doing more harm than good. Chemicals from these cleaning agents can be extremely harmful for your mouth. 

2. Don’t cover the toothbrush after cleaning if the bristles or brush is wet. A closed environment is the ideal environment for mold and bacteria to grow. Let the brush air dry after you rinse it. 

3. Never ever share your toothbrush with another person. And don’t keep your toothbrush in a place where it will come in contact with toothbrushes to other people. Toothbrush heads touching each other can lead to spread of germs from one person to another. 

4. Don’t sterilize your toothbrush in a microwave or using hot boiling water. The heat can damage the bristles. 

5. Position your toothbrush vertically post rinsing it so that the bristles and brush can air dry quickly. 

6. Keep the toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible. Every time the toilet is flushed the fecal matter and water rise into the air and these if they land on the toothbrush can make it dirty and harmful. 

7. Use a toothpaste dispenser to avoid contact between your toothbrush and the toothpaste tube. This will prevent it from getting cross contaminated because generally a toothpaste is a shared resource in a bathroom. 

In conclusion we would like to just reiterate that your toothbrush can harbor germs and despite keeping it clean on a regular basis it will become dirty as you continue to use it. The effectiveness of the cleaning expected from a toothbrush also goes down with every usage and toothbrushes also wear out with time. 

Proper toothbrush care and storage is as important to oral hygiene as is replacing the old toothbrush with a new one. 

We hope you learnt something new after reading this blog. Please share it with your family and friends if you liked it. For any dental queries, you can always call Ensure Dental Care on 682-213-4114. You can also schedule an appointment with us. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Regardless of your issue we offer same day emergency treatments. We entertain walk ins also. 

Ensure Dental Care your Saginaw Dentist is just 10 miles from Forth Worth. We accept all major insurance providers. We also have in house payment plan. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. 

About the Author

Dr. Rashi Muthal, your Saginaw Dentist, is a graduate from USC school of Dentistry at Los Angeles and has over 15 years of experience in the field of Dentistry. She prides herself on treating people with compassion, honesty, dignity, and respect.
Dr. Rashi is a member of multiple dental professional organizations including American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Fort Worth Dental Society and American Orthodontic Society.

If you want to interact with us on social media or give any suggestions you can also follow us on instagram for offers, deals and more fun stuff. Our instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. We look forward to interacting with you on the instagram soon.  

If you have ever thought and looked up teeth whitening you would most certainly have come across teeth whitening with hydrogen peroxide. We are here to clear the air on whether hydrogen peroxide can be used for teeth whitening or not and if it safe to use. 

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly found in antiseptics at home. It has a number of uses. It is an active ingredient of many teeth whitening products. It works like a bleaching agent working on the stains and discolored teeth making them more even toned and whiter. Does it mean we can use hydrogen peroxide bought from our local store to whiten our teeth?  

While hydrogen peroxide can do it there are some things one must know about it like for example if used incorrectly it can damage the enamel of the teeth. 

Is teeth whitening with hydrogen peroxide effective? 

Most commercial teeth whitening kits available over the counter have hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as an active ingredient. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide is a factor in determining how effective it is for whitening purposes. Generally, these teeth whitening kits have a concentration of 10 percent or less. This is good because lower the concentration lesser the damage to the teeth but this also means it will not be as effective as say a 40 percent concentrated solution generally used by the dentists. 

But a study in 2004 suggested that using a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide solution could have the same effectiveness as that of a highly concentrated solution. But for that the lower concentrated solution will need to be applied more frequently. In other words, a 10% solution will have the same effect as a 40% solution if the 10% is applied 4 to 5 times as compared to one time with 40%. This example is just for illustration purposes and not to be taken as is. 

How long will it take to whiten my teeth? 

The duration needed to whiten teeth with hydrogen peroxide depends – 

1. Condition of teeth 

2. Concentration of the solution 

3. Reason and amount of discoloration of teeth 

How can I use it? 

1. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide with water.  

2. Use this solution just like a mouthwash. Swish it in the mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute. 

3. Spit the solution out once done. Make sure you do not swallow any of it. 

Warning: In case of any burning or feeling of hurt in the mouth, spit it out immediately and consult a doctor. 

You can use it as a mouthwash daily and see the results in a few weeks’ time. 

Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to make a paste to remove localized stains on the teeth. For making a paste – 

1. Mix a little baking soda with hydrogen peroxide solution to make a thick paste. 

2. The paste should be thick but not gritty. 

3. Use this paste like a toothpaste and brush your teeth with it for 2 minutes. 

4. Use water to rinse of any paste remaining in the mouth. Ensure all paste is removed and none remains in the mouth or is swallowed. 

Risks associated with whitening teeth with hydrogen peroxide  

As we mentioned above stronger the concentration of hydrogen peroxide the more damage it can do to the enamel of the teeth. Loss of enamel makes them sensitive to eating hot and cold things. Tooth sensitivity is one of most common side effects. Some others are gum sensitivity, gum irritation and inflamed gums. Please consult a dentist incase you observe these side effects.  

What else can I do to keep my teeth white? 

If you want to keep your teeth pearly white it would help if you could eliminate these from your diet – 

1. Tea 

2. Coffee 

3. Red Wine 

4. Energy Drinks 

5. Soda 

In conclusion we can say using hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening is a fairly common and inexpensive method and can be used as a home remedy with adequate safety precautions. Look for ADA’s (American Dental Association) seal of acceptance while choosing an over-the-counter teeth whitening kit. It can be effective for mild staining of teeth however if you have darker stains then hydrogen peroxide as is available in the market may not be the best solution for you. It is better if you consult your dentist and go for teeth whitening at a dental clinic. The dentist may first get the teeth cleaned before the teeth whitening process to ensure more effective results. To know more read our blog – Is teeth whitening safe? 

There are many other home remedies floating on the net for teeth whitening like using charcoal and salt or lemon juice with baking soda, oil pulling or using apple cider vinegar. Remember many of them are harmful for teeth than helpful and none of these are recommended by the ADA. So if you plan to whiten your teeth at home using any method please ensure you consult your dentist before you give it a shot. 

We hope this blog was informative and useful. Please share it with your family and friends if you liked it. For any dental queries, you can always call Ensure Dental Care on 940-274-3229. You can also schedule an appointment with us. Ensure Dental Care offers emergency dental services. Regardless of your issue we offer same day emergency treatments. We entertain walk ins also. 

We are the family dentist near you. Ensure Dental Care is the one of the best family dental clinics at Saginaw Texas. We accept all major insurance providers. We also have in house payment plan. We have a very experienced and professional team of dental practitioners and we look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. 

If you want to interact with us on social media or give any suggestions you can also follow us on Instagram for offers, deals and more fun stuff. Our Instagram handle is @ensuredentalcaresaginawtx. We look forward to interacting with you on the Instagram soon.