Smiles of Memorial News

Common Brushing Mistakes

May 14, 2021

The best way to protect your teeth from tooth decay, gum disease, or oral cancers is by brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each. However, if you adjust a few common mistakes most patients make while brushing your teeth could be healthier.

1. Rough Scrubbing

Adding more muscle to your brushing routine does not give your teeth a more thorough clean. Removing plaque from your teeth is more like wiping-up spilled milk instead of breaking-down tough grease. Brushing should feel like a comfortable tooth massage.

2. Quick Brushing

A buildup of plaque on your teeth over time causes hard tartar to form which can break through your enamel and cause tooth decay. Only brushing once a day or forgetting to brush can cause damage to your teeth over time. Set a timer on your phone for two minutes or listen to your favorite song while your brushing.

3. Keeping Old Toothbrushes

You should replace your toothbrushes every three to four months or when the bristles begin to fray. A few other signs of an overused toothbrush are discoloration, dirt, and a bent shape. To keep your toothbrush clean, store it in a dry place with open air.

4. Robotic Brushing

Just putting a toothbrush in your mouth is not enough to keep your smile healthy. It can be easy to get into a habit of brushing your teeth mechanically side to side for two minutes. However, the most effective way to brush your teeth is to brush up and down in a circular motion. Brushing is not just about getting it done, it is also important to do a quality job.

5. Forgetting Your Tongue

When bacteria gets stuck on the back of your tongue or in your molars it can cause bad breath. Your back molars create the perfect mixture of little oxygen and high protein from foods which fuels the foul-smelling bacteria. Using a tongue brusher or even brushing with your toothbrush can remove this bacteria and reduce potential tooth decay and bad breath.

Brushing twice a day for two minutes each is the best way to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and a plethora of other mouth-related issues. If you have questions about your daily brushing routine or if you would like to receive teeth cleaning call Smiles of Memorial at (281)-493-0061.

8 FAQS about Root Canal Therapy

May 8, 2021

Root canals are a routine procedure and are extremely beneficial to your oral health in the long run. It can save your tooth from a potential extraction and maintain its structure. Will you be undergoing a root canal treatment in a couple of days? Bid adieu to your fears. Our dentists at Smiles Of Memorial have answered your frequently asked questions about root canals.

Going through the questions listed below will anyway give you a clear understanding of root canal surgeries. So without any further ado, let’s delve deeper into the topic.

What Is A Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that involves the removal of the soft pulp, present inside our teeth. It is an endodontic treatment that is essentially recommended if you have decaying pulp. Root canal treatments can save your teeth from further aggravation and protect you from future dental complications.

When to Opt For A Root Canal Treatment?

It is usually performed when the pulp of your teeth has become infected or severely inflamed. It could result in excruciating pain and discomfort. If left untreated, the affected area can worsen and lead to an abscess.

Do Root Canals Hurt?

Root canal treatments are practically a painless ordeal. Your dental care professional will use an anesthetic during the procedure so that you feel nothing. It will provide you relief from the tooth pain that you are constantly feeling. Root canal pain consists of minor swelling and inflammation. However, this only lasts for a very short period and can be managed with painkillers. Advancements in the field of dentistry have made it possible to provide you with painless procedures and root canals are one of them.

What Are The Signs Of A Root Canal?

Initially, you might not notice any early signs other than a toothache. However, as it worsens, several symptoms spring up. They are listed below.

Excruciating pain in your tooth
Severe Swelling
Will feel a burning sensation in your oral cavity

How Long Does A Root Canal Take?

These treatments do not take much time and are usually done in one sitting. However, the estimated time depends on the condition of your tooth. It could take between one to two hours. A second visit to the dentist might be necessary if the recovery is taking longer than usual.

What Happens During The Procedure?

The area is numbed and a tiny incision is made on the crown to access the infected pulp. Following this, the affected area is removed and disinfected. The canals are filled with biocompatible materials and sealed. The hole is covered up with a temporary filling and voila! You are good to go.

Is A Root Canal Surgery Effective?

Root canal treatments are highly successful and require little to no dental work in the future. The effects of this surgery are, therefore, long-lasting and a repaired tooth can also last you a lifetime with proper maintenance.

How Much Does A Root Canal Cost?

Various dental insurance companies can cover the cost of these procedures. This treatment is extremely cost-effective and is a cheaper option than extractions and dental implants. The cost varies from one type of tooth to another. The average expense is somewhere between $600 to $1400 or more. Having a dental insurance policy can save you from creating a hole in your pocket.

Now that you have the answer to all your questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with the best dental clinic in Houston, TX for undergoing top-notch root canal service. Call Smiles of Memorial for any further information related to this topic.