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By Admin 30 Jan, 2018
Technological advances that are transforming every aspect of our world are also impacting dentistry in a multitude of ways, from prevention methods, diagnostic tools, and treatment options. Here’s a glimpse into the near and long-term possibilities of dental care:
By Admin 21 Dec, 2017
The holiday season is filled with celebrations and indulgences, many of which involve eating and drinking. Not surprisingly, the holidays can take a toll on your oral health. Check out Santa’s list of naughty and nice dental behavior:
By Admin 11 Dec, 2017
Many people grind or clench their teeth on occasion without any ill effects. The medical term for teeth grinding is called bruxism, and when it occurs on a regular basis, teeth can be damaged, and other oral health complications can arise. Here are some symptoms of bruxism:
By Admin 29 Oct, 2017
Whether you are looking into dental insurance plans offered through your employer or an individual dental insurance plan, things can get quite confusing. Not only are there different types of plans such as Premier, PPO, HMO and so on, but there are countless details to remember; waiting periods for dental work, frequency limitations for x-rays, deductibles, copays and much more. Once you have selected your plan and begin receiving services, some dental providers require that you file your claims. At Town & Country Dental, we want to be sure that our patients understand the types of available dental insurance plans as well as the process for filing claims. Here are some of the differences between commonly offered DPPO’s and DHMO’s:
By Admin 27 Sep, 2017
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, many Houstonians’ lives have been completely upended. Countless families are dealing with lost possessions, damaged homes, and temporary housing situations. While we understand that dental care may be the furthest thing from your mind right now, we’d like to offer some tips and helpful advice to maintain your dental health if your family is dealing with the stress of recovery and rebuilding after the recent disaster. During times of stress, the body is more susceptible to illness and infection, and dental health is no different. Here are some things to watch out for: Gum disease or worsening of existing gum disease -- Stress can depress your immune system and in turn, can cause further damage to your gums. Get professional attention before the condition progresses. Canker sores or cold sores -- One of the primary causes for mouth sores is emotional stress. Avoid acidic foods and toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate. Use an over-the-counter product for pain. T eeth grinding and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) -- Stress can cause you to grind your teeth in your sleep. If you have headaches when you wake up, you may be grinding your teeth at night. Stress can also cause you to clench your teeth during the day unconsciously. Practice relaxation techniques and consider a mouth guard. Poor oral hygiene — If you’re feeling overwhelmed with too much to do, you may feel that there isn’t time to brush your teeth or floss regularly. Make every effort to return to your brushing and flossing regimen and check that all family members are brushing and flossing as well. Poor diet/nutrition -- Living in an unfamiliar place, or not having access to your kitchen and stress eating can result in a poor diet lacking in the vitamins and nutrients that you need to stay healthy. You may also be tempted to substitute meals with sugary snacks which can lead to tooth decay. In addition to stress-related issues, there may be other symptoms to observe and treat, if necessary. If you have any of the following symptoms, make time to see your dental professional before the problem becomes worse: Mouth pain – Oral pain, swelling or bleeding, could signal an issue. Visit a dentist as soon as possible. And for severe dental or facial pain or swelling, seek immediate medical attention. Temporary crowns or bridges – Have your crowns and bridges checked within a month after placement. If you had a temporary crown or bridge placed just before Hurricane Harvey, contact us to have your restoration checked. It’s also important to avoid eating hard or sticky foods with your temporary crown or bridge. Lost appliances – During the height of the flooding, many people had to leave their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. If your family lost items such as night guards for bruxism or custom fitted sports mouth guards, don’t delay in replacing these necessary dental appliances. As Houston continues on the road to recovery, please remember that it is important to maintain your health and the health of your family. Returning to your regular regimen of daily oral care and routine checkups can ensure that small problems don’t become emergencies. At Town and Country Dental, we are committed to helping our patients in any way we can as our city rebuilds.
By Admin 12 Sep, 2017
With a new school year comes the start of fall sports for many student athletes from elementary school up to college. Approximately one-third of all dental injuries are sports-related, so it is vital that athletes wear a mouth guard for sports that involve falls, body contact or flying equipment. Mouth guards typically cover the upper teeth and protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. If you wear braces or other fixed dental appliances on your lower jaw, your dentist may suggest a mouth protector for lower teeth as well. A properly fitted mouth guard will help cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth, a fractured jaw and injuries to the lips, tongue or face. Some studies have indicated that mouth guards can even reduce concussion risk because they help absorb shock, stabilize the head and neck, and limit movement caused by a direct hit to the jaw. No matter which type of mouth guard you choose, it should be resilient, tear-resistant and comfortable. It should also fit properly and not restrict your speech or breathing. Mouth guard thickness also has been shown to be a factor that contributes to the level of protection. There are several to choose from: Custom-made mouth guards are individually designed and made in your dentist’s office or a professional dental laboratory. They are likely to provide the most comfortable fit and best protection. Your dentist makes an impression of your teeth and then constructs the mouth guard over a model of them. Boil and bite mouth guards come in a pre-formed shape that can be altered by boiling the mouth guard in water, then biting into the warm plastic for a customized fit. They can be purchased at many sporting goods stores. Stock mouth guards are inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. Unfortunately, they often don’t fit very well. They can be bulky and may make talking and breathing difficult. Mouthguards for braces – A properly fitted mouth guard may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. Between uses, it’s important to keep your mouth guard clean and dry. Here are some tips for making sure your mouth guard is always ready to go: Rinse before and after each use or brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Regularly clean the mouth guard in cool, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Store and transport the mouth guard in a sturdy container that has vents so it can dry and keep bacteria from growing. Never leave the mouth guard in the sun or hot water. Store your mouth guard where your pet cannot get to it. Many pets find mouth guards to be irresistible toys. Mouth guards should be replaced after each season because they can wear down, making them less useful. Replace your mouth guard immediately if it shows sign of wear, is damaged or ill fitting. In the event of a mouth injury, please call us immediately so that we can help. Immediate care can help save permanent teeth. Town and Country Dental is here to help with all of your family’s dental care needs and we accept almost all PPO’s.
By Admin 25 Jul, 2017
Healthy, white teeth may be the stars of the show, but your gums are the best supporting actors of oral health. Gums, clinically called gingiva, keep bacteria out, provide a seal around your teeth, and anchor them securely in place. Without the strength and cushioning gums provide, your teeth wouldn’t be able to withstand the pressure of chewing or biting. A good dental routine not only keeps your teeth strong, but it also keeps your gums healthy. Just as teeth can be damaged from improper hygiene, gums are also susceptible to the effects of plaque and tartar. Gum disease appears in the following forms:
By Admin 27 Jun, 2017
​Summer is officially here! For many families, this means kids home from school, visitors, vacations, and a different daily schedule. Don’t let your family’s teeth suffer from the change in routine. Here are some tips to maintain your dental health during the dog days of summer:
By Admin 21 May, 2017
We’ve moved. Visit us at our new offices in Town & Country Shopping Center at the corner of Memorial Drive and Beltway 8. Our new location offers convenient parking. We are located right above Carter’s which is located next to Randall’s. 12850 Memorial Dr., Ste. 1105 Houston, TX 77024
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