When it comes to your smile, you probably want it to be as healthy and bright as possible, right? At Town Square Dental, we want your smile to be as bright and healthy as possible too! There are various steps patients can take to ensure their smile is healthy, protected and bright, which include:

Practice proper at-home dental care.

When it comes to having optimal oral health, at-home dental care is an essential factor. We recommend that our patients brush a minimum of twice a day (we’d prefer if you brush after every meal), floss at least once a day and also clean their tongue. This can reduce bacteria and plaque in the mouth, reducing your risk for tooth decay, cavities, infections, and even disease.

Use the right dental products.

Using the right dental products can go a long way when it comes to the health and brightness of your smile. We recommend always using a soft-bristled toothbrush which fits perfectly in the mouth. Harder bristles can actually cause damage to the enamel of your teeth. When it comes to toothpaste, mouthwash, and any other products, always look for products which are ADA approved.

Eat a healthy diet.

What you consume also plays a huge role in the health and even appearance of your smile. We recommend eating a diet that is high in natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, and meats. Packaged foods tend to contain high amounts of sugar, carbohydrates and other nasty ingredients that aren’t healthy for your smile or body!

Visit your dentist regularly.

Professional dental care is another highly important factor in having optimal oral health. We recommend patients visit us at least twice a year for routine, preventive care.

Visit Our Dentist in Pasadena, TX Today

When is the last time you visited the dentist near you in Pasadena? Contact Town Square Dental today to schedule your appointment, we are always welcoming new smiles at our practice and would be happy to provide the exceptional dental care your whole family deserves. We look forward to treating your smiles.

A child’s visit to the dentist can be intimidating and scary. It is recommended that regular dental visits begin at Age 1. However, many parents wait until at least Age 3 when all of the teeth are through the gum line. It is at this age when the child realizes anxiety and fear, especially if the child remembers past conversations of the parents’ dental experiences.

Dr. Nguyen and the dental professionals at Town Square Dental, located near you in Pasadena, Texas, offer the following 5 tips to lessen your child’s fears. The office environment is designed for children and the staff is trained for, and sensitive to, these fears in children.

Generally, a child’s visit to the dentist is uneventful as the procedures are limited to cleanings, fillings and fluoride treatments. By instilling good oral health habits early will avoid the fearful visits of the future.

The alleviation of a child’s fear begins at home.

1. Talk About It – Talk to the child about their upcoming experience without sounding anxious. Children play off the anxieties of the parents. Conversations that are open and positive will have the child look forward to a new experience without any unanswered questions.
2. Use Kid-Friendly Language – When having this conversation, avoid using words like “needle” or “drill.” The professionals at a pediatric dental office use other words for these instruments.
3. Welcome and Encourage Questions – All children above Age 3 are inquisitive, and this should be encouraged. Show the Town Square Dental website to the child where photos of other children will be seen. Knowledge reduces fear.
4. Books on Dental Visits – There are many children’s books on dental visits. Again, pictures of an office and of other children will alleviate any anxiety.
5. Bring a Favorite Toy – Young children will appreciate and find comfort in having their favorite toy as a companion.

The dental team at Town Square Dental are trained to attend to the dental needs of children. The team is trusted and highly recommended for pediatric, general and cosmetic treatments and procedures.

Please contact Town Square Dental and make an appointment with a pediatric dentist near you.

Quality dental care in an important component of overall oral health regardless of age and lifestyle. Tooth decay that goes undiagnosed and untreated will lead to gum disease and infection and other health conditions throughout the body.

The dental professionals at Town Square Dental, located near you in Pasadena, Texas, want to educate its patients, current and new, on the conditions and treatment of tooth decay.

Halting the Damage

In its early stages, tooth decay is silent and painless. When pain is felt due to decay, the damage is well advanced. Advanced tooth decay will lead to infection of the tooth, the surrounding gum tissue and will eventually enter into the bloodstream.

If deterioration is found during a regular exam, a dentist will use fillings to replace the lost tissue and to eliminate the spread of further decay.

Strengthening the Tooth

Unfortunately, tooth extraction may be the only viable option if tooth decay remains unchecked and untreated, and if the integrity of the tooth is compromised. In the early signs of decay, the fillings strengthen the underlying tissue to result in less vulnerability to further degeneration.

The fillings become particularly effective when consistent and quality oral hygiene is practiced between dental check-ups. Oral hygiene includes gentle and proper brushing and flossing at least twice per day.

Protecting the Smile

In addition to protecting your smile, fillings serve a number of other purposes. As stated above, fillings replace the tooth’s tissue affected by decay. The strong filling composite strengthens the remaining tissue to prevent further loss.

If evidence of decay is found during your next dental exam, you can be assured that the filling is the best remedy to prevent further damage to the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue.

Dr. Nguyen, and the dental staff at Town Square Dental, located near you in Pasadena, Texas, have dedicated their professional careers to providing its patients with customized care. The practice of Town Square Dental encompasses general, pediatric and cosmetic dentistry with the application of modern and innovative technology.

Please contact Town Square Dental, open year you, for a consultation.

If you’re are looking for a dental exam in Pasadena, you might be a little afraid of what to expect. Going to the dentist can be a very frightening experience, and not just for children. However, routine checkups with affordable family dentistry is important in keeping your mouth and smile healthy. If you find dentists to be intimidating, it can help to know what to expect at a family dental clinic exam. This can help put your mind at ease and allow you to get the oral care that you need.

What to Expect:

When you set an appointment at a family dentistry practice in Pasadena, TX, you can expect your dentist to take a good look at your mouth and gums. They will probably perform the following tasks as well:

• Make notes of your current health and medication list
• Check your mouth for symptoms of oral cancer
• Look at your jaw to determine bite problems
• Take some dental X-rays
• Check out any prosthetic devices you might have such as dentures
• Talk about tooth replacement or any dental procedures you might need
• Help you develop a treatment plan for possible dental problems
• Clean out your mouth and clean away stains
• Give you brushing and flossing advice
• Give you diet and lifestyle advice
• Get dental impressions of your mouth
• Give you a referral to a dental specialist if necessary
• Schedule you for a follow-up exam

Take Care of your Smile:

Practicing good oral hygiene as well as making dentist appointments a regular thing can help make your smile beautiful for years to come. You want a healthy, confident smile, and part of that is making sure that you have the appropriate dental care. If you’re still afraid of the dentist, there are other things you can do: get prepared by practicing at home. Have family members look in your mouth so you know what to expect when a dentist is doing it. Watch videos that show what an orthodontist might do. Remind yourself that thousands of other people are getting oral checkups and that you’re not alone. Most of all, find a dentist that puts you at ease and answers your questions.

This is a great accomplishment! You have successfully completed orthodontic treatment in Pasadena, TX and have now achieved the straight, healthy smile you have always wanted. Congratulations on your hard work and sacrifice. Now, there is one more step to ensure your new smile lasts — wearing a retainer. But what happens if you fail to wear your retainer as your orthodontist instructed?

Wearing Retainers Near You

Retainers hold newly straightened teeth in proper position after orthodontic treatment is completed. Not wearing your retainer after your braces are removed my cause your teeth to revert back to their prior positions. Reversion may result in another round of orthodontic care to repair the problem once again.

To avoid having to wear braces again, wear your retainers as prescribed. It will help you maintain your beautiful smile and eliminate the need for further treatment.

Right after your braces are taken off, you must wear your retainers all the time. This means every day, around the clock, unless your orthodontist provides alternate instructions. This schedule will last for about four to six months. The appliance will even be worn during sleep.

Removing Retainers in Deer Park, TX

• Orthodontic retainers should be removed to eat or to brush and floss your teeth.
• Take out the appliance when drinking very cold or very hot beverages.
• Remove retainers while swimming or playing contact sports.
• Always store retainers properly in a clean and secure case. Do not wrap the appliance in a napkin. It could easily be mistaken for trash and get thrown out. Also, be sure to keep the retainer out of reach of any animals in the home.
• Clean your retainers with anti-bacterial soap or brush them thoroughly with toothpaste and water.

Call us immediately if your retainer is broken or lost. If the appliance needs to be adjusted, contact our office. Never attempt to adjust a retainer on your own. With any other questions or concerns regarding your retainers, do not hesitate to call your orthodontist in Pasadena, TX. Book your next appointment online today with our dentist near you!

For many Americans out there, the way our teeth look can have a direct effect on how confident we feel. If your smile includes broken, cracked, decayed, or weak tooth, your dentist may be able to fix the problem with dental crowns. In the following article we will discuss a few ways that dental crowns can repair your smile and self-confidence.

Know Your Crowns

Dental crowns are both a permanent fix and can also be a temporary fix if needed. The following list includes reasons as to why getting a crown can be beneficial to you:

• You have a cavity that is too large for a standard dental filling
• You need a dental bridge to replace a lost tooth or teeth
• You’re getting a dental implant – the crown fits over the implant post.
• You have a badly cracked or broken tooth
• You have had a root canal, and the restored tooth needs reinforcement and protection
• You have permanently stained or discolored teeth
• You are not happy with the shape of your teeth

A crown typically can cover a natural to tooth both fully and partially. Depending on the level of repair necessary crowns can also be placed over dental implant posts. Crowns are most usually made of porcelain, ceramic, gold and metal alloys, acrylics, and composite resins. Depending on where the crown itself will be placed, the functionality required, and your circumstances, this will determine which material your dentist will recommend for your crown.

Getting A Dental Crown

Dentist first prepare the tooth by removing any decay and reinforcing the remaining tooth with a filling material. The tooth is then shaped so that it can accept the crown, followed by your dentist taking an impression or mold of your bite. The mold instructions are then sent to a lab to make the permanent crown that will be placed in your mouth. Once the permanent crown is ready, your dentist then places the new crown over your tooth. Don’t worry if some adjustments may need to be made, after you and your dentist are satisfied, the crown will be cemented and bonded into place.

If dental crowns are something you would like to consult a dental professional about, the team here at Town Square Dental in Pasadena, TX, would love the opportunity to meet you and get to to treat you. Apart from cosmetic dentistry, we can be the well-round dental resources you need in your life to stay healthy and happy. Feel free to give our office a call or send us an email, today!

Many individuals are left with a bad feeling after hearing that they are in need of a root canal treatment. However, they are often needed for patients with an infected tooth. Our team at Town Square Dental is eager to provide a wide range of treatments performed by our experienced team. There are many misconceptions revolving root canal treatments and how they are performed. Continue reading on to learn five common myths about root canal treatments.

• Root canal treatment is painful. Prior to the procedure, your dentist will provide an effective form of anesthesia in order to eliminate any pain or discomfort felt during the procedure. Many people experience severe pain from their infected tooth, but the treatment helps to relieve any pain once felt.
• Root canal procedure requires many visits to your dental clinic. Root canal treatments can be completed in just one visit by many dentists. Some offices require up to three appointments. The condition of each individual patient will determine the duration of their treatment plan.
• A root canal “kills” the tooth. The purpose of a root canal treatment is to remove any signs of decay and bacteria from the inside of the tooth. This area is known as the pulp and contains the nerves and different chambers. The tooth is not killed, simply properly cleaned.
• Root canal procedure is not very successful. If the teeth surrounding the infected area are in good condition and the patient follows up with good oral hygiene habits, then the root canal procedure will be very successful.
• Root canal treatment causes illness. Root canals remove harmful bacterias that could travel to the rest of the body. The treatment also helps to prevent future infections from occurring.

Root canal treatments are meant to improve a patient’s oral health and provide them with lasting care by eliminating factors that could damage the rest of the body. If you have any more questions regarding root canal treatments, then contact our Town Square Dental office for further information. Call our local dental office today to set up your next appointment!

Many people may not know, but the average American consumes about 2 pounds of gum each year. There are many reasons someone might chew a piece of gum, whether habitual, to stay awake during a boring college lecture, or to freshen their breath throughout the day. Whatever the case may be, it is very important to understand how and why chewing gum can affect our dental health. Let’s take a look and see whether or not chewing gum is good or bad for our teeth.

For the most part, chewing gum is good for teeth. It all depends, however, on a series of factors that contribute to whether or not the particular gum you choose to chew is right for your teeth. Chewing gum can even help prevent tooth decay and produce more saliva. One of the most important tips in chewing gum is to choose a sugarless kind. At the same time though, chewing gum can damage your mouth if you decide to chew a stick that contains sugar. Chewing too much gum can also lead to wear and tear of your teeth and adversely affect your jaw.

Pros

Increases saliva flow:Increase saliva flow can help in rinsing out bacteria and food particles after eating. This can cut down on the possibility of tooth decay, and saliva also provides your teeth with nutrients they need to stay strong.

Beneficial to your health:Chewing gum can be honestly beneficial to your health only if chewing gum without any sugar in it.

Hardens enamel:Chewing gum can also work to harden your enamel as gun manufacturers are beginning to add a substance called casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP). This works to remineralize and harden tooth enamel.

Cons

Tooth decay: Sugary gums, as stated in the previous aspects of this article, can be a huge factor in causing tooth decay. Sugar coating between and on the teeth can slowly cause damage to the tooth enamel.

Jaw stress: By making gum chewing habit, you can cause great stress on your jaw by constantly making it overwork. This can lead to TMJ, a chronic and painful jaw disorder.

Stomach issues: The continuous showing of gum can also lead to increased levels of stress to your stomach and intestines. It’s important to allow a resting time for your food to digest after meals.

For more answers to what is good and bad for your dental health, give us at Town Square Dental in Pasadena, TX, a call. We would be more than happy to answer any dental related questions you may have.

Have you noticed that your gums appear to be receding? Suffer from chronic bad breath? You may be suffering from a common dental condition known as “periodontal disease”! In the early stages, periodontal disease is known as gingivitis. However, as it progresses it is known as periodontitis. At Town Square Dental we are proud to offer periodontal treatment in Pasadena, TX for those interested in addressing their gingivitis or periodontitis.

Periodontal Disease Causes

Wondering what might increase your chances of periodontal disease?

• Tobacco Use
• Hormonal Changes
• Certain Diseases
• Certain Medications
• Poor Dental Hygiene
• Genetics

We recommend scheduling routine professional care with your dentist in Pasadena. Routine visits with your dentist can reduce plaque formation, bacterial overgrowth, cavity formation and even periodontal disease.

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the first and only curable stage of periodontal disease. Typically patients will experience minor symptoms, including:

• Red Gums
• Swollen Gums
• Bleeding Gums
• Infected Gums
• Receding Gums
• Bad Breath
• Pus

Many patients, however, don’t notice symptoms until the disease has progressed, scheduling routine visits with your periodontist in Pasadena, TX can help reduce your risk for developing gingivitis. When caught early, gingivitis can be completely reversed and cured.

What is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis are the more advanced forms of periodontal disease, once the condition has advanced it is no longer curable or reversible. During these stages of periodontal disease, the bone and supporting structures in the mouth become damaged. Patients will typically begin to experience more severe symptom formation such as:

• Gum Pockets
• Loose Teeth
• Shifting Teeth
• Misaligned Teeth
• Missing Teeth

Schedule Your Periodontal Treatment in Pasadena, TX

At Town Square Dental we are proud to offer periodontal cleanings along with scaling & root planing for the treatment of periodontal gum disease. Periodontal treatment aims to reduce bacteria and lessen symptoms. Contact us today to schedule your periodontal therapy in Pasadena, TX. We are always accepting new patients and would be happy to help manage your condition.

There are many different ways to improve the health and appearance of your smile. Our Town Square Dental office provides fluoride treatments that help to protect smiles. Continue reading to learn more about this treatment and see how it can improve your oral health.

What is a fluoride treatment?

Fluoride is a natural mineral that is found in many foods and water. It works to fight against tooth decay and and protects the enamel of teeth. A higher dosage of fluoride is found in treatments at dental offices and are an essential way to improve smiles.

Different Types of Fluoride Treatments

Different fluoride treatments include topical and oral treatments. Topical treatments are provided in the form of gels, sprays, foams, or varnishes. Oral treatments are provided in the form of supplements in liquids, capsules, and tablets.

Fluoride treatments help individuals of all ages. They are beneficial for children as they assist in strengthening the development of teeth. It also helps to prevent demineralization as the teeth develop and fights against tooth decay. Fluoride treatments are also helpful for adults as they prevent tooth decay and demineralization of the teeth.

When Do You Need Fluoride Treatments?

Fluoride treatments are perfect for anyone looking to strengthen their teeth against tooth decay. Many individuals are at a higher risk of tooth decay including those affected by the following dental issues:

• Dry Mouth. Fluoride treatments are recommended due to the absence of saliva increases. This increases the risk of demineralization and tooth decay.
• Gum Recession. Gum recession shows more of the individual tooth which puts them at an increased risk of other oral health issues.
• Frequent Cavities. Fluoride treatments are an extra step in avoiding cavities. If you are affected by frequent cavities, then talk to your dentist about fluoride treatments!