Cleaning your teeth is so important for oral and overall health. Many people know the basics, but not everyone knows the proper tooth brushing techniques. To make the most out of brushing your teeth every morning and night in Southlake, TX, follow these simple techniques and tips from Smiles by Martin.

1. Size it out = When brushing your teeth, one of the first things you do is place toothpaste on the brush. Many Southlake, TX patients load up their brush with excess toothpaste, often without even realizing. Smiles by Martin recommends using only a pea sized drop of toothpaste. This is because too much toothpaste can pose many problems. For example, the extra abrasion toothpaste adds can lead to damages to the tooth structure. Plus, the more toothpaste, the more foam build up and increased frequency of spitting. This can be uncomfortable and messy, causing patients to stop brushing sooner than they should. So, just placing a small amount on the tip of the brush should be enough to properly clean your teeth.
2. Out with the old, in with the new = Many patients don’t change their brushes as often as they should, or in some cases at all! Replacing your toothbrush is also essential to proper brushing, and Dr. Martin reminds patients visiting the dentist in Southlake, Texas to replace your toothbrush every 3 months, or when it starts to show signs of wear and tear. For example, frayed or matted bristles are a tell tale sign that the brush needs to be replaced. Additionally, it may be easier to buy many toothbrushes and store them in your home, so you can replace yours whenever you need to. And, if you can’t remember how long it has been since you got a new brush, Dr. Martin says it may be a good idea to mark the calendar with a note or sticker on the date of the next change to ensure that you do not forget!
3. Add in mouthwash = Mouthwash is generally viewed as an optional additive – something that makes your breath fresher, but is not essential. While it is true that you can achieve good oral hygiene in Southlake, TX even without mouthwash, mouthwash can help make your oral health much better, and in a very simple way. Add mouthwash in to your routine by giving it a quick, 30-second wish through your mouth after you have completed your brushing routine. Dr. Martin also reminds you to select a mouthwash that contains fluoride. By using this rinse, you can help fight cavities, periodontal disease, and canker sores, all while keeping longer lasting fresh breath.
4. Don’t forget the floss = Smiles by Martin has said it over and over again! Floss is crucial to the maintenance of a healthy mouth. But still, many patients tend to skip this step or find excuses such as ‘my teeth are too close together’ or ‘I don’t even get food stuck in my teeth!’ To ensure the ability to floss, try purchasing a waxed floss that will glide between tight spaces, or use pre-cut plastic flossers that will give you a good handle to use to wedge the floss into the right space. And, keep in mind, that flossing does much more than just remove unwanted food excess. It prevents oral disease, keeps gums and teeth healthy, and helps avoid cavities in Southlake, TX.

By following these simple steps, you can take your brushing routine from blah to bright. Keeping your mouth properly brushed will ensure pristine oral health near Southlake, TX, as well as fewer dental emergencies. If you would like to learn more about proper brushing, Contact Smiles by Martin at (817) 481-1041. Our team will be happy to help you get a better smile easily!

We all know going to the dentist regularly is important! But, as a parent with younger children, you may find that you have questions, or concerns about bringing your child in for their first dentist appointment. Our Grapevine TX dentist office is very child friendly and our staff is here to help make your child’s first visit to our office a positive experience.

During the first visit, we will go through the following checklist, explaining each step to you and your child as we go:

-Review your child’s medical and dental history.

-Gently examine your child’s teeth and gums to check growth and development, oral hygiene, injuries, cavities or other problems.

-Clean the teeth if necessary and provide suggestions about daily care.

-Evaluate and advise you about your child’s fluoride exposure because too much or too little can lead to problems.

-Talk about feeding practices and give dietary counseling.

-Assess your child’s risk of developing tooth decay.

-Give information regarding oral development, teething, pacifier or finger/thumb sucking habits and injury prevention.

-Plan for any needed treatment or the next check-up.

The tips below help make a great first dental visit:

-Schedule a morning appointment if possible. Children tend to be more rested and cooperative in the mornings.

-If you get nervous about visiting the dentist, try not to pass on these worries to your child.

-Do not bribe your child or use a dental visit as a punishment or threat.

-Try to make your child’s dental visit a fun outing.

Starting visits at an early age helps your child build good dental habits from the beginning. Plus, preventive dental care can save time, money and teeth. We are looking forward to getting to know you and your child at their first dental visit. Smiles by Martin is a family dentist providing quality dental care to patients in Grapevine. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin today, call 817-481-1041.

Keller Teeth Whitening 

“Pearly whites” is a common expression used by people all over the nation to describe someone’s teeth. But for many, “pearly whites” is just an expression, not a reality. Many people in Keller, TX experience discoloration of the teeth, whether it be yellowing, staining, or other darkening. If you are a patient in Keller, TX experiencing tooth discoloration, you may have some questions or concerns, want more information about benefits of whitening, or just want to learn more about treatment options. That is why Smiles by Martin is here to provide more information about tooth whitening in Keller, TX.

Tooth yellowing, staining, or discoloration has many causes. Some of which you may not even be aware pose a risk. Discoloration is caused by:

-Food/drink (Ex: tea, coffee, wine, apples, potatoes, etc.)

-Improper cleaning or lack of oral hygiene (Ex: infrequent brushing, no flossing, etc.)

-Decay

-Tobacco use (Smoking and chewing)

-Disease or medication (some antibiotics, such as tetracycline, can cause this)

-Fluorosis (excessive ingestion of fluoride)

Fortunately, tooth discoloration has many solutions as well. When you visit Smiles by Martin’s Keller, TX office, the team will meet with you to discuss your goals. Together, you will put together a plan that will help you achieve that brighter, whiter, smile without breaking your habits, routines, or bank account! Dr. Martin offers whitening in Keller through many different approaches. These include either an in-office treatment or at home self-treatment. Both options are safe, proven, and effective, with one goal in mind – helping you to eliminate discoloration and feel more confident in your shining white smile. Additionally, the whitening treatments range in price to help you find just the right fit for you.

Still, some people in Keller, TX are hesitant about whitening treatments. There are many myths out there about the harm that whitening can do to enamel. Dr. Martin ensures that all whitening treatments offered at his Keller, TX office are safe and successful, so there is no reason to worry. Additionally, Smiles by Martin encourages whitening for many reasons. According to a study conducted by Align Technology, the makers of Invisalign, “nearly one third of Americans (29%) say the first aspect of someone’s face they typically notice is his or her teeth.” That same study also found that 57% of Americans would rather have a nice smile than clear skin. If you are one of those Americans, wait no more!

A bright, pearly white smile can finally be your own. If you have suffered from discolored, yellowed, or stained teeth, it may be time to whiten your teeth in Keller, TX. Dr. Martin and his team are here to answer all your questions, debunk your concerns, and provide more information about available teeth whitening treatment options for you. Contact Smiles by Martin to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to hear from you and help you get on the road to true “pearly whites.”