The Power of a Brighter, Whiter Smile

SmilingWomanTeeth whitening is a valuable tool for enhancing your smile. Brighter teeth can contribute to greater confidence and contentment with our physical appearance. This confidence can overflow into our careers, our interactions with others, and our positive self-image. Family and cosmetic dentist Dr. Newton of Celina, TX, provides two types of teeth whitening. Under her care, any questions or issues that arise will be promptly resolved, and Dr Newton will always strive to maintain your good oral health along with a superior smile.

(more…)

Cinco de Mayo Pride Should Extend to Teeth

Mexican FlagHappy (early) Cinco de Mayo from the team at Celina Family Dentistry.

During the celebration of Mexican heritage and pride next week, consider what it would take to make you proud of your teeth.

More and more adults fail to regularly visit the dentist and, of those, Hispanics, in particular, lag behind when it comes to adequate dental care, according to a collaborative study by the Hispanic Dental Association, Crest and Oral-B.

(more…)

Soft Palate Can Result In Snoring

excessive snoringDid you know the anatomy of your mouth can cause you to snore? It’s true. Research has indicated that a condition called soft palate can be the cause of obstructive sleep apnea in snoring individuals. Studies estimate that 30% to 50% of the United States population suffers from snoring, but in many cases, snoring can be remedied. If your snoring is disturbing your loved one, or if their snoring is disturbing you, then Dr. Newton can discuss symptoms and possible options to treat the underlying condition, allowing you and your loved one to enjoy a good nights sleep. (more…)

2014 Oral Cancer Awareness Month Is in Full Swing

Oral cancer screening in Celina, TXAt the Celina, TX dentist office of Dr. Newton, we’re doing our part for Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Month throughout April 2014. It seems that everyone has lost someone dear to cancer, and oral cancers are no exception. Dr. Newton explains that the term oral cancer encompasses cancer of the lips, tongue, gums, and mouth, with some extending the definition to include throat cancer. These three simple steps will improve your chances of early detection or even prevention. (more…)

Why Men Should Not Avoid the Dentist

dental implantsAccording to a poll from Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) men are far less likely to stick to their regular dental checkups compared to women. The number of men going to the dentist is fortunately on the rise, though the reason behind the upswing may have much less to do with healthy teeth and more to do with appearance.  Many men are following their quests for whiter, brighter, flaw-free smiles in the hopes of earning their next promotion. Celina cosmetic dentist, Dr. Newton is here to help men and women attain the smiles of their dreams, which does include six month dental checkups.

Getting the Job

Expert dentists like AGD spokesperson, Dr. J.Nick Russo, Sr., see that trends are changing in his personal practice. Men are vying for better jobs and promotions once their career is established. In the past men stayed with only one or two companies in their entire lifetime of working. These days, lay-offs and company closings mean that “middle-aged men are competing for jobs with younger men, making appearance a heightened factor in their lives,” says Dr. Russo. Keeping up with the competition has many men seeking cosmetic procedures like veneers, bonding, and bleaching, to improve their appearance and help with confidence in their professional pursuits.

Connecting Overall Health

Of the dentists questioned, 45% percent believed that their male patients did not see a need to go to the dentist. Embarrassment, lack of time, and not wanting to bother finding a new dentist, were also cited as explanations for fewer male patients. When it comes to dental appointments, the overall health benefits of (more…)

Say “Hello” to your Gums

Happy GirlGum tissues in your mouth have a dual job, just like your teeth. They are important for both form and function. Cosmetically, gums frame your smile. They also have the purpose of protecting your teeth from germs. Periodontal disease affects about 80% of the American adult population, so gum care still has a way to go.  Celina dentist, Dr. Newton, wants you to get to know your gums a little bit better.

Meet your Gingival Tissues

Gingival tissues aren’t only below the crowns of teeth. They line your entire mouth, thereby creating a seal so that the roots of your teeth will not be exposed to dangers. These tissues are soft, pliant, and tough. Your gums line jawbone. What should healthy gums looks like? Think a nice coral pink hue. However, try to pay attention to what your gums normally look like. Dr. Newton will do the same. This is the best way to notice any red flags such as abnormal color, inflammation, or bleeding. Those changes could result from gum disease, or possibly worse issues such as oral/pharyngeal cancer. This is why your biannual checkups are so important. (more…)

Fluoride and Dental Sealants Make for Healthy Smiles in Children

Group of KidsOur modern times seem to offer plenty of bad news regarding the health of the youngest members of society. For the first time in over 40 years, childhood tooth decay rates have increased, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Their report attributed this unfortunate rise in children’s cavities to unwise dietary choices and poor dental self-care. Severe tooth decay is one of the main causes of toothaches in children, and studies show that many kids miss too many days of school because of intense tooth pain resulting from untreated cavities. Tooth decay can even hinder a child’s development in speaking and eating. Celina children’s dentistDr. Newton, and our team at Celina Family Dentistry are proud to offer comprehensive dentistry services to young patients. The quality of their future partially relies on excellent preventive dental care.

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride has been a part of preventive dentistry for about 60 years, though the compound of fluorine has been floating around invisibly in our atmosphere much longer than that. Scientifically proven to strengthen tooth enamel by keeping your outer teeth mineralized, fluoride also creates a slippery surface on your smile. Bacteria have a much harder time clinging to teeth and doing damage when they can’t hold on. Washed out of your mouth with your saliva, fluoride treatments are sometimes the difference between good and bad news at dental checkups. (more…)

Bleeding Gums are an Important Warning Sign

Brush Teeth CloseHealthy gum tissue is designed to fit snugly around your tooth roots to hold your smile firmly in place. However, if periodontal disease strikes, gingival tissues become infested with germs. Inflammation and recession allow gums to pull away from the teeth.  One of the earliest signs of gum disease is bleeding. Celina dentist, Dr. Newton explains that if you’re seeing any blood when you brush or floss, you might want to make an appointment with your dentist to see if you have any of the stages of gum disease.

Gingivitis

The mildest form of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. No stage of gum disease is entirely curable, but gingivitis is the most treatable. How does gingivitis start? When plaque builds up on your teeth, it hardens into tartar within about 48 hours. This is why brushing and flossing is such an essential habit. Between good dental self-care and biannual dental cleanings, gingivitis is maintainable. Scientific research is underway all the time to find a cure for periodontal infections because when the bacteria is not controlled, severe gum disease causes much greater problems than bleeding gums. (more…)

Toothbrush Questions Answered by Dentist

Girl Biting ToothbrushYou know that you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. You are probably curious about all of the varieties of toothbrushes on the market. Instruments we use to clean our teeth have evolved over the years. Some designs have failed. The more years that pass, the more that the dental industry learns about choosing the best oral hygiene tools, as well as keeping them in good working order. As your toothbrush ages, it will need to be replaced. But how do you know exactly when? Celina dentist, Dr. Newton can answer some of your toothbrush questions.

Toothbrush FAQs

Q1. When should I replace my toothbrush?

A1. The American Dental Association says you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months. However, this is just a recommendation. If you see unusual wear and tear on the bristles of your brush, don’t hesitate to buy a new one. Once the bristles are worn, not only will they not clean your teeth as well, but they could even damage your tooth enamel. After a bad cold or flu, you should consider replacing your toothbrush (or electric toothbrush head) just to be on the safe side. Evidence that flu germs cannot survive on a toothbrush has been uncovered, but toothbrush bristles do harbor other sorts of germs which you may not have the immunity to fight off after a bad illness.

Q2. Where is the best place to store my toothbrush? (more…)