Determining the Cause of a Sudden Toothache

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SinusPainSniffles and sneezes…is that a cold coming on? Or is it allergies? Or something worse? Sometimes the irritation that comes from allergies or illness even comes along with a toothache. Undergoing x-rays and a thorough examination from Celina dentist, Dr. Newton is the best first step to uncover why your body is giving you the warning sign of discomfort or pain. Sometimes symptoms crossover and cause confusion, as can be the case with toothaches which are actually caused by sinus infections.

Close Neighbors: Sinuses and Teeth

Some people are highly prone to sinus infections. Your sinus membranes are internal. If you could see them, however, they would look very similar to the inside of your mouth with a pink, moist tissue lining. Located beneath your cheekbones, but above your teeth, are the maxillary sinuses. Upper molars have roots which run right along the floor of your sinuses. The membranes press directly on the nerves which run through the root canals of your teeth. This means that if you have a sinus infection, it can easily be confused for a (more…)

Achieving Longevity for your Bright Smile after Teeth Whitening

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men vs womenCelina dentist, Dr. Newton offers cosmetic services which can brighten your smile. However, once you leave our  office, you will need to follow specific care instructions and change some old habits if you want to avoid damaging your newly refreshed smile. Although periodic professional bleaching touch-ups may be required, proper maintenance at home will keep your smile bright between whitening appointments.

After In-Office Whitening

Dr. Newton offers the LumiBrite in-office whitening system designed to brighten your smile in just one hour. After you leave our office, we recommend the following techniques to preserve your gorgeous smile:

  • Avoid colored foods and drinks for at least 48 hours. Your teeth are rendered vulnerable until the whitening gel has had enough time to penetrate your tooth enamel. Especially try to avoid consuming coffee, tea, soda, red wine, sauces, and other tooth-staining items.
  • When drinking beverages other than water, use a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth.
  • Gingerly brush your teeth after eating and drinking to remove any potential stains. However, make sure that you don’t brush too aggressively or you could damage tooth enamel.
  • Drink plenty of water and seek out clear or light colored beverages such as white wine, milk, or apple juice.

Proper Care for Whitened Teeth (more…)

The Power of a Brighter, Whiter Smile

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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.

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Cinco de Mayo Pride Should Extend to Teeth

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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.

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Soft Palate Can Result In Snoring

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 dentist, Dr. 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…)