Cavity Prevention from Your Celina Children’s Dentist

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Did you know that for the first time in over 40 years, incidence of childhood tooth decay has increased? The U.S Center for Disease Control recently published a report on the rise in tooth decay and attributes this trend to lack of oral healthcare, poor dietary choices, and inadequate oral hygiene. Severe tooth decay may produce discomfort and pain in children. Additionally, cavities can also impact a child’s ability to speak and eat. To help reduce the rate of childhood tooth decay, Dr. Newton and our team at Celina Family Dentistry offers preventive dental services that help reduce your child’s risk for developing cavities.

Dental Sealants in Celina

Cavities commonly form along children’s molars because they have deep pits where food and bacteria collect. Additionally, children also have trouble keeping their molars clean because they are located at the back of the mouth. After a thorough dental cleaning and checkup, Dr. Newton may apply a dental sealant to your child’s molars that will seal the pits and grooves with a liquid plastic resin that is hardened by a special curing light. (more…)

Celina Dentist Explains Different Kinds of Tooth Stains

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Blemishes on your teeth can greatly diminish the radiance of your smile. The most common tooth blemishes are stains, which have made teeth whitening a burgeoning industry. At Celina Family Dentistry, we offer a number of solutions for your teeth whitening needs, but your best treatment option depends on the type and severity of the tooth stains you wish to correct. Some stains soak into the outer surface of a tooth (extrinsic), while others originate from within the tooth structure (intrinsic) and are more difficult to correct. To help you determine the best treatment option, Dr. Newton offers an explanation on the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic stains.

Intrinsic Tooth Stains

Tooth development begins in an infant during the second trimester of pregnancy and lasts until about the age of 18. During this time, children may intake too much fluoride (i.e. through fluoridated tap water, fluoride toothpastes, etc.) which can lead to mottled enamel with chalky white, and sometimes brown, stains. Bleaching can lessen the contrast between mottled and healthy enamel, but if surface defects, or “pits,” are present, you may need porcelain veneers or dental bonding to whiten your smile. Certain medications can cause intrinsic tooth staining, as well. The most notorious culprits are tetracycline and its derivative, monocycline. If taken during tooth formation, these antibiotics can cause bluish-gray stains on the portion of tooth that is forming at the time. Other causes for intrinsic tooth stains include heredity, aging, porcelain over metal crowns, and amalgam dental fillings, which can give your tooth a grayish appearance even if the metal filling is not visible. (more…)

Women’s Smiles Need TLC, Says Celina and Propser Dentist

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Girls may just want to have fun, but what a girl wants – what a girl needs – is to look and feel healthy. Dr. Newton, your Celina and Prosper family dentist, wants you to know, hormone fluctuations during certain phases of life subject women to a higher risk for periodontal disease. As a health-conscious and image-conscious woman, you need to understand the risks you face and how to prevent gum disease.

Red Lips are Sexy, Red Gums Are Not

Gum disease afflicts up to 80% of Americans and is the primary cause for tooth loss in adults. The disease contributes to a heightened potential for many systemic health diseases, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes. Symptoms of gum disease may be so mild that the condition goes unnoticed. However, some people experience tender, swollen, red or purplish gums. Gums bleeding when you brush and floss may also indicate gum disease.

Puberty, Pregnancy, & Menopause

Girls in puberty, young women during pregnancy, and middle-aged women during menopause can experience hormone fluctuations that contribute to gum disease. Though the hormone peaks and valleys will subside in time, gum disease is a chronic condition. Once you develop gum disease, treatment and maintenance are necessary to deter recurrence. (more…)

Proper Toothbrush Care from Your Celina Dentist

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You know that you have to brush your teeth every day to keep your smile healthy. However, your toothbrush needs to be in good shape to clean your teeth. As your toothbrush ages, it is less effective at cleaning your mouth. In this blog, Dr. Newton explains proper care to get the most out of your toothbrush.

When to Replace a Toothbrush

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months (or sooner if the bristles wear out). When your bristles fray, they are no longer strong enough to thoroughly remove plaque from surfaces of your teeth. Furthermore, worn bristles become rough and irritate your teeth and gums. Irritated gums can recede from the teeth, increasing your chances of tooth decay and gum disease. Replacing your brush every three months will reduce the potential of bacterial buildup contaminating your mouth. You should also replace your brush following a cold, virus, or oral infection to avoid becoming re-infected. (more…)

Dental Implants Replace Missing Teeth in Celina

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If you’re missing teeth, it’s important to fill in the empty spots in your smile. Missing teeth can make it difficult to bite, chew, or speak naturally. In addition, surrounding teeth may drift into the open space and misalign your smile. Fortunately, Dr. Newton offers sturdy, comfortable dental implants to restore your appearance, confidence, and function.

What are Implants?

An implant is planted into your jaw bone to replace the root of your missing tooth. A biocompatible titanium rod will hold an artificial tooth. Implants are ideal to replace single missing teeth. These prosthetics are non-removable, natural-looking, and strong to withstand normal wear and tear.

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Meet your Celina Dental Team!

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At Celina Family Dentistry, we love forming relationships with our patients to provide a comfortable dental experience. Our team acknowledges each of our patients and provides the customized dental care you need. May is Employee Health and Fitness Month, so let’s take a moment to meet your Celina dental team and honor their dedication to keeping your smile healthy.

Your Celina Dentist

Dr. Newton graduated with honors from Baylor College of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Program. She decided to follow her dreams and went on to receive her dental degree and two scholastic honors awards from Baylor College of Dentistry. Dr. Newton offers preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental services to help patients feel confident about their smiles. She stays active in the community and holds membership in the Celina and Prosper Chambers of Commerce. Outside the office, Dr. Newton enjoys cooking, watching movies, and spending time with her friends, husband, son, and two dogs.

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Celina Stress Test for Healthy Smiles During Finals

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It’s almost time for summer fun, but many North Texas students are stressing about final exams. As you prepare for the end of the school year, keep in mind that stress affects your heart, body, head, and dental health. Dr. Newton’s stress test will analyze your coping habits and show you the best way to protect your oral health during finals.

1. You’ve been studying for hours but you just can’t comprehend the information. How should you react?
A. Take a break
B. Grind your teeth
C. Tense your muscles
D. Clench your teeth

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Preventing Oral Cancer in Celina

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The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that about 40,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. While one-fourth of patients diagnosed with oral cancer don’t have any risk factors, the majority of oral cancer cases can be prevented with proper care and diagnosis. This week, April 22-28, is Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Week, and Dr. Newton would like to decrease your risk of developing oral cancer.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is classified as cancer that occurs in the mouth, lips, gums, cheeks, throat, tongue, or any other area of the oral cavity. The most common symptoms of oral cancer include mouth sores that bleed easily or don’t heal, pain that doesn’t go away, lumps in the throat or cheek, and white or red discoloration of oral tissues.

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Sedation Relieves Dental Stress

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Recent research shows that about 50 percent of Americans avoid visiting the dentist due to fear or anxiety. Skipping dental appointments means you are not receiving the preventive care you need to keep your smile healthy. At Celina Family Dentistry, Dr. Newton and our team are committed to patient comfort. We offer a beverage station, free WiFi, and TVs in our office to help patients relax. However, some people still stress about their dental appointments. Today, April 16, is Stress Awareness Day, and Dr. Newton wants you to be aware of the sedation techniques that can help relieve your dental stresses.

Common Dental Stresses

Dental sedation can relax your body to help relieve your dental fears and phobias. Sedation is ideal for patients who experience any of the following conditions:

Fun Uses for Dental Hygiene Products

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We’ve had a few rain showers lately in North Texas, but storm season is just beginning. Even if you’re stuck inside on a rainy day, Dr. Newton wants you to keep a healthy smile on your face. Next time it pours, try to entertain yourself with these fun uses for your old dental products.

Clean Your Clothes

You may think laundry is a boring task, but not with your dental hygiene products! Remember to only use an old toothbrush for cleaning around the house—not the current one you use to clean your teeth.

  • Spot Remover: Toothpaste and toothbrushes help remove surface stains from your teeth, but they can also remove stains from other surfaces. Use an old toothbrush and a dab of toothpaste to help scrub stains out of fabric or rub mud off shoes.
  • Fresh Laundry: Adding a cup of mouthwash to your laundry load can help destroy the bacteria in your wash. When you’re done washing your clothes, hang them up to dry using a piece of dental floss as a temporary clothesline.
  • Shiny Jewelry: Don’t forget your accessories! Gently scrub your jewelry with a toothbrush and abrasive toothpaste to help polish your jewels.

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