Dental Health

Avoiding Tooth Loss And Gum Disease in Friendswood

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Categories: Dental Crowns and Bridges, Dental Health, Gum Disease

gum disease in Pearland

Do you know that the most prevalent cause of tooth loss among adults is gum disease? The good news is that gum disease is easy to treat if it is detected in the early stages. Without treatment, gum disease in Friendswood could lead to tooth loss or worse. With gum disease, you could end up looking just as sad is this pumpkin in a couple of years.

Regular check-ups with your dentist are critical, but there are warning signs for gum disease that everyone should be looking for, such as:

  1. Gums that bleed often
  2. Gums that are tender, swollen, or very red, or gums that have visible pus in between them when they are pushed
  3. A bite that changes suddenly so that your teeth don’t seem to fit together correctly
  4. Receding gums
  5. A bad taste in the mouth or chronic bad breath
  6. Loosing or separating teeth

If you are experiencing these symptoms, talk to your dentist immediately. Since plaque causes gum disease, removing plaque through regular flossing is the key to healthy gums.

At David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, we work to prevent gum disease in Friendswood and the Houston area. We take pride in caring for our patients and we want them to have healthy, beautiful smiles that they can be proud of. Our practice specializes in sedation dentistry, dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and teeth whitening.

Contact us at 832-895-5120 and a member of our friendly staff can make an appointment for you. During your consultation, you can talk to Dr. David Montz about swollen gums, veneers, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and more. We hope to hear from you soon!

Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:

832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

All About Saliva: Oral Health in Friendswood

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental Implant, Oral health, Smile Makeover

Friendswood dry mouth relief

Saliva is an important part of your oral health. A lot of people are put off by the topic of saliva, but the team at David C. Montz DDS in Friendswood wants you to understand its importance.

Saliva is a finely balance body fluid that not only maintains dental health but also aids in digestion of your food. It contains many substances that a healthy body requires. So, without further adieu, here are the main components of saliva.

  • Water. No surprise here! You saliva consists mostly of water.
  • Enzymes. Enzymes are vital biological catalysts that speed chemical reactions. The enzymes in saliva begin the process of digestion.
  • Immunoproteins. These are effective cells that fight cellular invaders, such as bacteria. Those in saliva inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth. This is essential to avoiding gingivitis and keeping a healthy pH balance in the mouth.
  • Minerals. Saliva minerals assist in maintaining the protective enamel surface of the teeth.

Most people have enough saliva, but some suffer from dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. This can be detrimental to your dental health. If you’re one of them, be sure to bring it up at your next checkup.

David C. Montz DDS in Friendswood provides general and cosmetic dentistry, including dental implants and smile makeovers. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.

Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:

832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

Avoid Bone Deterioration: Dental Implants in Friendswood

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Dental Implant, Gum Disease

Friendswood Jaw Bone DeteriorationTo remain strong and vital, your jaw bone needs to be  stimulated by the pressure of chewing, biting, and talking. Each tooth has a root structure that extends into the surrounding bone. At David C. Montz DDS in Friendswood, we advocate dental implants when a tooth is extracted and its natural root is gone.

We make every effort to save the root structure, when there is no choice but to extract a tooth. But it isn’t always possible, and a side effect is recession of the jaw bone where the root used to be.

That is where dental implants come in. Dental implants provide a new, artificial root that helps to keep the surrounding bone healthy and strong. An  implant is a strong titanium post that replaces the natural root, and eventually fuses to the surrounding bone.

After the implant has been placed and fused, and healing is complete, another post is inserted – this time, into the implant. The new artificial tooth, or restoration, is then attached to the post. Implant restoration is a safe and effective treatment for tooth loss that function like natural teeth.

The team at David C. Montz DDS in Friendswood provides dental implants and other services, such as gum disease treatment and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry:

832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

Does My Dentist Care About My Diet?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health

Pearland Preventive Dentistry When people in the Houston area think of diet and oral health, they often think about the damage sweet drinks can cause to teeth. While it’s true that these detrimental sugars cause increased acidity in the mouth and lead to tooth decay, soda and sugary-fruit drinks are only part of the issue.

The typical American diet tends to be high in calories and low in nutrition, even here in Friendswood and Alvin.

If your body is lacking in critical nutrients, the tissues in the mouth may have trouble resisting infection. These harmful infections can lead to gum disease.

A few years ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled the MyPlate graphic to illustrate a healthy diet. Half of our meals should be composed of fruits and vegetables and the rest should be equally divided between lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.

While this is an excellent resource, critical dietary needs change throughout life, so it’s a good idea to call David C. Montz, DDS at 832-895-5120 and schedule a check-up with Dr. David Montz to see if your diet is affecting your teeth.

When you eat a balanced diet and feel your best, you’ll want to look your best, so be sure to ask our friendly staff about cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry procedures such as smile transformations and same day restorations.

At David C. Montz, DDS, our menu of services includes crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, dental implants, tooth colored fillings, sealants, teeth whitening, and clear braces.

 

 

 

Contact David C. Montz, DDS:

832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

Tooth Tips For Traveling

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Categories: Dental Health

David C. Montz, DDS Tooth Tips For Traveling

If you live in the Houston area and are planning to take a vacation or business trip soon, I recommend you coordinate your dental care with your travel schedule. It’s always a good idea to have a checkup with your Friendswood dentist prior to leaving on long vacations, especially if your trip is taking you to developing areas without good dental care options. This quick checkup will help you be sure that your mouth is ready to travel.

Another critical consideration: if you have any dental procedures scheduled before you leave, discuss it with your Friendswood dentist. A large number of dental procedures are actually surgical procedures. This means that your body will need more time to heal than you may realize.

Also, if you’re leaving the Pearland, Alvin, or Manviel area by plane, you should be aware that changes in the cabin pressure of the airplane may cause tooth pain or discomfort for patients who have just had oral surgery. Additionally, make sure you are aware of any necessary follow-up appointments with your Friendswood dentist or orthodontist before you schedule a vacation.

I’m Dr. David Montz. My Friendswood practice offers quality dental care to my valued patients.

sedation dentistry
CEREC dental crowns
procelain veneers
teeth whitening
sleep apnea

If you are looking for general dental care or quality cosmetic dentistry in the Pearland, Alvin, or Manviel areas, please call us today and speak with our friendly staff to schedule a consultation or examination.

The following online article was used as source material for this blog: “Tourism (Dental Care Away from Home)”, ADA.org, http://www.ada.org/3029.aspx?currentTab=1, accessed on November 28, 2011

 

Contact David C. Montz, DDS:

832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

Raise Your Dental IQ

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Categories: Dental Health

Raise Your Dental IQ

There are many simple things that the average Alvin area resident can do to raise their dental IQ and improve their oral health. One simple lesson involves bacteria, and everyone’s mouth has a lot of it.

But, don’t worry, bacteria per se isn’t the problem. Dental problems occur for Houston patients when the balance of bacteria becomes unhealthy. This is where brushing and flushing come into play. Another precaution you can take to guard against the wrong kind of bacteria is to keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible, and close the lid of the toilet before you flush.

Make sure to wash your hands before you brush and floss. No exceptions!

When it comes to a good toothbrush, don’t get sentimental. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. If you can avoid the unhealthy balance of bacteria in your mouth, you can avoid gum disease, tooth decay, as well as bad breath.

If you can avoid decay, it’s less likely that you will need more extensive dental work such as Pearland dental implants and crowns.

I’m Dr. David Montz and I am passionate about helping my patients have healthy teeth and beautiful smiles. If you would like to know more about a custom smile makeover in the Houston area, give us a call at 832-895-5120 and a member of our friendly staff will answer any questions you have and schedule a consultation at your convenience.

 

Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry: 832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

Is The Humble Toothbrush Obsolete?

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Categories: Dental Health

electric vs manual toothbrushes Alvin

Many of our tools for everyday living have become antiquated. Online search has replaced the paper phone book. Telephone answering machines have gone the way of manual typewriters. Even the iPod, which was celebrated as the pinnacle of technology just a few years ago, is now gathering dust as men and women play music on their smart phones.

What about the low-tech toothbrush? Has something flashier and more advanced replaced it? Absolutely not!

“Wait a minute,” you might say, “isn’t an electric toothbrush better than a manual toothbrush? Actually, all toothbrushes, when used correctly, are effective at removing food debris and plaque to keep your smile free of dental caries.

When choosing which type of toothbrush to use, look at cost and convenience. Some individuals argue that even though electric toothbrushes are more pricey, you’ll save on dental bills. However, there are no validated studies to back up this claim.

Manual toothbrushes are easy to find, whereas not all drugstores sell all brands of electric toothbrushes. It is frustrating to spend over a hundred dollars for a top-of-the-line electric toothbrush and then not be able to find a replacement head when necessary. People who travel may conclude that a smaller, manual toothbrush is easier to pack.

Whichever type of toothbrush you prefer, you need to be careful about the pressure you put on your gums. Some people say that it’s difficult to know how much pressure they use with an electric toothbrush, while others say that because of the quick electrical movements, they tend to be more gentle on their gums. Regardless of the toothbrush brand, make sure you get soft bristles and replace it every three to four months.

Special consideration should be taken for individuals with arthritis. Some Friendswood area dentists recommend their elderly and arthritic patients to use electric toothbrushes when their manual dexterity is limited. As for youth, once they are old enough, an electric toothbrush may be preferable, but safety should always be the first concern for Houston parents. Moreover, Dr. Montz guides patients to only purchase dental products that carry the ADA seal.

When it comes to the toothbrush, old school is just fine.

 

Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry: 832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

Why You Shouldn’t Dread Going To The Dentist

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Categories: Dental Health

Pearland gentle dentist

If you are afraid of the dentist and have not had a check-up in years, today’s post is for you. Good news! Dentistry is nothing like it was when you were a kid. (Even if you’re still a kid, we invite you to keep reading.)

There Is No Reason to Avoid Dental Visits
First off, if you need dental treatment, oral sedation dentistry allows you to sleep during the procedure. There are several levels of sedation – you can remain conscious or take a trip to la-la land. Schedule a consultation with Dr. David Montz for more critical specifics about sleep dentistry.

If you have a bad memory of hurting for days after a procedure, relax. Improved painkillers, lasers, and advanced techniques have reduced the pain experienced by David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry patients. If you need extensive treatment, we will create a pain management plan to ensure that you remain comfortable.

You Won’t Be Here All Day
Dr. Montz can perform procedures much quicker with today’s extremely precise dental instruments. Healing times for oral surgery are also much shorter.

You don’t have to live with gaps in your smile, sore gums, stained teeth, or a toothache. We will help restore your oral health to improve your quality of life and prevent dental issues from affecting other parts of your body.

Today’s dentistry is not your father’s dentistry. We invite you to discover why you shouldn’t avoid the dentist any longer.

We look forward to meeting you. Call David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry today at 832-895-5120.

 

Contact David C. Montz DDS, PA & Associates – Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry: 832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

10 Terrific Tooth Tips From David C. Montz, DDS

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Categories: Dental Health

cost of dental crowns Houston

1. If you have kids and your municipal water supply does not have the recommended level of fluoride, talk to your pediatrician about fluoride supplements. Fluoride strengthens both the teeth you can see and the ones still forming in the jaw.
2. Set a timer when you brush to make sure you spend at least two minutes thoroughly (but gently!) cleaning all surfaces. Don’t forget your tongue – it provides a cozy home for bacteria to flourish.
3. Floss before you brush so that tooth bristles can better reach between teeth.
4. If you can’t brush after a meal, chew some sugarless gum with xylitol. Xylitol may curb the growth of bacteria on your teeth to reduce plaque formation.
5. Eat carbohydrates with meals instead of alone as snacks. More saliva is generated while eating a meal and this can lessen the effects of carbs sitting on your teeth.
6. An oral fluoride rinse used right before bedtime adds an extra measure of decay deterrence. Fluoride rinses (not traditional mouthwash) work best when swished over teeth for at least thirty seconds after flossing and brushing. After spitting it out, don’t rinse with water. Let the residue protect and strengthen your enamel all night long. This is especially important for kids – just make sure they don’t swallow it.
7. If you have diabetes, it is important to understand that unhealthy blood sugar levels can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist can help you maintain oral health in spite of your condition. If you have already experienced dental complications related to diabetes, schedule a consultation with David Montz by calling 832-895-5120.
8. Beware of the dental risks of chronic dry mouth (xerostomia). Continual saliva production is essential for keeping the mouth lubricated, washing the food from tooth surfaces, and neutralizing the acid caused by plaque. Decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and painkillers are some of the medications that can cause dry mouth. David Montz can help you protect your teeth if you live with this unpleasant condition.
9. Wearing a mouthguard when you participate in sports can prevent tooth injury. Many Friendswood dentists offer custom mouthguards that fit perfectly.
10. If you are looking for an excellent dentist in the Friendswood area, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. David Montz at David C. Montz, DDS. At David C. Montz, DDS, we provide gentle, quality care for children and adults. Talk to us about preventative, restorative, cosmetic, or children’s dentistry. We look forward to serving you.

 

Contact David C. Montz, DDS:

832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

 

15 Things You Didn’t Know About Teeth

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Categories: Dental Health

suprising tooth facts Friendswood

  1. Children’s teeth are soft until about age 10.
  2. A tooth with a crown can get a cavity.
  3. Your gum tissue is as essential as your teeth.
  4. Some prescription drugs can increase your risk of cavities.
  5. Some home faucet water filters remove fluoride.
  6. 19 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 19 have untreated tooth decay.
  7. Heartburn can be adverse for teeth.
  8. Allergies can cause tooth grinding.
  9. Dried fruit is just as harmful for teeth as sticky candy.
  10. Tooth enamel cannot repair itself though dentin and cementum (the substance that surrounds the tooth root) are capable of partial regeneration.
  11. A Harvard-led team recently used low-powered lasers to activate stem cells and stimulate the growth of teeth in rats and human dental tissue in a lab. http://www.businessinsider.com/laser-stem-cell-tooth-tissue-regeneration-2014-5#ixzz3fzlosJDMTooth
  12. There are about 300 types of bacteria in your mouth.
  13. Chewing sugarless gum after meals can help remove food particles on your teeth. You still need to brush, but if you can’t brush immediately after meals, sugarless gum can help keep your teeth clean.
  14. Cavities often don’t cause pain until they have reached the root and nerve of the tooth. Visit your dentist regularly to prevent cavities or at least to detect them when they are small.
  15. Bone recession can cause tooth loss even if no decay is present.

I am Dr. David Montz of David C. Montz, DDS. I hope you have found today’s post interesting and perhaps even learned something new about your amazing teeth and some of the lesser-known risk factors for decay.

I am accepting new patients at my Friendswood dental practice. I am committed to preventative dentistry and lifelong oral health. I advise my Friendswood patients about sedation dentistry, CEREC dental crowns and porcelain veneers. In addition, I offer a full menu of cosmetic dental services. If you are seeking a dentist in the Houston area, I invite you to schedule an appointment to meet me and my friendly team.

 

Contact David C. Montz, DDS:

832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546