Dental Health

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

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

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

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

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

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

We all go to our Friendswood dentist for check-ups and toothaches, but there are other less-obvious issues that your dentist can help you with. Today, we would like to consider some of the most common oral conditions that should be discussed with your dentist.

1. Bad Breath. Sure, nobody wants to admit that they have bad breath, but bad breath is usually caused by bacteria build-up in the mouth. This means that it might be a symptom of accelerating cavities. Discuss it with your dentist who can help you overcome this problem. (All of your friends will thank you.)

2. Dry Mouth. Also known as xerostomia, this lack of saliva is very uncomfortable and can predispose dental patients to a host of problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Some Friendswood residents experience it because of prescription medications or chronic diseases, so make sure to bring a list of current prescriptions with you to your appointment

3. Jaw Issues. If you have a clicking jaw or jaw discomfort, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist ASAP! These symptoms can be signs of a detrimental oral issue.

4. Teeth Grinding. If you’ve been stressed out and find that you’ve been grinding your teeth (or if your partner tells you that you’re doing it in your sleep!), discuss it with your dentist. A simple mouthguard can safeguard your teeth. If you have suffered damage from grinding such as fractured or chipped teeth, we will give you information about restorative dentistry.

I’m Dr. David Montz of Friendswood, and I want my patients to come to me with all of their oral concerns. Call 832-895-5120 today to schedule an appointment.

Excellence By Intention -David C. Montz, DDS

Contact David C. Montz, DDS:

832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

Hi. I’m Dr. David Montz, an experienced dentist here in Friendswood. It is my goal to help my patients have optimum oral health, and today I would like to talk about something else associated with our mouths that doesn’t get as much attention as cavities or cosmetic dentistry: it’s our sense of taste.

A happy mouth is not only a healthy mouth, but also a mouth that can enjoy the flavors of all types of foods. And it turns out that many of the habits that will keep your taste buds sensitive are those that will also be good for your teeth and gums. So here are a few tips to help you better enjoy the flavor of your food.

1) Treat dry mouth. Dry mouth can create a loss of taste sensitivity, so it should be treated quickly by your Pearland, Alvin, or Manviel dentist. Plus, optimal levels of saliva are important to avoid cavities and keep gums healthy.

2) Avoid processed foods with fake flavors and too much sugar and salt. They will quickly desensitize you to more subtle, healthy flavors.

3) Don’t smoke! Cigarettes are responsible for so many horrible health issues, but many people don’t realize that their sense of taste is dulled while they smoke and the olfactory nerves can even be damaged permanently.

Thank you so much for visiting the Friendswood dentist blog. Along with dental health and a keen sense of taste, I want my patients to have the beautiful smile they have always desired. So, if you have any questions regarding cosmetic dentistry such as smile makeovers, dental implants or teeth whitening, please contact us. We are located at 820 S Friendswood Ste 100 and you can reach us for an appointment at 832-895-5120.

Call a member of our friendly staff today!

Contact David C. Montz, DDS:

832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546

Are you one of the fortunate Houston people with healthy teeth? Would you like to keep them healthy for the rest of your life? Some Friendswood residents believe that keeping their teeth healthy into the golden years is unlikely if not impossible.

At David C. Montz, DDS, we are happy to assure you that this is a myth. With proper dental hygiene, regular dental exams and cleanings, and a healthy lifestyle, your teeth can serve you throughout your life.

At David C. Montz, DDS, we help patients of all ages, including those in their seventies and eighties, maintain their beautiful smiles. Dentures are not inevitable. Even if you already wear dentures, don’t give up.

You can improve your smile and your life with new implant anchored dentures.

These new fixed dentures won’t slip and slide in your mouth, so you can start eating confidently again.

Our office is friendly and relaxed. You don’t need to worry about being embarrassed if your teeth have not seen a dentist or hygienist for a while. We can treat your dental problems with expertise and put you on the path for better oral health in the future.

Remember, without dental health, you are never truly healthy. Call 832-895-5120.

Contact David C. Montz, DDS:

832-895-5120

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

820 S Friendswood Ste 100
Friendswood, Texas
77546