Root Canals

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org.

Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp (soft tissue inside your teeth containing blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue) becomes inflamed or diseased. During root canal treatment, your dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in treating the insides of teeth) removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed. If the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result, and your tooth may have to be removed.

Causes of an infected pulp could include:

• a deep cavity
• repeated dental procedures
• a cracked or broken tooth
• injury to the tooth (even if thereís not a visible crack or chip)

If you continue to care for your teeth and gums your restored tooth could last a lifetime. However, regular checkups are necessary; a tooth without its nerve can still develop cavities or gum disease. Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113
Houston, TX 77079
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

Difference Between DDS and DMD

Below is an article found on MouthHealthy.org.

If you’re looking to find a dentist you may notice that while most are listed with a “DDS”, some may be listed as “DMD”. They both mean the same thing-your dentist graduated from an accredited dental school. The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. It’s up to the universities to determine what degree is awarded, but both degrees use the same curriculum requirements.

Did you know that the level of education and clinical training required to earn a dental degree is on par with those of medical schools?
Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is required to graduate and become a general dentist. Upon completion of their training, dentists must pass both a rigorous national written exam and a state or regional clinical licensing exam in order to practice. In order to keep their licenses, they must meet continuing education requirements for the remainder of their careers so that they may stay up to date on the latest scientific and clinical developments. Additional post-graduate training is required to become a dental specialist, such as an orthodontist, periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The article also contains links about: 

• Looking for a dentist? 
• Interested in a dental career?

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113
Houston, TX 77079
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

Dental Digital X-rays

Improving the Way We See Your Mouth

Our practice uses digital X-ray technology. We can take an image of your mouth and immediately view it on our computer screen. This allows us to view your entire mouth in one panoramic picture, including your upper and lower jaws. Even better, digital X-rays expose you to 75% less radiation than non-digital (film) X-rays, and this digital technology is 
"green" technology.

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113
Houston, TX 77079
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

Dealing With Dry Mouth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by the ADA

A healthy adult produces about three pints of saliva each day. It's not the kind of thing you would give thought to very often, but that saliva plays a very important role in maintaining your health.

Saliva serves many purposes. It contains enzymes that aid in digestion. Saliva makes it easier to talk, a fact recognized by those who experience stage fright and the associated dry mouth while giving a presentation. 

Saliva also helps prevent tooth decay by washing away food and debris from the teeth and gums. It neutralizes damaging acids, enhances the ability to taste food and makes it easier to swallow. Minerals found in saliva also help repair microscopic tooth decay. 

Everyone, at some time or another, experiences dry mouth, also called "xerostomia." It can happen when you are nervous, upset or under stress or as a result of medication you take or other medical therapies. If dry mouth happens all or most of the time, however, it can be uncomfortable - and it can have serious consequences for your oral health.

Drying irritates the soft tissues in the mouth, which can make them inflamed and more susceptible to infection. Without the cleansing effects of saliva, tooth decay and other oral health problems become much more common. 

Regular dental checkups are important. At each appointment, report any medications you are taking and other information about your health. An updated health history can help identify a cause for mouth dryness. 

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113
Houston, TX 77079
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

Experience Cleaner Teeth with Ultrasonic Dental Tools

The Cleanest Your Teeth Can Be

You can experience cleaner teeth with less scraping than from regular scaling instruments. The Cavitron Scaler™ is a high-frequency vibration (ultrasonic) tool that enables us to easily remove hard deposits. It works especially well under the gum-line and even into the deep pockets that can form around teeth, which is advantageous in the event that you need gum disease treatments. Many patients report that they experienced less discomfort with the Cavitron Scaler than with traditional instruments. Your teeth will never have felt so clean!

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS 
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113 
Houston, TX 77079 
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

All About Cavities

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was Reviewed by the Faculty of Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

What's in Your Mouth? 
To understand what happens when your teeth decay, it's helpful to know what's in your mouth naturally. Here are a few of the elements: 

• Saliva - Your mouth and teeth are constantly bathed in saliva. We never give much thought to our spit, but this fluid is remarkable for what it does to help protect our oral health. Saliva keeps teeth and other parts of your mouth moist and washes away bits of food. Saliva contains minerals that strengthen teeth. It includes buffering agents. They reduce the levels of acid that can decay teeth. Saliva also protects against some viruses and bacteria. 
• Plaque - Plaque is a soft, gooey substance that sticks to the teeth a bit like jam sticks to a spoon. Like the slime that clings to the bottom of a swimming pool, plaque is a type of biofilm. It contains large numbers of closely packed bacteria, components taken from saliva, and bits of food. Also in the mix are bacterial byproducts and white blood cells. Plaque grows when bacteria attach to the tooth and begin to multiply. Plaque starts forming right after a tooth is cleaned. Within an hour, there's enough to measure. As time goes on, the plaque thickens. Within two to six hours, the plaque teems with bacteria that can cause cavities and periodontal (gum) disease. 
• Calculus - If left alone long enough, plaque absorbs minerals from saliva. These minerals form crystals and harden into calculus. Then new plaque forms on top of existing calculus. This new layer can also become hard. 
• Bacteria - We have many types of bacteria in our mouths. Some bacteria are good; they help control destructive bacteria. When it comes to decay, Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli are the bacteria that cause the most damage to teeth. 

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• How Your Teeth Decay
• Types of Decay
• Preventing Cavities

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113
Houston, TX 77079
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'Do Bad Teeth Run In the Family?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'Do Bad Teeth Run In the Family?'

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS  
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113  
Houston, TX 77079  
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

Comfortable Dental Care

No More "Fat Lips" or Numbness After Treatment!

Have you ever experienced that "fat-lip" feeling that comes from having your mouth numbed before treatment? The sensation can last for hours, making it hard to eat or even talk. Well, we say, NO MORE to "fat lips"! Instead, we offer our patients OraVerse™. After your treatment is complete, we can use OraVerse to reverse the effects of the anesthetic. It reduces the amount of time you're numb in half and then your mouth feels back to normal.

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS  
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113  
Houston, TX 77079  
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'Does Your Dentist Know If You Lie About Brushing and Flossing?'

'Does Your Dentist Know If You Lie About Brushing and Flossing? '

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS  
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113  
Houston, TX 77079  
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

8 Non-Dairy, Calcium-Rich Foods for Your Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org 

Caring for your teeth means more than brushing and cleaning between them every day. It also means paying attention to the foods you eat. 

One of the most important nutrients for healthy teeth is calcium. Calcium strengthens the hard outer shell of your tooth called enamel, which is your teeth’s defense against erosion and cavities. To protect your teeth and get the 1,000-2,000 mg daily recommended amount of calcium, many people turn to dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt. 

If you’re lactose intolerant or need to limit dairy, there are a number of foods that can still give you the calcium you need. Calcium is found naturally in some foods, while others - such as juice, tofu and even waffles - are now fortified with added calcium. 

Here are some non-dairy options from the USDA Food Composition Database to help keep your body and smile strong.

Orange Juice with Added Calcium

Oranges naturally have a bit of calcium, but many varieties of orange juice (already a top source of vitamin C) now come fortified with calcium. For example, frozen orange juice from concentrate with added calcium contains 1514 mg of calcium per cup. That’s your daily recommendation in just one glass! Juice, however, can be high in sugar, so drink it in moderation.  If your child drinks juice, make sure to serve the recommended, age-appropriate limits.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article highlights 7 over non-dairy, calcium-rich foods that are good for your teeth:

• Whey Powder
• Tofu with Added Calcium
• Canned Fish
• Beans
• Almonds
• Leafy Green Vegetables
• Soymilk

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS 
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113 
Houston, TX 77079 
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Oral cancer can be fatal. But if detected early, it has a fantastic cure rate.
Get your painless oral cancer screening today! Ask your dentist for an oral cancer screening.
It could save your life!

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS  
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113  
Houston, TX 77079  
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

Your Dentist and Hygienist are your First Line of Defense

Your Dentist and Hygienist are your First Line of Defense
Who else ever examines the inside of your mouth this closely?
Oral cancer can be fatal. But if detected early the cure rate is astounding.
Ask your dentist for a painless oral cancer screening today.
It could save your life.

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS  
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113  
Houston, TX 77079  
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

Nutrition Tips: How to Eat Healthy

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Yolanda Eddis

Healthy eating is essential for your overall health. Choosing foods and beverages that provide the right amount of energy and nutrients goes a long way toward maintaining not only a healthy body, but also a healthy mouth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer numerous nutrition resources, such as sample recipes, menus and educational tools that will guide you in picking out the right foods and drinks to consume. By knowing how to eat healthy, you can improve your physical and oral health, prevent disease and promote healthy growth and development for children and adolescents.

What Is a Nutritious Diet?

Eating a nutritious diet has many benefits. A well-balanced diet should include foods from the basic food groups and subgroups along with the right oils. Nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals are a staple of healthy diets, but it's also important to avoid eating too many or too few nutrients.

In an effort to assist consumers to learn how to eat healthy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture developed the MyPlate website. MyPlate illustrates the five food groups, which include fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy, and provides several examples of each. Oils that come from different plants and fish are also recommended although they don't constitute a food group of their own. The selection of foods from these groups can be fresh, canned, frozen or dried. The site also recommends different ways to balance your caloric intake by increasing nutrients and decreasing the consumption of sugar and sodium in meals and snacks.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• How to Select Healthy Beverages
• Healthy Habits after Eating and Drinking
• Healthy Eating Tips
• Diet and Dental Health

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS  
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113  
Houston, TX 77079  
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is a killer. Thousands die from it every year.
Don’t be one of them.
Ask your dentist for a painless oral cancer screening today!
It could save your life.

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS  
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113  
Houston, TX 77079  
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

Pregnancy and Newborn Oral Health

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about 'Pregnancy and Newborn Oral Health.'

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS  
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113  
Houston, TX 77079  
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

Travel Tips for Your Teeth: Emergencies

In Case of Emergency...
Have your dentist’s contact info handy in your cell phone or keep a business card in your wallet. “If you think you need to talk to somebody, you probably do,” Dr. Messina says. In fact, more dental emergencies can be resolved over the phone than you might think (especially if you keep up regular visits). “As a patient, it’s hard to know the difference between something that needs to be treated right away and something that can wait until you get home,” he says. “That’s what we are here for.”

In Case of Emergency Overseas...
If you are out of the country and absolutely in need of a dentist, Dr. Messina recommends getting in touch with the local consulate or U.S. embassy. “While talking to the concierge at the hotel is OK, ask the consulate and their employees for a recommendation,” he says. “It’s an independent recommendation and not someone who may be driving business because of a contract or to a relative.”

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS  
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113  
Houston, TX 77079  
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

Travel Tips for Your Teeth: Toothbrush

Forget Your Toothbrush?
Sunscreen? Check. Phone charger? Check. Toothbrush? Oops. If you find yourself temporarily without a toothbrush, Dr. Messina says you can rinse vigorously with water to wash away some of that cavity-causing bacteria. You could also put some toothpaste on a clean washcloth or your clean finger in a pinch. When you finally get to the nearest drugstore, look for a toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. If there aren’t any Seal products, buy the softest brush you can find.

Proper Toothbrush Transport
Letting your toothbrush air dry is how you keep your toothbrush clean at home, but that’s not always possible on vacation. What’s a traveling toothbrush to do? “I’m a big fan of resealable plastic bags. Keeping your toothbrush clean and out of contact with other things is more important that making sure it’s dry on vacation,” Dr. Messina says. “A bag keeps your toothbrush separate from everything else in your luggage. When you get there, pop it open and let your brush air dry.”

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS  
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113  
Houston, TX 77079  
(281) 493-0061 SmilesofMemorial.com 

Travel Tips for Your Teeth

Pack an ADA-Accepted Pack of Gum 
Chewing sugarless gum can help relieve ear pressure during a flight ñ and help keep cavities at bay on vacay. Research shows that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent cavities. That’s because it gets saliva flowing, which helps wash away cavity-causing bacteria. Sugarless gum with the ADA Seal is guaranteed to do the trick.

When In Doubt, Brush with Bottled Water 
If you are in a country where the water supply is compromised - or you’re on a wilderness adventure but aren’t sure how clean the stream is - always use bottled water to brush. “Don’t use the local water to brush your teeth,” Dr. Messina says. What happens if you accidentally get local water on your toothbrush? “Get a new one if you can,” he says. “If that isn’t possible, rinse your brush well with bottled water to reduce the risk of getting sick.”

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Smiles of Memorial  
Daniel Dernick, DDS  
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113  
Houston, TX 77079  
(281) 493-0061 
SmilesofMemorial.com 

Professional Teeth Cleaning Houston TX - Memorial West Houston TX

The Importance of Hygiene Visits
 
It's not always possible to brush your teeth after every meal. Nor does even meticulous brushing remove every bit of sticky plaque. Eventually, plaque missed by your toothbrush and floss will harden into tartar, which is, perhaps, the most important reason to schedule a regular professional cleaning with our hygienist. Tartar deposits not only form on the surface of teeth, they also accumulate below the gumline. If not removed, tartar buildup can lead to gum disease, which in turn can contribute to serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Having an extra set of eyes and hands inspecting and cleaning your mouth is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
 
Smiles of Memorial 
Daniel Dernick, DDS 
909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113 
Houston, TX 77079 
(281) 493-0061
SmilesofMemorial.com