Dr. Daniel Dernick DDS and the team at Smiles of Memorial are pleased to provide professional and caring dental services to their patients from Houston TX and the surrounding communities of the Memorial area in West Houston TX, the Energy Corridor, nearby the neighborhoods of Briarforest, Westchase, the suburb of Katy and the communities located near the Katy Freeway. Our dental services include: children's, cosmetic, general, preventive, restorative and sedation dentistry.
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
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:
The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'How Can I Get My Child to Brush Her Teeth?'
As part of your treatment plan, you can see the end result before we start. Our cosmetic imaging program produces computer images of your teeth and gums, which can be shaped, replaced, added to, or lightened, demonstrating your future smile. Now you can see the new you even before the changes start! Smiles of Memorial Daniel Dernick, DDS 909 Dairy Ashford Rd #113 Houston, TX 77079 (281) 493-0061 SmilesofMemorial.com
The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'How Should I Clean and Store My Toothbrush?'
Just as our bodies slow and show the unmistakable signs of age, so do our teeth. Even your fillings, crowns, and bridge work can weaken, crack, or show excessive wear. Fortunately, with regular checkups, we can help you combat the more serious side effects. We offer treatments to reverse the dark staining caused by years of consuming acidic beverages or tobacco or by the buildup of plaque. Simple products are now available to alleviate the reduction of saliva caused by some medications. As we age, the potential hazards of gum disease and root decay increase. Daily cleaning and good nutrition, to maintain healthy gums, is even more critical for us as seniors. If you are experiencing red, irritated gums, bleeding, or your teeth start to feel loose, please contact us.
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org Dentist Dr. Thomas Long has seen firsthand what can happen when “the puck stops here.” In addition to seeing everyday athletes in his private practice, Dr. Long (a former college hockey player himself) is the team dentist for the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes. No matter what sport or skill level, Dr. Long says athletes need to take care of their teeth both on and off the field. “Most athletes are careful about what they eat and their workout routine. Part of that routine should include taking care of your mouth and teeth every single day,” he says. "It would be a shame to miss practice or a game because you are in the dentist's office receiving treatment or recovering from a dental surgical procedure.” Here, Dr. Long shares his playbook for a healthy mouth.
Make a Mouthguard Part of Your Uniform
Sideline Sugary Sports Drinks
Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat
To read the entire article, including more detailed information on the three steps listed in Dr. Long's playbook for a health mouth, please visit MouthHealthy.org.