There are a lot of myths in my profession. For example, a lot of people think that whiter teeth are necessarily healthier teeth — but that’s just not true. And one that really kills me is the myth that flossing just isn’t that important. But if you’re reading this blog post, you probably know that’s a big (dangerous) myth. Here’s a list of some more common dental myths. There is something that’s not on that list, though, and it’s a big misconception we hear all the time — so I’ll add it on here.
(more…)
Your Cleburne and Midlothian Children’s Dentist Knows Healthy Baby Teeth are Vital
September 17, 2015
Comments Off on Your Cleburne and Midlothian Children’s Dentist Knows Healthy Baby Teeth are Vital
Long Family Dental: The Dentist Midlothian Depends on for Oral Health
July 21, 2015
Your mouth is the main portal to the rest of your body. Therefore, the condition of your oral health affects your overall health. In other words, what happens in your mouth doesn’t necessarily stay in your mouth. Researchers have gathered evidence of the oral-systemic connection and proven that several illnesses and diseases can result from poor oral hygiene. Therefore, the need to take care of your teeth and gums cannot be overstated. With offices in Midlothian, TX, and Cleburne, TX, the dentists at Long Family Dental and their staff of dental hygienists and dental assistants can help you maintain your oral and general health.
Periodontal disease—or gum disease—along with the bacteria that cause it are the main culprits in systemic diseases that may be linked to oral health. These include, but are not limited to:
Diabetes. That people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have gum disease has been well-known for many years. Now, however, research shows that patients with gum disease have an increased risk of developing diabetes as compared to people with little or no gum disease.
Heart disease. Periodontal bacteria are sometimes the cause of trouble here. The “bad” bacteria that is associated with gum disease can enter your bloodstream, lodge inside blood vessels and lead to blockages, heart attack or even heart failure.
Pneumonia. Germs from periodontal infection can migrate into the neck and chest, and end up in the lungs. People with gum disease can aspirate the bacteria and pathogens associated with this disease into their airways.
Good Oral for Good Overall Health
To avoid these and other health concerns, Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long recommend that an effective oral hygiene routine be followed at home, as well as regularly scheduled dental exams and cleanings. At least twice a day, brush your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush. (Hard bristles can scratch your teeth’s enamel.) Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle against the gum line and brush in small circular motions. Be sure to brush the outside, inside and biting surface of each tooth, using a short back-and-forth motion. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too, to remove bacteria that can cause bad breath. A good brushing should take at least two to three minutes.
Finally, floss between your teeth at least once a day. Use about 18 inches of floss and gently move the floss up and down between teeth, guiding the string with your thumbs and index fingers. Advance the string of floss and move from one tooth to the next.
Call Our Office Today
In addition to your at-home oral hygiene practice, Long Family Dental would like to see you twice each year for checkups when we’ll clean your teeth, remove plaque and tartar, check the health of your gums, examine for tooth decay and complete an oral cancer screening. The dentist Cleburne, TX, trusts also conveniently serves patients from Waxahachie, Burleson, Joshua, Red Oak, Mansfield and Cedar Hill and beyond.
Comments Off on Long Family Dental: The Dentist Midlothian Depends on for Oral Health
Take Advantage of Your Dental Benefits Before 2014
November 27, 2013
Though it may not seem important, taking advantage of your dental insurance before the year ends can save you money in the long run. Because most insurance companies run off of the calendar year, whatever benefits you haven’t used before midnight December 30 is long gone.
Not comparable to your cell phone minutes, your dental insurance benefits don’t roll over to the new year if you have not used them. You work hard for your benefits, and not taking advantage of them before the year is up can possible leave you wasting hundreds of dollars. If you use your benefits before the New Year, you’ll be able to take advantage of your deductible before it resets. It’ll also give you the ability to use up your annual maximums. Another important reason is to take care of any dental woes before they get any worse! Even though it may seem like a small stain or discomfort now, along the line, it can possibly mean a more extensive procedure.
If you are unsure about what your dental benefits may be or when they expire, ask your employer, or use the company handbook as a reference. Either way, being able to use your dental benefits before the year ends is beneficial for your money, and, more importantly, your teeth.
At Long Family Dental, we provide quality general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry services in Cleburne and Midlothian. Give us a call today to schedule your next appointment. Dr. Bob and Dr. Chris Long are here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Comments Off on Take Advantage of Your Dental Benefits Before 2014
The Importance of Preventative Dental Care
July 9, 2013
Many times, patients feel that if they’re brushing and flossing their teeth at home then there’s no need to visit their dentist for their dental checkup appointments. Unfortunately, this really isn’t the case. By neglecting your dental checkups, you’re putting your smile at risk.
Your regular dental checkup appointments are an important part of preventative dental care. By trying to address problems before they’ve had a chance to develop, your dentist can help to protect your smile and keep it healthy. You should visit your dentist every six months for your dental checkup appointment.
These appointments are important because your teeth will be cleaned and checked for signs of any potential smile issues. Also, preventative dental care can help identify concerns such as oral cancer or gum disease before they have done permanent smile damage.
Additionally, many dentists use sealants, a preventative care tool, to help improve the health of your smile. Sealants can be used to cover the pits and grooves in your teeth where plaque accumulates because it can’t be reached by your toothbrush. This is an important way that your dentist can help you to prevent cavities before they even form, rather than just treating them once they form.
Preventative dental care is an important part of your smile care, so start today by visiting your dentist twice a year for your dental checkup. Brushing and flossing aren’t enough on their own to ensure the health of your smile. Your dentist is here to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Comments Off on The Importance of Preventative Dental Care