Many patients in the US report fearing the dentist because of drills or shots or sensitive gag reflexes, but the number one reason people gave for fearing the dentist was financial strain. This may come as a surprise, but a significant portion of people fear they will be unable to finance dental treatment. Rather than visit the dentist, they avoid treatment until their oral health is in an advanced state of decline. However, research shows that patients who maintain dental checkups and teeth cleanings every six months, actually spend significantly less on dental care than those who only visit when oral health concerns arise. Your dental insurance company knows this too. That’s why they structure coverage to encourage preventive care over reactive care.
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Dental VS Medical Insurance the Facts from Your Dentist in Midlothian
December 15, 2015
Your Cleburne and Midlothian Children’s Dentist Knows Healthy Baby Teeth are Vital
September 17, 2015
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.
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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.
Best Dentist, Burleson, TX
July 3, 2015
Finding a new doctor can be more painful than going to the doctor, but if you’re in need of excellent dental care in the Burleson, TX area, Long Family Dental has you covered. Our dental team is dedicated to family. Succeeding the original Dr. Long are his two sons Dr. Bob and Dr. Chris long. Our team is dedicated to making your family feel like they are part of our family. Each time you visit us, you’ll receive the best possible service and care. We’ve been treating patients in the Burleson area like family for more than 40 years. Call to schedule an appointment at one of our two convenient locations today.
General and Preventive Dentist, Waxahachie
Our dentists are great at what they do, and that starts with the basics. Preventive dentistry is essential to maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile for life. Regular checkups and teeth cleanings at Long Family Dental combined with a great at home hygiene plan will set you on your way to a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Our state-of-the-art facilities near Waxahachie make it possible for us to find and treat numerous minor dental health concerns before they can affect your overall health. Our dentists also have years of combined education and experience in a variety of dental specialties so you don’t have to worry about referrals or finding a specialist. We are the specialists. General dentistry services include checkups, hygiene appointments, fillings, laser decay detection, dental sealants and more.
Restorative Dentist, Joshua
If your preventive dentistry measures aren’t enough, we’re here to restore your smile. Trauma, tooth decay, or gum disease can leave your smile less than perfect, but there are restorative dentistry services to help preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. Our skilled dentists provide root canal therapy, dental implants, dentures, crown and bridge replacement, and even same day crown placement.
Cosmetic Dentist, Midlothian and Cleburne
If your smile is less than dazzling, Long Family Dental has an array of cosmetic dental treatments that can transform any smile from ordinary to extraordinary. Dull, stained, crooked, cracked, broken or missing teeth? We can help remake your smile. Our cosmetic dentists can perfect any smile. From adding a little sparkle with our convenient take home whitening treatments, or a complete smile transformation with porcelain veneers, let us put a radiant smile on your face. Have a big job interview or meeting coming up? Dazzle with a smile makeover from Long Family Dental.
Visit Us Soon
Whatever your dentistry need, let Long Family Dental help you. In addition to our preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry options, we also offer sedation dentistry for dental anxiety relief, TMJ treatment, and sleep apnea treatment. Our two convenient locations in Midlothian and Cleburne, TX make it easy to get the care you need. Call to schedule an appointment today. We welcome patients from surrounding areas including Waxahachie, Burleson, Joshua, Red Oak, Mansfield and Cedar Hill and beyond.
Wake Up to Sleep Apnea Therapy at Long Family Dental
March 15, 2015
Good morning! How’d you sleep? Did you have sweet dreams or do you have memories of someone shouting, “stop snoring”? Are you refreshed and ready to start the day when the alarm goes off, or do you need to hit the snooze button a few times? If you snore and snooze, then you may have a condition called sleep apnea. Long Family Dental, with offices in Midlothian, TX, and Cleburne, TX, can help you get a good night’s sleep with sleep apnea therapy.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that causes breathing to temporarily cease during sleep. This may happen 100s—yes, 100s—of times a night. In addition to snoring, other symptoms might include awakening with a gasp for breath; daytime exhaustion; morning headaches or sore throat; and compromised concentration and motor coordination. In fact, some auto accidents can be attributed to sleep apnea. And beyond these symptoms, sleep apnea has also been connected to other ailments including high blood pressure, stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, obesity and low infant birth weight.
Sleep Apnea Therapy from Long Family Dental
Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long treat sleep apnea with SomnoDent®. SomnoDent is an oral appliance that is custom made according to our specifications after a thorough evaluation. This comfortable and flexible oral appliance is worn at night to shift your lower jaw forward and maintain an open airway while you sleep. Our dentists work closely with your personal physician to diagnose and prescribe the proper treatment for you. If you have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have tried a CPAP machine but haven’t been able to stick with it, then ask Dr. Long or Dr. Long about SomnoDent.
Call Our Office Today
If you suspect that you or a loved one might need sleep apnea therapy, then call Long Family Dental to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in Midlothian, TX, and Cleburne, TX, as well as the surrounding communities of Waxahachie, Red Oak, Mansfield and Cedar Hill and beyond.
Children’s Dentistry for the Youngest Citizens in Midlothian and Cleburne, TX
February 15, 2015
Mother’s Day is in May, Father’s Day is in June. So when is Children’s Day? Some would answer, “Everyday!” But in fact, children do have a day and it just happens to be every single one in the month of February. The American Dental Association has designated February as National Children’s Dental Health Month. What better time to make sure your children’s oral health is optimal? Children’s dentistry at Long Family Dental in Midlothian, TX, and Cleburne, TX, is practiced emphasizing professional care, preventive care and gentle care.
Dr. Robert Long, Dr. Chris Long and their team of dental hygienists and dental assistants are committed to helping you take care of your kids’ teeth and gums. With this in mind, we recommend that children’s dentistry begin at home. Have your kids watch you brush your teeth. Then, as their smiles develop, make brushing and flossing a regular family activity. There is truth in jest, so remember—monkey see, monkey do!
Children’s Dentistry at Long Family Dental
When your children are around three years old, that’s when we need to start seeing them regularly in the office. As with our adult patients, we’d like to see them every six months for dental checkups. At their first checkup, we’ll count their teeth, check on their oral development including the placement of their baby teeth, possible signs of decay—yes, baby teeth can have cavities—and if they seem ready then we’ll also clean their teeth.
For an ounce of prevention, Drs. Long may recommend a fluoride treatment or dental sealants. Fluoride is a mineral that has been proven to strengthen teeth’s enamel, the first line of defense against the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Dental sealants are an added layer of protection for your children’s permanent molars. Applied as a liquid, dental sealants harden to a solid, filling the nooks and crannies of deeply grooved back teeth.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you’d like to make an appointment for your kids to see the children’s dentist Midlothian, TX, and Cleburne, TX, trust, then call Long Family Dental today. We also conveniently serve patients from Waxahachie, Red Oak, Mansfield and Cedar Hill and beyond.
General Dentist Waxahachie Advice: The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings
December 23, 2014
Have you had your oral cancer screening yet? Over 30,000 new oral cancer cases are discovered each year. Unfortunately, many of these cases have already progressed into the dangerous late stages of the disease. Far too many oral cancer patients skip out on the routine dental exams that could have caught the disease in its early stages, when it’s most treatable. Oral cancer screenings are short, painless exams. During the exam, Dr. Long will look for physical warning signs inside of your mouth, and around your face and neck. He will check for abnormalities such as: red or white patches, mouth sores, and lumps. As with other cancers, early detection is critical to successful treatment outcomes. Semi-annual oral cancer screenings are the most effective method for finding the disease in its highly curable stages. Protect your oral and overall health; make an appointment with Dr. Robert Long or Dr. Chris Long for your oral cancer screening today. Long Family Dental is the leading Waxahachie general dentist office. Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long proudly serve families daily throughout Waxahachie, Midlothian, Cleburne, and the surrounding communities.
What Causes Oral Cancer?
Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women. By far, tobacco use is the leading risk factor for oral cancer. However, contraction of the human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is quickly closing the gap as a leading cause of the disease. While there is still a higher incidence of the disease among older people, this shift has increased the number of oral cancer cases among people under 50, making younger people the fastest growing segment of oral cancer patients. HPV in oral cancer patients tends to reside in the back of the mouth, in the tonsils, or at the base of the tongue, making it that much more difficult to detect without an oral cancer screening. Excessive alcohol use and excessive sun exposure can also heighten your risk for developing the disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should immediately make an appointment for an oral cancer screening with your general dentist Waxahachie:
- A mouth sore that doesn’t heal after a few weeks
- White or red patches anywhere in or around the mouth
- Unexplained swelling in the mouth that won’t go away
General Dentist Waxahachie Appointments
Remember, your health is your wealth. Make an investment in your long term wellbeing and schedule an oral cancer screening appointment with Dr. Robert Long or Dr. Chris Long at Long Family Dental today. Long Family Dental is a trusted Waxahachie general dentist office. Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long proudly restore smiles daily throughout Waxahachie, Midlothian, Cleburne, and nearby areas.
How To Get Your Kids Excited About Oral Care!
July 11, 2014
Almost every parent can agree that getting their children to do what they want them to do is a very difficult task. Whether it is eating healthy foods or going to bed at the same time every night, having your children do what is necessary for their health can be a daunting task. One of those things may be getting them to brush their teeth. Getting children to brush their teeth has been a notoriously difficult task for many parents, and they may be wondering how they can make the experience enjoyable for their kids. Luckily, Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long have some recommendations as to how a daily chore can become a fun activity!
One of the ways you can get your children excited about brushing their teeth is by joining them in the fun! If you children see the way you brush your teeth, they will want to mimic your movements, making it a team effort that is a lot of fun! This is also a great bonding experience between you and your child, as it builds trust and confidence between the both of you.
Another thing parents can do to make oral care fun for their kids is by making it a musical time. Children tend to respond better to music than words alone, so when you make a fun sing along or jingle to coincide with brushing their teeth, it can create a fun, exciting environment. If your child has a favorite cartoon character or superhero, having their toothbrushes match is an easy way to get them to enjoy brushing their teeth. Along with their favorite toothbrush, having tasty toothpaste can also make oral care more enjoyable for your children. There are many types of toothpaste that are specially made for children, so a yummy bubblegum flavor alongside their favorite character on their toothbrush can make all the difference in the world to your child in making sure they take care of their smile!
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 Long and Dr. Chris Long are here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Have A Seamless Smile for Summer with Tooth-Colored Fillings
June 9, 2014
With summer right around the corner, one of the things many people are doing is making sure they look their summer best! Whether it is getting your beach body ready or getting their hair done in time for the backyard barbecue, many people want to make sure they are in tip top shape in order to fully enjoy their summer vacation! One thing that may not get as much attention is your smile. There is no doubt you will be meeting and reconnecting with tons of people this summer, and your smile is the first thing they are going to see. If you want to make sure you have a seamless, flawless smile, Drs. Robert and Chris Long are able to give that to their patients by offering tooth-colored fillings.
There are many reasons why people choose tooth-colored fillings. The most popular reason is that people get tooth-colored fillings is because they want to avoid the look of having a mouth full of metal. Many people want a more natural look when it comes to their dental work, and tooth-colored fillings are able to provide that look. The important aspect about fillings is the fact that it saves your tooth. When there is a cavity or a serious infection, we remove the decay and fill the space with your desired filling. If not treated in the proper amount of time, the problem can worsen, even leading toward bone loss.
One of the benefits of having tooth-colored fillings is that it gives you back your confidence. If you aren’t confident in your smile, it can completely alter the way you interact with people and yourself. There is no doubt our experience team is able to restore your confidence and bring your smile to the next level. If you’re interested in tooth-colored fillings, contact our office and will be happy to help you create the perfect smile you have always wanted, just in time for summer!
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 Long and Dr. Chris Long are here to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Halloween Candy and Your Child’s Smile
October 17, 2013
Halloween is fast-approaching, so we want to take this opportunity to remind you and your family about candy, sugar and the impact they can have on your child’s smile. It is important to be mindful of the amount of sugar your child is consuming, especially because of the potential impact on their smile.
Children’s teeth are still growing and developing, so they can be especially vulnerable to decay and cavities. Halloween candy is fun and should be allowed, but in a controlled amount. We recommend that after trick or treating is over, that you and your child sort through their candy together. Pick a certain amount of candy that your child is allowed to eat, and pick a certain time for this to happen.
It’s better to snack all at once rather than nibbling throughout the day because each time you’re eating, you’re opening your mouth up to bacteria all over again. Sticky or chewy candies are among the worst for your smile because they stick to your mouth longer than other candies. This gives bacteria a better place to grow and breed.
When you’re having fun collecting candy and celebrating this Halloween, remember to be mindful of what you’re eating and how much. Sugar is fine in moderation. By taking the time to care for your smile, it will last you a lifetime. Call your dentist if you have any questions about decay and cavities.
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.