Archive for the ‘Dental Health’ Category

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Periodontal Disease in Texas

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Periodontal Disease in Texas Periodontal disease in Texas is more common than you might think, and can be cured with varying degrees of treatment depending on the severity.

What is periodontal disease? According to this article on Wikipedia, periodontal disease is ‘the name of a collection of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth.’

Periodontal disease, more commonly called ‘gum disease’, is an inflammation or infection of the gums. Periodontal disease can be very painful in some extreme conditions, and can limit your ability to eat normally. In some cases, periodontal disease can affect your smile, and can create cosmetic dental concerns.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage. When caught early and treated, periodontal disease can be little more than an inconvenience. However the best policy is to practice good dental hygiene to keep periodontal disease at bay.

One of the best ways to avoid periodontal disease is to get a regular dental check up at your local Houston dentist.

Give us a call at (281) 571-3760 to schedule your next dental checkup; we look forward to seeing you.

— Dr. J. Scott Anderson

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Cavity Fighting Chewing Gum For Our Houston Patients?

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

Houston Oral Dentistry I’m Dr. J. Scott Anderson DDS of Willowbrook Dental Care in Houston. My Houston dentistry clients often ask me if chewing xylitol gum is an effective substitute for tooth brushing and regular Houston dental exams.

Before I answer that question, let me tell you a little bit about xylitol:

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually good for your teeth. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that xylitol prevents the growth of the bacteria that initiates decay. It also reduces plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.

Xylitol has other benefits, as well. Because it is low on the glycemic index, many of my Cypress diabetic patients enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. If my Champion cosmetic dentistry patients complain about frequent dry mouth, I recommend Xylitol gum or mints to stimulate saliva production without promoting tooth decay.

Now, back to the golden question. Is xylitol gum just as effective as brushing your teeth and seeing your Houston dentist regularly? Absolutely not! If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly (with a soft brush) after meals and get twice-yearly exams and oral dentistry deep cleanings at your Houston dentistry clinic.

At Willowbrook Dental Care, our goal is to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life by preventing dental problems before they start. If you postpone Spring dental visits until you feel pain, you risk losing teeth and most certainly will require more extensive treatment than if the problem was caught earlier. Is it time for a dental exam? Call us at (281) 571-3760 to book an appointment. Our technically advanced and friendly is waiting to take care of all your dental needs.

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Preventing Tooth Decay in Texas

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

Preventing Tooth Decay in Texas

In , tooth decay is one of the most common childhood problems, yet tooth decay also affect adults. Willowbrook Dental Care serves people from 20 to 80 years old to help fight tooth decay.

Bacteria are a common cause of tooth decay. Bacteria live in your mouth and combine with plaque and acids to break down the enamel coating on your teeth. The breakdown of your tooth enamel can often result in the development of small holes in your teeth which are known as cavities. The breaking down of your tooth enamel in is known as tooth decay, and it is a serious dental problem for children and adults in Texas.

Texas tooth decay is typically a result of diet and oral hygiene choices. When sticky foods are consumed and allowed to sit on the teeth, or foods full of sugars and starches are consumed frequently throughout the day, tooth decay can result. Foods to avoid include soda and sugary chewing gum; these foods tend to stay around for a while and create an environment where bacteria thrive. To help prevent tooth decay, simply limit sugary and starchy foods between meals. Also, brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and visiting your local Houston dentist in Texas for regular check ups and cleanings will help prevent tooth decay.

Hello, my name is Dr. J. Scott Anderson, and I am a Dentist. I work at Willowbrook Dental Care located at 17350 State Highway 249, Ste. 200, in Houston, Texas . Tooth decay is a preventable dental problem, and I can help. Visit me at ; I will be happy to meet you, and to give you an idea of the many ways we can help you prevent tooth decay and avoid a more costly or even painful ailment.

We at specialize in and would be happy to discuss with you any health concerns related to your teeth. Give us a call at (281) 571-3760.

Dr. J. Scott Anderson

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Tooth Ache Pain The Size of Houston

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

Houston Tooth Whitening

Patients often come into our Houston Texas dental practice and complain about ‘a toothache the size of Texas’. I understand this kind of pain, and realize that when you describe it like that, it really hurts. I can help.

Tooth ache pain for anyone in Houston can be unbearable. At the very least, toothache pain can cause you to avoid eating certain foods, certain temperatures, and even talking. Severe toothache pain can be downright debilitating, forcing patients to go to extreme measures to alleviate the pain.

Around Houston, the most common causes of a tooth ache include tooth infection, decay, injury, and loss of a tooth. Tooth pain can also occur after a tooth has been extracted, or after an oral surgery involving anything from a tooth or your jawbone.

I can help you better understand the source of your tooth ache pain, and in most cases can provide a nearly immediate remedy. In severe cases, we are equipped to council you on a variety of resolutions.

Of course, the best way to avoid tooth ache pain is to visit your Houston dentist often, and to care properly for your teeth including the regular regimen of brushing and flossing.

If you are experiencing tooth ache pain, and just can’t stand it any more, please give me a call; I am standing by to help.

-Dr. J. Scott Anderson, DDS

(281) 571-3760

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Bad Breath Is No Fun For Houston Residents

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Bad Breath Is No Fun For Houston Residents

Imagine you are starting a new job in Houston and meeting your new boss for the first time. Confidence is key to your success. As you reach out to shake the extended hand your broad confident smile exposes rows of pearly white teeth, yet when you open your mouth to exchange greetings you worry about bad breath. Perhaps your breath is not as a pleasant as you had hoped. Bad breath is a worry and possible embarrassment for many residents of Houston, Texas, from ages 20 to 80. Regular dental checkups at Willowbrook Dental Care can help alleviate your concern over bad breath. We have been addressing bad breath since 1988.

The technical term for bad breath is halitosis. Many factors can cause or contribute to halitosis. One of these factors is the food you eat. Onions and garlic are both known for having a potent affect on your breath. Simply observing the foods you eat here in Houston can result in a change in your breath.

In most cases, bad breath originates in your mouth. Transient bad breath can be resolved through eating or brushing, and is a temporary condition usually associated with a dry mouth. Persistent bad breath can be a serious problem effecting as much as 25 percent of our Houston residents. Persistent bad breath can be caused by dry mouth, and is made worse when food is not cleared away properly.

Brushing and flossing daily is a critical step in curing bad breath. Food particles can build up in your mouth and foster bacteria which can cause bad breath. This not only includes the food particles that may get stuck between your teeth, but also the food that collects around your gums or on your tongue. Brushing and flossing daily can help reduce the amount of food particles that stay in your mouth and cause bad breath. Regular visits to Willowbrook Dental Care in Houston can also reduce or eliminate the progression of bad breath.

Other factors that can contribute to bad breath for Houston residents include dry mouth, tobacco use, and health concerns such as infections. Come visit Willowbrook Dental Care located in Houston, Texas; we’ll provide you with information about bad breath in a professional environment. Give us a call at (281) 571-3760 to set up an appointment.

Dr. J. Scott Anderson

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Oral Conscious Sedation

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Oral Conscious Sedation Some people experience severe anxiety when undergoing dental treatment. With oral conscious sedation, it is possible to relax during dental procedures instead of being tense and fearful. Oral sedation dentistry, relaxation dentistry, conscious sedation and anxiety-free dentistry are all terms used to describe this type of treatment. In addition to alleviating anxiety, oral conscious sedation can help patients with a variety of conditions.

You may want to consider oral conscious sedation if you have any of the following issues:

  • Strong gag reflex
  • Fear of needles
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Fear and anxiety associated with dental treatment
  • Difficulty getting numb
  • A history of negative dental experiences
  • Trouble controlling body movement due to Parkinson’s disease, Cerebral Palsy or related conditions
  • Need extensive dental treatment requiring lengthy dental visits

If you have avoided dental treatment due to any of these factors, give us a call at (281) 571-3760. We can give you more information about sedation options and help you determine which one is right for you. At Willowbrook Dental Care we do all we can to make your visit as comfortable as possible. We look forward to discussing your oral health and dental goals.

Serving Houston dental patients since 1988.

Achieving Health and Beauty with Modern Dentistry

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Bright and Healthy Smiles

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

It doesn’t take a great deal of research to understand that bright and healthy smiles are more attractive. Everybody in Texas likes to see a great smile, and having a great smile is not only healthy for your mouth, but healthy for your self esteem, too.

I’m Dr. J. Scott Anderson, DDS, and I am a Dentist serving the Houston community with dental services including porcelain veneers. We call our practice ‘Willowbrook Dental Care‘, and we are located in the Houston, Texas.

If you are looking for a dentist in the Houston area, including Cypress, Spring, or Champion, please contact us. I am currently accepting new dental patients and would love to share with you some new and inexpensive ways to improve your bright and healthy smile.

I know the value of a bright and healthy smile, and can help you improve your smile with our Texas dentistry services including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and sedation dentistry; just three of the many dental services we provide at Willowbrook Dental Care.

Give me a call today at (281) 571-3760, I am looking forward to hearing from you.

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Houston Dentists And Your Mouth Sores

Friday, December 18th, 2009

Houston Dentists And Your Mouth Sores

As your local Houston dentist, one of my roles is to help you take care of your mouth. Sometimes mouth sores can be an issue, and while Houston dentists often defer to an oral surgeon for extreme cases, we can help you make an assessment.

If you live in the Houston area and have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two; come and see me. Mouth sores can be an indicator of disease, and an early assessment is the best bet. A better understanding of your mouth sores can lead quickly to comfort and a resolution. If necessary, treatment and pain relief can be offered.

There are two common types of mouth sores that are common in the Houston area; canker sores and cold sores.

Canker sores are small ulcer-like sores with a white or gray base and a red border. They are found on the inside of the mouth and while they are not contagious, they can be painful. Typically a canker sore heals in a week or two. Antimicrobal mouth-rinses, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods may offer you temporary relief while your sore is healing.

The cause of a canker sores is not certain. Possible explanations range from a cut on the inside the mouth, and reactions to extreme temperatures or acids from food or drink, to fatigue, stress, and allergies. Some studies point to bacteria or viruses, or combinations of all these factors.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes Simplex, are groups of fluid-filled blisters that often appear around the lips, sometimes appearing under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are contagious and painful, but usually heal in about a week. Some over-the-counter anesthetics may provide relief. There are some antiviral drugs on the market that have shown promise in reducing outbreaks, but there is currently no known cure. The initial infection, known as primary herpes, often occurs before adulthood. Once the virus infects you, it may stay in your body and remain inactive or cause occasional cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks may be triggered by a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions, stress, or exposure to extremes in temperature.

As your Houston dentist, I can’t do much to stop canker sores or cold sores in your mouth. I can discuss the health of your mouth, and examine any causes that make your mouth sore. In some cases a change in the way you care for your mouth can reduce the chances of getting mouth sores. If you are in the Houston, and would like to speak with a dental professional about mouth sores, area give us a call at Willowbrook Dental Care.

Our number is (281) 571-3760.

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Houston, Texas Residents Visit the Dentist

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

Houston, Texas Residents Visit the Dentist

Whether you have lived in Texas for a long time, or just moving in to the Houston area; taking care of your teeth eventually involves a visit to the dentist. We are Willowbrook Dental Care located at 17350 State Highway 249, Ste. 200, in Houston, Texas, and our specialty is cosmetic dentistry.

You can reach Willowbrook Dental Care by calling (281) 571-3760.

Going to the dentist for the first time in Houston, or if you have not been for while, can be an unsettling experience for both kids and adults. The very idea of a ‘dentist’ seems to hold negative connotation for many people. If you are an adult who is moving to the Houston area, or your child is preparing to visit the dentist for the first time, here are a few tips that may help ease you into regular dental checkups and put you on the path toward increased oral health and wellness.

Choose an Houston dentist who is appropriate for your needs. When you meet your new Houston dentist for the first time, make an effort to ask questions about the care you will receive. Ask questions that are relevant to your situation including questions about experience, age range of patients, and recommended procedures for any conditions you may have. Get to know your Houston dentist so you feel comfortable with the care you will receive.

Introduce yourself to your Houston dentist and get to know the office staff. Visiting the dentist in Houston will seem less of a chore when you feel you have trusted friends who are there to help.

Be prepared to provide your Houston dentist with information. Whether you are experiencing specific pain at that moment, or anticipating a problem, be sure to discuss everything with your dentist. Many patients become intimidated in the office environment and avoid expressing pain or discussing issues. As your dentist, I need to know everything you are experiencing and will be better prepared to help as you ask questions and express your concerns.

I understand that everyone is unique; what works for one person may not work for another. You know what works best for you, and the best way to have a good experience with a Houston dentist is to communicate. Let me know what you are experiencing so that I can make adjustments and help you feel more comfortable and secure.

At Willowbrook Dental Care our technically advanced and friendly staff will work to make your dental experience a pleasant one. We know it can be frightening to visit the dentist for the first time, or after a long while. We’ll do what we can to make you feel comfortable, secure, and among caring friends.

If you are in Houston, Texas and are ready to visit the dentist again, give us a call at (281) 571-3760, or stop by to meet us; we’re excited to meet you.

-Achieving Health and Beauty with Modern Dentistry

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Overbites And Underbites in Houston

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

Overbites And Underbites When the upper part of the jaw and the lower part of the jaw are not the same size, bite problems can occur. When the lower jaw is smaller than the upper jaw, it is called an overbite. When the reverse is true, it is called an underbite. Another related alignment disorder is called a crossbite. Crossbites occur when lower teeth are in the wrong position. They may be incorrectly positioned sideways, forward or backward.

Malocclusion (literally ‘bad bite’) is the term used for all types of bite problems including overbites, underbites and crossbites. Jaw alignment disorders can cause a range of problems and often prohibit proper chewing and/or swallowing. Teeth can shift around in the mouth, causing even more discomfort or difficulty. Gum disease and tooth decay are also harder to prevent because proper oral hygiene can be difficult with a malocclusion. TMJ disorder can develop over time. Distorted facial shape and unattractive teeth are often the most noticeable and troubling issues for those affected.

Fortunately, there are a variety of effective treatments for bite problems. If you suspect your child has a bite misalignment, it is especially important to have them examined as early as possible. By starting early, you can make sure they avoid years of pain and self-consciousness.

Call Willowbrook Dental Care at (281) 571-3760. Dentist Dr. J. Scott Anderson is experienced in diagnosing bite disorders in patients of all ages. We can create a successful treatment plan for you. We also perform porcelain veneers and dental implants for Houston area dental clients.

-Willowbrook Dental Care

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