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Can Dental Cleanings Damage Enamel?

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Dental cleanings are integral part of our oral health, and are typically recommended twice a year. Keeping our teeth and gums free and clear of harmful bacteria is important. At Minali Dental, our team is proud to offer general dental treatments like dental cleanings in Houston, TX. We strive to provide quality services for our patients, and always make sure our patients are relaxed and comfortable during their visit.

However, some patients have asked us if having their teeth cleaned regularly can damage the enamel on our teeth. We hope that this article can help address this common concern.

Can Dental Cleanings Damage Enamel?

Dental cleanings do not damage the enamel on your teeth! Cleanings safely remove the plaque and bacteria that builds up over time on the teeth and under the gums. If teeth are not cleaned regularly inflammation can occur, and this can lead to gum disease. Brushing at home is a great way to remove bacteria from the teeth, but brushing cannot clean our teeth like a professional cleaning. Our certified hygienists provide quality cleanings to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

If teeth are cleaned improperly at home or by a non-professional, damage can occur to the enamel. Enamel is extremely durable, and it is hard to chip or damage during cleaning exams. Enamel can wear off if patients suffer from bruxism, or use harsh brushing strokes while brushing their teeth at home. Acidic foods or drinks can also cause erosion to enamel on our teeth.

If you have concerns about the condition of the enamel on your teeth, please let our team know when you schedule your appointment.

What Should I Expect During my Cleaning Appointment?

Dental cleanings in our office typically take anywhere from 30-45 minutes. X-rays are taken if needed, and carefully reviewed during your exam to help our team to provide a customized treatment plan for each patient. Our skilled hygienists use special tools to carefully remove the hard layer of plaque from a patient’s teeth, and we ensure your mouth is free of any plaque or bacteria. Our staff will discuss the health of your teeth and gums, and will recommend further treatment if needed.

Your oral health is extremely important to us, and we encourage our patients to keep up with regularly scheduled dental cleanings to keep their teeth looking and feeling great. Regular dental cleanings are a great way to prevent future issues. Dental exams give us the opportunity to catch any potential issues early, and prevent serious issues from developing.

Looking for a quality Dentist in Houston, TX for your next Dental Exam?

If you are looking for a family friendly dentist in Houston, TX, contact Dr. Mina Tabatabi for your next dental cleaning. Our goal is to provide exceptional service in a family friendly environment. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and we welcome all new patients to our office.

If you are interested in scheduling your next dental cleaning with us, please contact Minali Dental, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

Can Pediatric Dentistry Help with Thumbsucking?

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Pediatric dentistry focuses on dealing with the oral health of children from birth through adolescence. Pediatric dentists are skilled at interacting with patients of all ages, and children specifically making it comfortable and easy for both the parents and kids. At Minali Dental, we always ensure our patients feel relaxed and welcome and strive to provide the very best care.

Can Pediatric Dentistry Help With Thumb Sucking?

Pediatric dentists provide general care including fixing cavities, managing gum disease, and diagnosing medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes. Visiting our office regularly helps set the tone for good oral hygiene, and helps to create good oral hygiene habits in the future.

Many children tend to suck their thumb for comfort or out of habit when they are young. This habit tends to correct itself between the ages of 2 and 4 years old with positive reinforcement. However, there are some cases where the habit continues beyond this age and problems can occur. Thumb sucking can cause the upper teeth to overlap the lower teeth, or interfere with tooth eruption and jaw growth.

If teeth are cleaned improperly at home or by a non-professional, damage can occur to the enamel. Enamel is extremely durable, and it is hard to chip or damage during cleaning exams. Enamel can wear off if patients suffer from bruxism, or use harsh brushing strokes while brushing their teeth at home. Acidic foods or drinks can also cause erosion to enamel on our teeth.

If you have concerns about the condition of the enamel on your teeth, please let our team know when you schedule your appointment.

When should you call our pediatric dental office in Houston, TX?

If you notice your child has this problem we are here to help. Regular visits to our office starting at age 1 can allow our team to help teach you and your child effective oral hygiene techniques to prevent tooth decay. We also monitor dental growth, and can assist in giving suggestions to stop thumb sucking. This can avoid expensive treatments or orthodontic visits. During the appointment we typically ask about thumb sucking, and if the child does suck their thumb we can help talk to them about giving up that habit. If needed, an oral appliance can be made called an intraoral tongue crib. This appliance comfortably fits in the child’s mouth, and physically prevents thumb sucking. Typically, this device can help break their habit in a couple months.

Contact Minali Dental in Houston, TX

Our team is here to help with all your family’s dental needs, and we enjoy watching our patients grow from children into adults. Our priority is to provide superior care to patients of all ages and ensure each patient is relaxed and comfortable during their appointment. If you are looking for a friendly and gentle dentist for your child’s next appointment we are here to help.

If you are interested in finding out more about pediatric dental care in Houston, TX, contact Minali Dental to schedule your pediatric appointment with Dr. Tabatabi

Orthodontics Is Not Just For Children: Reasons Why Adults Engage In Treatment

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Orthodontic-Treatment

Have you wanted to improve your smile for a long time? Have your teeth moved since your treatment? Have you never had the time or the opportunity to undergo orthodontic treatment? We have good news for you – today, orthodontic treatments are no longer just for children and adolescents! No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to improve your dental health and improve your smile.

Can adults go for orthodontics?

A question that comes up often when we are contacted in the office. Our response is always the same: Yes, absolutely, adults too can have orthodontic treatment. Some adults have never received orthodontic treatment as a child to correct problems with alignment, occlusion, or poor jaw position.

If left untreated, beyond aesthetics, these problems can lead to:

  • Cavities,
  • Gum disease,
  • Headache and earache,
  • As well as problems with speech, biting or chewing.

Like children, adults can enjoy the benefits of better oral health and a new smile thanks to orthodontics.

Several types of treatment possible

Several types of orthodontic treatment are possible for adults, followed at the end of the treatment by the installation of a compression wire as well as safety gutters. These elements are highly recommended, to prevent the teeth from moving and you do not have to perform another treatment afterwards! More and more adult patients today call on orthodontists, but watch out for the practitioner you are talking to: adult treatment is very different from children! Only specialist orthodontists know how to treat these cases as precisely as possible.

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Reasons Why Adults Need Orthodontic Treatment

There are many reasons why you may want to consider orthodontic treatment:

  • Maybe you have jaw pain?
  • Maybe you have trouble cleaning your teeth properly?
  • Poor oral health can also have an impact on your social life and / or your ability to find a job

1.       Because it is very important to have a beautiful smile!

Your smile is one of the first things people notice. If you are ashamed of your teeth, if you are afraid of smiling, if you try to hide your teeth, your discomfort will be transmitted to others. The impact of a smile is priceless, and it can be seen dozens of times a day. Many people say that their unsightly teeth prevent them from living their lives to the fullest. So why not get orthodontic treatment today, which will set you free tomorrow? The results will amaze you! And you will no longer feel embarrassed by your teeth in the future

2.       Because teeth have been able to move at any age

Teeth can move at any age, even if they are healthy. Perhaps you have had naturally straight teeth in the past but your teeth have moved? This can indeed happen for various reasons. You may have had a device in the past, but you may need it again. Why? Because teeth can move naturally over time and many treatments are not followed by restraint. Today, restraint is almost systematic and can last a long time. But that hasn’t always been the case, and many practitioners have not practiced it as much in the past.

3.       To avoid serious dental and oral health problems

Research has shown that the frequency of misalignment in adults is comparable to that of children and adolescents. In case of cross–bite (when there is a gap between the 2 jaws – or of misaligned teeth, you increase the risk of plaque formation and food retention between your teeth. You promote the appearance of gum disease, cavities, bone loss, irregular wear of the tooth enamel… and many other health problems. Cross joint (or cross bite): This is a misalignment of the jaws, which leads to upper teeth that bite on the inside of the bottom teeth on one side, and the outside of the other side.

4.       To avoid corollary health problems

Incorrect smile can also lead to other health problems. You can indeed suffer from headaches and earaches, but also gastrointestinal problems related to incorrect chewing. If you accidentally bite your cheek or upper mouth regularly, we advise you to consult an orthodontist.

5.       Because today, solutions are more effective, painless and easy to use!

Orthodontic methods have evolved over the years: you no longer have to wear a set of metal rings instead of your smile!

  • Lingual orthodontic appliances use rings placed on the inside of the teeth, inside the mouth.

This method requires a great mastery of the practitioner.

  • Invisalign transparent aligners are also very popular among adults due to their great practicality.

These transparent and removable plastic gutters are worn directly on the teeth and do not use metal or wires. So, there is no dietary restriction, and you can brush your teeth and floss as you normally would.

Dental Hygiene: When To Use Mouthwashes?

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Brushing your teeth is essential! But should we also use mouthwashes? Antiseptic, protective, and purifying formulas are different products adapted to everyone’s needs. We often have mouthwash in his medicine cabinet. However, we do not necessarily know when to use it. They do not replace brushing teeth. The mouthwashes are good to relieve the little sores.

Their formula usually contains assets that are not found, or in very small quantities, in tubes of toothpaste. They are therefore used also, after the “toothbrush sequence” . However, they do not address everyone. You do not have to buy one if you do not have any special teeth or gum problems.

On the other hand, they relieve the “small sores” of the mouth: irritations, bad breath, canker sores, etc. 

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Be careful to let the product act for 30 seconds in the mouth before spitting it out! Good to know too: mouthwashes (with a few exceptions) are not for children under 6 or 7 years old.

Each type of problem has a mouthwash formula.

Antiseptic formulas: to treat infections

They contain highly active ingredients against germs, among which we find mainly chlorhexidine and hexetidine.

Main products: Alodont, Eludril, Givalex, Hextril, Paroex, Prexidine …

When to use them? These products treat infections and inflammations of the oral mucosa. They are also recommended after dental surgery to prevent the development of “bad germs.”

What exactly to expect? Relief of swelling of the gums or relief of pain in case of the abscess. However, mouthwashes alone can not cure a real infection. They are associated if necessary with an oral antibiotic treatment.

Directions for use: two to three mouthwashes a day for up to two weeks.

Precautions: Do not continue treatment beyond two weeks without medical advice. You may disrupt the balance of the oral flora and cause fungal infection.

Our selection: Eludril (Pierre Fabre), a bottle of 200 ml. A safe bet recommended by dentists. To be diluted in lukewarm water using the measuring cup.

Protective formulas: against cavities

Their mission is to strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to acid attack.

Main Products: Bioxtra, Elgydium Sensitive Teeth, Elmex Cavities Protection, Fluocaril.

When to use them? The products are intended for people with cavities. They are also useful for teens who wear rings and whose brushing leaves (often) to be desired.

What exactly to expect? Interest is preventive. But in any case, the mouthwash can not cure a decay.

Directions for use: Routinely rinse after each meal. In the cure of a month to begin.

Precautions: do not rinse your mouth after use, at the risk of eliminating fluoride.

Our selection: Elmex Protection caries (Gaba), a bottle of 400 ml. A formula without alcohol and dye with a pleasant minty taste. Use pure, in a dose of 10 ml.

The “special gums” formulas in case of bleeding. The active ingredients have been chosen to tone the gums and reduce plaque. Low dose antiseptics, fluorine and anti-inflammatory drugs (such as enoxolone) are found.

Oral Problems in the Elderly

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Oral Problems in the Elderly

Know the oral problems in the elderly. In this post, we tell you more about the subject and we give you some tips to avoid those inconveniences that arise in the teeth and mouth with aging.

Changes that happen in the mouth with aging

As people get older, it is normal for the body to begin to change and the teeth go through the same process. Age is an important factor in what happens in different human systems.

The changes that happen in the oral cavity when people get older are:

  • The enamel begins to wear out. This is a proper sign of aging. It begins to lose thickness and translucency, which gives the teeth a yellowish color. They may even start cracking.
  • The pulp starts decreasing, in addition, the number of blood vessels in the gums is also reduced. This makes the mouth more prone to infection problems. It is also becomes less reactive to external stimuli.
  • Dentin becomes much more permeated. This happens because of enamel wear. And it begins to produce more secondary dentin.
  • Production of saliva decreases. This plays an important role in the protection of the mouth. This can make people more likely to suffer from oral diseases.

Oral problems in the elderly

There are several oral problems that occur frequently in the elderly. Since the body and the oral cavity also undergo changes. Some of the most common diseases are:

Tooth sensitivity

There are many causes of tooth sensitivity and one of them is aging. This is because the gums begin to contract. That is, they go down and move away from the teeth. This exposes the teeth much more, especially in areas that are not protected by enamel. This causes the mouth to be more sensitive to external stimuli such as cold, hot foods or drinks and even sugar. To solve it, you can use toothpaste, specially created for sensitive teeth. But if the problem persists it is advisable to go to the dentist.

Tooth loss

About 20% of the elderly suffer from this problem. The loss of teeth not only affects confidence, but makes it difficult to do everyday things like chewing or talking. This occurs because the teeth have less protection and eventually become damaged or worn. That is why many older adults choose to use dentures or implants. That way, they can carry on their daily activities easily.

Dry mouth

As we mentioned, over the years, saliva production decreases. This is further enhanced because that many elderlies take medications that could cause dry mouth leaving the teeth a little more unprotected.

Cavities

Other oral problems that elderly people may have are cavities. Enamel wear allows teeth to be more prone to them. This can be aggravated if there is no good hygiene. The oral health in older people must go hand in hand with a more complete hygiene routine. Especially since tooth decay can become bigger problems for the elderly.

Periodontal diseases

This problem can begin to manifest from the age of 40. The most common signs are bleeding, inflammation of the gums, bad breath and bad taste in the mouth. Periodontal diseases can be prevented with good dental hygiene. It should be noted that gum problems can lead to gingivitis or periodontics. So, it is always important that if you bleed easily go to the dentist for a review.

 

Good and bad food for your teeth

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Good and bad food for your teeth

It is well known that sugar-rich foods are not good for teeth, especially if they are consumed in excess. Although if we start to spin fine, sugars are not the foods that cause more decay. The richest in carbohydrates, such as bread, cookies or French fries, are the most harmful to the teeth since they are the ones that stay in contact with the enamel the longest. Does that mean we should not eat this type of food? Not much less, but it is important to apply the following tips:

  • Avoid eating between meals.
  • Whatever sugars are added, eliminate them from your diet.
  • Do not eat sticky foods. Such as chewing gum, jelly beans and other sweetened bombs.
  • Brush your teeth, at least twice a day!
  • Acids, ice and the other enemies of the teeth.

If sugars damage enamel, acids don’t fall short. Even wearing aesthetic veneers can also erode your enamel. Also, when we have mouth sores, acids can irritate them. So, whenever we take lemon or some acidic food, it is important to rinse our mouth thoroughly with water to neutralize the acidity.

What Else?

Do jelly beans also mean acid? Yes. And as you know, they all contain a lot of sugar that is harmful to the teeth. The sticky and chewable are the most harmful, since they are the ones that leave a higher amount of debris between the teeth and molars. In this group we find the famous lollipops, a type of candy that is especially consumed by children. And now the million-dollar question: How can we minimize the risks of tooth decay in our children? Here are some tips:

  • Teach your children to suck candy instead of biting them.
  • Get them to brush their teeth.
  • As much as possible, choose those less harmful treats for your teeth.
  • Try to have your child eat treats at a specific time of day, rather than throughout the day.
  • The bad habit of biting ice

Surely you are not the only one who has the bad habit of biting ice. If so, remove the habit because your teeth suffer. Ice, despite not containing sugars or additives, can cause mouth lesions. Also, hard and sticky foods are not recommended when you wear orthodontics. Think twice before chewing!

Because eating fruit is good for your health

When we talk about health, we also talk about the health of teeth, of course. And the fruit in this case is very beneficial since it provides minerals for enamel and gums. For example, bananas, in addition to providing potassium and a large number of vitamins, help reduce tooth sensitivity. On the other hand, apples or vegetables, such as carrots, are foods that, in addition to providing vitamins, clean our teeth naturally.

 

Orthodontics – Who Can Benefit From Orthodontic Treatment?

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Orthodontics - Who Can Benefit from Orthodontic Treatment

A problem of occlusion between the upper and lower teeth leads to difficulties in chewing, and therefore digestion. For a healthy living, you must prioritize your dental health. You need to visit orthodontics for the treatment of your dental issues. You need not miss the importance of your teeth. As teeth do not only help you to chew food but also help you to look good and brace your smile.

Can everyone benefit from treatment?

Yes, provided you have a healthy oral environment: no cavities, crowns to ask, or periodontal disease. 

What are the benefits of orthodontics?

If the first motivation remains a smile, the benefits of orthodontics do not stop at the aesthetic dimension. A problem of occlusion between the upper and lower teeth leads to difficulties in chewing, and therefore digestion. Also, when the teeth overlap, brushing teeth is not optimal. It promotes cavities and the risk of periodontal disease.

Some dentists send their patients to a colleague orthodontist when they have difficulties in putting an implant or a bridge, for example. Poor positioning of the teeth also has consequences on the overall postural balance. 

benefits of orthodontics

Indeed, a bad interlocking of the teeth and a malocclusion have an impact on the positioning of the vertebral column, thus favoring scoliosis and vertebral pains. 

What are the main methods proposed?

As for children, external metal rings, sometimes ceramic, are also available to adults. It is the least expensive method, but it has disadvantages: visible equipment, brushing difficulti,es and prohibition of certain foods. You can forget about raw vegetables, peanuts, caramel, some meats, and, more generally, all sticky foods, crunchy and difficult to chew. Whatever the method is chosen, the treatment ends with the installation of a temporary or permanent compression to stabilize the teeth. This can sometimes be replaced by gutters to wear during the night. The wearing of restraint usually lasts two years but may be extended in some cases. 

Is it painful?

It all depends on the method used. Lingual orthodontics and rings are more uncomfortable than plastic gutters. The risk of injury to the tongue and canker sore is also more common. Some people have temporary speech difficulties. From time to time, pains can appear: it is the sign that the teeth move. 

treatment take

How long does a treatment take?

It all depends on the complexity of the cases to be treated and the good observance of the treatment. A simple case can be settled in six months, while others will take several years. On average, count between 12 and 18 months.  

What budget do you anticipate?

Each practitioner is free to set own rates. The cost can vary considerably from one specialist to another. Overall, it takes half a year around 800 dollars for metal rings, 1500 dollars for a lingual device, and around 1100 dollars for invisible gutters. 

Can I get dental care during treatment?

A descaling is not a problem, but some care is more difficult to achieve. This is why it is advisable to consult your dentist before considering a treatment. With invisible gutters, the dentist can treat a decay, lay a temporary crown or implant. Sometimes, the treatment may be temporarily suspended the time to take impressions and make new gutters. You must decide carefully to invest in your orthodontics treatment. As a onetime investment can save you from multiple issues.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Address

7700 Fulton St. Suite A
Houston, TX 77022

Phone Number

(832) 422-5792

Email Address

minalidental@gmail.com

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