Category: preventive dental care

The Importance of Seeing the Dentist During Pregnancy

Posted on by MillenSmiles_aDmEEN

Are you pregnant? Congratulations! Having a baby is a very exciting time in your life! It’s also a very busy time for you – scheduling your regular checkups, special tests and bloodwork can all keep you busy. We want to add one more thing to your list while you’re setting up your appointments; we want you to schedule a dental checkup with Dr. Korous, too!

Why Do I Need to See the Dentist During My Pregnancy?

Pregnancy changes everything about your body – including your mouth! Taking the time to see Dr. Korous while you are pregnant will help you keep a healthy mouth and body and also protect the health of your unborn baby. Not to mention, our warm, relaxing environment complete with massage chair and warm towels after every treatment will leave you feeling rested and relaxed. What mom-to-be wouldn’t want that?

Oral Health and Pregnancy

The hormonal fluctuations that occur during pregnancy can wreak havoc on your oral health. These changes can cause the development of a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. Like regular gingivitis, pregnancy gingivitis causes redness, swelling, irritation, and bleeding of the gums. If pregnancy gingivitis is left untreated, you may end up with a more advanced form of periodontal disease. Doesn’t sound like a big deal? Think again. Periodontal disease has been linked to the development of serious heart and lung conditions, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. It has also been shown to cause low-birth-weight babies and preterm labor, too.

What Can You Do to Lower Your Risk of Oral Health Problems During Pregnancy?

As we mentioned, seeing Dr. Korous for regular checkups and cleanings is the first step. In addition, we want you to practice good oral hygiene habits at home, too. Brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss at least once per day.

I’m Pregnant. Can I Have X-rays?

Both the American Dental Association and the American Pregnancy Association say that the amount of radiation you and your unborn child are exposed to during a dental X-ray is minimal and does not cause harm to an unborn baby or pregnant mother.

We do understand that some patients want to delay having dental X-rays until after their first trimester or until after they deliver. Just let us know your preference when you schedule your appointment.

Call Millennium Smiles today at 972-987-4899 to schedule your appointment or to talk about your concerns regarding your dental health and your pregnancy.

Skipping the Dentist Means Serious Problems

Posted on by MillenSmiles_aDmEEN

Are you skipping your dental appointments because you don’t have dental insurance? You’re not alone. A new report from the American Dental Association says that more individuals than ever are going without dental insurance and that means going without critical dental care. One of the age groups going without dental care because of a lack of dental insurance is millennials – and as a result, they have more untreated tooth decay than any other demographic.

Major Mouth Problems for Millennials

A report from the American Dental Association recently revealed that 30 percent of people in the United States between ages 18 and 35 are living with untreated tooth decay. This fact is a startling revelation because for decades individuals over the age of 65 were the most afflicted with dental problems.

The ADA report also showed that over 35 percent of millennials have pain when eating.

As a result of their dental pain, almost 40 percent of those between 18 and 35 report that their quality of life is poor, and their health is negatively affected. Many millennials also revealed that their negative oral health has impacted how they feel about themselves and even their employment; more and more millennials say they avoid relationships and job interviews because of their teeth.

Why Are So Many Millennials Avoiding the Dentist?

The number one reason millennials are avoiding the dentist is that fewer than 30 percent of them visit the dentist regularly. Reasons mentioned in the ADA report for why these individuals are skipping the dentist include a lack of dental insurance and not knowing how to obtain dental insurance.

Individuals with dental insurance cited a lack of understanding about how their dental insurance worked.

What Happens When You Miss Dental Appointments?

Missing your regular six-month dental appointment means that a treatable (and sometimes reversible) conditions such as gingivitis can turn into full-blown periodontal disease. Going a whole year without seeing the dentist means a cavity that needed a filling now may need a root canal – which is costlier and may involve more trips to the dentist.

Are You Skipping the Dentist Because of Fear?

If you’re anxious about visiting our Frisco Dental office because of dental fear or phobia, don’t worry! We understand dental anxiety and fear, and think you will find out warm, relaxing environment complete with massage chair and warm towel treatment after each treatment refreshing and relaxing! Our amazing and caring dental team is here for all of your dental needs and can help you relax and be comfortable during care.

But What If I Don’t Have Dental Insurance?

If you don’t have dental insurance, you don’t have to skip going to the dentist. You can still go to Millennium Smiles. Dr. Korous offers patients an extensive, fairly-priced dental membership option for patients without insurance. This membership option means you can still get peace of mind and the care you need to protect your health.

Also, if you are putting off necessary dental treatment due to financial constraints, please contact our office regarding options for financing your procedure. Dr. Korous and the staff of Millennium Smiles do not want any patient to put off critical dental treatment and live in pain or with a smile they don’t love because of the fear of the costs of dental care.

Find out more about our annual membership plan and financing options by calling Millennium Smiles at 972-987-4899 today.

Mind Your Mouthguard

Posted on by MillenSmiles_aDmEEN

April is National Facial Protection Month, and this means that March is a great time to talk about not only making sure you or your child wear a mouthguard for sports, but it is also time to talk about cleaning your mouthguard.

Why Is Wearing a Mouthguard Important?

Wearing a mouthguard in sports is important because it can protect your teeth from damaging impacts. Each year, dentists across the country see patients in pain from taking a blow, hit or ball to the face. Dr. Korous does not want to see this happen to you. So, pack your mouthguard along with the rest of your gear and be sure to put it on before heading into the game.

Now, Let’s Talk About Cleaning Your Mouthguard

Wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth and mouth from damage, but cleaning your mouthguard helps to protect your teeth and mouth in another way: from bacteria. Think about it, you eat a snack before the game and don’t a chance to brush your teeth (which decay-causing bacteria love), then you put in your mouthguard.

Those decay-causing bacteria transfer to your mouthguard. After the game, when you toss your mouthguard into its case or your locker, the bacteria get a chance to grow in a dark environment. Then, the next time you put your mouthguard in, you’re exposed to more bacteria.

Sounds yucky, right? That’s because it is!

Take the time to brush your teeth whenever possible before wearing your mouthguard and spend a few minutes after your game or practice sanitizing your mouthguard to protect from illness or tooth decay.

Dr. Korous recommends that you:

  • Rinse your mouthguard immediately after wearing with warm water
  • Brush your mouthguard with a toothbrush to remove bacteria, saliva and food particles
  • Let your mouthguard dry thoroughly on a clean surface
  • Once your mouthguard is completely dry, store it in a case
  • Deep clean your mouthguard regularly by soaking it in over-the-counter denture cleaner or a hydrogen peroxide and vinegar mix for 30 minutes. Let dry completely after deep cleaning

Dr. Korous also recommends cleaning your mouthguard case regularly, too.

Finally, NEVER share your mouthguard with anyone else!

Learn more about taking care of your mouthguard and your teeth by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Korous today by calling 972-987-4899.

Is Flossing Still Important?

Posted on by MillenSmiles_aDmEEN

Recent news on oral hygiene practices questioned the overall oral health benefits of daily flossing, making people wonder if they should continue this often inconvenient part of their routine. Your Frisco family dentists at Millennium Smiles stands behind the American Dental Association (ADA) position that flossing between the teeth once a day is indeed an important part of good oral hygiene and the best way to remove food and bacteria from ALL surfaces of the teeth to avoid decay.

Flossing should begin as soon as possible with young children, ideally when they are babies and only have a couple of teeth that touch each other. Early preventive care habits make them seem like a routine part of daily life that is more likely to be carried out for the long term. When you visit our Frisco family dentist office your hygienist and dentist will work with you to demonstrate effective tooth flossing and can make recommendations on the most appropriate type of floss for your needs.

How To Floss Correctly

Flossing should not be painful- if it is or if flossing causes the gums to bleed, schedule a visit where we can look for the presence of gum disease. The dental floss should be gently positioned between the teeth by sliding it back and forth with minimal force until it makes its way down to the gum line. The back and forth motion will dislodge most food particles and loosen any bacteria between the teeth. Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash after flossing is a great way to flush out remaining debris and leave the teeth and gums feeling clean and fresh. Here is a quick ADA video on tooth flossing:

For most people, once the habit is established they find their mouth does not feel completely clean until they have flossed after brushing. Healthy daily oral hygiene that includes tooth brushing AND flossing is the foundation of a lifelong smile. For routine dental care, visit Millennium Smiles in Frisco, TX. We serve Frisco, Little Elm, and many local communities with comprehensive family and cosmetic dental care.

Call us at 972-987-4899 to schedule an appointment.

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