Tag: childrens dentist frisco tx

What Should You Do?

Posted on by MillenSmiles_aDmEEN

If you have children, you probably already know that they fall. It’s inevitable. Falls happen. While most incidents of falling are minor and can be handled with a band-aid and a hug, sometimes when kids fall they can accidentally knock out a tooth. This situation takes a fall from minor to scary in seconds. So, what do you do? We’ve compiled a few things to do (and a few things not to do) if your child falls and knocks out or damages a tooth.

First, stay calm. While that may be extremely difficult if your child has lost has just lost a tooth, your ability to remain calm will help your child calm down.

Second, call us. If your child has lost or damaged a tooth, call us immediately. Ideally, we should see your child within an hour of the incident.

Third, store it safely. If you can locate the tooth, put it into a cup of saliva. Yes, we said saliva. While milk is often touted as a way to –preserve teeth, it is not the best option. If you cannot get your child’s saliva, you can use your own if you are comfortable with it. If not, then you can use milk. Do not use water – ever.

Fourth, don’t try to clean it. While there may be dirt, mud, or blood on the tooth, attempting to clean the tooth can cause unintentional damage. Do not rinse or use a cleaning agent such as alcohol or peroxide. Try not to handle the tooth too much, either, to prevent adding germs to the mix. If you have to handle the tooth, try to pick it up by the crown and not the root.

Fifth, don’t try to put it back in.  If it is a baby tooth, do not try to push the tooth back in. Doing so could damage the new adult tooth just below the newly-created space.

We hope a dental emergency never happens to you, but if it does, we will be here. Call us at 972-987-4899 with all of your dentistry needs.

Why Myofunctional Therapy?

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Struggling with TMJD, sleep apnea, tooth clenching or tooth grinding or other uncomfortable dental condition? You may be a candidate for myofunctional therapy at Millennium Smiles. During myofunctional therapy, we work to retrain the tongue and other muscles that may be impacting your teeth, jaws and the health of your mouth.

Why Choose Myofunctional Therapy?

  • It’s noninvasive. Myofunctional therapy requires exercises and appliances – no surgery!
  • Appliances are removable versus fixed appliances used for orthodontic treatment.
  • It can be combined with other treatments for better results.
  • It is not just cosmetic treatment; it improves how your whole mouth functions for chewing, biting, speaking and swallowing.
  • It helps you breathe through your nose, which helps eliminate the negative consequences of mouth breathing.
  • Speaking of mouth breathing, myofunctional therapy can cure sleep apnea in some cases. How? Myofunctional therapy can retrain your tongue, face, and throat muscles to relax in a way that does not blog your airway.
  • Anyone can do it. While myofunctional therapy works best when patients are younger, it can still work for adults.

Who Does Myofunctional Therapy Help?

  • Individuals living with TMJD
  • Individuals who clench and grind their teeth
  • Individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment
  • Individuals experiencing orthodontic relapses, such as crowding, shifting, open bite, and crossbite
  • Individuals who breathe through their mouth
  • Individuals with tongue ties/tongue restriction and those who have had a frenectomy (tongue tie release surgery)
  • Individuals with bad oral habits such as thumb sucking and nail-biting
  • Individuals living with allergies
  • Individuals living with sleep apnea and other sleep breathing disorders
  • Individuals living with ADD/ADHD

Are you an individual with a condition we mentioned? Do you want to learn more about how myofunctional therapy from Millennium smiles can help you? Call us at 972-987-4899 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Korous today!

Candy Is Okay for Halloween – with Some Considerations!

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Halloween is just a few weeks away. As you are planning your costumes and thinking about festivities, we want to take a minute to talk about one of the best parts of Halloween: candy. Yes, candy! We know you are probably surprised to hear a dentist say that candy is great, but let’s face it, candy is actually pretty great. Of course, we recommend that you eat candy with a few rules in mind.

So, It’s Okay to Eat Candy?

Yes, it is okay to eat candy. But, candy is best consumed in moderation. We suggest limiting yourself or your kids to one to two pieces a day (yes, a day!), instead of grabbing the bowl and binging. We recognize that this means practicing serious restraint, but trust us, it will be to your benefit.

Too much candy shows. It shows up on your waistline and on your teeth, which could lead to cavities if you don’t brush or floss regularly. Keep in mind that any food can lead to cavities if you don’t take care of your teeth!

A Word About Gum

While gum is not candy, we want to take a minute to talk about it, too. Chewing gum can help keep your teeth healthy because its sticky nature helps to pull out tiny bits of food left behind after you eat until you can brush or floss. The act of chewing gum helps to cause saliva production, which is beneficial because saliva can help remineralize your teeth.

What About Sugar-Free Candy?

While there is a time and place for sugar-free candy for some individuals, sugar-free candy frequently contains artificial sweeteners, as well as acidic additives that can be damaging to tooth enamel.

We would love to see a picture of your trick or treaters! Be sure to share on our Millennium Smiles Facebook page!

What is Lip-Tie?

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Tissue called frenulum tethers the upper lip and upper gum area together. The tissue is supposed to be thin and fairly loose, but in some cases, babies are born with frenulum that is too tight and thick. Known as a lip-tie, this condition is believed to be heredity and can cause a variety of problems for both newborns and nursing mothers.

The location and severity of a lip-tie determines its classification. There are four classes:

A class IV lip-tie connects the lip to the palate. This is the most severe form of tip-tie.

A class III lip-tie connects the lip to the area where the two front teeth will later grow.

A class II lip-tie connects the lip to the gingival tissue.

A class I lip-tie connects the lip to the area above the gingival tissue.

Like tongue-tie classifications, the classifications were developed by Dr. Lawrence Kotlow. The sample images above are from his research.

Eventual Complications Due to Lip-Tie

As is often the case with tongue-tie, lip-tie might seem relatively harmless until you consider its impact on the infant’s early stages of development.

During breastfeeding, a baby creates a seal with his or her lips to suckle the breast. A lip-tie limits the baby’s ability to flange the lips, resulting in pain for the mother and possibly a callus on the baby’s upper lip. Some other immediate effects of a lip-tie, often resulting from the baby’s inability to suckle effectively, include gassiness and shorter but more frequent breastfeeding sessions.

The negative effects of a lip-tie continue when the baby is spoon and finger feeding. A baby with a lip-tie might fail to consume sufficient calories and begin to develop unusual chewing, swallowing, and breathing patterns.

Once the teeth come in, more issues can arise. A gap can form between the front two teeth if this is where the frenulum connects. If leftover food or drink frequently gets stuck near the lip-tie, this condition can lead to erosion of the teeth as well as periodontal disease.

Lip-Tie Removal

A dentist or oral surgeon can easily remove a lip-tie, restoring the baby’s ability to naturally feed. This simple procedure will also help avoid further oral complications as the child grows. Recovery is fairly quick, but stretching exercises might be necessary to prevent the lip-tie from reforming.

If you think your child could have a lip-tie, call today 972-987-4899  to schedule a consultation and learn about how we can help.

Orthodontic Relapse and Myofunctional Disorders

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Imagine this situation: A teenager spends several months wearing braces or Invisalign to correct misaligned teeth. Roughly a year after the orthodontic treatment ends, the teeth begin to shift back into their problematic spaces.

This sort of relapse often occurs when the underlying causes of the original misalignment are never fully addressed. Under constant pressure from a myofunctional disorder, the teeth will become crooked again, and the patient is back to where he or she started.

Cause of Relapse

Many people believe that orthodontic relapse is the result of tongue thrust – routinely thrusting the tongue between the top and bottom front teeth when swallowing. However, the shift in teeth can be also related to the tongue’s resting position, rather than its movements. The same applies to the resting positions of the mandible and the lips.

Unresolved myofunctional conditions, such as tongue-tie, lip-tie, airway obstruction, and unusual swallowing patterns, can all indicate that the tongue, lips, and mandible aren’t resting properly. In addition to reversing the effects of previous orthodontic treatments, these disorders also come with other unpleasant symptoms that a patient might want to reduce. For example, obstructed airways often lead to sleep apnea, which is characterized by difficulty breathing when sleeping. So the patient will find multiple health benefits to resolving the issue.

Dr. Korous recently met with a teen who was experiencing orthodontic relapse. The spacing returned to his upper teeth, and on the bottom his front teeth shifted forward creating spaces behind the canines on either side. Dr. Korous recognized this was due to an unresolved myofunctional disorder. His tongue was pushing his teeth forward.

He also experienced snoring and teeth grinding – signs of a breathing obstruction. Another indication was that when he was younger, his tonsils and adenoids were removed. Many children have their tonsils and adenoids removed, but no one asks why they got enlarged to being with and what is the underlying cause? A breathing issue, most often an obstruction in airway, can lead to the enlargement.

Dr. Korous confirmed an airway blockage by observing a Mallampati score of 4 in the patient.

Treatment

Myofunctional therapy is typically the key to changing the resting position of the tongue and other parts of the mouth. In some cases, such as with tongue-tie, minor surgery is required, but even that step should be followed up with therapy. The exercises a patient performs during myofunctional therapy will train the structures of the oral cavity to not only move correctly, but to rest properly when not in use.

For the teen mentioned above, Dr, Korous will propose a multi-step treatment plan that could include:

  • Sleep test to diagnose sleep apnea,
  • Myofunctional therapy with Myobrace
  • Laser tongue-tie procedure
  • Myofunctional therapy after the procedure
  • Second-phase orthodontic treatment to realign teeth.

A patient should only consider braces, Invisalign, or other orthodontic treatment after all underlying conditions have been corrected. Otherwise, he or she risks having to spend more time and money trying to fix the orthodontic relapse.

If you are living in Frisco or Little Elm, and think you’re experiencing orthodontic relapse or may have an myofunctional disorder, call Millennium Smiles today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Korous.

Mind Your Mouthguard

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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.

Chew Gum To Save Your Teeth!

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It’s true! Chewing gum- the right kind of gum- can actually help to prevent tooth decay! Contrary to popular belief chewing gum has been approved by the ADA can be beneficial in the fight against cavities. Talk to Dr. Kourous at your next visit to our Little Elm dental office to find out which sugar-free gum is recommended for helping to keep your teeth clean! Forget what mom always told you, go ahead and chew that gum!

Why?

Chewing gum after eating helps increase the flow of saliva which washes away cavity creating particles and bacteria that could buildup on and between your teeth. Increased saliva flow also carries calcium and phosphate that help strengthen tooth enamel. Stronger tooth enamel and less build up mean fewer cavities and healthier teeth!

What?

Make sure that the gum is sugar-free! Sugared gums increase saliva flow, but the excess amounts of sugar are still detrimental to your oral health. Sugar actually promotes plaque bacteria build up. Oral bacteria feed on the sugar, helping it multiply faster. Check gum packages for the ADA seal, then you’ll know you are chewing the best gum for your dental hygiene. All gums with the ADA seal contain artificial sweeteners that do not promote cavity causing agents. The ADA seal is the only way you can be assured the gum is sugar-free and will help, not hurt your healthy smile.

When?

Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after eating has been clinically tested and proven to help prevent tooth decay. However, never let chewing gum replace your regular oral hygiene routine. Chewing sugarless gum should be used intermittently in your dental health regimen as an additional way to help maintain oral hygiene. Chewing gum cannot replace brushing, flossing, or your regular visits to the dentist.

So treat your “sweet tooth” to some ADA certified sugar free gum! If you have any questions about the benefits of gum, schedule an appointment with your Millennium Smiles dentist. It is always recommended to consult with your Millennium Smiles dentist before starting any new dental care regimen.

Schedule a Visit to Millennium Smiles Dentist

Regular visits with your Millennium Smiles family dentist are the best way to maintain your oral health and catch serious oral health concerns early to avoid complex procedures. For routine dental care, schedule an appointment with Millennium Smiles in Frisco, TX. We serve Frisco, Little Elm, and many local communities with comprehensive family and cosmetic dental care.

Back To School With A Healthy Smile

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When was your child’s last dental visit?

“Back to school” is a great time to evaluate your child’s dental health and come in for a routine check up in our Frisco dentist office. At Millennium Smiles, we offer the range of dental services your family needs in a warm, caring environment. Our dentists and staff make every effort to ensure that all members of your family feel calm, relaxed and comfortable during any treatment they receive.

Children’s Dental Care in Little Elm

We recommend that young children begin visiting with us as soon as their primary teeth begin to erupt. This is a change from the previous recommendation of around the age of three; after the primary teeth have finished erupting. Earlier visits allow us to better monitor the development of your child’s teeth and their overall oral health. Even primary teeth can develop decay or become damaged and prompt and appropriate treatment plays a role in ensuring that the permanent teeth develop correctly.

Your child’s dental health is important– keeping their teeth and gums clean, healthy and protected will help them enjoy the many benefits of a lasting smile. We offer dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and custom sports mouth guards to meet all of your child’s oral health needs. Regular visits with us allow your dentist to make appropriate recommendations for any dental treatments necessary to address concerns about the bite, tooth placement or possible damage to your child’s teeth as a result of lifestyle habits. Our staff makes personalized oral hygiene recommendations and teaches proper brushing and flossing to help young patients maintain their smile between visits- and develop healthy habits.

Make routine preventive dental care a part of your back to school checklist- and lay the foundation for your child’s long-term dental health.

Looking for a family dentist in Frisco, Little Elm, or other local communities? We welcome new patients of all ages and look forward to getting to know them, understand their unique concerns and help them achieve a healthy smile they feel good about. Contact us today at 972-987-4899 to schedule your appointment.

Early Dental Care For A Lifetime Of Smiles

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Taking your child to the dentist as a baby or toddler allows his or her oral health to be monitored for early problems and abnormalities. Early dental visits can reduce anxiety and encourage healthy oral habits for a lifetime of good dental health.

Between 3 and 9 months, your infant’s primary teeth will begin to emerge. As a local family dentist, Millennium Smiles recommends bringing children in for routine dental visits around the age of 3, when typically all primary teeth have erupted. Early routine dental visits allow your Frisco family dentist to monitor your child’s oral health and spot developing dental concerns. Patient education and regular visits will reduce risk of cavities and other dental problems.

Even baby teeth are at risk for decay, especially since the teeth are regularly covered with milk or juice, often for extended periods of time. Research shows that children who develop cavities in their baby teeth are more likely to develop cavities as an adult. Your Frisco dentist will advise you on good oral hygiene for your child, including the best time to transition away from the bottle or sippy cup.

Taking good care of your child’s baby teeth is important. Although primary teeth do eventually fall out, they play an important role in helping your child bite, chew, and speak clearly. Not only do primary teeth help children develop proper speech, they also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums. When a baby tooth is lost too early, permanent teeth can drift into the empty space and cause crooked and/or crowded adult teeth. Starting infants with good oral care can help protect their teeth for decades to come.

As your child grows, your Frisco family dentist will introduce and reinforce important treatments and habits for preventing decay, tooth loss and gingivitis. Preventative dental exams, teeth cleaning and fluoride treatments are important tools used to maintain good dental health throughout your child’s life. As their permanent teeth grow in, we offer dental sealants and sports mouth guards to protect them.

Starting dental visits at an early age will allow your child to become comfortable with the dentist. The staff at Millennium Smiles will take the time to teach your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth.

Millennium Smiles, serving Frisco and Little Elm, provides dental services for your growing family to keep everyone smiling! Schedule your child’s appointment to start their lifelong dental care!

The Benefits of A Family Dentist

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Serving Frisco, Little Elm, and surrounding communities, Millennium Smiles is a family dental practice offering “one-stop shopping” for your family’s dental health needs. Our staff has extensive post-graduate training and experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of oral health concerns, including bite disorders, periodontal disease, and missing teeth.

We are dedicated to providing personalized, patient-focused care and a warm relaxing environment to treat all of your family’s oral health needs. We take time during your visit to understand not only your oral health but your personal concerns and goals when it comes to your smile. Helping patients achieve the smile they desire with conservative, comprehensive dentistry is our goal.

As family dentists, we see children in their office beginning around the age of 3- when all primary teeth have erupted. These early visits can be extremely important for laying the foundation of lifelong dental health. Enabling pediatric patients to receive dental care alongside Mom, Dad or their caregiver can help to reduce the anxiety they may be feeling.

For today’s busy families, family dentistry can eliminate trips around town to different dentists- everyone can be seen under the same roof!

Looking for a dentist in Little Elm or Frisco? Millennium Smiles accepts a range of payment options and accepts most dental insurance, filing your claim at the time of your visit.

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