Tag: oral health

Is It An Emergency? Part 2

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Do you think you are having a dental emergency, but you’re not entirely sure? Don’t worry; we are here to help! If you’re not sure if something is severe enough to warrant a dental visit, we are always just a phone call away. But, in the meantime, here are a few situations that definitely warrant a call to our office. This is the second half of a two-part blog on dental emergencies and what to do when you have one!

If you have pain, call us. If you’re experiencing the sudden onset of tooth pain, or it hurts to put pressure on the tooth or if it is continually throbbing, keeping you up all night and you’re getting no relief with pain relievers, you could have an abscessed tooth and need to be seen as soon as possible.

If you have pain in the jaw or jaw dysfunction, call us. Are you having sudden pain in your TMJ joints? (They are the tiny joints located on either side of your jaw, just below your ear). If you’re having unexplained pain in the TMJs, neck, or ear, or your jaw is clicking, popping, and hard to open and close, you need to call us. You could be living with undiagnosed temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). TMJD pain can be chronic or acute (sudden).

If you have lost a filling, crown, or other restoration, call us. While these conditions may not be severe, they can be annoying and painful, and if left untreated, could result in more damage or infection. Damaged restorations can also negatively affect your bite, which leaves you at risk of developing TMJD or additional damage to your teeth.

If you’re experiencing any of these situations, pain, or discomfort, call Millennium Smiles at 972-987-4899 to get an appointment as soon as possible.

Drinking Enough Water?

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Do you drink enough water? No, really. Do you try to get as many ounces per day as you can, or do you drink a little here and there? If you’re not getting enough, you could be dehydrated – which can cause stress on every cell, organ, and system of your body – including your mouth. Dry mouth affects everyone at some point in their life, and the majority of dry mouth cases are because individuals are just not drinking enough. If you’re not getting enough water and have the chronic feeling of cotton mouth, you are at risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Dry Mouth?

Well, the first symptom of dry mouth is feeling thirsty, a dry, sticky feeling in the mouth, burning or tingling in the mouth or tongue and chapped lips that won’t seem to go away no matter how much you moisturize. Additionally, chronic dry mouth can cause bad breath and even difficulty swallowing, speaking, and chewing.

If dry mouth persists, it can even alter how food tastes.

The Risks of Dry Mouth

Like we mentioned, chronic dry mouth can leave you at risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease because saliva has a critical role in the health of your mouth; it contains the minerals you need to fortify your teeth against enamel erosion and also helps to wash away bacteria and sticky plaque.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Dry Mouth?

The first thing you can do is drink enough water. A good rule of -thumb is to divide your weight in half to get the target number of ounces you should consume each day.

Chew sugar-free gum. Gum helps to keep the production of saliva going. Select a brand with Xylitol instead of sugar.

Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption. These substances cause further dehydration.

Practice good oral hygiene. This will keep your mouth healthy despite dry conditions.

Talk to Dr. Korous. There may be mouth rinses or mouthwashes available to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms.

Do you struggle with chronic dry mouth? Let Dr. Korous know! Call us today at 972-987-4899 to make an appointment to talk about it.

Make Resolutions to Improve Oral Heath

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It’s a New Year, so it’s time for a new you! You’ve probably made your resolutions to eat better, work out more, and spend more time with your loved ones. But, what about resolving to take better care of your teeth? There’s no time like the present to get started, and it’s never too late to make sure your mouth is healthy! Here are a few suggestions from Dr. Korous on how you can make 2019 the best year for your smile.

Resolution 1: Be a Better Brusher

Want to have healthier teeth? The first stop is better brushing (and flossing). We suggest that you brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. For best results, use an electric toothbrush. While brushing, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line to remove sticky plaque. Brush for a full two minutes each time!

Resolution 2: Don’t Forget to Floss

Flossing your teeth helps to remove the sticky plaque and is just as crucial as brushing! Flossing also removes bits of food your toothbrush can’t reach.

Resolution 3: Eat Better

No, not just for your waistline. For your mouth, too. Eating healthier snacks means a healthier mouth. We suggest limiting the consumption of food and beverages containing processed sugar, carbohydrates, and acids to help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Resolution 4: Get the Smile You Want

Did you hide your smile in 2018? What about 2017? 2016? If you’re hiding your smile because you don’t like the look, shape, or color of your teeth, make 2019 the year you stop hiding behind your hand or avoiding the camera. Learn about the cosmetic and restorative dental options we offer including tooth whitening, porcelain veneers, and Invisalign.

Resolution 5: Stop Living with Sleep Apnea

Do you have sleep apnea or think you have sleep apnea? If you can’t sleep without your CPAP, or you’re not sleeping at all, let us know. Dr. Korous can help those suffering from sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy, which means a better night’s sleep and better overall health for you.

Looking to have a healthy and beautiful smile this year? We can help. Call Millennium Smiles today at 972-987-4899 to schedule a consultation.

The Power of PRP

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You may have heard of PRP, aka platelet-rich plasma, for facials, hair restoration, and joint repair, but did you know PRP is increasing in popularity in dentistry, too?

It’s true. This powerful substance is full of growth factors, antibodies, and healing power. Millennium Smiles uses PRP in patients after tooth extractions to speed healing and reduce the risk of infection and dry sockets. Learn more about PRP in this blog.

What Exactly Is PRP?

Image of PRP before being during dental extraction.

PRP is the plasma byproduct of blood rich in platelets, the tiny blood cells that play a big role in clotting. PRP has been used for years in a variety of hospital settings, but only recently, has become more mainstream for cosmetic, regenerative medicine, and dental uses.

PRP’s popularity and availability have increased in recent years because new technology allows for the easy harvest of platelets from just a few vials of blood.

Why Is PRP So Beneficial After Extractions?

PRP has some significant benefits. For one, it allows the body to use its natural healing power. It also speeds up healing, because the growth factors and antibodies found in PRP signal the body to send blood, oxygen and other nutrients to the wound site. PRP also tells the stem cells in the area of the wound to wake up and start regenerating into new tissue. In fact, within just 30 minutes after an extraction, blood vessels and cells are growing into a web-like structure in the wound to protect the jaw bone from being exposed.

Another reason that PRP is so beneficial after dental extractions is that PRP also contains BMP or bone morphogenic protein. BMP plays a critical role in forming new bone tissue, which helps to keep the area of the extraction in good health and can potentially mean patients can skip bone grafts if their jaw is healthy enough to accommodate a dental implant.

Other Benefits of PRP

It’s safe. PRP comes directly from the patient’s own blood, and therefore cannot transmit disease or be rejected by the immune system.

It’s convenient. There is no need to go to a laboratory or hospital to have your PRP generated. Dr. Korous has the state-of-the-art technology to take a small amount of your blood and process it into PRP in the office in about 20 minutes.

It’s powerful. PRP can speed up healing time and heal tissues quickly compared to conventional membrane usage in dental extractions.

For more information about PRP and its benefits, call Millennium Smiles at 972-987-4899.

Use Your HSA Accumulated Funds Before the End of the Year!

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Do you have a health savings account? If so, you’re probably thinking of the ways you to use the funds you have built up in your account before the end of the year. Did you know that you can use your HSA dollars for dental procedures? The IRS allows individuals with HSA accounts to use their funds to pay for “the prevention and alleviation of dental disease”. Don’t put off using your HSA, call Millennium Smiles today to make an appointment!

What Does Preventive Treatment Mean?

Preventative treatment includes procedures such as teeth cleaning, X-rays, sealants and fluoride treatments. These procedures are designed to prevent tooth decay and cavities.

What Is the Alleviation of Dental Disease?

These treatments include fillings to treat cavities and tooth decay, and include treatments such as:

Fillings: Fillings are a common dental procedure to replace cavities after Dr. Korous has removed decayed enamel and dentin.
Root canals: Root canals are treatments that remove infected tooth roots to stop the infection from spreading and prevent tooth loss.
Extractions: In some cases, extraction is necessary to remove a tooth severely damaged by tooth decay or injury.
Crowns: Crowns are a permanent dental procedure designed to repair damaged, broken or cracked teeth.
Bonding: Dental bonding is also covered. Bonding uses a resin to repair cracked or chipped teeth. The resin is sealed with ultraviolet light.
Dentures: Dentures are removable, artificial teeth. Both full and partial dentures are covered with HSA funds.

What Treatments Are Exempt from HSA Spending?

Cosmetic dental treatments, such as tooth whitening, are not covered by an HSA but may be covered an FSA (also known as a Flexible Spending Account). We suggest that you consult your plan for details before spending any funds. Another critical point to remember is that expenses are eligible under your HSA as long as they cannot be reimbursed by your insurance or another source.
We also recommend that you save all of your receipts for qualified expenses.

HSA dollars cannot be spent on dental products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste or dental floss.

Do you have questions about HSA spending with Millennium Smiles? Call us today at 972-987-4899 for more information.

Brushing Correctly? Make Sure With These Tips From Dr. Korous!

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Do you think you’re a pro at brushing your teeth? You probably have been doing it many years now, and really, is there a wrong way to do it? It turns out, there actually is. Improper brushing can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Find out how to make sure you take care of your teeth the right way with these teeth brushing tips from Millennium Smiles

1. Check Your Form. Are you holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle when you brush? This is the angle recommended by the American Dental Association to clean your teeth effectively. Why? Because brushing your teeth at a 45-degree angle allows the bristles of your toothbrush to reach all surfaces of your teeth. Brushing with your toothbrush at this angle is especially important when brushing your molars because the curves of these teeth make cleaning them properly critical. While we are talking about brushing, be sure not to put too much force on your teeth because you could wear away enamel. 

2. Check Your Brush. While a manual toothbrush can get your teeth clean, its cleaning capabilities are nothing compared to those of a soft-bristled electric toothbrush. Using an electric toothbrush means a more efficient and thorough cleaning. Dr. Korous offers patients several different electric toothbrush options. Ask her what toothbrush she recommends for you when you are in for your next appointment.

3. Check Your Time. Did you know that it takes two full minutes of brushing to make sure all the surfaces of your teeth are clean? The ADA and Dr. Korous recommend that you brush two full minutes every time you brush to ensure you removing sticky dental plaque. Time yourself next time you brush to see if you’re brushing for a full two minutes.

4. Check Your Tongue. One of the most common mistakes people make when brushing their teeth is that they forget to brush their tongue. The tongue collects the same bacteria as the teeth and gums, so brushing is key to keeping your mouth healthy. It also keeps your breath fresh, too!

5. Take Time to Floss. Did you know that flossing does 40 percent of the work of your toothbrush? Flossing helps to remove food particles that get stuck between your teeth and can’t be removed by your brush. Getting these particles out of your teeth takes the food source away from the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Now that you know how if you’re brushing correctly, it’s time to schedule a cleaning with us! Call Millennium Smiles, your Frisco dental experts, today at 972-987-4899.

E-Cigs Impacts On Your Oral Health

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Vaping or e-cigs have gained tremendous popularity over the last several years. Once thought to be a safer alternative to smoking or chewing tobacco, studies now suggest a link between vaping and oral cancer. Frisco cosmetic dentist Dr. Dunia Korous has built her practice at Millennium Smiles around the total well-being of each of her patients. Vaping and other forms of tobacco products can be detrimental to both your overall health and your oral health.

How Tobacco Use Affects Your Oral Health

  • Discoloration of teeth
  • Dulled taste and smell
  • Slow healing process
  • Increased chance of developing gum disease
  • Increased rates of oral cancer

Oral Cancer and Vaping

Oral cancer is a growing concern in the United States. Often going undiagnosed, oral cancer can be life threatening. If you are a smoker or use e-cigs, your chances of developing oral cancer are greatly increased. Be sure to tell Dr. Korous if you vape, smoke or chew tobacco. It is important to be screened for oral cancer often for effective treatment. Dr. Korous provides oral cancer screenings during every oral health exam for the benefit of our patients.

Cosmetic Dentistry For Ex-Smokers

If you have recently quit smoking, you may want to freshen your smile. Cosmetic dentist Dr. Korous offers a full range of cosmetic dental treatments that can help rejuvenate your smile. Teeth whitening can help white your discolored teeth. Our Frisco dentist office also offers porcelain veneers, tooth bonding, and dental crowns.

A professional tooth cleaning may also help to rejuvenate your smile. A thorough dental cleaning can remove plaque build up and freshen your breath. Dental cleanings twice a year can help reduce the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. If you have been or are a smoker, you are at greater risk for developing gum disease and should consider frequent dental cleanings for your optimal oral health.

Schedule A Consultation

To find out what treatment options will best restore your oral health contact our Frisco dentist office. Not all treatment plans are right for every patient. Dr. Korous will work with you to best meet your cosmetic dental goals. Dr. Korous offers a full range of cosmetic and restorative dental treatments to help you achieve a healthy, functional and beautiful smile.

Take Years Off Your Smile

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Providing results that meet all of your expectations, porcelain veneers can take years of damage and tooth staining off of your smile with comfortable, durable and natural looking results. Porcelain veneers can be used to improve misshapen or chipped teeth, fix gaps, and cover stained or discolored teeth. They are great for a subtle smile makeover that will last for many years.

High Quality Veneers

It’s important to choose an experienced and highly trained cosmetic dentist who understands the subtleties and needs of your individual cosmetic goals and desires. Frisco cosmetic dentist Dr. Dunia Korous will work with you to ensure you’re investing your time and money in the right procedure. At Millennium Smiles, we only use the highest quality materials, and in just two to three visits to our Frisco office, you can boost your confidence with a more vibrant and youthful smile.

Will You Be Able To Tell I have Veneers?

Porcelain Veneers are made of high quality, ultra-thin ceramic. Due to the reflective properties of the material, light reflects off of them just like a natural tooth. Porcelain veneers are custom fit to your mouth based on the shape, color and fit of your unique smile. Veneers are considered a permanent restoration that will last for many years. When installed by a highly trained and experienced cosmetic dentist, it is nearly impossible to differentiate between porcelain veneers and and natural teeth.

At Millennium Smiles, every patient receives attentive, personalized care from Dr. Korous so that they are able to build a cosmetic dental plan that fits their budget and fulfills their dreams of a perfect smile.

Schedule A Consultation

Ready to learn more about what cosmetic dentistry and porcelain veneers can do for you and your smile?
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Korous to find out more about porcelain veneers, and how they can transform your smile! Call our Frisco dentist office or request an appointment online.

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.

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