Tag: oral hygiene

Make Resolutions to Improve Oral Heath

Posted on by MillenSmiles_aDmEEN

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.

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

Posted on by MillenSmiles_aDmEEN

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

Posted on by MillenSmiles_aDmEEN

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.

Bad Breath? We Can Help

Posted on by MillenSmiles_aDmEEN

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, unhealthy habits, certain foods, and oral infections. Many patients are affected by bad breath, which can have an impact on your self esteem. Your Frisco family dentist understands your personal concerns and will take the time to determine the cause of your bad breath and recommend an appropriate treatment.

Generally, the best way to prevent bad breath is to maintain a good daily oral care routine. Even those with chronic bad breath can freshen up with a few changes in their oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, cleansing with a mouthwash, flossing once a day, and rinsing with water after meals and snacks will eliminate harmful bacteria in the mouth. Changing lifestyle habits, such as avoiding tobacco, chewing sugar free gum after meals, and eating a healthy diet are also easy changes to prevent bad breath.

Halitosis: When To Worry

Persistent bad breath may be more than just a result of poor oral care. Bacteria in the mouth that has been left behind causes halitosis, or chronic bad breath. Gum disease, tooth decay, and certain medications may also be causing bad breath that changes in your oral hygiene cannot fix. There are also certain illnesses and medical conditions that can lead to dry mouth and persistent bad breath. Addressing halitosis promptly can be important for both oral and overall health.

At Millennium Smiles, each routine checkup will remove plaque and bacteria that has been left behind on your teeth. It is important to discuss your concern about persistent bad breath so that our team may assist you in identifying the cause and ensuring any health concerns are addressed.

Your Frisco family dentist is a partner in your overall health care and strives to help maintain both a healthy smile and a healthy lifestyle.

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