Tag: preventive dental care frisco tx

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.

Eight Tips to Reduce Dental Fear

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Are you putting off a trip to the dentist because you suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia? You’re not alone. Dental anxiety and fear are very common, and it is estimated that between 9-15 percent of Americans avoid going to the dentist out of fear. At Millennium Smiles, we understand dental anxiety and work hard to put our patients at ease.

Why Do People Avoid the Dentist?

No one is born hating going to the dentist. Many people develop dental anxiety or dental fear because of a bad experience as an adult or child. Some individuals are also very sensitive to the sounds, smells, and textures of a dental office. Others are just afraid the procedures are going to hurt (no one wants to ever think about a drill or needle coming at them!). Still, others are merely embarrassed at the state of their dental health.

What Ever Your Reason

No matter what your reason is for avoiding your checkup, it is important to remember that regular checkups and cleanings are essential because it allows Dr. Korous the opportunity to check the health of your teeth, gums and mouth. In some instances, if caught early, tooth decay and gum disease can be treated and even reversed.

Checkups also give you the chance to have your teeth cleaned thoroughly to remove built-up dental plaque that your brush cannot remove.

Regular visits to the dentist keep your teeth healthy.

Eight Tips from Millennium Smiles to Reduce Your Dental Anxiety or Dental Fear

1. Let us know. If you know you have dental fear or anxiety, we can be prepared to treat you with these considerations in mind. We will be more than happy to sit and talk about your previous experience, explain what to expect when you come in, and find out anything that we can do to make you more comfortable.

2. Take a tour. Get to know Millennium Smiles, our staff and how we practice by taking a trip to the office for a tour before your appointment. You will find that we practice very modern dentistry, which means gentler treatments in a comfortable environment. Our office is designed to soothe patients, and we feature amenities like snacks, coffee, massage chairs, hot towels and much more to make you feel at home.

3. Get some sleep. Before you come in for your first appointment, get a good night’s sleep. Avoid caffeinated beverages, as they may make you edgier and keep you away.

4. Schedule your appointment early. If you can, schedule your appointment first thing in the morning, so you do not stress out all day worrying about your visit or change your mind about coming in. You can do this!

5. Work out a signal. Talk to Dr. Korous about a signal that she can recognize if you need a break during your cleaning or dental procedure. Most patients simply raise their left hand, signaling Dr. Korous that they need a breather.

6. Speaking of breathing. Practice relaxation techniques of controlled breathing in through the nose and out through the nose. Taking a big breath, holding, and slowly releasing it can also help.

7. Still stressed? Ask about sedation methods. If you’re still having trouble relaxing during your visit, ask Dr. Korous about available sedation methods such as nitrous oxide. We also offers a warm, relaxing environment with music, LED lighting, and warm towel treatment after each treatment.

8. Stay on schedule. We recognize that you may not love going to the dentist, but we strive to make your experience comfortable and pleasant. Scheduling regular appointments can help you become more comfortable with cleanings and procedures.

Do you suffer from dental fear or dental anxiety? We can help. Call us 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.

Can Diabetes Impact Oral Health?

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Diabetes is a growing medical concern in the United States. Many people understand the impact diabetes can make on your blood sugar and body. But did you know that it can affect your oral health as well?

Frisco dentist Dr. Dunia Korous at Millennium Smiles always strives to provide her patients with their healthiest smile. Understanding the effects diabetes may have on your oral health can encourage patients to be proactive in their oral hygiene so they may enjoy their best overall health.

Gum Disease and Diabetes

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the gums. Many patients will experience gum disease to some degree in their adulthood. Gum disease is linked to serious health conditions, and should not be left untreated. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth and even bone loss. Studies have recently shown a link between out of control blood sugar levels and an increased risk of gum disease. Patients with diabetes are more likely to develop advanced gum disease, or periodontal disease and risk tooth loss.

Gum Disease Treatment Options Frisco, TX

If you have diabetes, doing your best to keep your blood sugar stable may help decrease your risk of developing advanced gum disease. Dr. Korous also offers a wide range of dental treatments for gum disease. Highly experienced in periodontal therapy, Dr. Korous can help you determine a conservative and effective treatment plan for your unique oral health needs.

Dry Mouth and Diabetes

Dry mouth is caused when your body is not making enough saliva. Saliva helps to monitor bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Saliva works to remove debris from between your teeth and is essential in maintaining oral health. Dry mouth can be associated with a higher risk of developing tooth decay and cavities. High blood sugar levels and certain prescription medications are common causes of dry mouth.

Dry Mouth Treatment Option Frisco, TX

Chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production. Also, make sure to drink plenty of water and never wait until you’re thirsty to do so. Carry a water bottle with you and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Diabetes can increase the sugar levels in your saliva and water may help to dilute the extra sugar and keep it from building up as plaque in your teeth.

Schedule A Dentist Office Appointment Frisco, TX

If you have diabetes, regular visits to and professional dental cleanings by Dr. Korous’ Frisco dental office can help to keep your oral health in check. Frequent dentist office visits can aid in early diagnosis of any advanced dental health concerns. Dr. Korous’ attentive and compassionate dental care can help to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

Know The Signs of Sleep Apnea

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Getting a full night of sleep is one of the best things you can do for your health. Many people suffer from disrupted sleep due to a condition called obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is more than a nightly disturbance for you or your partner. Sleep apnea has been linked to serious systemic medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. If you believe you are suffering from OSA, it is important to visit Dr. Dunia Korus at our Frisco dentist office.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the more common type of sleep apnea. This form of sleep apnea is caused by the relaxing of the throat muscle. While you sleep, the throat muscle relaxes and blocks the airway and stops your breathing momentarily. Many patients will wake up repeatedly in the night, snoring or gasping for air, often resulting in inconsistent sleep patterns.

How Do I Know If I Have OSA?

There are many risk factors and signs and symptoms that may indicate you or your partner are suffering from OSA. Although OSA is most prevalent amongst male patients, it can also affect females. Patients who are overweight, smoke, or have high blood pressure may also be at higher risk for sleep apnea. Another common factor in patients with OSA is a large neck circumference. .

If you suffer from OSA you may experiences some of the following symptom:

  • Felling continuously tired
  • Dry Mouth
  • Snoring
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty staying focused
  • Waking suddenly out of breath during the night

Treatment Options For Sleep Apnea

It is important to know that sleep apnea affects more than just your sleep. For patients with existing cardiovascular disease or diabetes, OSA can be a serious health condition that should be addressed by as soon as possible. Dr. Korous will consult with your medical physician to offer you a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan. Dr. Korous is highly trained and experienced in the specific structures and tissues that make up the mouth and throat affected by OSA.

After an individualized oral health check-up and physical exam, Dr. Korous will help to develop a treatment plan that will help you meet your optimal health. Dr. Korous offers oral appliance therapy. For mild to moderate sleep apnea, this custom-fit mouthpiece can reposition the jaw and /or tongue to prevent the throat tissue from closing. Much like a mouthguard, the sleep apnea mouthpiece will be custom molded to your mouth for comfort and ease of wear.

Schedule An Appointment

To find out what treatment is right for your specific oral health needs, contact our Frisco dental office, Millennium Smiles. Our friendly and experienced staff will help to answer your questions and schedule your individual consultation with Dr. Korous.

Invisalign® In Faster Time

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Many patients have heard of the clear braces option Invisalign®. This effective dental treatment for straightening crooked or misaligned teeth is a discreet orthodontic option for teens and adults. But did you know there is a way to speed up the tooth straightening process by up to 50%? Have you heard of Propel?

Frisco cosmetic dentist Dr. Dunia Korous offers Propel and Invisalign for quick, effective and discreet orthodontic treatment for misaligned teeth.

Invisalign

Invisalign works best for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. Adults and teens can benefit from the results of Invisalign. If you have had orthodontic work completed in your past but your teeth have shifted since, Invisalign may be ideal for tooth readjustments. Invisalign can straighten your teeth without the stigma and embarrassment of metal braces. Invisalign is also removable for big events like weddings and holiday portraits. Clear braces can give you the confidence to maintain your professional and personal life without feeling self conscious.

Propel For Clear Braces

Propel is a handheld device that Dr. Korous will utilize to speed up the movement of your teeth. Propel is FDA registered and clinical trials show that it is effective at speeding up bone adjustment. You will receive Propel treatments in the comfort of our Frisco dentist office. Propel activates blood flow, stimulating your body’s natural response to shift your teeth.

Invisalign With Propel

Invisalign works through a series of custom made aligners. Each set of aligners are worn for several weeks and work to gradually shift your teeth. Propel works with Invisalign to help stimulate your body to shift your bone structure at a slightly faster speed. During your consultations Dr. Koros will discuss whether Propel will be right for you. Propel has been shown to decrease braces wear time by up to 50%. That is a significant decrease and and many patients experience satisfactory results with the Invisalign, Propel partnership.

Schedule An Appointment Frisco, TX

To find out what treatment option will work best to realign your crooked teeth, 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.

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.

Is Flossing Still Important?

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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.

Bad Breath? We Can Help

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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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