McKinney Dentist Blog









By Stonebridge Ranch Smiles
May 12, 2020
Category: Oral Health
Tags: oral hygiene   orthodontics  

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy isn't always easy—and it's even more of a challenge if you're wearing orthodontic appliances like braces. That's why a fair percentage of patients wearing braces also contend with tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease.

The reason is simple: The orthodontic hardware makes it difficult to fully reach all parts of teeth surfaces with your toothbrush or floss. As a result, you can miss removing some of the accumulated plaque, the thin film of bacteria and food particles most responsible for dental disease. And it only takes a short amount of time (just days with gum disease) for a bacterial infection to begin.

But while avoiding dental disease is difficult while wearing braces, it's not impossible. Here are 4 ways you can minimize your dental disease risk while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Be diligent with your daily hygiene. Even though it's more difficult, don't slack on daily brushing and flossing. It does require more time to work the brush around and between the wires and brackets, but taking the time will help you clear away more plaque you might otherwise miss. It may also help to switch to a multi-tufted, microfine bristled toothbrush if you're not already using one.

Use a water irrigator. If straight thread flossing is proving too difficult (and even with a floss threader), try using a water irrigator. This device emits a pulsating spray of pressurized water that loosens and flushes away plaque between teeth. Clinical studies consistently show water flossing is effective for reducing plaque in orthodontic patients.

Lower your sugar intake. Sugar left over in the mouth is a prime food source for bacteria that cause tooth decay or gum disease. Reducing sugary foods and snacks can help reduce bacterial populations and lower your disease risk. You can also fortify your oral health with healthier foods that contain calcium and other minerals.

Keep up regular dental visits. In addition to your orthodontic adjustments, don't neglect your regular visits with your family dentist. Semi-annual cleanings help remove any plaque and calculus (calcified plaque) you may have missed. Your dentist can also monitor your health and boost your disease prevention through topical fluoride treatments or prescribed antibacterial mouth rinses.


By Stonebridge Ranch Smiles
May 02, 2020
Category: Oral Health
Tags: nutrition   oral cancer  









By Stonebridge Ranch Smiles
April 24, 2020
Category: Cosmetic Dentistry
Tags: teeth whitening  

What makes a smile beautiful? For many people, it's a bright, white color. If your teeth look dingy, update your oral care routine and ask Dr. Kenneth Sharp about professional teeth whitening at Stonebridge Ranch Smiles in McKinney, TX.

Getting and keeping a white smile

Heredity provides a natural tooth color. It varies from person-to-person, but age, time, and what you put in your mouth can all dull and stain your tooth enamel.

Cigarette smoke, coffee, tea, blueberries, and other dark dietary choices darken tooth surfaces over time, so you should limit them as much as you can.

Additionally, routine oral hygiene at home not only benefits your health, but your smile appearance as well. Here's what you should do every day:

  1. Drink water to rinse your teeth and gums and increase the amount of saliva you produce. Saliva is a natural tooth whitener and anti-microbial agent.
  2. Brush twice a day according to the guidelines from the American Dental Association (ADA). Use a fluoride toothpaste and soft brush. Use small circular motions, systematically moving around your mouth. Don't forget your molars and tongue-side of every tooth.
  3. Floss at least once a day to limit the action of corrosive bacteria on tooth enamel and gum tissue.

While some of these practices simply seem health-oriented, remember, a healthy smile is an attractive smile. Dental health has preventive, restorative and cosmetic aspects.

Professional teeth whitening

Your consistent home care may not be enough to keep your smile bright. That's why Dr. Sharp often recommends teeth whitening in his McKinney office.

Yes, there are many whitening products available over-the-counter. However, these toothpaste and rinses often do little to remove stubborn stains. Plus, whitening strips may cause unwanted dental/gum sensitivity.

Your better choice is a one-hour teeth whitening treatment. Dr. Sharp examines all his prospective whitening patients to ensure all is well health-wise. If your teeth and gums are in good health, he will use a powerful hydrogen peroxide gel to power out all organically-based stains. The process takes about an hour, and you'll leave the office with a smile that is up to eight shades whiter than before.

Learn more about teeth whitening

Call Stonebridge Ranch Smiles in McKinney, TX, for more tips to maintain your smile appearance and oral health. Phone us at (972) 984-1882.

By Stonebridge Ranch Smiles
April 22, 2020
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: tooth pain  









