Comal Dental Blog

What to Expect When Getting Dental Implants in New Braunfels

July 26, 2016

Filed under: Dental Implants — Tags: , , , — tntadmin @ 4:25 pm

dental implants in new braunfelsDental implants provide a highly effective replacement for people who are missing one or more teeth. They can be used to support a crown, bridge, or denture, and, when cared for properly, dental implants can last a lifetime. Are you preparing to have your missing teeth replaced with dental implants in New Braunfels? If so, learn about what you can expect from the dental implant procedure and recovery from Dr. David Earnest.

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What You Should Consider when Choosing a New Dentist in New Braunfels

July 17, 2016

Filed under: Preventive Dentistry — Tags: , , — tntadmin @ 10:19 pm

dentistIf you are new to New Braunfels or the surrounding area, then welcome! We know you’re going to love living here. As a newcomer, you’ll need to find a dentist in New Braunfels who can care for your family’s smiles. Dr. David Earnest and his staff at Comal Dental would like to help. Here are some suggestions for what to consider and questions to ask.

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Your Cosmetic Dentist in New Braunfels can Improve your Smile and Change your Life

June 17, 2016

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , , — tntadmin @ 5:20 pm

cosmetic dentistFirstly, cosmetic dentist Dr. Earnest and his staff at Comal Dental want your smile to be healthy. Your mouth is part of a much larger bodily system, and the condition of your mouth can largely impact your overall health. After we’ve ensured the health of your teeth and gums, we are committed to helping you have the most attractive smile possible. Just as the condition of your mouth affects the body, the appearance of your smile affects your outlook and your attitude. A smile that is bright, white and straight tells the world you are confident, outgoing and friendly. At Comal Dental, we offer a number of cosmetic dentistry treatments to help you get the best out of life!

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How Stress Can Affect Your Oral Health

June 6, 2016

Filed under: Preventive Dentistry,Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 7:28 pm

stress DID YOU KNOW THAT STRESS can have an effect on your oral health? As if you needed any more on your plate! Knowing how stress and oral health are connected can help you combat any problems that might arise.

Stress May Contribute to Teeth Grinding

Bruxism is the technical term for habitual teeth grinding and jaw clenching. For some people, clenching and grinding are natural responses to stress and frustration. Teeth grinding, however, usually occurs during sleep, meaning that people are often unaware of the problem. Flatter tips of the teeth and a sore jaw are common signs of bruxism.

Stress Can Worsen Symptoms of TMD

TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, affects the jaw joint and associated muscles used in moving the jaw and neck. Similar to bruxism, stress is thought to be a contributing factor in TMD, causing jaw clenching, joint pain, headaches and even popping and clicking of the jaw.
Your Immune System Is Weakened During Times of Stress

Stress can actually compromise your immune system, increasing your risk of oral infections. Some people experience dry mouth, putting them at a higher risk of developing cavities. Others contract canker sores when stressed. Stress can even increase your chances of experiencing gum disease.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene and Health, Even During Difficult Times

Keeping your oral health routine in tip-top shape, especially when you are stressed, is essential! Continue to practice good oral hygiene and you will protect your mouth from infection and decay.

For most people, it’s difficult to see the effects of stress on their bodies until something happens. That’s why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly, as he or she can detect the telltale signs of stress in your mouth and help you to remedy any problems.

We Want To Make Life Easier For You

When you’re under a lot of pressure or life gets tough, the last thing you think about is your oral health. We want to make things easier for you by helping you to avoid any oral health issues not only when you’re stressed out, but all the time!

Learning to deal with the inevitable stresses of life in a positive way will boost your oral and overall health. However, if you do feel you are experiencing any symptoms of bruxism, TMD or other oral health problems, call us and schedule an appointment. We have solutions for you!

Keeping our patients happy and healthy is our priority!

Click to learn more!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

How Breastfeeding Affects Your Child’s Oral Health

June 1, 2016

Filed under: Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 8:13 pm

Comal Dental New Braunfels Texas Breastfeeding 

 

CHOOSING TO BREASTFEED a child is a personal and special decision for a mother. Not only does nursing provide a valuable bonding experience for mother and baby, it also has many health benefits, such as decreasing the child’s risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and lowering the chances of mom developing breast and ovarian cancer. But what effect can breastfeeding have on baby’s oral health and development?

 

 

 

 

Breastfeeding Aids in Bite Alignment

You may not have known that the sucking mechanisms are different for bottle-fed and breastfed babies. Breastfeeding stimulates muscle tone in the jaw because it requires the use of the jaw muscles more so than bottle-feeding. A study published in “Pediatrics” also showed that babies who were exclusively breastfed for six months were 72 percent less likely to have crooked teeth.

With that being said, it is important to remember that every child is different.Breastfeeding does not guarantee that a child will not have future orthodontic problems just as bottle-feeding does not always lead to bite misalignment. There are many factors that go into bite alignment such as thumb-sucking, pacifier use and genetics.

Decrease Your Child’s Risk of Tooth Decay

Breastfed babies have a reduced risk of cavities. This is because they aren’t at risk for baby bottle tooth decay. Baby bottle tooth decay happens when a child is put to bed with a bottle that contains formula, milk, or fruit juice. Cavities and decay can still occur in breastfed babies, however, if parents aren’t careful.

To prevent decay, whether bottle feeding or breastfeeding, gently wipe your infant’s gums with a wet washcloth or soft towel after feedings. Later, when your child’s teeth finally make an appearance, start brushing them with a small toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice daily. For children under three, use no more than a smear of toothpaste, approximately the size of a grain of rice.

And good news, moms. The eruption of teeth doesn’t mean you have to stop breastfeeding. Every mother and every child is different. Start weaning your child whenever it is right for both of you.

Moms, Don’t Neglect Your Own Oral Health

Mothers with newborns are completely focused on taking care of the new addition to their family. But, moms, don’t let that get in the way of setting enough time aside to focus on your oral hygiene. Cavity prevention is even more crucial for new parents, as bacteria can be transferred from you to your baby.

We Want Healthy Smiles for Mothers and Their Children

Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby, or a combination of both, it’s up to parents to start their children off right when it comes to their oral health and development. If you have any questions concerning pediatric oral health care, give us a call. Our job is to keep families smiling!

To our patients and friends, thank you.

Click here to learn more about Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Extra Floss? Try These Tricks!

May 24, 2016

Filed under: Preventive Dentistry — tntadmin @ 8:33 pm

dental floss

 

 

 

 

WE KNOW, WE KNOW… We ask you about flossing every time you come visit us! It is an integral part of your oral hygiene routine and essential for healthy gums and teeth. But did you know there’s more to floss than cleaning between your teeth? Dental floss can actually be used for a lot of other things!

Eight Useful Dental Floss Hacks

Have some extra floss lying around? Don’t have the right equipment and need to get a job done in a pinch? Try these cool dental floss hacks.

  1. Use floss for perfectly sliced cake. Ever slice a cake and the knife comes up with half of the cake on it? Use flavorless dental floss to make the perfect slice by stretching it taut and gently pressing through the cake. Pull it out when you reach the bottom and voila!
  2. Don’t have any kitchen twine? Floss will do. Some foods like meat and bacon need to be bound when cooked. Usually kitchen twine takes care of this but what if you run out? Floss (again, flavorless) has got you covered!
  3. Floss can help you start a campfire. Believe it or not, waxed dental floss burns well! Wrap dental floss around a match or a dry piece of wood to increase burn time.
  4. Floss can clean out those hard-to-reach spots in your furniture. You know those small cracks and crevices in your wooden furniture that you can never manage to clean? Well, dental floss is meant to get into nooks and crannies! Try it on your wooden furniture. You’ll thank us later.
  5. Floss is great for sewing. Whether you’re out of thread or in need of something more durable, floss works well for sewing on buttons and patching up holes on the fly.
  6. Are your freshly-baked cookies stuck to the baking sheet? Floss ‘em!Dental floss can unstick your cookies without leaving anything behind.
  7. Dental floss can even help in the garden. If you’re training a vine to grow a certain direction, floss can help! Use it to attach the vine loosely to the structure you want the vine to climb.
  8. Floss makes for an easy DIY clothesline. If you’re camping, in a hotel, or simply don’t have room in the dryer, floss can be used to create your own clothesline. Yes, it’s that strong!

Let’s Be Honest, Floss Is Awesome

Whether you’re using floss to patch something up or slice your birthday cake, always remember to use it for what it was made for, to clean in between your teeth! Daily flossing protects your beautiful smile from periodontal disease and tooth loss, so yeah, we’d say it’s pretty awesome!

Know some more flossing hacks? Post them in the comments below or on our Facebook page! We’d love to hear from you!

We have the best patients in the world!

Click here to find out more!

Your Child’s Baby Teeth Are Important

May 23, 2016

Filed under: Children's Dentistry,Preventive Dentistry — tntadmin @ 7:05 pm

comal dental children new braunfels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“DO I NEED TO FIX my child’s baby tooth since it’s going to fall out anyway?” This is a question we get asked a lot as dental professionals. The answer is a resounding YES! Primary, or “baby,” teeth serve an important purpose in your child’s present and future oral health.

Baby Teeth Have Three Main Functions

Besides providing an aesthetic appeal to your child’s smile and boosting their self-esteem, primary teeth have three main functions:

  1. They aid in proper chewing, fostering good nutrition
  2. They promote proper speech development
  3. They reserve a space for permanent teeth to grow in

If a primary tooth falls out or must be removed before its time due to decay, the surrounding teeth may shift into the gap, causing dental crowding and future orthodontic problems. In some cases, untreated infections in baby teeth can even affect the developing permanent teeth.

Taking care of those primary teeth not only prevents decay, but also helps your child get into the habit of good oral hygiene and sets the stage for their future oral health.Baby teeth may fall out but they’re still very important!

Regular Dental Visits Make For A Lifetime of Healthy Smiles

Your child’s first dental visit is an important milestone! Children should visit the dentist when their first tooth appears or around their first birthday.

A February 2005 Children’s Dental Health Project report found that children who visited the dentist by age one were less likely to visit the emergency room for oral health problems. They also found that children age five who had their first dental visit by the age of one incurred less oral health-related costs than their peers who didn’t see a dentist until age five.

On your child’s first visit, we will check their mouth for decay and other problems as well as show parents proper cleaning techniques. Another benefit of early, regular dental visits is that we can determine if a child is at a higher risk for cavities and implement appropriate intervention.

Baby Teeth Matter

Even though they’re temporary, your child’s baby teeth are essential to their growth and development. Teach children to take care of their baby teeth and set them on a lifelong path of good oral hygiene. If you have any questions, call us or comment below!

We love our patients and their beautiful smiles!

Why baby teeth matter!

Your Dentist in New Braunfels Discusses Dental Implants vs. Crown and Bridge

May 14, 2016

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , — tntadmin @ 9:25 pm

dentistIf you are missing one or more teeth, then there’s nothing to debate—you need tooth replacement. What is debatable, however, is whether you should choose dental implants or a crown combined with a bridge prosthetic. Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Dr. Earnest and his team at Comal Dental want to help you make the choice that is right for your oral health, your lifestyle and your budget. Read on to find out what the dentist in New Braunfels thinks of both tooth replacement options and how you can best decide between the two.

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Dental Implants in New Braunfels: Your Options

April 1, 2016

dental implants new braunfelsDr. David Earnest is the implant dentist New Braunfels trusts. At Comal Dental, you’ll find several options for dental implants, the best option in tooth replacement — and the one that’s right for you will depend on several factors. Keep reading to learn more about your choices with dental implants in New Braunfels.

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Sleep Apnea? New Braunfels Trusts New Braunfels Dentures

March 8, 2016

Filed under: Sleep Apnea — Tags: , , — tntadmin @ 6:51 pm

sleep apneaYou’re all tucked in for a peaceful night of sleep. Then, just as you’re about to drift off—there’s that familiar and unwelcome sound from the person sleeping on the other side of the bed. Snoring can be just an annoyance or it can be a sign of a more serious condition called sleep apnea. At Comal Dental, Dr. David Earnest and his team treat sleep apnea, so you can get a good night of sleep again and your partner can avoid a host of health problems.
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