Family Dentistry – Addison TX – Dentist Michele Williams The Addison Dentist – Texas 75001
HOW TO CHOOSE A DENTIST THE SMART WAY
February 17th, 2012
Here at The Addison Dentist, we think it’s important for patients in the Dallas area to know the right way to choose a dentist, whether you’re choosing a cosmetic dentist or a family dentist. Although it may seem easy to just pick a name out of the phone book, Dr. Williams has some recommendations that can make the selection process more effective for you. Since you and your dentist will become long term partners in the quest for a beautiful smile and excellent oral health, it’s best you know a thing or two about this dental professional.
Dr. Williams suggests calling an office and asking these questions:
1. What continuing education has the dentist taken in the last 12 months? Your dentist of choice should be keeping up with all of the newest developments in technology, diagnosis, and treatment.
2. How long will it take to perform my initial examination? A thorough dentist will set aside at least an hour or more to do a complete exam and consultation.
3. What is included in my initial exam? You should want a thorough, effective exam that will protect you and your long-term health. These things include:
a. A check of all your teeth for decay including the current condition of any existing restorations.
b. A full series of X-rays rather that just four “bite-wings” if the total condition of your dental health is being evaluated thoroughly.
c. A complete and thorough check of the health of your gums with a periodontal probe.
d. A check of your bite should be made to determine how your teeth come together.
e. There should be an oral cancer exam to check for any signs of oral cancer.
4. Ask when the dental team went through Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance training. OSHA has very clear guidelines for dental offices to follow in order to maintain the highest standard of sterilization and infection control.
Other things Dr. Williams recommends making a mental note of:
1. Is the reception area tidy, organized, neat, and clean?
2. Are you seen on time? It may not be realistic to expect the dental practice to be right on schedule all the time, but it is realistic to expect to be told within 10 minutes of your arrival if there will be a time delay.
3. Is the restroom near the reception area neat and clean?
4. Are the doctor and the members of the dental team good examples of proper dental health and hygiene? Do they have attractive smiles?
The above suggestions are just some of the things you can ask and observe in order to make the right choice of a dentist who will serve you and your needs the best. Take the time to ask the right questions so you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that you are in the best hands for what you want for the long-term health of your mouth and your smile.
Valentine’s Day
February 10th, 2012
There were several early Christian martyrs named Valentine; however, no romantic elements were present in the original biographies of these martyrs. The first recorded association of Valentine’s Day with romantic love is in Parlement of Foules written by Geoffrey Chaucer in 1382, in honor the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia. He wrote:
“For this was Saint Valentine’s Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate.”
In present times, Valentine’s Day has become linked with love, romance, happy couples and gift exchange. Honor your significant other, or attract a new one, by showing off a beautiful, white, healthy smile.
Dr. Williams recommends making sure your breath is kiss-ably fresh by brushing, flossing and rinsing with antibacterial mouth wash twice a day.
Keep your smile white and bright by getting regular cleanings to remove built up plaque and tartar, as well as brushing soon after eating or drinking items that can stain teeth.
The most important thing to remember is to smile! If you are not happy with your smile, let us know. Dr. Williams would be happy to work with you to design a new, custom smile that shows off your best assets.
Happy Valentine’s Day
Bad Breath
February 3rd, 2012
You’re in line waiting to pay for your groceries at the super market; the shelves next to the check out counter are lined with a myriad of gums and mints. You grab a pack of gum and a container of mints and toss them on the conveyor belt with the rest of your items. You would hate to be on the way to a date, a job interview or lunch out with your friends and be caught with bad breath.
The Council of Scientific Affairs published a report that stating that 50% of the US population has bad breath at any one time. And of that 50%, half of that group has chronic halitosis.
Halitosis (bad breath) is a term used to describe noticeably unpleasant odors exhaled in breathing. Halitosis combines the Latin halitus, meaning ‘breath’, with the Greek suffix osis often used to describe a medical condition
There are over 600 types of bacteria found in the average mouth. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, which promote bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This causes bad breath.
Dr. Williams suggests these strategies for dealing with bad breath:
• Cleaning the tongue surface twice daily using a toothbrush, tongue cleaner or tongue brush/scraper.
• Chewing gum: Since dry-mouth can increase bacterial buildup and cause or worsen bad breath, chewing sugarless gum can help with the production of saliva, and thereby help to reduce bad breath.
• Gargling right before bedtime with an antibacterial mouthwash.
• Practice good oral hygiene, including daily tongue cleaning, brushing, flossing, and regular visits to dentists and hygienists. Flossing is particularly important in removing food debris and bacterial from between the teeth, especially at the gum line.
If you you’re concerned that you might be suffering from bad breath, give us a call or come by to schedule an appointment with Dr. Williams…because, everyone deserves to smile!
Welcome to Our Blog!
January 24th, 2012
Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. Please check back often for weekly updates on fun and exciting events happening at our office, important and interesting information about the dental industry, and the latest news about our practice.
Feel free to leave a comment or question for our doctor and staff – we hope this will be a valuable resource for our patients, their families, and friends!
Dentist, Michele Williams
Addison, Texas 75001
CALL US: (972) 233-0973
Dr. Williams offers her patients the Dental Warranty seal of approval through Dental Warranty Corp! Patients are given a full repair/ replacement Dental Warranty through Dental Warranty Corp on eligible treatments with optional longer terms.