Technique Matters: Proper flossing technique is crucial. Gently guide the floss between your teeth, curve it around each tooth in a C-shape, and slide it up and down to clean the sides. Be gentle to avoid damaging your gums.

Make It Routine: Tie flossing to an existing habit, like brushing your teeth—floss after brushing to reinforce the habit.

Stay Positive: Don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day. The goal is progress, not perfection. Keep a positive attitude and get back on track.

Share Your Journey: Let’s Floss Together!

We’re excited to join you on this 2-week flossing journey. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and share your progress and experiences with us using the hashtag #AandAFlossingChallenge. We’d love to see your commitment and celebrate your successes along the way.

Remember, the 2-week flossing challenge isn’t just about improving your oral hygiene; it’s an opportunity to make a positive change in your daily routine. So, grab that floss, embrace the challenge, and let’s work together towards achieving a brighter, more confident smile!

Premiums, deductibles, copayments – the language of the insurance world can often be overwhelming and confusing. You’ve probably seen the terms “in-network” and “out-of-network” when reading about your insurance options. But what exactly do these terms mean, and how do they affect your cost?  

What does “in-network” mean?

When your provider is “in-network,” it means they’ve signed an agreement with a network of dental insurance companies to accept a lower cost for their services. For example, a $100 service may only cost you $60. 
Additionally, when you choose an in-network dentist, preventative services like check-ups, X-rays, and cleanings usually receive 100% coverage from your dental insurance plan.  

What does “out-of-network” mean?

An “out-of-network” dentist is not contracted with any insurance company. As a result, their dental service rates aren’t pre-established. Out-of-network practices still take dental insurance, but you’re responsible for paying the difference between the dentist’s charges and your coverage. 
The main benefit of choosing an out-of-network dentist is the freedom to choose the one you want instead of being limited to who your dental insurance allows. And since the dentist isn’t restricted by the terms of a specific plan, you have access to a wider range of treatment options.

What insurance does Atkins & Anderson Family & Cosmetic Dentistry take?

Atkins & Anderson accepts all non-HMO insurance, and we are currently in-network for Aetna PPO, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Delta Dental PPO. We also accept Care Credit. For more information about the types of insurance we accept and other payment options, or to confirm we’re in-network for your insurance provider, please contact our office at 979-846-1813.

Don’t let confusing insurance jargon keep you from getting the quality dental care you need and deserve. Contact Atkins & Anderson DDS today and let us help you navigate your dental insurance benefits. 

You may brush your teeth twice a day, floss them every night, and schedule a routine cleaning. These are all habits that protect your oral health. So, give yourself a round of applause or a gold star! But if you want to increase your oral hygiene and further shield your teeth from cavities, you may need to evaluate your other habits. You probably don’t give much thought to your choice of an afternoon snack, weekend beverage, or how you tear into the package on your doorstep. These seemingly harmless habits could cause damage to your teeth.

Harmful Drinks

To prevent dragging yourself to a post-lunch meeting on a Friday afternoon before a long weekend, you go on a hunt for a caffeine boost. You grab a soda and anticipate the burst of energy it will give you. You don’t pause to consider the amounts of sugar in a single serving and the effects it will have on your teeth. But sodas, whether diet or sugar-free, produce an acid in your mouth that eats away at your enamel and leads to tooth decay and cavities. Other beverages such as club soda, fruit juice, sweet tea, and coffee can destroy your tooth enamel over time. Alcoholic drinks, including wine, are high in acidity that can erode your teeth. Alcohol also reduces the amount of saliva your mouth naturally produces. Saliva is a key agent in oral health, removing plaque and decreasing the presence of bacteria. There is a risk to consuming any beverage except water. But if you splurge and drink something other than water, be sure to drink a glass and wash away the sugar and acid found in other beverages.

Damaging Treats

You may be catching on to the fact that sugar is on our “naughty list” and applies to the sugar found in packaged snacks, dried fruit, and desserts. You may need to reconsider your snack habits to take your oral health seriously. Simple changes will go a long way to reducing your risk for tooth decay and cavities. Swap dried fruits for fresh fruit. Avoid hard, sticky candies and gummies—including vitamin gummies. These tend to stick to your teeth, allowing the sugar to sit on your teeth for an extended time. Treat dessert as a treat, not the norm. And commit to rinsing your mouth after you eat something sweet. Choose fresh, whole foods like apples, carrots, celery, and nuts when you want something crunchy. Cheese and yogurt also make delicious, easy-to-grab snacks between meals. Because these foods are rich in phosphorus and calcium, they help repair your tooth enamel and further protect your teeth.

Unnecessary Risks

Are you in the habit of using your teeth to open packages, tear off clothing tags, or pop off bottle caps? These simple actions can cause your teeth to chip. Break this habit immediately to protect your teeth from harm. Smoking or chewing tobacco are dangerous habits for your overall oral health. Nicotine causes your teeth to yellow and can lead to oral cancer. Chewing tobacco comes into direct contact with your gums and stays there for long periods, which can cause gum disease. Habits like grinding or clenching your teeth are harmful to your teeth and gums, so make an appointment with your dentist to discuss remedies for this. Risks such as contact sports and medications that cause dry mouth are also risks that need to be addressed. To give your teeth the best chance to stay healthy, schedule an appointment with Atkins & Anderson, DDS. Our team will go over your daily habits and the risks they play in your oral health. Contact us today if you have any questions or concerns about your teeth or gums.

Maybe you’re meticulous about brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling a cleaning twice a year with your dentist. Keep it up! This is the best practice to avoid and prevent oral health problems. But how do you know if it’s time to make an appointment outside of routine cleaning? Below is a list of 8 signs that it’s time to call your dentist. If you notice at least one of these issues, don’t wait. Make an appointment as soon as possible. Ignoring these issues could lead to bigger, more painful problems.

1. Excessive Pain

If you have pain in your mouth, don’t hesitate to call your dentist. If you have localized pain in one area of your mouth or tooth, and swelling in your mouth or face, there could be a number of underlying issues.

2. Changes in Your Gums

If your gums look puffy or bleed when you brush your teeth, make an appointment with your dentist. Find out if there is a history of gum disease in your family and share that information with your dentist. Catching and addressing gum problems early on is crucial to your overall oral health.

3. It’s Uncomfortable to Eat

If you experience discomfort when biting or chewing your food, see your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, consume soft foods and liquids so that you don’t unintentionally do more damage to your teeth.

4. Dry Mouth

Always feeling thirsty or feeling that your mouth is constantly dry, are often red flags of an underlying medical issue or a reaction to a medication. The sooner you seek dental care, the better.

5. Jaw Pain

When you wake up with jaw pain, experience pain in your jaw while chewing, or notice a popping sound when you open and close your mouth, it’s time to call your dentist. It’s also important to schedule an appointment if you have an uneven bite. Dental work can correct or prevent jaw pain—it’s not something you have to learn to live with.

6. Spots and Sores in Your Mouth

Call your dentist if a sore in your mouth lasts longer than one week. This can include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia, and candidiasis. Mouth sores can be caused by irritation from braces, dentures, or a cracked or broken tooth. But they are often symptoms of an infection, disease or disorder, virus or fungus.

7. You Hide Your Smile

If you attempt to hide your teeth when you smile or speak, contact your dentist. Maybe there is a new reason–a broken or chipped tooth, discoloration, or loss of teeth. Or you wish your teeth were straighter or brighter. There are many restorative and cosmetic solutions your dentist can pursue.

8. You’re Pregnant

In some cases, pregnancy can make dental problems worse. Keeping your scheduled appointment is completely safe for you and your baby. However, many women find that they are most comfortable during the second trimester, so you may consider making an appointment during that time.

Our team at Atkins and Anderson Dentistry is here to serve you and help your teeth stay healthy. Never let embarrassment or fear keep you from scheduling an appointment. In many cases, the sooner you address an issue, you’ll experience less pain and prevent long-term damage. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have pain or notice any of the above issues or need to schedule a routine cleaning and exam.

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is an infection of the gums that can lead to the destruction of bones that support your teeth. Periodontitis is sneaky and, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. However, it is largely preventable and treatable! You just need to know what to look out for so that you can address it before it does too much damage.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Healthy gums are pale pink in color, are firm to the touch, and fit snugly around your teeth.

Signs of gum disease include:

• Puffy, swollen gums
• Gums are bright red or purple in color
• Gums that are tender to the touch
• Gums that bleed easily
• A pink-tinged toothbrush after brushing your teeth
• Spitting out blood after brushing or flossing
• Bad breath
• Adults that have a loose tooth
• Chewing is painful
• Gums are receding and pulling away from the teeth
• Spaces develop between the teeth
• A change in your bite

Causes of Gum Disease

The majority of the time, periodontitis develops because of plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film made from bacteria. If plaque is not treated effectively, it can cause gum disease through this process:

• Plaque forms on your teeth: Plaque develops when starches and sugars mix with the bacteria that naturally form in your mouth. Plaque is removed every time you brush and floss your teeth. However, it doesn’t stay away for long! This is why we encourage you to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
• Plaque can turn into tartar: If plaque is not adequately removed, it can harden under your gumline. Tartar is filled with bacteria and is difficult to remove. Tartar that is ignored can lead to more damage. This is why you need to schedule regular dental appointments. Tartar can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning.
• Plaque can lead to gingivitis: Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. This is diagnosed when the gum tissue at the base of your teeth is inflamed and irritated. With the help of professional dental treatment and good oral home care, gingivitis can be reversed.
• Continual gum inflammation leads to periodontitis: If gum inflammation continues to go unaddressed, pockets will develop between your teeth and easily fill up with bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Over time, the pockets become deeper, and the spaces are filled with more bacteria. These deep infections can lead to the loss of tissue and bone, and eventually the loss of one or more teeth.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Like we mentioned in the beginning, gum disease is easily preventable. From an early age, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene and keep regular dentist appointments.

• Good Oral Hygiene: This includes brushing your teeth for at least two minutes a day, twice a day. Flossing once a day—especially before you brush—helps remove loosened food particles and bacteria that can easily cause plaque.
• Regular Dental Visits: We recommend scheduling a cleaning every six months to remove plaque and tartar and address any problem areas or issues like gingivitis before it turns into periodontitis.

Contact Atkins & Anderson, DDS today to schedule a cleaning for the whole family. Let’s address all the common issues like plaque and tartar before it develops into gum disease. If you currently have concerns about your gums, don’t wait another day to make an appointment.

Do you ever wonder if you have bad breath? Are you self-conscious because you know your breath isn’t as fresh as it should be? Here are 8 things you can do to keep your breath fresh and your mouth clean. 

1. Brush and Floss Often 

Plaque buildup on your teeth can lead to bad breath. Trapped food is also a culprit. To keep both at bay, brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once. Practice proper brushing techniques so that you don’t unintentionally brush away the enamel which can lead to tooth decay. 

2. Use Mouthwash

Rinsing with mouthwash adds another layer of protection against bacteria. Make sure to use a good mouthwash that kills the germs that cause bad breath rather than just covering up smelly breath. 

3. Brush Your Tongue

Brushing your tongue with your toothbrush or a scraper helps to eliminate bacteria that coats your tongue and leads to bad breath.  

4. Avoid Certain Foods

Foods like garlic and onion have substances that don’t just cause your breath to stink but get into your bloodstream and into your lungs. You actually breathe out the pungent smell. Before a meeting, it’s best to just avoid them altogether.

5. Stop Using Tobacco Products

Tobacco causes bad breath, gum disease, stained teeth, and cancer. To improve your overall health and reduce bad breath, put in the hard work to stop using tobacco products. 

6. Chew Gum After Meals

Instead of grabbing a mint after a meal, chew sugarless gum. Bacteria in your mouth use sugar to create acid which promotes bad breath. Gum also encourages the production of saliva—your mouth’s natural defense against plaque, bacteria, and bad breath.

7. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking enough water every day has numerous health benefits, including increasing the production of saliva. You can reduce your risk of tooth decay and bad breath just by drinking water. 

8. Keep Your Gums Healthy 

Bacteria can gather at the base of your teeth which leads to stinky breath and gum disease. Regular dental appointments and routine teeth cleanings can help protect your gums from disease and keep bad breath at bay.

If you’re concerned about bad breath or need to schedule a teeth cleaning, make an appointment at Atkins and Anderson Dentistry today. We are a family dentistry in Bryan-College Station dedicated to providing you a comfortable office visit with quality dental treatment. 

After years of wearing your favorite jeans, they get worn out. The color fades, and the seams stretch, threads come loose around the knee. Unfortunately, this is normal. And after wearing them one more time, you know it’s time to throw them out. Over years of use which results in natural wear and tear, the function of your teeth diminishes and their color fades. The good news is, unlike your jeans, you don’t have to discard your teeth—you can restore them! Atkins and Anderson Dentistry offers a variety of options for restorative dentistry to renew your smile and your confidence.

Dental Implants

Implants are a prosthetic tooth root that mimics the design of a natural tooth. It is placed in the jaw where it integrates with your bone, creating a solid foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants are considered for patients who are missing teeth or who currently wear ill-fitting dentures. There are many benefits to dental implants including their ability to increase bone retention and eliminate loose dentures. If taken care of properly, dental implants can last a lifetime, giving you the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.

Dentures

There are several types of dentures, but all are used to give you the function of natural teeth when they are missing. Talk to one of our dentists to find out what kind of dentures are best for you.

• Traditional Dentures: Dentures give your teeth and mouth the function required to eat, talk, and smile naturally. They also help you maintain the natural muscle tone in your face. If your teeth are missing, dentures will enable you to retain your lifestyle and look and feel healthy. Our team works diligently to give you a natural smile with properly fitting dentures.
• Partial Dentures: Removable, partial dentures are considered if you have several missing teeth that cannot be corrected with a bridge. Partial dentures blend into your natural teeth and mimic your gum tissue for a comfortable fit.
• Implant Supported Dentures: This kind of denture removes many of the problems associated with traditional dentures. Implant supported dentures distribute your biting pressure more evenly which reduces gum sores and difficulty chewing. They do not shift because of their solid fit and they stimulate supportive structures in your mouth that prevent your bone and soft tissue from shrinking.

Crowns

Natural wear and tear include discoloration, chipping, and cracking. To renew your smile, a porcelain crown may be right for you. The porcelain is shaded to match the color of your natural teeth, so no one knows but you. A unique fit gives you the look and function of healthy teeth, so contact our office if you experience pain while chewing or are sensitive to temperatures.

Bridges

A bridge is necessary if you have lost a tooth or have a large gap in your teeth. If left unattended, your bite pressure could shift to other parts of your mouth, adjacent teeth may begin to move into the gap. This results in discomfort, pain, and other significant problems. A bridge “bridges the gap” between your teeth by inserting a prosthetic tooth. Bridges give you a functional, natural smile while eliminating your discomfort and protecting your bite.

Inlays/Onlays

In some cases, it’s necessary to remove a portion of your tooth to effectively remove decay. However, a customized inlay or onlay fills the space left behind. Inlays and onlays are made from porcelain that makes them indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Inlays and onlays also remove pain from chewing, cavity pain, and tooth degeneration.

If you have questions about restorative dentistry, contact Atkins and Anderson Dentistry today. We’ll find the right solution to renew your smile and restore the function of your teeth.

Your smile is an important part of who you are. It’s how you express joy and greet others. It’s how you encourage your child when he looks for you in the stands during his basketball game. At Atkins and Anderson Dentistry, we want you to love your smile and show it off as often as possible. If you have concerns or are embarrassed about your teeth, we offer many cosmetic dental services to correct various minor issues. It’s time to show off your smile, not hide it!

Cosmetic Service for a Brighter Smile:

Teeth Whitening System

Maybe you’ve tried at-home teeth whitening systems before, but at Anderson & Atkins, we trust Opalescence to safely and effectively brighten your smile. This is a dentist-supervised whitening system that is customized to fit your teeth. It includes prescription-strength whitening gel and clear instructions that will give you a whiter smile in less than a month. Compared to over-the-counter tooth whitening kits, Opalescence is effective and long-lasting.

Cosmetic Service for Crooked Teeth:

Invisalign

Invisalign is a system of clear aligners that move your teeth into their correct position. Because the aligners are nearly invisible, you may feel more comfortable and confident during the process than if you were wearing traditional braces. Even if you had braces as a child and your teeth have shifted, Invisalign can redefine your smile. Schedule an appointment with us at Anderson & Atkins to determine if Invisalign is right for you.

Cosmetic Services for Broken, Chipped, or Missing Teeth:

Porcelain Crowns

If you have experienced natural wear and tear over the years, your dentist may encourage putting in a crown. At Anderson & Atkins, we use a porcelain, tooth-like crown that can restore a decayed tooth, a broken or chipped tooth, and even correct gaps in your teeth. The crown is delicately matched to the color of your other teeth, so no one but you will know it’s there.

Porcelain Bridges

To remedy missing teeth, a porcelain bridge can be anchored to your existing teeth on either side of the missing teeth. With precise color-matching, your smile will look flawless.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Did you have a cavity as a child and receive a silver filling? Advancements in dentistry have led to a tooth-colored filling to ensure a brighter smile. The tooth-colored material is bonded to the tooth for a stronger restoration.

Cosmetic Service to Remedy Any Issues:

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers give you the straighter, brilliant smile you’ve dreamed of! If you want to correct chipped or crooked teeth, gaps in your teeth, or stained teeth, veneers may be the solution. This is a more costly procedure, but it produces a dramatic difference that enhances your appearance in a lasting way.

Composite Bonding

To correct chipped, broken, discolored, or stained teeth, composite bonding can be applied. It is a tooth-colored material that adheres to the surface of your tooth so you can confidently smile again. Composite bonding is less expensive than porcelain veneers. However, the material does not last as long. Over time, the bonding can become stained from consuming certain food and beverages.

If you’re ready to make an investment in your smile, contact Atkins and Anderson Dentistry today. We’ll go over your options and customize a plan that meets your needs aesthetically and financially.

If you’re over the age of 7, we hope you don’t sing, “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth”—and mean it. There’s nothing like a cracked or missing tooth to derail holiday cheer. But accidents do happen. If you or one of your children experience a dental emergency over the holidays, we want you to feel prepared and confident that you’re taking the right steps. 

Steps to Take if the Dentist Office is Closed

Step 1: Determine Whether or Not You Have an Emergency.

Sharp pain in your teeth or gums, swollen or sensitive gums, and an inability to speak or eat normally may indicate that you have a dental emergency. An emergency may also occur as a result of trauma to your mouth. Trauma can cause excessive bleeding, a cracked tooth, or a knocked-out tooth. If you experience any of these symptoms and cannot wait until office hours, move on to Step 2. 

Step 2: Call the Office 

If you are experiencing pain due to trauma or infection, call our office. Our staff will check messages and respond as quickly as possible. If bleeding does not stop, your pain is too severe, or an infection begins to affect your breathing or eating, you may need to go to the ER. In many cases, the ER can only provide antibiotics or ensure an infection is not spreading. If your pain is manageable and the bleeding stops, wait for us to return your call & give you further instructions. 

Step 3: Protect the Problem Area

While you wait for an appointment, be careful with the teeth and gums surrounding the problem area. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater, avoid chewing on the side of the problem area, and keep your mouth clean. 

• If your permanent tooth is knocked out, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk. If possible, put it back in the socket without touching the root. 
• For a cracked tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and then reduce swelling by holding a cold compress to your face. 
• If you have a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove debris caught between your teeth. 

Steps to Avoid a Dental Emergency 

Step 1: Be Careful When Eating

Be careful when eating popcorn, chewing ice, or eating hard candies. Use this holiday season to teach your kids about eating carefully and avoid crunching down on candy canes and peanut brittle. Limit your sugar intake, and remember to brush and floss after consuming sweet treats to reduce your risk of cavities. 

Step 2: Always Use Scissors 

Yes, your jaw is very strong, but you don’t have to prove it by tearing open a package with your teeth. A chipped or broken tooth is a big price to pay when scissors are within reach. 

We recommended having scissors ready Christmas morning so that no one is tempted to cut anything with their teeth. 

Step 3: Take Care of Your Teeth

Late-night snacks, festive parties, and rich indulgences seem to go hand in hand with holidays. We don’t want to be Scrooge, we just want to remind you to brush and floss your teeth twice a day and put simple practices in action so that your mouth stays healthy. 

We hope that your Christmas holiday is not interrupted by a dental emergency, but if an accident happens, contact Atkins and Anderson, DDS immediately. 

You’ve made your list and checked it twice. You’ve thought of everyone and chosen the perfect gift for your friends, family, and coworkers. But what about yourself? Maybe you’ve snagged your favorite chocolate bar to stow in your stocking, but we’re here to give you a few gift ideas for your teeth. That’s right, your teeth! They are often overlooked but very important to your overall health, so why not remember them this Christmas? Your gift to your teeth includes foods to avoid and foods to enjoy! Make the most of this holiday season and ensure your teeth are healthy enough to ring in the New Year. 

Foods to Avoid: 

• Sweets: Overflowing at every holiday party, sweets are hard to resist this time of year. However, their prime ingredient—sugar—is a known cause of tooth decay. If you do indulge in cookies, cakes, candy, or pie this Christmas, rinse and brush your mouth afterward to protect your teeth.
• Carbonation: Fizzy drinks are often filled with sugar, but diet sodas are also very acidic. The acid can cause the enamel on your teeth to erode. We recommend using a straw if you choose to drink sodas. 
• Wine: Also, an acidic drink, white wine can lead to enamel erosion. On the contrary, red wine may stain your pearly whites. Rather than sipping a glass of wine throughout the day, drink a glass with your meal.

Foods to Enjoy: 

• Cheese: The perfect pairing to wine for many reasons. Our favorite? The calcium in cheese balances your mouth’s PH and reduces the effects wine has on your teeth. 
• Veggies: Bring a veggie tray to your next holiday party so you can munch on broccoli and carrots. These veggies are high in vitamin A which strengthens tooth enamel. Raw veggies also massage your gums while you eat them, increasing blood flow and cleaning your teeth. 
• Nuts: Most nuts are high in vitamins and minerals that promote teeth and gum health. 
• Turkey: Christmas dinner can be more than just delicious! Turkey is an excellent source of protein and rich in phosphorus. Proteins reduce the risk of tooth decay, helping your teeth stay strong and your mouth stay healthy. 
• Water: Water flushes bacteria from your mouth and encourages a healthy digestive system. Choose water as much as possible, but if you drink an alcoholic beverage or soda, rotate them with a glass of water. 

Enjoy this holiday season, but remember to take care of your teeth in the process. Another great gift idea for your mouth? An intensive cleaning and check-up to make sure every tooth is healthy. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Anderson and Atkins, DDS today.