We are making a list and checking it twice! Except, this month it is a list about everything we have to be thankful for. 2020 has been quite a roller coaster, but it hasn’t all been bad! We wanted to take the time to share with you the top 5 five things our team at Anderson & Atkins is grateful for.

1. You

First and foremost, we are thankful for you! Especially this year, you have been incredibly flexible when we adjusted your appointments, answered your questions over the phone, and placed various stipulations upon entering the office. You continue to be our top priority as we seek to meet your dental needs and keep you as safe and comfortable as possible. More than ever, we are grateful for your loyalty to Anderson & Atkins Dentistry!

2. Our Office Space

There’s nothing like quarantine and telemedicine to make you thankful for your office! We’re thankful to work in a space that is welcoming and comfortable. We know many people have anxiety about the dentist’s office, so if it helps you to get an idea of where you’ll be, here’s a tour of our office. Our office is modern and inviting with state-of-the-art technology. We’re proud of our “home” and hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

3. Our Work Attire

We’ve heard a lot of people talk about how nice it’s been to wear sweatpants while working from home. Thankfully, it doesn’t take a pandemic for us to be comfortable at work! No matter what happens in the world, you can find us hard at work in our favorite scrubs.

4. Our Team

At Anderson and Atkins, DDS, we are literally and figuratively family! Dr. Craig Anderson has served the people of Bryan-College Station since 2001. As a College Station native, it was an easy decision to open his practice in his well-loved home town. In 2017, Dr. Brady Atkins joined the team, but he and Dr. Anderson have been family friends for years. In fact. Dr. Atkins’ mom, Lois has served as the receptionist since 2002! And then, a few years later, Dr. Lindsey Atkins came on board and has the joy of working alongside her husband. We have an incredible office staff and a team of dental hygienists and dental assistants who feel like family! We are truly thankful that we enjoy working together.

5. Our Ability to Serve

We’re grateful that our work is more than a job, it’s a chance to serve our community. Our goal is to set your mouth up for a long, healthy life! We want to come alongside you and help you reach your dental goals whether you have cosmetic or restorative needs. We want to teach adults and children alike the correct techniques and habits that ensure optimum dental health. When we provide general dental services, we can prolong the life of your natural teeth and prevent future damage. We’re thankful that we get to play a role in your health and love watching our patients grow to love their smiles!

There’s no time like the present to schedule a dentist appointment. Let your teeth know just how thankful you are for them, and contact Anderson & Atkins, DDS today.

Halloween is a fun holiday that many kids look forward to! Who doesn’t love a day devoted to fun costumes and sweet treats? But, like all good things, there is such a thing as too much. Too much sugar intake can be harmful to your child’s teeth and increase their risk of cavities. Here are a few strategies you can implement this year to make Halloween both fun and safe!

1. Don’t Forget to Brush

A new toothbrush is helpful to maximize the benefits of brushing, but it’s also fun to have! Why not get your child a new toothbrush in her new favorite color to use for the first time on Halloween night? You can slip it in their candy bag for them to discover while they sort through their incredible stash of candy. After indulging in a couple of pieces of candy, you can talk to them about the importance of taking care of their teeth by brushing and flossing. Be sure to teach younger children the proper techniques for brushing and flossing. Show them how to hold their toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and use gentle, circular strokes over every surface of their teeth.

2. Make a Plan

Before you leave for your community’s fall festival, or to trick-or-treat, make a plan with your kids. Decide ahead of time how many pieces of candy your child is allowed to eat once you get home. Or, decide how many homes you plan to visit to limit the amount of candy your child will receive. By establishing trade-in options, or daily candy allowances, you’ll monitor your child’s sugar intake and their teeth will thank you! Use this time to remind your kids about the problems sugar can cause and how it’s important to fill our mouths and our bodies with foods that are healthy and helpful for our growth. Having these conversations regularly will help your child learn good habits that will improve their dental health.

3. A Different Kind of Sweet Reward  

A treat doesn’t have to include sugar to be sweet. Give your child the option of trading in their entire bucket of Halloween candy for a new book, toy, or activity. Or, create a rewards chart that gives your kids options for a trade-in. For example, they can trade in one piece of candy and get a sticker, or trade in five pieces of candy, and stay up five minutes later at night. Think of fun things your child enjoys that will feel like a sweet treat without the sticky sugar. What a fun way to extend the excitement Halloween brings by allowing small trade-ins until the candy is gone!

You don’t have to drain all of the fun out of Halloween, but you can make it safer for your child. Teach them the importance of moderation and how to enjoy sugar without overdoing it. If you’re concerned about your child’s dental health or need to schedule a routine cleaning, make an appointment at Anderson & Atkins, DDS. Our family-friendly dentistry is designed to take care of every member of your family and empower parents to influence their children’s dental habits.

At Anderson and Atkins Dentistry, we agree with the adage that “knowledge is power.” A visit to the dentist stirs up anxiety in many people, which leads them to procrastinate on scheduling an appointment. But if your questions are answered, we hope that you feel empowered to make a wise decision to take care of your health which includes your mouth! You can walk into your appointment with confidence knowing what to expect and why each visit is worth your time.

Here are the answers to many frequently asked questions:

1. Why are regular dentist visits necessary?

Regular visits to the dentist enable your dentist to spot dental health problems early on when treatment is easier and more affordable. In fact, they can prevent health problems from occurring. Other medical conditions and diseases have symptoms that develop in your mouth, so regular dental visits often influence your overall health.

2. What are the signs that I need to schedule an appointment?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.

• Teeth sensitivity to hot or cold
• Puffy gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• You currently have fillings, crowns, dentures, or dental implants
• You don’t like your smile or the way your teeth look
• You experience pain or swelling in your mouth, face, or neck
• It is difficult to chew or swallow
• You have a family history of gum disease or tooth decay
• You use tobacco products
• You have an uneven bite or experience a popping sensation in your jaw
• There is a sore or spot in your mouth that feels uncomfortable and is not going away
• Your mouth is dry
• You are pregnant or are undergoing intensive medical treatment
• You have diabetes, cardiovascular disease, an eating disorder, or are HIV positive

3. Even if I have no symptoms, should I still see a dentist?

Yes! You may not have symptoms, but you may suffer from a dental issue that only a dentist can diagnose. Regular visits also help prevent major issues from developing. Taking care of your mouth is essential to your overall health. Visiting the dentist regularly, even if you don’t experience any unwanted symptoms, is important.

4. What should I expect at a regular dental visit?

Your dentist or dental hygienist will review your recent medical history, examine your mouth, and may determine that x-rays are necessary. Your hygienist will also examine your gums for signs of gum disease. Your dentist will perform an oral cancer screening and determine your overall oral health.

5. How often should I go to the dentist?

Many people only need to see a dentist once or twice a year, but others find more frequent appointments necessary. The number of dental visits you schedule in a year is determined by your health and the goals you and your dentist are working together to meet.

6. What’s the difference between DDS and DMD?

DDS stands for “Doctor of Dental Surgery,” and DMD stands for “Doctor of Dental Medicine.” Both mean that the dentist has graduated from an accredited dental school. This gives you the confidence to know that your dentist received a certain level of education and clinical training required to earn a dental degree. Each of our dentists at Anderson and Atkins has their Doctorate of Dental Surgery and continues the education requirements to keep their licenses and provide their patients with the best, up-to-date procedures and techniques.

7. How can my dentist help me maintain a healthy mouth?

Don’t be afraid of the number of months (or years) between visits–schedule an appointment and start the process of taking care of your mouth. Commit to seeing the dentist regularly so that he or she can catch gum disease when it is reversible or prevent cavities from developing. Keep your dentist in the loop about changes in your overall health and ask questions if you have any concerns about your oral health or certain procedures. Consider your dentist as a teammate, helping you maintain a healthy mouth and meet your dental goals.

Anderson and Atkins, DDS is a dentistry that places your comfort as the highest priority and promises to provide quality dental care to every member of your family. To schedule an appointment today, contact our office in Bryan/College Station.

Something went wrong, and it’s Saturday morning during Covid-19 restrictions. You want to be respectful to the people who truly need a dental appointment, but you feel like your teeth need medical attention. How do you know what constitutes a dental emergency? If you’re living in the Bryan-College Station area and wonder if the pain or discomfort you feel is considered a dental emergency, Anderson and Atkins DDS is here to help. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to help you decide if you have a true emergency. If you’re still unsure, call our office at (979) 846-1813, and we’ll help you determine whether or not it’s time to make an appointment.

Q1: Am I in pain?

Pain is your body’s way of alerting you that something isn’t right. Pain in your mouth can indicate a large cavity, trauma to your teeth or gums, or exposure to a tooth structure as a result of a dislodged crown or fracture. If you experience pain, call Anderson and Atkins to set up an appointment.

Q2: Are my gums swollen?

Swelling is often associated with an infection and should be treated immediately. If left unattended, you risk a life-threatening situation. Call our office if you experience any swelling in your mouth. If the swelling makes it difficult to breathe, call 911.

Q3: Did I experience trauma?

Trauma occurs when your teeth are broken or dislodged, or an event causes lacerations or bruises on your face. If this happens, call Anderson and Atkins. In most cases, we will recommend coming in for an evaluation.

Q4: Can I eat and speak normally?

If something happens and you have difficulty speaking or eating, don’t hesitate to contact our office. If the office is closed, you can use the emergency numbers provided on our voicemail to get in touch with someone on our team.

What to Expect at the Appointment

After a phone consultation, we may determine that you have a dental emergency and schedule a time for you to come into the office. At the appointment, we will perform x-rays and a limited exam to determine the problem area. In many cases, you are unable to identify the specific tooth or location of the pain. Once we identify the problem, we will perform the necessary treatment, prescribe antibiotics, or refer you to a specialist. Emergency procedures include tooth extraction, root canal, occlusion adjustments, large fillings, or denture repair.

If you can answer “yes” to any of the questions above and live in Bryan-College Station, call Anderson and Atkins, DDS today. If you’re still unsure about whether or not your dental problem is an emergency, our staff is happy to assess your situation over the phone. Our family dentistry is here to help patients of all ages, so contact our office if you have any questions.

Anderson and Atkins Dentistry is currently closed until April 21st, except for emergency dental needs. Our office is adhering to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners in an attempt to keep the people of Bryan-College Station safe. While our doors remain locked, our team is dedicated to providing you the care you require should an emergency arise. A dental emergency includes oral pain or swelling. If you experience pain or swelling, call our office. Someone from our team will respond within 24 hours. At that time, we will give you further instructions regarding care and treatment.

If you are unsure about whether or not your dental concern is an emergency, call our office. We are here to answer any questions you may have. While our office is closed, the team at Anderson and Atkins, DDS is still monitoring phone lines and will help you discern if you have a true dental emergency.

We know these are strange times for everyone. We will continue to do our part to meet your dental needs, while following the guidelines set in place by our government. We want to make sure that every decision we make is in the best interest of our community, so that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy.

For those of you who are supporting local businesses during these uncertain weeks, thank you! Anderson and Atkins Dentistry is committed to supporting small businesses in Bryan-College Station. We are grateful to our clients who remember that we are also a small business, and show their support by staying up to date on their dentistry bills. By continuing to make payments to our office, you help us take care of our staff, so that we can take care of you. Thank you for your continued support of Anderson and Atkins Dentistry. Don’t forget, we’re just a phone call away if you have any questions or concerns about your dental health.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. We look forward to seeing you again–in person–soon!

We often underestimate the dangers of the holiday season. There are several scenarios that may warrant a dental emergency. You chip a tooth on grandma’s peanut brittle. Your cousin doesn’t understand the rules of flag football and your tooth is knocked out by a tackle. Extreme pain from pesky pot roast stuck between your teeth. But how do you know when it’s time to call your dentist? Find out what constitutes a true emergency and tips for home treatment while you wait until the dentist office is open again.

What’s the Emergency?

When bad things happen to good teeth, you need to know when it’s time to act fast. Dr. Atkins says that true dental emergencies include, “a broken tooth, a ‘hot’ tooth, meaning there is acute pain causing throbbing….or dental trauma from a hit of some sort.” An abscessed tooth, extreme swelling or excessive bleeding in your mouth also constitutes an emergency.  If you experience any of these, a phone call to your dentist is warranted.  Many people believe they have a dental emergency when they don’t. “Chipped front teeth, a crown that has come off, a chipped back tooth with no pain or sensitivity” are not emergencies according to Dr. Atkins. A toothache does not necessarily warrant a phone call. If this non-emergent dental incident occurs on a holiday, it can be handled at home. Your dentist will want to check out all dental problems to prevent them from getting worse. So after the holiday, you are encouraged to make an appointment.

How to Handle a Non-Emergency

If you have a toothache or light amount of pain, try taking an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen to address the discomfort. Rinse your mouth with salt water if you bite the inside of your cheek or experience gum trauma. If you lose a crown or a filling, use denture adhesive from your local drugstore to adhere it until you can make an appointment with your dentist. Never use super-glue. Be sure to floss regularly or use a Waterpik to effectively clean between the teeth and gums. Toothaches and a throbbing sensation are often the results of food lodged between the teeth.

How to Handle an Emergency

An abscessed tooth can lead to a fever, extreme sensitivity, facial swelling, or persistent pain. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water in order to draw the infection to the surface and reduce your pain. A dentist appointment will be necessary to address the infection before it spreads. But if it’s Christmas morning and the office is closed give us or another trusted dental practice a call before you rush to the ER. If you chip your tooth or experience a painful fracture, reduce swelling by applying a cold compress to the side of your mouth. You can take acetaminophen but do not use an oral numbing gel as it can cause damage to your gums.  Remember, if your pain is tolerable, your appointment can wait. But if a chipped tooth is paired with extreme pain, contact your dentist. If your tooth is knocked out, follow this series of instructions in order to effectively preserve your tooth. First, rinse the tooth without scrubbing or touching the root. Second, attempt to place the tooth back into the socket, but if you’re unable to do so, put the tooth in a small container with milk. Third, call your dentist as soon as possible and prepare to go to the nearest ER. In most cases of dental emergency, a visit to the ER is the best case scenario.

At Anderson & Atkins, DDS, we want to address your dental problems and help you prevent future incidents. If you chip your tooth, break or misplace a crown, have a persistent toothache, contact our offices at (979) 846-1813. Make an appointment if you need to address emergencies such as an abscessed tooth, a knocked-out tooth, or a cracked tooth. If it’s a holiday or the offices are closed, your dental emergency can be handled by capable physicians in an ER or urgent care. We’re happy to schedule an appointment with you as soon as the office is open again!

We are thrilled to announce Dr. Lindsey Atkins, DDS to you – she will be joining our dental family this Summer. Dr. Atkins is originally from Longview, Texas and she is excited about getting to the Brazos Valley and away from the busy Houston atmosphere. Dr. Atkins earned her Bachelors in Science degree from Texas Tech University where she graduated summa cum laude. She went on to earn her Doctorate in Dental Surgery degree from The University of Texas at Houston, graduating at the top of her class, and then completed a residency in Advanced General Dentistry in the Texas Medical Center. During her residency, Dr. Atkins focused on complex restorative treatment plans including restoring implants, renewing smiles, and treating patients with developmental disorders. We are excited about everything Dr. Atkins will bring to our practice.

At Anderson & Atkins we consider our team and patients to be family – Dr. Lindsey Atkins is no exception. She is married to Dr. Brady Atkins, who joined the practice last year. They are both so excited to work together and continue to give the highest quality care that our patients deserve.

Outside of dentistry, the Atkins’ are parents to two dogs, Mia and Charlie. They are avid baseball fans and are always looking for reasons to be outside and be active. They are rooted by their faith in Christ and encouraged by their families daily.

As our dental family grows, we hope that you will join us in welcoming Dr. Lindsey Atkins the next time you are in the office. She will be easy to spot as she is joyful, positive, and will always greet you with her wonderful smile! If you have any questions about Dr. Lindsey Atkins or if you’d like to setup an appointment, please call our office at 979-846-1813.

Anderson & Atkins, DDS is a locally owned dental practice. In 2001, Dr. Craig Anderson began working as an associate in the office of Dr. James B. Wilson and later Dr. Elsa Maxwell, a practice that has been a dental home to many in Bryan/College Station since the mid-1960s. One year later, in 2002, Dr. Anderson took ownership of the practice. After serving the Brazos Valley community in Bryan for 15 years, in January of 2015 Dr. Anderson made his dream of building a new office a reality, and relocated to a brand new office centrally located on Crescent Pointe Parkway in College Station. The size and design of the new construction was in anticipation for a new associate to join the practice in the near future. 

In July of 2017, Dr. Anderson welcomed Dr. Brady Atkins. Both natives of Bryan, the two dentists strive to provide high-quality dental care for families in Bryan/College Station.

Dr. Atkins is a recent graduate of the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. The Bryan High School alum is excited to return to Bryan/College Station after eight years of study in hopes to serve those who have meant so much to him growing up. Throughout his time at dental school, he served as the president of the Christian Dental Fellowship for two years and as his dental class president for three years. He spent four of his spring breaks providing dental care to children in Guatemala where his team treated around 900 kids each Spring Break. Helping and serving people is one of Dr. Atkins greatest joys in life and he is excited to bring this passion to Bryan/College Station. 

Dr. Anderson & Dr. Atkins are lifelong friends, and adding Dr. Atkins to the team is like welcoming family to the practice. Dr. Atkins’ mother, Lois has worked for Dr. Anderson since 2002, so it is truly a family-type atmosphere. The team at Anderson & Atkins, DDS is delighted to have Dr. Atkin and looks forward to having him come alongside Dr. Anderson in serving the community. They hope you have the opportunity to spend some time with him and get to know him.

Anderson & Atkins offers a variety of dental procedures including crowns & bridges, porcelain veneers, fillings, teeth whitening, night guards, root canal treatment, periodontal therapy (deep cleanings), extractions, implant supported dentures, conventional full and partial dentures, composite bonding, and digital x-rays. Both doctors take a conservative approach in their treatment and enjoy educating patients when providing dental care. The team excels in giving people of all ages beautiful and healthy grins and would love the opportunity to provide you and your family quality dental care – with a smile!