If you’re looking for a white, straight, sparkling smile, veneers may be the answer for you. Porcelain veneers are a non-surgical, non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure that corrects many imperfections, including chipped, cracked, or stained teeth. So, if you’re wondering, “Are veneers right for me?” keep reading to learn more about this popular option.

What are veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic material bonded to the front of your teeth. They’re used to improve the appearance of your smile by changing the color, shape, or size of your teeth. Veneers are a great option for stained, cracked, chipped, damaged, or crooked teeth. They can even conceal gaps or uneven spaces between teeth.

The ceramic used in porcelain veneers is strong, durable, and resistant to staining. They are customized to match the color of your natural teeth and even mimic the translucency of tooth enamel.

What is the process of getting veneers?

Getting veneers is a multi-step process that occurs over two to three dental visits.

At the initial checkup and consultation, your dentist will evaluate your smile and see if you’re a good candidate for veneers. Any dental work needed will be taken care of first.

Next, your dentist will prep your teeth for veneers by shaving a very thin layer of enamel off the front of your teeth – less than the thickness of your fingernail. Then, they will take an impression of your teeth and create a set of temporary veneers that will stay on until the permanent ones arrive.

Once the final porcelain veneers are sculpted and customized, the temporary veneers are removed, and a bonding dental adhesive is applied to your teeth. The permanent veneers are then carefully applied, and your new smile is ready to show off! With proper care, veneers can last 15 years or more.

Are veneers right for you?

Veneers are one of the least invasive cosmetic dental procedures available. However, some factors can prevent you from being a good candidate. These include:

• Significant structural tooth damage
• Habitual jaw clenching or teeth grinding
• Gum disease
• Crossbite or underbite
• Poor oral hygiene or excessive cavities
• Severe tooth crowding

Learn More: Improve Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

Schedule Your Appointment with Atkins & Anderson DDS Today

So, how do you know if dental veneers are right for you? The best way to find out is by talking to your dentist.

The experienced team at Atkins & Anderson DDS provides a wide range of cosmetic, restorative, and preventative dental services so you can have the healthy, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. If you’re considering veneers or have other questions about your oral health, contact us today for a consultation.

Did you know that tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body? It’s even stronger and harder than your bones! But even though enamel is strong, acids, plaque, and bacteria in your mouth can damage it.

What is tooth enamel?

Tooth enamel is the durable, protective outer layer of your tooth. This hard crystalline substance is composed of minerals and forms a barrier over the surface of your teeth. Tooth enamel doesn’t just make your teeth shine – this glossy, semi-transparent outer layer also plays a crucial role in insulating the sensitive inner layers from chemicals and extreme temperatures.

Even though tooth enamel is stronger and harder than bone, it can break down over time. Plaque, bacteria in your mouth, and food acids can damage enamel.

What is the main function of tooth enamel?

Enamel protects the inner layers of your tooth (the dentin and tooth pulp) from damage in the form of:

• Erosion (wear and tear)
• Tooth sensitivity to cold and heat
• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Infection

Why is tooth enamel important?

Enamel acts as a barrier that protects the inner layers of your teeth (dentin) from the acids and debris in your mouth. It protects the dentin from the hot and cold food and drinks you consume.

Tooth enamel also helps keep tooth decay away. That’s why it’s critical to do everything possible to prevent the enamel from eroding.

Tooth enamel doesn’t contain living cells, so it can’t regenerate like the body regenerates damaged bone tissue. When the enamel weakens, the body can’t make a new one to replace it.

How can I protect my tooth enamel?

Prevention is the best way to keep your enamel healthy and strong. Here are some oral hygiene tips that help protect tooth enamel:

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily. Brushing removes bacteria, tartar, and plaque and reduces your risk of enamel loss.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Medium- and hard-bristled brushes are too abrasive and actually scrub off your enamel. Brushing too hard with a soft brush can still damage your enamel – so brush gently.
• Use fluoride toothpaste. Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps strengthen your enamel. Toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance means dental experts have tested and approved the product for safety and effectiveness.
• Floss daily. Debris, bacteria, and plaque hide between your teeth. That’s why flossing is as essential as brushing.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day helps wash away food particles, bacteria, and plaque. Staying hydrated also helps reduce the risk of enamel loss in people with dry mouth.
• Use a straw with acidic drinks. Drinking sodas and other acidic drinks through a straw helps minimize contact with your enamel.
• Chew sugar-free gum. This increases saliva production, which helps keep your enamel healthy.
• If you grind your teeth at night, wear a mouth guard. You can buy over-the-counter (OTC) mouth guards at most pharmacies or a dentist can make a custom guard that fits over your teeth.
• Consider sealants. Dental sealants are a thin plastic-like coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of your teeth. They shield and protect them from bacteria, plaque, and tartar.
• Visit your dentist regularly. Routine cleanings and exams will keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Read More: Tips to Keep Your Teeth Clean Between Dental Cleanings

Final Thoughts

Tooth enamel is the hardest and strongest substance on your body, protecting your teeth from cavities and daily wear and tear. Even though it’s durable, enamel is not indestructible! Practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly to keep it healthy.

If you’re looking for a dedicated team of dentists in Bryan/College Station, contact Atkins & Anderson Family Dentistry today.

The Ultimate Guide to Teeth Whitening: Everything You Need to Know

Who doesn’t want a bright, dazzling smile? Despite regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene, teeth tarnish and discolor over time. Teeth whitening is an effective and reliable way to restore your brilliant smile. Here’s everything you need to know about whitening your teeth.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening brightens your smile by removing stains and discoloration. It’s a very effective way of lightening the existing color and enhancing the appearance of your teeth without causing any damage to the tooth’s surface.

Learn More: Is Whitening Safe for My Teeth?

Why do teeth change color?

The most common reasons teeth change color include:

• Food and beverages – Food and drinks cause discoloration and impact the appearance of your teeth. What are the biggest tooth-staining culprits? Red wine, coffee, tea, dark sodas, berries, and tomato-based sauces.
• Tobacco –  All forms of tobacco contain black particles that cause visible stains on the teeth. Smoking causes the inside of the mouth to become dry. This dryness makes it easier for tobacco particles to stick to the enamel, staining the teeth more quickly.
• Wear and tear – Over time, wear and tear on teeth can cause them to look discolored. As your enamel wears down and gets thinner, the yellowish-colored dentin underneath shows through, making your teeth look darker and stained.
• Dental trauma – Falling, chipping, and other dental injuries can damage the enamel and tooth discoloration.
• Medications – Some medications including antihistamines, antidepressants, antihypertensives, and antibiotics such as tetracycline, are known to stain and discolor teeth.

What are the top teeth whitening options?

Many teeth whitening products and treatments are available, so choosing the right option for you can be confusing. Talk to your dentist if you want the best results from teeth whitening. Here are the most commonly used options:

• Whitening toothpaste – Whitening toothpaste doesn’t change the color of your teeth, but it can eliminate surface stains and make them appear whiter. Small, mildly abrasive particles gently remove surface stains that build up over time.
• Over-the-counter whitening strips – Although professional teeth whitening treatment is more effective in achieving whiter teeth, OTC teeth whitening strips help remove surface stains or discoloration on natural teeth.
• Professional take-home whitening kits – A powerful, prescription-strength whitening gel with a special tray customized to fit over your teeth is the best option if you want a brighter smile. The process only takes two to four weeks, and the gel won’t leak onto your gums. Atkins & Anderson DDS trusts the Opalescence™ tooth whitening system.
• In-office whitening treatment – If you want teeth whitening results quickly, an in-office treatment might be a good option. A high-intensity whitening gel brightens teeth in about an hour. The strength of the active chemicals and the added use of lasers or lights require a dental professional to place a protective barrier over the gum tissues and oversee the procedure.

Facts about teeth whitening

There are several misconceptions about teeth whitening, so here are some things you should know:

• Teeth whitening is safe. If you’re using OTC whitening products, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. The safest way is to use an at-home whitening tray and gel from your dentist or have your teeth whitened in the dentist’s office. Teeth whitening doesn’t damage your teeth because your teeth naturally remineralize and rehydrate after each whitening treatment.
• It’s best not to whiten too often. While safe, you shouldn’t whiten your teeth too often. Whitening products use abrasive chemicals or bleaching agents to remove stains. These ingredients can weaken and erode your enamel, causing sensitivity and tooth decay if used frequently.
• Your teeth have pores. Your teeth have tiny pores that absorb color from highly pigmented items like coffee, tea, soda, and tobacco. Teeth whitening products open your teeth’s pores and deactivate the stains to whiten your teeth.
• The best time to whiten your teeth is before bed. Whitening before bed reduces the opportunity for staining and allows your teeth to remineralize and rehydrate overnight.

Ready to transform your teeth with teeth whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to restore your dazzling smile and keep your teeth bright and healthy! Contact us today for more information about Atkins & Anderson Family and Cosmetic Dentistry or to schedule an appointment.

Dental emergencies usually happen without warning and come in many forms – some more urgent than others. Knowing what to do and who to call after an injury empowers you to handle these unexpected emergencies quickly and effectively.

If you live in the Bryan/College Station area and wonder if your pain or discomfort is considered an emergency, Atkins & Anderson DDS is here to help determine if you need to make an appointment.

What is a dental emergency?

When experiencing a dental emergency, people often hesitate to call their dentist because they aren’t sure if the situation warrants urgent dental care. So, what constitutes a dental emergency?

The American Dental Association defines dental emergencies as “potentially life-threatening and requiring immediate treatment to stop ongoing tissue bleeding or to alleviate severe pain or infection.”

Life-threatening dental emergencies include:

• Uncontrollable bleeding – from accident, trauma, health condition, or other cause
• Trauma that involves facial bones that may be compromising a person’s airway
• Soft-tissue infections with swelling could compromise someone’s airway. Tooth infections can spread into the soft tissues and cause swelling without pain.

Non-life-threatening dental emergencies that require urgent care include:

• Extreme tooth pain from decay
• Pain from post-extraction surgery or dry sockets
• Abscesses or other infections causing pain and swelling
• Third molar/wisdom tooth pain
• Objects caught under the gums or between teeth causing pain or swelling
• Trauma to the mouth causing one or more teeth to become loose or displaced
• Tooth chips, fractures, or lost fillings causing trauma or pain to the soft tissues or teeth
• Orthodontic wires or other dental appliances becoming loose and cutting into the gums or cheeks

The longer dental issues go untreated, the more likely they’ll cause permanent damage to your teeth – or result in significant and expensive treatments.

How do you handle the most common types of dental emergencies?

Knocked Out Tooth

If a child’s primary (baby) tooth gets knocked out, apply pressure to the bleeding area. Don’t try to place a baby tooth back in the socket because this may damage the permanent tooth growing under the gum. Call your dentist.

If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, follow these steps quickly:

1. Locate the tooth if possible. If you find it, hold the tooth by the crown, not the root.
2. Don’t wash or remove any tissue pieces from the root.
3. The tooth must stay moist! If possible, put the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place. If you can’t do this, keep the tooth in your mouth next to your cheek. A third viable option is to place the tooth in a clean cup of fresh milk or saliva. Do not place the tooth in tap water.
4. See your dentist or an emergency dentist within 30 minutes if possible – there’s a chance the tooth can be saved within an hour of being out of the mouth.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

The most common minor dental injury is broken, chipped, or cracked teeth. However, immediate treatment can help prevent infection and save the tooth. Follow these tips if you have a broken, chipped, or cracked tooth:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water and assess for pain, temperature sensitivity, or rough edges.
• If a blow to the face caused a broken or chipped tooth, put a cold compress on the area to help reduce swelling.
• Call your dentist immediately and take the tooth fragment(s) with you if you can find them.

Read More: Did You Chip or Break a Tooth? Here’s What to Do

Painful Toothache

A painful toothache can indicate an abscess or infection.

• Rinse the mouth with warm salt water to clean it.
• If there’s any swelling, place a cold compress on the cheek.
• Call your dentist to schedule an emergency appointment.

Mouth Injury

If an impact results in a jaw injury, the jawline may appear crooked or dislocated. Keep the injured person’s face as still as possible and get emergency assistance promptly.

Follow these tips if you bite or cut your cheek, tongue, or lip:

• Stay calm. There are a lot of blood vessels in the mouth tissues, so even minor injuries may look worse than they really are.
• Wash the area gently and place moist gauze or a towel on the area to control any bleeding. Keep firm pressure until the bleeding stops. Then, place a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling.
• Contact your doctor or head to the nearest urgent care or emergency room if the bleeding doesn’t stop in 15 minutes, if the cut is deep, extends onto the face, or if there’s a puncture through the lip or cheek.
• Most mouth injuries heal properly on their own, but it’s crucial to keep the area clean to avoid infections. Rinse with salt water or a 1:1 mix of water and hydrogen peroxide several times daily to help the wound heal quickly.
• Contact your dentist or doctor if you see signs of infection, like fever, swelling, pus, redness growing wider around the wound, or the wound remaining tender or painful.
• Talk to your orthodontist if you or your child have orthodontic braces and a loose bracket or wire cut into gums or cheeks. They can provide dental wax and other ways to temporarily solve the problem until you can get into the office.

Final Thoughts

Since you never know when a dental emergency will occur, it’s important to be familiar with these helpful tips for the most common dental emergencies. Your dental insurance plan also has information explaining how they cover dental emergencies.

Atkins & Anderson DDS has a dentist on call 24/7 for emergencies outside our regular business hours. Our on-call dentist can speak with you to assess the emergency and meet you at the office if necessary. Contact us today to learn more about the dental services we offer Bryan/College Station residents.

The holiday season is upon us – and this year, you or someone you love may be wishing for a whiter, straighter, more beautiful smile. At Atkins & Anderson Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we know a dazzling smile is a gift that lasts a lifetime.

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a broad term for dental procedures that improve the look of your smile. Over time, your teeth can wear down and become discolored or damaged. Cosmetic dentistry helps restore and rebuild your smile, making your bite and teeth more comfortable – and boosting your appearance and confidence.

What kinds of procedures does cosmetic dentistry include?

Veneers – Porcelain veneers are a conservative cosmetic treatment that makes a dramatic difference in the appearance of your teeth. They’re the perfect solution (and gift) if your teeth are crooked, chipped, stained, or have gaps between them. Veneers are customized to fit your teeth and boost your smile, appearance, and self-esteem.

Read More: Crowns vs Veneers 

Teeth Whitening

Whitening your teeth can make a huge difference in a beautiful smile. Coffee, wine, and tobacco can discolor teeth over time, diminishing your dazzling smile. Dentist-supervised tooth whitening is safe, effective, and long-lasting. Our practice uses a trusted at-home whitening kit with a customized tray that fits over your teeth. Powerful, prescription-strength whitening gel is inserted into the tray before you wear it. You’ll have a beautiful and dazzling smile in a few weeks!

Read More: Is Whitening Safe for My Teeth?

Invisalign

Whether you’ve never had braces or you had braces before, but your teeth have shifted – Invisalign may be your answer. Invisalign is a system of clear aligners that work to move teeth into the most ideal position. It’s an aesthetic alternative to conventional braces because the aligners are clear and barely noticeable.

Read More: FAQs About Invisalign

Porcelain Crowns and Bridges

You can erase years of wear and tear with porcelain crowns. Atkins & Anderson Dentistry uses a tooth-like crown made of porcelain to restore your tooth after the decay has been removed. With a sturdy porcelain cap, crowns protect and restore cracked, broken, or weak teeth. Porcelain bridges replace a missing tooth by anchoring to existing teeth or crowns on either side of the missing tooth.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

New advancements in dentistry mean you can now have tooth-colored fillings instead of silver fillings – resulting in a brighter, whiter, long-lasting smile. The tooth-colored material is bonded to the tooth for a stronger restoration.

Composite Bonding

A tooth-colored material applied to the tooth’s surface is known as composite bonding. The bonding material is sculpted and polished to look indistinguishable from your surrounding teeth. Bonding is an excellent option for chips, cracks, and damages due to stains and decay. It’s a quick procedure at an affordable price.

Read More: We’ve Got Answers to Your Dental Bonding Questions

Let Atkins & Anderson Dentistry Give You a Dazzling Smile

What better gift can you give a loved one or yourself than a healthy, beautiful smile? Other gifts may bring a smile for a little while, but the gift of cosmetic dentistry brings smiles that last a lifetime! Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Everyone suffers from bad breath at some point. Bad breath, or halitosis, usually originates in the mouth and can be caused by various factors, including lifestyle, diet, and some health conditions.

Instead of being embarrassed, let’s look at the most common causes of bad breath – and what you can do to solve it.

Read More: 8 Ways to Freshen Your Breath

 

1. Gum Disease

Gum (periodontal) disease starts when plaque (food particles and bacteria) buildup sits on the teeth for an extended time. When you don’t remove plaque by brushing and flossing correctly, the bacteria on your teeth cause toxins to form. Pockets between the teeth and gums are perfect hiding places for food debris and bacteria that cause gum irritation, inflammation – and bad breath.

Solution: The way to stop the bad breath caused by gum disease is to remove the plaque buildup with professional teeth cleaning twice a year. Between dental visits, make sure to brush properly twice a day, floss every night, and use mouthwash to flush away plaque.

Read More: How to Recognize Gum Disease

 

2. Cavities

Like gum disease, a cavity (tooth decay) is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in plaque. As cavities grow, the bacteria break through the outer shell of enamel and work their way into the tooth. When you have a cavity, plaque accumulates inside and causes bad breath.

Solution: To correct bad breath caused by cavities, your dentist must remove the bacteria and fill the hole. Keeping your teeth clean with proper brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings will prevent new cavities from forming.

Read More: Signs You Have a Cavity

 

3. Dry Mouth

Saliva helps remove bacteria, so when you have a dry mouth, odor-causing bacteria aren’t washed away – resulting in bad breath. Most people wake up with “morning breath” because during sleep, saliva production decreases, causing dry mouth and bad breath.

Because saliva fights bacteria, a lack of saliva allows bacteria to multiply. This overgrowth leads to bad breath. A dry mouth is also more prone to cavities and gum disease – which cause bad breath.

Solution: Using alcohol-free oral hygiene products and chewing sugar-free gum will help stimulate saliva naturally. Talk to your dentist if you suffer from chronic dry mouth because you may be at risk for different types of dental disease.

Read More: Functions of Saliva that Promote Oral Health

 

4. Foods and Drinks

This may seem obvious, but certain foods like onion, garlic, and spices can cause bad breath. In addition, coffee and alcoholic drinks can dry out your mouth and promote bacteria that cause bad breath.

Solution: Rinse your mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash after consuming these foods and drinks. If possible, brush or floss to remove any lingering food debris.

 

5. Poor Oral Hygiene

When you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles remain on your teeth and cause bad breath. Odor-causing bacteria can also collect on the tongue, which many people fail to clean as part of their daily oral health routine. In addition, if you wear dentures, food can become lodged underneath them and create an unpleasant smell.

Solution: Besides professional dental cleanings twice a year, it’s crucial to properly brush your teeth every morning and night, floss daily, and rinse with mouthwash. Brushing your tongue should also be part of your daily oral routine.

Read More: Daily Dental Do’s – 4 Ways to Keep You and Your Teeth Healthy

 

6. Other Issues

Other issues outside the mouth can cause bad breath – sinus infections, tonsillitis, heartburn, asthma, gastrointestinal illnesses, and more. Some medications can also contribute to dry mouth or release chemicals that cause bad breath.

Solution: If you suffer from chronic bad breath but have ruled out the other possible causes inside the mouth, ask your primary care physician to refer you to an ENT or other specialist to determine what may be causing your bad breath.

 

Get to the Root Cause of Bad Breath

Gum, mints, and mouthwash only cover up the problem. Following a proper dental hygiene routine is often enough to improve bad breath.

If you suffer from persistent bad breath, come see Atkins & Anderson Family Dentistry in Bryan/College Station! We’ll perform a thorough evaluation, let you know of any contributing dental causes, and help you find the fresh breath you want.

We all appreciate the hilarious videos parents post of their children after the removal of their wisdom teeth. Innocent teenagers, with sleepy eyes and puffy cheeks, say ridiculous things while coming out of the anesthesia from surgery, and we love that their parents share this moment. But why is it necessary for young adults to have their wisdom teeth removed in the first place? It’s not to provide entertainment to the masses. Then what happens after the anesthesia wears off? We’re here to answer all your wisdom teeth questions, from pre-surgery to recovery.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are your third molars that emerge between the age of 17 and 21. They are known as wisdom teeth because they are the only teeth that come in at a more mature age. Because they do not grow until later in life, there is often less room for them to come in correctly.

Why Remove Them?

Wisdom teeth removal occurs because there is not enough space in the back of your mouth for them to come in fully and properly. Removal is necessary if your wisdom teeth are impacted, meaning they are trapped in your jaw or under your gums. Wisdom teeth are also removed if they are coming in crooked, or if their presence causes too much crowding. Flossing is difficult if your teeth are too crowded, and you are at a higher risk for cavities and infection. Because of the risks, many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth before they come in.

How Long is Recovery?

It may take up to two weeks to fully recover from wisdom teeth surgery; however, after the first seven days, you’ll begin to feel better, have noticeably less swelling, and be able to eat more normally. Still, your gums will be sensitive, and you must adjust your diet and avoid crunchy or chewy foods. Seven days after your surgery, you will need to rinse your extraction sites after you eat to avoid infection. Please wait the full seven days before rinsing your gums, as any rinsing earlier could remove the healing blood clot.

What Foods to Eat?

Eating soft, healthful foods will increase the speed of your recovery. Below is a suggested timeline of foods to include in your diet in the days after your wisdom teeth removal surgery.

Days 1-3

• Blended soups
• Broths
• Smoothies
• Yogurt
• Pudding
• Potatoes
• Apple Sauce
• Jell-O
• Ice Cream
• Pureed Seedless Fruits
• Pureed Vegetables

Days 3-7 (in addition to the previous list)

• Scrambled eggs
• Macaroni and cheese
• Instant oatmeal
• Toast

Days 7-14 (in addition to the previous list)

• Soft sandwiches
• Pasta dishes

What Foods to Avoid?

To protect the extraction site from irritation or infection, avoid the following foods. Do not include snack items that are small, sharp, and crunchy until your gums have healed completely—even if it takes more than two weeks.

Week 1-2

• Acidic, tough, or spicy foods (including citrus juice)
• Crumbly or crunchy foods
• Foods that are tough to chew
• Pizza
• Hamburgers
• Grains (rice or quinoa)
• Alcohol
• Seeds

Week 2-4

• Popcorn
• Chips
• Nuts
• Granola

If you have more questions about wisdom teeth removal, contact us at Atkins and Anderson, DDS. Our team will assess your need for wisdom teeth removal and support you through the process.