Dentist Flower Mound TX | Dr. William Wyatt Shares Dental Health Tips For Children And Teens

Dentist Flower Mound TX  | Dr. William Wyatt would like to share the following dental health tips with parents of children and teens.  The first thing you need to know is that teeth are really important.  Even Baby Teeth!!!  Don't give teeth the brush off!

Parents should help babies and toddlers with brushing and flossing their teeth, but even older children may not have the manual dexterity to properly clean their teeth. Here are some tips for establishing good dental habits:

For Children Under age 3

When teeth first emerge, brush your child's with a tiny amount of  fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily.  Our office recommends using about as much as a grain of rice on an infant size soft toothbrush. We also recommend that you begin flossing their teeth as soon as you have two teeth that touch.

 
For Children Ages 3 to 6

At about age 3-6, you will increase the amount of toothpaste that you use to about the size of a pea.  Make sure that you are brushing your child's teeth, at least twice daily.

Make sure that you teach your child to spit, not swallow the toothpaste.

As your child gets older teach them how to brush by themselves, but be sure to supervise them.  We want to teach them healthy habits from a young age!

For Children Ages 7 to 8

You will still want to continue to supervising your child's brushing.  When you bring them in for their dental hygiene visit, we can show you how to use disclosing tablets at home. Disclosing tablets stain the plaque on the teeth, making it visible so that you can easily brush it away.  It also makes it easy to show your child where they missed when they brush.  At this point we will also show your child how to use a floss threader to make flossing easier.  

For Your Pre-Teens and Teens

Our office recommends that they brush at least twice daily and floss at least once daily. Other really important advice would be to make sure they avoid sugary or starchy snacks which could make them much more prone to cavities.  You also want to educate them on the dangers of smoking and chewing tobacco.  

If your child plays sports, please make an appointment so that we can make them a custom fitting mouthguard.  Dental injuries are very common during sporting activities and we want to make sure we minimize that.  Store bought, over the counter mouth guards are NOT effective for this.

We also want to educate teens about the dangers of lip and tongue piercings.  Infections and broken teeth are just some of the problems.  

For ALL children and Teens (And Parents Too!!)

Be sure to see us here at Flower Mound Dental at least twice a year (or more often depending on your particular needs) for your professional Dental Hygiene Visit or Periodontal Maintenance Visit.  At these very important visits we will do a thorough exam, check for tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.  One of our skilled hygienists will also professionally clean your teeth and give you a professional strength fluoride treatment to reduce your chances of any new cavities by as much as 70%.  We are totally committed to both your oral health and your overall health.  

Dentist in Flower Mound TX Urges YOU To Get YOUR Oral Cancer Screening Today!

Oral cancer is on the rise.                                               

This year alone it is estimated that more than 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed this year, and about 9,000 will die as a result of oral cancer.  That is why educating yourself on prevention methods, early detection, and treatment options is more important than  ever.  

The number of people expected to be diagnosed this year with oral and throat cancers is VERY concerning.  The good news is that early detection is quick, easy, and painless.  As part of your routine dental exam, we will be screening you for oral cancer as well.  A dentist can see and feel precancerous tissue changes and early cancer, and can diagnose them during the early, curable stages. When oral cancer is detected early, the survival rate is an encouraging 80% to 90% and treatment outcomes are also good.

Many oral and throat cancers today are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus, specifically HPV 16 and HPV 18.  Because of the rapidly growing number of HPV-related oral cancer diagnoses, we strongly recommend that our patients age 17 years and older get screened yearly.

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening takes only three minutes. It consists of a verbal, visual, and physical examination and includes the following:

•   A thorough review of your oral health history, as well as your overall health history, which includes questions that help assess your level of risk for mouth cancer

•   A visual inspection of all the areas of your mouth and throat in an effort to locate any abnormalities, such as sores and red or white patches; this inspection includes the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, and far-back section of your tongue

Oral Cancer Signs and Symptoms

In between routine dental exams, you should perform self-examinations.  Some of the things that you should be looking for when doing self examination which may indicate either a cancerous or pre-cancerous lesion are any of the following:

•   Red or white patches on the lining of the mouth or tongue

•   Swelling or thickening of areas inside the mouth

•   Unexplained bleeding

•   Sores on the face, neck, or mouth that do not heal

•   A Chronic sore throat

•   Hoarseness in your voice

•   A change in the way your dentures fit

•   Suspicious lumps found by palpating your mouth, jaw, and neck

•   Dramatic weight loss

•   Inability to swallow, or difficulty in swallowing

•   Swollen glands in the neck that do not go away

Oral Cancer Prevention Tips

Here are some of the things that you can do to minimize your risk of getting Oral or Throat Cancer:

•   Avoid smoking and the use of all tobacco products.

•   Limit drinking alcohol, or avoid it all together.

•   Avoid overexposure to the sun, and use sunblock on your skin and lips.

•   Practice safe sex.  HPV is a sexually transmitted virus.

•   Maintain a healthy diet.

Give our office a call today to schedule your Oral Cancer Screening.  It just takes 3 minutes of your time.  It’s quick, easy, and painless, and the life you save may be your own.  Don’t wait one day longer.  Call our office today for you personal screening and get the peace of mind that you deserve!

Dentist in Flower Mound Texas Asks, Are You Embarrassed Because It's Been A While Since You've Been To Then Dentist?

Are You Embarrassed Because It’s Been A While 

Since You’ve Been To The Dentist?

            

Dentist in Flower Mound TX, Dr. William Wyatt understands what you’re going through. Dr. Wyatt is proud to say that the entire team here at Flower Mound Dental take great pride in helping nervous patients get the dental care that they need.  We understand that there are many reasons people avoid going to the dentist.  Some patients may have had a bad experience in the past, often as a child.  

We take pride in the fact that we spend what ever time is necessary to understand each individual patient’s concerns.  It is very gratifying for us to see someone who comes in that is very fearful, but gradually becomes confident at every dental visit.  This happens regularly at our office, because we offer comfortable dental treatment for our patients in a caring, non threatening, and non judgemental environment.

If you’ve been thinking that you really should make that dental appointment, but have been putting it off for a long time, you don’t have to worry any longer.  We are here for you.  You should also know that when you come for your visit, we won’t lecture you!  We understand that many factors affect dental health including environmental and hereditary factors.  We just want you to know that we will do everything possible to help you achieve a healthy and optimal smile.  

If you are embarrassed about the condition of your teeth, please understand that we have seen worse, and you are not alone!  The good news is that if we work together, we can come up with a plan that fits into your life.  We will help you achieve that smile of your dreams, and you won’t have to be embarrassed any longer.

Give us a call today at (972) 355-2222 to schedule your complimentary consultation.  While you’re here, be sure and let us know if there is anything in particular that has kept you from visiting the dentist in the past.  It is our goal to make your experience in our office a very pleasant one.  Your comfort is our number one priority.

If you’re looking for a great dentist in the Flower Mound TX area, this is the office for you!  We look forward to meeting you soon.

www.FlowerMoundDental.com

Happy New Year From Flower Mound Dental

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the calendar year in most parts of the world. The holiday is celebrated on January 1st of each year. Customs and celebrations vary by country, religion, and even individual desires. Whether celebrated quietly or with gusto, the day brings the start of new opportunities for those that observe it.

United States and Canada

In both the US and Canada, celebrations begin on New Year’s Eve. At midnight on January 1st the New Year is welcomed with bells, horns, whistles, and other noisemakers. Fireworks are often part of the celebrations. In New York City, Times Square comes alive with revelers. In Toronto, there are large celebrations which may feature concerts, late-night partying, sporting events, and fireworks, with free public transit service during peak party times. Many individuals in North America greet the year by making resolutions for improvements in their lives.

China

In China, many people celebrate two forms of a new year. They may observe January 1st, but the traditional Chinese New Year is based on a lunar calendar. Parades with paper lanterns and dragons made from silk are a significant part of the festivities. Legends say that the dragon spends most of its time in hibernation so fireworks are used to keep the dragon awake.

Jewish Celebration

Jewish New Year’s observances begin with Rosh Hashanah, the first day of the New Year, and end with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This ten-day celebration is held in September or October, based on the Hebrew calendar. The New Year is not marked as much with loud celebrations as with personal insight to mend wrongs and resolve to better oneself.

Other countries and cultures also have different dates for New Year’s Day observances:

• Vietnam observes the New Year in February
• In Iran, the day is celebrated on March 21st
• Islamic cultures often observe the tenth day of the month of Muharram
• Russian Orthodox observers use the Julian calendar and celebrate on January 14th
• Buddhist celebrations are held from April 13th through 15th

If you observe New Year’s Day by making healthy resolutions, include dental care in your plans with Dr. William Wyatt and the entire team at Flower Mound Dental Care.  The health of your teeth and gums contributes to your overall health. Caring for your mouth now can prevent many dental problems later in life as well as lower your risk for other systemic illnesses including Heart Disease, Diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease and even strokes!  

Flower Mound Dental Care wishes you a healthy, prosperous, and  a very Happy New Year! Give us a call today to schedule your dental exam and start your new year off right!

Dentist Flower Mound TX | Dr. Wyatt Talks About Bleeding Gums

Dentist in Flower Mound TX,  Dr. William Wyatt Talks About Bleeding Gums

 Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth?  Or worse…do they bleed when you eat certain foods?  While bleeding gums or gum sensitivity is not uncommon, the condition, known as gingivitis is typically a sign of more serious underlying oral health issues.  Left untreated, the bleeding gums, or gingivitis can even progress to more complex conditions like periodontal disease that could lead to the loss of teeth.  The bacteria associated with periodontal disease has also been associated with other illnesses like heart attacks, stroke, low birth weight babies, and Alzheimer’s Disease, just to name a few.   It can even complicate existing conditions like Diabetes.  Your oral health is directly connected to your overall health, that’s why it’s such a priority to us.

Treatment for bleeding gums centers on effective oral hygiene practices paired with comprehensive, routine dental care.

What Is the Condition Known As "Bleeding Gums" or Gingivitis?

If you have ever been brushing your teeth and seen a bit of pink when you rinsed out your mouth, this appearance of blood is not normal.  Healthy tissue does not bleed.   When your gums are consistently inflamed, bleeding, or are sensitive and swollen, you could be at risk for gum disease or other health issues.

When you have gingivitis, you may also notice other symptoms, such as bad breath, a bad taste in your mouth, redness or tenderness in your gums, and even receding gums.

What Causes Gum Sensitivity?

One of the primary causes of bleeding gums or gum sensitivity is the incomplete removal of plaque from the base of the teeth or gum line. Not eliminating this plaque allows bacteria to grow in your mouth, and at the gum line.  It even begins to migrate under the gums if it is not professionally removed.  

If the plaque is still not removed, it can harden and form what is called tartar, which eventually causes a more progressive condition known as gum disease or periodontitis. This disease causes increased gum bleeding, foul breath, bone loss, shifting of your teeth, and eventually tooth loss.

While plaque buildup is the most common cause of bleeding gums, there are other causes as well. Excessive bleeding in your gums may indicate a bleeding disorder, leukemia, scurvy, vitamin K deficiency, or other systemic conditions. 

Additionally, brushing too hard, ill-fitting dental restorations, and improper flossing can also cause your gums to bleed.  Any bleeding should be checked by a dental professional and not left to chance!

What Are Some Ways to Treat Bleeding Gums?

Appropriate oral hygiene practices are the best way to prevent and treat bleeding gums or gingivitis. To maintain good oral health, you should brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush after each meal. Flossing daily or even twice a day is also a recommended practice.  Using an antibacterial mouthwash also helps.

In addition to great home care, you should also visit the dentist at least once every 6 months to have the plaque removed from your teeth and to get a comprehensive checkup.  It you have ANY signs of gum disease it is really important to see a dentist for a professional teeth cleaning every 3 months.  Statistically it has been shown that it takes about 3 months for the bacteria that cause gum disease and bone loss to repopulate the mouth to a destructive level after a professional dental hygiene visit.  By having a professional dental hygiene visit every 3 months you have the best chance of staying healthy and keeping the bacteria under control.

If you’ve experienced any bleeding or sensitivity in your gums, or if it’s been longer than 3 months since your last dental hygiene visit, give us a call today.  We will find an appointment that works with your schedule.  Don’t leave your oral or overall health to chance. 

(972) 355-2222

www.FlowerMoundDental.com 

Dentist in Flower Mound TX Shares Important Information About Your Child's Teeth

Many parents worry that their children’s teeth are not falling out on time.  A lot of concerned parents want to know:  When will my child lose his or her first baby tooth?  At what age should the last tooth fall out?  Is there a specific order in which the teeth are lost?

Dr. Wyatt explains that a child’s 20 baby teeth (primary teeth) typically come in by age three and begin to loosen and fall out on their own to make room for permanent teeth, which usually appear by the time your child is six.  It is important to know that timing may vary, and girls typically lose their baby teeth earlier than boys.  The last baby teeth will likely fall out by the time your child is 13.                                          
So, which teeth do children lose first?  Baby teeth tend to fall out in the order in which they came, which means the lower center incisors are usually the first to go when your child is between six and seven years old.  The next teeth your child will lose are his or her top center pair, also called the upper central incisors.

It’s important to note that if a child loses a baby tooth early as a result of decay or an unforeseen accident, his or her permanent tooth may erupt early and potentially come in crooked due to limited space.  If your child suffers an injury or has tooth decay, we encourage you to give us a call to set up an appointment with Dr. Wyatt.  There are steps we can take to protect the permanent tooth and maintain space for it if the baby tooth is lost prematurely.

While we know some children couldn’t be more excited to lose their baby teeth, we know others are anxious about this childhood milestone. When your child starts to lose teeth, our team at Flower Mound Dental Care encourages you to stress the importance of proper oral hygiene on a daily basis.

Remember to:

• Remind your child to brush his or her teeth at least twice a day. Supervise and offer assistance  as needed.

• Help your child floss his or her teeth at bedtime.

• Limit eating and drinking between meals and at bedtime, especially sugary treats and drinks, such as candy and soda.

• Schedule regular dental visits for your child at least every six months.

• Ask about the use of fluoride treatments and dental sealants to help prevent tooth decay.

To learn more about baby teeth, or to schedule your child’s next visit with Dr. Wyatt and our team at our Flower Mound TX Dental Office, please give us a call today at  (972) 220-1823.

www.FlowerMoundDental.com

Flower Mound TX Dentist Keeps YOUR TMJ Pain Free This Summer!

Summer is here and barbecue season is upon us, and that means a variety of summertime treats will be hitting tables at parks and backyards throughout Flower Mound TX.   However, if you suffer from chronic jaw pain, some of these foods might make the symptoms worse. Don’t let your favorite foods hurt you: Visit Dr. Wyatt, a Flower Mound TX dentist with experience treating TMJ today.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the upper and lower jaw and allows for movement of the mouth. Repetitive stress or trauma can cause the TMJ to become misaligned and inflamed, leading to pain in the jaw and other parts of the face, migraine headaches, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
Many TMJ patients experience discomfort when they’re chewing, with some foods putting greater strain on the joint than others. Unfortunately, many favorite summer menu items can aggravate the 
symptoms of TMJ disorder, including:

• Corn on the cob
• Chips
• Thickly sliced meats
• Large chunks of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, etc.
• Ice
• Gum and hard candy

In addition to these food items, alcoholic beverages and drinks high in caffeine can put the muscles under stress. Patients who drink a lot of caffeine, for example, are more inclined to teeth grinding, which puts extra pressure on the TMJ.

The headaches and other symptoms of TMJ can lead to recurring, long-term discomfort. Make the decision to stop jaw pain today.  You can reach Dr. Wyatt at his Flower Mound TX dental office by calling  (972) 220-1823 for your complimentary consultation.  Begin exploring TMJ treatment options and stay pain free all summer! 

www.FlowerMoundDental.com

Flower Mound TX Dentist Talks About Cavities. What Are The Signs?

Flower Mound TX Dentist, Dr. William Wyatt talks about cavities.  Many patients ask us, How do I know if I have a cavity, and if I do have one, what can I do about it?  Well, cavities, like most other health issues, can vary in degree or seriousness. When a cavity first begins to form, it’s pretty easy to treat, often with a small, tooth colored restoration that blends perfectly with your tooth... and we’re able to keep the tooth decay from spreading. If left untreated, however, it can lead to some pretty serious complications, including tooth loss, and nobody wants that!  

Your best chance of minimizing tooth damage from cavities is early detection and early treatment. When you’re in our office for your routine dental hygiene visits a few times a year, we’ll definitely be looking for early warning signs.  We will also give you a professional fluoride treatment in our office.  According to the American Dental Association, having a professional fluoride treatment after your dental hygiene visit can decrease the incidence of new decay by up to 75%.  That’s pretty terrific, but there are also ways you can be on the lookout between your visits to our office.

Here are three signs to watch for:

Pain:
Tooth pain is not normal, so it’s definitely a red flag. If you’re experiencing pain, a cavity may be the cause of the discomfort.

Sensitivity:
Many things can cause general tooth sensitivity (teeth whitening treatments for example), but if you notice that a particular tooth is sensitive to hot, cold, sugary and acidic foods or pressure, it’s cause for concern.

Bad breath:
This one is tricky, as there are many causes of bad breath, but one of them is actually a cavity. The bacteria present in tooth infections (which is really what a cavity is) produces a very unpleasant smell. 

If any of these sound familiar, call us today at: (972) 355-2222 to schedule an appointment for a dental exam as soon as possible. If it is a cavity, early treatment is vital to minimizing damage. And if it’s not a cavity, we will be able to determine what else might be causing the issue.  

Remember, it’s always better to prevent cavities with routine dental care, professional fluoride treatments, sealants and good home care.  We can help you develop your own plan to stay cavity free!  

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Dr. William Wyatt and your entire dental care team

www.FlowerMoundDental.com

Dentist in Flower Mound TX, Dr. William Wyatt, helps his patients with their New Year's Resolutions!

It's that time of year again when people everywhere resolve to get healthy. This may include eating better, kicking your tobacco habit and starting that exercise program you've been putting off for months. Taking better care of ourselves is a common resolution many of us make as we look ahead to a fresh new year. When compiling your own list of resolutions for 2014, don't forget to keep your dental health in mind, too. 

At Flower Mound Dental, we make maintaining a healthy smile easy all year long. Never underestimate the value of your regular cleaning and exam and always make an appointment with your dentist for any discomfort or dental problem that arises. Paying careful attention to proper brushing and flossing, monitoring your diet and taking advantage of cosmetic dental services are all ways to give yourself a bright, healthy smile.

This New Year, resolve to take care of your smile and dental health. Start with a regular cleaning, exam and consultation.  A healthy body is tied to a healthy mouth.  Also, be sure to ask us about smile-enhancing dental treatments, such as teeth whitening, veneers and Invisalign.  Don't delay; the beautiful smile you've always wanted is waiting for you!  And now, with flexible payment plans, getting that smile you deserve is easier than ever.

Happy New Year to you and your family from all of us at Flower Mound Dental!

www.FlowerMoundDental.com

(972) 355-2222

Dentist Flower Mound TX | When Do You Need To Replace Old Fillings?

There is no substitution for a natural healthy tooth. Dental fillings are intended to replace tooth structure and restore a tooth damaged by decay (a cavity) back to its normal function and shape. Silver (amalgam) and tooth-colored (composite) fillings last a long time, though they can develop decay when the integrity is compromised by open margins, fracture, or recurrent decay. 

Amalgam fillings are made of an alloy (mixed metals) that expands and contracts. They have no bonding properties, and so to place an amalgam filling, the hole in the tooth may need to be larger. Because of these two factors, fractures frequently occur. There are three types of cracks that are commonly associated. Craze lines are superficial with no treatment needed. Fractures extend along other parts of the tooth and may require a filling replacement or crown. Cracks extend toward the root and can require a root canal and crown or, if too severe, extraction.

A filling needs to be sealed to the tooth. If the seal between the tooth and the filling breaks down, food debris and bacteria can seep down under the filling and cause recurrent decay. If the decay is treated early, replacing the filling is adequate. If not, a crown and even a root canal may be needed. The biggest mistake you can make is waiting to do something about a broken or unsealed filling until it is painful. Doing this will only make the treatment more involved and often times more expensive.

Regular dental exams and X-rays are used to evaluate dental fillings. You will not be able to tell on your own when your fillings start to fail. Just as a car mechanic will change the oil, correct your alignment, or change your tires, a dental checkup will help you identify small concerns to fix as you go in order to avoid a critical emergency.

Pay attention to any bite or temperature sensitivity in teeth that have fillings. This can be an indicator for some of the problems listed above. You know your teeth better than anyone. Your observations are most valuable when evaluating a filling for replacement. If replacement is needed, know you are doing what is best to prevent future dental calamities and make an appointment to see us today!

www.FlowerMoundDental.com

(972) 220-1823

Dentist Flower Mound TX | Brighten Your Smile This Summer With Teeth Whitening In Flower Mound TX

When you think of summer, what comes to mind? Is it time spent at the beach? Picnics and barbeques? Nights of fun with friends and end of the winter celebrations? With summer fast approaching, many people begin thinking about brightening their smiles this time of year. Teeth whitening procedures help many people to achieve this goal. Did you know that Dr. Wyatt offers great specials on teeth whitening to all of his new patients with a complete exam, necessary x-rays and dental hygiene visit?

Teeth whitening works well for many people, but it is not for everyone. Some people have intrinsic (within the teeth) stain that isn’t likely to whiten very much. Whitening systems are usually very effective for people with surface staining and very few restorations on their front teeth. For patients with multiple restorations in the front teeth, they will probably get very little benefit from whitening. These patients are often better candidates for porcelain veneers or Lumineers.

There are many options available, and making a decision as to which system to use can seem overwhelming. There are whitening toothpastes, over-the-counter products, daytime or night time whitening systems, and in-office whitening technology, all of which have varying degrees of effectiveness. But don’t worry, Dr. Wyatt is here to help guide you!

• Whitening toothpastes and other over-the-counter whiteners are effective for some people, but offer milder results than those achieved by professional whitening.  They can also be used without the supervision, however, the results are often less dramatic and often don’t last as long.

• The most popular professional whitening systems generally involve stronger whitening agents such as take-home bleaching trays. Dr. Wyatt takes dental impressions of your teeth which are used to custom make your very own trays to fit your mouth perfectly. You can even choose between different strengths of whitening material (an hour a day or overnight) and determine which one works best around your schedule! The take-home products usually take about two weeks to get the desired effect. Check out our Teeth Whitening on our website or ask us about our FREE Whitening-for-Life program!

• In-office whitening systems have become extremely popular due to the “instant gratification” aspect. At a time when people seem to be busier than ever, many people prefer one-hour solutions like Zoom in office whitening.

Teeth whitening is more popular than ever because many people want to have whiter, brighter teeth. Remember that teeth whitening can be effective for most people. Feel free to call us today at 

(972) 220-1823 to take advantage of our complimentary consultation with Dr. Wyatt for more specific advice on teeth whitening, and to make sure that you get the results that you want.

In addition to teeth whitening, we provide a full menu of cosmetic dental procedures at ourFlower Mound TX dental office. With porcelain veneers, you can correct the shape of your teeth in addition to brightening the color. If you are missing a tooth, a dental implant may be the solution.

If you are embarrassed by a less-than-sparkling smile, let Dr. Wyatt and his team of dental professionals help you brighten it up this summer!

www.FlowerMoundDental.com

Dentist Flower Mound TX | The Greatest Dentist I Have Been To

Call us today for your complimentary consultation!

(972) 355-2222   

www.FlowerMoundDental.com                

Call our office today at (972) 355-2222 to schedule your complimentary consultation.  You can also visit us at: 

http://www.FlowerMoundDental.com

Welcome to our practice!