Preparing Your Toothbrush For Maximum Brushing

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We have all been told about the importance of brushing and flossing every day. However, your toothbrush may not be as effective or as clean as you think it is. A new study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham revealed that Staphylococci, coliforms, pseudomonads, yeasts, intestinal bacteria and even fecal germs may rest on your toothbrush. Your Mansfield dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, outline how to store and clean your toothbrush to accomplish excellent brushing, plaque elimination, and ultimately good dental health.

Reduce Germs

  • Rinse toothbrush with clean water after use. This removes food debris and remaining toothpaste.
  • Let your toothbrush dry out. Do not store your toothbrush in a container or cover it because it is important to let it dry out. If it remains in damp surroundings, germs are more likely to thrive there. Hang the toothbrush so that it can rest upright and air dry as quickly as possible.
  • Store toothbrushes separately from each other to avoid cross-contamination of germs.
  • Replace a toothbrush after an illness. Keep the infected person’s toothbrush away from others, and if possible, purchase a new toothbrush following the illness, especially for illnesses that are spread through body fluids.
  • Replace a new toothbrush every three of four months, or whenever the bristles become worn.
  • Keep toothbrushes away from the toilet to avoid germs flying out during flushing.
  • Use antimicrobial rinses such as Listerine prior to brushing to lower the number of germs in your mouth. This will slash the number of germs that are left behind on your toothbrush.
  • Wash your hands immediately after using the restroom before touching your toothbrush to prevent fecal-oral contamination.
  • Maintain regular dental cleanings every six months to diminish the types and number of bacteria in your mouth.

About Your Mansfield Dentists

Mansfield Dental Associates strives to stay abreast of the latest research to provide superb cosmetic, general, and restorative dentistry in Mansfield. They work hand in hand with their patients by teaching them best practices for home care. To schedule an appointment, please call 817-473-6227. They proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

 

 

 

 

 

filed under: Dental Hygiene, General Dentistry, Oral Hygiene

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Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers and Dental Bonding

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Your Mansfield dentists know how important your smile is to you. They want you to feel comfortable and confident with your smile and dental health. Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris provide two straightforward cosmetic dentistry options that correct minor flaws: porcelain veneers and dental bonding. They now discuss the advantages of porcelain veneers and dental bonding.

What Is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding refers to a procedure in which Dr. Jones or Dr. Harris place composite material onto your teeth, shaping it to mimic your natural teeth. The composite material is tinted to match your existing tooth color. Bonding masks stains, gaps between teeth, misshapen teeth, and other structural irregularities.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that adhere to your teeth. They are a good option for individuals who would like to make minor position changes in their teeth such as correcting the appearance of crooked teeth. They can alter the shape of your teeth and conceal chips, cracks, and stains.

The Pros of Bonding

Bonding requires less of a time commitment from patients because it usually doesn’t involve multiple visits to the dentist like porcelain veneers can. Also, they tend to be less expensive than veneers. Some people prefer bonding because it does not alter the existing tooth as veneers do. In the case of veneers, Dr. Jones or Dr. Harris sometimes remove a small portion of the tooth to allow room for the veneer, but this is not typically needed during a bonding procedure. Also, the composite material used in dental bonding easily conforms to the shape of your tooth, adding durability to the tooth.

The Pros of Porcelain Veneers

If you are looking for a more lasting procedure, veneers usually maintain their form and function longer than a dental bonding does. Also, they have become quite popular because of their natural appearance. Porcelain is translucent like dental enamel, the top layer of our teeth. Thus, light shines through the porcelain just like it shines through enamel. Also, porcelain can be dyed to several different shades, so porcelain veneers can match the color of your natural teeth.

About Our Doctors

Mansfield Dental Associates provide a personalize level of care with a compassionate bedside manner. To schedule an appointment, please call 817-473-6227. They welcome and treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers

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Red Wine May Help Fight Cavities

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A new study from the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry studied the theory that wine, grape seed extract, and polyphenols can slow bacterial growth in the mouth. If this theory is supported, red wine may one day be a part of a cavity-fighting product. Your Mansfield dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, will discuss how cavities form and the potential repercussions of this study.

How Cavities Form

Our mouth contains over 700 strains of bacteria. When we eat, the bacteria thrive off the sugars and starches from the food, and they form a sticky plaque that clings to our teeth. This bacteria produce an acid that eats through the hard, white coating on the outside of our teeth, the enamel. This can eventually create a hole in the tooth called a cavity. The first sensation of pain usually occurs when eating or drinking very cold or very hot foods or eating sweet foods. Brushing, flossing, drinking fluoridated water, and using mouthwashes can help to prevent cavities. Maintaining regular dental cleanings at Mansfield Dental Associates is also highly beneficial because the hygienists will remove plaque and tartar in hard to reach places.

What This Study Could Mean To You

The researchers of the study grew cultures of bacteria that lead to tooth decay in the form of a biofilm. They then exposed the biofilms to different liquids such as red wine, red wine without alcohol, red wine spiked with grape see extract, and water with 12 percent ethanol. The red wine with or without alcohol and the red wine with grape seed extract proved to be more successful at stopping or killing the bacteria than the water mixture. This may mean that red wine could potentially be used to create cavity-fighting products with fewer unpleasant side effects. In the case of mouthwashes, many people complain of their side effects and stop using them before they have fully benefitted from them. This study could help to generate natural products that fight tooth decay with limited side effects.

About Your Mansfield Dentists

Mansfield Dental Associates provide general, restorative, and cosmetic services with professional care. They care about each patient and treat them with respect and compassion. To schedule an appointment, please call 817-473-6227. They proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Oral Hygiene, Preventive Dentistry

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Your Mansfield Dentists Explain Crowns and Bridges

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Feeling embarrassed by your stained, chipped, or missing teeth can lead to depression and anxiety, says a new study which surveyed  451,075  adults. The findings discovered that tooth loss is associated with depression and anxiety. Two straightforward restorative dentistry procedures can alleviate your self-consciousness and make you confident in your smile once again. Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris outline the differences between two highly beneficial restorative options, dental crowns and dental bridges.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are also called caps because they are placed over your existing tooth. They are advantageous for correcting permanently stained teeth, chipped teeth, misshapen teeth, teeth with significant decay, and for replacing fillings. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris provide two types of crowns: all-porcelain crowns for the visible teeth, and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM,) or gold crowns, which are appropriate for the stronger forces from chewing. PFM crowns are typically chosen for the back teeth. Your dentists will discuss these two types, and they will place the crown over two appointments. At the first appointment, Dr. Jones or Dr. Harris will sculpt the existing tooth so that the crown will fit perfectly over it. He will take impressions so that a dental lab can mold your new crown. He will provide a temporary crown for you to wear until the permanent crown is ready. Then, at the second appointment, he will check the fitting and then cement the crown into place.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge can replace one or more adjacent missing teeth. One or more artificial teeth are attached to two crowns at each end of the bridge. These crowns rest atop healthy teeth. Together, the crowns and artificial teeth form a bridge. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris will again take impressions of  your mouth to ensure an optimum fit for the bridge. They will give instructions on the shade of your nearby teeth so that the bridge will match the other teeth. You will be given a temporary bridge while the dental lab constructs your bridge. Then, when the bridge is complete, your dentists will place into your mouth and check to be sure it fits comfortably.

About Your Mansfield Dentists

Mansfield Dental Associates provide clinical excellence in every restorative, cosmetic, or general dental service at their Mansfield office. To schedule a consultation, please call 817-473-6227. We welcome patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

 

 

 

 

filed under: Dental Bridge, Dental Crowns

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Your Mansfield Dentist’s Response to Dental Anxiety

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In today’s fast-paced, disaster-prone world, many of us experience anxiety from time to time. A very common fear that often develops is a fear of going to the doctor, and this sometimes extends to dental visits. In fact, some estimates state that 9 to 15 percent of Americans avoid the dentist because of dental anxiety. A recent article appearing in The Journal of the American Dental Association states that the amount of dental anxiety may be greater in patients with recurrent gagging problems. Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris make a point to meet every patient with utmost care and understanding. They work hard to calm the fears of anxious patients. They now outline what to expect during a visit to their Mansfield office.

Dental Anxiety

The article in The Journal of the American Dental Association reports that people who experience gagging issues may fear the dentist because they worry that a dentist may trigger their gag reflex. Over time, they may develop irrational fears regarding dental visits. The authors urge dentists to recognize gagging’s effect on a patient’s anxiety, and they recommend that the dentist lead an open discussion with patients about their fears. Talking about their fears can soothe the patient, and working together with the dentist to come up with solutions for handling the stress makes the patient feel more in control.

What to Expect at Your Appointment At Mansfield Dental

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris have become known for providing professional, gentle care. At each visit, they will provide the following:

  • They will present a thorough explanation of any issues found in the mouth as well as the treatment options. They will ensure that you understand what to expect prior to any procedure so that there are no surprises.
  • Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris take the time to discuss fears and listen to your individual concerns.
  • Your dentists also strive to make the visit as comfortable as possible. They are always willing to quickly adjust their methods if the patient begins to feel any discomfort.
  • The dentists work extremely hard to minimize wait time both in the waiting room and the exam room.
  • The dentists have much experience working with patients with dental anxiety, and they have become adept at settling nerves.

About Our Doctors

Mansfield Dental Associates offers cosmetic, general, and restorative dentistry with a caring touch. If you would like to schedule a consultation at our Mansfield office, please call 817-473-6227. Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.
 

 

 

 

filed under: Dental Anxiety, Patient Comfort, Sedation Dentistry

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Dental Checkups are Good for Your Heart

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Dental check ups do more than just polish your pearly whites. Regular six month check ups and cleanings complement at-home brushing and flossing and provide an opportunity to identify gum disease and tooth decay before it progresses further.  More and more research is also showing that your dental health is tied to your overall health. A new study coming from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) asked 15,000 patients battling chronic coronary heart disease to answer questions on their dental health. The results of the study discovered that gum disease disorders such as tooth loss and gingivitis could be a possible risk marker for cardiovascular disease. Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris invite their patients to experience excellent clinical care in their comfortable Mansfield office. They would like to share the results of this new study that highlights the importance of dental check ups.

Findings of the Study

  • Data suggests that gum disease is a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Data showed that indicators of gum disease such as tooth loss and gum bleeding were associated with many cardiovascular risk factors. The opposite was true as well: lower rates of tooth loss were associated with lower incidences of cardiovascular risk factors.
  • The researchers adjusted for factors such as age, smoking, diabetes, and education level, but the results from the study still show that patients with tooth loss and gum bleeding possessed a greater likelihood for developing cardiovascular disease. This finding suggests the possibility of using dental health as a marker for cardiovascular risk.
  • Researchers found that demographic, genetic, and socioeconomic differences affect gum disease. The researchers found an especially strong link between socioeconomic status and gum disease. Both smoking and lower levels of education were also strongly associated with gum disease.
  • The authors of the study could not conclude that poor oral health or the presence of gum disease cause a greater risk for heart disease. More research is needed to prove a causal link between poor oral health and the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.

About Your Mansfield Dentists

Mansfield Dental Associates provide professional care with a warm, caring touch. If you would like to schedule a consultation at our Mansfield office, please call please call 817-473-6227. Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

 

 

 

 

 

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Steps of Zoom! Teeth Whitening

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If you have ever felt embarrassed by stained or discolored teeth, Mansfield Dental Associates now offers an efficient and effective teeth whitening option, Zoom! Zoom! is a straightforward whitening system that can lighten your teeth up to ten shades in an hour or less. Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris provide gentle restorative, general, and cosmetic dentistry services in a comfortable environment. They now explain the steps of one of the leading choices for professional teeth whitening, Zoom!

Steps Prior to Procedure

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris will examine your teeth and gums prior to the procedure to ensure that you are a good candidate for whitening. If you are experiencing gum disease, tooth decay, or other dental issues, the doctors will treat these before they whiten your teeth.

Steps of Zoom! Whitening System

The first step is to clean the teeth with brushing. Then, Dr. Jones or Dr. Harris will place a shield or cover that protects the lips and gums from the bleaching agent. In the next step, the doctors will spread the Zoom hydrogen peroxide gel over the teeth. Your doctors will shine the Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp which stimulates the peroxide. The doctors will then remove the gel after 15 minutes and re-apply it, repeating the process twice more. Finally, Dr. Jones or Dr. Harris will apply a special paste on the teeth to help combat any side effects of the bleaching agent such as tooth sensitivity.

At-Home Care

After you complete the Zoom! treatment in our office, your doctors will send you home with an at-home whitening kit with custom-fitted whitening trays. They will instruct you on how often to use them to preserve the improved appearance of your teeth. Avoiding certain foods and drinks such as coffee, red wine, soda, and tobacco products will also protect the effects of the Zoom whitening.

About Our Doctors

Mansfield Dental Associates is dedicated to achieving patient satisfaction with each of their various dental services. If you would like to learn more about our whitening treatments or to schedule a consultation, please call 817-473-6227. Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris serve patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

 

 

 

filed under: Mansfield Dental Associates, Teeth whitening

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The Importance of Gum Health for Men

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Your Mansfield dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, recognize the importance of healthy gums. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, gum disease affects 56.4 percent of men and 38.4 percent of women. Men may develop gum disease more frequently than women because they are less likely to visit the dentist or because they possess more advanced symptoms of the disease such as bleeding around the gums. As we approach Father’s Day, Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris take a closer look at men’s periodontal health, or gum disease, and how it may influence the following components of men’s health: heart disease, prostate health, cancers, and impotence.

  • Heart disease. Research shows that heart disease is linked to gum disease. The exact correlation is unclear but possessing gum disease may put a man at a greater risk of developing heart disease. Some researchers theorize that the fact that both gum disease and heart disease are chronic inflammatory conditions may be the commonality between the two conditions. Caring for your gums may improve your heart health.
  • Prostate health. Research also shows that gum disease may accompany prostate disease. Data shows that men who acquire both gum disease and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) possess higher levels of PSA than men with only gum disease or only prostatitis. PSA, prostate-specific antigen, is an enzyme that is produced by the prostate. PSA levels increase if the prostate becomes infected, inflamed, or develops cancer. Therefore, there is some sort of relationship between prostate health and gum health.
  • Cancer. Scientific studies have also demonstrated that men who have developed gum disease at some point in their life are 14 percent more likely to develop cancer than men without gum disease. In particular, gum disease presents a 49 percent greater likelihood of developing kidney disease, a 49 percent greater likelihood of pancreatic cancer, and a 30 percent elevated risk of blood cancers.
  • Impotence. Men who have developed gum disease have a higher risk of experiencing impotence, particularly men who are younger than 30 and older than 70. Experts speculate that this may occur because both conditions are inflammatory conditions, and long-term inflammation can harm blood vessels and bring about impotence.

About Our Doctor

If you would like to learn more about gum disease or to schedule a consultation, please call Mansfield Dental Associates at 817-473-6227. Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris of Mansfield Dental proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: General Dentistry, Gum Disease, Mansfield Dental Associates

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Your Dentist Explains the Different Types of Dentures

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Finding the best teeth replacement system can be overwhelming and stressful. We all want to feel comfortable and confident in our smile, and we want the artificial teeth to last for a long period of time. Dentures have progressed with the use of improved and lighter plastics, adhesives, impression materials, and even dental implants. Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris utilize the latest technology to deliver clinical excellence in each of their general, restorative, and cosmetic services. At their Mansfield office, they offer partial dentures, full dentures, and implant-secured dentures. They now discuss the differences between these types of dentures.

Types of Dentures

  • Partial dentures are a good option when you do not need all of your teeth replaced. Partial dentures are a set of artificial teeth that are attached to a gum-colored plastic base. They are comprised of a metal framework and subtle clasps that connect the denture to surrounding healthy teeth. Partial dentures can be taken out and reinserted into your mouth, so they provide a removable option compared to fixed bridges.
  • Full dentures replace all of your teeth on the lower or upper jaw. The replacement teeth rest atop a flesh-covered acrylic base that fits over your gums.
  • Implant-secured dentures are dentures that are attached to dental implants. For those who do not have sufficient bone tissue to support traditional dental implants, Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris also offer mini implants, also referred to as MDI Denture Stabilization System. Mini implants are smaller than typical implants, and they are more efficiently placed into the jawbone. Immediately after the doctor inserts the mini implants, he can place the denture on top of the mini implants. Implant-secured dentures benefit from the stability provided by the implant root.

What to Expect with Your Dentures

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris will instruct you on how long to wear the denture and when to remove it. The denture may feel foreign and awkward in the beginning, but over time, you will adapt to it. If it continuously presses uncomfortably on a certain area of your mouth, inform your dentists so that they can adjust it. Also, avoid eating chewy or hard foods in the beginning. It may help to cut soft food into smaller bites, and attempt to chew evenly on both sides to distribute the chewing force to both sides. Do not force the denture into place by biting down on it as it may break the clasps. Also, continue to practice good dental hygiene habits by brushing your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth before inserting your dentures in the morning. Brushing your mouth with a soft bristled toothbrush will remove plaque.

About Your Doctors

Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris will explain your options so that you can make a thoughtful decision on what type of denture is right for you. If you would like to discuss dentures or schedule a consultation, call 817-473-6227. We serve patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

filed under: Dentures, Implant Dentures, Partial Dentures

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FAQ: Dental Cleanings in Mansfield, Texas

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According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC,) about 61 percent of adults visited a dentist in 2012. Whether it’s a lack of time or money that may be keeping you from visiting the dentist, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris urge all adults to recognize the value of bi-annual dental cleanings. More and more research is showing the connection between oral health and your overall health. Your Mansfield dentists provide gentle dental cleanings as well as a number of general, restorative, and cosmetic services in a friendly, welcoming environment. They now answer common questions about dental cleanings.

Can’t I just clean my teeth at home?

Brushing and flossing is of utmost importance for your oral health, but the doctors and their staff utilize advanced technology to thoroughly clean hard-to-reach spots that you can’t thoroughly brush at home. When plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, only a professional cleaning can fully remove the harmful tartar, especially along or below the gum line. Our team will also take dental x-rays that identify tooth decay, gum disease, bite issues, and other problems early on. Early detection will enable the professionals to more efficiently treat the problems before they necessitate more time-consuming treatments.

How often should I obtain a dental cleaning?

Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris highly recommend obtaining dental cleanings every six months.

At a typical cleaning, will I be seen by the dentist?

Yes, at every dental cleaning, your dentist will spend time personally examining your teeth and gums for any abnormalities or signs of tooth decay or gum disease. Also, after reviewing your x-rays, he will discuss his conclusions and recommendations with you, explaining all you treatment options so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for you.

How much does a dental cleaning cost?

Most insurance plans cover two cleanings a year. To determine the exact cost of a dental cleaning with or without insurance, our helpful office staff can answer your questions as well as to inform you if we accept your insurance plan.

About Our Doctors

Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris provide stress-free dental cleanings in their Mansfield office. To schedule a consultation, please call 817-473-6227. We proudly treat patients from Mansfield, South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian and neighboring areas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

filed under: Dental Hygiene, General Dentistry, Mansfield Dental Associates, Uncategorized

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