Say Goodbye to Migraines with Sleep Apnea Treatment

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Migraines are a frustrating condition that can wreak havoc on our work and social lives. Migraines are severe headaches that sometimes appear along with nausea or vision problems. While some may try to cover up the problem with a pain reliever, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris urge patients to consider the underlying causes of migraines in order to treat the issue rather than simply its symptoms. Some migraines have been tied to breathing problems that occur during sleep. Your Mansfield dentists treat patients for a variety of dental issues including sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which individuals stop breathing several times each night. Read on to learn what you can do to obtain better sleep as well as what your dentists can do.

Some Methods to Get a Good Night’s Sleep

  1. Try to keep your nose clear of mucus. Use nasal saline, nasal dilator strips, allergy medications, or decongestants to maintain good breathing through the nose. If you sleep with a stuffy nose, your tongue is more likely to fall back and cause problems.
  2. Don’t eat anything within 3-4 hours of bedtime. You want to avoid food because it may cause reflex in your throat, causing your throat to become disturbed.
  3. Do not sleep on your back. This may cause your tongue to sink back because of gravity.
  4. Avoid alcohol within 3-4 hours of bedtime. Alcohol is a depressant, and it may relax your throat to the point that it may lead to arousals or disruptions.
  5. Try deep breathing exercises or yoga to ease stress and soothe your nervous system. You can even do some deep breathing while waiting at red lights.

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filed under: Mansfield Dental Associates, Obstructive Sleep Apnea

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Eating a Nutritious Diet Protects Oral Health

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We all know that eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables is good for our hearts, bones, and muscles. However, you may not realize that eating a healthy diet also impacts oral health. The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics released a paper last year about the relationship between nutrition and oral health. More recently, the Academy of Nutrition’s website published a practice paper that elaborates the earlier findings. Your Mansfield dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, provide comprehensive dentistry in a comfortable dental office. They support these findings regarding the significance of nutrition and would like to share them with their patients.

A New Role for Dentists

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filed under: Mansfield Dental Associates, Nutrition

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FAQ: Dental Fillings with Your Mansfield Dentist

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It’s the words no one wants to hear at the dentist, “You have a cavity. You will need a dental filling.” We are all bound to get a cavity from time to time, but your Mansfield dentists are here to answer your questions about dental fillings and make the entire experience as stress-free as possible. Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris now answer some frequently asked questions about dental fillings.

Q: How do cavities form?

A: The bacteria in our mouth consume the sugar and starches left from the food that we eat. They then produce an acid byproduct that eats through the hard white coating of our teeth, the enamel. This creates a hole, a cavity.

Q: How can I prevent cavities in the future?

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filed under: Dental Fillings, Dental Hygiene

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Your Mansfield Dentists Focus on Oral Cancer Screening

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Most people view dental check ups and cleanings as simply an opportunity to get their teeth polished and treated for cavities.  Your Mansfield dentists, Dr. Blair Jones and Dr. Seth Harris, offer another crucial and potentially life-saving element at each dental check up and cleaning: an oral cancer screening. Oral cancer refers to cancer of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. If oral cancer is caught early, it is considerably more treatable. Dr. Jones and Dr. Harris would like to discuss the steps of their oral cancer screening as well as some of the ways patients can protect themselves from the disease.

Steps of an Oral Cancer Screening

Dr. Jones or Dr. Harris will begin by asking you if you are experiencing any issues or have any questions. If you have encountered any white sores or splotches in your mouth that won’t go away after 14 days, please inform our doctors. Or, if you have difficulty swallowing or chewing or have felt hoarse or numb in the mouth, mention these as well. Then, our doctors will delicately probe around the gums, lips, tongue, and entire oral cavity to check for sores, lumps, or other irregularities.

Benefits of Oral Cancer Screenings

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filed under: Mansfield Dental Associates, Oral Cancer

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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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