A yummy snack can give your child a boost of energy and help them make it to dinnertime without complaining about hunger. If they forget their lunch at home, they can even grab a few items out of a school vending machine to sustain them until they get home. Unfortunately, however, some snacks pose a threat to your young one’s oral health. Your children’s dentist in Marble Falls is here to discuss the consequences that certain foods can have on precious little smiles.
Ritchie Dental Group Blog
A Children’s Dentist Explains How Snacks Affect Your Child’s Oral Health
September 13, 2018
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Improving Oral Health in Burnet: Is Mouthwash A Must?
September 7, 2018
If you’ve ever walked the oral care aisles of any drugstore, you know that there are many different types of mouthwash. Some tout their germ-killing abilities, others emphasize their fluoride content, and some claim to whiten teeth while freshening the breath. These are all great benefits, but will they help you improve your oral health in Burnet?
Many individuals wonder if daily mouthwash should be part of their dental routine. Brushing and flossing are the two important habits that have the greatest influence on dental health, so if you’re doing these two things, is mouthwash necessary?
Dental Habits Can Effect Oral Health in Burnet
When our dental patients ask about mouthwash, we tell them that as long as they follow the instructions for use on the bottle, mouthwash may slightly benefit oral health in Burnet, even if it doesn’t live up to every promise as claimed. Rinsing with a mouthwash that contains fluoride can’t hurt your teeth, but allowing a bit of diluted toothpaste to stay on tooth surfaces after brushing probably has the same effect.
Men and women who suffer from bad breath often believe that mouthwash can solve the issue. Actually, mouthwashes that contain alcohol can worsen the problem because they can cause dry mouth—a condition that can exacerbate bad breath. Mouthwashes without alcohol are commonly more powerful for freshening breath. These products are frequently called fluoride rinses.
If you have persistent bad breath, however, you should have your teeth analyzed for plaque build-up. No amount of mouthwash can remedy a mouth full of plaque. If your teeth and gums are healthy and you still suffer from bad breath, it’s important to ascertain the cause. Bad breath can be an indication of a physical condition, so see your doctor soon. Bottom line? Never substitute mouthwash for proper brushing and flossing. And if you use mouthwash, opt for a brand that contains fluoride and no alcohol to improve your oral health in Burnet.
Schedule an Appointment
At Ritchie Dental Group, we like to tackle important issues such as dental products, cosmetic dentistry procedures, over-the-counter teeth whitening, sedation dentistry, invisible braces, pediatric dentistry, oral care habits, and more! If you are interested in making an appointment, please call us at 830-637-7227. A member of my friendly and comprehensive staff can answer any questions you have about our services.
Contact Ritchie Dental Group:
830-637-7227
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1000 Marble Heights Dr, Marble Falls TX
Marble Falls, Texas
78654
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Family Dentist in Brady: Those Baby Teeth Are A Big Deal
August 24, 2018
Today’s Brady dental blog focuses on the issue of caring for baby teeth. Why would you take care of something that’s just going to fall out and be given to the tooth fairy? It’s a good question and your family dentist in Brady has an even better answer.
Importance of Baby Teeth
Parents in the Brady area shouldn’t feel like they are wasting their time caring for their child’s teeth because baby teeth are more important than many people might think. Baby teeth are needed to keep the proper amount of space available for the permanent teeth that will come in later. Baby teeth are also invaluable in the development of clear speech. This is especially important for Brady parents who are dying to know what their child means when they point to something repeatedly and say ‘scklash’ or ‘grag-grag’. Having healthy baby teeth will also help your child develop a healthy diet because difficulty chewing can lead to the rejection of many different types of foods as children grow older.
And, finally, tooth decay and infection can be passed down from baby teeth to permanent teeth as they develop below them. That’s not what you want for the teeth that kids are going to have for the rest of their lives. If they’re teeth aren’t taken care of properly, then your child may need cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers and dental implants.
Booking an Appointment with a Family Dentist in Brady
At Ritchie Dental Group, we have an experienced, kid-friendly family dentist in Brady. We want all of our patients to have the best oral health possible and we also want them to look their best, so if you have any questions about a smile makeover or teeth whitening, give us a call at 830-637-7227. Thanks for reading the Horseshoe Bay dental blog, and contact us today for all your dental needs!
Contact Ritchie Dental Group:
830-637-7227
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1000 Marble Heights Dr, Marble Falls TX
Marble Falls, Texas
78654
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Local Dentist in Marble Falls TX: Gap-Tooth Smiles
August 17, 2018
Have you lost teeth? It’s a lot different than when you lost your baby teeth way back in the day. Unfortunately, these don’t grow back and a jack-o-lantern smile doesn’t look as cute as it did when you were five.
If you’re missing teeth or if your teeth are compromised by staining, decay, chipping, or brittle aging, then it’s time to find yourself a professional dentist in Marble Falls TX.
When it comes to the prospect of losing your adult teeth, the preference is always to preserve your natural teeth. If this is not a viable option, then your local dentist in Marble Falls TX can offer you several ways to maintain your ability to eat, drink, speak, laugh, and smile in your everyday life.
Dental Veneers
If you still have your teeth but are not comfortable with them, these might be your solution. Stunning porcelain veneers offer a competitively-priced approach to cosmetic adjustments. These are very thin shells bonded to the front of the teeth. They upgrade unsightly, but structurally sound teeth.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is used where a tooth is missing. It “bridges” a gap between teeth. It is a restoration with a false tooth (or teeth) attached to the surrounding teeth. Dental bridges have been used successfully for decades.
Dental Implant
A dental implant is a more extensive replacement for a missing tooth. An implant consists of an artificial tooth plus an artificial root (usually bio-compatible titanium). With local anesthesia, the artificial root is actually inserted into the jaw bone where it integrates with the bone tissue. There are three parts to a dental implant: the artificial root, the connecting abutment, and the final crown or denture. An implant is often the ideal restoration as it offers beauty, strength, natural function, and protection from bone recession that often occurs at the site of a missing tooth.
Dentures
Most people have heard of dentures. Dentures are a plate holding artificial teeth that can be removed by the wearer. These are custom and can contain varying numbers of teeth. Sometimes the entire set of upper and lower teeth have to be pulled and a denture created. Modern dentistry offers a myriad of custom dental implant-denture combinations to restore missing teeth.
Don’t worry about losing your grip on the adult teeth you’ve been enjoying all these years. We have experience and training in many important services to meet your dental needs including Zoom! teeth whitening, sedation dentistry, dentures, and dental implants.
Schedule your initial consultation visit us today or give us a call during our business hours. We are perfectly situated for our neighbors throughout the area. We’d love it if you made us your local dentist in Marble Falls TX.
Your consultation will include a customized treatment plan for restoring teeth, an outline of the cost of desired care and a schedule for completing the work. Come with questions and leave with answers.
Contact Ritchie Dental Group:
830-637-7227
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1000 Marble Heights Dr, Marble Falls TX
Marble Falls, Texas
78654
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Dental Health in Marble Falls: Super Smiles Have Strong Enamel
August 10, 2018
Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance in the body? It’s true! This substance, found on the outer surface of your teeth, truly should last a lifetime. But just because it’s super heavy-duty doesn’t mean you don’t have to work to take care of it. Here are some useful tips for keeping enamel healthy and improving overall dental health in Marble Falls.
1. Pick the right foods for enamel health. It’s no secret that soft drinks damage your teeth, and don’t think that diet sodas are harmless – the artificial sweeteners can also erode enamel over time. There are also other culinary culprits that can do a lot of harm. Sticky, chewy candies should be avoided. Chewing ice is a no-no. And don’t use your teeth as tools. Take a minute to grab some scissors before you rip open that package with your incisors. Foods with calcium can neutralize acid in your mouth and guard your enamel, so enjoy dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt!
2. Avoid vigorous brushing and use a soft brush. Also, it’s best to brush about an hour after eating, because foods, especially acidic ones, can soften the enamel, thus making it more prone to damage from brushing. If your teeth are discolored or yellowish, you may feel you need to brush harder. Instead, look at Zoom teeth whitening and meet with your dentist.
3. Keep stomach acids in check. If you have a problem with severe heartburn, the stomach acid could be traveling up your esophagus and into your mouth, affecting dental health in Marble Falls. This acid can erode enamel, so it is vital to speak with your Marble Falls doctor about treatment.
4. Talk to your dentist about dry mouth and tooth grinding. Lack of saliva is a major issue for tooth enamel, and it’s no surprise that teeth grinding can also wear it down. Make sure your dentist is aware if you experience either of these issues.
At Ritchie Dental Group, we want our patients to have the best dental health in Marble Falls, and enamel health is an essential component. We also love helping our patients achieve the dazzling smile they want with cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental bonding, veneers, invisible braces, tooth colored fillings, and dental implants. Our practice is currently accepting new patients. Give us a call at 830-637-7227 to make an appointment!
Contact Ritchie Dental Group:
830-637-7227
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1000 Marble Heights Dr, Marble Falls TX
Marble Falls, Texas
78654
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Dental Crowns in Marble Falls: How Long Will A Dental Crown Last?
August 3, 2018
Marble Falls general dentists use dental crowns in many restorative treatments. A dental crown in Marble Falls adds strength to a tooth that has a large filling or has been injured, correct bite misalignments, and is usually necessary after a root canal. In a dental implant procedure, attaching the crown to the abutment is the final step.
Crowns are also used extensively for purely cosmetic problems such as yellow teeth, stained teeth, and teeth that are misshapen.
Dental crowns in Marble Falls are fabricated from a variety of materials that vary in appearance and strength:
- All ceramic (porcelain-based)
- Porcelain fused to metal
- Gold alloys
- Base metal alloys
Your dentist can help you determine which type is right for you. Factors to consider are the location of the crown in the mouth, your budget, and any allergies to metal.
When many Marble Falls dentists provide a crown restoration, they use a process that requires two office visits. On the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth and take an impression for the dental lab. Then, the dentist will make a temporary crown for the patient to use until the permanent crown is ready. Some dentists have special technology that allows them to fabricate and place crowns in one visit.
How Long Do Dental Crowns in Marble Falls Last?
Dental crowns can last for many years, but are not designed to last indefinitely. Even with proper care, dental patients should not expect crowns to be trouble-free for decades. There is encouraging evidence, however, that points to a high success rate: a 2009 study found that more than 90% of dental crowns will not require treatment within five years of placement. The study also found that 50% to 80% last from 15 to 20 years.1
At Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls, we provide quality restorative and cosmetic dentistry. In addition to dental crowns, we offer sedation dentistry, teeth whitening, and general dentistry. Call us to book a consultation to find out more about restorative dentistry in Marble Falls!
Contact Ritchie Dental Group:
830-637-7227
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1000 Marble Heights Dr, Marble Falls TX
Marble Falls, Texas
78654
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Dental Disaster? Your Emergency Dentist Helps You Handle It
July 31, 2018
A dental emergency can cause you pain, disrupt your routine, and leave you wondering what to do. However, if you prepare for such situations ahead of time, you’re less likely to panic and more likely to take all the right steps to make the best out of a bad situation. Your emergency dentist in Marble Falls is here to give you guidance on how to handle five of the most common dental emergencies.
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Mouthwash Facts for Bad Breath in Burnet
July 27, 2018
Thanks for visiting our Ritchie Dental Group blog. In today’s post, we would like to discuss mouthwash. Many local residents use mouthwash to prevent tooth decay and bad breath in Burnet. Mouthwash should never be used exclusively though, good oral hygiene starts with thorough tooth brushing and flossing. Mouthwash is an optional tool in your dental hygiene toolbox.
Knowing Your Mouthwash
It is important for Texas residents to know what kind of mouthwash they are using. Some mouthwashes merely mask bad breath while others help reduce the bacteria that cause plaque and bad breath.
If you are one of the local residents that suffers from bad breath in Burnet, it is important to choose a mouthwash that contains ingredients that help prevent tooth decay, such as fluoride. Texas men and women also need to use caution when using mouthwashes because many of the ingredients are dangerous when the recommended amount of mouthwash is exceeded.
Some of the poisonous components are chlorhexidine gluconate, ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, and methyl salicylate. If you experience throat pain, vomiting, headache, or abdominal pain after using mouthwash, seek medical help immediately. The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can answer questions about mouthwash ingredients.
At Ritchie Dental Group we want everyone to have great smelling breath, but to use caution when treating bad breath in Burnet. Make sure to read your mouthwash label and follow all instructions given.
Treatments and Services Offered Near Burnet
In addition to preventative dental care, Ritchie Dental Group offers a wide range of cosmetic dentistry procedures. If you are a resident anxious to have a whiter, brighter smile talk to Ritchie Dental Group about teeth whitening. Ritchie Dental Group also provides Invisalign and porcelain veneers. At Ritchie Dental Group we have been improving the smiles of residents in Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay and the surrounding areas since 2000. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Contact Ritchie Dental Group:
830-637-7227
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1000 Marble Heights Dr, Marble Falls TX
Marble Falls, Texas
78654
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Dental Health in Marble Falls: It’s Better To Prevent A Cavity Than Fill One
July 20, 2018
The goal of preventative dentistry is to maintain dental health in Marble Falls so that no restorative dental work ever becomes required. In other words, preventing cavities, gum disease, and enamel wear. Brushing your teeth and flossing is a good beginning to preventative dentistry. It is also imperative that you get bi-annual exams and dental cleanings. If you’re concerned about the oral health of your children, ask us about dental sealants.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are a thin plastic covering, usually used on the very back teeth. These teeth are especially susceptible to trapped food particles, and at the same time tend to be the hardest ones to brush. The goal of a sealant is to guard a tooth against decay, which is always preferable to filling a cavity.
Despite efforts to keep children’s teeth healthy, many little ones will develop several cavities during their childhood years. Since the rate of tooth decay often declines with age, if teeth remain intact during childhood, there is a better chance that these teeth can stay healthy for decades.
Sealants act as a barrier between food particles, plaque, and the teeth. The good news is that sealants are easy to apply and last for years, improving your child’s dental health in Marble Falls. After the sealants are applied, they will be checked during each visit and re-applied as needed. If you are interested in sealants for your child, check your dental insurance policy – they may be a covered benefit. Even if not covered by your dental insurance, sealants are a wise investment.
Improving Dental Health in Marble Falls
Brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings help ensure that teeth are strong and clean. It also ensures that they will last a lifetime. Changing your toothbrush every few months and using a toothpaste with fluoride are also essential components of proper oral care.
Children should be taught how to properly brush while young. However, parents should still supervise brushing and go over teeth after the child brushes. If your child struggles with flossing, a water irrigation tool may be useful. Floss picks can also be easier to handle than a string of floss. However, traditional flossing, done correctly, can be the most effective way to clean between your child’s teeth.
If your teeth and gums are healthy, but you don’t like your smile because of cosmetic issues, call 830-637-7227 to schedule a cosmetic dental consultation. Dr. Ritchie offers Invisalign, along with sedation dentistry and general dentistry. Come learn about breakthrough cosmetic dentistry available at Ritchie Dental Group.
Contact Ritchie Dental Group:
830-637-7227
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1000 Marble Heights Dr, Marble Falls TX
Marble Falls, Texas
78654
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5 Reasons To Schedule A Teeth Cleaning in Burnet
July 13, 2018
There are several reasons to schedule a teeth cleaning in Burnet, but today in our dental blog we’re going to focus on 5 of the most important reasons.
1. Protect Your Gums
It’s not only severe cavities that can damage your teeth until they are beyond saving. For example, gum disease, which is caused by a buildup of plaque that creates pockets of infection between the gums and tooth roots, can lead to severe bone loss. Eventually, gum disease can lead to periodontitis, gum recession, and eventual bone loss. A professional teeth cleaning in Burnet eliminates the plaque before it can cause the gums to loosen.
2. Prevent Cavities
Even if you brush and floss your teeth morning and night, plaque can still build up. We have many patients who are observant brushers, yet they are surprised when our hygienist finds plaque on their teeth. A teeth cleaning in Burnet can prevent cavities from forming and damaging your teeth.
3. Check for Oral Cancer
The Oral Cancer Foundation relates this sobering news: oral cancer claims one life approximately every hour—that’s 48,250 deaths a year. During your teeth cleaning, our dentist can do an oral cancer screening to ensure that you aren’t displaying any signs.
4. Oral Health and Overall Health Go Hand in Hand
Your mouth is not a separate entity from the rest of your body. Sadly, many individuals don’t pay attention to what they put in their mouths or they don’t get examinations like they would for their overall health. So when you get regular preventative services for physical conditions don’t miss out on getting your teeth checked out too. Did you know that there is compelling evidence to suggest that the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes increases with poor oral health? Furthermore, your lifestyle is significantly influenced when you have tooth pain, tooth loss, or gum disease.
5. It May Be Free
Many Texas dental insurance plans cover semiannual dental cleanings. Even if you don’t have dental insurance, teeth cleanings in Burnet are one of the most reasonably priced ways to maintain optimal oral health.
We also offer other services such as restorative dentistry, sedation dentistry, and laser dentistry. Call 830-637-7227 today to schedule a professional dental cleaning at Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls.
Contact Ritchie Dental Group:
830-637-7227
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1000 Marble Heights Dr, Marble Falls TX
Marble Falls, Texas
78654
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