If you are a woman, you have probably heard about the high rate of osteoporosis in the country, and the state of Texas is no exception. Did you know that multiple studies have suggested a connection between osteoporosis and oral health? Osteoporosis can often progress without any outward symptoms. However, there may be clues in a person’s mouth that indicate compromised bones in the rest of the body. The following dental and periodontal conditions may indicate the presence of osteoporosis:

• DetachedGumCAP
• Ill-fitting dentures
• Jaw bone recession and erosion
• Problems with ordinary mouth functions such as eating or speaking

Women over 50 with a family history have the greatest risk of developing the bone condition, but it is not unheard of in men. Dr. Ritchie can identify the presence of jawbone deterioration with X-rays and other diagnostic tools. If we suspect the possibility of osteoporosis, we can refer you to a local medical professional. Dr. Ritchie is trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral health problems connected to osteoporosis. Schedule a consultation by calling 830-693-8833.

Contact Ritchie Dental Group:

830-693-8833

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Ritchie Dental Group – Marble Falls 1000 Marble Heights Dr Marble Falls, TX 78654

Ritchie Dental Group – Brady 2001 Nine Rd Brady, TX 76825

New Marble Falls parents may be surprised by the American Dental Association’s recommendations on infant oral care. Parents are advised to begin brushing their baby’s teeth as soon as the first teeth emerge. After all, brand-new teeth are just as vulnerable to dental caries as older teeth. Parents are encouraged to use a cloth and a smidgen of toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) to wipe each tooth. As more teeth come in, it becomes more critical for the teeth to be brushed after each meal or, at least, twice a day. It is critical to decide on the proper toothbrush, in order to make brushing time as pleasant as possible. A soft-bristled brush is best with a small amount of toothpaste. Infant and toddler-sized toothbrushes with a small head of bristles are useful. Also, there are circle and triangular-shaped brushes that allow your toddler to walk around with their brush with less chance of injury in case of a fall. If the toothpaste is causing an unpleasant struggle, brush without toothpaste. The goal is to remove food fragments that will create bacteria followed by plaque and then cavities. When two teeth touch, it’s time to floss. Flossing is important to make sure no food is lodged between the teeth. Proper flossing requires fine motor skills which most children don’t develop before the age six or seven. Parents need to assist with flossing until they are sure their child can do it effectively. Until the child is old enough to properly brush his or her teeth, they should receive adult supervision and guidance. Instilling the proper brushing and flossing procedures will reap lifelong benefits. While it may seem that supervising them is time-consuming, remember that it’s forming a daily habit that will protect their health. Also, dental expenses related to poor oral hygiene will be avoided. Your child’s first dental visit should be within six months of the first tooth appearing and no later than their first birthday. It may seem early, but just as your Marble Falls pediatrician sees your baby regularly to make sure their physical health is on track and counsels you about your critical role, you can depend on your dentist to look out for potential issues and guide you about how to help your child keep a healthy smile. Seek your dentist’s counsel regarding pacifiers and sippy cups, nighttime bottles, and x-ray safety. Dentists can advise parents with older children about sealants, tooth protection for athletics, and orthodontics. If you live in the Horseshoe Bay area and don’t yet have a trusted family dentist, call Ritchie Dental Group at 830-693-8833 to schedule your child’s dental appointment with Dr. Greg Ritchie. By starting young, your child will become familiar with our Marble Falls dental practice and our friendly staff, ensuring that he or she never develops a fear of the dentist. Be sure to check our website at https://www.ritchiedentalgroup.com/services.html for more information about our services. We provide sedation dentistry, general dentistry, teeth whitening, restorative dentistry, and porcelain veneers.

Contact Ritchie Dental Group:

830-693-8833

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Ritchie Dental Group – Marble Falls 1000 Marble Heights Dr Marble Falls, TX 78654

Ritchie Dental Group – Brady 2001 Nine Rd Brady, TX 76825

Millions of Americans don’t have dental insurance, and many Texas employer plans have limited benefits. Some men and women who fail to get adequate dental care say “It’s too expensive.” If you are really living below the poverty level, this excuse may be valid. But if you have an average income, you can probably shift your priorities to find money in your budget to invest in a healthy smile. You have probably heard of the “Latte Factor” which refers to the surprising amount of money that adds up if you buy a significant caffeinated beverage every morning. Even if you don’t drink coffee, you probably have a personal habit that costs a few dollars daily but adds up to hundreds of dollars a year. Soda pop, beer, an eight-dollar deli sandwich, a game of golf. How about personal grooming—manis, pedis, facials, and professional hair coloring? What about the income you spend on convenience—pizza delivery, ATM fees, heat-and-eat meals? How much do you spend on premium cable, video game rentals, full-price movies, and season tickets to sporting events? If you have foregone dental exams, cleanings, and treatments because you think it’s too pricey, I hope this Ritchie Dental Group dental blog post has opened your eyes to purchases that may be far less critical than a healthy smile. Remember, if you ignore dental problems, eventually they will require more extensive treatments. Filling a cavity is relatively inexpensive, a root canal costs more, and a dental implant is a major investment. What is a tooth worth? Every single one is priceless. And don’t forget that dental problems impact the fitness of your entire body. Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls provides competitively priced unmatched dental care including veneers, crowns, bonding, orthodontia, and teeth whitening. Ask us about dental financing options.

Contact Ritchie Dental Group:

830-693-8833

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Ritchie Dental Group – Marble Falls 1000 Marble Heights Dr Marble Falls, TX 78654

Ritchie Dental Group – Brady 2001 Nine Rd Brady, TX 76825

A smile makeover from Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX is all about using cosmetic dentistry to make positive changes to your teeth. It combines two or more of these procedures to upgrade your smile. Here are five questions to ask yourself as you think about getting a smile makeover:

1. All At Once Or Over Time? Our smile makeover patients can often get several (or all) procedures in one visit. It all depends on the specific procedures necessary to achieve your perfect smile. We develop a treatment plan for each patient after extensive consultation and examination.
2. Sedation? Many patients benefit from sedation dentistry. It is especially useful for procedures such as dental implant placement.
3. Cost? We know that cosmetic dentistry is a substantial investment for most people. Some care is covered by dental plans, so if you have dental insurance, be sure to find out exactly what is covered.
4. Healing Time? With the latest materials and cosmetic dental techniques, healing times are often minimal. However, some procedures may require a short healing period. Consider how the timing of your dental visits and the needed healing periods will affect your job and family responsibilities.
5. Aesthetic Results? Certain procedures, such as porcelain restorations, are best when fabricated in the same ‘batch’ for the most precise color matching.

At Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX we have used cosmetic dentistry to transform the smiles of people throughout Burnet, Kingsland, and Meadowlakes. People also come to us for restorative dentistry, and all their dental health care needs. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!

Contact Ritchie Dental Group:

830-693-8833

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Ritchie Dental Group – Marble Falls 1000 Marble Heights Dr Marble Falls, TX 78654

Ritchie Dental Group – Brady 2001 Nine Rd Brady, TX 76825

Bite down hard, but not on Dr. Ritchie’s hand! Do you find that biting down hard is painful or awkward? There are ways to find the source of the trouble and there are ways to make it right. Let Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls, Texas help you with that everyday chewing luxury most of us take for granted. Let us get you back to chewing pleasurably every meal of the day. As we examine your mouth and survey the damage, we will remain gentle and forthright. We can guarantee an outstanding view of our ceiling. And if you haven’t already, come check out our dedication to quality. Call now while you’re thinking about it: 830-693-8833 Greg Ritchie DDS remains the dental provider in Marble Falls most worthy of your trust. We, of course, offer Invisalign. When we schedule you for Invisalign, you can be secure and confident that we’ve got it handled. We also encourage our Horseshoe Bay friends to consider dental implants as an option with us. When it comes to dental restoration, improving your smile, instilling confidence, offering gentle care, and generally providing affordable cosmetic dentistry throughout the 78654 area, Ritchie Dental Group is going to drill this home every time- Creating Beautiful Smiles Everyday Instead of the dentist, chew on that, Marble Falls!

Contact Ritchie Dental Group:

830-693-8833

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Ritchie Dental Group – Marble Falls 1000 Marble Heights Dr Marble Falls, TX 78654

Ritchie Dental Group – Brady 2001 Nine Rd Brady, TX 76825

At Ritchie Dental Group, we are concerned not only with the condition of your mouth, but also with how it affects your complete physical health and general well-being. Today’s post looks at the connection between diabetes and oral health and may be of interest to Marble Falls residents with diabetes as well individuals who are trying to reduce their risk factors. Scientists have known for quite some time that people with diabetes have higher rates of gum disease. Maintaining proper blood glucose levels is the key to minimizing the risk of gum disease and related issues for those affected. Additional research is exploring the reverse relationship. In other words, whether poor oral health increases the risk of developing diabetes. Findings from a long-term study suggests that it does. “We found that over two decades of follow-up, individuals who had periodontal disease were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life when compared to individuals without periodontal disease.” -Ryan T. Demmer, PhD, MPH¹ Additional trials are exploring how tooth and gum health bumps the ability of diabetics to manage the disease. “Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.”² If you have diabetes, it is critical that you see a dentist regularly and are enthusiastic about daily oral hygiene, proper nutrition, and other critical practices. Moreover, your success in controlling your blood glucose levels will improve your oral health and vice-versa. If you don’t have a dentist and live in Marble Falls or the greater Horseshoe Bay area, I invite you to call me, Greg Ritchie. I will perform a thorough examination and one of my hygienists will treat your teeth and gums to a professional dental cleaning. Then we will create a great plan for improving and maintaining your dental health for life. I can be an essential member of your healthcare team and will work with your medical doctor, if necessary. ¹Angelo Milone, “Does periodontal disease cause type 2 diabetes?,” Endocrine Today, November 2008, http://www.healio.com/endocrinology/diabetes/news/print/endocrine-today/%7Bacdccbd7-a2b2-4a9e-ac08-b29b53116908%7D/does-periodontal-disease-cause-type-2-diabetes, accessed August 12, 2015 ²“Diabetes and Oral Health Problems,” American Diabetes Association, September 18, 2012, http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/oral-health-and-hygiene/diabetes-and-oral-health.html#sthash.9IlHJB8l.dpuf, accessed August 12, 2015

Contact Ritchie Dental Group:

830-693-8833

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Ritchie Dental Group – Marble Falls 1000 Marble Heights Dr Marble Falls, TX 78654

Ritchie Dental Group – Brady 2001 Nine Rd Brady, TX 76825

When they are properly cared for, adult teeth can last a lifetime. If you get a loose adult tooth it is a sign that something is going on, and you should call us at Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX right away. There are a number of reasons why a permanent, adult tooth can become loose, some more serious than others. Pregnancy. Higher-than-usual levels of progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy can result in a loose tooth. The ligaments and bone holding a tooth in place can actually loosen. It’s usually temporary, but don’t assume it is. Osteoporosis. Our bones can become less dense as we age: not just the jaw, but throughout the body. If it happens in the jaw then teeth can become loose. It can happen to men and women, but is more common in women. Trauma. An impact from a collision – in an auto accident or playing sports, for example – can result in one or more loose teeth. Teeth grinding can also be enough force to loosen teeth. Any injury to the mouth might cause this, and should be considered a dental emergency. Gum Disease. Often the result of poor dental hygiene and the buildup of plaque and tarter, gum disease can be painful and also lead to loose teeth, and even tooth loss. It can be treated, but the sooner it is diagnosed the better the chances of a successful outcome. All of these issues should be taken seriously. If you notice any of them, seek help immediately. People from Burnet, Kingsland, and Meadowlakes remember Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX for emergency dentistry, and for cosmetic dentistry and other services. Call for an appointment today.

Contact Ritchie Dental Group:

830-693-8833

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Ritchie Dental Group – Marble Falls 1000 Marble Heights Dr Marble Falls, TX 78654

Ritchie Dental Group – Brady 2001 Nine Rd Brady, TX 76825

At Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX, we deliver dental miracles every day. Regardless of the number of teeth affected, we use cosmetic dentistry to re-design smiles and correct problems. Quality dental care and cosmetic dental procedures can be extremely visible. Think porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and teeth whitening. Today, however, let’s review some purposefully unseen procedures that can contribute to a healthy, brilliant smile. In today’s message, we will review three advanced cosmetic dental treatments: white fillings, invisible braces, and dental implants. White Fillings Tooth-colored fillings, white fillings, or invisible fillings are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color. These are out of strong composite resins and porcelains. If you would like to get rid of the silver amalgam fillings in your teeth, white fillings are the way. You can’t go back and clear away those cavities, but you can make the silver disappear. Invisible Braces Orthodontia has become less visible with the availability of invisible braces. Custom invisible braces are worn either over teeth or behind the teeth. Invisible braces are effective and convenient. Though they are not always the best tooth-straightening option, they have helped many people align their teeth for a compelling improvement in their smile. Dental Implants Sure, the crown of a tooth implant is clearly visible. But the important part—the component that makes them so much stronger than a dental bridge—is anchored into your jawbone. A titanium post secures your restoration to offer the look, feel, and strength of a natural tooth. If you are missing one or more teeth, think about dental implants. At Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX we are dedicated to creating appealing smiles for our valued dental patients. We provide a full menu of general, preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental treatments including complete smile makeovers. We serve patients from the Burnet, Kingsland, and Meadowlakes areas. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

Contact Ritchie Dental Group:

830-693-8833

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Ritchie Dental Group – Marble Falls 1000 Marble Heights Dr Marble Falls, TX 78654

Ritchie Dental Group – Brady 2001 Nine Rd Brady, TX 76825

Regular brushing and flossing is essential for good dental health. But a  toothbrush can’t reach into every small groove and depression in your teeth, especially the really bumpy back teeth. That’s where sealants from Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX can be invaluable. Dental sealants are a protective coating applied to the biting surfaces of the teeth. Think of them as an added layer of protection: they help to prevent cavities from forming. Studies have shown that using sealants can reduce the risk of tooth decay by nearly eighty percent! Studies also bear out that kids without dental sealants have nearly three times as many cavities as those who do. The dental sealant process if quick, painless, and straightforward. The teeth are first cleansed, and then the sealants are applied in liquid form. We use a special light to dry them. Dental sealants can last for many years, and can be re-applied  if need be. People come to Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls and Brady TX from Burnet, Kingsland, and Meadowlakes for family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact Ritchie Dental Group:

830-693-8833

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Ritchie Dental Group – Marble Falls 1000 Marble Heights Dr Marble Falls, TX 78654

Ritchie Dental Group – Brady 2001 Nine Rd Brady, TX 76825