Wednesday 28 December 2016

What to Know About Gingivitis

What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque bacteria on the tissues that surround the teeth. Plaque, a naturally occurring biofilm containing bacteria, can lead to gingivitis if not removed by daily brushing. 

Who Can Get Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is quite prevalent. But while almost 80% of adults will experience some symptoms of gingivitis, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inevitable. It’s important to note that occasionally there might be no noticeable pain or apparent signs, leaving people unaware that they have it. That’s another good reason to schedule regular checkups with your dental professional every six months so he or she can identify it and suggest treatment options.

Gingivitis Symptoms
Some symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Chronic gingivitis can lead to periodontitis and chronic bad breath. If these symptoms persist, it's important to talk with your dental professional to determine the best treatment. In the meantime, learn what you can do to protect against gingivitis.

To read the entire article visit OralB.com.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Dental Plaque

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about dental plaque.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Sunday 25 December 2016

Dental Teeth Whitening

Brilliant White Teeth for a Dazzling Smile

You can have the same bright, white teeth that you see in ads on TV and magazines. With the power whitening method we use, no longer do you have to endure stains and discoloration. We can return your teeth to a natural-looking white in just one visit in about an hour. The results may last for years!

We also make custom whitening trays in our lab. You complete the process at home by following the instructions and using the supplies we provide. Within two weeks or less, you will receive amazing results.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Wednesday 21 December 2016

Parts of the Tooth

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about about what makes up the tooth.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Sunday 18 December 2016

A Full Attractive Smile with a Dental Bridge

Bridging the Gap of Missing Teeth

If you have multiple missing teeth, a bridge can take care of the gap. We custom make them with the best quality materials. They are securely placed in your dental arch by anchoring each side of the bridge with a crown. You will have complete chewing functionality once again and a full, attractive smile.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Sunday 11 December 2016

6 Tips for Cavity-Free Holidays - continued

#5: Watch out for starchy foods 
These are sneaky because they often get trapped in your teeth. If you choose to indulge in chips and cakes, take extra care when you floss that day to remove all the food particles that can lead to plaque build-up. 

#6: You can still have fun 
So, what can you eat? Lots of stuff! Make lean protein choices, such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish and vary your diet. Eat whole grains and choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods. The holidays are a great time of year to start thinking about healthier habits. If you do snack, make it a nutritious choice-such as cheese, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables-for your overall health and the health of your teeth.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Monday 5 December 2016

Dental Visits are Important

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the importance in visiting the dentist.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Sunday 4 December 2016

6 Tips for Cavity-Free Holidays - continued

#3: Limit your alcohol intake 
’Tis the season for egg nog, Brandy Alexanders and glog! If you choose to imbibe, try to drink water alongside your drinks. And remember: Too much alcohol can dry out your mouth. 

#4: Take it easy on the hard candies 
Some candies are more problematic than others. Hard candies can put your teeth at risk because in addition to being full of sugar, they’ve also been known to cause broken or chipped teeth. (Be careful not to break or chip your teeth when eating nuts as well!) 

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Friday 2 December 2016

Dental Bridges

Bridging the Gap of Missing Teeth

If you have multiple missing teeth, a bridge can take care of the gap. We custom make them with the best quality materials. They are securely placed in your dental arch by anchoring each side of the bridge with a crown. You will have complete chewing functionality once again and a full, attractive smile.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Monday 28 November 2016

Mouth Healthy Moments: How to Floss

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about flossing your teeth.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Sunday 27 November 2016

6 Tips for Cavity-Free Holidays

#1: Timing matters 
Timing matters. While everything is fine in moderation, it helps to eat sweets and other sugary foods with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals and helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps rinse away food particles.  

#2: Be picky if it's sticky
When it comes to picking healthy snacks, many people put dried fruit at the top of the list. But many dried fruits are sticky and sticky foods tend to stay on the teeth longer than other types of food. If you find yourself eating a lot of dried fruits such as cranberries, make sure to rinse with water and brush carefully. 

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Friday 25 November 2016

Dental Intra-Oral Cameras

Becoming Part of the Team

We use the intra-oral camera to let you see for yourself and become an informed partner in your dental decisions. Dr. Sunnes believes in creating a bond of teamwork with patients, and this amazing miniature video camera is the technology that makes it possible. It provides a close-up picture of the interior of your mouth. You can see the areas that need attention and those that are doing just fine.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Monday 21 November 2016

Mouth Healthy Moments: How to Brush Your Teeth

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about brushing your teeth.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Friday 18 November 2016

Children's Dental Sealants

Your Dentist is Important for Your Children's Well-Being

We emphasize the importance to both children and parents in taking care of permanent teeth. We teach proper care of teeth and gums at home, so children will keep their natural teeth for a lifetime.

Children's teeth are easily susceptible to cavities for various reasons. They do not brush as thoroughly and carefully as needed. We ask parents to ensure they do a good job until they can care for their teeth without supervision.

As children eat frequently throughout the day, they are continually exposing their teeth to the acid developed in the mouth from chewing and drinking. Improperly cleaned teeth stimulate additional acid production, which encourages the start of dental caries. It also increases the rate at which cavities develop. Any amount of decay is permanent damage that needs a restoration.

With improved daily hygiene, more nutritious food and drink choices, and a sealant applied to the teeth, the risk of cavity development can be significantly reduced.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Friday 11 November 2016

Manual Tooth Brushing and Flossing Technique

An effective oral hygiene routine starts with a few simple steps:

A Proper Brushing Technique for your Teeth 
A proper brushing technique is the first step to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Plus, it helps minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, the major causes of tooth loss.

Before You Begin 
While there are several tooth brushing techniques with a manual toothbrush, always ask your dental professional for their recommendation and be sure to follow their instructions. To start, use fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristle toothbrush, and don't forget to replace it every three months.

Two Minutes, Twice a Day 
To brush your teeth correctly, spend at least two minutes using a recommended brushing technique, which includes 30 seconds brushing each section of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left), both morning and night. Since most manual toothbrushes don't have built-in two-minute timers, you may want to have a clock handy so you can be sure you're brushing long enough.

Positioning the Toothbrush 
How you hold the toothbrush depends on which part of the tooth you're brushing.

Please read the entire article, found at DentalCare.com, to see more detailed information on manual brushing and flossing.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Friday 4 November 2016

How to Brush with an Electric Toothbrush - Dental Care

You can achieve better plaque removal and gingivitis reduction with an electric toothbrush that utilizes oscillating-rotating technology than with a regular manual toothbrush.

This brushing action is very different from ordinary manual toothbrushes, as it does the job of brushing for you. Be sure to guide the brush head to all parts of your mouth.

Rotating Electric Toothbrush Instructions

Hold the brush parallel to the floor, against the side of your teeth.










Guide the brush head slowly from tooth to tooth, following the curve of the teeth and gums.
It isn't necessary to press hard or scrub. Simply let the electric toothbrush do all the work.
Hold the brush head in place for a few seconds before moving on to the next tooth.

Please read the entire article, found at DentalCare.com, to see more detailed information on how to use an electric toothbrush.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Sugarless Gum

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about sugarless gum.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Tuesday 1 November 2016

Gum Disease Linked to Serious Heath Conditions

Gum Disease Can Lead to More Than Tooth Loss

Medical research has made a startling conclusion about gum disease: it can affect serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or stroke. Bacterial infection of the gums is now considered a more serious problem than simply the possibility of losing your teeth.

Even more alarming is the statistic provided by The American Dental Association. They have estimated that 80% of the adult American population has gum disease at some level. Dentists now consider this oral problem an epidemic.

The American Academy of Periodontology reports that “studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.” The bacteria in the gums travel in the bloodstream to vital organs, having a potentially harmful effect on them.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Friday 28 October 2016

Dental Hygiene for Kids

Your child’s well-being is your biggest concern and their oral hygiene is an important part of their overall health. The care of your child’s teeth and gums begins with you - - you can set them on the right path for a lifetime of excellent oral hygiene.

Oral Hygiene for Infants
Babies are born with all their teeth - you can't see them because they are hidden in the gums. Baby teeth start to break through the gums around 6 months but it is important to start good oral care for infants even before the first tooth comes in. From healthy gums come healthy teeth.

  • Wipe your baby’s gums with a soft washcloth after feeding. This helps remove the bacteria that can cause tooth decay.
  • Once they begin to erupt, brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear the size of a grain of rice - use a soft-bristle toothbrush.

Please read the entire article, found at DentalCare.com, to see more detailed information on dental hygiene for children.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Girl's Sports Mouth Injuries

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about mouth injuries due to sports.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Tuesday 25 October 2016

Feel Confident with Invisalign

Invisalign™ Lets You Keep Your Confidence

There are advantages of Invisalign™ over traditional braces. They are nearly invisible, which is desirable for adults in their professional lives. Someone would have to look very closely at your smile to notice them. This lets you feel comfortable about straightening your teeth in your adult years.

There are no irritations to your mouth while wearing them. They are all one piece with no metal wires or brackets that need adjustment. This also means there are fewer trips to the dentist to be checked.

A huge plus is the fact you can eat and drink whatever you like during your treatment time. These aligners can easily be removed while eating or brushing. They allow you to clean your teeth properly after each meal, so when your treatment time is over, you have a nice clean look to your new smile.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Friday 21 October 2016

Tooth Bonding

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about tooth bonding.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Monday 17 October 2016

Porcelain Dental Veneers

A Beautiful Smile in Only Two Visits!

There is an alternative to orthodontic treatment to obtain a gorgeous smile. With porcelain veneers, we can correct misshapen teeth, gapped teeth, and staining and discoloration. In only two visits, you can have a smile that looks like you had months of straightening.

We use the best dental ceramic that is durable and looks very natural. These veneer sheets are bonded to your own teeth to create perfectly straight and uniform teeth for a beautiful smile.

Veneers are also used to conceal a single tooth with a defect, such as a chip, crack, or misshapen form. The veneer is made to match the surrounding teeth in color to look completely natural and enhance your smile.


Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Sunday 9 October 2016

Five Surprising Reasons for Bad Breath in Children

Having your kids brush their teeth before they go to bed each night helps them learn good oral hygiene practices. And while twice-daily toothbrushing is good for developing teeth, it always enough to stop bad breath from occurring. Bad breath isn't always solely an oral health issue, there can be other causes that need a different solution. Here are five surprising causes of bad breath in children and how to stop them.
Sinus Infection
Have any of your kids complained about a sore throat or stuffy nose lately? It might be a sinus infection. Sinus issues cause fluid to collect in the nasal passages and throat, making your child's throat the perfect place for bacteria to gather. The result? Stinky breath that can't be cured with toothbrushing and mouthwash alone. If you suspect a sinus infection (potential sore throat, burning nasal passages and post nasal drip), call your doctor for a visit and see if antibiotics will be prescribed.
Foreign Objects
It may not be your first thought, but your child's bad breath could be the result of something stuck in her nasal passages. Kids are curious, and their nostrils are just the right size for inserting small items such as beads, beans, toy accessories and food. Pediatrician Dr. William Sears explains that when an object gets lodged in a child's nasal passages it can create a nasty smell. If you suspect this is what is causing your child's bad breath, you'll need a doctor to help check your child's nasal passages and remove the object.

To read the entire article written by Jae Curtis , please visit Colgate.com

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Wednesday 5 October 2016

Sunday 2 October 2016

Dental Caries: How They Are Formed and What You Can Do to Prevent Them

Dental caries (cavities) are the most common form of oral disease known to man, and the process of getting caries is called tooth decay.
Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel -- the hard, outer layer of your teeth. This issue can affect children, teens and adults. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is constantly forming on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods or beverages containing sugars, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth, and over time the enamel can break down, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

The types of caries formed can be broken down into two major groups:

Pit and fissure caries. These are found most often on the chewing surfaces of the back (molar and premolar) teeth, and the back of the front (anterior) teeth. Your teeth are composed of several sections of enamel, and where these sections meet, pits and grooves can trap plaque, causing decay. The proper application of pit and fissure sealants, a hard plastic material applied to seal the grooves and pits when the teeth have erupted, can prevent this type of dental caries. The sealants also make it less likely that you will need restorations (fillings) on those surfaces of the teeth.

Smooth surface caries. These are found most often along the gumline or where two teeth touch (interproximal or the space between teeth), if plaque forms in those areas. With the proper use of dental floss, you can prevent most smooth surface caries in the interproximal area, and using a manual or power toothbrush along the gumline can prevent caries in that area as well.

To read the entire article written by Richard A Huot, DDS, please visit Colgate.com

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Dental Crowns

Restorations With Crowns

If a tooth is broken, very worn down, or too damaged to repair with only a filling, a crown is the suitable restoration. It is placed over the remaining parts of a tooth and will save the tooth and give it the necessary strength for chewing every type of food. We use the best quality materials to make a crown that is durable. It looks just like a real tooth and no one, not even a dentist, will be able to tell it is not your own.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Wednesday 28 September 2016

Sunday 25 September 2016

What is Dry Mouth?

What is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth means you don't have enough saliva, or spit, to keep your mouth moist. Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while, especially if you're nervous, upset or under stress. But if you have a dry mouth all or most of the time, it can be uncomfortable and can lead to more serious health problems or indicate that a more serious medical condition may exist. That's because saliva does more than just keep the mouth wet -it helps digest food, protects teeth from decay, prevents infection by controlling bacteria in the mouth, and makes it possible for you to chew and swallow.

There are several reasons that the glands that produce saliva, called the salivary glands, might not function properly. These include:

  • Side effects of some medications - over 400 medicines can cause dry mouth, including antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers, diuretics and medicines for high blood pressure and depression.
  • Disease - diseases that affect the salivary glands, such as diabetes, Hodgkin's, Parkinson's disease, HIV/AIDS and Sjogren's syndrome, may lead to dry mouth.
  • Radiation therapy - the salivary glands can be damaged if your head or neck are exposed to radiation during cancer treatment. The loss of saliva can be total or partial, permanent or temporary.
  • Chemotherapy - drugs used to treat cancer can make saliva thicker, or "ropey," causing your mouth to feel dry.
  • Menopause - changing hormone levels affect the salivary glands, often leaving menopausal and post-menopausal women with a persistent feeling of dry mouth.
  • Smoking - many pipe, cigar and heavy cigarette smokers experience dry mouth.

To read the entire article , please visit Colgate.com

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Dental Digital X-rays

Digital X-rays

We use only digital X-rays at our practice, which means 75% less radiation and no waiting time for images to develop. By simply placing a digital sensor in your mouth, we immediately can view the full set of X-rays on our computer screen. As no chemicals are used in the process, there is no pollution to the environment.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Wednesday 21 September 2016

Sunday 18 September 2016

Dental Gum Disease

The Number One Cause of Tooth Loss

Many people think that most teeth are lost due to decay. But the main reason is periodontal (gum) disease. The symptoms are bleeding gums from brushing or flossing and also loose or shifting teeth. Sometimes there are no signs of infected gums until it reaches an advanced stage.

When gum disease is treated in the early stages, there are nonsurgical options to take care of the problem; otherwise, surgery may be necessary if the condition is advanced.

Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com