Friday 31 March 2017

Childrens Dental Sealants

An Easy and Effective Preventive Treatment

Children may not do the most thorough job of cleaning their teeth. The grooves and contours of back teeth are often difficult to brush properly. As plaque starts to form on certain teeth, decay will result. We recommend an easy treatment to preserve children's and adolescents' teeth. One application of a dental sealant will greatly help to reduce the occurrence of cavities.

This is the whole procedure: All the teeth are cleaned and sterilized. One clear or white coating is applied to the biting surfaces of back teeth. The dentist uses a curing light to bond the sealant. And that's it! It takes just minutes to apply but is lasting to effectively help prevent cavities.

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

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Tuesday 28 March 2017

Diet, Food Choices and Healthy Gums

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by the ADA 

Can food or drink choices help a person have healthier gums?

Japanese researchers studied a group of nearly 950 adults to determine whether consuming dairy products with lactic acid like milk, yogurt and cheese, had a lower risk for gum disease.

Participants' periodontal health was evaluated through two measurements - periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss of gum tissue. Researchers found that participants who consumed 55 grams or more each day of yogurt or lactic acid drinks had significantly lower instance of periodontal disease. They found that consuming milk or cheese was not as beneficial to periodontal health.

Researchers theorize that the probiotic effect of Lactobacillus bacteria could be related to healthier gums. Another Japanese study showed that adults who drank green tea might also lead to healthier gums, because its antioxidants have anti - inflammatory properties.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

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

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Pregnancy and Newborn Oral Health

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about 'Pregnancy and Newborn Oral Health.'


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 24 March 2017

White Dental Fillings

Fillings Without Any Metals

Most people are familiar with the common silver-mercury amalgam filling that has been used by dental practices for many years. So you might be happy to know that instead, we use modern materials that don't contain any metal. These are made of composite resin that bonds tightly to tooth structure, which reduces the chances of decay setting in. Since they're made to match the tooth color, the filling is nearly invisible. They also add strength to a tooth's structure and function very naturally. Our patients love that we use the latest materials that both protect their tooth and look great.

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

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 


Tuesday 21 March 2017

Get Wise About Wisdom Teeth

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about wisdom teeth in their video titled 'Get Wise About Wisdom 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 17 March 2017

Dental Implants for Missing Teeth

Are There Problems from Missing a Tooth?

Yes! Even missing one tooth can cause other problems. When you chew your food without a full set of teeth, you don’t absorb as many nutrients from your meal. Chewing can become difficult with multiple missing teeth, and softer foods may be consumed more often. These are generally higher-calorie, less-nutritious foods that can result in weight gain.

The teeth that are adjacent to missing teeth can loosen and start to shift. Depending on how many teeth you have missing, your face can start to have a hollowed appearance without the support of a full set of teeth and the bone loss that results in your jaw. Altered speech may embarrass you, as well.

We recommend dental implants to replace one or many missing teeth. They look very natural and function just like real teeth. No one will ever be able to tell they are not yours.

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

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com 

Saturday 11 March 2017

Travel Tips for Your Teeth: Emergencies

In Case of Emergency...
Have your dentist’s contact info handy in your cell phone or keep a business card in your wallet. “If you think you need to talk to somebody, you probably do,” Dr. Messina says. In fact, more dental emergencies can be resolved over the phone than you might think (especially if you keep up regular visits). “As a patient, it’s hard to know the difference between something that needs to be treated right away and something that can wait until you get home,” he says. “That’s what we are here for.”

In Case of Emergency Overseas...
If you are out of the country and absolutely in need of a dentist, Dr. Messina recommends getting in touch with the local consulate or U.S. embassy. “While talking to the concierge at the hotel is OK, ask the consulate and their employees for a recommendation,” he says. “It’s an independent recommendation and not someone who may be driving business because of a contract or to a relative.”

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 

Tuesday 7 March 2017

Custom Mouth-guards

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about custom mouth-guards.


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 

Saturday 4 March 2017

Travel Tips for Your Teeth: Toothbrush

Forget Your Toothbrush?
Sunscreen? Check. Phone charger? Check. Toothbrush? Oops. If you find yourself temporarily without a toothbrush, Dr. Messina says you can rinse vigorously with water to wash away some of that cavity-causing bacteria. You could also put some toothpaste on a clean washcloth or your clean finger in a pinch. When you finally get to the nearest drugstore, look for a toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. If there aren’t any Seal products, buy the softest brush you can find.

Proper Toothbrush Transport
Letting your toothbrush air dry is how you keep your toothbrush clean at home, but that’s not always possible on vacation. What’s a traveling toothbrush to do? “I’m a big fan of resealable plastic bags. Keeping your toothbrush clean and out of contact with other things is more important that making sure it’s dry on vacation,” Dr. Messina says. “A bag keeps your toothbrush separate from everything else in your luggage. When you get there, pop it open and let your brush air dry.”

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 3 March 2017

Dental Digital Imaging

See How Your New Smile Will Look Before Any Treatment!

Cosmetic imaging allows us to show you what can be done with your teeth and smile before you even start treatment. Computer images of your teeth and gums can be shaped, replaced, added or lightened, resulting in your new smile. It is exciting to actually see your treatment goal.

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

(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com