Dr. Tieken wants to know: Are you a tooth whitening addict?

In our age—and culture—where everyone's looks matter as much as anything, more and more folks want to look and feel great - and that means more and more people compulsively whitening their teeth.

But can there be too much of a good thing when it comes to teeth whitening? Yes. At the office of J. Derek Tieken, we specialize in cosmetic dentistry, offering several cosmetic dentistry treatments, including the Sapphire whitening system, porcelain veneers, lumineers and crowns.

Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and let us help you whiten your teeth professionally.

And, lastly, if you suspect you may have a teeth whitening addiction, we encourage you to check out this helpful article from our friends at WebMD.

Dr. Tieken presents: Mr. Bean goes to the dentist

Hey folks! How about a treat today? Here's a little classic dental humor for you to enjoy, from the bumbling yet lovable British spy, Mr. Bean. Our staff enjoyed it, and we know you'll get a laugh as well. Grab some popcorn and enjoy "Mr. Bean Goes to the Dentist”!

If you have any other video suggestions you think we should share with other patients, please let us know!

Oh no! Houston makes the ‘14 worst-teeth cities’ list!

What makes for a beautiful smile? Dr. Tieken and our staff will tell you regular dental visits, brushing and flossing, not smoking, minimizing your intake of soda and coffee, among other things, will maximize your chances of achieving optimal oral health. In 2009, TotalBeauty released their list of the “14 Worst-Teeth Cities,” and our team at J. Derek Tieken DDS is sad to report Houston was chosen among the fourteen.

Here’s an excerpt from the article: "Houston residents drink more cola than anywhere else in the country. That plus their ranking of no. 49 in dental visits and no. 41 in dentists per capita doesn't bode well for healthy teeth. Their hard water can also contribute to stains and their ranking as no. 6 in fattest cities means their teeth and gums may be lacking in nutrients and circulation as well."

Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting J. Derek Tieken DDS on a regular basis? If not, it’s time to schedule an appointment! And don’t forget the old dental saying: “Be true to your teeth or they’ll be false to you!”

Ask Dr. Tieken: How do my gums affect my heart?

Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease, infection leads to chronic inflammation—gums are swollen, red, and sometimes bleeding. In the worst of cases, teeth are lost.

We know that gum disease is a threat to your oral health, but research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. Recently, our staff at Tieken Smiles read an article that reported a study that indicated an association between gum disease and heart disease.

In a recent report published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, researchers found that the more severe the gum disease, the thicker and harder the walls of your arteries are. We encourage you to check out the rest of the article for tips on how to improve your overall oral health. If you have any questions, please give us a call and we'll answer any concerns you may have!