Gum Disease Can Sneak Up On You, from Tieken Smiles

At the office of Dr. Derek Tieken, we know it's easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, schedule an appointment right away by calling Tieken Smiles, serving League City, Houston, Seabrook, Webster and Kemah. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

We look forward to seeing you!

Are you wearing your mouth guard?

With the warm weather right around the corner, Dr. Derek Tieken and our staff would like to take this time to remind all the athletes out there to take care of your mouth while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports). After all, we know this is a busy time of year sports-wise, whether you're participating in a volleyball game in the park or getting ready for baseball season.

Under Armour mouthguards, available at our convenient League City office, enhance the performance of every athlete and give you peace of mind that your mouth is protected. Remember, only by using a mouth guard can folks avoid serious sports injuries. So, the next time you're in for a visit with Dr. Tieken, we encourage you to ask us for an Under Armour mouth guard, and we will provide one!

Are those rumors about swallowing bubble gum true?

At Tieken Smiles, we know the rumors going around that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Give us a call at our convenient League City office if you have any questions!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing from Dr. Tieken and our entire staff!

Understanding cavities, from the team at Tieken Smiles

Dr. Tieken and our team know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is "Cavity"! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity, anyway? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

The best prevention for cavities is regular checkups with Dr. Tieken and proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing. A regular checkup with Dr. Tieken consists of a thorough cleaning, polishing and an oral exam. During the examination, Dr. Tieken will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. At each visit, Dr. Tieken also checks old fillings and restorations because constant pressure from chewing, grinding or clenching can cause them to wear away, chip, or crack. Digital X-rays will also be taken to pinpoint the cavities and to help determine the best treatment options.

If you have any questions about cavities, or to schedule an appointment at our office, please feel free to give us a call.

We hope you had a great weekend! Happy New Year!