Pediatric Dentistry: The Benefits of Dairy

When you were a child, your mother may have instructed you to drink all your milk to build strong bones. Now that you have children of your own, you may hear yourself parroting those instructions you received years ago. Getting enough dairy is essential for young children whose teeth are growing. A child who consumes the recommended daily serving of dairy will develop healthy, strong teeth for the rest of his or her life.

Structure of the Tooth
To fully grasp the importance of dairy for dental health, it is necessary to understand tooth structure. Your teeth are made of living tissues covered by a hard outer shell. The inner dental pulp is fed by blood vessels and connects to a nerve bed in your gums. Surrounding the pulp is dentin, a calcified tissue that is less brittle than the tooth’s outermost layer, the enamel. The enamel layer is the white part of your teeth, 96% of which consists of minerals such as calcium phosphate.

How Does Dairy Help My Child’s Teeth?
Milk and other dairy products are excellent sources of calcium. Your child’s body deposits this calcium into her growing bones, including the teeth. Calcium contributes to bone growth and strength, and it forms an important part of the solid enamel that surrounds each tooth’s fragile inner pulp.

Milk also contains vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, and proteins. Magnesium promotes calcium deposits in your enamel, while phosphorus forms a small barrier against acidic foods that cause cavities. Vitamin D and protein are used by a child’s body to build bone tissue and maintain dental health.

How Much Dairy Does a Child Need?
According to a 2011 study conducted by researchers at the University of Connecticut, the majority of Americans do not receive enough calcium. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that children under the age of eight should receive at least two and a half cups of dairy per day. Children older than eight need three full cups — the same as adult men and women. Supplying your child with nonfat milk to drink and yogurt to eat every day is a great way to increase dairy consumption.

Growing children who do not get enough dairy in their diets risk improper tooth development and other dental health problems. Drinking sugary beverages in place of milk causes cavities and tooth decay. As a parent, it is essential to monitor your child’s dairy consumption to ensure he or she grows healthy teeth to last a lifetime.

Does Oral Health Affect Your Heart?

Brushing your teeth every day keeps them cleaner, improves your breath, and reduces plaque buildup. But did you know that there may be a connection between your dental health and chronic illness? Some scientific evidence suggests that poor dental health may be linked to cardiovascular disease. Although more research is needed to explore this association, it provides yet another reason to brush your teeth twice per day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly.

Over 2,400 people die from cardiovascular disease each day, making it an immense public health problem. Cardiovascular disease occurs when arteries become harder, making it more difficult for blood to easily pass through your circulatory system. Plaques also build up in your blood vessels, further restricting blood flow. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, affects nearly 75% of the U.S. population, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. It is a chronic inflammatory condition that can cause bone and gum tissue to deteriorate, causing bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, and loose teeth.

If periodontal disease affects your teeth and cardiovascular disease affects your heart, what’s the connection between the two? Scientists have known for years that the two conditions share several risk factors. Increasing age, cigarette smoking, and type 2 diabetes increase your risk of developing both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. None of these risk factors, however, explain the causal mechanism connecting the two conditions.

According to a 2009 review article by the editors of the American Journal of Cardiology and the Journal of Periodontology, one possible explanation is inflammation. Moderate to severe periodontal disease triggers chronic systemic inflammation, affecting not only your mouth but also your circulatory system, leading to cardiovascular disease. Another hypothesis is that bacteria from your mouth can cause heart disease. People with periodontal disease have billions of bacteria and other microorganisms teeming in their mouths. Chewing food and brushing your teeth release these bacteria into the bloodstream. The Harvard Heart Letter reports that the types of bacteria that cause periodontitis have been associated with plaque buildup in your arteries.

Not all scientific findings have shown a relationship between the two conditions. In April 2012, the American Heart Association published a scientific statement in the journal Circulation denying that gum disease causes heart attacks or stroke. The American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs and the World Heart Federation also endorsed the statement, agreeing that there is no conclusive evidence that the conditions are related. More scientific research needs to be performed to determine the exact relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.

Although the scientific evidence has been mixed, periodontal disease can be very harmful to your health even if it does not lead to cardiovascular disease. It is important to reduce your risk of gum disease by careful tooth brushing, frequent flossing, and regular trips to the dentist.

Bad Breath is No Good

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. You may not even be aware of your own bad breath, so if you’re concerned you may be suffering from it, talk to our team. We can help identify the cause and, if it’s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to treat it.

There are many reasons for bad breath:

• What you eat can also affect the way your breath smells. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, can have a very strong and lasting odor.
• If you don’t brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath, not to mention tooth decay and gingivitis.
• Bad breath can be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor.
• Tobacco products cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, ask us for tips on kicking the habit.
• Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If this is the case, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause.

The good news is there are many ways to help eliminate bad breath from your life. Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath, so schedule regular dental visits with our office for a professional cleaning and checkup. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque, and don’t forget to brush your tongue, too!

February also marks American Heart Month at Tieken Smiles!

You may remember our post from last week, when Dr. Tieken and team discussed February being "National Dental Health Month." But did you know February is also American Heart Month?

It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Dr. Tieken. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, claiming more lives than the rest of major causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office regularly can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to the office of J. Derek Tieken. In observance of Heart Month, Dr. Tieken says it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at our office, please give us a call.

Or, you may ask us on Facebook!

Share your winter break plans with us!

Dr. Derek Tieken and our team at Tieken Smiles want to know: what do your winter plans look like? Do you have any plans for an exciting family vacation? Are you hanging out around town? Catching up on sleep? Spending time with friends? Let us know!

Please feel free to share your exciting winter plans and experiences with us here or on our Facebook page! We would like to wish all of our patients and their families a safe and fun holiday season!

REMINDER: Don’t throw those insurance benefits away!

Dr. Derek Tieken and our team at Tieken Smiles would once again like to give those patients with flex spend, health savings, or insurance benefits a friendly end of the year reminder that it's high time to schedule your dental visits so you optimize your benefit.

Now is the time to reserve you appointment with us - space is limited and we tend to get busy, so don’t wait to give us a call at (832) 769-4824!

Tell Dr. Tieken what's on your mind!

Week after week, Dr. Derek Tieken and our creative staff at Tieken Smiles blog about important topics pertinent to dental care and your well-being, including innovative dental techniques we offer at our convenient League City office.

Today, however, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our loyal patients and readers: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the field of dentistry or about your treatment? What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

October Featured Patient Review

At TiekenSmiles, we truly love getting testimonials like this... thank you for writing in and for your kind words!

What a great dentist and staff!!! I could sum it all up in two words... BEYOND AMAZING!!! :)

My family and I met Dr. Tieken and his staff during the 2011 Dentistry From The Heart event.

What started out as them just getting cleanings and myself a filling turned into a miracle for me. It turned out that I did not need a fillling in fact what I needed was a flipper. Because, the missing teeth were causing pain to the tooth I thought needed filled. Dr. Tieken and his staff went above and beyond to make sure my family and I were comfortable as well as the dental care we so desperately needed! I am currently pursuing a dental assistant certification at a local college and it's very important to me to have a healthy smile of my own to share with my future patients. Dr. Tieken has made this possible. I smile because of his generosity and golden heart!!!! Honestly, words can not express my gratitude; I am eternally thankful!!!

Next year my family and I plan on going to the Dentistry From The Heart event except this time I we will be assisting the staff with those in need of dental care.

Tieken Smiles, supporting National Dental Hygiene Month!

October is here, and for our staff at the office of Derek Tieken, that means only one thing: National Dental Hygiene Month!.

Your teeth are an important part of your body, and keeping them clean helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting our convenient League City office on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.

We encourage you to check out the official National Dental Hygiene Month website, which provides pointers on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, has it been six months since your last visit to Dr. Tieken's office? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call at (832) 769-4824 to set up an appointment.

Happy Monday!

Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes: What’s the Difference? From Dr. Tieken

Everybody is jumping on the electric toothbrush bandwagon in recent years, with many experts in the dental field claiming electric toothbrushes provide superior dental care. It’s true that electric toothbrushes are recommended for those who can’t do a good job brushing manually or who have arthritis or other conditions. But manual toothbrushes do have some advantages, according to an article we recently found including:

• Cost. While electric toothbrushes may be expensive for many people, manual toothbrushes are both inexpensive and accessible.

• Less pressure on your teeth & gums. While we can feel the amount of pressure we’re using as we grasp our manual toothbrush, we can’t feel the pressure nearly as well with an electric toothbrush. Placing too much pressure on our teeth can wear away at the tooth enamel, which causes pain, sensitivity, as well as an increased risk of tooth decay.

• Simple to pack. Manual toothbrushes are easy to carry around for those business or family trips. People are less likely to let their good dental care habits lapse on vacation with a toothbrush that they can easily bring along!

• Better for kids. Learning at a young age how to properly use a manual toothbrush helps children get a feel for how to properly take care of their oral hygiene.

Electric toothbrushes, on the other hand, are more effective in removing plaque and are considered a better alternative to maintaining gum health. Remember, whether you choose a manual or an electric toothbrush, Dr. Tieken and our team at TiekenSmiles encourage you to choose one with soft bristles and be sure to change the bristles on the electric brush when they become worn down. We also encourage you to replace your toothbrush every three months, when the bristles are no longer straight and firm or after you recover from a cold.

Give us a call if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook! Happy brushing!

September is National Gum Care Month!

At the office of Dr. Derek Tieken, we know that gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal disease, can be difficult to recognize if you're not a trained dentist. Many people don't recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums - as a precursor to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. This month, a national campaign is under way to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we wanted to help do our part to spread the word!

Dr. Tieken and our staff will tell you early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body, too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as your heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease.

Our staff knows these can include:

• 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 happen to notice any of these signs, please schedule an appointment at our convenient League City office by calling (832) 769-4824 as soon as possible. Dr. Tieken can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.

Tell us about your summer!

The dog days of summer are upon us, and what better time for our team at Tieken Smiles to ask our patients about their summer!

Whether you visited Disney World, went on a camping trip, visited the state fair or just stayed in town and hung out with friends, we want to know how you’re all spending your summer! Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us below or on our Facebook page as the summer comes to an end soon for a lot of our patients at Dr. Tieken's office!

We look forward to reading all about your adventures! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Emergency care with Dr. Tieken

At TiekenSmiles, we know dental emergencies are never convenient or timely. If you are a patient of record, we are committed to your dental health and are more than willing to see you.

We are here to help you, any time, any day, and when your dental health is at risk, we’ll do everything we can to make sure that you’re treated as soon as possible. While dental emergencies are rare, we know they can happen at any moment, and it’s important to know how to take care of your teeth no matter what.

Common dental emergencies include:

• A bitten lip or tongue
• Broken or cracked tooth/teeth
• Broken jaw
• Permanent tooth that has been knocked out
• Object caught between teeth
• Severe toothache

If you have a dental emergency after regular office hours, please give us a call. If you are calling us after hours, please follow the emergency prompts to contact Dr. Tieken. We proudly serve patients from League City, Seabrook, Webster and Kemah, among other surrounding communities.

We hope you’re all enjoying your summer.

Join the conversation.

Whether you just began visiting us and have a follow-up question for Dr. Derek Tieken or if you’d simply like to drop us a quick line, we’d love to hear from you! We love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news here on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook fan page.

Please visit TiekenSmiles on the following networks:

Facebook: facebook.com/DerekTieken
YouTube: youtube.com/jderektieken
Twitter: twitter.com/tiekensmiles
MySpace: myspace.com/tiekensmiles

See you online!

Drs. Tieken and Cimino proudly offer complimentary consultations!

At Tieken Smiles, we pride ourselves in delivering the highest quality cosmetic dental care, as well as providing patients with accurate information, answers to any questions they may have, and a comfortable, professional, safe environment to receive cosmetic treatments.

One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in dental treatment. During this time, you’ll have time reserved with Drs. Tieken and Cimino, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning your dental treatment.

Please contact our practice at (281) 334-4944 to schedule a complimentary dental consultation.

Dr. Tieken and team in the community

Dr. Tieken and our team are proud to be involved in our community. Every November and December we donate toothbrushes and toothpaste to local churches for families in need of dental supplies, and are also involved with the Give Back a Smile program, a charitable foundation founded through the AACD that restores broken and damaged teeth of domestic violence survivors.

For a complete list of the programs the team at Tieken Smiles is involved with, you can visit our the "Giving Back to the Community" page on our web site. And be sure to keep checking our blog for new updates on what we're doing in the community!

Welcome, Dr. Michael Cimino!

We are so excited to officially welcome Dr. Michael Cimino into our practice as of Monday, and want to thank you all for your trust and support!!

Here's a little bit about Dr. Cimino:

Dr. Cimino’s enthusiasm for providing quality dentistry to his patients stretches far and wide. A native of Louisiana, Dr. Cimino graduated from Louisiana Tech University, and later proceeded to attend the acclaimed, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, in New Orleans, where he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

After graduating, Dr. Cimino, has dedicated himself to learning the latest skills and nuances in today’s practice of dentistry to achieve predictable functional esthetics. He is currently undergoing extensive prosthodontic training at the renowned Dawson Academy for Advanced Dental Study. He has now logged over 100 hours of continuing education in the last two years, working towards his candidacy for a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry.

Dr. Cimino is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Texas Dental Association, and the Greater Houston Dental Society.

In his spare time Dr. Cimino enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and working out to stay healthy.

Smile! June is National Smile Month!

Can you believe it’s already June? Today, Dr. Derek Tieken and team thought we’d tell you June is National Smile Month, and a good time to remind all our patients at Tieken Smiles to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to see us!

Below are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks
* Visit us regularly (every 6 months or as recommended by Dr. Tieken)!

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call, ask Dr. Tieken during your next visit or ask us on Facebook!

Smile makeovers at Tieken Smiles!

The most dramatic treatment Dr. Derek Tieken offers at our convenient League City office is a smile makeover.

Using a variety of procedures, your smile can be transformed to the ideal one you have always dreamed of. We begin by listening to your desires and preferences. Next, Dr. Tieken and our staff analyze your smile completely, including your lips, teeth, mouth, jaw line, etc.

Actual treatment takes only two appointments in a period of several weeks or more, depending on the patient. Patients will be amazed at how a smile makeover can improve their appearance and self-image. For many, this treatment is a life-changing event!

If you're interested in a smile makeover, we encourage you to give us a call at (281) 334-4944. Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Love your smile? Tell the world ALL ABOUT IT!

Your smile says so much about you, but if you are not satisfied with the appearance of your smile, it may not be saying anything at all. At the dental practice of Dr. Derek Tieken, we want to help you achieve a beautiful, confident, aesthetic smile that says it all!

Whether you've visited TiekenSmiles, for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how we're doing! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Places page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Dr. Tieken and our team create more beautiful smiles for patients in League City, Houston, Seabrook, Webster, Kemah and surrounding communities.

You may write a review here.

Thank you and enjoy your week!