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!

Smile, smile and smile some more!

Good news to report this Wednesday afternoon! People with big, happy smiles may actually out-live those who don’t, according to a new study at Wayne State University in Michigan. Dr. Derek Tieken has known for a long time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they used information from the Baseball Register to look at photos of 230 players who began their baseball careers prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (wide smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were then compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through last year.

The researchers then took into account other factors associated with longevity, such as body mass index, or BMI, career length and college attendance. They found that players who weren't smiling died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old!

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you tried perfecting your smile by visiting Dr. Tieken lately? If not, give our team a call today at (832) 769-4824.

March is National Nutrition Month! From J. Derek Tieken DDS

Before we forget about March and jump into April, our team, as well as Dr. Tieken, would like to remind that we celebrated March for one reason: National Nutrition Month. Every March, Dr. Tieken and thousands of dentists and hygienists around the nation celebrate this occasion, and this year was no different. This spring, we want you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health.

Dr. Tieken and team know small changes really can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your diet this spring:

• Focus on fresh fruits and veggies: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.

• Think fresh, think local: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in League City and Houston.

• Make each of your calories count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.

• Don't give in: If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you crave a snack in the afternoon, enjoy some trail mix or nuts.

• Expand your horizons: Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list.

If you have additional questions about periodontal disease or keeping yourself and your mouth healthy, please give us a call at (832) 769-4824!

Dairy, your diet and periodontal disease, from Dr. Tieken

Dr. Derek Tieken wants to know: is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be. A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw, resulting in a loss of teeth and bone. Gum disease has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, please give Dr. Tieken and team a call at (832) 769-4824.