dentistry Archives - Unident Family Dentistry

A radiant smile is more than just a confidence booster; it’s a reflection of your overall health. Oral hygiene plays a pivotal role in preventing dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and even systemic health problems. Most people understand the basics of brushing and flossing, but there’s much more to effective oral care than meets the eye.

While we often associate oral hygiene with avoiding bad breath or keeping our teeth white, its benefits extend to sleep and even breathing quality. Patients experiencing dental problem can contact dentist in Houston may not realize that poor oral health can aggravate this serious condition. That’s why it’s crucial to approach oral hygiene with both daily discipline and clinical support. Let’s take a closer look at what makes up an excellent oral hygiene routine and how you can protect your smile and your health for years to come.

What Is Oral Hygiene, and Why Does It Matter?

Oral hygiene refers to the practice of keeping your mouth clean and free from disease by maintaining the health of your teeth, gums, and tongue. It’s the foundation of long-term dental health and a critical factor in your overall well-being.

Why it’s essential:

Prevents cavities and tooth decay
Avoids gum disease, bleeding, and inflammation
Controls plaque and tartar buildup
Maintains fresh breath

Neglecting oral care can lead to costly and painful dental treatments, not to mention the impact on self-esteem and general health.

Basics of Brushing

You might be surprised to learn that brushing your teeth the wrong way can do more harm than good. It’s not just about frequency—it’s about technique.

Key brushing tips:

Brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging enamel or gums.
Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and use circular motions.
Don’t forget the back molars and gum line.
Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.

Using an electric toothbrush can increase effectiveness, especially for those with limited mobility or orthodontic appliances.

The Role of Flossing in Oral Hygiene

Flossing isn’t optional—it’s essential. Even if you’re brushing perfectly, plaque can still hide between teeth and below the gum line.

Benefits of flossing:

Removes food particles your toothbrush can’t reach
Prevents interproximal cavities (between teeth)
Reduces gum inflammation and bleeding
Promotes fresh breath

Floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime. If traditional floss is uncomfortable, try floss picks or a water flosser for a gentler experience.

Rinsing and Tongue Cleaning

Oral hygiene doesn’t stop at brushing and flossing. The tongue harbors bacteria, and rinsing helps flush out debris and neutralize acid.

Add these steps to your daily routine:

Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to clean your tongue.
Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash to kill bacteria and strengthen enamel.
Look for rinses with fluoride or antibacterial properties.

Cleaning your tongue not only improves taste perception but also drastically reduces odor-causing bacteria.

Regular Dental Visits

Even the most disciplined home routine needs backup. Regular visits to a dentist in Houston provide professional insight and preventive care that can’t be replicated at home.

Your dentist can:

Identify early signs of decay or gum disease
Perform deep cleanings to remove tartar buildup
Offer fluoride treatments or sealants

Schedule checkups every six months or as recommended. Skipping visits can allow small issues to escalate into major concerns.

Nutrition and Oral Hygiene

Diet has a direct impact on your dental health. Sugary snacks and acidic drinks are the fast track to cavities and enamel erosion.

Smile-friendly nutrition tips:

Choose crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots.
Drink plenty of water to rinse your mouth and stay hydrated.
Limit sugary snacks, soda, and energy drinks.
Get enough calcium and vitamin D to support healthy teeth and bones.

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can also stimulate saliva production, which naturally neutralizes acids in the mouth.

Lifestyle Habits That Affect Oral Health

Your daily habits have a profound effect on your mouth’s condition. Some lifestyle choices may be damaging your smile without you realizing it.

Avoid these harmful habits:

Smoking and tobacco use (major causes of gum disease and oral cancer)
Teeth grinding (bruxism), which wears down enamel and stresses the jaw
Chewing ice or hard candies, which can crack teeth
Mouth breathing, often linked with dental issues, which leads to dry mouth and bacteria growth

If you suspect you grind your teeth at night or suffer from dry mouth, talk to your dentist about night guards or breathing evaluations.

Final Thoughts

Oral hygiene is a daily commitment that pays lifelong dividends. By brushing, flossing, eating smart, and visiting your dental provider regularly, you can maintain a strong, confident, and healthy smile for years to come.

At Unident Family Dentistry in Houston, we go beyond routine cleanings. Our experienced team is here to educate, support, and tailor oral health plans that fit your individual needs—whether it’s improving hygiene habits, treating dental conditions, or exploring oral hygiene solutions. Start your journey to better oral health today, because your smile deserves it.

Regular family dental visits are important for maintaining good oral health for people of all ages. They allow the dentist to detect and prevent dental problems early on, before they become more serious and expensive to treat. During a regular family dental visit, the dentist or hygienist will clean the teeth and gums. They will check for any signs of decay or disease, and provide recommendations for maintaining good oral hygiene. It will also help to establish good oral hygiene habits, promote overall health, and build trust between the patient and dentist.

We can say that regular family dental visits are important for maintaining good oral health for people of all ages. Some of the benefits of regular family dental visits include –

Treat Bad Breath – A family dentist can help you treat your bad breath at home. Many different foods can tackle bad breath and smell. The first step starts with a thorough examination of your mouth. If you have to resort to professional help, do so and be sure to tell them what it is that causes your bad breath.

Give You Peace of Mind – Family Dentist is committed to improving the oral health of patients. Benefits of going to a family dental office include affordable dental services and affordable dental insurance plan for the whole family, friendly and helpful staff, etc.

Early Diagnose – Regular check-ups with a family dentist can help identify potential problems such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer in their early stages, which can make treatment more effective and less invasive. Early diagnosis and treatment will be less expensive than waiting until a problem becomes more advanced.

Preventing Gum Disease – Gum disease is a serious problem that affects many people. It can lead to bleeding and infections. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help prevent gum disease. For example, brushing with fluoride toothpaste every day is an important prevention measure for children and adults over 50 years old.

Expert Consultation on any dental issue – Family dentistry is an area of specialization where family practices come together to provide comprehensive dental care tailored to your individual needs. Family dentists can provide you with the most up-to-date information about modern technologies and treatments available for each patient.

Frequently Asked Questions about Family Dentists

How can I maintain a healthy smile?

Family dentists are your best choice for dental care. They have the experience to ensure you receive the most professional treatment available for preventive and restorative care. As a family dentist, our goal is to provide you with comprehensive and personalized care tailored to your specific needs and budget.

What happens during dental checkups?

A family dentist’s role is to take friendliness and compassion into consideration when providing dental care. A family dentist can ensure to provide the best possible service, including ensuring their patient is comfortable.

In A Nutshell

A family dentist in Houston, TX, can provide a variety of services as teeth cleanings, fillings, and even braces. They can also offer advice on how to take care of your teeth and gums. If you are looking for a reliable and trustworthy family dentist, you should consider one in Houston, TX.

Cosmetic dentistry is the medical field that deals with the prevention and correction of structural defects in teeth and recreating smiles. Cosmetic dentistry is a practice that helps you look, feel and function better. It’s more than just a plastic surgeon or a gum disease specialist. It is an entire dental team that focuses on issues such as smile design, oral cancer prevention, and gum disease treatment. Here are a few tips on how to Choose an Affordable Cosmetic Dentist.

Tip #1: Dentists Within Your Insurance Network

Choosing a cosmetic dentist within your dental insurance network is very important. This is because choosing a cosmetic dentist can help save you money. Cosmetic dentistry covers your teeth and gums but not the rest of your mouth. The benefit is that you get peace of mind knowing you are covered by your dental insurance plan.

Tip #2: Word of mouth

Choose your cosmetic dentist by word of mouth because they are the best at what they do. It is crucial to select an aesthetic dental practice that focuses on patient care and treatment rather than the dentistry treatments that can be performed. Expert surgeons are known for excellence and for providing exceptional results to patients.

Tip #3: Online Reviews

Choosing cosmetic dentists that are good online reviews is crucial because they provide you with a way to check the experience level of your dentist before you make an appointment. Cosmetic dentists who have had patients in their practice for many years will have great reviews from previous customers and current ones.

Tip #4: Promotions or discounts

When choosing a cosmetic dentist, finding a dentist with promotions or discounts can help you save more money and time. These incentives can also help you feel more confident when making an appointment to see your new dentist.

Tip #5: Prevention is the key

Cosmetic Dentistry is a wonderful way to improve your smile without spending a fortune on expensive dental procedures. Cosmetic dentists take a holistic approach to maintaining a healthy smile and making teeth beautiful by using cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and more. These procedures do not affect oral health or the health of other parts of the mouth. In addition, by treating your teeth before they become stained or damaged with a cavity-causing plaque and tartar buildup, you reduce the need for invasive procedures later on.

Conclusion

Cosmetic Dentistry is a growing trend among people who want to improve their smile, feel more confident, and are trying to look younger. Cosmetic dentists use many different techniques to achieve this goal. Treatment can range from simple tooth whitening, dental composite bonding and to full mouth reconstruction that replaces missing teeth. So, end your search for cosmetic dentistry near you by contacting dental experts at Unident Family Dentistry today!

Successful orthodontic therapy depends on three things: time, pressure, and cooperation. Braces – a fixed orthodontic appliance usually consisting of brackets, bands, and wires – apply pressure to the teeth to gradually move them into the correct position over time. The patients’ cooperation is required by keeping the teeth clean, avoiding foods that break the brackets, limiting sugary drinks, visiting the dentist every 3-6 months, and wearing the elastics prescribed by the orthodontist.

Patients with braces typically see the best orthodontist every six to ten weeks until the teeth are securely aligned. After the teeth are in the correct position, braces & other appliances are removed. The below tips may help you to choose a top-rated orthodontist near you.

Check for Flexible Appointment Scheduling

When looking for an orthodontist near you for yourself, your teenager, your parents, or your child, the first thing that comes to mind is making appointments with your busy schedule. Is he available after office hours and on weekends? Are appointments kept late at night? If you find an orthodontist who answers all these questions positively, you should definitely consider him.

Type of Patient Care Offered

You should expect fast, affordable, and quality patient care from an orthodontist. The type of patient care you receive makes a big difference. If your treatment is quicker, you will likely spend less time in the waiting room struggling with your busy schedule. Ask about options like low-cost best braces or low-cost orthodontics. However, you can also consider the quality of treatment, as affordable treatment should not come at the expense of quality.

Inquire About the Type of Technology and Treatments Provided

Modern technology can make your orthodontic treatments faster and more comfortable. Therefore, try to find out whether an orthodontic clinic has the latest technology or old equipment. Modern technologies like 3D imaging and ultra-oral scanners help improve your orthodontic experience with more precise results.

Look at Google Reviews

You can go for a quick online search to find out what previous patients have to say about the orthodontist. For example, most people leave Google reviews about their experience. These reviews reveal a lot about the quality of treatment, the type of patient care, the orthodontist, the team, the clinic environment, patient experience, payment options, and more.

Conclusion

Choosing the right orthodontics is a very crucial decision, and it’s something that should be made by you alone. While there is no one category of best braces for teeth that will fit everyone quite right, the right kind of orthodontics can help you achieve your goal and get you on your way to a beautiful smile. If you’re ready to get a more beautiful smile, we can help! Contact Unident Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment.

Did you know that chocolate might not be as bad for your teeth as people may have thought? You can now eat your favorite treat without feeling guilty. Studies found by our dentist in 77063 have shown that there are benefits to eating chocolate, however, not all chocolate is created equal. It is important to note that these benefits apply to dark chocolate, not milk chocolate or white chocolate. Dark chocolate is rich in Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese and a few other minerals.

A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate with 70-85% cocoa contains:

11 grams of fiber
67% Iron
58% Magnesium
89% Copper
98% Manganese
It also has plenty of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium

Here are more advantages to eating dark chocolate and how to maintain good oral health while doing so.

Chocolate and Your Teeth

Chocolate is a candy that dissolves quickly in your mouth, resulting in less time on your teeth. It does less damage than a chewy or sticky candy because the sugar doesn’t cling to your teeth as long.

Chocolate and Your Health

Cocoa and dark chocolate are also a powerful source of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Many experts believe this damage is a factor in the development of blood vessel disease, cancer, and other conditions. The bioactive compounds in cocoa can improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure.

Chocolate Benefits

Eating chocolate can lower your risk for cardiovascular disease. A study also showed that the flavanols from cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it against sun-induced damage.

Remember to eat responsibly as too much sugary food can be harmful, regardless of the benefits. Eating dark chocolate and brushing your teeth after will reduce the negative effects of chocolate.

While you can indulge on your favorite chocolate treat occasionally, be sure to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. Brush at least twice each day for two minutes, and floss regularly. To schedule your next visit to our dental office in Houston Westchase, TX, please contact our team.

Probiotics are typically advertised as being helpful for digestion. However, studies have shown that they can also improve oral health. Our 77063 dentist agrees that probiotics are beneficial for fighting infections that lead to oral disease.

Reducing Gingivitis

A study published in Contemporary Clinical Dentistry has found that probiotics can reduce gum bleeding in patients with moderate to severe gingivitis. In the trial, children were given either a placebo or two different combinations of probiotics. At the three-week mark, it was discovered that children who took probiotics had significant improvements in their gingival status.

Combating Periodontitis

Periodontitis is another oral disease that probiotics have been shown to fight. Periodontitis is caused by harmful bacteria that separate teeth from the gums creating pockets that can become infected. Probiotics can fight harmful bacteria and lessen the inflammation to help heal the mouth.

Fighting Cavities

Another finding from the trial of the Contemporary Clinical Dentistry showed that children who took probiotics also saw a significant decrease in plaque. The reduction of plaque leads to less decay. Probiotics fight the plaque and occupy the spaces on the teeth where bad bacteria thrive.

Minimizing Bad Breath

Another benefit of probiotics is the effect they have on bad breath. Bad breath is usually caused by volatile sulfur compound bacteria releasing odor-causing gases. Because probiotics are healthy bacteria, it is believed that they can eliminate the bad bacteria and maintain a healthy bacteria balance in your mouth.

The benefits of probiotics are not just limited to the digestive health. Researchers continue to conduct studies to discover new ways probiotics contribute to a healthy mouth and body.

Contact our team for more information on oral health or to schedule a visit to our dental office in Houston Westchase.

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects roughly 10 million Americans, according to statistics from the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Additionally, another 44 million people are at an increased risk of developing the disease due to of low bone density. Symptoms appear in more than one-third of women over the age of 65. Fractures, pain, and mobility limitations can occur from osteoporosis. Understanding the signs and symptoms, as well as prevention methods, can decrease your chance of developing osteoporosis.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease that decreases bone density and weakens bones. Many people are unaware that they have this disease, and only catch it after an injury. Bone fractures can greatly diminish your quality of life through persistent discomfort and limited mobility.

Oral Health Linked to Osteoporosis

If you suffer from osteoporosis, your oral health is also at risk. Your jawbone may begin to weaken, leading to significant oral health complications. A routine visit to our dental office can allow us to detect early signs of osteoporosis. Tooth loss and gum disease are potential indicators of an underlying health issue. Our dentist in 77063 will take dental X-rays of your jawbone and surrounding teeth. If we detect diminished bone density, or signs of bone loss, we will discuss the best course of action with you.

What You Can Do

The risk factors associated with osteoporosis include genetics, calcium deficiency, smoking, menopause, excessive caffeine or alcohol, and an inactive lifestyle. Simple changes such as increasing your daily calcium and vitamin D intake, exercising, quitting smoking, decreasing consumption of caffeine and alcohol, and visiting our team regularly can help lower your risk.

Osteoporosis affects the lives of millions of people. It can significantly diminish your quality of life. Through regular oral health examinations, our team may be able to identify early signs of bone loss.

Schedule your visit to our dental office in Houston Westchase today.

Even a healthy mouth is lined with bacteria. Normally, your daily oral hygiene routine helps prevent oral health complications. However, it is possible to develop an excess of bacteria and fungi, which can lead to additional problems. Here’s what you should know about oral thrush and what you can do to prevent it.

What is it?

Oral thrush is caused by a collection of the fungus Candida in your mouth. Bacteria and fungi occur naturally in your mouth, but it is important that they are not permitted to build up. Thrush can appear as white, thick scrapes on your tongue or inner cheek. It may also look like patchy, white sores.

Who does it affect?

Young children, infants, and the elderly are at a higher risk of developing oral thrush. If you have a weakened immune system or diabetes, it is even more important that you stay active to keep your mouth healthy and prevent issues like oral thrush. Smokers also tend to develop oral thrush more than other patients.

What can it do?

Oral thrush can lead to trouble swallowing and tasting. As it develops, it can become painful. Oral thrush can make affected areas feel like they are burning, and slight bleeding can occur if you are scraping your tongue or cheeks. Some describe the feeling as having cotton in their mouth.

Thrush can spread. If you have a weakened immune system, it is possible that thrush moves into your lungs, digestive tract, and even your heart.

How can I prevent It?

Our best recommendation for preventing oral thrush is a vigilant daily oral hygiene routine that includes a thorough brushing and flossing of your teeth, and includes your tongue. We sometimes recommend a patient use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue. Just like brushing your teeth, your tongue depends on daily cleaning to stay healthy and free of germs and bacteria.

The American Dental Association recommends that for some patients it might be helpful to consider an antimicrobial toothpaste or mouthwash. Check with our Dentist in Houston Westchase to see which solutions might be best for you.

We cannot overstate the importance of regularly scheduled dental exams. If you are a diabetic, it is even more important that you schedule regular visits to our Houston Westchase, TX Dentist office. By having your mouth checked by our staff, we can work with you to prevent oral health issues like thrush.

For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next visit, please contact our 77063 Dentist office.

The hazards surrounding vaping are not entirely clear. More research is needed in this area, but a recent study indicates that e-cigarette vapors could be damaging to your mouth. Here’s what you need to know.

The Vapor Ingredients

Electronic cigarettes are not regulated in the same way tobacco cigarettes are, meaning that their contents can be inaccurately labeled without any oversight. Contents that e-juice usually contains include nicotine, glycerin, chemical flavoring, and propylene glycol. Some of these substances are safe in food, such as chemical flavors, but the effects of inhaling them is not well researched. Heating these chemicals can form dangerous carcinogens such as formaldehyde. E- cigarettes might also include tiny metals and particles that you inhale while smoking.

What This Means for Your Oral Health

A recent study from UCLA found that vapors from an e-cigarette can kill the cells in your oral cavity, or the area of your mouth beyond your teeth and gums. The study placed oral cells in an environment where electronic cigarette smoke was produced for 24 hours, in a machine simulating how a person would smoke. During the test, 85% of the cells died. According to the lead author of the study, they plan to move forward to test the impacts in humans.

These cells are your mouth’s defense by helping to release antioxidants. As the cells die off or become less effective, your mouth becomes more vulnerable to oral diseases.

Another study by the University of Rochester Medical Center concluded e-cigarettes are just as bad for your gums as tobacco cigarettes are. Nicotine, which both types of cigarettes contain, is a known factor in contributing to gum disease.

Steps You Can Take

Since the e-juice industry is largely unregulated, it is best to avoid smoking electronic cigarettes. The carcinogenic contents pose serious risks to your health, especially to your mouth. Your mouth relies on the functions of these important cells to defend itself against dangerous bacteria and other substances. Without your mouth’s natural defense system, you open yourself up to oral disease.

Make sure you are regularly visiting our Houston Westchase Dentist office, especially if you are a smoker of either tobacco cigarettes, or electronic cigarettes. Our experienced Dentist in Houston Westchase dental team will perform a complete oral examination during your visit to check for signs of oral disease. Being proactive is your best defense against combating oral disease.

For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next visit, please contact us.

When buying a toothbrush, toothpaste, or coming into our office, you often hear the word “plaque” associated with the health of your teeth. Plaque is one of the main reasons why it is so important to keep up with a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing two times each day for at least two minutes, and flossing regularly as well. Here’s what you need to know about plaque and what it can do to your smile.

What is Plaque?

If you haven’t brushed your teeth in a while, you might feel a film-like, sticky buildup on your teeth. This is plaque, a bacteria layer that grips onto your teeth. There isn’t anything you can do to stop plaque from forming, but brushing and flossing as well as keeping up with regular dental visits with our dentist in 77063 are your best defenses for cleaning plaque off your teeth.

What Plaque Does to Your Teeth & Mouth

Without regular brushing and cleaning, plaque builds up and multiplies. As plaque is left untreated, it hardens to form tartar (also known as calculus). Plaque also leads to decay, as it produces an acid that damages your teeth. When you come into our office for a dental cleaning, we thoroughly clean your teeth to ensure that any buildup is taken care of. Tartar can cause staining on your teeth if left untreated. Plaque is the leading cause of gingivitis, causing your gums to swell and become red or bloody.

What You Can Do

The most important steps of keeping plaque in check is to stick to a daily brushing routine. This means brushing twice each day, for two minutes each time, and flossing at least once daily. Plaque occurs naturally, and when you come into our office for a complete examination, we work with you to clean off any buildup. Maintaining regular visits to our office is one way to ensure tartar buildup is minimized and managed. It is particularly important that you are brushing your teeth all the way to the gum, because the gum line is an area that is prone to plaque buildup. Brush gently, as vigorous brushing will only do more damage than good, especially to your gums.

Sticking to your daily brushing and flossing routine will help keep your teeth free of plaque buildup. Make sure you are brushing in the morning and before bed. If you don’t brush before bed, bacteria and plaque will build up throughout the night. Schedule a visit to our office so our experienced, professional dental team can clean your teeth, giving you a smile you can be proud of.

For more tips on keeping your teeth healthy or to schedule your next visit, please contact our Houston, TX dental office.