1100 S. Lake Street
Fort Worth, TX 76104
Call: (817) 870-4746

How to get your kids to brush their teeth and like it

October 2, 2014

Getting your kids to brush their teeth, yet alone like it, can be tricky.  We have some tips that might help you to get your kids brushing and like it!!

Dr. Tillman recommends that you choose a small, child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush.  Soaking the brush in warm water for a few minutes before brushing can soften the bristles even more.  Use a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Monkey See Monkey Do: Modeling good behavior is one of the best ways to get your kids excited about brushing their teeth instead of thinking it’s a chore.  When you brush your teeth, be happy that you’re doing it.  If Mom and Dad make it look like fun, the kids will want to do it too.  Let them copy you.  Buy them the same color toothbrush as you have, or try an electric one, which may be more entertaining for them.  Let them try brushing your teeth and then you can brush theirs to make sure they’re actually clean.

Give them a good story: Talk about why we need to brush – how the sugar bugs make holes in our teeth if we don’t brush them away.  Sometimes kids need a reason or a good story to get on board.

Make bubbles: Encourage them to create lots of bubbles – that means they’re brushing well.  You could hold a bubble-making contest with your kids to see who can create the most bubbles.

Make sure to bring your kids in for their routine check ups and cleanings and our hygienists can help encourage the kids with good brushing habits!

How to Reduce Fear at the Dental Office

August 21, 2014

Filed under: About Our Office — Tags: , , — dr_tillman @ 7:26 am

Some people find visits to the dental office a little un-nerving.  There are many ways to help ease your fears when coming in for dental treatment.  You may feel embarrassed about discussing your fears.  Remember that you are not alone.  Once Dr. Tillman and his staff are aware of your issues, they will be better equipped to help ease your mind.   We advise apprehensive patients to make their appointments in the mornings.

Talking with Dr. Tillman is the key to beating dental stress.  Modern dentistry can be almost painless.   You can feel more in control if you take part in decisions about your treatment and that can help you to feel less anxious.  We can discuss a variety of options to make your visits as pleasant as possible.

You don’t want to be taken by surprise.  During the appointment, ask us to explain what’s happening at every stage of the treatment.  This may help to lower your anxiety.  When you know what the dentist is about to do next, you can prepare yourself.

Another helpful technique is to agree on a hand signal you can use if you want everything to stop right away.  Dr. Tillman advises his patients to raise their hand and he will stop immediately.  This gives you a sense of control.  Don’t wait until you’re having pain to give the signal.  You can ask him to stop because you’d like to rinse your mouth, simply catch your breath, or even to take a short break.

Distraction is also good way to ease your fears.  Some patients enjoy listening to music during their appointment.  This gives them an opportunity to focus on their favorite band or songs instead of noises or dental talk.  Dr. Tillman has Pandora for his patients that want to listen to music.  We even have televisions in the treatment rooms so that patients can redirect their focus.  Other patients bring their ear phones and I-Pods in to really block out noises and take them to a “happy place”.

Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is a very common form of pain management in the dental office.  The gas may make you feel relaxed and happy.  This is a great tool to use since the effects wear off quickly once the gas is turned off.

Dental visits can be quite worrying to some patients.  As long as you keep the line of communication open between you and your dentist they will always find a way to put your fears to rest.

 

Summer Promotion

June 27, 2014

Filed under: About Our Office,Just for Fun — dr_tillman @ 7:41 am

******BIG SCREEN TV GIVEAWAY******

To say thank you to our extended circle of friends and family, we’re giving away a brand new BIG SCREEN TV to one lucky patient!!
Entering the giveaway is easy:

Like Us on Facebook = 1 ticket
Write a Google Review = 2 tickets
Refer a Friend = 5 tickets

Like us, write about us, and refer us to your friends and family to boost your chances of winning.

Three Must-Have Dental Treatments

March 21, 2013

Filed under: About Our Office — dr_tillman @ 3:02 pm

In our office, Dr. David Tillman customizes treatment for every patient. Amid all of the fillings, crowns, and veneers, we find there are three treatments that are most valuable when offering our patients options: dental implants, bite guards and teeth whitening.

Dental implants are a great tool for those who have lost teeth from trauma, genetic predetermination, decay, or fracture. Technology and design have allowed these implants to look and function like a natural tooth. They are a great investment when maintaining bone structure and smile presentation.

In our fast-paced lives, people take their stress and tension out on their teeth. Clenching and grinding, or bruxism, is on the rise. This is traumatic to crowns, fillings, and natural teeth. Headaches are a symptom of bruxism and when not treated, jaw joint inflammation and pain are a result. Bite guards are often worn at night when most of the action occurs. Many are not even aware of this habit until presented with evidence of cracked teeth, broken crowns, and pain.

Last, but most definitely not least, is whitening. Tooth whitening is safe and effective. There are different types of tooth whitening: in-office, custom trays, and over-the-counter strips. Each is effective, though at different levels. First, and your best option, is done in the office. The gums are protected and a gel with high potency is applied to the teeth. Some methods have a light shining on teeth and some have timed intervals without the light. Next are custom trays, which require an impression of your bite. Trays are picked up at a later date. At that point, instructions are given and the gel and trays are delivered. A final option is whitening strips, which can be found in many local stores. They are effective, though the whitening process is slower and some areas may not whiten.

It is safe to say that implants, bite guards, and whitening agents are applicable for 85 percent of the population. Each treatment has risks and rewards that should always be considered prior to any treatment. Implants must be well cared for. Bite guards must be an accurate fit and worn regularly. Comfort is most important. Whitening causes temporary sensitivity and some people’s teeth whiten better than others.

Consider what your needs are, and then customize your wants to fit into the equation. A little stability from implants, protection from a bite guard, and a brilliant smile may be just what the doctor ordered. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call our office, David Tillman, D.D.S..

What Have Dr. Tillman and Staff Been Up To?

March 12, 2013

Filed under: About Our Office — Tags: , — dr_tillman @ 3:04 pm

Dr. David Tillman has sent his staff to Atlanta, Ga, to be trained so they can better serve his patients. At separate events, his hygienists, his dental assistants and his office assistants have gone to the Scheduling Institute. This week, Hollie and Dr. Tillman’s wife, Julie, flew in the cramped skies of Spirit Airlines for the conference. Tell us if our training is showing, if we are serving you better.

Dr. Tillman has been providing free dental care through The American Dental Association’s event, “Give Kids a Smile.” This is his 10th year to provide free dental care and he even pays his staff to help out. Friday, March 22, is the next day he will give the care to needy school children through this program.

He also provides free dental care to patients needing to go through radiation therapy through “Cancer Care Services.” In June he will volunteer at John Peter Smith Northeast Dental Clinic. This is his 15th year to volunteer there. And, a big event, in August, just before school begins he will have 2 full days of care for school children and their parents through a program, “Dentistry From the Heart.” So things will be busy this summer.

Also, Dr. Tillman serves on the Aledo ISD School Board. Currently Aledo is looking for a new superintendent, so Dr. T. has had weekly meetings so Aledo can find a superintendent before school begins.

Unfortunately, this week’s meeting was bright and early on Monday at 7AM!!! He promises he didn’t fall asleep while working on patients that day!

Apps to help you achieve those 2013 New Year’s Resolutions!

January 3, 2013

Filed under: About Our Office — Tags: , — dr_tillman @ 6:34 pm

With 2012 over, we thought we would ask you, our patients: what was memorable about 2012 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2013? Do you have a new year’s resolution or any exciting plans for the coming year?

 

Here are the top resolutions for 2013, and some great free iOS and Android apps to help you achieve your 2013 resolutions!

 

Eat Healthier:

Fooducate

Lose weight, eat real food, and get healthy. Fooducate grades your groceries, explains what’s really inside each product, and offers healthier alternatives. We’ve got the largest database of UPCs – over 200,000 unique products and growing.

 

Work out / Exercise More:

NPT BOOM

Nike BOOM syncs your music to your dynamic training workouts, with the world’s most elite athletes and coaches motivating you along the way. Choose your type of workout, length of training, best workout music and favorite Nike athletes—then get to work.

 

Become More Organized:

Wunderlist

Wunderlist 2 is the easiest way to manage and share your daily to-do lists. Whether you’re planning an overseas adventure, sharing a shopping list with a loved one, or simply keeping track of your daily to-dos, Wunderlist is here to help you get things done.

 

Gain More Control of Finances:

Mint.com App

Mint.com allows you to track, budget and manage your money all in one place, so you can see where you’re spending and where you can save. Open an account, add your bank, credit, loan and retirement accounts and Mint will automatically pull in and categorize your transactions. It’s safe, secure and easy to keep your personal finances organized.

 

Expand Social Circle:

SupperKing

If you’re trying to expand your friend circle in 2013, or maybe just plan more exciting activities with your current friends, apps like Highlight can connect you to new people. A new iOS app called SupperKing is like Airbnb for at-home meals. You can charge strangers cash to enjoy a meal at your place with you — an idea that not everyone is game for. But the app is also great for organizing dinner parties with your friends.

We want to wish all our patients, friends, family and all our colleagues a happy and healthy New Year!

Season’s Greetings!

December 19, 2012

Filed under: About Our Office — Tags: — dr_tillman @ 7:02 pm

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as we reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? Hitting the slopes? A clean slate for 2013? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food?

Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year? We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to limit the amount of sweets you eat!

Happy holidays from our family to yours!

Independence Day Facts, Tips, and Party Invitations!

July 3, 2012

Filed under: About Our Office — Tags: , — dr_tillman @ 10:47 am

It’s hard to believe, but July is already here and half of 2012 has already passed! As July 4th approaches, our team thought it would be fun to share some facts and safety tips for celebrating our country’s independence day.

Fun Facts:

• Betsy Ross, according to legend, sewed the first American flag in May or June 1776, as commissioned by the Congressional Committee.

• The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation. The colonists had no say in the decisions of English Parliament.

• The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

• The first public Fourth of July event at the White House occurred in 1804.

• And what could be more fitting than spending the day in a place called “America”? There are five such places in the country, with the most populous being American Fork, Utah, with 21,941 residents.

Safety Tips:

• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

• To prevent a trash fire, be sure to douse the spent fireworks with plenty of water from a bucket or hose after fireworks complete their burning and before discarding them.

• Make sure fireworks are legal before buying or using them.

What are your plans this 4th of July? Share them with us! We’d love to hear what you and the rest of the community will be doing to celebrate! (Don’t forget to make sure there are no restrictions on fireworks! Check out this link to see if fireworks might be an issue for you this year.)

Also, check out these 4th of July party invitations, eGreeting cards, and delicious recipes!

June marks National Dairy Month!

June 4, 2012

Filed under: About Our Office — Tags: , — dr_tillman @ 11:56 am

In honor of June Dairy Month, our team would like to thank all of our hard working families in the Dairy Industry. We all rely heavily on the hard work that our country’s farmers do!

In fact, dairy is important to your overall health! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) 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).

Results of the study show 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.

If you have questions about foods that can improve or hinder your dental health, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Wishing you a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

May 23, 2012

Filed under: About Our Office — Tags: , — dr_tillman @ 6:21 pm

Memorial Day weekend, a time to remember and honor the men and women lost while serving for our country. Memorial Day is also the unofficial start of summer, and for many folks getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the classroom or the office spells sweet, sweet relief.


What about you? What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or just hitting the great American open roads, we’d like to hear all about it!


Our entire team wishes you a happy, safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

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Are you ready to experience exceptional dental care? Call our office to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Tillman. Our office provides quality general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care to Fort Worth, Aledo, and all surrounding communities.

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