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Fort Worth, TX 76104
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David Tillman DDS' Blog

My Baby is Getting Teeth!!

August 29, 2014

Filed under: dentistry,oral health,oral saftey — Tags: , , — dr_tillman @ 9:03 am

My Baby is Getting Teeth!!

Knowing what to do when those first teeth start poking through is the first step. Caring for your little one’s teeth is critical to ensuring their overall health and instilling good habits.  With that in mind, we thought we’d share some tips on pediatric oral hygiene.

Don’t wait to start cleaning.  A clean damp washcloth does wonders for the gums.   As  soon  as that first tooth pokes through, begin twice daily brushing.

Get that baby to the dentist!  It should happen sooner than you might think.  Dr. Tillman recommends that the first visit
occur by the age of 1 or 2 years old, but no later than 3.  The first visit is really more of a meet and greet.  Dr Tillman wants to make your child feel comfortable with someone else looking in their mouth.  This will pave the road for future “happy visits”.  They will get to sit in the BIG CHAIR with Mom or Dad and they will get to meet our hygienist and Dr. Tillman.  We will do as much of an
examination as they will sit through.  Ideally Dr. Tillman wants to take a look in their mouth, checking their gum tissue and counting teeth.  As your child grows Dr. Tillman will do more and more at each visit until they are ready for their full blow cleaning every 6 months.

Using the correct items:

  • Toothpaste – until age 3, you should only be using a small dab (grain of rice size) of fluoride toothpaste.  From about ages 3 to 6 that can increase to the size of a pea. If your child is not able to effectively spit, have them tilt their mouth so the paste dribbles out into the sink so that they won’t swallow it.
  • Soft bristled toothbrush –Dr. Tillman recommends using something very soft and age/size appropriate – children’s brushes are sold with recommended age ranges listed, so they should be easy to find.
  • Floss – you should begin flossing for your little one as soon as they have two teeth that touch.  Doing this as a family can
    encourage good habits for both you and your baby.
  • Rinses – If you are uncertain that your little one can rinse and spit without swallowing, we suggest avoiding rinses.  Typically around age 6/7 they will have this skill down.  At this point Dr. Tillman recommends using a fluoride rinse twice a day under close adult supervision.

Make it FUN!!  Usually singing 2 rounds of “Happy Birthday” is the approximate amount of time your little one should be brushing.  KEEP THEM EXCITED!!  Once your child is a little older, let them pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste.  This can motivate them to use the items that they have selected.  Just be sure to double check their work and help them get to the areas they might have missed.

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.

 

Fun Teeth Facts

July 11, 2014

Filed under: Just for Fun,oral health,Science & Technology,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — dr_tillman @ 8:14 am
  1. Teeth start to form even before birth. Milk teeth, or baby teeth, start to form when a baby is in the womb, but teeth don’t begin to show until a child is between six and twelve months old.
  2. No two people have the same set of teeth—your teeth are as unique as your fingerprint, so be proud of your unique set of teeth.
  3. Say Cheese!  The calcium and phosphorus found in cheese is healthy or your teeth – it reduces the pH level in plaque and re-mineralizes the enamel.
  4. The average human produces 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime.  That is enough saliva to fill 2 swimming pools!
  5. Dogs have 42 teeth, cats have 30 teeth, pigs have 44 teeth, and an armadillo has 104 teeth.
  6. Many diseases are linked to your oral health, including heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes.
  7. The plaque found in your teeth is home to more than 300 different species of bacteria.  Listerine, anyone?
  8. In Medieval Germany, the only cure for a toothache was to kiss a donkey.
  9. The average woman smiles about 62 times per day!  A man? Only 8.
  10. 50% of people surveyed say that a person’s smile is the first physical trait they notice.
  11. U.S. and Japanese studies have found that black or green tea has antibacterial powers that help prevent cavities and gum disease.
  12. In Vermont, it is illegal for women to wear false teeth without the written permission of their husband.
  13. On September 20th, China celebrates “Love your Teeth Day” – a national holiday promoting oral awareness among its 1.2 billion people.
  14. A long time ago, humans utilized charcoal or ground up chalk, ashes, lemon juice, and honey-tobacco mixture to clean their teeth. It was only around a hundred years ago that the toothpaste was invented.
  15. In the 1800s, people who had false teeth in England ate in their bedrooms before gatherings and events at the dinner table. This unique Victorian tradition protected them against the embarrassment of having their teeth ‘fall off’ while dining.

Alternatives to Tooth Extraction

July 3, 2014

Filed under: Dental Implants,dentistry,oral health,Root Canal,Root Canal Alternatives — Tags: , , , , , — dr_tillman @ 7:55 am

If you have a damaged or diseased tooth, extraction is not the only option.  When possible, it is always best to save your teeth rather than lose them.  Missing teeth may have negative effects on confidence, ability to chew, general health and oral health and the alignment of the remaining teeth.  Consider the following treatment options before opting for an extraction.

Root Canal:

Root canal remains the most popular alternative to extraction.  A root canal procedure is performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

 

Dental Implants:

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.  The implant emulates the shape of the root and is usually made of titanium and other materials that are well-suited to the human body. The implant is surgically placed into the jaw and incorporates into the bone over time to become a stable base for crowns. Dental implants have been used for several decades by patients of all ages. They can replace a single tooth, several teeth or support partial or full dentures.

 

Apicoectomy:

An apicoectomy, or root-end resection, which is occasionally needed when inflammation or infection persists in the bony area around the end of your tooth after a root canal procedure can also be performed to save a tooth. In this microsurgical procedure, the dentist opens the gum tissue near the tooth to see the underlying bone and to remove any inflamed or infected tissue. The very end of the root is also removed. A small filling may be placed to seal the end of the root canal and few stitches or sutures are placed to help the tissue heal. Over a period of months, the bone heals around the end of the root. Local anesthetics make the procedure comfortable, and most patients return to their normal activities the next day. Postsurgical discomfort is generally mild.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are there any other options?

For replacement of an extracted tooth, you may also consider a bridge or removable partial denture. These options require additional dental procedures on adjacent healthy teeth, and should be discussed with your dentist or specialist.  Check with our office to discuss any concerns or if you just want more information.

 

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.

Dental Sealants

June 18, 2014

Filed under: dentistry,Just for Fun,oral health,Science & Technology,Uncategorized — Tags: , , , , , , , — dr_tillman @ 1:11 pm

What are sealants?

Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth — usually the back teeth (the premolars and molars). The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.

Although thorough brushing and flossing can remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, they cannot always get into all the nooks and crannies of the back teeth to remove the food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas from tooth decay by “sealing out” plaque and food.

Who Should Get Sealants?

Because of the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars, children and teenagers are candidates for sealants. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants.

Typically, children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in. In this way, the sealants can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14.

In some cases, dental sealants may also be appropriate for baby teeth, such as when a child’s baby teeth have deep depressions and grooves. Because baby teeth play such an important role in holding the correct spacing for permanent teeth, it’s important to keep these teeth healthy so they are not lost too early.

How Are Sealants Applied?

Applying sealant is a simple and painless process. It takes only a few minutes for your dentist or hygienist to apply the sealant to seal each tooth. The application steps are as follows:

  1. First the teeth that are to be sealed are thoroughly cleaned.
  2. Each tooth is then dried, and cotton or another absorbent material is put around the tooth to keep it dry.
  3. An acid solution is put on the chewing surfaces of the teeth to roughen them up, which helps the sealant bond to the teeth.
  4. The teeth are then rinsed and dried.
  5. Sealant is then painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. Sometimes a special curing light is used to help the sealant harden.

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to 10 years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at regular dental check-ups. Your dentist can replace sealants as necessary.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Sealants?

Many insurance companies cover the cost of sealants. Check with our office so we can verify if your insurance will cover the cost of sealants.

 

Is Do-It-Yourself Teeth Whitening Safe?

March 20, 2014

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Teeth Whitening — Tags: , , — dr_tillman @ 1:46 pm
Beautiful Woman Opted for Professional Teeth WhiteningIf you spend any time on Pinterest or Facebook or if you
subscribe to any natural living or do-it-yourself blogs, you have probably seen
a number of recipes for whitening your teeth at home. Often accompanied by
amazing before-and-after pictures, these homemade whitening formulas promise
astounding results using everyday products you might find around the house.
Sounds great, right? Well, before you jump head first (or teeth first) into whitening
at home, take a moment to learn the facts so you enjoy a brighter smile safely. (more…)

Are there Alternatives to a Root Canal?

March 12, 2014

Filed under: Pulp Capping,Root Canal,Root Canal Alternatives — Tags: , , , — dr_tillman @ 2:11 pm

Pretty woman wondering about alternatives to a root canalYou have a tooth that’s giving you trouble. Maybe it throbs
periodically throughout the day or maybe it sends zingers shooting through your
whole mouth when you bite down. Very often, toothaches are caused by deep
cavities and, in many cases, your dentist will recommend a root canal to remove
the source of infection. However, if caught early enough, you may be eligible
for a pulp cap, a conservative alternative to root canal therapy that can help
you avoid more invasive (and expensive) treatments. (more…)

3 Free Smile-Friendly Apps to Download Now

March 10, 2014

Filed under: Just for Fun,Science & Technology — Tags: , , — dr_tillman @ 1:51 pm

Woman Enjoying Dental Apps on her Free iPadDo you see the date for your next dental checkup looming
ever-closer on the calendar and feel that little pang of guilt? Maybe it’s been
a week or so since you flossed your teeth. Maybe you let the kids go to bed
without making sure they brushed. Maybe you’ve noticed your spouse’s breath
smelling a little off recently but wrote it off as morning breath (that just
happened to last all day).

As a mom (or dad), it’s your job to help your family
practice good oral hygiene habits. With the help of these three free apps, your
job just got a little easier: (more…)

How often does my child need to see the dentist?

May 16, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — dr_tillman @ 3:04 pm

Your child should visit the dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. Depending on the circumstances of your child’s oral health, more frequent visits may be recommended. Generally fluoride treatments are also recommended twice a year to keep teeth at their strongest.

Even though your child’s primary teeth don’t last as long as permanent teeth, your child’s first teeth play an important role in development. While they’re in place, these primary teeth help your little one speak, smile, and chew properly. They also hold space in the jaw for permanent teeth. If your child loses a tooth too early (due to damage or decay) nearby teeth may intrude on that space, which can result in crooked or misplaced permanent teeth.

Children with healthy mouths have a better chance of general health. Oral conditions can interfere with eating and adequate nutritional intake, speaking, self-esteem, and daily activities. Severe tooth decay can even affect growth and development. A healthy mouth is more attractive, giving children confidence in their appearance. Finally, preventive dentistry can result in less extensive, and less expensive, treatment for your child.

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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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