Causes of Bleeding Gums

When gums are healthy, they don’t bleed. At ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, we aim to protect our patients from gum inflammation and disease. For that, patients need to understand what causes their gums to bleed and what increases their risk factor.

Gingivitis usually results from plaque building up near the gum line. The gum pockets are a great place for bacteria to hide in, and as they produce plaque, the gums become irritated. Regular brushing can prevent plaque build-up, but it’s still necessary for patients to make biannual appointments for professional cleanings. Bleeding can also result from the gums being bruised, so while it is important to brush regularly and thoroughly, do so with a soft-bristled brush.

Smokers are especially likely to develop bleeding gums, as are people on blood thinner medications and who suffer from dry mouth. This is because saliva helps to remove tartar and combat the spread of bacteria. Pregnancy also creates hormonal conditions which favor the development of gum disease.

Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Thumb-Sucking

Straight teeth aren’t just better looking; they’re also more comfortable and easier to clean. Although we at ProSmiles Dental are certified Invisalign providers, we value preventive care and want the children visiting our practice to avoid the need for orthodontic correction. One of the most important ways of doing that is by breaking the habit of thumb-sucking.

Young children often suck their thumbs (or a pacifier) with little ill effect. Their facial bones are flexible until around the age of five, when their first permanent teeth start coming in. But after that, the suction can pull their incisors outward. This results in malocclusions, also known as misalignments, such as overbites and open bites, as well as overcrowding.

Children should be urged to break their thumb-sucking habit, but this may be difficult if they are relying on it as a means of self-soothing. Often, they simply replace it with a habit of pushing their tongues against their teeth, which has the same effect. It’s best for children to be included in finding solutions, but help from a child psychologist may be necessary.

Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Dry Mouth

Most of us have experienced a dry mouth at some point in our lives. Whether we’re parched, dehydrated, or wake up with morning breath, dry mouth can cause discomfort. Though dry mouth usually isn’t a cause for concern, it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, or as a reaction to a certain medication. To figure out the causes and treatment of your dry mouth, schedule a consultation with our doctors at ProSmiles Dental.

When our bodies don’t produce enough saliva, the mouth can become dry and uncomfortable. You may feel like you’re drinking all the water in the world and you still find no relief. To restore moisture in the mouth, our doctors may prescribe an oral rinse that boosts saliva flow. Depending on the cause of the dry mouth, you may need to double-check your prescriptions.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dry mouth, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.

Extrinsic Tooth Stains

There are two types of stains that can develop on teeth – extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are caused by food and beverages such as coffee, tea, and wine, and occur on the outside of the tooth’s enamel. Intrinsic stains are more difficult to remove because they occur under the enamel in the dentin. Our doctors at ProSmiles Dental can remove both of these stains through whitening treatment.

Extrinsic tooth stains don’t pose a risk to your oral health but they may diminish your self-esteem. Extrinsic stains can be polished through a professional cleaning or bleached away by a few sessions of whitening treatment. To prevent extrinsic stains, we encourage you to refrain from smoking if this is a lifestyle habit of yours, and minimalize your coffee and wine intake.

If you have questions or concerns regarding teeth whitening, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.

Thank You for Your Positive Testimonials!

Here at ProSmiles Dental, our staff appreciates feedback from patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Chelsea Harrison for this positive review, but we would like to thank her for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“My 3-year-old son has been here twice. I can't recommend them enough. They are very clean and have a nice modern look. They catered to my son in so many ways and what started as a nervous little boy ended with a confident boy telling everyone he went to the teeth doctors to get his teeth pretty. Today we had an emergency because his tooth got knocked back and the root was split in two. Thank goodness they were open on a Saturday and they managed to get him in promptly after calling. They let him pick what to watch in the room and let him pick out prizes. I was upset because he is probably going to lose is tooth and the Dentist showed me her son and how the same thing happened to him. She was so awesome. She searched the internet to find the best specialist to try and save his tooth. You won't regret coming here. We will forever be loyal to this place.” –Chelsea Harrison

If you would like to leave a testimonial or learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.

Back to School Check Up

It’s important for everyone to get bi-annual check-ups at the dentist and children especially need professional cleanings and consultations. If decay is allowed to go untreated, they can encounter serious problems at school. Fortunately, it’s still early enough in the year for children to avoid having their development derailed by tooth aches.

“Caries” is how doctors describe small instances of tooth decay. Children are the demographic that is at highest risk for them. The latest information from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention found that untreated tooth decay is very common in children, occurring in 13% of teenagers and 20% of preteens. The effects of tooth aches can be severe: missed sleep, reluctance to eat, difficulty speaking, difficulty focusing, and grouchiness. But while tooth decay is common, it can also be prevented with sealants, such as those we can provide our patients, and by regular oral hygiene. Tooth decay does not get better on its own, so to prevent children from needing more extensive restorations later in the year, they should get everything taken care of now. We can also ascertain whether the child will need wisdom tooth extractions.

Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Loose Teeth

Permanent teeth should never come loose, but when they do, ProSmiles Dental is here to help. Dentists categorize dental trauma as either “primary occlusal trauma,” if the teeth split without being infected, and “secondary occlusal trauma,” which is the result of gum disease. When teeth come loose over time, instead of from a specific violent event, gum disease is to blame.

Periodontal disease causes gum tissue to recede, weakening the ligaments holding teeth in place. But what many people don’t know is that it also causes the jaw bone to lose mass. Loss of jaw bone weakens teeth even more, and the effect snowballs once the back teeth come loose. To spare their back teeth, patients often start chewing with the front of their mouths, putting too much stress on their incisors, and pushing them even further out of place.

Dentists have to get the bacterial infection under control before doing anything else. Treating loose teeth will likely involve putting a splint on them at some point, although the splint may or may not be permanent. When a large amount of bone tissue has been lost, a bone graft will be necessary before a patient can receive implants.

Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Traditional Braces

Though they are usually not aesthetically pleasing, traditional braces are one of the quickest ways to straighten your smile. If you have crooked teeth, and/or a misaligned bite, traditional braces can correct the problem in a matter of months. Fortunately, our doctors at ProSmiles Dental offer this orthodontic option to patients.

If you desire a straighter smile, braces work by continuously applying pressure over a period of time to slowly move teeth into their appropriate direction. Braces consist of brackets, wires, and bands, that you can customize them to express yourself. How long a patient will need to wear braces depends on the individual case, but most people wear them for one to three years. After orthodontic treatment is over, our doctors will discuss retainers with you.

If you wish to inquire about orthodontic options, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction

With age comes wisdom, and also, wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth usually erupt during the ages of 17-22 and though not everyone needs them removed, extraction is best to avoid damage to surrounding teeth. Wisdom teeth will cause problems if there isn’t enough space for them to grow. If you are noticing pain or swelling in your mouth or stiffness in your jaw, our doctors at ProSmiles Dental may need to suggest extraction.

There are more disadvantages to keeping your wisdom teeth than there are to keep them. This is because wisdom teeth that don’t erupt properly can allow food to become trapped in the gums, leading to tooth decay. Wisdom teeth that have partially-erupted can give bacteria a place to enter the gums and infection may occur. If our doctors decide that extraction is right for you, they will discuss the details in full during a consultation.

If you wish to inquire about wisdom teeth extraction, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.

Banish Bad Breath

Bad breath that results from consuming potent foods like onions or garlic isn’t harmful to our health. However, when it becomes persistent due to lack of oral hygiene, then our doctors of ProSmiles Dental have a bone to pick with patients. Medically deemed, halitosis, bad breath can be an acute or chronic condition. There are many risk factors, such tobacco products, dry mouth, or poor oral health.  

Bad breath can be made worse by the types of foods you consume or by unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking. When we eat, our food is broken down into particles that cause plaque when not brushed away on a daily basis. The best way to prevent bad breath is by keeping your mouth as clean as possible. In addition to brushing and flossing your teeth, you should brush your tongue to eliminate all leftover food residues. Treatment for bad breath will depend on the cause.

If you have questions or concerns regarding bad breath or your oral hygiene status, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.

Thank You for Your Positive Reviews!

Here at ProSmiles Dental, our staff appreciates feedback from patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Charmelle Jonzie for this positive review, but we would like to thank her for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“The staff is AMAZING! The front office staff makes you feel welcome. My children have seen her as well and they did an awesome job with my kids. I was having tooth pain and needed to have a filling fixed. A lot of other dentists were trying to do extra work, not addressing the problem, and charging way too much money out of pocket. I have good dental insurance. I came here had X-rays and the dentist addressed the problem as well as not charging me a lot of money out of pocket. I will definitely be going back here. Awesome job to the staff here!!!! Thank you again!” –Charmelle Jonzie

If you would like to leave a testimonial or learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.

Invisalign

Life is hectic with all of the rushing around that we do, so who has time to straighten their teeth? The answer is, you. Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, Invisalign treatment allows you to straighten your teeth without any metal or wires getting in your way, leaving you to enjoy the best times of your life, bracket-free. After we explain the benefits of Invisalign, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental to start your journey to a straighter smile.

After your consultation, our doctor will develop a customized treatment plan to adjust your smile. These include scanning the mouth to create 3D digital images of your teeth. After the treatment plan is mapped out, using a computer, you’ll be able to see how your teeth will move during each stage of treatment. Once you receive your aligners, they are easily removable, therefore you’ll be able to brush and floss as you normally would. You’ll also be able to remove the aligners each time you eat, so you don’t have to worry about sticky foods getting stuck in your orthodontics.

If you wish to inquire about Invisalign orthodontic treatment, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.

Thank You For Your Testimonials!

Here at ProSmiles Dental, our staff appreciates feedback from patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank David Wyatt for this positive review, but we would like to thank him for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“Today was our first visit to ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford St, Fort Worth. The Staff was very courteous and helpful, the facilities were clean, well laid out and they seem to have all the equipment you might expect to find at a dental clinic. Everything was explained in complete detail throughout the examination and cleaning. This is a very new office and they are still accepting new patients. They do not yet have a Dental Hygienist on staff until they have enough patients’ to keep the hygienist busy full time. This may seem a little strange, but Dr. Lankupalli did the cleaning and I must say, having never had a cleaning from the actual doctor, that it was the most complete and quick cleaning I’ve ever had. I would highly recommend this dental office.”

If you would like to leave a testimonial or learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.

Cosmetic Dentistry

From subtle changes to major repairs, at Prosmiles Dental we offer a variety of procedures to improve your smile. While traditional dentistry addresses the health of your teeth and gums, cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile as a whole. Today, cosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever, from whitening and shaping to closing spaces and replacing teeth. But before you decide to undergo any cosmetic procedure, we can discuss what's right for you.

At Prosmiles Dental, some of our cosmetic procedures include teeth whitening as well as applying veneers, dental bonding, and white fillings. Teeth whitening is a common and popular chemical process that brightens teeth that have become discolored or stained. Depending on the patient’s preference, this can be performed by one of our doctor’s in-office or in the comfort of your own home. Veneers and bonding, on the other hand, are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked. They are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic placed over the front teeth to change the color or shape of your teeth.

If you desire a more aesthetically pleasing smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Prosmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.

TMJ Disorder

The temporomandibular joint acts like a sliding hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, which are in front of each ear. This joint allows you to move your jaw up-and-down and side-to-side, so you can talk, chew, and yawn. Problems with your jaw and the muscles in your face that control it are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). However, it can also be known as TMJ, after the joint. If these muscles are causing you pain, our doctors of Prosmiles Dental can provide you with relief.

Some of the symptoms of TMD include pain when opening or closing the mouth, trouble chewing, jaw becoming stuck open or shut, headaches or ear pain, clicking or popping sounds while opening your mouth, as well as teeth grinding. Many of these symptoms can often be associated with other health problems, so only a medical professional can tell you if it is due to TMD.

If you suspect you may have TMD, come in for a consultation. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Prosmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.

Are You Flossing Correctly?

Flossing your teeth is more important to your well-being than brushing. So why do people come up with silly excuses such as, “I’m not coordinated enough to floss,” or “I don’t know how to floss.” After today, you won’t be able to use these excuses anymore, because Dr. Archana Lankupalli of Prosmiles Dental is going to teach you how to floss correctly.

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.


• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.


• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.


• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.


• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth and don’t forget the back ones!

If you have questions regarding your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Prosmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.

Are You Brushing Effectively?

When you brush your teeth, you help remove food and plaque – a sticky film that forms on your teeth and contains bacteria. The longer plaque is left on your teeth the more time it has to break down tooth enamel and lead to cavities. As much as we love to see your smile here at Prosmiles Dental, Dr. Archana Lankupalli wants you to keep it healthy and utilize these brushing tips in between professional cleanings.

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.


• Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.


• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.


• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.


• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and don’t forget to floss!

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Prosmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a natural mineral found throughout the earth’s crust and widely distributed in nature and is often added to water to help reduce tooth decay. Research has shown that fluoride not only reduces cavities in children and adults, but it also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay before it is even visible. Fluoride could be delivered in different forms, but here at Prosmiles Dental, our doctors can discuss professional fluoride treatments to see if you are a prime candidate.

Fluoride is found naturally in soil, water, foods, and several minerals. When present at the right level, fluoride in drinking water has two beneficial effects: preventing tooth decay and contributing to healthy bones. The type of fluoride we utilize at our practice is called topical fluoride. Topical fluoride is applied directly to and absorbed by the surface of the teeth. It may be applied as a foam or gel after a professional cleaning and can additionally be found in personal oral hygiene products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses.

If you have questions about fluoride or fluoride treatment, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Prosmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.

Dental Emergencies

Our doctors at Prosmiles Dental are the ones you should call if you have a dental emergency. We understand that accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Any dental emergency like an injury to the teeth or gums can be potentially serious and should never be ignored. Whether at home or traveling, the following tips may come in handy until you can get to our dental practice.

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you have a dental emergency, please contact us immediately. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Prosmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.

Dental Cleaning: Defined

No matter how much you diligently brush or floss your teeth at home, harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that can only be removed by a dental professional. These bacteria can cause gum disease and significantly affect your overall health. Here at Prosmiles Dental, our hygienists will use professional tools to remove plaque, tartar and bacteria build-up that you are unable to efficiently remove yourself.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, it is recommended that a dentist or hygienist perform a dental cleaning every six months. The professional dental cleaning reinforces the home-care oral health regimen of brushing and flossing and gives one of our doctors an opportunity to locate areas in the mouth that may need special attention. During a teeth cleaning, our team of hygienists will thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. Once the surfaces are smooth, polishing is done using a slow speed handpiece with a soft rubber cup that spins on the end. Last but not least, the dentist flosses every crevice between your teeth and may apply fluoride if needed.

If you are overdue for a dental checkup, please give us a call today. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Prosmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.