No one doubts that white teeth are desirable. Bright, sparkling teeth can boost your self-confidence and give you a healthier, more vibrant appearance. However, if you are considering cosmetic dentistry in Houston, TX, there is a new hazard to be aware of: bleachorexia. The word may sound ridiculous, but it is a very real, dangerous, and growing phenomenon in our society. Bleachorexia is an addiction to teeth whitening, and like any addiction, it typically springs from low self-esteem, coupled with perfectionism and a desire to succeed. While cosmetic dentistry is a huge benefit to many patients, those who become addicted to whitening treatment can wreck enormous damage on their teeth and sensitive gum tissue. (more…)
Are You Addicted to Tooth Whitening?
31
Jan2014
Maintaining a beautiful smile requires regular dental care. When was the last time you visited the dentist? Unfortunately, with our hectic schedules, many people continue to put off routine dental visits. In today’s blog, your Houston dentist, Dr. Deborah Gennero, uses a fun and informative quiz to explain the importance of undergoing regular dental checkups and cleanings.
Houston Dentist Provides Quality Dental Care
08
Mar2013
Keeping your smile beautiful and bright requires regular dental care. The American Dental Association recommends people receive a checkup and cleaning every six months. Many people don’t realize how important checkups and cleanings are for maintaining their overall health. In today’s blog, your Houston dentist, Dr. Deborah Gennero, explains how our innovative general dental care can protect and preserve your smile.
Houston Dentist: Women’s Heart Health Quiz
15
Feb2013
Did you know we’re in the middle of American Heart Month? Across the nation healthcare professionals are attempting to raise awareness about heart disease prevention. In the United States, one out of every three deaths is a result of heart disease and stroke. More women die of heart disease than men, with cardiovascular disease killing more women than breast cancer and lung cancer combined. In today’s blog, Houston dentist, Dr. Deborah Gennero, tests your heart health knowledge and provides tips on preventing heart disease.
The most frequent New Year’s resolutions people make usually involve weight loss. Not only is losing weight good for your heart and waistline, but dropping pounds also benefits your dental health. In today’s blog, Houston family dentist, Dr. Deborah Gennero, explains how weight loss can help improve and protect your smile.
Houston Dentist on Headaches and Jaw Pain
12
Dec2012
There are many different possible reasons for a headache. There are also many possible reasons for having pain in your jaw. For many people, headaches and jaw pain are temporary, if annoying conditions. However, for some, the headaches and jaw pain cause long-lasting misery. If your jaw pain and headaches are persistent, you might have a condition called TMJ. Your Houston dentist, Dr. Deborah Gennero, discusses the symptoms of TMJ and what treatments might offer relief.
What is TMJ
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. Disorders in the joint are called both TMJ and TMD. No matter what it is called, it can cause great suffering for victims. Headaches and jaw aches are just two of the many symptoms of TMJ. The condition can also cause neck aches, difficulty chewing, facial swelling, earache, and a number of other problems in the head and neck area. Unfortunately, the exact cause of TMJ is not known, though it is suspected to be the result of several possible problems, including teeth grinding or clinching, bruxism, arthritis, or an injury to the jaw.
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For many people, October is associated with the rich colors of fall foliage, and the blacks and oranges of Halloween. This October, you may be seeing more pink than usual, however, because it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Deborah Gennero, your Katy dentist, wants to show her support of the women and men who have valiantly battled cancer by highlighting the potential link between breast cancer and gum disease.
Research Study Shows Increased Breast Cancer in Periodontal Disease Patients
A Swedish research study conducted by the Karolinska Institutet focused on gum disease as a surprising indicator of heightened breast cancer risk. The study examined 3273 participants between the ages of 30 and 40 who were randomly selected. Chronic periodontal disease was identified in certain participants. Breast cancer was found in 5.5% of subjects who presented with missing molars as a result of gum disease. Subjects who had some level of periodontal disease, but had retained all of their teeth, had a significantly lower rate of breast cancer at 0.5%. (more…)
Healthy Smile for a Healthy Heart in Houston
03
Aug2012
A beautiful smile will give you confidence, but appearance isn’t the only reason you should keep your teeth healthy. For years, research has shown a significant connection between oral health and overall health. Houston dentist Dr. Deborah Gennero agrees that the oral-systemic connection is a solid reason to prioritize oral health. If left unchecked, the bacteria in your mouth can lead to periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease. In fact, 80% of Americans have some level of this chronic condition. Studies show, gum disease increases the risk for developing a number of systemic health conditions.
Oral-Systemic Research
Since the likelihood of heart disease doubles in patients with periodontal disease, it is extremely important that we understand the relationship between our oral health and our hearts. In the past, dentists have suggested several theories to explain this connection. One theory dictates that oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream from the mouth, attach to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries, and cause clots to form around the heart. These clots can lead to more serious conditions, such as heart attack or stroke. One specific example is lipopolysaccharides, which can enter the blood stream through the mouth and damage to the inner walls of human blood cells.
Poor oral health is the primary cause of gum disease, though medications and other environmental factors also cause gum disease. For most of us, the first step to deterring periodontal disease and the associated overall health risks involves daily oral care at home.
ADA Guidelines for Oral Home Care
Brushing and flossing twice a day are essential for fighting plaque before it has a chance to accumulate at the gum line and between teeth. Plaque left in the mouth for 48 hours calcifies into tartar, or calculus, an insoluble substance that should be removed by a dental hygienist. You should schedule a dental checkup every six months so that Dr. Gennero can monitor your oral health and address any concerns early, when minimally invasive treatment is most effective. Along with checkups, at six-month dental cleanings, our hygienist will evaluate your gum health, clean plaque and tartar from your teeth, and consult with you on how to maintain great oral health.
Put Your Health in Our Hands
Ready to take a step towards greater oral health? We offer a complete range of dental services, so contact Deborah Gennero, DDS, at (281)578-6200 today to schedule your first visit or six-month checkup and cleaning. Dr. Gennero serves patients in the greater Houston and Katy areas by providing exceptional dental care in a beautiful and relaxing environment.
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