Friendly Dental Tips and Guidance
First Things First: Dental Hygiene
While we continuously put up important content on dentistry, technological advancements, and even tips for at home dental care some things tend to get missed. Here’s some key points not to miss!
Latest Articles from Pickett Family Dental
Tips for Little Teeth: A Guide to Children’s Dental Health
At Pickett Family Dental in Keller, TX, we believe that establishing good dental habits in children is essential for lifelong oral health. In this blog, we share helpful tips for taking care of your little one's teeth, ensuring they have a strong foundation for a healthy smile as they grow. Establishing a Dental Care Routine Starting a dental care routine early in your child's life is crucial for instilling good habits that will last a lifetime. Follow these steps to create an effective routine for your little one: Begin before teeth emerge: Even before your baby's first tooth appears, use a soft, damp washcloth to gently clean their gums after feedings to remove bacteria and prevent plaque [...]
Filling Fell Out What Should I Do?
At Pickett Family Dental in Keller, TX we receive phone calls from worried patients when a tooth filling fell out. We always recommend that patients go directly to the dental office. Are you wondering what you should do if your tooth filling falls out? First thing to keep in mind is to relax and stay calm. Fillings can fall out and it's not uncommon, although it can be quite surprising. If it happens while eating and you feel something hard that shouldn't be there, just be sure not to accidentally swallow it whether it is a resin composite, gold filling, silver filling, or composite filling. Now that you're past the scary part, the next step is simple: Call the [...]
4 Types of Dental Cleanings
Did you know that there are naturally-occurring bacteria that live in your mouth, helping you eat your food? Some bacteria are good and others definitely aren't. Depending on how you eat and manage your oral healthcare there could very well be excess bacteria that needs to be removed through regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings. To prevent bad bacteria from growing and causing dental issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and pericoronitis, we recommend that individuals visit our dental office in Keller, TX for regular dental cleanings and dental exams twice yearly. Dental exams allow Dr. Pickett to evaluate the health of your gums and teeth, while dental cleanings will remove any plaque and tartar buildup that can lead [...]
How Can I Improve My Smile
Some of the best ways to improve your smile are through teeth whitening, dental crowns, veneers, implants, and regular tooth brushing/flossing, while keeping up with regular dental appointments. Having a straight white-toothed smile that you can show comfortably is priceless. If you want a smile that you enjoy seeing in the mirror and gives you confidence to smile on the camera then here's a list of things you can do to improve your smile at the dentist or at home. Whitening When it comes to getting a whiter and brighter smile, there are a variety of teeth-whitening products you can try. Your main options are in-office or at-home bleaching. Before starting any whitening treatment, [...]
Difference Between Plaque and Tartar
You're familiar with hearing from the dentist that dentists clean off plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums that builds up over time. But, what are they exactly? How are plaque and tartar different? And, of course, how can you prevent them from developing on your teeth and gums? What is Plaque? Dental plaque is a pale yellow biofilm that is soft and sticky that develops on your teeth when food, fluids, and saliva combine with bacteria on your teeth that produce acids and feed off of sugar in your diet. These acids attack your tooth enamel which is the outer layer of your teeth made of a mineral composition that protects the teeth. Plaque buildup [...]
What is a Dental Emergency
If you're suffering with a dental problem, your Keller Dentist should be your first call. But what if you find yourself with a dental problem outside of normal dental office hours such as on a holiday, weekend, or at night? If you have a severe dental problem that can't wait until normal office hours, you need an emergency dentist or you might possibly need to go to the emergency room. While you're in a rush to make a decision, here's something things to consider: How to Know if it’s a Dental Emergency What Isn’t a Dental Emergency Common Dental Emergencies How to Avoid Potential Emergencies Recognizing dental emergencies is something all adults should prepare for [...]
5 Tips for Proper Oral Hygiene at Home
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for the health of your teeth and gums. Proper oral hygiene practices at home can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, as well as keep your breath fresh and your smile bright. In this article, we will provide five tips for practicing proper oral hygiene at home to help you maintain optimal oral health. Brush your teeth twice a day Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene. It is recommended to brush your teeth in the morning and before bed. When brushing, use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes each [...]
Effects That Sugar Has On Your Teeth
If you’re being honest you probably have a sweet tooth, especially as it gets closer to the holiday season and you think about all the treats that will be waiting for you as you gather with friends and family. Enjoying sweets every now and then isn't anything to worry about as long as you clean your teeth well afterward. Having a sweet tooth isn’t something to be ashamed of, but you should be aware of the effect sugar has on your dental health and take a proactive role in keeping your teeth healthy. Tooth Decay And Gum Disease Taking a peek in the mirror to see how your teeth look only gives you a brief idea [...]
Why is My Tooth Gray?
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and have had the surprise of noticing that one of your teeth is suddenly gray, you were probably shocked and wondered what could cause such a thing. Graying of teeth can happen over time or more suddenly, and at first you might question if your teeth are actually turning color or if you’re just imagining that they are. Unfortunately, it is not terribly uncommon to experience discoloration of a tooth. There are a few reasons for this: Trauma causing discoloration to a single tooth or a few teeth in the same area Issues with tooth development Staining either internally or externally Discoloration due to aging and enamel thinning There are cases where [...]
What does it mean to be a FAGD Dentist?
Dr. Pickett is one of less that 5% of dentists nationwide to achieve the FAGD accreditation. But, what exactly does the FAGD distinction mean in dentistry? What does it mean for you as one of our patients at Pickett Family Dental in Keller, TX? What is an FAGD Dentist? Doctors, dentists, and other professional often have numerous acronyms following their names from degrees and achievements. They all have different meanings. The FAGD acronym stands for "Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry." Is is one of the most prestigious awards in dentistry and designates that the awarded dentist has achieved clear standing of excellence within their profession. There are about 40,000 dentists, or just 5% in North America that [...]