5 Ways to Brighten A Smile For The Holidays

Of each patient I see during the day at Stonebriar Smile Design, the most common question I receive, especially around they holidays is: “What is the quickest and easiest way to enhance or brighten my smile before the holiday?”

To most peoples surprise some dental cosmetic whitening / enhancing options are very simple and relatively inexpensive. 

1.  Take-home whitening trays - These are custom trays that are fitted to impressions or molds we take of your teeth. You receive our professional grade teeth whitening solution to wear at home for 15 min - 1 hour each session. Many people achieve a great result in 5 - 7 applications in a row. Once you have initially achieved a great result patients typically can maintain by popping in trays after each dental cleaning or prior to a specific event.

2.  Electric Toothbrushes - I know it may sound cheesy, but electric or sonic toothbrushes offer an amazing way to keep your smile healthy and remove build-up and debris from staining your teeth between your professional dental cleanings. They can offer up to over 32,000 brush strokes per minute! Try achieving that with a manual brush!

3.  Professional In-office teeth whitening - For the person who wants instant gratification and the maximum result possible for whitening their teeth, this is the way to go. These procedures have also become very affordable and make great gifts! In as little a 4 - 15 minute whitening sessions at Stonebriar Smile Design, you can achieve an 8 shade change in 1 day!

4.  Cosmetic Dental Crowns / Veneers - This is a more permanent step towards achieving straight / white teeth; however, surprisingly enough in 2 appointments you can have a completely new designed smile.  Call the office today, and ask for your complimentary cosmetic consultation.

5.  Invisalign- Often times people are wanting to correct misaligned or crooked teeth, and this can easily be changed using clear removable custom fitted aligners from Invisalign.  In as few as 10 weeks you can have the straight smile you have always wanted!  Anyone who completes their Invisalign treatment and references this blog post, will also receive custom take-home whitening bleaching trays!  The perfect way to enhance your new straight smile is to brighten it up!

If you or someone you love has been looking for the answer to the ever so popular question: “What is the quickest and easiest way to enhance or brighten my smile before the holiday?”  Simply give the office a call 972.377.7800 and schedule an appointment to discuss any of the above procedures today!

Happy Holidays!

Dr. Wade

Energize Your Way Through The Holiday Season

I know many of you can relate to my stress this time of the year. This year, with Thanksgiving falling late in the month, we only have a little over 3 weeks between then and Christmas. 

If you are like me, sometimes trying to cram all of the shopping, decorating, and planning in three weeks can be a bit strenuous. Not to mention taking care of the twins, and it being the busiest time of the year at the dental office makes this time very stressful for me!

Recently I started using the WIN (Wellness International Network)products, and I have to say they make a world of difference in my energy levels. There are thousands of energy drinks out on the market and many are great.  However, what I like about the WINrgy drinks, is they are the only supplements listed in the PDR (physicians desk reference) and the company has been in the business of making wellness products for over two decades. 

How Does WINrgy Work?

As a dentist, I love that is contains xylitol! Everybody knows I love xylitol because it is good for controlling the environment of the mouth to fight against cavities and optimize the gum health by controlling the wrong type of bacteria. The fact that it tastes great and gives me energy is just an added bonus!

WINrgy has far fewer calories of convenience store energy drinks, and has no refined sugars.    

Instead, WINrgy gets its power from good nutrition, including amino acids, an abundance of B vitamins, and natural mood-enhancers / nutrients that help your cells use the energy found in the essential trace minerals copper, potassium and zinc.

Everyone needs extra energy now and then. Instead of reaching for coffee or sugary beverages, choose WINrgy energy drink for a natural energy boost!

WIN products are available for purchase at Stonebriar Smile Design located in Frisco, Texas, and serving the DFW Metroplex. 

Wellness Dentistry: Is Your Vitamin D Going Down the Drain?

Wellness Dentistry: Is Your Vitamin D Going Down the Drain? 

Vitamin supplements are words that are generically thrown around in today’s society.  You can get them at grocery stores, pharmacies and health markets.  How do you know how much of each vitamin you should need and which vitamins are vital to your health?  Each week I will be highlighting a new vitamin or supplement that will aid in your overall health and immunity.  This weeks focus is on Vitamin D.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services³, vitamin D is essential for the "formation, growth, and repair of bones and for normal calcium absorption and immune function.”

It is crucial for the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous, which have various functions, especially the maintenance of healthy bones.

■       It is an immune system regulator.

■       Aids the immune system - vitamin D may be an important way to arm the immune system against disorders like the common cold, say scientists from the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Children's Hospital Boston.

■        Evidence has demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency may place people at risk for not only low mineral bone density/osteoporosis and osteopenia but also infectious and chronic inflammatory diseases. Studies have shown an association between low bone density, osteoporosis and tooth loss and suggest that low bone mass may be a risk factor for periodontal disease.

■       MS risk - it may reduce the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is much less common the nearer you get to the tropics, where there is much more sunlight, according to Dennis Bourdette, chairman of the Department of Neurology and director of the Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center at Oregon Health and Science University, USA.

■       Maintaining cognitive functions - vitamin D may play a key role in helping the brain keep working well in later life, according to a study of 3000 European men between the ages of 40 and 79.

■       Healthy body weight - vitamin D probably plays an important role in maintaining a healthy body weight, according to research carried out at the Medical College of Georgia, USA.

■       Asthma symptoms and frequency - it can reduce the severity and frequency of asthma symptoms, and also the likelihood of hospitalizations due to asthma, researchers from Harvard Medical School found after monitoring 616 children in Costa Rica.

■       Rheumatoid arthritis - it has been shown to reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in women.

■       Protects from radiation damage - a form of vitamin D could be one of our body's main protections against damage from low levels of radiation, say radiological experts from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

■       Vitamin D and cancer risk - various studies have shown that people with adequate levels of vitamin D have a significantly lower risk of developing cancer, compared to those whose levels are low. Vitamin D deficiency was found to be prevalent in cancer patients regardless of nutritional status in a study carried out by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

■       T.B. recovery - high vitamin D doses can help people recover from tuberculosis more rapidly, researchers reported in September 2012 in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

■       Heart attack risk - an study published in September 2012 suggested that low levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of heart attack and early death.

As you can see, there are many benefits from the proper dosage of vitamin D.  How much vitamin D do you need?

Levels differ greatly depending on your health, age and other factors.  For the best gage of how much you should be intaking ask your doctor to test your level of vitamin D at your next appointment.  This can be done with a routine blood test. 

Sugar Addiction! Sugar vs. pH & It’s Effects

You may not have thought about the pH scale since high school biology class dipping test strips in soda, coffee, etc.  As it turns out, that lesson is actually applicable to your life outside of the classroom. We all know sugar has addictive properties so it’s no wonder that eating it only makes us want more. As a dentist I see the effects of sugar on teeth all day long.  It leads to increased cavities and infections and can ultimately lead to loss of teeth.  Imagine what it does to the rest of your body that we can’t see with the naked eye!  Read below ways to keep your oral pH neutralized and sugar cravings at bay to help promote a healthy lifestyle. 

Sugar is one of the most acid forming foods that you can eat and the acidic state it creates in your body is partly responsible for leaving you wanting more. Having a more alkaline, balanced pH is vital to your health because it enables all of your cells, organs, and systems to function at maximum performance. If you struggle with sugar addiction, this could be your entrance onto the road to recovery. One way to alkalize your system and keep sugar cravings at bay is to get moving! Your cardiovascular system helps regulate many body components including its acidity levels. Taking deep breaths also aids in removing excess acid from the system through the release of carbon dioxide. Make sure to get a good dose of fresh air and exercise for a non-edible way to help balance your system.

Adding more fermented foods and beverages to your diet is also a great way to level your pH as well as assist in digestion and nourish the gut. Pay attention to your energy levels, digestion, and of course, sugar cravings.  Dark leafy greens are the key to optimum health all around so it's no surprise they are extremely alkaline. Getting your ‘five a day’ and sticking to a clean diet is your sure fire way to maintain good pH balance and keep those pesky sugar cravings under control. 

Click here for a list of both acid and alkaline foods to evaluate where you can make small changes or swaps in your diet to improve your health, balance your body’s pH, and in turn gain control over your sugar cravings.

Eat the entire bag of M&M's!

It’s better to eat the entire bag of M&M’s at one time rather than eating them slowly throughout the day. I know - can you believe it? Keep reading and I will explain.

Every time we eat or drink, the pH in our mouth becomes acidic. The more often we do it - the more frequent the environment becomes acidic, giving the cavity-causing bacteria the opportunity to thrive.

In a healthy mouth, within 15-30 minutes of eating or drinking, the pH recovers. When the system is in balance the pH drops, some mineral is lost on the teeth, the pH recovers, and the mineral returns to the teeth. When the system is out of balance, prolonged periods of low pH or acidic environment causes a net mineral loss from our teeth. Watch out, here come the cavities!

So what is the best line of defense? Limit yourself to eating and drinking to four or five times a day other than water intake. The fewer times we allow the pH level to drop in our mouth, the less exposure our teeth have to acid. So my philosophy is “eat or drink it quick and then sip on water”. Enjoy those M&M’s quickly!

Hope this helps keep you smiling from the outside in!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This time of year always bring me back to reflect on a time in my life where I was directly impacted by breast cancer.  My father was diagnosed with the disease in 2005 and his courageous fight has impacted me in ways I could have never imagined! I was motivated to participate in the 3 Day Race for The Cure, a Susan G. Komen fundraiser, which was a life changing 60 mile walk.  I saw people come together to support a great cause in so many ways.  I highly encourage anyone who has a chance to participate in any Komen events to do so!

Seeing my own father battle this terrible disease shed new light on how I, as a dental provider, could positively impact my patients who are battling this and other life threatening diseases.  I threw myself into research, and in my own mind defined exactly what "cancer" meant, common causes, risk factors etc... I soon realized that I could have helped my father with simple nutrition habits, more proactive oral hygiene therapy alongside oral DNA testing to ensure that his oral health was in its peak condition while fighting for his life.

Once diagnosed with cancer, most oncologists will want their patients to have a thorough dental evaluation to look for any infections present during their therapy infections could be very problematic.  Being on top of your game with professional preventative oral hygiene therapy will put anyone one step ahead of their battle. 

The "typical" periodontal patient of years past are gone.  Many patients who could be passed over as healthy are in fact compromised when tested via Oral DNA.  A simple saliva test can provide invaluable information regarding specific types of bacteria living in your mouth. The results also highlight medications/antibiotics that target your specific high levels of bacteria.  

Most patients battling cancer find their mouths tend to be more acidic due to medications being fed into their bodies to fight the disease.  This acid can lead to dramatic dental problems for the patient once their treatments are complete.  The higher acidic level leads to tooth decay and infections, and often times the loss of teeth.

There are many products that can help protect your mouth from this acidic environment.  These products contain ingredients such as xylitol, fluoride, calcium derivatives and many agents that balance ph thus protecting you.  Such products are beneficial for most people, not just people fighting cancer.

Please, seek out a dental professional that will be your advocate during your battle and hopefully have kept you in prime oral health even before you knew of this disease growing in your body.

Dr. Wade

Overwhelmed? 5 Ways to Find Peace in Less Than 5 Minutes

Overwhelmed? 5 Ways to Find Peace in Less Than 5 Minutes...

  

I’m not sure if you are like me, however, I can’t keep track of how many times a day I have so many thoughts popping into my head of things to do, people to call, groceries to buy, e-mails to send, clothes to wash, dishes to clean...you get the point!   All of these daily thoughts that come in and out of our brains on a daily basis can send us  into overdrive and make us feel overwhelmed and often anxious about our lives.  I am a follower of Oprah and faithfully read her magazine.  Often times I come across articles that help me find easy ways to relieve these feelings and many other stresses that I come in contact with in daily life.

October 2013 issue of O Magazine had an especially interesting article that helped me put all of these overwhelming factors into perspective, and 5 easy ways to find peace in less than 5 minutes!  I wanted to share these interesting tactics with you:

1. During Rush Hour: Pop a peppermint - What helps a frustrated, worn-out driver (besides vanishing traffic?)  Researchers at Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia found that pumping peppermint-scented air into the cars of ticked-off commuters helped decrease their anxiety and fatigue.  Stash a bag of peppermint candies in your glove compartment to help you keep your cool in honking traffic or during a hectic commute.

I have found this useful in more ways than just in the car.  Being a dentist, I often times will have more than 1 place I need to be at a time.  Nothing makes me more anxious than knowing people are waiting on me.  Therefore, I keep a stash of peppermints at my office to help!  Try it in one of your stressful and anxious daily moments! It works!

2. While Trying to Get Dinner on the Table: Stop Listening to the 6 p.m News...at 6 p.m.

The oil in your wok has started to smoke, your dog is barking to go out, the vegetables you were planning to stir-fry are too old to be edible—and Brian Williams has nothing but bad news. It's important to stay on top of current events, but you're not helping anyone by catching up during one of the most frantic times of your day—least of all, yourself. Exposure to media coverage of upsetting events can not only spike stress levels, but it can also make you feel worse physically, found a 2012 Israeli study that assessed 55 chronic-pain patients before and after a local three-week missile attack. Participants who watched more television reports of the attack said that their stress was more acute and their pain felt more intense. Your best bet: DVR the news to watch when the kitchen's closed for the night and every last fork has been washed and put away.

I can’t count the number of times I have been trying to get dinner ready for my daughters at a reasonable time and been caught listening to the evening news.  Trying to do both at the same times often ends up with me getting frustrated with dinner or worse my lovely daughters, when my focus should be 100% on them.  I have set my recorder to capture the news each day and if time permits I will catch up on it once the girls have gone to bed.  I find that I don’t watch as often and know just enough to keep me from getting too anxious regarding all the worlds unsettling situations. 

 3. As You Stare Down 3,572* Unread Emails: Remember to Breathe

A few years ago, Linda Stone, a high-tech exec-turned-adviser and consultant, noticed that she was holding her breath whenever she sat down at her computer. She observed more than 200 people using computers and smartphones and found that the vast majority of them were doing the same thing—forgetting to inhale (or taking shallow breaths) after logging on. Stone, who calls this phenomenon "screen apnea," says it can trigger the body's fight-or-flight response, increase anxiety, interfere with digestion and, when doing it day after day (while never really making a dent in those 3,000-plus emails), compromise your overall health and immunity. You can see the value of a technique to stay calm and clear-headed as you file and delete. Stone personally had success with Buteyko, a form of diaphragmatic breathing—which is what Anne Marie Albano, PhD, director of the Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders, says is one of the best and most effective stress-management techniques. There are many different types of breathing techniques, but the vast majority of us will benefit from making sure that we simply exhale for twice as long as we inhale. Stone regularly pauses to ask herself if she's breathing, and then she takes a break to inhale, exhale and stretch.

This one is probably my favorite, because I can use it in almost any situation when I start to feel the unsettling anxiety slowly set in.  Breathing techniques have been found useful in so many cultures and in so many different situations.  Yoga is another great tactic I can use to wind down! Try it!

 4. When Researching a New Car Purchase: Snack Like a Hiker

Shoppers spend 16 weeks, on average, researching cars on the Web, reports the trade magazine Wards Auto, and by the end of that time, they're often more confused and overwhelmed than when they started. One way to make the drawn-out process seem less daunting: Eat trail mix while you read reviews and weigh options. Recent experiments have shown that the simple sugar glucose (which is found in raisins) can counteract the negative brain changes wrought by decision fatigue and keep your impulse control (ooh, retractable door umbrellas!) in check.

Buying a car is one of my most dreaded tasks. Thankfully it’s not a task I endure everyday.  However, next time I do, I will most definitely be eating healthy snack and not making hasty decisions during the process.

 5. When You've Got 4 Hours to Finish 41 Tasks: Take the Right Kind of Break

We usually make one of two mistakes when we dash out for a breather, says Susan M. Orsillo, PhD, author of The Mindful Way Through Anxiety: We waste mental energy trying not to think about our to-do list, or we continue to worry about our workload—by complaining to a coworker or calling our spouse to vent. Both types of response effectively cancel out the break, leaving us still frazzled when we return to our desk. Instead, Orsillo suggests taking a meditative break. Leave your phone and your coworker behind, and find a quiet place to stand and actively observe the world around you. "You'll feel renewed and slightly rested in just a few minutes," she says. Trying to be in the moment, as easy as it sounds, can actually be pretty challenging. Orsillo suggests practicing at times when you don't have as much on your plate, and she offers step-by-step audio meditation exercises at mindfulwaythroughanxietybook.com. (If you can't get outside, try the 7-minute Mindfulness of Clouds & Sky meditation at your desk.)

I find this tactic to be very helpful.  Living in a world where we are constantly accessible and trying to “keep up” with our smartphones and other wireless devices, our brains never have time to really decompress during breaks from work.  I have become accustomed to checking my phone for emails, texts and missed phone calls / voicemails, every time I have a small break.  Instead I should be taking a few minutes to not think about these tasks.  I had to start slow and try to take two 5-minute breaks a day.  You would be amazed at what 10 minutes of relaxing can do for your brain each day!

My goal in sharing these tips with you are to put them to use in your daily life.  Even if you don’t directly relate to the situation given in the examples, you can easily incorporate the strategy into one of your daily tasks.  One important place I encourage you to use these tactics is in the dental chair.  Dental anxiety is the #1 reason people put of dental cleanings and restorative dental work.  Maybe one of these tactics can help you overcome your fears, and I promise.  I’ll help you through them as well!

Dr. Jill Wade 

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Find-Peace-of-Mind-Reduce-Anxiety/2#ixzz2gmXFpXrm

Acid Reflux: How Your Dentist Can Help You Control Effects on Your Oral Health

Acid Reflux: How Your Dentist Can Help You Control Effects on Your Oral Health

Most people have experienced a bit of heartburn at some point. For some, though, heartburn occurs more than just occasionally—how about more like two or three times a week? Does that sound familiar?

When heartburn occurs so commonly, that’s a sign of a condition called acid reflux disease. Other symptoms of acid reflux disease include:

·         Regurgitation

·         Bloating or burping

·         Narrowing of the esophagus

·         Hiccups

·         Nausea

·         Black/bloody stools or bloody vomiting

·         Weight loss

·         Wheezing, hoarseness, sore throat, or dry cough

But did you know acid reflux disease can also have an effect on your oral health? That’s because of how acid reflux works.

When a patient experiences acid reflux, acid from the stomach ends up in the esophagus. If this acid comes into contact with a patient’s teeth, it can begin to dissolve the protective layer of enamel on the outside them. This becomes a bigger problem as the sensitive layer of dentin underneath is exposed.

Signs that acid may have damaged your teeth include:

·         Sensitivity, especially to foods that are hot, cold, or sweet

·         Teeth that have thinned or shortened

·         Pain or irritation

·         Teeth with sharp edges

If you’ve experienced any of these, call Dr. Wade’s Frisco dental office. She offers effective general and restorative options to treat teeth harmed by acid. Patients who know they have a problem with acid reflux can use antacids and other over-the-counter medicines to treat symptoms and control acid.

Call us today for an appointment. Dr. Wade serves patients from Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, Prosper, and The Colony.

What You Should Know About Xylitol

What You Should Know About Xylitol

In our last post, we talked about some foods that can benefit your oral health. Today, we’d like to highlight another aspect of nutrition—one that lets you enjoy sweets without harming your teeth. We’re talking, of course, about xylitol.

What Is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that is taken from fibrous parts of plants. In use since the 1960s, xylitol has a far different effect on the body when compared to sugar or corn syrup.

The most significant difference is that xylitol doesn’t promote the growth of bacteria. In other words, instead of turning the mouth into an acidic, pro-bacteria environment, it creates a neutral environment, making it harder for bacteria to cling to teeth. It’s for that reason that some toothpaste brands also contain xylitol.

There are also dietary benefits to consider. Xylitol is a beneficial option for patients with diabetes, and it has fewer calories and carbohydrates, which is good for anyone.

So, where can you find xylitol candies, gums, and mints? Natural food stores will often sell xylitol products, but even your local grocery store or Wal-Mart may have what you’re looking for. You can also look online at what Amazon, xlear.com and Ice Chips.

Do you want to know more about xylitol? Call Stonebriar Smile Design in Frisco for an appointment with Dr. Wade. We’re happy to serve patients from Plano, Prosper, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, The Colony, and beyond.

Top Five Superfoods to Improve Your Health and Your Smile

Top Five Superfoods to Improve Your Health and Your Smile

Patients who have seen a dentist all their life know how destructive sugar can be to good oral health, but Dr. Wade’s nutritional advice doesn’t stop at “Avoid sugar.” In fact, there are many foods that are not just good for your health in general but for your smile in particular. Adding these foods, and others like them, to your diet will help you support your oral health in between visits and will improve your overall sense of wellbeing.

Cheese/Dairy

Dairy products, which are high in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D, can help your smile in a variety of ways. Not only do they support re-mineralization of teeth, they also promote a neutral pH in the mouth, preventing the harmful effects of acid. Plus, the simple act of drinking milk helps clear the mouth of bacteria and debris.

Green Tea

Why is a daily dose of green tea beneficial? Because it’s a good source of catechin, an antioxidant that kills the bacteria responsible for disease and decay. What’s more, catechin inhibits the kinds of bacteria responsible for bad breath. All of this is on top of the overall health benefits of green tea, including its ability to improve heart health, fight obesity, and lower cholesterol.

Fruits Rich in Vitamin C

Vitamin C is famous for boosting the immune system, but it’s also good for your gum tissue. Specifically, it prevents the collagen in your gums from breaking down, which can lead to an increased risk of gum disease. Among all of the fruits rich in vitamin C, kiwis have the most, but every little bit helps.

Celery

We know celery isn’t the most exciting food out there, but it’s good for your smile. Chewing celery helps produce saliva, which has a neutralizing effect on acid and bacteria.  What’s more, those abrasive particles will help you clean your teeth. If you’re not a fan of celery, try dressing it up with some peanut butter, pimento cheese or anything else you like.

Water

Hardly anyone thinks of water as a food, but it is essentials. Water helps you keep your teeth clean, and it prevents dry mouth. When the mouth becomes too dry, bacteria can grow, putting patients at a higher risk of bad breath, gum disease, and cavities.

Of course, these aren’t the only foods that can help your smile, but they’re some of the biggest. If you have any questions about nutrition, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Wade of Stonebriar Smile Design. We serve patients from Frisco, Prosper, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, and The Colony. Call us today for your appointment.

Anti-Aging and Dentistry, Part 2

Anti-Aging and Dentistry, Part 2

In our last post, we talked about two dental services—teeth whitening and nightguards—that can have an anti-aging effect, helping patients improve their appearance and self-confidence. In today’s post we’d like to talk about the third service that can help: periodontal therapy.

Periodontal therapy is used to treat forms of periodontal disease. Also known as gum disease, it’s been estimated that at least half of all adults in American have some form of the condition. If left untreated, it can lead to bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss, all of which can have an effect on your appearance and oral health.

At Stonebriar Smile Design, Dr. Jill Wade offers care for gum disease with Waterlase, a special laser tool that can be used to treat a diverse range of issues. Periodontal therapy with Waterlase is more comfortable than care with a scalpel and stitches. As a result, patients can look forward to a shorter recovery time.

Treatment with Waterlase, or through some other means, will help prevent gum disease from progressing, protecting your smile from bone loss and the potential for tooth loss. What’s more, with regular cleanings, your Frisco dental team can help you limit the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria and plaque are the primary cause of gum disease. Limiting both will help your gums, your appearance, and even your overall health and wellbeing.

Do you want to learn more about periodontal therapy, or any of our other services? Call our Frisco dental office today to reserve your appointment. Dr. Wade and the team at Stonebriar Smile Design serve patients from Plano, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, The Colony, and surrounding areas.

Anti-Aging and Dentistry, Part 1

Anti-Aging and Dentistry, Part 1

Did you know your dentist can help you look and feel younger? Most people don’t ever connect dentistry with anti-aging techniques, but it’s true. With three services in particular—all three available from Dr. Wade of Stonebriar Smile Design—patients from Frisco and surrounding areas can look forward to improved confidence, appearance, and even oral health.

Those services are:

·         Teeth Whitening

·         Nightguards

·         Periodontal Therapy

In today’s post, we’d like to focus on the first two.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth stains can be caused by a variety of things, most notably certain foods and beverages. But aging also plays a role. Thankfully, with teeth whitening—one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry services available—patients can look forward to turning back the clock and enjoying a whiter smile again. At Stonebriar Smile Design, Dr. Wade offers several different teeth whitening options for patients to take advantage of, including Zoom in-office whitening, professional home whitening, and a White Speed Boost touch-up option. Call us today to learn more about any of these options.

Nightguards

Dentists recommend nightguards in cases where a patient struggles with bruxism, or teeth grinding. Bruxism is caused by stress, and patients often have the most trouble with it at night, while they’re asleep. A nightguard will prevent grinding and clenching, protecting teeth from unnecessary wear and tear, in addition to the pain that can accompany problems with your jaw. Is a nightguard right for you? Call our Frisco office today for a consultation.

Dr. Wade serves patients from Plano, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, and The Colony. We look forward to helping you!

Tips for a Better Night’s Rest

Tips for a Better Night’s Rest

In our last post, we talked specifically about snoring and sleep apnea—serious problems that Dr. Wade of Stonebriar Smile Design can help you treat. Today, we’d like to discuss some general tips for sleeping better.  After all, a full night of rest is important for getting the most out of your day. If you’re not sleeping well, try making some changes to your life. If your problems persist, it might be time to talk to Dr. Wade about why that might be. Perhaps you’re struggling with sleep apnea without even knowing you are.

Follow a set schedule

·         Try to hit the sack at a regular time each night, and try to wake up at the same time every morning.

·         If naps are keeping you from a full night of sleep, limit their length or avoid them entirely.

Sunlight in the morning; soft light at night

·         To stay alert during the day, expose yourself to sunlight—take work breaks outside, or go for a walk. Consider opening the curtains or blinds around your home or office space.

·         Avoid using computers, televisions, or backlit devices like iPads right before bed.

·         Sleep in a dark room.

·         Avoid turning on lights if you have to get up in the night. Use a nightlight or flashlight.

Control your environment

·         Is the room temperature comfortable?

·         Use a fan or white noise machine to block out noise from your surroundings.

·         Make sure your sheets, mattress, and pillow are comfortable.

Diet and exercise

·         Avoid large meals or alcohol right before bed.

·         Reduce your caffeine intake

·         Don’t exercise right before bed.

For more advice, read what the Mayo Clinic advises. And if you’re concerned about sleep apnea or snoring, don’t hesitate to give Stonebriar Smile Design a call. We serve patients from Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, and The Colony.

Stress Leads to Inflammation

Stress Leads to Inflammation

Today, we seem more stressed as a society than ever before. With smartphones, especially, it can be hard to unplug from work or even from networking with friends and family. But whether your stress comes from technology, finances, or somewhere else, you should know it’s having a negative effect on your health—and not just your overall health, but your oral health, too. We’re talking specifically here about inflammation.

As a part of the body’s immune system, it can be good when it’s working the way it’s supposed. But too much stress can make it difficult for the body to properly regulate inflammation. That can turn inflammation into a weapon the body uses against itself, and it has implications for your oral health. The ADG reported back in 2012 that a definite link between stress and dental health exists, citing problems with the immune system.

All of this means that managing stress and following a good oral health routine are vital. To keep your smile healthy, remember to brush and floss daily. You should also see Dr. Wade twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.

Call Stonebriar Smile Design today if you need to reserve an appointment with us. We’re located in Frisco but provide excellent genera, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry to patients from Plano, McKinney, Allen, The Colony, and Dallas.

How Your Dentist Can Help You Get a Better Night Rest

How Your Dentist Can Help You Get a Better Night Rest

Do you feel rested during the day, or do you catch yourself yawning while at work? Has your partner ever complained about your snoring? Are you perceived as moody? All of these are symptoms of a common condition known as sleep apnea.

In most cases, sleep apnea is caused by blocked air passages. That’s why it goes hand-in-hand with snoring. As air struggles to get through, vibrations are created, causing that familiar sound we associate with snoring. Worse than this, though, is the fact that sleep apnea patients will stop breathing for 10 second or longer, eventually waking up to take a breath. For patients who struggle with sleep apnea, this can happen all night, ever night.

Thankfully, your dentist has a way to help. With a custom-made oral appliance, Dr. Wade of Stonebriar Smile Design can help you keep your air passages clear, preventing snoring and helping you to breathe easily all night long.

Why is treating sleep apnea and snoring so important?

In part because of the strain that sleepless nights can put on couples. But more than that, there’s your overall wellbeing to consider. Daytime drowsiness can lead to accidents at work, at home, or behind the wheel. Plus, patients with sleep apnea are vulnerable to developing high blood pressure and other kinds of heart problems. There’s even a risk of premature death.

Are you looking for relief from snoring or sleep apnea? A custom made oral appliance from Dr. Wade can help. Call Stonebriar Smile Design today for an appointment. We’d be happy to talk to you about your needs and to answer any questions you might have.

Our office serves patients from Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, and The Colony.

How Hormones Affect Your Oral Health

How Hormones Affect Your Oral Health

We tend to think that oral and overall health exists in completely separate spheres, but that’s not the case at all. What happens in one part of the body can have an effect on what happens elsewhere. That’s true even when talking about hormonal changes.

If you didn’t know it, the rise or fall of hormones can make a patient more vulnerable to a common oral health condition like gum disease. Women are especially vulnerable. For girls entering puberty, women who are taking birth control, pregnant, or entering menopause, chances of developing some form of gum disease are all higher. There’s even increased vulnerability a day or two before the start of a woman’s period.

What does that mean for you?

If you’re a woman, being extra vigilant about your gum health is important. Remember to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once. Also, if you’re pregnant or taking birth control, be sure your doctor knows about it. For pregnant patients, more frequent cleanings may be required to keep the teeth and gums adequately protected. It’s also wise to include an antibacterial mouthwash in your daily routine and stick to a balanced diet. A diet high in starch or sugar will only contribute to potential problems with the teeth and gums.

Is it time for your next appointment with Dr. Wade? Call Stonebriar Smile Design in Frisco to reserve an appointment. Our office serves patients from Plano, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, and The Colony.

DNA Testing with VELscope

DNA Testing with VELscope

In our last post, we talked about the surprising connection that exists between HPV and oral cancer. Today, we’d like to focus on a revolutionary tool that’s helping Dr. Wade and her team diagnose oral cancer early.

In a traditional visual exam, doctors are looking for red or white spots that might indicate cancer. But it takes time for these spots to develop, and they typically indicate a more advanced form of the disease. To effectively treat oral cancer, it needs to be diagnosed early, before any spots are visible.

That’s difficult with just the naked eye, but it’s more than possible with a revolutionary tool called VELscope. This tool uses a special fluorescent light to highlight abnormal cells on tissue that might look healthy to the naked eye.

What does that mean for patients? It means an early diagnose and an early treatment. The earlier treatment can be administered, the greater the chance of making a full recovery.

For more information on VELscope and oral cancer, call our Frisco dental office. Dr. Wade serves patients from Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, and The Colony. Get in touch with us today for an appointment.

The Surprising Link between Oral Cancer and HPV

The Surprising Link between Oral Cancer and HPV

Oral cancer is among the many oral health conditions Dr. Wade looks for in every checkup at Stonebriar Smile Design. But, you might wonder, if you don’t have any of the common risk factors, is that even necessary?

The most common risk factors of oral cancer include tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. So if you avoid both of those, you must be safe, right?

Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Recent studies have shown that rates of oral cancer are on the rise in patients who don’t have any of these risk factors. The cause? Human papilloma virus, better known as HPV. And even though we think of HPV primarily in relation to cervical cancer, oral cancer stemming from HPV happens in men and women alike.

There are more than 120 different strands of HPV. Many are harmless, some are not. Some can be transferred with skin-to-skin contact, others are sexually transmitted.

With so many different strands and ways of being transmitted, it’s easy for HPV to slip under the radar, meaning you could be at risk without even knowing it. That’s why Dr. Wade makes oral cancer screenings a regular part of regular checkups for all patients, regardless of the risk factors.

Oral cancer screening at our Frisco dental office are quick, and one could save your life.

Has it been more than six months since your last checkup and oral cancer screening? If it has, call Stonebriar Smile Design today to reserve an appointment. Dr. Wade serves patients from Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, and The Colony.

10 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Smile, Part 2

10 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Smile, Part 2

In our last post, we discussed five different ways you can improve the healthy and/or beauty of your smile. Today, we’ll conclude by adding five more, for a total of 10 helpful ways you can make a difference with your own smile.

#6 – Enjoy a nutritious diet

What you eat has a big impact on your oral health. Sugary foods create an acidic environment that damages protective tooth enamel. Other foods, like chicken, cheese, nuts, and milk, can help you build strong teeth. What’s more, healthy foods can help you with other nutrients and minerals that can help you enjoy better overall health. If you have questions about foods that can help you, ask us during your next visit or give us a call now.

#7 – Seek restorative care when you need it

Anxiety can keep patients from seeking important care. Don’t let that be the case with you. If you know you need care, it’s better to see us now, when a less invasive treatment can be done. Our Frisco office is devoted to helping you relax and feel comfortable while visiting our office. That will help as we encourage seeking restorative care when you need it.

#8 – Mouthwash is your friend

Brushing and flossing are important, but so is using a mouthwash. An antibacterial mouthwash can help you protect your smile from gum disease, while a fluoride mouthwash can strength your enamel and protect it from decay.

#9 – Chew gum after meals

We’re talking about sugar-free gum of course. The benefit of chewing gum after meals is that it can help you clean your teeth when you’re in a position when you can’t brush or floss immediately after eating.

#10 – Use xylitol sweetener instead of sugar

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that doesn’t work on your smile the way other sweeteners do. Instead of creating acid, xylitol creates a pH-neutral environment that prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. Look for xylitol gum for maximum effectiveness.

Do you have other questions about how you can improve your smile? Call Stonebriar Smile Design to reserve an appointment with Dr. Wade or to ask a question. We’re happy to provide care to our patients from Frisco, Plano McKinney, Allen, Dallas, and The Colony.

10 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Smile, Part 1

10 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Smile, Part 1

Our smiles need plenty of care to be healthy and beautiful. In our posts for this month, we’d like to go over 10 different ways that you can improve the health and/or the appearance of your smile. Both are important and can be achieved with diligence on both your end and ours.

#1 - Follow a good oral care routine at home

Having a healthy smile begins at home with regular brushing and flossing. At our Frisco office, we recommend that patients brush at least twice a day. We also recommend flossing at least once. Following this routine can help you keep bacteria and plaque from causing major damage to your teeth and gums.

 #2 – Visit Dr. Wade twice a year

As beneficial as brushing and flossing are, enjoying a healthy smile also takes regular visits with Dr. Wade. During your six-month visits with us, we can complete a thorough oral exam that will tell us how your smile is doing. We can also give your smile a professional cleaning to get rid of deposits of plaque and bacteria. If we find any issues during your appointment, we can get to work right away on a treatment plan to help you 

reclaim your good oral health.

#3 – Indulge in a cosmetic service

A healthy smile is important, but so is a smile that makes you feel confident. At Stonebriar Smile Design we offer a comprehensive range of services, including porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, Invisalign, and more. If you’re considering a cosmetic improvement to your smile, we’d love to talk to you about how we can help.

#4 – Don’t ignore the warning signs

Have you noticed anything out of the ordinary with your smile? Instead of ignoring it, call us instead to set up a consultation appointment. What happens to your smile can have an impact on your overall health and sense of wellbeing. An untreated cavity or case of gum disease can result in the need for more advanced, more invasive care. Help us provide care early by alerting us to potential warning signs.

#5 – Ask questions

When you understand your oral health needs, you can make more informed choices about your care. At Stonebriar Smile Design, our goal is to help you understand how your smile is doing.  We don’t want any of our patients leaving with a question unanswered

For more tips on how to improve your smile, check back with our blog at the end of the month. In the meantime, call Stonebriar Smile Design if it’s time to schedule your next checkup with Dr. Wade. We serve patients from Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, and The Colony.

Predicting the Future with Oral DNA

Predicting the Future with Oral DNA

In our last post, we talked about the connection between gum disease and heart health. Today, we’d like to highlight a special tool that Dr. Wade uses at her Frisco dental office to help prevent and treat gum disease—it’s called Oral DNA.

This helpful tool uses a small sample of saliva to identify what types of bacteria are in your mouth. It can even tell us if you’re genetically predisposed to developing gum disease.

It’s often assumed that gum disease is purely the result of poor oral health. But that’s not always the case. Patients who are genetically predisposed can still develop gum disease, even if they’re excellent at brushing and flossing. The more Dr. Wade knows about your smile, the more pro-active she can be about providing care.

Early treatment is the best defense against poor health, no matter what condition you’re talking about. One way we’re doing this in regards to gum disease is with a Waterlase dental laser. With laser dentistry, we can provide comfortable, scalpel-free gum disease therapy that will help you eliminate bacteria and plaque below you gum line.

Let us help you take control of your smile’s future with Oral DNA. To find out more about how Oral DNA works, visit their patient information page or call our Frisco office. We gladly serve patients from Plano, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, and The Colony.