Nothing is more precious than watching your child’s first tooth break through the gum tissue; however, their first visit from the Tooth Fairy is equally exciting. Between the ages of 6 to 7, most children have their first loose tooth. Until then, the baby teeth act as placeholders for their permanent set, while also allowing them to learn how to eat and speak. Losing a primary tooth too soon can have lasting consequences for their smile. Here’s how to pull your child’s tooth safely.
Shannon Stokes DDS Blog
How to Pull Out a Child’s Loose Tooth
July 28, 2022
Veneers: The Secret to a Beach-Ready Smile
June 14, 2022
When it comes to summer vacation, taking tons of photos is a great way to capture memories so you can look back on them in the future. Since a smile says a thousand words, it’s important to make sure yours is saying the right things. Fortunately, porcelain veneers can help. Read on to learn how this cosmetic procedure can give you the beach-ready beam you’ve always wanted.
(more…)3 Questions to Ask During Your Cosmetic Dental Consultation
April 4, 2022
So, you’ve taken your first step to a better smile and scheduled a consultation with your cosmetic dentist. Do you know what to ask about during the appointment? You won’t know the best way to improve your smile otherwise, and a poor decision on treatment can have lasting consequences.
If you find yourself at a loss over what to bring up, don’t panic: Here’s a summary of three essential questions to ask during your cosmetic dental consultation and why you should do so.
(more…)Dental Instruments: What Are They, and What Do They Do?
March 29, 2022
You’re sitting at the dentist’s office, wearing a bib and twiddling your thumbs, when the chair begins to recline—showtime! As the dentist wheels his chair over to begin cleaning your teeth, without moving your head you steal a quick glance at what he’s holding; it’s small, metal, and sharp, and it immediately makes you uncomfortable. You look away, diverting your glance down towards the tray that is neatly lined with similar metal tools. You recognize one that resembles a small mirror, but the rest look like they could be straight out of a horror film. These tools, as scary as they might be, when wielded in the hands of a skilled cosmetic dentist can help give you a dazzling smile. Here are a few of the most common instruments and what they are used for:
(more…)Can I Get Dental Implants When I’m Pregnant?
February 4, 2022
Even missing one tooth can make it tough to speak clearly, chew properly, and smile confidently, as the more than 170 million Americans who are dealing with tooth loss have learned. If those issues sound familiar to you, perhaps you’ve been considering dental implants. And why wouldn’t you? They last for 30 years or more, look natural, and are the only tooth replacement option that preserves your jawbone. In your case, the catch is that you’re pregnant. Can you get dental implants during pregnancy? Keep reading to find out from your implant dentist in Plano.
(more…)What to Expect When Adjusting to Implant Dentures
January 3, 2022
You’ve decided to go with implant dentures for your new set of teeth and you might be wondering what you’ll experience after you get them. They’ll definitely restore your appearance and natural dental functions, but you want to know what’s involved in the adjustment time. Your local dentist can explain what to expect when adjusting to your new implant dentures in Plano.
(more…)How Cranberries Benefit Oral Health
December 15, 2021
During this time of year, many people are preparing to gorge on a holiday feast. Cranberry sauce is a common side dish that adds a bit of tart sweetness. Though cranberry sauce is a tasty addition to any holiday meal, how does it impact your oral health? Read on to learn how cranberries can impact your oral health and if you should incorporate them into your diet for a stronger, more beautiful smile.
(more…)5 Things You Can’t Do Without Your Teeth
November 17, 2021
Keeping your teeth healthy is an important part of having a bright, youthful smile, but they do a lot more than just look good. You know that eating your favorite foods would be a challenge without your teeth, but what other tasks would be a challenge without your pearly whites? Read on to learn more about 5 normal functions that would be more difficult without our teeth.
(more…)Examining the Link Between Musical Instruments and Oral Health
October 4, 2021
Learning to play a musical instrument has so many benefits, such as increasing memory skills, teaching perseverance, improving coordination, and building self-esteem, just to name a few.
It can, however, have a negative impact on a child’s oral health. Keep reading to find out how certain musical instruments can be detrimental and what measures can be taken to prevent any issues for your child.
(more…)Is My Child or Teen Too Young for Cosmetic Dentistry?
September 10, 2021
In a study conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of interviewees believed that a smile is an important social asset. With the ever-growing popularity of social media, today’s kids and teens are more focused on their image than ever before. Because of this, your child may soon approach you about improving their smile with cosmetic dentistry treatments. To help you decide which procedures are safe for your child, here are some of the treatments dentists recommend for kids and teens as well as which ones to avoid.
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