Charles F. Orth, DDS/PA

Are you unhappy with your smile because you feel like your teeth are small or disproportionate? If so, it may not actually be your teeth’s fault. You may have a “gummy” smile because of excess gum tissue and not because your teeth are too small. While you may not realize it, the amount and shape of your gum tissue has a significant part to play in the appearance of your smile. So if you are interested in a smile makeover and are finally ready to flash a Hollywood-worthy grin, you should consider cosmetic periodontal surgery.

“But can you really have a smile makeover with cosmetic periodontal surgery? Does my gumline really make that much of a difference in my smile?”

In short, the answer is “yes”. In fact, take a look at an example below of how excess gum tissue can impact the appearance of your smile.

Now look at the difference that a simple esthetic crown lengthening procedure made in this woman’s smile.

What a difference!

Oftentimes when people think of smile makeovers and cosmetic dentistry, dental veneers are the first thought that come to mind. But in reality, if you are looking for a more “toothy smile” (think: Julia Roberts), then your teeth may actually be perfectly sufficient both in shape and size to accomplish that look. Excess gum tissue may simply be covering the your natural tooth, making the tooth appear unnaturally short and square. A periodontal plastic surgery procedure called crown lengthening can correct and transform a “gummy” smile.

During this procedure at his Dallas periodontal practice, Dr. Charles Orth, board-certified periodontist and dental implant specialist, can reshape excess gum as well as bone tissue in order to expose more of your natural tooth (or crown) and also improve the curvature of the gumline around the tooth. If your teeth appear to have uneven shapes, esthetic crown lengthening can also be used to give more symmetry to your smile by shaping the gum in order to make your teeth appear more proportionate to one another. Esthetic crown lengthening can also be performed on a single tooth or the entire mouth.

Questions about esthetic crown lengthening in Dallas or cosmetic periodontal surgery? Call our Dallas office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Orth. You can also read more about cosmetic periodontal surgery and esthetic crown lengthening on our website. Dallas periodontist, Dr. Charles Orth, has over 25 years of experience both in functional and cosmetic periodontics, making him the perfect choice for any patient in Dallas and surrounding areas looking for an experienced cosmetic periodontist who will provide exceptional care.

Change is an axiom of life. And that should absolutely include your toothbrush.

Based on the standard recommendation of brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily, a toothbrush is used at least 60 times a month and at least 720 times a year. Calculate that out for 2 minutes of brushing per use (a generous and perhaps not entirely realistic estimate for many people), and a toothbrush gives you 120 minutes or 2 hours worth of brushing power every month. That’s quite a bit of work for those tiny bristles.

Consistent and proper use naturally causes wear on the bristles of your toothbrush. Over time the bristles become less effective at their primary job of removing plaque and debris from your teeth, gums and tongue.

One of the primary ways of knowing whether or not your toothbrush needs to be replaced is by looking at the bristles. If the bristles have lost their firmness or have become twisted or mangled, then it’s time to chunk your toothbrush and start fresh. With normal oral hygiene habits, a toothbrush needs to be replaced after approximately 12 weeks of use.

In certain circumstances however, a toothbrush may need to be replaced much sooner. It is always a good idea to ask your dentist, periodontist or dental hygienist for specific recommendations. Aside from specific recommendations, how do you know when to replace your toothbrush?

✓ If you’ve been using the same toothbrush or electric toothbrush head for more than 12 weeks.

Even if your toothbrush and the bristles looks normal, the CDC still recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. And by the way, if your toothbrush still looks as healthy on week 12 as it did when you first started using it, you may not be brushing your teeth properly or frequently enough. Not sure if you’re brushing properly? Get more information about how to brush your teeth properly as well as other oral hygiene instructions on our website. If you would prefer a demonstration of proper brushing techniques or if you have particularly sensitive teeth, ask board-certified periodontist, Dr. Charles Orth, or our dental hygienists for help at your next appointment at our Dallas periodontal and dental implant practice.

✓ If you or anyone in your family or household has been sick.

Did you know that about 700 species of bacteria live in your mouth? Brushing your teeth does not remove all these bacteria, of course, but it does mean that your toothbrush comes into contact with all these bacteria – some of them being quite harmful. Viral and bacterial infections are of particular concern since these can easily spread to you or other members of your household through your toothbrushes. If you or anyone in your household has been sick, even if it’s just a common cold, you should replace your toothbrush.

✓ If the toothbrush comes into contact with anything other than your teeth.

A toothbrush should only ever come into contact with your teeth. If your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head come into contact with any surface other than your teeth, you should replace your toothbrush. This means that you should never share a toothbrush, even with a close family member. You also do not need to use toothbrush head covers as it may promote the growth of bacteria.

When it comes to your oral health, better safe than sorry is a good rule of thumb. If you are unsure about whether or not to replace your toothbrush, then just go ahead and change it out for a new one. And next time you visit our Dallas periodontal office, we invite you to ask Dr. Orth or your dental hygienist any other questions you may have about your at-home oral hygiene routine. Our staff is committed to exceptional care and promoting the health and well-being of all our patients.

At the office of board-certified, Dallas periodontist, Charles Orth, DDS, we specialize in exceptional service. Being entrusted with your smile and oral health is a responsibility we do not take lightly. We know that the right staff makes all the difference in providing our patients with the exceptional care they deserve. For that reason, we are excited to introduce you to Brenda, our new dental hygienist.

Brenda is a Registered Dental Hygienist with over 30 years of experience. She grew  up in Tyler, Texas and graduated from Tyler Junior college where she received her degree in Applied Science of Dental Hygiene. Brenda is dedicated to providing the best care to her patients and focuses on a preventative approach. Brenda enjoys gardening, as well as spending time with her husband and daughter, Laura.

After Barbara’s retirement last year, we know that many of our patients were concerned about her replacement and whether or not they would receive the same level of care and even friendship moving forward. Your health care and comfort in our office is of utmost priority to us, and we are confident that Brenda will meet your expectations. Her dedication to exceptional oral health care and her knowledgeability in her field make her an excellent addition to our team.

In fact, Brenda is already receiving 5-star reviews from our patients.

“I had my regular dental hygiene visit today and met Brenda for the first time. She did a very caring and thorough procedure.” – Satisfied Patient (on Google)

If you have not had your routine cleaning in recent months, then now is a great time to schedule your next appointment.

 

One of the most common questions asked is, “How much are dental implants?” and then, “Are dental implants worth the investment?”. Answers to both of these questions can be complex and vary greatly by the individual. In order to answer these questions more fully, any patient in the Dallas area considering dental implants should have a consultation with board-certified periodontist and dental implant specialist, Dr. Charles Orth. Dr. Orth and his staff at our periodontal and dental implant practice in Dallas, TX, specialize in exceptional care and reject any notion of a “one-size-fits-all” approach to dental implants and tooth or mouth restoration. A thorough evaluation and consultation with Dr. Orth is the only way to ensure accurate answers to your questions about tooth loss replacement and what type of procedure or surgery may be the right fit for you.

Before a consultation with Dr. Orth or any other dental implant specialist near you, it is important to consider several truths about dental implants and how these truths can help you determine whether or not dental implants are worth the investment.

#1 – Dental implants are the most permanent solution for tooth loss.

Dental implants are essentially permanent both because of the material from which they are constructed as well as the fact that dental implants are fused directly to the bone. The two primary choices for implant production are titanium, or ziconia, which are better know as ceramic implants. Both options are very strong and both can last a lifetime.

Other tooth loss replacement options may be less expensive, but none are considered as permanent as dental implants. Ongoing replacement costs and not just initial costs must be factored into the total cost of alternative tooth replacement options.

#2 – Dental implants provide the most practical benefits.

Because dental implants fuse to the bone and perform like natural teeth, the benefits are more than merely aesthetic. Dental implants stay in place, meaning that both comfort and convenience is preserved over removable tooth loss replacement options that shift and thereby can impede speech or eating. Dental implants can also be cared for with routine oral and dental hygiene and require less overall maintenance than alternative tooth replacement options. Because dental implants fuse to the bone, further bone loss causing further deterioration and ongoing, expensive procedures can be prevented.

Other tooth loss replacement options may be less expensive, but none can be considered to provide the same practical benefits as dental implants. The discomfort and embarrassment of shifting dentures, speech impediments or jawbone deterioration must be considered when evaluating the cost to value ratio of dental implants.

#3 – Dental implants provide the most natural appearance.

Dental implants are comprised of a titanium or ceramic post and then a custom crown, implant bridge or other visible attachment. Both for single and multiple tooth replacements or even for full-mouth restoration, dental implants provide the most natural appearance because they mimic natural teeth by replacing both the root and the crown of the tooth/teeth.

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If you are considering tooth loss replacement, the best first step is to schedule a consultation with board-certified periodontist and dental implant specialist, Dr. Charles Orth. Dr. Orth will provide a thorough evaluation and explain the various options so that you are empowered to make the best decision for your oral health and cosmetic dentistry goals. Please call our office today to schedule your appointment.

As a periodontal and dental implant practice in Dallas, we understand that many people experience anxiety when faced with the need for any kind of professional dental or oral healthcare. From routine cleanings to more invasive procedures, simply the idea of hands and tools poking and prodding around in your mouth can cause any level of concern (from hesitation to panic). First we simply want to acknowledge that anxiety related to dental care is very real and is perhaps more normal than not. And secondly, we want to offer some helpful tips for managing and overcoming dental anxiety.

Why? Because your oral health is a critical component to your overall health and wellbeing.

6 Tips for Managing and Overcoming Dental Anxiety

#1: Acknowledge your fears.

As with many things, acknowledging your feelings regarding professional dental and oral healthcare is necessary in order to address it in a healthy manner. Be honest with yourself. Ask yourself: “Which part of my upcoming appointment or procedure is causing the anxiety?” Is it the idea of keeping your mouth open for extended periods of time? The fear of pain? The sound of the tools used? Is it that you don’t feel confident in your provider or the treatment plan? Being honest about your anxiety and then connecting your anxiety to something specific is a helpful first step.

#2: Talk with your provider about your anxiety.

Dr. Charles Orth and our team want nothing more than for your to have an exceptional experience for every procedure and treatment. Please talk with us (or any other dental or oral healthcare provider you may see) about your concerns. When you schedule your appointment, let our scheduling coordinator know about your fears. When you begin your appointment or consultation, share your questions, anxieties and concerns with Dr. Orth or your hygienist.

#3: Become familiar with your surroundings.

Sometimes anxiety is caused by lack of familiarity. During your appointment, ask your provider about the different tools or treatments that will be used during your procedure. Ask about the technology. If the tray of tools causes concern or the sounds they make, ask which tools will be used for your procedure, what the names of the tools are, and why they are necessary. Understanding what is around you and also the competency of your provider with those tools may help the entire experience to seem less intimidating.

#4: Bring someone with you.

Especially if you are undergoing a procedure that includes sedation dentistry (because this is usually required anyway). But even if it is a routine cleaning that causes anxiety, having a trusted companion (even if they have to wait in the car due to social distancing concerns) present can help you feel more comfortable and at ease.

#5: Practice good dental hygiene.

Practicing good dental and oral hygiene in between visits can give you greater confidence and awareness about your oral health…which creates a more positive atmosphere when arriving at your dental or oral healthcare providers office. Brush and floss twice daily. Use mouthwash. Avoid tobacco. Swish or rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking sugary or acidic foods or drinks. Sometimes dental anxiety can be caused by a feeling of failure in your oral health hygiene. You can eliminate that fear by starting new, healthy habits today. Not sure if you’re oral and dental hygiene habits are what they should be? Call us or talk with your provider at your next appointment so that you feel confident and empowered in your daily routine.

#6: Know that you are in control.

Ultimately your dental or oral healthcare visit is YOURS. You may feel like you are at the mercy of the dentist or the hygienist or the surgeon, but the reality is that you are in control of your healthcare and your experience. Our team is trained to explain to you how you can signal to us at anytime if you are feeling discomfort or uneasy. Good healthcare providers will respond immediately to your concerns.

Of course there is no magic wand that can be waved in order to eliminate all fear and anxiety associated with dental and oral healthcare. If you are experiencing anxiety regarding any aspect of your upcoming appointment or procedure at our Dallas periodontal and dental implant practice, please let us know. And if you are living with dental or periodontal pain and discomfort because of your fear of dental procedures, please call our office. Dr. Orth and our team will be happy to do everything we can to alleviate your concerns and make your experience as comfortable as possible. Your health is worth it!

Happy Monday, everyone! The rain is gone, Texas is heating up, and school is just about over for students in Dallas. Of course, all of this means that summer is just around the corner. While we may not love the heat, summer does bring with it all kinds of enjoyable pastimes (Texas Rangers, anyone?). One of the most common summer activities, of course, is sports. Basketball at the park or local YMCA with friends. Baseball or softball. Swimming. Biking. Soccer. Disc golf. Flag football. Dallas is a great city for parks, athletic centers and team sports. And summer is a great time to enjoy everything our city has to offer.

Whether on an organized team or just casually with friends or your kids, staying active through playing sports is such a positive way to boost your overall health and well-being, both physically and emotionally. But as with any physical activity, sports naturally includes various risks. Dental injury due to sports is a common risk that is not just limited to children or high-contact sports like football. Interestingly enough, football is not highest-ranked sport for dental injuries. So what sport reports the highest number of dental injuries in adults? Hockey? Boxing? According to a study of intercollegiate athletes and dental injury, basketball is the highest ranked sport for dental injuries.

This is surprising considering the fact that basketball is considered a “no-contact” sport, which one would expect to rank lower than traditional contact sports. However, contact sports require or conventionally use head or face protection that is not common among no-contact sports. As such, other contact sports may have previously held higher percentages of dental injuries, but over the past several decades, the severity and commonality of dental injuries have decreased in proportion to rising awareness and use of protective gear such as helmets and custom-fitted mouth guards.

Basketball, however, is not the only “no-contact” sport that ranks high in dental injuries. Ball and stick games can be considered “no-contact” sports and yet result in a high number of dental injuries. How does that happen though? Why would basketball and baseball or softball be higher risk for tooth loss than contact sports? Those are good questions, and ultimately it seems to come down to the lack of use of mouthguards. One study states, “Although some studies cite low incidence of dental injuries,^6,20 baseball and basketball have frequent orofacial trauma, but few participants wear mouth guards.⁹ In basketball, dental trauma often occurs from contact with other players, whereas orofacial injury in baseball is usually the result of contact with the ball.^21“

If you intend to play sports regularly this summer – even if you think its not a high-risk sport – we strongly encourage you to make sure you are wearing proper protective gear. And if you experience any dental injury or trauma, please contact a dental professional immediately. Untreated dental injuries can result in long-term damage and costlier procedures. So please don’t wait.

Not sure if your sports-related dental injury necessitates tooth replacement? The best way to find out is to call our office to schedule a consultation.

All across North Texas masks are starting to come down. With the increase in fully-vaccinated individuals and cases on the decline, businesses throughout Dallas are starting to loosen mask and social distancing restrictions. It is just so refreshing to start to see smiles again. Of course as a periodontics and dental implant office, we get to see people’s mouths all the time. However, getting to see people out in public smile at each other once again – there is something special about that. Does the prospect of removing your mask and showcasing your smile once again have you thinking even more about your oral health? If not, it should. Your oral health is linked both to your overall well-being (and may even be a significant factor in your body’s response to COVID…see this study for more details) and should be on the forefront of our minds as we all consider how to promote and protect our community’s health moving forward.

Because your oral health affects your overall health and wellbeing, board-certified Dallas periodontist and dental implant specialist, Dr. Charles Orth, would like to offer some simple tips for promoting and protecting your oral health.

BRUSH DAILY

You hear it often because it’s true. Brushing your teeth properly is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. When brushing, be sure to do the following:

• move the brush in a circular motion several times using small, gentle strokes
• use some pressure but not so much that you feel any discomfort
• clean both the outside surfaces and the inside surfaces of all your teeth
• change the position of your brush as often as necessary to reach and clean all surfaces
• gently brush the surrounding gum tissue
• brush your tongue (doing this will can prevent potential problems and remove the presence of bacteria)
• rinse vigorously to remove loosened plaque

FLOSS DAILY

Flossing allows you to clean the surface of your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach. If you avoid flossing, then you are neglecting approximately 40% of your tooth’s surface! When flossing, be sure to do the following:

• use a thread of floss at least 18″ long, wrapping the floss around the middle finger of each hand
• use a back and forth motion to slide the floss down between your teeth
• floss  thoroughly by gently moving the floss up and down on the side of each tooth and below the gum line
• don’t forget the back side of the last tooth on both sides (upper and lower)
• rinse vigorously with water to remove plaque and food particles
• don’t be concerned if during your first week of flossing, your gums bleed – as you floss daily, your gums will heal and the bleeding will stop

AVOID TOXIC INFLUENCES

Many factors can negatively affect the health of your gums, which in turn negatively affects your overall health. Some of these factors, such as genetics or various medications or treatments for diseases such as cancer, cannot be avoided. But some factors that increase your risk for periodontal disease (which is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults over the age of 35) and also increase your risk of the negative effects of developing periodontal disease CAN BE AVOIDED. If possible, avoid the following toxic influences on your oral health:

• stress – yes, we know that this one can be hard to avoid; but consider adding some relaxing activities to your daily routine in order to help manage and relieve stress
• clenching and grinding teeth – if you are unsure whether or not you are clenching or grinding your teeth, discuss this with Dr. Orth at your next appointment
• poor nutrition – a good rule of thumb regarding nutrition is that the more natural, the better
• tobacco usage – tobacco users experience greater incidence of calculus formation on teeth, deeper pockets between gums and teeth, and a greater loss of the bone and fibers that hold teeth in your mouth

RECEIVE ROUTINE PROFESSIONAL CARE

Regular professional examinations and cleanings are an essential part of promoting and protecting your oral health. For most people, the recommended routine is to visit your dentist for a cleaning and exam at least 2 times every year. During your routine visit, your dentist or hygienist may recommend a consultation with a periodontist if they finds signs of periodontal disease. But you may also experience certain symptoms that indicate you should seek periodontal treatment, even without a referral from your dentist. Symptoms you should watch out for include:

• bleeding while brushing or eating normal foods
• bad breath (haliotosis) which continues despite rigorous oral cleaning
• loose teeth and gum recession
• related health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, osteopenia, osteoporosis

If you have any questions about your oral health or especially if you have neglected your oral health and routine cleanings during this past year of COVID, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our Dallas periodontal and dental implant office without delay.

If you are concerned about your oral and dental health, then a question you may have asked yourself or your dentist (or other dental health professional) is: “What are the leading causes of tooth loss in adults?” And the answer may surprise you. You may think that the answer is related to trauma, cavities (dental caries), or smoking, all of which contribute to poor oral and dental health. But the evidence continually indicates that periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

According to a recent study, “periodontal disease accounts for the majority of tooth extraction in patients older than 40 years.” According to another study referenced here, “gum (periodontal) disease was the leading reason for tooth loss.” And according to the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research, “Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss among adults.”

Of course, periodontal disease is something is preventable and treatable. So what are some ways that you can lower your risk factor and protect yourself against periodontal disease that may lead to tooth loss? The best method of prevention is to practice good oral hygiene with daily tooth brushing and flossing, and then include regular professional examinations and cleaning in your oral health routine. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent health routines, people can still develop some form of periodontal disease. Risk factors for that can negatively affect the health of your gums include: tobacco usage, stress, clenching and grinding teeth, some medications and poor nutrition. If you do develop periodontal disease, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress. For more information about proper oral hygiene, read this article on our website.

So what are some other leading causes of tooth loss in adults?

• Cavities
• Physical injuries
• Certain diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and arthritis

If you have lost your teeth or if you suffer from the diseases and conditions that put you at a greater risk of tooth loss, Dr. Charles Orth is a board-certified periodontist and dental implant specialist who can help preserve your natural teeth or provide information about options for tooth replacement. Tooth loss can be a life-altering circumstance as it can negatively affect both your physical and psychological wellbeing. Call Dallas periodontist and dental-implant specialist, Dr. Orth, today to discuss how you can live with comfort and confidence again.

Fluoride may not be something you think about often. You may not even be aware of its significance or its presence in your daily life. Did you know that fluoride is something you consume daily? Fluoride itself is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, plants, rocks, air, and is also in your bones and teeth. The ionic compound fluoride is derived from fluorine, which is the 13th most abundant element and is released into the environment naturally in both water and air. Fluoride is created when salts from the element fluorine combine with minerals in soil or rocks.

So why does it matter? How does fluoride help?

One of the primary benefits of fluoride is the prevention of tooth decay. When fluoride and water mix with saliva and are absorbed by dental plaque, the fluoride bonds with any weakened tooth enamel thereby strengthening the enamel and preventing tooth decay. Although fluoride is naturally present in earth’s water supply, the concentrations are generally low and not quite sufficient to provide the oral health benefits needed. Increasing the concentration of fluoride to an optimal level for drinking water has made a substantial impact on oral health. According to the CDC, tooth decay has declined in the United States since fluoridation began in 1945. And he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named community water fluoridation one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.

So where did fluoridation begin in the United States? Grand Rapids, Michigan, was the first US city to fluoridate its public water supply in 1945. A mere five years later, the schoolchildren of Grand Rapids were found to have significantly fewer cavities than children from surrounding communities. Soon other cities and communities across the US began following in their footsteps. And now more than 200 million people (approximately 75% of the US population) drink water with enough fluoride to help prevent tooth decay.

Of course additional fluoride treatments and sources are available as well. Fluoride can be found in toothpaste, mouth rinses and supplements. If you have any questions about fluoride or how it is used to help prevent tooth decay and improve your oral health, the dental hygienists at the office of Dallas periodontist and dental implant specialist, Charles Orth, DDS, would be happy to assist you.

 

Do you ever wonder why your gums are so important? And not just to your teeth, but why are your gums so important to your overall health? Gums, or gingiva, are an essential part of your oral and dental health, but having health or unhealthy gums can also play an important role in your overall health and wellbeing.

What do gums do for your oral and dental health? For starters, your gums encase your teeth, teeth roots and the bones of your jaw. These soft encasements provide protection against harmful bacteria or debris, protect your tooth roots from exposure, and create support for the overall structure of your teeth and mouth. Your mouth is actually a complex eco-system of bacteria, both helpful and harmful, so the protection that your gums provide for your teeth is absolutely essential…if you want to keep your teeth, that is. So without your gums covering the vulnerable root of your tooth, food debris and bad bacteria could easily find their way into the root and cause instability and ultimately tooth loss.

But in addition to protecting your oral and dental health, your gums are also teeming with tiny blood vessels that can potentially transport harmful bacteria throughout the rest of your body. Since your mouth is the warm and cozy home to over 700 different kinds of bacteria (again, some good and some bad), prioritizing healthy gums and preventing or treating gum disease is a way of investing in your overall health. Untreated gum disease can actually pave the way for bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Researchers say that, over time, this can result in damaged heart and brain blood vessels, while other studies have shown the association between gum disease and other serious health problems. Many of these studies cannot prove a particular cause and effect relationship, but the correlative relationship is undeniable.

Healthy gums then provide strong protection for your teeth and your overall health, while unhealthy gums actually pose a serious risk to more than just your teeth. The good news is that healthy gums are always a possibility and prioritizing periodontal health is always a good idea. If you are looking for a periodontist in Dallas who specializes in exceptional care and providing you with the experience and expertise you deserve, call board-certified periodontist and implant specialist, Dr. Charles Orth, today.