When to call for emergency dental services

/in , /by

When you have an oral health problem, it can be hard to know if you should visit the emergency dentist in Houston, TX, or wait for normal business hours. While some problems can wait, these are issues that need immediate attention.

Severe Tooth Pain

Any time you have severe tooth pain, especially if it’s sudden, you need to see a dentist as quickly as possible. Severe tooth pain can have a wide range of causes, but they all need to be addressed. Some causes can lead to more serious issues if left unchecked.

Broken or Lost Teeth

If you have a tooth that cracks or one that falls out unexpectedly, it’s time to book an emergency dental appointment. Often, if we work quickly, we can protect your roots and gums from further damage. We also need to figure out why the damage happened to ensure that your other teeth are not affected in a similar way.

Problems with Dental work

If your crown falls out or becomes loose or something similar happens to a filling, you need fast attention. Again, these problems can lead to further problems if we don’t fix them right away.

Facial Trauma

Blows to the face can damage the teeth, gums, and jaw. The sooner you get attention, the better, especially if teeth are knocked loose. With prompt attention, we can often save the teeth.

Bleeding or Sores That Won’t Heal

If your gums or mouth are bleeding, and the bleeding won’t stop, then you need to be seen quickly. This can be a sign of serious health issues, including mouth cancer. The dental team at Chloe Dental will help screen for these issues and treat the wound so the bleeding will stop.

If you need an emergency dentist in Houston, TX, you need the team at Chloe Dental. Call us at the first sign of a dental emergency for a fast appointment.

How KoR Professional Teeth Whitening Helps Brighten Your Smile

/in , /by

Are yellowish or grayish stains on your teeth stopping you from smiling? Having your teeth whitened professionally can reduce that discoloration, giving you an improved smile that you’ll be proud to show off! At Chloe Dental, our dentists in Houston and Katy, TX, provide KoR Whitening Deep Bleaching for effective results. Here’s how this process works to eliminate even severe staining.

Grayish Discoloration

If your teeth have a grayish look to them, this can happen due to antibiotic use. Antibiotics containing tetracycline can leave teeth with gray stains that are tough to remove. KoR Whitening has the ability to remove tetracycline stains, unlike OTC products.

Yellowish or Brownish Stains

Tea, coffee, wine, berries, and other foods and beverages can leave brown or yellow stains on your teeth. These are more common than gray stains and are typically easier to eliminate with KoR Whitening.

How It Works

KoR Whitening uses a deep bleaching process that helps your teeth absorb oxygen better. That oxygen breaks apart or dissolves spots and stains on your teeth. This leads to results that are often permanent!

What to Expect

KoR Whitening takes place in the comfort of your home. We make custom trays for your teeth for a comfortable fit. These trays contain bleaching gel that works on tooth discoloration while you wear them. You can expect to wear them for roughly 2 weeks before coming in for a follow-up with our dental team.

Visit Us for Professional Teeth Whitening!

Do you have minor or severe tooth staining? Our dentists at Chloe Dental have the right solution for you! We offer KoR teeth whitening in Houston and Katy, TX, to help lighten your teeth and remove discoloration.

Is a Severe Toothache a Dental Emergency?

/in , /by

When you have a severe toothache, it’s hard to think about anything else. Pain in your teeth can be distracting as well as overwhelming. If you’re in overwhelming pain, it’s important to get help from your dentist in Katy and Houston, TX.

The professionals at Chloe Dental can help you decide if you need emergency care. Below is what you need to know about toothaches and when they’re a dental emergency.

What Causes Toothaches?

A toothache can be caused by many problems. Some examples of potential causes of toothaches include:

  • Cavity. A cavity is a spot of tooth decay caused by poor oral hygiene habits and a sugary diet. Cavities that are left without treatment can turn into dental infections.
  • Dental infection. A dental infection is a problem that happens when the pulp inside the tooth has become infected.

How Can You Tell If It’s a Dental Emergency?

Sometimes it’s hard to tell when you’re having a dental emergency. Here are some of the symptoms to look for:

  • Severe pain
  • Swelling around the tooth
  • Swelling around the tooth

You may also notice that you have bad breath that won’t go away – even when you brush your teeth.

What Should You Do If You Have a Severe Toothache?

If you have a severe toothache, get help from the dental professionals at Chloe Dental. We can help you get treatment for your toothache. If you think you’re having a dental emergency in Katy and Houston, TX, call us to make an appointment as soon as possible. Delaying treatment when you’re having an emergency can lead to many problems. Get help right away!

What to Do About a Broken Tooth 

/in , /by

Breaking a tooth is a scary experience, especially if you’re not sure what to do. You might be worried about developing an infection or losing the entire tooth. Our dentists in Houston and Katy, TX at Chloe Dental provide emergency care for broken teeth to help ensure proper healing. Before coming to our office, though, it helps to know how to handle this situation!

Stay Calm

We know this is a stressful experience, but remaining calm helps you think clearly. This makes it easier to handle a broken tooth without doing further damage.

Pick Up Any Broken Pieces

If you have the parts that broke off, store them securely in a container that’s dry and clean to prevent bacteria from getting on them. We may be able to reattach them to your tooth. If not, we can discuss other options to restore your broken tooth, such as dental crowns.

Rinse Your Tooth Carefully

Gently rinse the broken tooth using clean, warm water to wash away debris and bacteria that may be on it. Don’t brush the tooth, since this could cause additional damage.

Treat Symptoms

If your broken tooth is causing pain, over-the-counter pain relievers can provide some relief. You can also put a cold, damp washcloth or cold compress against your jaw to reduce swelling.

Seek Emergency Care

Getting help for a broken tooth as soon as possible helps prevent complications from occurring, such as infections.

Get Help for a Broken Tooth in Houston or Katy!

Did you have a tooth break and need immediate care for it? Our dental team at Chloe Dental is here to help! We offer emergency dental care in Houston and Katy, TX, for broken teeth and other urgent dental problems.

Do Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips Actually Work?

/in , /by

White, bright teeth are all the rage. There appears to be an increasing desire for people to have whiter teeth, and a lot of it likely has to do with the plethora of social media sites promoting gorgeous smiles. Fortunately, whiter teeth are also a sign of healthier teeth, so it’s actually a good thing that people are paying more attention to the way their teeth look, in the opinion of dentists in Katy, TX. For many, whitening strips seem to be an option. But does this cheap drugstore product actually get the job done?

How Whitening Strips Work

Over-the-counter whitening strips use peroxide to break down stains on the outer enamel layer. When applied consistently, they can lighten teeth by a shade or two. However, the concentration of whitening agents in store-bought strips is much lower than what your dentist can provide, leading to slower and, frankly, less dramatic results that won’t leave you smiling.

The Limitations of Store-Bought Whitening

One of the biggest drawbacks of whitening strips is their inability to provide even, long-lasting results. Because they’re one-size-fits-all, they might not even fully cover your teeth or fit securely, leading to uneven whitening. Plus, overuse or not following directions right can cause gum irritation or tooth sensitivity. Sigh. Worse, for the toughest stains, whitening strips leave a lot to be desired.

Why Professional Whitening is Superior

Our best recommendation is, don’t waste your money on over-the-counter whitening strips. Professional whitening treatments use stronger whitening agents that penetrate beyond surface stains for more noticeable and lasting, predictable results. Custom trays or in-office treatments ensure even application and minimize sensitivity. Your dentist can also assess whether a patient is a good candidate for teeth whitening in Katy, TX and address any underlying dental issues before treatment.

Whitening strips don’t come close to the effectiveness, speed and safety of professional whitening. If you’re looking for a truly bright and even smile, contact Chloe Dental to book an appointment for professional teeth whitening services.

Why do My Gums Bleed When I Brush My Teeth?

/in , , /by

The only thing you should be spitting into the sink when you brush your teeth is foamy white—or minty gel—extra toothpaste, mixed with saliva. If you’re seeing red, it’s not because you’re angry, but because your gums are bleeding when you brush your teeth. This isn’t cause for immediate alarm, but your next step, after getting dressed for the day, should be to book a dental exam in Houston, TX with Chloe Dental, because your gums shouldn’t bleed when you brush your teeth.

Poor Oral Hygiene and Gum Disease

One of the most common reasons for bleeding gums is plaque buildup along the gumline. If plaque isn’t removed with regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, leading to gum inflammation known as gingivitis. Swollen, irritated gums bleed more easily when brushed. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to gum recession and tooth loss.

Brushing or Flossing Too Hard

Using excessive pressure while brushing or flossing can cause gum irritation and bleeding. A toothbrush with hard bristles may also be too abrasive for sensitive gums. Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and using gentle, circular motions while brushing can help prevent unnecessary damage. Likewise, flossing should be done carefully to avoid cutting into the gum tissue.

Other Possible Causes

Certain underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or vitamin deficiencies, can make gums more prone to bleeding. A lack of vitamin C or vitamin K in your diet can weaken blood vessels, increasing gum sensitivity.

If your gums bleed, be sure to check in with your dentist in Houston, TX before the condition worsens. Bleeding gums is an early sign of some potentially serious conditions, so you will want to get treatment sooner rather than later.

Is it Really so Bad to Chew Ice?

/in /by

Is your freezer door working hard because you keep reaching in for a fresh batch of ice to chew on? We get it. Houston temps can be brutal. But chewing ice on a habitual basis is like dipping into the cookie jar a bit too often. The consequences to your teeth are more serious than you might realize.

As your dentist, we want to remind you that ice is hard and unforgiving, and biting down on it can create tiny fractures in your enamel. Over time, these micro-cracks can grow, leading to chipped or broken teeth. People with fillings, crowns, or veneers in Houston, TX are especially at risk, as ice can weaken or even dislodge dental work.

Not only that, but the sudden temperature change from ice can also cause tooth sensitivity. Extreme cold can make nerves in your teeth react, leading to sharp discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods.

Why Do Some People Chew Ice?

Chewing ice is sometimes linked to an underlying condition called pica, which causes cravings for non-food items. In many cases, it’s associated with iron deficiency anemia. In other cases, people chew ice just to cool down, or even to suppress food cravings in a bid to lose weight.

A Better Way to Cool Down

If you love the refreshing feel of ice, try letting it melt in your mouth instead of chewing. Drinking cold beverages or opting for slush-style drinks can also help. If chewing is a habit, switching to sugar-free gum may be a safer alternative.

Protecting your teeth from unnecessary damage is key to maintaining long-term oral health. Contact your Houston, TX dentist if you need help with chipped teeth from chewing ice—or any other reason!

Dental Abscess? It’s an Emergency You Can’t Afford to Ignore

/in /by

You may not be able to spell abscess, but you’ll know it when it happens. Dental abscesses aren’t common, but they do occur, and when they do, you’ll need an emergency dentist in Katy, TX to help.

What is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is a painful infection that develops at the root of a tooth or between the gum and the tooth. This condition often happens due to untreated tooth decay, gum disease or trauma to the tooth, maybe because of a motor vehicle accident or a sports injury. While it might start as a minor discomfort, a dental abscess can quickly escalate into a serious health issue if ignored, which is why you should contact Chloe Dental immediately if this happens to you.

The Signs You Shouldn’t Overlook

The symptoms of a dental abscess are hard to miss, so you won’t have a problem there. You won’t be able to ignore the intense, throbbing pain and the swelling in the face, jaw or gums. Other warning signs include fever, a persistent bad taste in your mouth, or difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing. In some cases, the infection may literally drain pus. Sometimes this makes the pain go away briefly, but it will come back.

What to Do If You Suspect an Abscess

If you experience any symptoms of a dental abscess, don’t wait for the pain to worsen, because things will only go south from there. Contact your dentist in Katy, TX immediately for an evaluation. Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide temporary relief, but they won’t resolve the infection. Only professional dental treatment can effectively address the issue.

Taking swift action could save your tooth—and protect your overall health. Don’t let a dental abscess become an emergency you regret ignoring.

3 Benefits of Routine Dental Exams

/in /by

Routine dental exams in Houston, TX can feel, well…routine. But they are a vital part of your oral health. Experts recommend that you see your dentist at least once every six months. But with oral health being a big priority these days, especially with photo and video sharing on social media, many people favor seeing their dentist every three months or even more frequently. Here are three benefits of routine dental exams to know about.

1. Early Detection of Problems

The sooner a problem is detected, the better and faster it can be solved. This is true of all problems in life, but especially those concerned with oral health. Cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer can develop without you noticing. Dentists are trained to spot early signs of these conditions, allowing for quicker and easier treatments. It’s always better to treat a small issue before it becomes a big, painful one.

2. Prevention of Tooth Loss

No one wants to lose their natural teeth, even though lots of great solutions are available, such as dental implants and more. But with routine dental exams on a regular basis, you have a higher chance of keeping those choppers for a lifetime. And we know you’d like that!

3. A Cleaner, Fresher Smile

It’s a fact. No matter how well you brush and floss, there are areas in your mouth that are hard to reach. During a dental exam, your dentist or hygienist will professionally clean your teeth, removing stubborn plaque and tartar buildup. This not only leaves your teeth feeling squeaky clean but also gives you that fresh-breath confidence you love so much!

Contact your Houston, TX dentist today and book a routine dental exam appointment. You’ll be so glad you did!

What Happens if Overbite is Not Treated?

/in /by

If your child has an overbite, it’s imperative to have it treated as soon as possible. This is particularly true if the overbite is severe. And, while a mild overbite might look charming, there can be serious oral health problems that occur as a result of not having it corrected.

What is an Overbite?

Bite is the term for the way the upper teeth and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is clamped shut. Ideally, the front top teeth fit into place just in front of the lower front teeth, and the upper and lower molars all meet at the back. An overbite is when there is a gap between where the upper front teeth land, and where the lower front teeth land. A gap of a certain depth would be considered an overbite. (The opposite is true in the case of an underbite.)

Impact on Oral Health

If an overbite isn’t treated with braces in Houston, TX or some other method, it can lead to several oral health issues. This misalignment can cause uneven wear and tear on the teeth, leading to premature tooth erosion. Over time, this wear can weaken the teeth and increase the risk of cavities and fractures. It can even lead to premature tooth loss, since teeth and jawbones need a certain amount of pressure in order to remain functional and healthy.

Impact on Gum Health

An overbite can also affect gum health. The misalignment can cause certain areas of the gums to be exposed to more pressure and wear, which can lead to gum irritation and inflammation. The chronic irritation can even raise the risk of developing gum disease if not managed properly.

Don’t ignore an overbite. Book an appointment with your Houston, TX dentist today for a consultation.