Smiles By Martin Blog

Halloween is a favorite holiday among children due to the festive games, imaginative costumes, and candy. Modern celebrations stem from a combination of traditions from Pagan and Christian traditions throughout the centuries. The original holiday was called Samhain and derived from the ancient Druids of Ireland. In their belief system, November 1st marked the beginning of winter, and Pagans began their Samhain celebrations at sunset on October 31st.

Modern Celebrations of Halloween
Children and adults love dressing up for Halloween, and this tradition comes from the ancient belief in spirits. From sunset on October 31st until sunrise on November 1st, the souls of the dead entered the physical world. Some spirits were benevolent and wanted only to cross over to the afterlife while others harbored malicious intents of revenge and trickery. Pagans wore masks and disguised themselves so that the malevolent souls would mistake them as fellow spirits.
Families left food and ale outside of their doors to appease the spirits. With the rise of Christianity in Europe, the church encouraged its members to offer food and money to beggars. In exchange, the beggars would agree to pray for the family’s deceased loved ones. Eventually these traditions led to the development of today’s customs where children dressed up and received candy from their neighbors while circling the community.

Teeth-Friendly Treats
With all of the excitement and free candy on Halloween, it is easy to get carried away on a sugar high. Parents warn their children not to eat too many pieces in one night to avoid tummy aches and cavities. Our team at Smiles by Martin Dr. Martin especially wants to remind children with braces to be extra cautious about the treats they eat because some varieties can get stuck in between the brackets and damage the devices. Sticky candy, such as caramels, fruit chews, and gum should be avoided when wearing braces. Children can trade with their friends and siblings to get only safe candies. The following list offers some alternative treats that children with braces can safely enjoy.

Solid chocolate, including milk, white, or dark
Nougat-filled candy bars, such as Three Musketeers
Candy-coated chocolates like M&Ms
Powdery candy, such as Sweet Tarts or Pixie Stix
Mint-flavored candy
Malted milk balls
Peanut butter crackers or cookies

When in doubt, children should call Dr. Martin at (817) 481-1041 or visit Smiles by Martin Dr. Martin in Colleyville, TX to make sure If a specific candy is safe. Halloween is a fun holiday for children, and having braces does not have to take away any of the excitement from tasty treats.

Improving your smile doesn’t have to mean months or years of orthodontic treatment. In fact, getting the smile you’ve always dreamed of doesn’t have to include orthodontics at all. Smiles by Martin can offer you the chance to completely redesign and reinvent your smile with cosmetic dentistry near Keller, TX.

Who is a candidate for cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry includes a variety of techniques that you can use to solve problems with your teeth or mouth, and can be a good fit for any patient who has been longing to reinvent their look. For example, if you have crowded, chipped, yellowed, crooked, or oddly spaced teeth, you may be the perfect candidate for cosmetic dentistry. This is because cosmetic dentistry can solve a large range of problems quickly, easily, and discreetly. Additionally, adults are most often the best candidates for this kind of treatment, as they tend to be hesitant about getting braces and would prefer less noticeable options such as those used in cosmetic dentistry near Keller, TX.

What techniques are used in cosmetic dentistry treatments?

 Like we said before, cosmetic dentistry includes a variety of techniques. These include veneers, Invisalign, whitening treatments, lumineers, and more. Each of these works in their own to target a different problem, and they all work collectively to help patients near Keller, TX get the flawless smiles they have always dreamed of. To help you figure out which of these you may need, Dr. Martin has explained each of them, below:

Veneers help to fix gaps, chips, and cracks by covering the existing teeth with thin layers of porcelain. These porcelain covers look and feel just like natural teeth, but are custom designed to produce a better looking smile by being made to fit the ideal shape or size.

Lumineers works to solve the same problems as traditional veneers, though through a slightly different method. Lumineers are thinner than porcelain veneers and are prep-less, meaning none of the natural tooth must be shaved away before application.

Invisalign is a series of removable, invisible aligners that work over time to move teeth to their ideal positions. Invisalign is a great solution for patients with crooked, improperly spaced, or misaligned teeth, who are hoping to get a straighter smile.

Whitening treatments are often thought of as something that can be purchased at any drug store. However, those whitening treatments will not produce the perfect long lasting results that whitening from Dr. Martin will produce. Smiles by Martin whitening treatments work to correct yellowing, stained, or discolored teeth to produce a permanently bright white look in as little as two or three visits.

How can I get cosmetic dentistry procedures?

 Dr. Martin is an experienced dentist in all areas of the field, including cosmetic dentistry. If you are considering any cosmetic procedures, the first step is to set up a consultation with Dr. Martin. Together you will assess the problem areas, and figure out your goals. Then, based on the dream smile you are hoping to achieve, Dr. Martin will recommend which procedures he believes will be most effective. Before you know it, you could be on the road to flawless teeth, greater confidence, and a brighter smile. If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, Contact Smiles By Martin today!

Anxiety or fear of the dentist is something many people in Southlake, TX struggle with. Often, they are hesitant to visit the dentist, which can result in oral and overall health damages. Overcoming that fear can be difficult, but one of the best ways to put yourself at ease is to ensure that you are in good hands. At Smiles by Martin, you can guarantee that you are always working with a reliable, professional, and caring dentist near Southlake, TX.

About Dr. Martin

Dr. Martin has been a trusted dentist in Southlake, TX for many years. Children and adults alike can rest assured that their comfort and satisfaction are Dr. Martin’s top priority.  Dr. Martin even offers sedation to patients who are especially scared or worried, to ensure that their care and comfort is not compromised. Additionally, Smiles by Martin employs the use of new technology and equipment whenever possible to help treatment move more quickly, effectively, and easily. These include devices that can detect cavities the eye can’t see, high quality X-Ray machines, and lasers, which help heal gums as fast possible. All of these make your experience at Smiles By Martin as exceptional as possible, and make Dr. Martin the best dentist near Southlake, TX.

Services

No matter what kind of services you need, Dr. Martin is the best dentist near Southlake, TX to help you. In addition to general dentistry, Dr. Martin specializes in sleep apnea and TMJ treatment, crowns, bridges, and dental implants. Each of these options are to help ensure that your mouth is functioning correctly, feeling comfortable, and looking its best. Dr. Martin is also an extremely experienced cosmetic dentist near Southlake, TX. He offers Lumineers, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening services, and even a “Smile Design” studio where you can completely reinvent your smile and achieve the perfect look you have always dreamed of. These services give patients tremendous confidence, and can improve their lives in ways they never imagined, which is just one of the many reasons Dr. Martin is proud to be able to provide cosmetic dentistry services.

Contact

Choosing a dentist near Southlake, TX is a big decision. Every patient wants to feel that they are getting customized, careful attention, and to know that they will walk away with a healthy and beautiful mouth. Smiles By Martin can ensure this, and more. Our top priority is to provide patients with a stress-free successful experience, and make them feel comfortable with their choice of dentist in Southlake. To do this, Dr. Martin puts his full focus on each and every detail of a patient’s case, listens to any concerns, and is there to answer any questions. He also uses advanced technology to make the whole experience run smoothly and comfortably. No matter what age you are, what you are looking to do, or what your concerns are, Dr. Martin is the best dentist near Southlake, TX, and is guaranteed to satisfy you by providing a flawless result.  To learn more about available services, call today at (817) 481-1041 to get started with your dental care.

Cleaning your teeth is so important for oral and overall health. Many people know the basics, but not everyone knows the proper tooth brushing techniques. To make the most out of brushing your teeth every morning and night in Southlake, TX, follow these simple techniques and tips from Smiles by Martin.

1. Size it out = When brushing your teeth, one of the first things you do is place toothpaste on the brush. Many Southlake, TX patients load up their brush with excess toothpaste, often without even realizing. Smiles by Martin recommends using only a pea sized drop of toothpaste. This is because too much toothpaste can pose many problems. For example, the extra abrasion toothpaste adds can lead to damages to the tooth structure. Plus, the more toothpaste, the more foam build up and increased frequency of spitting. This can be uncomfortable and messy, causing patients to stop brushing sooner than they should. So, just placing a small amount on the tip of the brush should be enough to properly clean your teeth.
2. Out with the old, in with the new = Many patients don’t change their brushes as often as they should, or in some cases at all! Replacing your toothbrush is also essential to proper brushing, and Dr. Martin reminds patients visiting the dentist in Southlake, Texas to replace your toothbrush every 3 months, or when it starts to show signs of wear and tear. For example, frayed or matted bristles are a tell tale sign that the brush needs to be replaced. Additionally, it may be easier to buy many toothbrushes and store them in your home, so you can replace yours whenever you need to. And, if you can’t remember how long it has been since you got a new brush, Dr. Martin says it may be a good idea to mark the calendar with a note or sticker on the date of the next change to ensure that you do not forget!
3. Add in mouthwash = Mouthwash is generally viewed as an optional additive – something that makes your breath fresher, but is not essential. While it is true that you can achieve good oral hygiene in Southlake, TX even without mouthwash, mouthwash can help make your oral health much better, and in a very simple way. Add mouthwash in to your routine by giving it a quick, 30-second wish through your mouth after you have completed your brushing routine. Dr. Martin also reminds you to select a mouthwash that contains fluoride. By using this rinse, you can help fight cavities, periodontal disease, and canker sores, all while keeping longer lasting fresh breath.
4. Don’t forget the floss = Smiles by Martin has said it over and over again! Floss is crucial to the maintenance of a healthy mouth. But still, many patients tend to skip this step or find excuses such as ‘my teeth are too close together’ or ‘I don’t even get food stuck in my teeth!’ To ensure the ability to floss, try purchasing a waxed floss that will glide between tight spaces, or use pre-cut plastic flossers that will give you a good handle to use to wedge the floss into the right space. And, keep in mind, that flossing does much more than just remove unwanted food excess. It prevents oral disease, keeps gums and teeth healthy, and helps avoid cavities in Southlake, TX.

By following these simple steps, you can take your brushing routine from blah to bright. Keeping your mouth properly brushed will ensure pristine oral health near Southlake, TX, as well as fewer dental emergencies. If you would like to learn more about proper brushing, Contact Smiles by Martin at (817) 481-1041. Our team will be happy to help you get a better smile easily!

We all know going to the dentist regularly is important! But, as a parent with younger children, you may find that you have questions, or concerns about bringing your child in for their first dentist appointment. Our Grapevine TX dentist office is very child friendly and our staff is here to help make your child’s first visit to our office a positive experience.

During the first visit, we will go through the following checklist, explaining each step to you and your child as we go:

-Review your child’s medical and dental history.

-Gently examine your child’s teeth and gums to check growth and development, oral hygiene, injuries, cavities or other problems.

-Clean the teeth if necessary and provide suggestions about daily care.

-Evaluate and advise you about your child’s fluoride exposure because too much or too little can lead to problems.

-Talk about feeding practices and give dietary counseling.

-Assess your child’s risk of developing tooth decay.

-Give information regarding oral development, teething, pacifier or finger/thumb sucking habits and injury prevention.

-Plan for any needed treatment or the next check-up.

The tips below help make a great first dental visit:

-Schedule a morning appointment if possible. Children tend to be more rested and cooperative in the mornings.

-If you get nervous about visiting the dentist, try not to pass on these worries to your child.

-Do not bribe your child or use a dental visit as a punishment or threat.

-Try to make your child’s dental visit a fun outing.

Starting visits at an early age helps your child build good dental habits from the beginning. Plus, preventive dental care can save time, money and teeth. We are looking forward to getting to know you and your child at their first dental visit. Smiles by Martin is a family dentist providing quality dental care to patients in Grapevine. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin today, call 817-481-1041.

Keller Teeth Whitening 

“Pearly whites” is a common expression used by people all over the nation to describe someone’s teeth. But for many, “pearly whites” is just an expression, not a reality. Many people in Keller, TX experience discoloration of the teeth, whether it be yellowing, staining, or other darkening. If you are a patient in Keller, TX experiencing tooth discoloration, you may have some questions or concerns, want more information about benefits of whitening, or just want to learn more about treatment options. That is why Smiles by Martin is here to provide more information about tooth whitening in Keller, TX.

Tooth yellowing, staining, or discoloration has many causes. Some of which you may not even be aware pose a risk. Discoloration is caused by:

-Food/drink (Ex: tea, coffee, wine, apples, potatoes, etc.)

-Improper cleaning or lack of oral hygiene (Ex: infrequent brushing, no flossing, etc.)

-Decay

-Tobacco use (Smoking and chewing)

-Disease or medication (some antibiotics, such as tetracycline, can cause this)

-Fluorosis (excessive ingestion of fluoride)

Fortunately, tooth discoloration has many solutions as well. When you visit Smiles by Martin’s Keller, TX office, the team will meet with you to discuss your goals. Together, you will put together a plan that will help you achieve that brighter, whiter, smile without breaking your habits, routines, or bank account! Dr. Martin offers whitening in Keller through many different approaches. These include either an in-office treatment or at home self-treatment. Both options are safe, proven, and effective, with one goal in mind – helping you to eliminate discoloration and feel more confident in your shining white smile. Additionally, the whitening treatments range in price to help you find just the right fit for you.

Still, some people in Keller, TX are hesitant about whitening treatments. There are many myths out there about the harm that whitening can do to enamel. Dr. Martin ensures that all whitening treatments offered at his Keller, TX office are safe and successful, so there is no reason to worry. Additionally, Smiles by Martin encourages whitening for many reasons. According to a study conducted by Align Technology, the makers of Invisalign, “nearly one third of Americans (29%) say the first aspect of someone’s face they typically notice is his or her teeth.” That same study also found that 57% of Americans would rather have a nice smile than clear skin. If you are one of those Americans, wait no more!

A bright, pearly white smile can finally be your own. If you have suffered from discolored, yellowed, or stained teeth, it may be time to whiten your teeth in Keller, TX. Dr. Martin and his team are here to answer all your questions, debunk your concerns, and provide more information about available teeth whitening treatment options for you. Contact Smiles by Martin to schedule an appointment. We can’t wait to hear from you and help you get on the road to true “pearly whites.”

With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner Dr. Greg Martin of Smiles by Martin in the Grapevine, TX area wants his patients to be aware of 5 barbecue foods/drinks that can stain and damage teeth:

1. BBQ sauce and other dark sauces. What’s a BBQ without BBQ sauce? However, Dr. Martin warns that sauces that are dark, sticky and hot, stick to and stain teeth. Dr. Martin recommends rinsing after eating anything with BBQ sauce if you can’t brush.

2. Corn on the cob. Corn is healthy right? Corn can get stuck in teeth, and this can force teeth to separate. To keep this from happening, Dr. Martin suggests that you floss the corn out from between your teeth as soon as you can.

3. Citrusy drinks. These drinks have a lot of acid in them that wear away enamel if left to sit. Teeth can also change color and even shape if the acid is left to cause erosion. Moreover, these drinks dry out the mouth. This is a problem because it prevents saliva from doing its job. Brushing or rinsing can remove most of the acid and stimulate saliva.

4. Popsicles and slushies. When it is hot people reach for popsicles and slushies as an icy cold treat. Dr. Martin notes however that any food/drink that stains your tongue will also stain your teeth. Always brush after eating a popsicle and/or drinking a slushy.

5. S’mores. For those planning on having a campfire during a Memorial Day party and cooking up some S’mores, Dr. Martin explains that S’mores are sticky and contain sugar which provides a double threat to your teeth. Brush your teeth as soon as you can after eating s’mores.

If you or someone you know is interested in brightening their smile Dr. Martin offers TWO teeth whitening systems! Simply contact Dr. Martin at 817.481.1041, or stop by  when and if you are in the Grapevine, TX area. Have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend, and remember, your Memorial Day weekend plans should not include staining or damaging your teeth.

Many see how Invisalign® can make a big difference in people’s appearance and self-esteem, but the cost of Invisalign® may seem out of reach for their budget. Dr. Greg Martin of Smiles by Martin in the Roanoke, TX area believes that patients should think of their smile as an investment in their future. It’s how you greet the world, and it’s the first thing people notice about you.

Think of this investment in the same way you would invest in a suit, or a posh haircut at a fancy salon. The only difference is that a fantastic smile never goes out of style. A benefit of straightening your teeth with Invisalign® at Dr. Martin’s office is that he works with his patients on payment options that fit their budget and timeline. He also takes the time to talk with his patients about different treatment options that’ll help them achieve their “dream smile.” This makes the experience more personalized.

If you or someone you know is interested in clear braces with Invisalign®, contact Dr. Martin at 817.481.1041 to schedule an initial consultation, or mention it the next time you visit Smiles by Martin.

Are you thinking about getting cosmetic dentistry with Invisalign®, or already have Invisalign®? If so, we at Smiles by Martin in Grapevine, TX warn that teeth whitening should be done only AFTER treatment with Invisalign® is over. Here’s why: whitening teeth before Invisalign® while the teeth are crooked will make it difficult to distribute the whitening gel evenly on the teeth.

Moreover, did you know that certain foods whiten your smile? If you believe that your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like them to be Dr. Martin recommends eating your way to a whiter smile! Over time, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables can help keep your teeth white in which they trigger your mouth to make saliva which washes away food particles so they can’t stain teeth. For example, strawberries have an enzyme that acts like natural bleach, and broccoli has minerals that form a film on teeth so pigments from other foods won’t stain them.

When your Invisalign® treatment comes to an end Dr. Martin will thoroughly CLEAN your teeth and most likely recommend sticking to your Invisalign®-friendly diet for a little while longer. If you have any questions or concerns about Invisalign® or your oral hygiene please contact Dr. Martin at 817.481.1041, or stop by Smiles by Martin when and if you are in the Grapevine, TX area. Keep smiling!

The everyday Invisalign® wearer in Grapevine, TX looks forward to the end of treatment where they can see their beautiful, unhindered smile! But for some, white spots appear on their teeth. These white spots are known as demineralization. Some patients question if the plastic covering their teeth is drying out their mouth and causing white spots because there’s no saliva to remineralize the teeth, but demineralization can happen to anyone, even people who don’t wear braces.

Demineralization occurs when food is left on the teeth to interact with bacteria (otherwise known as plaque). This causes acid to form and this acid is what eats away at the calcium and phosphate of the teeth causing white spots or demineralization. Noteworthy, these spots can be sensitive and can lead to cavities. Invisalign® is good for trapping foods and liquids which is one of the reasons why consuming anything other than water requires the removal of your aligners.

Here at Smiles by Martin we work hard to establish good oral hygiene with all our patients. Dr. Greg Martin offers these tips to Invisalign® wearers in Grapevine, TX to help minimize white spots:

— Brush your teeth thoroughly after eating (this is also a good time to clean your Invisalign® aligners)

— Floss once a day

— Use a fluoride rinse daily

— Limit sugary sodas and juices

Remember to brush thoroughly and often, and keep up with your visits to Smiles by Martin. Do that and you’ll have the best smile in Grapevine, TX! And if you have any questions about Invisalign® or your oral hygiene please feel free to contact us at 817.481.1041.