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Thursday, November 14, 2019

Bonding and Fillings for Your Teeth


Chipping or breaking a tooth can be very painful. It can also leave the tooth misshapen or with a sharpened edge that could hurt the inside of your mouth. Dental bonding and fillings assist in rebuilding the affected tooth with special materials. We at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group are proud to offer both of these procedures to our patients. We are committed to helping fix your smile when unexpected chips and breaks occur!




Dental bonding restores the natural shape of your tooth by using composite resin matched to your specific tooth color. In cases of accidental damage or minor decay, it is an inexpensive way to restore the look of the tooth to its normal healthy self. Dental bonding can also be used for protecting the roots of your teeth. Receding gums exposing the tooth root allow bacteria in easily, making them more susceptible to infection.




Dental fillings focus more on restorative efforts than cosmetic ones since they are stronger and more durable than dental bonding. This method also has a low cost, but is the better option over dental bonding in the long run. Whereas dental bonding fixes the outside of the tooth, dental fillings fix the inside of a tooth damaged from decay or a break. For back teeth, it’s better to use metal fillings so that it can better withstand the force of chewing. 



Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group is located on 1500 W 38th St., Suite 34, in Austin, TX 78731. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit fredrickshawdds.com or call 512-451-7491.


 



Thursday, November 7, 2019

Conventional and Immediate Dentures


At Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, we pride ourselves in helping our patients achieve the best, confidence-boosting smile they can get. Dr. Fredrick Shaw, DDS has extensive training in complete dentures. Dental dentures are designed to replace missing teeth as well as the surrounding tissues. They are custom made, removable, and significantly improve the function and appearance of your smile. You can even eat and sleep with them! Your dedicated Austin, TX dentist will ensure that your new dentures fit your mouth properly and comfortably.




Complete dentures are either “conventional” or “immediate.” Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been completely removed from the gum tissue and the healing process has had a chance to begin. After that time, this type of complete denture is placed in the mouth for eight to twelve weeks. Immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. This is a great alternative to conventional dentures because the wearer doesn’t have to go without teeth during the healing process.




Other benefits of complete dentures include:




- Facial muscle support


- Allows patients to eat food they couldn’t eat without teeth


- Improves the ability to chew, eat, and speak


- Improves appearance and smile


- Improves confidence and self-esteem



Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group is located on 1500 W 38th St., Suite 34, in Austin, TX 78731. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit fredrickshawdds.com or call 512-451-7491.


 



Thursday, October 31, 2019

Periodontal Disease


Did you know that it’s abnormal for your gums to bleed while brushing your teeth? Your hands shouldn’t bleed when you wash them, but many people seem to think that bleeding from the gums is normal. In actuality, this is a sign of an underlying issue. We at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group dedicate our time and expertise to educating our patients about good oral health. Your Austin, TX dentist can help you achieve that winning smile.




If your gums are swollen and bleeding, these are signs of the beginning stages of periodontal disease known as gingivitis. The gums have been infected with bacteria-infested plaque, which is usually caused by poor dental hygiene or pre-existing conditions. Periodontitis is the advanced stage of the disease, where the teeth can actually be loosened and fall out.




Factors that can increase your risk of periodontal disease include:




- Chronic stress


- Certain medications such as antidepressants, diuretics, high blood pressure meds, seizure-controlling meds, and calcium blockers


- Poor nutrition


- Fluctuating hormones


- Diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, inflammatory bowel disease, and HIV


- Teeth grinding


- Crooked or crowded teeth


- Tobacco use


- Genetics



Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group is located on 1500 W 38th St., Suite 34, in Austin, TX 78731. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit fredrickshawdds.com or call 512-451-7491.


 



Saturday, October 26, 2019

Wisdom Teeth: Complications and Warning Signs


We’ve all heard of it before, maybe even experienced its fury: “my wisdom teeth are coming in.” Nowadays, it’s a common trend for young adults to record themselves after getting their wisdom teeth removed. There’s the comic relief post-procedure and sharing the video on Youtube. Until a viewer feels an unfamiliar ache in their mouth and wonders what comes before the laughs, or even after them. Dr. Fredrick Shaw, DDS closely monitors the development of wisdom teeth in our young patients and is committed to preserving their overall oral health.




Wisdom teeth that do not have enough space to develop correctly can cause numerous problems in the mouth. Complications include the trapping of food and making an environment for cavities and disease to form, crowding or damaging neighboring teeth, and causing root damage (which is irreversible). As always, it is recommended that you see your dentist for regular checkups so that any issues involving the development of your wisdom teeth can be addressed as soon as possible.




You may need to get your wisdom teeth removed if you show signs of:




- Pain, aching, or tenderness


- Infection


- Cysts


- Tumors


- Damage to surrounding teeth


- Gum disease


- Tooth decay



Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group is located on 1500 W 38th St., Suite 34, in Austin, TX 78731. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit fredrickshawdds.com or call 512-451-7491.


 



Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Senior Dental Care

Dr. Frederick Shoal of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group believes that living a healthy life is a happy one! Taking good care of your teeth prevents extreme treatment measures like extraction. Consistent dental care is even more important for senior citizens. All bones weaken with age. Your teeth are no exception! Patients over the age of sixty are at risk for extraction, tooth decay, and periodontal (gum) disease. When prosthodontic care becomes necessary, call our office in Austin, TX.


 


It’s common to struggle with physical activities as you age. This includes tasks like brushing and flossing. To avoid extraction and tooth decay, your Austin, TX, prosthodontist recommends a few strategies. First, invest in an electric toothbrush. These are great for providing a thorough cleaning with minimal physical effort. It’s perfect for older patients. Electric toothbrushes are a viable and affordable option. Look for them at your local grocery store or supermarket.


 


Reaching the back parts of your mouth is always a struggle. For senior patients, these areas suffer from neglect. This doesn’t have to be the case. Try elongating the toothbrush handle. Using materials around your house, like foam, rubber, or tongue depressors, attach these to the handle. Making it longer gives you the chance to really clean those back molars!


 


Another general tip from Dr. Shaw: purchase a soft-bristled toothbrush! These are gentler on your teeth and gums. This leads to less irritation and oral damage. Talk to your dentist or prosthodontist on the best brand of toothbrush for elderly patients.


 


Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group is located in Austin, TX. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Frederick Shaw, visit his website or call 512-451-7491.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Halitosis: (Un)beatable Bad Breath

Everyone has bad breath at one point or another. Maybe you just woke up or had a very garlicky meal. Only when your bad breath becomes constant should you take notice. That’s when you should contact Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group. You may be suffering from a condition called Halitosis, or chronic bad breath. Your Austin, TX, prosthodontist helps where mouthwashes and mints can’t!


 


There are a few possible causes of halitosis. The first and most common are dental problems. Bacteria love to gather in your mouth. When they are left unchecked, they lead to cavities and gum disease. Both conditions create various places for bacteria to fester. It also makes your mouth harder to keep clean. Food debris becomes unreachable! Both the dental conditions and the uncleaned mouth contribute to your halitosis. Your Austin, TX, prosthodontist recommends a professional dental cleaning. This gets your mouth back into tip-top shape. You might also receive a prescription for mouthwash. Remember, it’s important to follow a consistent dental routine. Always brush twice a day for two minutes. Floss at least once a day.


 


Your saliva plays a big role in oral health. It keeps your mouth moist while cleaning away bacteria. You also need it to remove debris from your teeth! Dry mouth and halitosis go hand-in-hand. Talk to your dental professional about dry mouth and possible treatments.


 


Chronic and acute conditions are also at fault. Be on the lookout for nose, throat, and mouth infections. This results in smelly mucus congregating in your mouth. Bacteria feed on this mucus, creating even worse breath. Certain infections require antibiotics. Talk to your primary care physician or doctor.


 


Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group is located in Austin, TX. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Frederick Shaw, visit his website or call 512-451-7491.

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Dry Mouth

It may seem strange, but saliva is an important and necessary part of your mouth. If your throat feels dry constantly, you’re always thirsty, or you struggle to do simple tasks like eating, chewing and speaking, you’re likely suffering from Dry Mouth. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Frederick Shaw of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group. Dry mouth is a condition that shouldn’t be ignored. Learn more at our office in Austin, TX.


 


Besides eating and speaking, saliva keeps your mouth clean! It fights off dangerous oral bacteria. Saliva deficiency also causes extensive dental problems. You’re at a higher risk of plaque and tooth decay. Scheduling an appointment with your Austin, TX, prosthodontist allows for treatment and prevention.


 


At your appointment, Dr. Shaw first determines what is causing your dry mouth. Did you know that there are over 500 different medications that create dry mouth? Disclose any pharmaceuticals that you take daily or frequently. Even something as harmless as an allergy medication may be the culprit. Your dentist may recommend you talk to your doctor or primary care practitioner about switching to an alternative prescription. Another possible cause of dryness is certain autoimmune disorders. One of the main symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome is dryness. It’s a systemic disease that attacks your salivary glands. Consider other medical conditions too. Certain treatments, like chemotherapy, lead to dry mouth. The same goes for smoking.


 


Your treatment solely depends on you. It varies due to the cause of the dryness. A good way to reduce dry mouth is by eliminating sugary foods and drinks. Sugar naturally depletes your saliva. Try cutting back on drinks like coffee, tea, alcohol, and soda. Replace these with water. Upping your water intake is also necessary. There are also over-the-counter dry mouth medications. These are available in gel, mouthwash, and toothpaste forms.


 


Don’t hesitate to talk to your local prosthodontist. Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group is located in Austin, TX. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Frederick Shaw, visit his website or call 512-451-7491.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Pericoronitis


Causes of Pericoronitis


Pericoronitis is a dental ailment that occurs when the gum tissue around the wisdom teeth, the final set of molars experienced in early adulthood, become infected and swollen. This occurs when there is not enough room in the mouth. Without the necessary room, the wisdom teeth will either partially or fully fail to erupt. Food and plaque will then get caught underneath the gums, causing irritation. If not removed Pericoronitis can occur.


 


At Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, Dr. Frederick Shaw, D.D.S. can inspect your wisdom teeth to detect if they are coming in and check if they have punctured the gum line. Through an examination, any symptoms of swelling and infection can be investigated.


 


Symptoms of Pericoronitis


The main symptoms can include:




  • Swelling in the gums




  • Pain




  • Infection




  • A “sour” taste in the mouth




  • Swelling of the lymph nodes




  • Increased difficulty opening the mouth




 


Diagnosis and Treatment


If Pericoronitis is suspected, the first step will be to wash away the accumulated food causing the irritation. If the pain and swelling have not spread, the recommended treatment is to rinse your mouth with warm salt water. An antibacterial oral rinse may also be recommended. If swelling and pain are widespread, oral antibiotics will be prescribed. Over-the-counter pain relievers are also recommended.


 


Make sure to monitor the tooth closely after treatment. If symptoms are severe, or in the case of recurrent pericoronitis, oral surgery may be recommended to remove the wisdom tooth or gum flap.


 


If you experience any of these symptoms, specifically swelling and pain, make an appointment with Dr. Shaw right away. An untreated infection can spread into the throat and neck, restricting your ability to swallow and breathe. Thus, early prevention is key.


 


To learn more about our practice and the services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Frederick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.




 

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Tooth Sensitivity

If you feel a shooting pain through your teeth when you bite into something cold, that indicates a problem with your dental health. We’ve restored a lot of teeth at the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin, so we know the warning signs of deteriorating enamel. If you want to protect your teeth and their function, read on.


Natural teeth contain a nerve in their pulp. Dentin, a yellow-grey porous substance, surrounds the pulp, and heat can easily be transferred through it out of the nerve. The crown of the tooth is mostly made up of enamel, a thick mineral substance that insulates dentin, while the tooth root is made of cementum, a thin substance that helps the root adhere to gum tissue. If enamel erodes or gum tissue recedes, the tooth will be more sensitive to sudden changes in temperature.


Although it is possible for enamel erosion to result from mechanical stress, most instances are caused by exposure to acid. Oral bacteria secrete acid as they metabolize sugar, and the acid becomes stuck in the gum pocket and in a natural tooth’s biofilm. Patients will have to improve their brushing to reduce sensitivity and switch to toothpaste with extra fluoridation. If they have a partial denture, they may also want to consult with us to ensure they are cleaning it correctly. (Oral appliances should not be cleaned with fluoridated toothpaste or they may get scratched.) Patients should also avoid drinks that are acidic, such as soda and citrus juice.


Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit Frederick Shaw DDS and fill out a contact form.


 

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Alzheimer's and Gum Disease

We frequently see the effect gum disease has on dental stability at the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group. Weakened gum tissue makes it easier for teeth to fall out and implants to fail. But teeth aren’t the only things imperiled by gum disease. New research has shown a link between Alzheimer’s disease and oral bacteria, drawing new attention to how closely tied oral health is to the rest of the body.


Porphyromonas gingivalis, one of the bacteria species that causes gum disease, defends itself against white blood cells by secreting toxic enzymes called gingipains. Although gingipains are common, scientists found them at elevated levels in the brains and spinal fluid of people who displayed symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Further research determined that gingipains trigger the creation of neural plaque, which disrupts brain function and leads to Alzheimer’s.


In the past few months, new research was published on the movement of P. gingivalis in living humans. Scientists found evidence that P. gingivalis can travel from the mouth to the brain and that it likely speeds the development of Alzheimer’s. Although they do not believe the gum disease is the sole cause of neural plaque formation, it does seem to be a significant contributor. People with Alzheimer’s are also less able to care for their gum health, creating a vicious circle. We encourage all our patients to maintain regular dental appointments so they can get deep cleanings and to carefully monitor themselves for signs of gingivitis. Their teeth aren’t all that’s on the line.


Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit Frederick Shaw DDS and fill out a contact form.


 

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Prosthodontics and Cleft Palate

Not everybody who gets an artificial tooth is replacing one that fell out; some people are getting teeth where there hadn’t been any previously. At the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin, we work closely with other doctors to care for children with facial deformities such as cleft palates. These patients will need several procedures over the course of their development to be able to enjoy the full use of their jaws.


When a part of the upper palate was missing at birth, the teeth may come in misaligned even after initial corrective surgery. They may be difficult to speak or eat with or to keep clean. Orthodontic therapy is often required to move them out of the way in preparation for an implant. Once orthodontic therapy is complete, the patient may need a larger bone graft to fill in the gap in their jaw bone and create something for an implant to anchor to. The new bone material may be taken from another part of the patient’s mouth or be made of material taken from a donor or synthesized in a laboratory. The process of integrating new tissue will take some months, during which a patient may wear a temporary denture.


Once the new bone tissue is integrated, an implant post may be placed. For a single tooth, this process could also take a few months, after which an artificial crown may be loaded onto it. Another option is to make a permanent partial denture or bridge, which may be desirable if more than one tooth needs to be restored. Having a full set of teeth will greatly improve a patient’s oral health, as well as their self-confidence and quality of life.


Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit Frederick Shaw DDS and fill out a contact form.


 

Saturday, August 31, 2019

White Spot Lesions

Do you ever notice your teeth looking milky and discolored? That’s a sign that enamel is under attack. We’ve seen a lot of tooth decay at the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin, but we’ve also seen a lot of people who were able to protect themselves by catching it in time. This week’s blog post is dedicated to the teeth’s early warning system: white spot lesions.


When acid erodes enamel, the teeth will be demineralized of calcium and phosphate before large chunks of material dissolve. Demineralization can be recognized by white discoloration. It is commonly seen around orthodontic brackets and on the upper back molars of people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease. Ordinarily, saliva neutralizes acid, but when a person is dehydrated or their saliva glands have been damaged, white spots are likelier to form. If the incipient lesion is not stopped, it may develop into a cavity.


Ordinary brushing and flossing is usually enough to stop the spread of an infection. But scarring is possible, and it only takes about thirty days for caries to develop. We can help a patient to determine whether a white spot represents an active infection. (Staining from excess fluoride can look similar.) Remineralization therapy is available to combat dental scars. White spots only develop on natural teeth, so patients also have to be attentive to brushing dentures and artificial crowns.


Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit Frederick Shaw DDS and fill out a contact form.


 

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Digital X-Ray's

Many practices are moving to digital radiography to take x-rays instead of traditional photographic film. Digital x-rays are more efficient by bypassing chemical processing and it allows us to transfer and view the photos of your mouth faster. Digital radiography uses 80% less radiation than traditional films. With the health of patients being the most important thing, digital radiography is taking over the medical field.


Digital x-rays help dentists to identify any dental problems you may be having. They allow us to detect bone loss, tumors, infections in the tooth nerve, tooth decay, and other abnormalities.


Digital radiography provides you with the best care possible by being convenient, safer, and faster. With the ability to enhance image quality, we able to fix your dental issues better and more efficiently. With digital radiography becoming the go to way to take photos for dentists, it leaves patients safer without losing any picture quality.


To learn more about all of the services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

New Patient Information

Before your first visit with us at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, we are going to need some more information about you. During your first visit, it is important that we get all of your medical history, background information, and for our staff to make a personal connection with you and get to know you better.


On our website you can find out all of the things you need to know for what you need to bring, our hours, address, and the payment and insurance policies. Our website also has forms that you can print and fill out prior to your visit to save time when you come in.


As a practice, our mission is to work together to realize a shared vision of uncompromising excellence in dentistry.


All of the information we need from you is important to helping us give you the best care possible. Our staff looks forward to meeting you and giving you a great dental experience.


To learn more about all of the services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Friday, July 12, 2019

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder where your breathing stops and starts repeatedly. This can be a potentially serious disorder that can cause your brail to fail to breathe for a short period of time in more serious cases.


Some symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping for air during your sleep, dry mouth, morning headaches, and tiredness even after sleeping, and difficulty staying asleep.


The cause of sleep apnea is when the muscles in the back of your throat relax and your airway closes as you breathe in, preventing air from allowing you to breathe. For patients with sleep apnea you may wake up 5 to 30 times a night gasping or choking.


Sleep apnea is treated with oral surgery in which our doctors at Dr. Frederick Shaw, DDS remove the excess tissue in your throat that is blocking the upper air passages.


If there are signs that you have sleep apnea please schedule an appointment with us.


To learn more about all of the services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Saturday, July 6, 2019

Sealants for Children

Sealants are a plastic coating on the chewing surfaces of the molar to prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children. Sealants have shown to reduce the risk of tooth decay by nearly 80% in molars, making them a great investment for your children’s oral health going forward. At Dr. Frederick Shaw, DDS we know it can be hard to clean between every nook and cranny of your teeth which is why we advise our younger patients to get sealants.


To apply the sealants to your molars, an adhesive is applied with a liquid that is painted right on your tooth. The liquid than hardens and creates barrier between your tooth and any plaque or bacteria that can be damaging to your teeth.


Sealants can last for up to 10 years and are replaceable when then they need to be. Sealants aren’t a substitute for brushing and flossing but it is a great addition to keeping your molar’s healthy and clean.


To learn more about all of the services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Panorex

A panorex is a machine that takes images of your mouth and can identify issues and structures in your mouth that a traditional x-ray cannot identify. The benefit to the panorex is that it allows our doctors at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group to see beyond your teeth and into the structural problems that exist in your mouth.


Besides identifying structural issues, our panorex machine also tells if you have any infections or asymmetry that needs to be fixed. The ability to identify issues that are small at the moment and correct them before they become serious issues is important.


To use the panorex machine, we have you sit in a chair with your chin on a small ledge. Once the machine is positioned it will do a 360 rotation of your head to get a full view of your teeth, head, sinuses, and bones. From there we can view any potential issues and go forward with any necessary treatment.


To learn more about the panorex all of the services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Monday, June 24, 2019

Soft Gum Graft

A soft tissue graft is needed when there is a lot of gum recession in an area of your mouth. The earlier you catch gum recession the more correctable it is with some changes in your dental hygiene routine. In the early stages we recommend that you brush longer, floss regularly, and use things such as mouthwash to strengthen your gums.


If your gums reach the point of no return and there is a greater risk for infection and bacteria, you will likely be sensitive to hot and cold foods which is a sign of gum recession.


To restore your gum level, our doctor at Fredrick Shaw, DDS performs a soft tissue graft. During the graft soft tissue is either removed from the roof of your mouth, or repositioning healthy gum tissue from your other teeth.


If you notice signs of potential gum recession, please give us a call at Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group. It is important to catch gum recession before it becomes a major issue.


To learn more about soft tissue grafts and all of the services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a liquid that is used to help prevent cavities and acid from damaging your teeth. Dr. Frederick Shaw, DDs and his staff encourages patients to add mouthwash to their dental hygiene routine. Fluoride is a mineral in mouthwashes that makes your teeth stronger and is resistant to decay caused by acid and bacteria.


There are many different mouthwashes to choose from that are sold in stores and over-the-counter. We advise our patients to read the label to see which mouthwashes are designed to fight tooth decay and not just for better breath.


For you to benefit the most from mouthwash, we recommend that you use mouthwash at the same time every day. Don’t forget to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after using mouthwash to allow the fluoride to be effective.


Don’t forget, mouthwash shouldn’t be a replacement for brushing and flossing but rather an addition to your routine.


To learn more about mouthwash all of the services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Why You Should Avoid Drinking Soda

At Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, we encourage our patients to drink plenty of water and avoid soda for your healthiest teeth. Soda is damaging to your teeth since the bacteria in your mouth feeds off of sugar to create acids.  When acid is created it feeds off your tooth enamel which is there to protect your teeth. Drinking soda puts you at a greater risk for tooth decay and other health problems.


When you consume soda, we advise our patients to use a straw if to limit the amount of sugar that is resting on your teeth. If possible, you should brush your teeth after drinking soda or rinse your mouth out with water to wash away the acid. The best time to brush your teeth and rinse is 20-30 minutes after drinking soda to remove the acid.


When possible, we encourage all of our patients to follow a healthy diet and consume milk that makes your teeth stronger and drink plenty of water as an alternative.


To learn more about the dangers of drinking soda and all of the services we provide at our practice, visit www.fredrickshawdds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.