Canker Sores

Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums. Canker sores aren’t contagious but can be extremely painful and make chewing and drinking difficult.

The duration of a canker sore vary but they usually last anywhere from a couple days to a couple of weeks. Canker sores are a more oval shape and vary in size depending on the severity of it. Patients who are sensitive to certain foods can trigger canker sores along with anxiety, facial injuries, and a diet that lacks iron.

Teens and young adults are the most common demographic for canker sores and females are more likely to experience canker sores than males.

Although there is no exact cure for canker sores, rinsing your mouth a few times a day with warm water after meals and before bed helps. Avoiding sugary and acid foods are helpful and trying to keep stress to a minimum.

To learn more about canker sores and 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.

Nutrition and Oral Care

The foods you eat play a big role in the health of your teeth and gums. A steady diet of nutrients, fruits, and veggies makes teeth stronger and helps to avoid gum disease. At Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group we recommend patients avoid sugary and non-nutritious food to avoid tooth decay. Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease.

Studies have shown that it is more difficult for the tissues in your mouth to resist infection when your body is not getting enough nutrients. People whose diet contains a lot of fat and sugar are at a higher risk of developing gum disease at a younger age.

Properly cleaning your teeth by brushing and flossing is important to avoiding gum disease and cavities. Outside of visiting Dr. Fredrick Shaw, DDS twice a year for a cleaning, drinking plenty of water and eating plenty of fruits and veggies will lower the risk of bad oral health.

To learn more about nutrition and 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.

Oral Cancer Screening

An oral cancer screening is performed by Dr. Fredrick Shaw to to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. The goal of an oral cancer screening is to identify mouth cancer early and treat it.

Patients who regularly consume tobacco or alcohol put themselves at a higher risk for oral cancer, and a history of sun exposure is more likely to cause lip cancer. Treating oral cancer before it becomes an irreversible problem is crucial and patients should receive an oral cancer screening with our practice as a precaution.

The exam to test for oral cancer is painless and will consist of an ultraviolet light the dentist uses to examine the patient’s mouth and feel  for any lumps or abnormalities.

Lifestyle choices play a big role in the health of your mouth and the condition that your body is in. If you are a smoker or heavy drinker, make sure to get regular oral cancer screenings when you visit Dr. Fredrick Shaw.

To learn more about canker sores and 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.

Tongue Care

Good oral hygiene begins with brushing and flossing your teeth, using fluoride, and avoiding as much as sugary and acidic foods as possible. It is also important to brush your tongue. Even though your tongue can’t develop cavities, it attracts bacteria that hide in the crevices and will stay there until brushed. The consequences of not brushing your tongue are bad breath and tooth damage.

There are a few ways to maintain good oral care of your tongue and the first one is a tongue scraper which can be found in most drug stores. These scrapers help to clear bacteria while improving the appearance and sensation of your tongue. Traditional toothbrushes will work just fine to clean your tongue as all you need to do is brush back and forth, side to side, and rinse with water. Over-brushing of the tongue can break the skin so once all the areas of the tongue have been brushed, simply rinse and you are good to go.

To learn more about canker sores and 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.

Chronic Halitosis

Bad breath is embarrassing, especially when you aren’t the first to notice. Also known as halitosis, bad breath isn’t typically a problem unless it becomes chronic. Chronic bad breath is usually caused by poor oral hygiene habits. It can also be a result of dry mouth, dental problems such as gum disease, or an underlying medical condition. If your bad breath has you feeling self-conscious, schedule a consultation with Dr. Fredrick Shaw to get the problem under control.

If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, promoting bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue. This causes bad breath. Bad breath odors vary, depending on the source or the underlying cause. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of gum disease. If you have bad breath, review your oral hygiene habits. If your bad breath persists after making changes, visit us as soon as possible.

If you have questions or concerns regarding halitosis or oral care, please give us a call. To learn about other 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. 

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a common condition that usually doesn’t cause any serious problems for patients with strong immune systems. Oral thrush is more common in people with diabetes or those who were dentures, but it can also occur in children. If you are diagnosed with oral thrush, Dr. Fredrick Shaw may recommend antifungal mouth rinse. But before we discuss treatment, let’s discuss how oral thrush develops.

Small amounts of the candida fungus are in our mouths, digestive tracts, and skin. They are supposed to be there, but oral thrush occurs when a yeast infection develops on the inside of the mouth and causes the fungus to grow out of control. Thrush can be caused by a number of things, such as uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, dry mouth, or an HIV infection. If you experience pain when you swallow, a feeling of something caught in your throat, or a fever, you should schedule an appointment with us immediately so we can diagnose you and develop a treatment plan. You can reduce your risk of this condition by practicing proper oral hygiene, adding probiotics to your diet, and visiting us for oral checkups twice a year.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral thrush, please give us a call. To learn about other 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. 

Cosmetic Dental Services

When patients have teeth that are looking lackluster or a chip or fracture in his or her smile, Dr. Fredrick Shaw has a variety of cosmetic dental services to offer. Cosmetic dentistry is designed to aesthetically improve the smile while restoring teeth and gums. If you wish to enhance the overall appearance of your smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Fredrick Shaw to discuss veneers, teeth whitening, dental bridges, dental implants, or more.

If you have stained, broken, or uneven teeth, cosmetic dental services can help restore them. Dr. Fredrick Shaw may suggest bleaching to make teeth whiter, repairing chips or rough spots with fillings that match your teeth or fill cavities with tooth-colored materials. Making subtle or major repairs such as these will leave patients feeling confident and comfortable with their smile makeover.

If you have questions or concerns about cosmetic dentistry, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Preventive Dentistry

Through preventive dental services provided by Dr. Fredrick Shaw, patients will avoid dental problems and save money, while having a clean and healthy smile. Preventive dentistry is the practice of caring for your teeth to keep them in optimal health. Dr. Fredrick Shaw helps patients avoid periodontal disease, bad breath, cavities, and tooth loss through professional cleanings and oral exams.

The goal of preventive dentistry is to reduce the negative impact of oral diseases and improve the quality of life for people who already have them. Dr. Fredrick Shaw may make nutritional suggestions such as reducing the amount of sugar in your diet to prevent cavities and/or screening for oral cancer. Through proper home care and regular dental visits, you will improve the health of your smile as well as your overall wellbeing.

If you have questions or concerns about preventive dental services, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Bruxism Causes and Treatment

Bruxism is the name for a condition in which a patient grinds his or her teeth while awake or during sleep. The teeth will grind and rub together as the jaw moves forcefully either side to side or back and forth. People who have bruxism may not even be aware that they have it that is until they notice jaw pain and stiffness, sore gums, or sensitive teeth. Once bruxism is diagnosed, Dr. Fredrick Shaw may suggest a night guard.

Teeth grinding commonly occurs at night while the patient is asleep. Many people have a mild case of bruxism that is mild and doesn’t require specific treatment. If the grinding is severe, Dr. Shaw may suggest a night guard to wear during sleep. A night guard will help alleviate pressure on the jaw and protect teeth from further damage. If bruxism is caused by a misaligned bite or broken teeth, Dr. Shaw may suggest orthodontic treatment or dental crowns.

If you have questions or concerns about bruxism causes and treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay comes in the form of cavities, which occur when specific types of bacteria produce acid that destroys tooth enamel and the underlying dentin. Tooth decay can be a problem for children, teenagers, and adults. When we consume food and beverages that contain sugar, we increase our risk of developing cavities if we don’t adequately brush away the plaque that causes them. To keep your teeth healthy and free of decay, it’s important to maintain a rigorous oral care routine while visiting Dr. Fredrick Shaw twice a year for routine cleanings.  

Cavities are most common among children, but they can develop in adults as well. If a patient doesn’t consistently brush and floss his or her teeth, the stickiness of plaque will produce harmful acids that attack and wear down tooth enamel. Once enamel has been destroyed, it will not fix itself and you may need dental bonding or fillings to repair it. To prevent decay at home, brush with fluoride toothpaste as fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth decay, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Teeth Whitening Advantages

Brushing and flossing on a daily basis will assist in keeping your teeth white, but sometimes they need an extra push. Dr. Fredrick Shaw offers teeth whitening services to patients who desire a whiter smile in a flash. Over time, our teeth may appear lackluster due to foods and beverages we consume and lifestyle factors such as smoking. If you’re considering whitening your teeth professionally, schedule a consultation with us.

Teeth will change color if we consume too much coffee, wine, and iced tea because the pigments in these beverages attach themselves to tooth enamel. Additionally, tobacco use will create stubborn stains that are hard to eliminate. Teeth-whitening is a simple process but not all whitening methods work on all teeth. To assure that whitening is right for you, it’s best to discuss the procedure with Dr. Shaw. If you decide that you are a candidate for whitening, the procedure may be completed in-office or with take-home trays.

If you have questions or concerns about teeth whitening, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Athletes and Mouthguards

Mouthguards, also known as mouth protectors can be used for numerous reasons, but the most common is to protect athletes from dental trauma. Mouthguards help cushion a blow to the face and minimize the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face, or jaw. Dr. Fredrick Shaw DDS can design a custom-mouthguard for ultimate comfort.  

Custom mouthguards are made from exact and precise models of an individual’s own teeth. They are also made of resilient and tear resistant materials ensuring a proper fit. A properly fitted mouthguard absolutely must be protective, comfortable, resilient, tear resistant, odorless, tasteless, and allow room for you to breathe. Because our custom-fitted mouthguards are made for your mouth and your mouth only, they are more reliable than over-the-counter mouthguards.

If you have questions or concerns about mouthguards or oral appliances, please give us a call. To learn more about our sedation options and all the services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

At the office of Dr. Fredrick Shaw, we support Oral Cancer Awareness Month to encourage patients to request oral cancer screenings nationwide, throughout the month. An oral cancer screening is an important part of a dental appointment because it can detect cancer symptoms in the earliest stage when they are easiest to treat. It’s important to know that just because Dr. Shaw may suggest an oral cancer screening; this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cancer.  

Oral cancer typically appears as a growth or a sore in the mouth that does not go away after a matter of weeks. However, we don’t encourage you to wait weeks if you notice a red or white patch of skin that is causing you pain. The most common symptoms of oral cancer include a lump or thickening in the cheek, a sore throat or the feeling that something is caught in the throat. In our office, we provide patients with oral cancer screening to detect cancer in its earliest stage when it is easiest to treat. It’s important to visit us every six months to reduce your chances of developing these symptoms. Treatment will depend on the patient, but radiation therapy and surgery are common methods of treating oral cancer.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral care or dental health, please give us a call. To learn about other 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.

Sensitive Teeth

If you brush your teeth too hard, your gums will eventually suffer. This is because the bristles from a toothbrush can cause gum sensitivity and this can make it difficult to consume hot or cold beverages. If the thought of eating ice cream, biting into an apple, or sipping hot coffee makes you cringe, it may be time to visit Dr. Fredrick Shaw of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group for an oral exam.

Tooth sensitivity occurs when tooth enamel that protects our teeth becomes thinner, exposing the underlying surface. Sensitive teeth can make eating and drinking hot/cold beverages a painful experience and the cause is usually due to lack of oral hygiene habits. It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove food particles that can cause bad breath and periodontal disease.

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth sensitivity, please give us a call. To learn about other 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. 

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars to enter our mouth as an adult. Wisdom teeth don’t always erupt, however, and when they don’t they remain impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth mean that the teeth are dormant under the gum and they don’t plan on waking up anytime soon. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, Dr. Fredrick Shaw of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group will likely suggest extraction to avoid further complications.  

Impacted wisdom teeth don’t always cause symptoms. A person may feel immense pain or no pain at all. Impacted wisdom teeth can be problematic because as they attempt to erupt, they may appear angled, and this can cause damage to surrounding teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth also pose a risk for infection, and this can make it difficult to open the mouth and may cause swelling around the jaw. Not all patients need to have their wisdom teeth extracted, but it is a safe bet to have them removed.

If you have questions or concerns regarding wisdom teeth or wisdom teeth extraction, please give us a call. To learn about other 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.

Dental Implant Benefits

If you are lacking self-esteem due to missing teeth, Dr. Fredrick Shaw has several restorative treatment options for patients to choose from. The most common method is dental implants. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants are an excellent option for people who have lost teeth from trauma or decay.

The dental implant process will be tailored to meet your needs. You will need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shaw beforehand because you must have adequate tooth structure and healthy gums to support the implant. If you are missing a single tooth, one implant and a dental crown can restore the tooth to its natural function. If you are missing several teeth, an implant-supported bridge may be necessary. If you decide that implants are right for you, Dr. Shaw will work closely with you to ensure that you are comfortable with your decision.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental implants or restorative dental services, please give us a call. To learn about other 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. 

Foods That Promote a Healthy Smile

Once tooth enamel is lost, it doesn’t return. To keep it strong, our eating patterns need to reflect healthy choices. Fruits and vegetables that have high water content, such as apples, celery, and strawberries, increase saliva flow. Saliva is our mouth’s primary defense against dry mouth and tooth decay. Dr. Fredrick Shaw is dedicated to keeping patient’s mouth’s healthy as possible, and that begins with a nutritious diet.

To maintain a balanced diet, it’s important to eat a variety of foods from each of the five major food groups. It’s necessary to avoid sugars and added sugars as they provide no nutritional benefit to the teeth and gums. Avoid sodas, fruit juices, and energy drinks by replacing them with milk or water. Milk contains calcium that keeps enamel strong and water cleans the mouth with every sip, fighting against periodontal disease and decay.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about our sedation options and all the services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Thank You for Your Continuous Reviews!

At Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group, our staff appreciates feedback because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Brittney for this 5-star review but would like to thank her for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“I took my kids to see Dr. Shaw for their first dental exam. All I can say is what a wonderful experience it was for both of my children. The staff was amazing! Regina cleaned their teeth and was very gentle and friendly, she helped put my kids at ease. All of my billing questions were answered ahead of time so I knew what to expect when I went for our appointment. Keep up the great work Shoal Creek; we will definitely come back for our 6-month cleanings.” - Brittney

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at the practice, visit FredrickShawDDS.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fredrick Shaw in Austin, TX, call 512-451-7491.

Celebrate Dental Hygiene Month

October is National Dental Hygiene Month and before it’s over, Dr. Fredrick Shaw of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group wants to encourage patients to celebrate. The key to a healthy mouth is practicing a rigorous proper oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing at least twice a day with an ADA approved toothpaste, flossing at least twice a day, and rinsing with an ADA approved mouthwash. You should also visit our office for professional cleanings twice a year.

Prevention is a popular word we use around our practice. This is because we want our patients to prevent gum disease, cavities, and future dental diseases. Through proper diagnosis and treatment planning, we can help our patients maintain a healthy smile, or restore it, if necessary. We offer a wide variety of services to meet all of our patient’s needs.

If you have questions or concerns regarding extrinsic stains or teeth whitening, please give us a call. To learn about other 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. 

Cancer and Oral Health

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, more than one-third of all cancer patients develop complications that affect the mouth. These effects can range from mild to severe and may include mouth sores, dry mouth, and/or sensitive gums. Maintaining your mouth before, during, and after cancer treatment could lessen these side effects, so it’s important to make Dr. Fredrick Shaw of Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group part of your cancer care team.

Dental care may understandably be the last thing on a patient’s mind, but it’s important to pay attention to basic oral health so that the condition of your mouth doesn’t hinder treatment. Patients undergoing chemotherapy should be aware that it can affect the teeth, gums, salivary glands, and other oral tissues. Though cancer treatment side effects vary from patient to patient, you should always keep your mouth extra clean by carefully brushing with a soft-bristled brush and mild-tasting fluoride toothpaste after every meal. Depending on the side effects the patient experiences, Dr. Fredrick Shaw can develop a treatment plan to make this process as comfortable as possible.

If you have questions regarding oral health, please give us a call. To learn more about Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin, TX, call us at 512-451-7491 or visit our website, www.fredrickshawdds.com.