Giving Back in a Big Way

Is education just what the doctor ordered? That seems to be the case for Conroe Comprehensive Dental Center.

This year marks the 4^th annual Timothy E. Gardner, D.D.S. Scholarship Award. The $1,000 scholarship was eligible to graduating seniors attending local high schools who are attending college in the fall of 2013.

Dr. Gardner and Dr. Burch presented the scholarships personally at each high schools’ senior awards night. The recipients were Morgan Darby and Ryan Mascheri, Montgomery High School, Mattie Cutaia, Conroe High School, and Macey Tickner, Willis High School.

“Our goal going into this was to choose students who were able to balance academics with extracurricular activities, community service, etc.,” Gardner said. “We wanted to reward students who are motivated, giving and determined. The students we chose demonstrated all those things and more.”

Applicants were required to fill out a scholarship form which included their GPA, class rank, extracurricular activities, volunteer hours, etc., as well as two short answer essay questions.

For more information on the scholarship, as well as Dr. Gardner, please visit www.drtimgardner.com.

 

 

What affects facial development in kids?

Continually stuffy noses affect Face Development

Parents, does your child's nose always seem to be stopped up? Did you know that this could affect the way he or she looks, even as an adult? Have you seen children and adults with long faces? Not sad faces, but actual long faces? Have you noticed that they often have difficulty breathing through the nose? Often their mouth will be open slightly because it's easier for them to breathe that way.

There is a connection between mouth breathing and improper development of the bones of the face. So, does the breathing pattern cause the long face or does that long face cause the breathing problem? The answer is both. Actually, in this case, the continual breathing problem can in fact cause the bones of the face to grow differently. How does this occur? When a young child continually mouth breathes, the jaw rotates downward to open the mouth. Over the years, this causes the joint to actually grow differently, resulting in the jaw growing more downward and less forward.

Another results of the mouth being continually slightly open is that the tongue does not rest in the roof of the mouth. The tongue is a very powerful orthodontics and orthopedic force. Proper tongue position is necessary for proper teeth position and proper growth of the palate. Results are often a long, narrow palate with flared upper front teeth.

When the palate is narrow, the nasal passages also tend to be narrower and more easily clogged. Thus the "vicious cycle" is completed. Even as adults, these folks are more prone to constant blocked nasal passages due to their constricted size.

Now doesn't heredity provide the main input in the facial development? Yes, but it's not the only factor. If the child's genese say "short, round face" then no noticeable damage will likely be seen. If the child's genes already say "normal" or "long, narrow face" then mouth breathing may have a negative effect.

In summary, if your child is always stuffed up, talk to his or her physician. Don't worry about an occasional cold or sinus infection. The constant problems are usually allergy related. Reduce allergy producing things in the house (including smoking). See an allergy doctor if you need to, but try not to let the problems go untreated.

We are trained in orthodontics which can easily expand a growing child's palate and help redirect the direction of jaw growth. Once growth is complete, the surgery is usually needed to help correct the problems.

For more information or to find out if your child is a good candidate please give us a call at 936-539-3636.

X-Rays are better than you think!

These days, computers are really changing the way we live and work. You've probably experienced their impact in your own home. And believe me, technology is also helping raise our dental practice to a new level of safety, accuracy, and comfort.

Keeping up with all these advances is a full-time occupation that's as important as my work at chairside. One of the most promising of these breakthroughs is an improvement on the oldest evaluation technology we have - dental x-rays.

For close to a century, dentists have used x-rays to detect cavities and damage invisible to the eye. We've long been aware of the drawbacks. Though x-ray radiation is slight, many patients find it a cause for concern. And reading the negative requires a skilled, professional eye-which means my patients can't see what I see.

That's why my office uses digital x-rays. A computer enhances a "photo" of your teeth and shows it instantly on a screen. This new system requires 80% less radiation than the old film x-rays, and can magnify the image up to 300 times. It's as easy to read as a snapshot. When I discuss something I see in your mouth, you'll be able to view it right along with me.




















In addition to x-rays, our office also utilizes intra-oral pictures. With this technology we use a small camera and take digital pictures inside your mouth. You get to see exactly what we see!

This is an exciting time to be a dentist. We're re-thinking and refining virtually every aspect of our dental practice, and I wanted to pass a bit of it along to you.

If you can think of anything we can do to make your visit more pleasant, please let us know! We're always improving!

For more information on all the technology available in our office visit us at www.conroesmilemakeover.com

A Refresher Course on Flossing

How many times have you heard your dentist and dental hygienist tell you to floss? You nod your head and, maybe, you try flossing for a while. Then old habits take over. Well, it bears repeating: is one of the best things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Bacteria accumulate between the teeth and where the tooth meets gum tissue. Every 24 hours brings a new batch. Brushing won't get rid of the bacteria, flossing correctly will.

Flossing before brushing should be a part of your home oral health care program. It doesn't matter which floss you use, and it doesn't require special skills, although practice makes perfect.

Here's a general routine to follow: wrap floss around your fingers, leaving five to six inches to work with. Keep the floss tight.

 

When the floss frays, re-loop the floss and continue flossing.

 

If you feel as if you're all thumbs, use a flossing threader. Your dentist or dental hygienist can show you how.

Choose a section of teeth; say your upper molars, which are most difficult to reach. Follow the curve of enamel on every surface, reaching wherever you can, with about three passes each time.

If an opening between teeth is tight, you may have to gently pull the floss toward the gum line. Be careful not to damage soft tissue.

Work from the back teeth toward the front while flossing, and then repeat the process on the other side. Rinse when you're done. The time you invest in plaque removal will pay real dividends at your next check up. Your dental hygienist will be proud!

For more dental tips visit us at www.conroesmilemakeover.com