Dr. Steven W. Titensor's Blog

Run your tongue along the gumline behind your lower front teeth. Do you feel a ridge? This is probably tartar or dental calculus.

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can gradually accumulate. If not removed, these bacteria-breeding substances cause the gums to become irritated and swollen. Eventually, the gums become detached from the tooth, creating a ‘pocket’. This creates a new space for plaque and tartar to grow. In advanced stages of periodontal disease, the toxins created by the bacteria literally rot the gum, teeth and bone.

At Titensor Family, Implant, Cosmetic & Sedation Dentistry in Lewisville, we perform the most thorough dental cleanings possible. Gum disease can be reversed in its early stages.

Our goal is to help our Lewisville dental patients prevent gum disease before any damage occurs. Cleanings include root planing and periodontal scaling. Scaling removes the plaque and calculus above and, especially, below the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach. Planing smoothes root surfaces so it is more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate and grow. It also creates a healthy surface for the gums to reattach to the root if necessary.

To schedule a deep cleaning, call our family dentistry practice at 469-293-1040. We are located at 1901 Long Prairie Rd., Flower Mound, TX. In addition to providing comprehensive dental cleanings, we create mega-watt smiles for cosmetic dentistry clients in the Lewisville area. See http://www.SmilesBySteve.com for more information about our state-of-the-art dental practice.

I’m Dr. Steven W. Titensor DDS of Titensor Family, Implant, Cosmetic & Sedation Dentistry in Flower Mound. My Flower Mound family dentistry clients often ask me if chewing xylitol gum is an effective substitute for tooth brushing and regular Flower Mound dental exams.

Before I answer that question, let me tell you a little bit about xylitol:

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually good for your teeth. Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that xylitol prevents the growth of the bacteria that initiates decay. It also reduces plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.

Xylitol has other benefits, as well. Because it is low on the glycemic index, many of my Flower Mound diabetic patients enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. If my Flower Mound cosmetic dentistry patients complain about frequent dry mouth, I recommend Xylitol gum or mints to stimulate saliva production without promoting tooth decay.

Now, back to the golden question. Is xylitol gum just as effective as brushing your teeth and seeing your Flower Mound family dentist regularly? Absolutely not! If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly (with a soft brush) after meals and get twice-yearly exams and oral dentistry deep cleanings at your Flower Mound dentistry clinic.

At Titensor Family, Implant, Cosmetic & Sedation Dentistry, our goal is to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life by preventing dental problems such as gum disease before they start. If you postpone Lewisville dental visits until you feel pain, you risk losing teeth and most certainly will require more extensive treatment than if the problem was caught earlier. Is it time for a dental exam? Call us at 469-293-1040 to book an appointment. Our friendly with advanced treatment is waiting to take care of all your dental needs.