21st Century Dental of Irving Blog

When most people think about their oral health, they focus on brushing, flossing, and routine checkups and cleanings. But there’s another important factor that often gets overlooked: your mental health! Believe it or not, your mind and body are deeply connected, and conditions like depression and anxiety don’t just affect your mood—they can also have a significant impact on your teeth and gums. Understanding this connection is the first step toward protecting both your smile and your mental state; here’s what you need to know.

Oral cancer is a serious condition that can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, sinuses, throat, and so on—virtually every single part of the oral cavity! What’s worse is that oral cancer is also among the deadliest of all forms of cancer. That said, the good news is that many of the risk factors of oral cancer are well within your control, and understanding what increases your risk can make a life-saving difference. Here are a few of the biggest risk factors for oral cancer, and how you can protect yourself.

For many people, embarrassment is one of the biggest barriers to scheduling a dental appointment. Concerns about the appearance of teeth, bad breath, missed cleanings, or long gaps since the last visit can make anyone feel anxious about walking into a dentist’s office. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and more importantly, there’s no reason to feel embarrassed. Dentists are there to help, not judge.

Your teeth are more than just things that need to be brushed each day. They serve a significant purpose – more than one. Although your dentist is an expert on tooth health and what it takes to keep them strong and long-lasting, you, too, can benefit from learning more about your pearly whites. There is more to them than you might think; in fact, here are 5 hidden truths that may just surprise you.

Do you find that your teeth are too small or short? It can be challenging to feel confident about your teeth if they aren’t as proportionate as you’d like. The good news is that you don’t need to settle for a smile that you aren’t proud to show off. There are a variety of cosmetic solutions out there that can help you achieve the even smile you’ve been hoping for. Here are some of the treatment options that can help to correct the appearance of undersized teeth.

As you sit in your dentist’s chair, they will likely ask you some questions. They’ll want to know how you are keeping up with your oral hygiene routine, or bad habits you should break. While you might not have been following these entirely, you may tell a white lie to save a bit of face. However, your provider can actually tell if you’re being truthful or not. Here are three fibs you may say and how your smile shows otherwise.

Gum disease is a growing problem among individuals throughout the country, especially adults. With millions unaware of their symptoms, situations can quickly go from bad to worse. How can you know what to look for, though? If so many people are suffering from some form of it, are the signs obvious or obscure? Read on to discover what you should be aware of when it comes to gingivitis – the earliest stage – and how to prevent it from turning into something more serious.

Halloween is quickly creeping up. It’s a day full of frights and fun, with many themed events going on. While children plan routes to get the best treats, the adults might have a different night ahead. You might be ready to let loose and prowl for an alcoholic drink or two with friends. But if you aren’t careful, then these mischievous beverages might play a trick on you! Keep reading to learn how they can affect your smile before you celebrate the holiday and ways to protect it. 

If you have an older, metal dental crown, you may not see a problem with leaving it as-is. Why get rid of the cap when it still works? However, the truth is that you should replace your metal crown as soon as possible; your smile will face issues otherwise. Your Irving dentist will even elaborate, outlining the various troubles of this metallic treatment. Here are four reasons you should switch from a metal crown to a porcelain or ceramic one.

When concrete bridges collapse, it’s usually because of some structural deficiency. The same can often be said for dental bridges! While these prosthetics are a beautiful and reliable way to replace missing teeth and often last for decades, they can fail without proper care. If you want to make sure your dental bridges stick around for the long haul, continue reading. You’ll find the most common causes of failure and see what you can do to improve your routine.