Toggle navigation
Parmer Oaks Dental
12171 W Parmer Ln # 101 Cedar Park, TX 78613(512) 528-8900
  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Please call (512) 528-8900

to schedule or change appointments.

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Patient Education

My Blog

Posts for: March, 2017

Safety is a Priority When Imaging Children's Teeth with X-Rays

By Parmer Oaks Dental Care
March 16, 2017
Category: Oral Health
Tags: pediatric dentistry   x-rays  
SafetyisaPriorityWhenImagingChildrensTeethwithX-Rays

X-ray imaging is a routine part of a child's dental care — and it undeniably makes a difference in preventing and treating dental disease. It's so routine, we can easily forget they're being exposed to an invisible form of electromagnetic radiation.  And just like other sources of radiation, too much x-ray exposure could increase the risk of cancer.

But while it's possible for your child to be over-exposed to x-rays, it's highly unlikely. That's because healthcare professionals like dentists adhere to a standard known as ALARA when considering and administering x-rays. ALARA is an acronym for “as low as reasonably achievable.” In other words, we only want to expose a patient to the lowest and safest levels of x-ray dosage and frequency that will achieve the most benefit.

To achieve that standard, professional dental organizations advocate the use of x-rays only after a clinical examination of the patient, as well as a thorough review of their medical history for any usage of x-rays for other conditions. If x-rays are warranted, we then take further precautions to protect the patient and staff, and only use the type of x-ray application that's absolutely necessary. For most children that will be a set of two or four bitewing radiographs, which are quite effective for detecting decay in back teeth.

This dosage of radiation in a session of bitewing radiographs is roughly a fifth of the background radiation in the environment a child may be exposed to every day. By spacing these sessions at least six months apart, we're able to achieve a high level of decay detection at a safe and reasonable amount of x-ray exposure.

On top of that, the digital advances in x-ray imaging have reduced the amount of radiation energy needed to achieve the same results as we once did with film. These lower exposure levels and the ALARA standard helps ensure your child's exposure to x-rays will be well within safe limits.

If you would like more information on the use of x-rays with children, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “X-Ray Safety for Children.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink

Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win

By Parmer Oaks Dental Care
March 01, 2017
Category: Oral Health
Tags: celebrity smiles   mouthguards  
GameSetMatchMilosRaonicSaysAMouthguardHelpsHimWin

When you’re among the top players in your field, you need every advantage to help you stay competitive: Not just the best equipment, but anything else that relieves pain and stress, and allows you to play better. For top-seeded Canadian tennis player Milos Raonic, that extra help came in a somewhat unexpected form: a custom made mouthguard that he wears on the court and off. “[It helps] to not grind my teeth while I play,” said the 25-year-old up-and-coming ace. “It just causes stress and headaches sometimes.”

Mouthguards are often worn by athletes engaged in sports that carry the risk of dental injury — such as basketball, football, hockey, and some two dozen others; wearing one is a great way to keep your teeth from being seriously injured. But Raonic’s mouthguard isn’t primarily for safety; it’s actually designed to help him solve the problem of teeth grinding, or bruxism. This habitual behavior causes him to unconsciously tense up his jaw, potentially leading to problems with muscles and teeth.

Bruxism is a common issue that’s often caused or aggravated by stress. You don’t have to be a world-class athlete to suffer from this condition: Everyday anxieties can have the same effect. The behavior is often worsened when you consume stimulating substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, and other drugs.

While bruxism affects thousands of people, some don’t even suspect they have it. That’s because it may occur at any time — even while you’re asleep! The powerful jaw muscles that clench and grind teeth together can wear down tooth enamel, and damage both natural teeth and dental work. They can even cause loose teeth! What’s more, a clenching and grinding habit can result in pain, headaches and muscle soreness… which can really put you off your game.

There are several ways to relieve the problem of bruxism. Stress reduction is one approach that works in some cases. When it’s not enough, a custom made occlusal guard (also called a night guard or mouthguard) provided by our office can make a big difference. “When I don’t sleep with it for a night,” Raonic said “I can feel my jaw muscles just tense up the next day. I don’t sense myself grinding but I can sort of feel that difference the next day.”

 An occlusal guard is made from an exact model of your own mouth. It helps to keep your teeth in better alignment and prevent them from coming into contact, so they can’t damage each other. It also protects your jaw joints from being stressed by excessive force. Plus, it’s secure and comfortable to wear. “I wear it all the time other than when I’m eating, so I got used to it pretty quickly,” said Raonic.

Teeth grinding can be a big problem — whether you put on your game face on the court… or at home. If you would like more information about bruxism, contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Stress & Tooth Habits” and “When Children Grind Their Teeth.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink


April (1) February (1)
Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2019
      • February (3)
        • A Bonded Retainer Might be a Better Choice After Braces
        • Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for Me?
        • 4 Things to Avoid if You Want to Support Your Child's Dental Development
      • January (3)
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
        • 4 Ways to Check on Your Brushing and Flossing Effectiveness
        • Crown Lengthening Might be Necessary for Seniors with Tooth Decay
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • What You Need to Know to Buy the Right Toothbrush
        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
        • New Year, New Smile
      • November (3)
        • A Stainless Steel Crown Could Help a Struggling Primary Molar Last Longer
        • Diabetes and Oral Health: True or False?
        • Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
      • October (4)
        • Inflammation: the Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Disease
        • Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures to Overhaul Your Smile
        • 3 Surprising Sugar Sources Your Baby Might be Consuming
        • New Dental Advances Promise Better Outcomes for Treating Decay
      • September (3)
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
        • Ultrasonic Plaque Removal an Effective Alternative to Manual Scaling
        • Have Your Child's Chronic Mouth Breathing Checked to Avoid Bite Problems
      • August (5)
        • Good Reasons for Choosing Clear Aligners for Orthodontic Treatment
        • How Can Bonding Help My Smile?
        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • Back to School Do's and Don'ts
        • A Root Canal Can Stop Tooth Decay and Save Your Tooth
      • July (3)
        • Advances in Porcelain Veneers Improve Both Strength and Appearance
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Teens with Missing Teeth may need a Temporary Fix Until They're Older
      • June (4)
        • Tips for Picture-Perfect Summer Smiles
        • June Is Men's Health Month
        • Versatility Of Porcelain Veneers
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
      • May (3)
        • Take Steps to Treat Chronic Mouth Breathing as Early as Possible
        • Increase Your Implant's Success Chances by Keeping Your Gums Healthy
        • 3 Things You Need to Know about Easing Anxiety Over Dental Visits
      • April (3)
        • Show Off Your Best Possible Smile
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
        • Getting Dental Implants Requires Minor Surgery
      • March (3)
        • We may Need to Remove one or More Teeth Before Applying Braces
        • Are Lasers for Gum Disease Treatment in Our Future?
        • There’s No Need to Fear the Dentist
      • February (3)
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Could Your Metal Allergy Keep You From Obtaining Dental Implants?
        • February Focuses on Children's Dental Health
      • January (2)
        • What to Do About Your Child's Toothache Before Seeing the Dentist
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
  • 2017
      • December (3)
        • Why You Should Choose a Family Dentist
        • 4 Tips for Avoiding Dental Disease While Wearing Braces
        • Support Your Child's Dental Development with Preventive Care
      • November (3)
        • How to Lessen the Effects of Chronic Dry Mouth
        • Don’t Ignore Your Tooth Loss
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • October (2)
        • Bad Breath in Children
        • Toothbrushing Tips
      • September (2)
        • Effective Hygiene is Key to Preventing Enamel White Spots While Wearing Braces
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
      • August (4)
        • Need a Root Canal? Here's a Step-by-Step Guide on What to Expect
        • What Soda Can Do to Your Teeth
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
        • Be Sure to Have a Dental Exam Before Whitening Your Teeth
      • July (2)
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Orthodontists can Use Other Tools with Braces for Complex Bite Problems
      • June (3)
        • What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
        • You'll Experience Little to No Discomfort During and After Implant Surgery
      • May (3)
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
        • Get a Smile You Love
        • We can Fix a Smile Marred by Absent Front Teeth
      • April (2)
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
        • Don't Let Sleep Apnea Ruin Your Sleep - or Your Health
      • March (3)
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
        • Safety is a Priority When Imaging Children's Teeth with X-Rays
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
      • February (2)
        • What Are Crowns & Bridges?
        • A Partial Denture Can Restore a Smile Marred by a Few Missing Teeth
      • January (4)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • The True Cause of Your Gummy Smile Determines How We Treat it
        • America's (Dentists) Got Talent - for Fixing Damaged or Missing Teeth!
        • FAQS about Oral Cancer Screenings
  • 2016
      • December (2)
        • Having Trouble Flossing? Try Using an Oral Irrigator
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
      • November (3)
        • Orthodontics Could be the Smile Transformer You've Been Looking For
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • Which Cosmetic Procedure Would Work Best For You?
      • October (3)
        • Orthodontic Headgear: What It Is and Why It May be Needed
        • No "Glee" in Tooth Grinding
        • Extracting Certain Teeth can Boost Orthodontic Effectiveness
      • September (2)
        • Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
        • How we Treat your Jaw Pain Depends on the Cause
      • August (3)
        • Does My Child Have a Cavity?
        • Dental Magic Transforms Smiles
        • Local Anesthesia Eliminates Pain Completely During Dental Work
      • July (3)
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
        • 4 Diet Changes You Should Make for Better Oral Health
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
      • June (3)
        • Why It Pays to Have One Dentist for the Whole Family
        • The Risk for Gum Disease Increases While Wearing Braces
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
      • May (2)
        • 3 Causes for Implant Failure and What You can do About Them
        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
      • April (4)
        • Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
        • The Benefits of Composite Fillings
        • Staining Within a Tooth Requires a Clinical Whitening Approach
        • Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
      • March (2)
        • Treating Small Enamel Cracks Could Help you Avoid a Dangerous Tooth Fracture
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
      • February (3)
        • Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Health?
        • When Should My Child Go to the Dentist?
        • A Royal Fix
      • January (3)
        • Which Cosmetic Procedure is Right for Me?
        • While Usually Benign, Lichen Planus Lesions Should Still be Examined
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
  • 2015
      • December (3)
        • Treating a Baby Tooth with Inner Decay can be Complicated - but Still Necessary
        • Are Sealants Right For My Child?
        • A Toothless Tiger?
      • November (2)
        • There may be more to that Toothache that Suddenly Stops Aching
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
      • October (2)
        • FAQs: Keeping Your Mouth Healthy After Gum Disease Treatment
        • Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
      • September (2)
        • Don't Allow Your Age to Stop You from a New Smile with Orthodontics
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
      • August (3)
        • Keep a Close Eye on Your Dental Health While Undergoing Cancer Treatment
        • Oral Cancer Screenings Could Save Your Life
        • Lamar Odom Rebounds From Dental Anxiety
      • July (2)
        • A Healthy Diet Could Lower Your Risk of Oral Cancer
        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
      • June (3)
        • Take Steps to Reduce Mouth Acid and Avoid Dental Erosion
        • Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
        • Beyonce Makes Flossing a Family Affair
      • May (2)
        • The Time Interval to Replant a Knocked Out Tooth Can Affect its Longevity
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
      • April (3)
        • Oral Health Can Prove Challenging in Your Senior Years
        • Leave Your Dental Anxiety at the Door with Sedation Dentistry
        • Olivia Newton-John Learned Healthy Oral Habits From Mom
      • March (2)
        • A Whiter Smile the Professional Way
        • Reality Star Kept His Eyes on the Prize: New Teeth!
      • February (2)
        • Paying Attention to Certain Factors Helps Ensure Successful Implant Outcomes
        • Kristin Cavallari and the Mystery of the Bathroom Sink
      • January (2)
        • Full Dentures: Frequently Asked Questions
        • Cosmetic Dentistry and the Urban Legend
  • 2014
      • December (3)
        • Five Facts about Bacteria
        • Actress Jennie Garth Shares Tips for Making Oral Health Fun!
        • Welcome to Our Blog

Tags

  • celebrity smiles (47)
  • oral health (18)
  • bacteria (1)
  • cosmetic dentistry (15)
  • denture (1)
  • oral hygiene (16)
  • dental implants (16)
  • teeth whitening (7)
  • Sedation Dentistry (3)
  • wisdom teeth (2)
  • dental injury (3)
  • tooth decay (4)
  • nutrition (4)
  • teeth wear (1)
  • oral cancer (5)
  • dental anxiety (2)
  • cancer (1)
  • orthodontic treatment (7)
  • pediatric care (1)
  • periodontal disease (1)
  • gum disease (7)
  • tooth pain (2)
  • root canal (1)
  • crowns (3)
  • Sealants (1)
  • pediatric dentistry (10)
  • bad breath (2)
  • lichen planus (1)
  • Crowns and Bridges (1)
  • Veneers (6)
  • Bonding (4)
  • Children's Oral Care (1)
  • root canal treatment (3)
  • orthodontics (3)
  • braces (7)
  • Fillings (1)
  • restorative dentistry (3)
  • athletic mouthguards (1)
  • Family Dentistry (1)
  • dental emergency (1)
  • anesthesia (1)
  • Cavity (1)
  • jaw pain (1)
  • tmj disorders (1)
  • abscessed tooth (1)
  • tooth extraction (1)
  • tooth grinding (1)
  • headgear (2)
  • dental bridges (2)
  • dental bonding (1)
  • flossing (1)
  • chipped teeth (1)
  • gummy smile (1)
  • mouthguard (1)
  • partial denture (1)
  • dental crowns (1)
  • mouthguards (2)
  • x-rays (1)
  • snoring (1)
  • sleep apnea (1)
  • porcelain veneers (2)
  • chipped tooth (2)
  • dry mouth (1)
  • Family Dentist (1)
  • toothache (1)
  • retainers (1)
  • extractions (1)
  • teeth grinding (1)
  • missing teeth (1)
  • Damaged Teeth (1)
  • clear aligners (1)
  • retainer (1)
  • sugar (1)
  • diabetes (1)
  • crown (1)
  • crown lengthening (1)
  • bone grafting (1)
  • bonded retainer (1)

Categories:

  • None (1)
  • Oral Health (62)
  • Dental Procedures (78)

Photos by ericawoodfordphotography.com

 

Free Teeth Whitening

Click here to see ratings of our dental practice!

Our Location

Family Dentist in Cedar Park, TX
Parmer Oaks Dental Care
12171 W Parmer Ln # 101
Cedar Park, TX 78613
(512) 528-8900
Dental tooth Contact For Pricing Options

Map & directions


Office Hours

Monday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday: By Appointment Only
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

 

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map