When you think “dentist”, you probably also think “teeth”.  Let’s think outside the teeth and consider another major part of your mouth: the tongue. Your tongue plays an essential role in speaking and eating.  It also gives your doctor and dentist clues about your overall health. Normal Tongue Texture A normal tongue has a bumpy texture on the top with[…]

Did you know that between 30 and 40 million Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety and fear?  Dental phobia is a common problem, and it prevents many people from seeking the dental care they need. Risks of Dental Fear For some people, fear of the dentist is so severe that it keeps them from getting even the[…]

Earth Day is April 22!  Earth Day is a global event with the purpose of showing support for environmental protection.  Many environmental groups use Earth Day to promote changes in human behavior and influence governmental policy changes around the world. Earth Day began in 1970 in the United States and was originally celebrated in schools and universities.  Since then, its[…]

The Importance of a Smile With a name like Designer Smiles, we hope it is obvious that we love creating beautiful smiles!  We believe wholeheartedly that there is little in life more rewarding than giving another person the ability to smile with confidence.  For that person, it is literally life changing.  A warm, engaging smile improves self-esteem, generates positive social[…]

At Designer Smiles, we are committed to providing our patients with the newest dental technology and the highest standard of care.  This means when a new development enables us to gather more detailed information in a safe, efficient way, we jump at the chance! The CariVu is an exciting new way for Dr. Ann and Dr. Lauren to gather more[…]

This is one of our favorite times of the year: the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!  From great concerts to exciting competitions to crazy food, the HLSR has it all.  This fun blog will highlight facets of the rodeo that pertain to teeth. Livestock Teeth Animal teeth share some similarities with human teeth.  Both horses and cows have a[…]

At Designer Smiles, we offer dental care for the whole family  and our patients who are parents regularly ask us questions like, “What kind of snacks can I give my kids that are okay for their teeth?”  There are many things parents can do at home to help their children maintain healthy teeth. The two most important ways parents affect their[…]

Why Is An Increase in Cavities Surprising? At Designer Smiles, our doctors are noticing a surprising increase in cavities among children and young adults.  It is surprising because at this point in history, we have better cavity-fighting weapons than ever before.  We have fluoride in our community water supplies.  We have prescription strength mouthrinses now available over-the-counter.  Dentists have better[…]

In this last blog in our series about New Year’s Resolutions, we will discuss how you can finally achieve the smile you have always dreamed of. Even with ideal oral hygiene, teeth whitening and Invisalign straightening, some smiles still do not meet their wearer’s cosmetic goals.  There are cases of persistent discoloration that does not respond to whitening.  Some teeth[…]

This month, we are focusing on ways to improve the health and appearance of your smile.  We have elaborated on the benefits of brushing up on your oral hygiene regimen and explained the advantages of teeth whitening. Most people know their teeth and gums will be healthier with better brushing and flossing at home between your dental visits.  As discussed[…]