It may not be spring, but your dentist in Richardson recommends all patients undergo a dental cleaning this time of year. Regular checkups and hygiene appointments are the best way to enjoy healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime to come. And around the holidays is a perfect time to make sure are enjoying solid oral and dental health — don’t forget your dental insurance benefits expire at the end of the year!

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Rainy days are usually something you enjoy. The change in weather brings clarity, as everyone decides to stay in and your phone doesn’t ring. Whether you need to catch up on work, clean, or simply enjoy doing nothing for a change, a rainy day is one of those rare occasions where time in on your side. Except today you’re forced to sit in front of the TV holding a cold bag of peas against your face. Your tooth has been throbbing all day. The only pain worse than this would be a root canal, right? What may surprise you is that a root canal in Richardson is no more painful than any other routine visit to the dentist. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait to visit CityLine Dental Center to take care of that severe toothache.   (more…)

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) supports the American Heart Association’s scientific statement “Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease: Does the Evidence Support an Independent Association?” recently published in Circulation.

While current research does not yet provide evidence of a causal relationship between the two diseases, scientists have identified biological factors, such as chronic inflammation, that independently link periodontal disease to the development or progression of cardiovascular disease in some patients.

Dr. Mays and her team, want patients to be aware that maintaining periodontal health can reduce harmful inflammation in the body, which has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Also, according to the AAP, patients diagnosed with periodontal disease should be sure to inform their general health care provider and/or cardiologist to encourage better integration of their care.

There are several theories that the AAP have noted that could explain the link between the two diseases. One theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when they enter the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) and contributing to clot formation. Coronary artery disease is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of fatty proteins. Blood clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This may lead to heart attacks. Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease increases plague build up, which may contribute to swelling of the arteries.

Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Therefore, if there is a possibility of a patient having any type of heart condition it is very highly suggested to speak to a cardiologist to see if an antibiotic is necessary prior to any dental procedures, including but not limited to routine cleanings and check-ups.

Dr. Mays and her team will continue to pay close attention to any updates in regards to the link of these two diseases and keep their patients posted as well.

The above information was taken from a dental article from the American Academy of Periodontology.

November is National Diabetes Month, which means many people, including the team here at Dr. Mays’ office, are paying close attention to news about diabetes risks and treatment. Didhygienist examining pt you know that diabetics suffer higher rates of periodontal (gum) disease? The most likely explanation for this is that diabetics are more susceptible than others to contracting infections.

Especially at risk are those whose diabetes is poorly managed. But it turns out, the relationship between gum health and diabetes goes both ways, as research suggests that periodontal disease makes a diabetic’s blood sugar more difficult to regulate.

Periodontal Disease—the Link to Diabetes
Elevated sugar levels in a diabetic’s saliva promote increased bacterial growth and inhibit periodontal healing. Diabetes can also cause blood vessels to thicken and slow the blood flow to body tissues, like gums and jawbone. Important nutrients and harmful body tissue waste are regulated by blood flow. When it’s decreased, the gums and bones that support your teeth weaken, and bacteria from plaque can lead to infection more easily.

Advanced gum disease can increase your blood sugar level. For diabetics, this can be significantly harmful because it lengthens the amount of time their bodies function with higher blood sugar, putting them at higher risk for diabetic complications. Thus, diabetics who have periodontal disease should be treated to eliminate the periodontal infection.

Reducing Your Risk—Keeping Gums Healthy
Dr. Mays offers several periodontal disease treatments at her Richardson dental practice. Whether you suffer from diabetes or not, regular visits for cleanings and checkups help control oral plaque, bacteria, and infection. In addition, we provide our patients with:

•     Advice for effective brushing and flossing techniques so gums and teeth stay healthy at home.
•     Scaling and root planing, which removes decaying food particles under the gums and eradicates harmful bacteria.
•     Topical antibiotic treatment to fight infection and restore periodontal health.
•     Referrals to a periodontist (a gum-disease specialist) for surgical care or laser therapy, if necessary.

If you have diabetes and are concerned about its interaction with your oral health, call our office today to schedule a comprehensive periodontal exam with Dr. Adrienne Mays. Our office is here to keep you smiling.

As the year wraps up, your thoughts are probably focused on things other than health care. Celebrating the holidays, visiting family, and making time for friends takes precedence. Life can go into overdrive for a while. But if you carve out a little time for your dental appointment at Dr. Mays’ office, you could be rewarded with money saved. Everyone could use a little of that by the end of the year!

Optimizing your benefits soon makes sense. Most dental plans run according to the calendar year rather than the fiscal year. So scheduling an appointment now means that you’ll:

Put your yearly maximum to good use
The exact amount of yearly maximums vary by insurance provider, but the idea is always the same. Your insurance company will pay for a set amount of your dental work each year. This benefit renews annually and doesn’t roll over. You can’t predict how you might need that allowance next year, so taking care of your dental health today is a smart move.

    Take advantage of deductible you’ve already paid
Every new year brings a renewed deductible. This is the amount you pay before the insurance company will start covering dental procedures. Usually it’s around 50 dollars. If you’ve already paid your yearly deductible, why not make the most of what you’ve invested?

    Pay this year’s insurance fees
Insurance premiums or co-pays can increase from year to year. If you know you should make an appointment, procrastination could be a costly gamble. Visiting in the next few months means knowing you’ll get this year’s benefits for this year’s treatment.

    Avoid dental emergencies this season
Scheduling dental care around your life is better than disrupting it with an urgent visit to the dentist. That’s never truer than during the holidays. If you keep up with routine maintenance, chances are you’ll have fewer causes to call Dr. Mays for an emergency appointment.

October is already in full swing. This year is passing quickly, so if you want to take full advantage of your dental insurance, don’t put it off any longer.

If you live in Richardson, Plano, or anywhere in the greater DFW area, Dr. Mays is here to serve you. She has provided quality family and cosmetic dentistry at her private practice since 1996. To schedule an appointment, contact our office today.

f you’re an adult with crooked, crowded, or awkwardly spaced teeth, the choice for improving your smile is clear. Invisalign clear braces, that is! North Dallas cosmetic dentist Dr. Mays offers this state-of-the-art orthodontic solution to give patients ideal smiles – often in less than a year.

No unsightly, uncomfortable brackets and wires!
Invisalign contains no metal. The acrylic aligners are easy to insert, comfortable to wear, and virtually invisible. They’re removable, too, so it’s a breeze to clean them, and you won’t have to alter your diet. Invisalign clear braces exert gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their ideal arrangement. Each pair of aligners continues the straightening process until treatment is complete. Treatment times range from 6 to 18 months – faster than traditional braces. You’ll achieve a healthy, attractive smile in less time than you thought possible!

Precision Treatment Planning
logoYour Plano/Richardson Invisalign provider will take images of your teeth and jaw to precisely plan your treatment from start to finish. A certified Invisalign lab will use Dr. Mays’ instructions to fabricate your custom series of clear aligners. Wear each pair for approximately two weeks before moving on to the next set in your series. You’ll visit our comfortable, inviting Richardson dental office for periodic progress checks to ensure your Invisalign clear braces treatment is on track.

New Invisalign Provider Guidelines
Invisalign recently implemented a new proficiency program to improve the level of service and treatment delivered by Invisalign providers. In her commitment to excellence, Dr. Mays is an active participant in this program and is currently pursuing all required Invisalign continuing education courses and milestones. Why? To provide the personalized service and advanced dental care families in Plano, Richardson, and surrounding areas have come to expect.

So, if you want straight teeth and a beautiful, new smile, think Invisalign. Schedule a consultation and discover how leading cosmetic dentist Dr. Mays and Invisalign clear braces can give you the smile you want – and deserve

Teeth whitening is a fantastic way to improve your appearance, quickly and without surgery. A brilliantly white smile inspires confidence and conveys youth, vitality, and success. At our North Dallas dental office, Dr. Mays give patients stunning smiles with professional in-office and take-home bleaching, which is also called teeth whitening.

Recent studies indicate that 80% of Americans ages 18 through 49 want whiter teeth. Teeth whitening is an extremely popular procedure that delivers lasting and dramatic results. If you’re ready for enhance your appearance and your self-esteem, ask about professional teeth whitening from North Dallas cosmetic dentist Dr. Mays.

Teeth bleaching can remove stains caused by:

•     Beverages, including coffee, tea, and red wine
•     Tobacco use
•     Staining foods, such as curry and berries
•     Some tetracycline medications
•     The natural aging process

At your teeth whitening appointment, Dr. Mays will examine your tooth enamel to assess the degree of staining, then help you determine the whitening method that’s right for you. To remove dental stains and discolorations, Dr. Mays offers:

•     In-office whitening: Choose from Opalescence or laser bleaching. We’ll apply specially formulated whitening gel that gently penetrates tooth enamel to erase discolorations and promote sparkle and shine. You’ll achieve a star-quality smile in about an hour.
•     Take-home bleaching: Dr. Mays is currently offering a 10-day supply of Opalescence treswhite pre-filled whitening trays for $75 – a fantastic value! This product contains fluoride to strengthen and protect teeth, as well.

Patients in Richardson, Plano, and the greater DFW Metroplex rely on Dr. Mays for quality dental care. We use teeth bleaching products that contain ingredients proven safe and effective in clinical studies. Millions of people worldwide have achieved whiter, more beautiful smiles with professional bleaching. Shouldn’t you be next?

Call our warm, inviting Richardson dental office today to schedule your teeth whitening appointment with Dr. Mays, and claim the beautiful smile that you deserve!

Gum (periodontal) disease is a sneaky bacterial infection that often goes unnoticed in the early stages. But left untreated, it can progress to wreck your oral and overall health. The bacteria that originate in the mouth can spread throughout your body and contribute to serious health issues, including heart attack, stroke, pregnancy and diabetes complications, Alzheimer’s Disease, osteoporosis, and more.

At our Richardson dental office, family and general dentist Dr. Mays offers proven gum disease treatments to renew periodontal health. Estimates show that up to 80% of Americans unknowingly have some form of gum disease. That’s a staggering statistic, and one that Dr. Mays takes seriously. At your six-month checkup and cleaning, we’ll thoroughly examine your gums and suggest periodontal therapies to prevent or treat this common condition.

As a progressive dentist focused on whole-mouth and whole-body health, Dr. Mays will help you achieve a strong smile and lasting wellness. Our comprehensive gum disease therapies include:

•     Tips on proper brushing and flossing techniques to keep gums strong and healthy at home
•     Scaling and root planing to remove hardened food particles below the gum line and prevent bacteria from invading healthy tissue
•     Topical antiobiotic therapy to eliminate infection and revitalize periodontal health
•     Referral to a periodontist (a specialist in diagnosing, treating, and preventing gum disease) for surgical care, if necessary

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with gum disease are twice as likely to have heart disease, and they’re twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The scientific community is finally beginning to realize what dentists have known all along, the health of your mouth is an indicator of the overall health of your body. For more information on the connection between heart disease and periodontal disease, click here.

Your good health is an invaluable asset, and Dr. Mays and our experienced team are your allies in the fight against gum disease. Call our leading-edge North Dallas practice today to schedule an appointment and learn how modern periodontal therapy can save your smile and improve your life.