April 2024 Blog: Spring into a Healthy Smile with Smile Squad in Oak Forest, Texas!

Spring is in full bloom here in Oak Forest, and there’s no better time to refresh your smile! At Smile Squad, we’re dedicated to helping our community achieve the best oral health while enjoying the vibrant energy that April brings. From routine cleanings to advanced dental care, our team is ready to ensure your smile is bright, healthy, and full of confidence.

Why Spring is the Perfect Time for a Dental Check-up
April isn’t just about flowers and warmer days—it’s also a great time to prioritize your dental health. Many of us start the year with resolutions, but by spring, those goals might need a little jumpstart. Whether you’ve been putting off that check-up or just want a fresh smile for the new season, our team at Smile Squad has you covered. Here’s why scheduling your visit this April is a great idea:

Start Fresh: Winter can be harsh on our teeth, with all the holiday treats and dry air. A spring cleaning can remove plaque and tartar buildup, giving your teeth a fresh start.

Prevent Problems Before They Start: The longer you wait, the more likely small issues like cavities or gum disease can worsen. Regular check-ups help catch problems early, saving you from more complex treatments down the line.

Get Ready for Summer: As summer approaches, we’re all looking forward to outdoor fun and family gatherings. A bright, healthy smile boosts confidence and ensures you’re photo-ready for all the upcoming events.

Tips for Maintaining Your Smile This Spring
Maintaining a healthy smile is a year-round commitment, but here are some spring-specific tips to keep your teeth looking and feeling their best:

Hydrate: With the weather warming up, staying hydrated is key. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth clean and your breath fresh.
Switch to a New Toothbrush: After a long winter, it might be time for a new toothbrush. If the bristles are frayed, they’re not doing their job properly. Aim to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
Eat Fresh: Spring is the perfect time to enjoy fresh fruits and veggies, which not only benefit your body but also your teeth. Crunchy foods like apples and carrots act like natural toothbrushes, helping to clean your teeth as you eat.
Spotlight on Oral Health: National Oral Health Month
Did you know that April is National Oral Health Month? This month is all about raising awareness for the importance of oral hygiene. At Smile Squad, we’re proud to participate by offering tips and services that help you and your family stay informed about the best ways to care for your teeth. Be sure to follow us on social media for more tips, tricks, and fun facts all month long!

Smile Squad’s April Special
To celebrate the arrival of spring, we’re offering a special promotion for new patients throughout April. Book your first cleaning and exam with us this month, and receive a free teeth whitening session! There’s no better time to brighten your smile for the upcoming season.

Book Your Appointment Today!
At Smile Squad, serving the Oak Forest community is our passion. Our friendly team is here to provide compassionate, high-quality care in a comfortable and relaxed environment. Whether it’s a routine check-up, cosmetic treatment, or emergency care, we’re ready to help you achieve your healthiest smile.

Smile Squad – Your Partner in Oral Health in Oak Forest, Texas.

Oak Forest Dentist 77018

Oak Forest Dentist 77018

We think it is important for all of our patients, no matter their age, to receive the best dental care possible. For children, it is important to teach them how to properly care for this teeth at home, so they will not require extensive dental treatments as they age. When your child’s first tooth/teeth come in, dental care at home should begin. Cleaning these new teeth, as well as the gums, gently with a piece of gauze or a soft cloth will help to keep them clean. When several teeth have erupted, you can begin brushing them with a soft toothbrush.

Around the age of 1, your child should see a pediatric dentist for the first time, before this time, your pediatrician will be checking for any concerns or irregularities. To ensure that your child does not develop early tooth decay, make sure you do not send them to bed drinking a bottle, or right after breastfeeding, without brushing afterwards. Also, if you child has a thumb sucking habit, help them to kick the habit as early as possible.

You may be nervous about your child’s first dental appointment, we understand! Many parents have a fear themselves of the dentist and are worried their child will experience pain or discomfort during their exam or treatment. We urge you to try and remain calm, as your child can easily pick up on your tension. We work hard to ensure our office is warm, inviting, fun and our exams and treatments are as comfortable as possible.

Are you and your family ready to join the Smile Squad Shepherd family? We can’t wait to meet you! Give us a call today to set up your child’s appointment.

Visit Smile Squad at 3800 N Shepherd Dr #3A, Houston TX, 77018 or call us (281) 688-9816

Medicaid Braces 77018

Medicaid Braces 77018

Orthodontics, also known as dentofacial orthopedics, is a field of dentistry specializing in the diagnosis & treatment of facial and dental imperfections. Orthodontic irregularities are not just an effect of genetic but can also be a result of lifestyle and environmental factors. Some of our patients come to us because they are experiencing an issue with their jaw function or a misalignment in their bite, making it difficult for them to eat or speak. Others look to orthodontic care for issues such as crooked teeth or teeth that have actually rotated in their mouth. No matter the reason, orthodontics can resolve most dental malformations for patients of nearly any age.

TRADITIONAL METAL BRACES
What most people are familiar with when it comes to braces are the stainless steel brackets and wires we’ve all seen growing up. These traditional braces are the most affordable and most selected option for orthodontic treatment. Young patients enjoy the multitude of color varieties available for their bands and, unlike the “old days” of metal braces, today’s traditional braces have thinner wires and smaller brackets.

CERAMIC BRACES
Ceramic braces, more commonly referred to as clear braces, work just like traditional metal braces but are far less noticeable because of the clear or tooth-colored ceramic (or plastic) used for the brackets. You can also opt for the clear wires to make the braces even more unnoticeable.

These may sound like a dream come true, especially if you would prefer to have a more aesthetically pleasing treatment, but there are some things to be aware of with clear braces. They usually will cost more than metal braces and they will stain easier if proper care is not taken to clean them as directed.

Visit Smile Squad at 3800 N Shepherd Dr #3A, Houston TX, 77018 or call us (281) 688-9816

Invisalign 77018

Invisalign 77018

Invisalign® is truly the clear option if you are looking for great results without the look or feel of braces. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made for you “aligners” which work to slowly move your teeth into their proper final alignment. Though not available for use on children, teens and adults find that the virtually invisible appearance and ease of removable aligners makes this the perfect treatment option for them.

With Invisalign, you will wear each of the custom made aligners around 2 weeks before changing to the next tray in your series. Most treatments can be completed within a 1 year timeframe.
What comes next? Well, in order to discover which, Invisalign or braces, are the right fit for your orthodontic treatment, our friendly orthodontic team will perform the following.

A COMPLEMENTARY CONSULT
During your consultation, we will take:
Detailed photos of both your face & your mouth
X-rays of your teeth & jaw
Dental impressions of your teeth & gums

Visit Smile Squad at 3800 N Shepherd Dr #3A, Houston TX, 77018 or call us (281) 688-9816.

Care Tips For Braces | 77018

Remember to brush your teeth and braces (including bands, wires and brackets) every day, especially after eating, to avoid build up of food and plaque around your brackets and on your teeth.

Don’t forget the floss. Though it is not as easy to maneuver with braces, your dentist will happily show you how to effectively floss around your braces and wires.

Avoid eating foods that are hard, chewy and sticky. Foods like candy, gum, nuts, apples, raw veggies, corn on the cob, ribs, popcorn and ice should be avoided while wearing braces to avoid damage. A full list of foods to avoid will be provided to you during your consultation.

Protect your mouth while playing sports! Talk to your orthodontist about a special mouth guard if you play sports where you potentially can experience getting hit in the face or mouth.

Visit Smile Squad at 3800 N Shepherd Dr #3A, Houston TX, 77018 or call us (281) 688-9816.

Baby Teething | 77018

Baby Teething | 77018

Getting teeth can be a difficult time for both babies and guardians. Here are a few helpful tips to assist with making life somewhat more wonderful for everybody.

Did you had at least some idea that when your child is conceived, every one of the 20 of their child teeth are as of now evolved underneath the gums, prepared to seem when they are 4-7 months old? The getting teeth process, be that as it may, starts a couple of months before their first tooth shows up.

For our little ones who fail to see what’s going on, it very well may be an excruciating and disappointing time, and surprisingly more so for guardians who have no chance of clarifying what’s happening.

Indications of Teething

Drooling – Teething animates spit creation, and most children haven’t completely dominated the swallow reflex until they are no less than year and a half old.

Biting – Babies and even babies who are getting teeth bite on anything they can get their priceless little hands on.

Fussy babies – Some guardians notice a relationship between’s a fussy child, crying spells, and an absence of hunger with a kid that is prepared to cut a tooth. On the off chance that your mouth hurt and you didn’t have the foggiest idea for what reason you’d be grumpy as well!

Visit Smile Squad at 3800 N Shepherd Dr #3A, Houston TX, 77018 or call us (281) 688-9816.