Information For Patients

Mouthwash is used to help rinse away bacteria or food particles after you brush and floss each day. Using mouthwash is an additional way to help protect your teeth and gums. Knowing the differences between mouthwashes can help you choose the right one to incorporate into your oral hygiene routine.

Invisalign is a popular choice for orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is an alternative to braces, and uses clean plastic aligners that are worn in a series over time to gently move teeth into place.

Many people suffer from chronic bad breath or halitosis. Bad breath is something you do not want to be known for, and typically finding the cause is easy. If you suffer from bad breath but also brush, floss, or gargle each day the cause may not be obvious. Taking the time to figure out the underlying problem that may be causing your bad breath is important, and finding a cure can be simple.

When patients have cavities the surface of the tooth is permanently damaged, and tiny holes develop. They can be caused by bacteria, the food you eat or drink, and poor oral hygiene. The severity of the decay, and the condition of the tooth will determine what course of treatment is best. We provide many services for our patients, and your health is our first priority.

Professional whitening is effective at removing years of stains and discoloration from the teeth. Whether you're looking to boost your confidence or are going to be attending a wedding, reunion or another big event, a bright and white smile is sure to improve your appearance.

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep-related disorders in the world affecting millions of people. It can be caused by being overweight, obese or by smoking or having a jaw deformity. Obstructive sleep apnea simply refers to the soft tissues at the back of the mouth and throat blocking the airway. This causes the patient to wake up frequently during the night because of short cessations in their breathing.

Crowns are similar to a cap that is placed over a tooth, and are used to save and restore a damaged tooth. Crowns look natural and allow patients to use their tooth again. The color of a crown can also be matched to your natural teeth, and crowns help to make damaged teeth strong again.

Dental cleanings are integral part of our oral health, and are typically recommended twice a year. Keeping our teeth and gums free and clear of harmful bacteria is important. Our team is proud to offer general dental treatments like dental cleanings. We strive to provide quality services for our patients, and always make sure our patients are relaxed and comfortable during their visit.

When dealing with a severe dental problem, your dentist should be your first call. Nevertheless, accidents often happen when most dental offices are closed such as on the weekend, late at night, or during the holidays. If you have a dental emergency, contact Dr. Neela Patel at Houston Heights Dentistry.

If the conspicuous black triangles that have opened up between your teeth are closing down your smile, it’s time to take some bold action! Whether your gums have receded due to gum disease, brushing too hard, or tooth loss that your aging restorations just can’t hide, cosmetic dentistry can open the door to a younger, revitalized – and smiling – YOU!

Look out your window… what do you see? You know it doesn’t really matter whether we are witnessing the first eagerly awaited buds of spring or just anticipating them. In our hearts, we are always ready for the excitement and social events that warm weather brings. Let our team give you dazzling results in time for that June wedding or graduation. Book your spring smile update with us today.

Remember when a bottle of soda pop was a big treat on a hot summer day? Well, soda may still taste great, but the portion size has exploded, and so has our consumption! Since 1970, our average yearly consumption has increased by 2½ times! Way back when, soda came in a 12 oz bottle, but now the standard serving size at amusement parks is a whopping 32 oz!

A symbolic pat on your own back is nice, but a real reward is better. You and you alone have been brushing, flossing, and maintaining a good oral home care regimen… even when you’d rather just flop into bed. Don’t you think you deserve some smile sizzle? Give yourself the gift of a great-looking, ego-­boosting cosmetic dental procedure!

For your trust & loyalty. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for your many years of continued support for our family dental practice. It’s been a privilege and a great pleasure for us to be able to provide you and your family with the highest standard of dental and oral health care.

We recommend our patients change their toothbrushes every three months, or with the seasons. And even sooner if you’ve recently had an infection such as sinusitis, pneumonia, or upset stomach.

Candy, soda, sugary treats, “Oh my!” They may taste delicious, but man, that sweet tooth can pack a disastrous oral punch. Just because you love your sweets doesn’t mean your teeth have to suffer the uncomfortable cavity consequences. There are preventative measures you can take to ensure you keep your teeth cavity-free while still enjoying those delectable desserts.

Many people may have heard that dark chocolate is good for you, but they might not have heard about how good it can be for your teeth. In fact, there is a definite link between dark chocolate, teeth and the longterm health of your mouth.

Through the power of entertainment, Red Nose Day has raised awareness and money to help kids in the U.S. as well as internationally.

Each year, Earth Day—April 22—marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. The first year of our Earth Day celebration gave voice to an emerging consciousness, channeling human energy toward environmental issues. Forty-six years later, we continue to inspire, challenge ideas, ignite passion, and motivate people to action.

The Oral Cancer Foundation is a national public service, non-profit entity designed to reduce suffering and save lives through prevention, education, research, advocacy, and patient support activities. Oral cancer is the largest group of those cancers which fall into the head and neck cancer category.

Any dental emergency like an injury to the teeth or gums can be potentially serious and should not be ignored. Ignoring a dental problem can increase the risk of permanent damage as well as the need for more extensive and expensive treatment later on.

The third Monday in February is Presidents’ Day. Several states specifically honor Washington, who was born Feb. 22. In Virginia, Washington’s home state, the holiday is called George Washington’s Day. In other states, Washington and Abraham Lincoln, who was born Feb. 12, are the birthday boys who are being honored.

In honor of Presidents’ Day week, part two of our look at the history of how our leaders aching teeth, weird dentures, and oral health have shaped the nation in their own small ways. The dental problems of U.S. presidents have led to grumpiness, missed banquets and even, in the opinion of some experts, premature death.

Do you know what is special about February 9? Have you ever heard of St. Apollonia? St Apollonia is the Patron Saint of Dentists and her Feast Day is February 9.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. What started in February 1941 in two cities in Ohio has developed over the years into a month long combined observance of the American Dental Association and the National Education Association.

How old is your toothbrush? When was the last time you changed toothbrushes? Many of us think when we have a cold, sore throat, or the flu that our toothbrushes harbor the germs and keep making us sick over and over again.

When Houston’s new mayor Sylvester Turner vowed to fix all the potholes on the city streets of Houston, Texas, it triggered a thought in me. As a dentist for over 21 years, I have been calling the worn-off tips of pointed cusps on teeth “potholes”.

Sleep apnea is a condition that affects the way that you breathe throughout the night. While you sleep, the soft tissues at the back of your throat actually begin to loosen and close over the upper airway.

Professional whitening is effective at removing years of stains and discoloration from the teeth. Whether you're looking to boost your confidence or are going to be attending a wedding, reunion or another big event, a bright and white smile is sure to improve your appearance.