Our Blog

May Office Update

May 29th, 2020

Happy May from Blue Stone Dental! We hope all our patients are staying safe, healthy, and are able to enjoy the spring sun while social distancing. We opened our doors on May 1st so our team is ready to see you.

Please be aware that we are following CDC guidelines for the health of both our team and our patients. Your next appointment with us might look a little different but please know it’s for everyone’s safety. Before your next appointment please fill out the health history survey on our website and any other paperwork necessary before arriving at the office. When you arrive we ask you to call the office to let us know you are outside. We will meet you at your car to take your temperature and walk you either to the hygienist or doctor's treatment room. All patients should wear a facemask when you are not being treated. We are reserving special times for older patients when the office is less busy.

In addition to the use of facemasks, protective eyewear, and gloves we have also implemented the use of gowns and face shields. We have installed HEPA filtration throughout the office and also implemented direct HEPA filtration at the patient's mouth to remove all aerosols created during treatment.

Since life has been full of challenges and uncertainty lately, we recommend taking extra time to relax and destress yourself every day. Dr. Lauck loves listening to the quiet sounds of nature, like the birds and bugs in the morning sun. These slower times give us an opportunity to appreciate nature, the world around is full of incredible things!

Another great way to stay positive is to acknowledge what you are grateful for in your life. For Dr. Lauck, it’s her two sons. They are both in the Navy and currently training for their future. One is training in Corpus for a pilot position and the other is headed to Coronado to start BUD's training. They have jobs, paychecks, and insurance! She can’t wait to see them again.

With all the extra time spent at home, there’s more time to make delicious treats! There’s nothing quite like enjoying a fabulous dessert to relieve some stress. Try Dr. Lauck’s Chocolate Mousse recipe the next time you are in the kitchen!

Chocolate Mousse

What you will need:

1 box instant chocolate pudding (any size)
2-3 cups heavy whipping cream
Instructions:
1. Using a hand mixer, make the instant pudding according to the package directions, only substitute heavy cream for milk. You can also substitute 1/2 and 1/2 or a mix of milk to make less thick if desired.
2. Place it in the refrigerator for a few mins. and then mix it again until it's super thick.
You can store the chocolate mousse in a covered container in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks! Enjoy!

We hope we see you in our office again soon. Stay healthy and safe, everyone!

 

What is expected of me during my orthodontic treatment?

May 27th, 2020

We hear this question a lot at Blue Stone Dental, and we don’t mind when patients who are eager to complete their orthodontic treatment ask us. After all, we know there is no better feeling than getting your braces off!

During your initial consultation with Drs. Jay Corley and Rebecca Lauck, we will map out a specific treatment for you and will try our hardest to give you a timeline of when we expect you to wrap up treatment.

Having said that, we know every patient is different. People have different biological responses to orthodontic treatment and some people’s teeth may move faster than others.

Luckily, there are things you can do to ensure your treatment wraps up in a timely manner. By following these suggestions, you can avoid any setbacks during your treatment.

  • Make sure to keep your adjustment appointments. Postponing or cancelling will delay treatment!
  • Be sure to show up on time to your appointments. This will give Drs. Jay Corley and Rebecca Lauck and our team time to do everything we planned during your adjustment visit.
  • When prescribed, make sure you are diligent about wearing rubber bands or other appliances.
  • Avoid damage to your braces and teeth by wearing a mouth guard during sports activities.
  • Make sure to brush and floss regularly! Gum disease or other dental work can delay orthodontic treatment.

If you remember to follow these guidelines, you’ll be on your way to having the dazzling, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. As for us, our team at Blue Stone Dental will do our part to move your orthodontic treatment along efficiently. If you have any questions about your treatment time, please give us a call at our Keller, TX office or ask us during your next visit!

Medication Can Lead To Xerostomia in Women

May 13th, 2020

Xerostomia, otherwise known as dry mouth, can be a side effect of many common medications. Drugs used for blood pressure, birth control, antidepressants, or cancer treatments may cause the dry mouth problems you’re experiencing. When you have dry mouth, you’re more likely to experience tooth decay and an increased risk of developing periodontal disease. Medication can sometimes be the cause of dry mouth in women, and lead to an increased amount of cavities.

You may not develop a cavity for years, but suddenly find more than one when you’re on medication for several months. This is due to there being less saliva in your mouth, which normally prevents bacteria from flourishing. When there is a lack of saliva flow, your mouth will be more likely to host tooth decay and be more prone to gum disease.

You may not notice it, but birth control can lead to inflammation of the gums and bleeding because of dry mouth. The condition can also emerge if you’ve undergone cancer treatments such as radiation, because your saliva glands may be damaged in the process.

Boosting saliva production is critical for treating xerostomia. Many over-the-counter saliva products are designed to help manage dry mouth. For women with severe cases of dry mouth and decay, we may recommend in-home fluoride treatments that offer extra enamel protection. This can come in the form of fluoride trays, prescription toothpaste, or a special fluoride rinse.

Other ways to relieve dry mouth include chewing sugar-free gum, limiting caffeine intake, avoiding mouthwashes that contain alcohol, sipping water regularly, using a humidifier at night, and stopping all tobacco use.

If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of dry mouth, contact our Keller, TX office to schedule an appointment with Drs. Jay Corley and Rebecca Lauck. It’s wise to take medications that have been prescribed by your doctor, but it’s also smart to watch for any side effects. If you think a medication is causing you to have dry mouth, let’s figure out how to manage your symptoms as a team!

Summer is Almost Here: Tips for a bright, white smile!

May 6th, 2020

Summer is almost here, which means a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories is just around the corner for our patients at Blue Stone Dental.

Everyone wants a glowing and radiant white smile when the sun comes around and we have a few reminders to keep your pearly whites healthy and beautiful over the summer! Try to stay away from drinks that will stain your teeth like coffee, soft drinks, or dark colored juices. Not only will drinks like this weaken your enamel but they will also darken that fabulous smile you're working on! Another tip is to try and focus on brushing your teeth; everyone knows that when busy schedules start picking up, getting a good brushing session in tends to take the backseat! A good tip for keeping your mouth safe from staining and other possible pitfalls is to rinse your mouth with water after any meal you can’t fully brush your teeth after. Your teeth, inside and out, will benefit!

And remember, whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or just having fun in the backyard this summer, we want to hear all about it! Make sure to let us know what you’re up to below or on our Facebook page! We also encourage you to post any photos from your adventures!

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