Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Types of Teeth and Their Functions

It is our job at Greenville Family Dentistry to take care of your teeth and educate you as to why every single one of them is important. The numbers of teeth us humans have varies by age, however, we all have the same types of teeth. If you’ve ever wondered what these types of teeth are and the purpose they serve in your mouth, allow us to inform you.


The types of teeth and their functions are:



  • Incisors – located at the front of the mouth, these teeth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces.

  • Canines – located at the ‘corners’ of the dental arches, these teeth have a sharp pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food.

  • Premolars – Unlike incisors and canines, these teeth have a flat biting surface. Their function is to tear and crush food.

  • Molars – The molars are the largest teeth in the mouth and they too have a large flat biting surface. The function of these is perhaps the strongest of all as they chew, crush, and grind food.


If you have further questions about your pearly whites, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Don’t Brush Your Teeth Too Hard

Brushing your teeth regularly is considered vital for healthy teeth and gums. However, if you’ve ever heard the expression that “too much of a good thing can be bad for you,” the same rule applies here. Known as “toothbrush abrasion,” over brushing can lead to sensitive teeth and receding gums. It’s important to use the proper brushing technique that our staff at Greenville Family Dentistry has taught you in the past, but it’s also important to use the proper tools.


The people who are most at risk for tooth or gum damage from over brushing are those who are particularly diligent about their oral care and those who use medium or hard-bristled toothbrushes. Toothbrush abrasion causes V-shaped notches in the lower third of the teeth near the gum line. Dr. Christopher Emuedue can examine your teeth to see if you have tooth abrasion or erosion. Once the cause of erosion or abrasion is determined and stopped, the process usually ends.


If you have further questions regarding your oral hygiene routine, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Dental Bonding

Patients in Greenville, TX with cracks or gaps in their teeth are turning to dental bonding to restore their smile. Dr. Christopher Emuedue of Greenville Family Dentistry has become the go-to local dentist for bonding procedures. Unlike veneers, which are manufactured in a laboratory and require a customized mold, bonding can be done in a single visit.


Dental bonding is not just used to repair teeth that are cracked or damaged, it is also used to repair decayed teeth, improve discoloration of teeth and even change the shape of teeth. The procedure for dental bonding is non-invasive and quite simple. Patients are not required to be sedated for the procedure. Dr. Emuedue will utilize a shade guide in the beginning to match the resin color to the natural color of your teeth so it looks perfectly natural.


After selecting the proper shade, Dr. Emuedue will begin the bonding process. It begins with abrading or roughening the surface of the tooth. The tooth will then be coated lightly with a conditioning liquid. This liquid will help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. Once the tooth is prepared, Dr. Emuedue will simply apply the tooth-colored putty and mold it to the proper shape and size. The material is then hardened with an ultraviolet light. The final step is polishing the area to give you a fresh, vibrant smile. The bonding process typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. When it comes to maintenance, bonded teeth should be treated just as your regular teeth. They can be stained by tea, coffee and cigarettes just as normal teeth so regular brushing and flossing is highly recommended.


If you are interested in this affordable, effective dental procedure, set up an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue by calling (903) 455-6701. For more information on dental bonding or any other procedures at Greenville Family Dentistry, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Diet and Dental Health

To prevent cavities and maintain good oral health, your diet – what you eat and how often you eat are important factors. Changes in your mouth start the minute you eat certain foods. This is why it’s important to make sure that you are eating the right ones. Dr. Christopher Emuedue may not be able to monitor your diet, but he can tell you how yours affects your dental health and what foods to eat to keep those teeth healthy.


Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars and carbohydrates from the foods you eat to acids, and it’s these acids that begin to attack the enamel on teeth, starting the decay process. The more often you eat and snack, the more frequently you are exposing your teeth to the cycle of decay. The best food choices for the health of your mouth include cheeses, chicken or other meats, nuts, and milk. These foods are thought to protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to remineralize teeth.  Other food choices include firm/crunchy fruits and vegetables. These foods have a high water content, which dilutes the effects of sugars they contain, and stimulate saliva flow that helps wash away harmful acids.


For more information about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistrytx.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.