Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Stages of Gum Disease

If you want to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, then you need to listen when Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry tells you to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. Additionally, there are three stages that you need to be aware of. You should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams twice a year to keep your teeth healthy.



  • Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.

  • Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.

  • Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.


If you experience gum inflammation, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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.

Friday, May 20, 2016

Details on Dental Emergencies

Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry understands that accidents happen and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If you or your child experience some sort of trauma to your mouth for whatever reason, please give our office a call immediately. Meanwhile, in the midst of a dental emergency, utilize these tips to ensure a smooth recovery. 



  • For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.

  • For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.

  • If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.

  • For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.


If you experience a dental emergency, call us immediately. 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, May 4, 2016

Tips for a Camera-Ready Smile

At Greenville Family Dentistry, we always want our patients to have a camera-ready smile. With a variety of whitening options to choose from, we can restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter than your natural color, if you would like. However, if there is any reason you can’t go the cosmetic route at this moment, we’d like to provide you with some tips to show off the smile you already have!



  •  Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.



  • Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day.



  • Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror!


If you wish to improve the appearance of your smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.greenvillefamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Emuedue at Greenville Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call 903-455-6701.