Oral Health

According to our Austin cosmetic dentist, clinical research in the last 20 years has linked gum disease to various health problems – and these issues are not localized to the mouth. On our Youtube channel, Dr. Sweeney discusses this phenomenon, which is known as the “oral-systemic connection.” Infections that start in the mouth or gums can spread throughout the entire body, leading to complications like diabetes, heart disease, low birth weight, strokes, and even Alzheimer’s disease. To keep these and […]

Gum recession is a common dental condition that occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing the tooth roots. Traditionally, surgical procedures have been used to treat receding gums; however, advancements in dental health have provided alternative non-surgical periodontal care options that may be able to address this issue, depending on its severity.* If you are suffering from less pronounced gum recession, you may be a candidate for scaling and root planing. This deep […]

Although vaping is considered by some to be less harmful than traditional cigarettes, research shows that these electronic cigarettes can still cause a variety of health issues, including to the mouth. In addition to the toxic ingredients often used in vape products, the heated vapor produced by e-cigarettes has been found to change the type of bacteria that grows in the mouth, creating more concern about the dangers of vaping. For those who regularly smoke — whether with vape pens, […]

On the surface, your oral health and your weight may not seem very connected. However, there are some correlations between poor oral health and weight gain. Your health can come under siege if certain types of bacteria found in the mouth travel to other parts of the body. Among these various health concerns is unintended weight gain. Austin Dental Spa provides a slew of services including laser dentistry and advanced periodontal care, two services that can go a long way […]

At Austin Dental Spa, our cosmetic dentist, Mark Sweeney, DDS, believes in treating patients by looking at the whole oral systemic connection – that is, the concept that oral health is a key part of overall health. Dr. Sweeney has over 40 years of experience performing a variety of cosmetic treatments, restorative procedures, and beyond. His recent video discusses some of the most-life changing oral health treatments available at Austin Dental Spa. With his superior skill and compassionate chairside manner, […]

As part of Austin Dental Spa’s video series, Dr. Mark Sweeney provides another educational session focused on the link between oral health and memory loss. During the video segment, Dr. Sweeney talks about how the connection between your mouth and memory can impact overall brain function. The first link he explains is the act of chewing. Referencing a study, Dr. Sweeney says nerves beneath your tooth are connected to the brain and can help stimulate neural activity. If someone has […]

Experienced cosmetic dentist Mark Sweeney, DDS has a message for you: don’t fall behind on your oral care! It’s important to stay on top of your dental health, and part of doing so is watching for signs of potentially serious issues. In a recent video, Dr. Sweeney shares seven signs that may suggest you need a root canal, including persistent pain, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, and more. Stay tuned for more of Dr. Sweeney’s helpful tips on our […]

A loose tooth is normal when younger, as the adult teeth are growing in, but when a permanent tooth becomes loose, this can be a cause for concern. There are a variety of reasons why a person’s tooth may become loose during adulthood, and depending on the cause, your dentist can help you find the most appropriate solution. Common reasons for a loose tooth include: Gum Disease: A buildup of harmful bacteria leads to periodontal pockets and gum recession, which […]

Most people will lose at least one tooth in their lifetime, whether from an injury, decay, or disease. Although this is a relatively common problem, it’s important to replace the missing tooth as soon as possible to prevent further issues from happening. Initially, one or more missing teeth can take away from your smile appearance, as well as affect your ability to speak and chew properly. Over time, more problems will start to develop, which tend to require more in-depth […]

Throughout the day, a sticky film known as plaque, or dental biofilm, starts to form between your teeth and along your gum line. While plaque is completely normal, it can be damaging if not removed on a regular basis. This is because plaque contains bacteria and food particles, and as the bacteria starts breaking down the food particles, toxins are secreted. This can lead to gum inflammation and tooth decay when left in contact with the teeth and gums for […]