Tooth-Brushing Tips

Even though we’ve been brushing our teeth for our whole lives, many of us are surprised to learn that we’re not doing it properly. How many of you think it’s a race when you step in front of the sink? You may brush for less than a minute, leaving a layer of plaque behind. Plaque that isn’t removed can harden into tartar, making it harder to keep teeth clean. That’s why it is important to utilize these brushing tips in between professional cleanings and dental checkups with our doctors at Cadena Dentistry.

• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.


• Move the brush back-and-forth gently in short strokes.


• Brush the outer surfaces, the inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of all teeth.


• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.


• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

If you have questions about your oral hygiene routine, please give us a call. To learn about our services that we provide at the practice, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Dental Emergency Duties

At Cadena Dentistry, our doctors understand 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 us 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, please give us a call immediately. To learn about our services that we provide at the practice, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Xylitol Dental Benefits

If you are prone to cavities but refuse to put down the sweet treats, our staff at Cadena Dentistry recommends incorporating some xylitol into your diet. Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in most plant material, including many fruits and vegetables. It tastes sweet but, unlike table sugar, it is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. If you have no desire to change your diet don’t worry, xylitol can conveniently be delivered to your teeth via chewing gum, tablets, or even candy.

In addition to reducing the development of cavities, xylitol also reduces plaque formation and increases salivary flow to aid in the repair of damaged tooth enamel. It also provides one-third fewer calories than sugar and may be useful as a sugar alternative for people with diabetes. So next time you’re strolling through the candy aisle at a convenience store, you may want to look for a label that mentions this sugar substitute.

If you have questions about xylitol and the dental benefits it provides, please give us a call. To learn about our services that we provide at the practice, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Tips for a Camera-Ready Smile

Do you hide from the camera because your teeth are any shade but white? If you’ve answered yes, our staff at Cadena Dentistry can provide you with a wide variety of whitening services to give you the bright smile that you desire. However, if there is any reason you can’t go the cosmetic route at this moment, we can provide you with some tips that will give you a photogenic smile.

• 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 have questions about our whitening services, please give us a call. To learn about our services that we provide at the practice, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Veneers for a Perfect Smile

When you notice you are hiding your smile, it may be time for a cosmetic change. Patients are often pleasantly surprised at how improving their smile can boost their confidence. At Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, we offer dental veneers to improve dental imperfects big and small.

Veneers are fantastic for instantly improving the look of gaps, cracks, discoloration, misaligned teeth, and more; all without major any dental work. Veneers are porcelain shells that are bonded to the fronts of your existing teeth. All that is needed is some light preparation.

Veneers are strong, long-lasting, and stain-resistant. You can eat anything you want wearing veneers and they are permanent, so you do not have to worry about taking them in and out. With good care including brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings, dental veneers can last for over ten years.

First, we will prepare your teeth by taking off a small amount of enamel. This amount of enamel is what will be replaced by the veneers. Then we take impressions of your teeth so that a dental laboratory can create a set of veneers that is completely customized for you. During the creation process, we will have you wear temporary veneers. When the permanent veneers are ready, we bond them into place. The next time you flash your smile, you will have something to be proud of!

If you are ready to show your smile off, consider dental veneers. To schedule a consultation with Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call our office at (830) 775-3322. Appointments may also be made through our website, www.cadenadentistry.com. 

Types of Teeth and Their Functions

At Cadena Dentistry, our staff not only takes care of the teeth, we take pride in educating you on the purpose they serve in your mouth. 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 questions about your pearly whites, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.

Different Reasons for Tooth Extractions

At Cadena Dentistry, we want our patients to keep their permanent teeth for a lifetime. However, that isn’t always possible. When it comes to dental procedures, tooth extraction is among the patients’ most dreaded fears. Before our doctors at Cadena Dentistry consider extraction, every effort will be made to try to repair and restore your tooth. However, sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary.

Aside from wisdom teeth removal, other reasons for extractions may include:

• Severe tooth damage/trauma – some teeth have such extensive decay and damage (broken or cracked) that repair is not possible.


• Orthodontic treatment – people getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place.


• Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.


• Extra teeth – extra teeth may block other teeth from erupting, therefore, will require extraction.

If you suspect that you may need a tooth extracted, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.cadenadentistry.com for more information. To schedule a consultation at Cadena Dentistry in Del Rio, TX, call 830-775-3322.