Dentistry is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions, disorders, and diseases of the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Often considered necessary for complete oral health, dentistry can have an impact on the health of your entire body.

A dentist is a specialist who works to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Your dentist has completed at least eight years of schooling, and received either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree, or a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. If your doctor is a pediatric dentist, this means that they specialize in caring for children from infancy through their teen years. Your dentist has received the proper education and training needed to work with young kids. Other specializations include:

Your teeth may feel fine, but its still important to see the dentist regularly because problems can exist without you knowing. Your smiles appearance is important, and your dentist can help keep your smile healthy and looking beautiful. With so many advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. Todays dentists offer many treatment choices that can help you smile with confidence, including:

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six-months-old and no later than one-year-old. During this time, your childs baby teeth will be coming in and your dentist can examine the health of your childs first few teeth. After the first visit, be sure to schedule regular checkups every six months.

Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months. Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to see the dentist more than just twice a year. You doctor will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.

A cavity is a small hole that forms inside the tooth because of tooth decay. Cavities are formed when plaque buildup on the outside of the tooth combines with sugars and starches in the food you eat. This produces an acid that can eat away the enamel on your tooth. If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health problems. Cavities can be prevented by remembering to brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss between teeth at least once.

A filling is a synthetic material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity after all of the tooth decay has been removed. Fillings do not generally hurt because your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. Fillings are made from a variety of different materials, including composites, gold, or ceramic. If you need a filling, be sure to talk to your doctor about what type is best for you and your teeth.

According to your dentist and the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth at least two times a day. Brushing keeps your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and healthy by removing bacteria-causing plaque. It is also recommended that you use a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride when you brush your teeth. You should spend at least a minute on the top teeth and a minute on the bottom teeth, and remember to brush your tongue it will help keep your breath smelling fresh!

Your toothbrush will eventually wear out, especially if you are brushing your teeth twice a day for two to three minutes each time. Your dentist recommends that adults and children change their toothbrush every three months. If you are using an electric toothbrush, be sure to read the directions because you may not need to change toothbrush heads as frequently. Patients with gum disease are encouraged to change their toothbrush every four to six weeks to keep any bacteria from spreading. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with hot water to kill germs and keep the bristles clean. If youve been sick, be sure to change your toothbrush as soon as possible.

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease, and, if detected, is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition. Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease. Common signs of gum disease:

Yes! In fact, its even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush cant reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

Simply call our practice! The Sage Dental and Orthodontics front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.

Dr. Parks grew up in Reno, NV, San Diego, CA, and Denver, CO. He attended Brigham Young University in Provo, UT where he received a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree. Following his undergraduate education, Dr. Parks worked as a dental lab technician for ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, making custom dental crowns, dentures, and implants.

Dr. Parks then earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, where he graduated at the top of his class. During dental school, Dr. Parks was an active member of the Alpha Omega dental fraternity and Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society. He was also actively involved with the American Student Dental Association.

Following his dental education and training, Dr. Parks honed his skills as an associate dentist at Archstone Dental in Fort Worth, TX, prior to opening four Sage Dental offices in the Houston area. Sage Dental is now located in Baytown, Deer Park, Pasadena, and Pearland.

Dr. Parks takes pride in providing his patients with the best possible dental care, while having the most pleasant experience. He takes the time to treat each patient with the respect and compassion they deserve and wants everyone to be a part of his dental family. Dr. Parks offers a unique experience that is fun, affordable, interactive, and effective. Combining the right mix of personal care, high technology, and continuing education, Dr. Parks and his staff maintain a commitment to their patients in every facet of their dental care. He enjoys all areas of dentistry, with a special interest in pediatric dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Parks has been married to his wonderful wife, Jordan, for nine years, and they have three young children. When not in the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, waterskiing, wakeboarding, kite-surfing, snow skiing, and camping.

Dr. Alkhiro attended the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston, TX where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Dr. Alkhiro is practiced in multiple facets of general dentistry and continues to expand her knowledge and love of dentistry. She is committed to providing her patients with quality dental care in the most comfortable conditions as possible. Dr. Alkhiro always ensures her patients are well informed and feel comfortable asking questions about their dental needs. Outside of the office, Dr. Alkhiro enjoys travelingshe speaks four languages! She also enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Carrizales was born and raised in Houston, TX. She earned her Bachelor of Science. in Biology degree with a concentration in neuroscience from the University of Texas at San Antonio, graduating Magna Cum Laude. For a year, she worked as a cord blood collector for MD Anderson, helping bring transplants to patients suffering from lymphomas and leukemia. She then attended the University of Texas School of Dentistry where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Dr. Carrizales is an empathetic and compassionate individual who cares about her community and patients. She volunteers her time with Catholic Charities and has served as a catechist at multiple churches for four years. She enjoys seeing children active in the church. Dr. Carrizales also actively volunteers for Baker Ripley Neighborhood Centers and NALEO. She is passionate about helping refugees and immigrant residents. She is trained on filling out N400 for the naturalization process and often works with congress representatives and lawyers to aid immigrant families. Dr. Carrizales enjoys reading books with her younger sisters. She participates in anime and comic conventions with her brother and thrives in multicultural settings. Dr. Carrizales loves discovering new fooderies with her mother and grandparents. She enjoys painting with acrylic and oils, riding her vintage cruiser bike, and listening to a variety of music. Dr. Carrizales is a fitness enthusiast and is an energetic, social individual