MORE Things We’re Thankful For In Fort Worth

DFW is an acronym we all identify by to a degree…but for those of us who are proud to live in Fort Worth, we’re grateful for a lot of what makes our community unique. We were so pleased with the additional comments to last week’s blog, Things We’re Thankful For In Fort Worth, that we felt like it was worth celebrating with another post. 

 

And at this time of year, we find it all too easy to narrow in on why we’ve chosen Fort Worth over all other places in the world. Here’s a list of more items we and our patients are grateful for here in Fort Worth.  

 

Take a look at the comments others have left us! 

 

1. “Mexican food”

With the population of Fort Worth becoming more and more diverse, we have the whole spread of Mexican-inspired cuisine, from Tex-Mex to mom-and-pop shops with traditional Mexican dishes. Think imported salsas, family recipes, and fresh cotija cheese and corn. You’ll never go home hungry. 

 

2. “The food options in general”

 

It’s that time of year…you know, those holidays that are all about the food on the table. We can’t help but feel appreciative that our dining options in Fort Worth are as about diverse as they come. From Indian to Hawaiian, Asian, Japanese, Italian, Greek, Salvadorian, traditional American, Columbian and more – Fort Worth satiates all our worldly desires.  

 

3. “The art scene”

 

Often considered the museum capital of the Southwest, Fort Worth boasts multiple visit-worth museums. Fort Worth itself is on the map as a “culturally astute place for modern and historical art,” with no less than five internationally recognized museums. Not to mention the architecture that stands out throughout the city! 

 

4. “We keep the honky-tonk in modern Texas”

 

With places like Billy Bob’s Honky Tonk Bar, the National Cowgirl Museum and the only place in the world with twice-daily cattle drives, there’s clear evidence we are not trying to forget what makes us Texans—yet we are moving forward in the future like the rest of the world, naturally, with our world recognized character.  

 

5. “Affordable”

 

They say everything is bigger in Texas, but that doesn’t quite correlate to the cost of living. Living in Fort Worth boasts a 4% lower-than-national-average cost for residents, and home prices are 31% lower than the national average1, too.  

 

6. “Opportunities galore”

 

Known for our aviation and aerospace sector, plus corporate and professional operations, life sciences, logistics, manufacturing and natural gas, Fort Worth’s central location and diverse economy make for a skilled workforce that continues to draw interest from all industry clusters2, providing opportunities for all skillsets and ages.  

 

7. “Transportation”

 

Nobody likes to sit in traffic. And the best way to peak efficiency, whether you’re a business or just a normal person trying to make things happen in life, you need to be able to get places quickly. Fort Worth’s four airports, substantial rail network, and extensive highway system ensure that accessibility to any location3 in FW takes 30 minutes or less. 

 

8. “200 parks”

 

Did you know in this lovely city of ours there are 200 parks? Yes, you read that right—200, all beautifully maintained by our Parks and Recreation Department. From parks and trails, to community centers, athletic programs, pools and aquatics, fishing, golf, tennis, botanical Garden, dog parks, log cabin village, Nature Center and Refuge, to the Water Gardens and more – there never has to be a dull moment! 

 

9. “Sundance Square”

 

With its history of gambling joints and brothels that was later developed by the billionaire Bass family, the Sundance Square (named after the infamous Sundance Kid) was turned into a community goldmine filled with things to do (like the Water Gardens), places to go (like the Sid Richardson Museum), and people to see (at the Bass Performance Hall). 

 

10. “We make currency”

 

How many places can say they make paper currency? Only five sites in the whole of America, as a matter of fact. And it’s always gratifying to have coins jangling in your pocket, even more so when they have the FW stamp. So yep, we’re grateful for that too. 

 

The post MORE Things We’re Thankful For In Fort Worth appeared first on Fort Worth Dentist | 7th Street District | H. Peter Ku, D.D.S. PA.

How About Fido’s Teeth?

If you’re thinking about adding a pet to your family this holiday season, then you have probably done your research on proper food, training, and living conditions. While most pet owners diligently take their pet to their yearly exam at the vet, some forget the importance of a pet’s oral health between scheduled appointments! Just like their human counterparts, dental disease can strike our furry friends as well. Oral hygiene is a vital component to an animal’s overall wellness and comfort level. To keep your pet’s mouth in good condition, we have outlined easy steps to take to ensure their needs are taken care of. 

 

Brushing teeth 

 

Veterinarians agree that brushing your pet’s teeth is the single most effective way to maintain good oral health between regular dental exams. Just like in humans, plaque can from in the gum lines of pets and lead to periodontal diseases that can result in pain and tooth loss. For the dogs in our life, toothpastes come in flavors that are appealing to them, such as seafood and poultry. Not quite the minty fresh feeling we’re accustomed to, but Fido will be thrilled! 

 

It’s important to avoid using human toothpaste on pets, since the ingredients can be harmful if ingested—and most of our pets will be inclined to do just that. Additionally, be sure to purchase a pet-specific toothbrush that will help you reach the odd angles of their mouth. If your pet seems to experience pain while you brush, they might already be suffering from a dental disease, and it’s important you get them into the vet as soon as you can.
 

Regular dental exam 

 

Dental exams for dogs and cats are generally performed under full anesthesia and are recommended every year for small breeds and every two years for larger breed dogs. It’s recommended that pets be fully put under anesthesia in order to have a full, comprehensive cleaning. In order to remove all the plaque from the gum line without causing your pet undue stress or pain, it’s essential that they be asleep. Anesthesia-free exams simply clean the surface of the tooth. The scraping done in the exam leaves grooves, also, which are susceptible to bacteria build up and future dental issues. While under anesthesia, your pet will be closely monitored, and you’ll be given instructions on their post-appointment care. So, there will be nothing to worry about in the hands of your pet’s vet! 

 

Products to promote oral health  

 

While the old adage is that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a toilet bowl, it is still best to do anything you can to promote good oral health in your pet. Consider giving your dog chew treats or rawhide products that contain anti-tartar ingredients. Ideally, you would create a daily “chew toy” routine which can help protect your pet’s mouth. In addition, massage your pet’s gums to help keep them clean. By getting them comfortable with you touching their mouth, will lead to easier toothbrushing sessions, too. 

 

We often forget that our pets are susceptible to the same dental diseases that we are. While we can easily identify a problem, our pets are not always able to show exactly where their pain is located. By ensuring your pet is receiving regular dental exams, coupled with a daily brushing routine, you will be able to avoid problematic dental diseases. Your animals are a member of your family, so make sure they have good oral health routine, too!

The post How About Fido’s Teeth? appeared first on Fort Worth Dentist | 7th Street District | H. Peter Ku, D.D.S. PA.

Things In Fort Worth Our Office Is Thankful For

More than once, we’ve been asked why we chose to set up our practice in Fort Worth. Those that are new to the area might wonder, “Why here instead of Dallas? Or, instead of a smaller, quieter area a little further north?” 

 

The truth of the matter is that there is no place we’d rather be. While some may view Fort Worth as the cowboy cousin to posh Dallas, the western charm rooted in the Stockyards is one of the best features of our city. It breeds a hardworking community that looks out for one another. 

 

In Dr. Ku’s 20 years of practice, he’s met some of the most inspiring, down-to-earth and diverse folks in this area. And in addition to the people, Fort Worth is chocked full of family friendly activities, opportunities, and adventure. 

 

Follow along as we highlight some of the reasons that we’re thankful for Fort Worth! 

 

1. Cultural activities 

 

The Fort Worth cultural district boasts an array of world-class museums and galleries featuring renowned works of art. From the Kimbell to the Modern Art Museum, art enthusiasts and museum buffs can wander around works of art from Picasso to Matisse. For a stunning architectural treat, as well as to hear some of the best musicians in Texas, head to downtown Fort Worth to attend a performance at the Bass Performance Hall. From Broadway to holiday, country, or opera, the Bass Performance Hall hosts performances that will delight any music lover. 

 

2. Family-friendly adventures 

 

For weekend warriors looking to get the most out of their days off, there are countless activities in Fort Worth to enjoy with friends and family. First, head to the Fort Worth zoo to see the more than 7,000 different animals they have on display. Featuring hands-on activities and a petting zoo, you might need more than a weekend to see everything! And while the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History might not sound as fun as Saturday cartoon, the truth is that this interactive museum is a fun learning experience for everyone. From the planetarium to unearthing fossils, everyone will rediscover their love for learning. Or, throw on your cowboy boots and head downtown to the stockyards to watch the twice-daily cattle drive, or plan a trip to the weekly rodeo. Bring your appetite as well to eat at the legendary steak houses that are found in the same area.  

 

3. Best holiday activities

 

It would be a loss if we didn’t include those favorite holiday activities as well. Although the weather is rarely “frightful” in Texas, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the winter’s magic, like with ice skating in an outdoor park. Beginning on November 17, skaters can take to the ice at the Coyote Drive-In. While you might not need jackets, don’t forget your gloves—the air might be warm, but the ice is cold! Another local holiday favorite is the annual parade of lights through downtown Fort Worth. As the parade celebrates its 35th anniversary, you won’t want to miss out on never-before seen floats, balloons, and performing groups. Finally, ring in the season with the lighting of the Sundance Square Christmas tree on November 18. Fort Worth always hosts the best holiday activities—make sure to not miss out on any of them! 

 

From the symphony to steer, Fort Worth is a small town within a city. While the population continues to grow, the local charm hasn’t disappeared. We at Dr. Ku’s office are thankful for the diversity, the culture, the activities, and each of our patients in this city we call home. This holiday season, we are definitely thankful for Fort Worth.

The post Things In Fort Worth Our Office Is Thankful For appeared first on Fort Worth Dentist | 7th Street District | H. Peter Ku, D.D.S. PA.

How Your Smile Affects Your Life

No matter how much we try to deny it, every day we are judged on our looks. 

 

Though, to the luck of those of us who aren’t currently getting paid to model the cover of Vogue, this judgment is not based solely on conventional beauty. Rather, our minds view a person’s appearance holistically, and use available data to form an opinion. This could include body language, accents, and overall appearance. 

 

To fill in the holes, our subconscious makes assumptions based on past experiences. The assumptions our mind creates are sometimes helpful, but sometimes entirely inaccurate. Past experiences have cemented that correlation in our minds, and this can be almost impossible to break. 

 

And, even if we’re able to break free of these associations, how many people in the world around us are trying to look at us just as objectively? 

 

Let’s look at an example 

 

One common example of this phenomenon is with the overweight and obese population. Although nearly two-thirds of Americans qualify as either overweight or obese, studies show the average person still assumes that being overweight means someone is lazy, awkward or unmotivated. These assumptions are made in the first millisecond that someone lays eyes on someone else. 

 

These same assumptions are made about people with poor oral health, or with teeth that appear to not be taken care of. Research has shown that 70% of people with “bad teeth” say it has negatively impacted their lives. 

 

Individuals with broken teeth, bleeding gums, or abscesses have reported difficulty finding long-term employment after in-person interviews. With so many jobs that involve directly helping clients, poor oral health can serve as a deterrent for hiring managers. 

 

Even if it’s unfair, even if it’s discriminatory, and even if a patient was just dealt a bad hand with their teeth by “conventional” standards, this problem resonates with millions of Americans. 

 

Happiness and your personal life 

 

Those with dental problems also admit to not smiling often to avoid showing off the problems in their mouth. This lack of smiling has further contributed to the inability to secure a job. Many businesses need people at the front of the office or in a checkout line to be personable and friendly. While not smiling does not equate to unfriendliness, assumptions are made. Studies have shown that those who are self-conscious about their teeth in interviews tend to try to hide their mouth with one hand. This leads to difficulty interacting with the hiring manager, and even muffled interview answers…All of which lead to a decreased likelihood of a job offer. 

 

Going out with friends—or “more than friends” 

 

Poor oral health does not only affect employment prospects, but it also has a negative effect on social lives. This issue is not something that is just affecting older Americans, either. In fact, 33% of young adults have admitted cutting back on socializing due to bad teeth. An underlying lack of confidence is another contributing factor to a decreased desire to socialize. With the increased reliance on social media, images are an important component of modern day social constructs. 

 

And feeling good about yourself 

 

Finally, poor oral health also adversely affects your mental health. It is well known that poor oral health can affect many of the body’s systems, including the heart and kidneys. What is not as well known is that gum disease is linked to mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression. These conditions cause the body to release a hormone called cortisol which, in large qualities, can cause periodontal disease. In addition, chronic inflammation in the gums has been shown to increase your likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.  

 

If you find yourself struggling with poor oral health, the good news is that the #1 dentist here in Ft. Worth is ready to take your call. All it takes is a phone call to begin the conversation. Don’t let any worry prevent you taking the first step to ultimately transform your life. The caring experts in Dr. Ku’s office are excited to help you take the first step in rejuvenating your teeth, your professional health, your personal life, and your mental health!

The post How Your Smile Affects Your Life appeared first on Fort Worth Dentist | 7th Street District | H. Peter Ku, D.D.S. PA.

Your Guide to NOT Go Crazy with an Emergency Toothache

We tend to forget how grateful we are for healthy teeth until that faintest of faint pain strikes deep in the root of a tooth. So much for those “healthy” teeth you might have neglected. 

 

Now, worry sets in. Thoughts like, “when can I get this fixed? When will the pain stop? How much is this going to cost?” and worse, “will my coverage cover whatever’s causing this?” creep in. 

 

It’s inevitable that you’ll start to feel that much more aware of that achey tooth.  

 

Here at Dr. Ku’s office, we want to help relieve some of those surprise toothache woes, especially coming into the holidays where you don’t even want to imagine making a last-minute appointment. 

 

Major causes of killer toothaches: 

 

Of course, no good answer is a simple one. There isn’t a “single problem” that causes toothaches, which also means you shouldn’t self-diagnose. That said, a toothache can be a precursor to bigger problems. Often, the cause is one of the following: 

 

1. Tooth Decay – the bacteria in plaque erodes the enamel surface of your tooth, exposing sensitive nerve endings within dentine. This can continue into the center of the tooth, reaching the pulp. Ouch!
2. Gum disease – plaque can also get under the gum line and damage bone that supports a tooth and its roots, causing it to become weak, and to loosen and ache.
3. Abscesses – both tooth decay and gum disease can cause an infection to spread into the root, causing more pain.
4. Trauma – if a tooth gets chipped or cracked, it could possibly expose the pulp, where an infection can begin. Or, simply exposing a nerve will make for a toothache you’ll not easily forget.
5. Impaction – if a tooth is trying to emerge from the gums and it can’t, the pressure can cause pressure and pain through the adjacent teeth.
6. Bruxism, AKA tooth grinding – you can actually grind your teeth down to the more sensitive layer of dentin, exposing nerves and exhausting surrounding support structures.
7. Misaligned teeth – teeth that aren’t properly aligned can potentially cause uneven pressure when you speak or eat. See an orthodontic for your options. 

 

What to do: 

 

While any painful symptoms is a sign to see your dentist, there are a few things you can do in the meantime to help curb or subside the discomfort. These tricks are wholly necessary over holidays and with family visits, so take a look at the list we’ve compiled for you: 

 

• Floss gently – sometimes, something could be stuck between teeth that causes the area to be sore. Double check that nothing is stuck in the area first. If something was stuck, and you were able to get it out, the pain should go away within a day. Never use a pin or anything sharp to dislodge food—you could possibly inhale or swallow it, not to mention stab your gums and cause greater discomfort. 

 

• Gargle salt water – this will help kill any bacteria that could further infect the achey tooth, and helps reduce swelling. Use ¼ teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm water, and mix well before swishing. 

 

• Apply a cold compress – by using a cold compress you can cool the heat of the swelling, which helps reduce the pain.  

 

• Take a painkiller – there’s a method called “3-3-3” and it calls for three Advil, three times a day, for three days. It’s not the cure-all, but it can reduce swelling, thereby minimizing pain. Be sure to check with your doctor about the dosage, and whether this is the right painkiller for you. 

 

How you can prevent toothaches: 

 

Always practice good oral hygiene if you want to keep those toothache pains from striking. Take care of your teeth and gums by brushing, flossing and seeing Dr. Ku for regular check-ups. And, last and most important: put Dr. Ku’s office number in your phone, and call him to make an appointment as soon as you have a bothersome ache.

The post Your Guide to NOT Go Crazy with an Emergency Toothache appeared first on Fort Worth Dentist | 7th Street District | H. Peter Ku, D.D.S. PA.