expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Shirley Tharwat Hamamcy, D.M.D.

Dentist

Dr. Shirley Hamamcy is a Dentist practicing in Austin, TX. Dr. Hamamcy specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Dr. Shirley Tharwat Hamamcy, D.M.D.
  • Austin, TX
  • Accepting new patients

What is gingivitis and its risk factors?

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. Risk factors would include poor oral hygiene, smoking, health conditions, pregnancy and some others. You can prevent it with proper oral READ MORE
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. Risk factors would include poor oral hygiene, smoking, health conditions, pregnancy and some others. You can prevent it with proper oral hygiene which will include brushing two times a day and flossing at least once. Flossing is the key.
You can identify Gingivitis with some signs such as bleeding gums, bad breath and sensitivity. Your dentist can help you with that too.

Is the fluoride treatment at the dentist really worth it?

If you are at high caries risk, Fluoride treatment definitely helps preventing cavities. It is way more effective and concentrated than ACT.

Why do some dentists hurt during cleanings more than others?

It could hurt more because your gum conditions might have changed with time, oral hygiene habits or many other reasons. Another reason could be different kind of instruments. Mostly READ MORE
It could hurt more because your gum conditions might have changed with time, oral hygiene habits or many other reasons. Another reason could be different kind of instruments. Mostly newer dentists are using advanced technology like Piezon these days . It might hurt more with these instruments but research has shown they are more effective than regular ultrasonic cleaners.

How can I close the gap between my frontal teeth?

It really depends on the case. Gaps could be closed with the help of veneers, composite fillings, some orthodontic appliances and braces. If your dentist/orthodontist recommended READ MORE
It really depends on the case. Gaps could be closed with the help of veneers, composite fillings, some orthodontic appliances and braces. If your dentist/orthodontist recommended you braces already, I am sure they have observed your case and doing a good job for you. When it is all over, you will be happy to see the beautiful change.

Can a gum infection pass to other parts of the body?

Yes, you are right. Bacterial infections causing periodontal disease certainly can spread to various body parts including sinuses, heart, brain and lungs. Most of these infections READ MORE
Yes, you are right. Bacterial infections causing periodontal disease certainly can spread to various body parts including sinuses, heart, brain and lungs. Most of these infections are Streptococcal, a kind of bacteria. The mouth is not an isolated ecosystem, but an integral part of the immune system. The mouth is intimately connected to many other parts of the body and a bacterial imbalance or gum disease in the mouth can create immune problems and inflammation in other parts of the body as well. The right way to identify these would be regular visits to a dentist.

What are the most visible signs and symptoms of a gum disease?

Most common early signs are red, swollen and bleeding gums while brushing. It might cause a feeling of itchiness in gums too and eventually loose teeth.

Having an abscessed tooth? What could this mean?

An abscessed tooth means infection has reached the root and there is formation of pus underneath and if it is not drained, it can cause swelling and severe pain. An abscess could READ MORE
An abscessed tooth means infection has reached the root and there is formation of pus underneath and if it is not drained, it can cause swelling and severe pain. An abscess could be caused by untreated tooth decay, periodontal disease and other factors such as trauma to the tooth. Once infection has reached the root, it cannot be really reversed but it can be treated with root canal treatment and depending on the cause there are some other treatment options. Symptoms which could point to abscess is sensitivity to hot and cold, pain, fever and swelling. It is best to see your dentist as soon as possible to prevent worse outcomes.

Pain after a filling?

If you have pain after a filling, one of the many reasons could be that you just need an adjustment on that filling. You should definitely mention that to your dentist who did READ MORE
If you have pain after a filling, one of the many reasons could be that you just need an adjustment on that filling. You should definitely mention that to your dentist who did the filling and he can diagnose the problem more precisely.

What if only one tooth is crooked?

It really depends on the case. Sometimes, only one tooth is crooked because of crowding or other issues and it can be fixed without involving other teeth for orthodontic treatment. READ MORE
It really depends on the case. Sometimes, only one tooth is crooked because of crowding or other issues and it can be fixed without involving other teeth for orthodontic treatment. But if there are other causes associated with that tooth, it might need complete orthodontic treatment.

What can I eat or avoid eating to reduce plaque?

Plaque cannot be avoided altogether at all. It is deposited minutes after brushing. It is an unavoidable natural process and you can just reduce it. Try using Colgate Total which READ MORE
Plaque cannot be avoided altogether at all. It is deposited minutes after brushing. It is an unavoidable natural process and you can just reduce it. Try using Colgate Total which helps in reduction. You're doing everything right, but plaque is something which you cannot avoid, but reduce.

Is water-flossing as effective as regular flossing?

Regular floss is the best way of flossing and there is no way that a waterpik is better than regular old-fashioned floss.

Wisdom teeth removal

A dentist can foresee complications regarding the extraction procedure and wouldn't like to happen that to a patient. A dentist would like the procedure to go smooth. So, sometimes READ MORE
A dentist can foresee complications regarding the extraction procedure and wouldn't like to happen that to a patient. A dentist would like the procedure to go smooth. So, sometimes they refer patient to oral surgeon depending on complications associated with surgery.

Adult tooth is loose. What should I do?

First and foremost thing you need to do is to see your dentist immediately.

Can I whiten my teeth with baking soda alone?

Yes baking soda does work for some people. But I would recommend consulting your dentist first because everyone's case is different.