Santa's Milk & Cookies: The Dental Connection!

Although many people will leave out cookies and milk in anticipation of Santa's yearly visit tonight, few individuals know that there is also a dental connection!  Recent research has shown that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting gum disease!  Adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid per day are at a reduced risk.

Not only does cheese provide large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese is also considered to be a cavity fighter!  Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella and Monterey Jack stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect teeth from the acids that weaken them. That means that cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal.

The next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese or a glass of milk and remember that with each bite, and every sip, you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!  If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, feel free to call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Christmas Break 2013!

With today marking the start of the first week of Christmas Break for many of our area schools, what comes to mind when asked, "What do you think is the best way to spend this Holiday Season?"  Whether its an exciting family vacation, hanging out around town, catching up on sleep, spending time with with your friends, or celebrating some special Christmas family tradition, we'd like to know!

Feel free to share your experiences and memories with us here or on our Facebook page!  No matter what your plans may be or where your plans may take you, we would like to wish all of our valued patients and their families a very safe and fun holiday season!

God Bless,
DRT

Nail Biting: The Dental Connection!

The Holidays can increase onchophagia! This medical condition is the name given for the habit of nail biting, which is a nervous habit that is triggered by stress, excitement or boredom.  Approximately half of all kids between the ages of ten to 18 have been nail biters at one time or another.  Many people are unaware of the impact of nail biting on their dental health.  Check out the following list related to the health effects of onchophagia to learn more.

• It's Unsanitary: Your nails harbor bacteria that are twice as dirty as fingers.
• Digestive Problems: Swallowing dirty nails can cause stomach problems.
• Worn Teeth: Gnawing on nails thins the enamel and can lead to crooked teeth.
• Orthodontic Treatment: Nail biting can delay treatment and weaken roots.
• Increase Costs: Nail biters have an increase of $4000 in extra dental bills over a lifetime.

Don't let the stress of the holidays lead to nail biting! If you have any questions or concerns, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Holiday Stress: The Dental Connection

With the the Christmas Holiday only a few more days away, many people feel a rise in the level of their stress.  Although excess stress can contribute to headaches, stomach aches, or even the feeling of being "on edge," many people don't know that too much stress can also have a very negative impact on your dental health as well!

With so many changes occurring in our country over these past few years, there has been an increase in the opportunity to feel more stress and anxiety.  Our entire team cares about your dental health and wanted you to be aware of the many possible dental side effects related to stress.  They include:

• Mouth Sores
• Clenching
• Poor oral hygiene
• Unhealthy eating routines
• Gum disease

If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123. Don't fall prey to the stresses that can be associated with the holidays, but remember to focus in on the true meaning and spirit of the Christmas season!

God Bless,

DRT

Keeping On Track During The Holidays: The Dental Connection!

When it comes to keeping your smile looking its best during this hectic Holiday Season, good oral health is a must!  Although many patients feel that good oral health habits are the most important during the childhood "cavity prone years," these good habits should start early and continue throughout your lifetime.  Even though the Holidays can be a very busy time and many people put their dental health on the "back burner," check out the following habits that are worth maintaining this Holiday Season to keep your teeth healthy.

• BRUSH AND FLOSS REGULARLY.  Brush at least two minutes twice daily, paying special attention to the gum line to rid your mouth of food and bacteria that may lurk in between your teeth. Floss at least once daily.  Replace your tooth brush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
• REGULARLY VISIT OUR OFFICE.  Regular checkups at least twice yearly will help diagnose any dental problems early on when they can be more easily treated. Remember, prevention is the key!
• STOP SMOKING.  Smokers are four times as likely as non-smokers to develop gum disease.  Not only does tobacco contain cavity inducing sugar, tobacco, whether in the form of cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or chewing tobacco, increases oral and throat cancer risks, and raises the risk for oral fungal infections.
• LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE.  Heavy drinking dramatically increases the risk of developing mouth and throat cancers.
• EAT HEALTHY.  With so many wonderful holiday treats around, avoid snacking on foods that contain high levels of sugar and starch.  Although it may be hard to resist the "yummiest" part of the Holidays, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will help to stimulate the flow of saliva to re-mineratize tooth surfaces and neutralize cavity-causing bacteria.

To learn more about the habits that can help you have a healthy, Holiday smile, or if you are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Fresh Breath For The Holidays: The Dental Connection!

Not only during the Holidays, but everyday of the year, many people are concerned about bad breath.  Today's BLOG focuses in on what to do to keep your pearly whites clean and your breath minty fresh!

Naturally, good oral hygiene is the first step.  With proper brushing and flossing, you can keep bad breath in check. Remember, that even if you are brushing two minutes twice daily and flossing, many people forget to brush their tongue, which can harbor odor-producing bacteria as well!

Other common causes include:

• Tobacco
• A Dry Mouth
• Sinus Issues
• Certain Medications
• Certain Foods
• Gum Disease

Remember that visiting our office twice a year for cleanings and exams can keep your breath in tip top shape! If you are in need of an appointment, call us at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT