Baby Teeth: The Dental Connection!

At Thomas Family Dentistry, we know that teething patterns vary greatly from child to child--some don't have any teeth until their first birthday, while others may have a mouthful by then!  Experts, however, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, do recommend that children have their teeth checked by their first birthday.

Your child will have 20 baby teeth, which will later be replaced by permanent teeth. On average, primary teeth usually break through the gums when a child is about 6 months old. Most kids have all of their primary teeth by the time they are 3 years old.

The most important thing is not to worry if your toddler's baby teeth don't look "perfect" as they grow in--baby teeth come in all shapes, sizes, and slants.  Teeth generally appear one at a time over a period of months, and often--but not always--in this order:  First, the bottom two middle teeth, then the top two middle ones, then the ones along the sides and back.  Although they may grow in crooked, don't worry--they usually straighten over time.

If you have any questions about your kid's teeth, please give us a call at 918-455-0123! Remember to also check out our posts on Facebook!

God Bless,
DRT

Pediatric FAQs: The Dental Connection!

Many patients have questions about their child's dental treatment.  They can span the range of "When should my child see the dentist?" to "How can I help my child avoid cavities?".

We at Thomas Family Dentistry have compiled our most frequently asked questions and answered them one-by-one on our website!  Our entire team are committed to excellent dentistry and have over 25 years of experience creating beautiful smiles and healthy mouths.  We aim to provide patient-oriented care with your best interests in mind.

If you don't see an answer to your specific question, give us a call at  918-455-0123 or ask us below or on our Facebook page.  We are more than happy to provide you with an answer!

God Bless,
DRT

Presidents' Day Fun Facts!

PRESIDENTS' DAY

Monday, February 20 marks Presidents' day, a day known for celebrating the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Presidents' day was created in 1971, when President Richard Nixon combined the birthdays of two of our most well-known presidents into one single federal holiday. Although Presidents' Day is a federal holiday and marks a hard-earned day off from work and school for many of our patients, we at Thomas Family Dentistry will be open to care for your dental needs.

Here are a few fun facts about our nation's presidents:

• Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, carried letters, bill and notes in his stovepipe hat.
• George Washington is the first president to be featured on a postage stamp.
• Abraham Lincoln was also the tallest president, measuring 6'4".
• Virginia is the birthplace of more US presidents than any other state.
• Harry S. Truman was the first president to have a televised inauguration.

Have a great Presidents' Day!

God Bless,

DRT

Heart Month: The Dental Connection!!

Did you know that not only is February National Children's Dental Health Month, but it is also American Heart Month?  It's a great time to take note of your heart health. Cardiovascular disease remains America's number one killer, according to the American Heart Association.  Studies have also shown that there is a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, which underscores the importance of good oral health care!

Visiting our office on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages.  How? Our team checks each patient for gum disease at each check-up exam and cleaning. Having your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis reduces the oral bacterial count, which can lead to the development of gum disease.

In observance of Heart Month, our entire team wants to remind you of some important heart related numbers.

• Blood Pressure:  less than 120/80
• Cholesterol:  less than 200
• BMI:  less than 25

If you have any questions about dental disease and your heart health, feel free to give our dental office a call at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,

DRT

Kids' Nutrition: The Dental Connection!

At Thomas Family Dentistry, we know that getting kids and teens to eat healthy isn't always an easy task, especially when they're busy with school and other extracurricular activities.  At the school cafeteria, it's just too easy for kids to nosh on French Fries, chicken nuggets and other fried foods and unhealthy snacks, so our team thought we'd pass along five delicious and nutritious snacks we know your child will love.

1. Cheese
2. Blueberries
3. Whole Wheat Bread or Cereal
4. Almonds
5. Yogurt

We encourage you to check out other healthy snacks your child can enjoy at any time of the day! For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please post your questions on our Blog, on Facebook or give us a call at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

62 Years: The Dental Connection!

It's February!  For the past 62 years, the American Dental Association has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month during the month of February to raise awareness about the importance of children's oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces.  New options for braces such as Invisalign Teen, which is removable, make it easier for kids to maintain good oral health during orthodontic treatment.

If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised.  The entire team at Thomas Family Dentistry are available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment.  Are you due a check-up or has been a while since your last visit?  Give us a call at 918-455-0123 and schedule an appointment!

God Bless,
DRT