Cavities: The Dental Connection!

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity!  That's right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one?  A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay.  It's important to get a cavity filled as soon as it's detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity?  A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up.  Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth, the acids dissolve the outside of the tooth (also called enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by our team, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste twice daily
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that brushing alone cannot
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat or drink
• Be sure to visit us every six months for a cleaning and check-up

Keep smiling,
God Bless,
DRT

Pregnancy: The Dental Connection!

Maintaining your oral health is an important part of keeping your entire body well, and never more so than when you are expecting.  If you are pregnant or considering pregnancy, schedule an appointment with us, and remember to raise the issue of your oral health at your prenatal appointments.

If pregnant, our team wants you to be aware of the following issues:

• Tooth Decay  Excessive morning sickness can also contribute to tooth decay, as the acids in your stomach introduced to the mouth during vomiting wear away the protective enamel coating on your teeth.

• Gingivitis & Gum Disease  This is a major issue.  The precursor to gum disease is gingivitis, a condition in which plaque build-up on teeth irritates the gums, making them red, swollen and sensitive.  The high levels of hormones in the bloodstream brought on by pregnancy exaggerate your gums' reaction to irritation from plaque.

• Loose Teeth  Another risk faced during pregnancy is loosening teeth.  The large amounts of hormones in your bloodstream can have an unfavorable affect on the bones and ligaments that create the foundation of your teeth, weakening them to the point that teeth may loosen.                                                                   

The ideal time to schedule an appointment with Thomas Family Dentistry is before becoming pregnant. Our team will perform a check-up to determine the state of your oral health and how pregnancy might affect you.  We will discuss completing any necessary treatments prior to your pregnancy.  Give us a call today at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,
DRT

Different Toothbrush Types: The Dental Connection!

Everybody is jumping on the electric toothbrush bandwagon in recent years, with many experts in the dental field claiming that electric toothbrushes provide superior dental care.  It's true, electric toothbrushes do provide superior dental care.  It's also true that electric toothbrushes are recommended for those who cannot do a good job brushing manually or who have arthritis or other conditions that limit their manual dexterity.  But manual toothbrushes do have some advantages, according to an article the we recently found including:

• Cost.  While electric toothbrushes may be expensive for many people, manual toothbrushes are both inexpensive and accessible.

• Less pressure on your teeth & gums.  While we can feel the amount of pressure we're using as we grasp a manual toothbrush, many people can't feel the pressure nearly as well with an electric toothbrush.  Placing too much pressure on our teeth can wear away at the tooth enamel, which causes pain, sensitivity, as well as an increased risk of tooth decay.

• Simple to pack.  Manual toothbrushes are easy to carry around for those business or family trips.  People are less likely to let their dental care habits lapse on vacation with a toothbrush that they can easily bring along!

• Better for kids.  Learning at a young age how to properly use a manual toothbrush helps children get a feel for how to properly take care of their oral hygiene.

Electric toothbrushes, on the other hand, are more effective in removing plaque and are considered a better alternative to maintaining gum health.  Remember, whether you choose a manual or electric toothbrush. Our entire team encourage you to choose one with soft bristles and be sure to change the bristles when they become worn down.  We also encourage you to replace your toothbrush every three months, when the bristles are no longer straight and firm or after you recover from a cold.

If you have any questions about which toothbrush may the right one for you, please give us a call at 918-455-0123 or ask us on Facebook!

God Bless,

DRT

Common Questions: The Dental Connection!

We receive a lot of great questions here at Thomas Family Dentistry.  So today we wanted to take a moment and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

Q: At what age do you see children?
A: Families are very important to us! As such, we
     love to see children and create a positive first
     dental experience.  We usually start seeing
     children for the first time at 4 years of age.
     If a parent has a question or concern, give us
     a call, no matter what the age.

Q: Do you accept my insurance?
A: We accept most types of insurance.  Benefit levels, however, may vary depending on your
     employer.

Q: How soon can I get in?
A: Our office strives to be as accommodating as possible.  If you have a dental emergency, we
     will make every effort to see you that day.  If you are a new patient, our goal is to see you
     at the earliest convenience.

Q: How long has your staff been working with you?
A: We are very blessed with the tenure of our staff.  A number of our staff have been with us
     for over 15 years.  They enjoy working here and they know that we put the patient first and
     have his or her best interest in mind.  Our staff loves our valued patient family and the
     relationships that they have developed!

If you have any more questions, please contact us at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Spring Wedding: The Dental Connection!

Spring is fast approaching!  The cool, crisp air of Winter is fading and with the warming weather comes budding trees and flowers! Kids shed their coats and head back outside. Spring Break offers a reprieve from school activities and as always, wedding bells are ringing. That's right, Spring is always a popular time to "tie the knot".  If you are gearing up for a wedding this Spring, consider matching that white dress to a perfectly white smile!

At Thomas Family Dentistry, we offer in-office tooth whitening for the bride, groom, or the entire wedding party!  In office whitening is the quickest, most effective way to achieve whiter teeth. Because we are dental professionals, we have the expertise to use higher percentages of whitening agents than over-the-counter systems allow.  So you can get a brighter, white smile usually in just one visit!

Give us a call at 918-455-0124 and let us add some extra sparkle to your "I do"!

God Bless,
DRT