Summer Adventures of 2012!

Although it has been another one of the Hottest Summers of recent memories, it has been a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories.  Whether you headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hit America's open roads or just had fun in the backyard, our team at Thomas Family Dentistry would love to hear all about your favorite summertime activities.

As the summer vacation "officially" wraps up this Labor Day Weekend and everyone's focus shifts to yet another school year, we encourage you to post any stories or photos from your Summer Adventures on our Facebook wall!

Thanks for staying connected with us,

God Bless,

DRT

Sleep Apnea And Depression: The Dental Connection!

Recently, an article was published citing a link between patients that suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and depression.  The CDC, as part of an ongoing study, surveyed about 10,000 men and women and found that 6% of men and 3% of women reported having been diagnosed with some form of sleep apnea. Although the other participants in the study had not been officially diagnosed with sleep apnea, they reported symptoms of snoring, gasping for air and snorting during sleep.

An interesting link was found that suggests that while men are at a higher risk for sleep apnea than women, women were found to have reported symptoms of depression twice as frequently as men.  However, researchers found that depression was not linked just to patients with a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.  People whose partners reported that they snored or stopped breathing occasionally were also more likely to show symptoms of depression.

Although the new research has not yet established a cause-and-effect relationship between sleep apnea and depression, this evidence may be the new information that can lead to a better understanding of a possible link between the two common health related issues.  There are many things that we all deal with regularly that could have roots in something else.  For more information, call our office at 918-455-0123 for an appointment.

God Bless,
DRT

Dietary Choices For A Healthy Mouth: The Dental Connection!

Most people know that visiting the dentist is an essential part of caring for their teeth. Regular checkups and cleanings are, of course, very important.  But what some people don't realize is that good dental health starts long before you get to the dentist's office.  You may be saying, "I know, it starts with my toothbrush and floss."  But actually, oral health starts at your grocery store.

Dental checkups can detect problems early on and address them, but only good nutrition can give your teeth and gums the healthy foundation that they need. If your diet is rich in tooth-friendly nutrients, you will be less prone to gum disease, tooth decay, and even jawbone loss.

So, which nutrients are the most important?  Here are a few tooth-building superstars.

• Calcium  Good sources are yogurt, cheese, milk and leafy green vegetables.
• Vitamin D  Not only is it called the "sunshine" vitamin, but also the "healthy smile" vitamin.
• Vitamin C  Not only found in oranges, but also in red and yellow peppers, and tomatoes.

Never put off regular checkups and cleanings, but in between appointments, watch your diet. Making sure these essential nutrients are a part of your daily intake will ensure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as they can be.  If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Braces & Dental Decay Prevention: The Dental Connection!

Having braces can present some new challenges when it comes to oral hygiene.  We at Thomas Family Dentistry know that preventing tooth decay can be a big challenge simply because of the tendency for braces to trap food under the wires and between the teeth and the brackets.  Here are a few tips to keep your teeth healthy while wearing your braces:

• EAT BRACES-SAFE FOODS.  Avoid hard and sticky foods.
• BRUSH PROPERLY.  Use a 45-degree angle against the gums.
• USE SPECIAL CLEANING TOOLS.  Special brushes are available at the pharmacy.
• REGULAR TEETH CLEANINGS.  Have a professional cleaning at least twice a year.

As long as you practice good oral hygiene and follow these basic tips, you should have no problem keeping your teeth from decaying while you wear braces.  If you have any other dental questions or are in need of an orthodontic referral, call our office at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,

DRT

Dental Myths: The Dental Connection!

Myths about dentistry and general dental care abound.  Although these myths are typically inaccurate, they are passed on by word of mouth and are presented as fact.  It is said that "even a lie gains in credibility after it is has been repeated three times".  In fact, many patients that "buy in" to certain dental myths can actually place their own oral health in danger by preventing them from seeking or receiving proper dental care.  Our entire team at Thomas Family Dentistry thought that we would address some of the most common dental myths.

• MYTH:  Since baby teeth are not permanent, they are not as important to fix.
• FACT:   Although they are not permanent, if baby teeth are not properly maintained, it can result in early tooth loss due to tooth decay, which can result in the malpositioning of permanent teeth and the need for early orthodontic treatment relating to a bad bite and decreased ability to chew food.

• MYTH:  It is not necessary to see a dentist if you are not having any dental problems.
• FACT:  Most dental problems are NOT evident in early stages.  Regular exams and cleanings can check for early changes, which can allow for more conservative treatment options to be rendered. Waiting on treatment usually causes a more serious problem to develop!

• MYTH:  Avoid brushing and flossing if your gums are bleeding.
• FACT:  Bleeding gums are usually a warning sign of gum disease.  Proper brushing and flossing can decrease the amount of bacteria, which decreases the irritation to the gum tissue.

• MYTH:  Chewing sugar-free gum is a good substitute for brushing.
• FACT:   Although chewing sugar-free gum can freshen your breath between meals, dental plaque and food particles can only be thoroughly removed by brushing and flossing.

• MYTH:  You can only get a cavity as a child during the "cavity prone years".
• FACT:   Cavities can develop at any age.  As a patient ages: gum tissue can recede, increasing the risk for root decay; and, saliva can also both naturally decrease in the amount produced over time as well as certain medications can cause a dry mouth, increasing the risk for decay.

• MYTH:  Once a tooth has received dental treatment, it cannot ever decay again.
• FACT:   It is possible for other areas of the tooth to become decayed.  Although proper brushing and flossing can decrease the risk of recurrent decay, as a dental restoration ages, it can break down, which allows bacteria to become trapped inside and can result in recurrent decay at the margins or seams of the restoration.

If you have any questions concerning these myths or any other dental areas, call our dental office at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,

DRT

Great Snacks: The Dental Connection!

At Thomas Family Dentistry, we know that everyone's hectic schedule can make eating healthy a challenging task.  From kid's school lunch menu choices, which include French Fries, fried foods and other unhealthy snacks, to the conveniently popular sport's drinks commonly found in gym bags, which can be high in sugar, making healthy snack choices can be a chore!  With some easy, thoughtful planning, the following snacks can be incorporated into your activities:

• Cheese--one of the healthiest dental snacks
• Blueberries--although they can stain your teeth, they are loaded with Vitamin C
• Whole Wheat Bread Or Cereal--great source of vitamins and fiber
• Almonds--rich in Vitamin E and disease-fighting phytochemicals
• Yogurt--excellent source of calcium to build strong bones and teeth

For more information about which snacks are best for keeping your teeth healthy, call our office at 918-455-0123 for an appointment.

God Bless,

DRT

An Owner's Manual: The Dental Connection!

Your mouth is part of your body.  If your mouth isn't healthy, then your body isn't totally healthy either.  To have a healthy mouth and body, it is important to understand your mouth's "owner's manual" by taking charge of your dental health! As the owner of your mouth, there is a lot you can do to keep it healthy. Check it out!

Preventing Decay

• Keep your mouth clean by brushing twice daily and flossing.
• Visit your dentist regularly for an exam and professional cleaning.
• Avoid tobacco.
• Make healthy food choices.

Improving Your Smile

• Darker teeth can be whitened with a professional bleaching.
• Broken or chipped teeth can be restored with tooth colored restorations.
• Gaps between teeth can be filled in with veneers.
• Poorly shaped teeth can be reshaped by contouring the enamel.
• Gummy smiles can be corrected by contouring the gum tissue.
• Crooked teeth can be straightened with braces or other methods.

Remember that our office is your partner to help you reach your goal of excellent oral health. If you have any questions about your dental health, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT