Changing Your Toothpaste: The Dental Connection!

If you have noticed that your teeth have started to feel more sensitive lately, you might initially avoid foods and drinks that seem to cause the discomfort.  For example, you may feel some discomfort with your morning coffee or while eating that cold crisp apple for your mid-afternoon snack.  Although it may be a normal reaction to avoid the things that cause discomfort, it is always better to determine the cause of the problem and take the necessary steps to improve the health and quality of your teeth.

Common Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity

• Cavity  Symptoms: Usually a sweet sensitive single tooth.  Treatment: Usually a dental restoration.
• Acidic Foods Or Drinks  Symptoms: Usually more generalized thermal discomfort.  Treatment:  Desensitizing Toothpaste.
• Cracked Tooth  Symptoms: Usually a single tooth with sharp pain.  Treatment: Usually a crown.
• Teeth Whitening Agents  Symptoms: Usually generalized thermal discomfort.  Treatment: Desensitizing Toothpaste.
• Stress  Symptoms: Usually generalized thermal or chewing pressure.  Treatment: Usually starts with a bite guard.
• Weather changes or Seasonal Allergies  Symptoms: Localized or generalized thermal sensitivity.  Treatment:  Desensitizing Toothpaste.

If you have any questions about sensitive teeth or in need of further information about desensitizing toothpastes, call our office at 918-455-0123.

God Bless, 

DRT

Not Just Kids' Stuff: The Dental Connection!

Cavities occur as a result of the destruction of tooth structure, called tooth decay. Tooth decay can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin (the inner layer of the tooth).  While it is very important to brush and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque, regular cleanings and check-ups at Thomas Family Dentistry are the best way to help avoid cavities!

Our team can discover cavities during your regular dental check-up.  When a cavity develops, the tooth surface feels soft when checked by a dental instrument called an explorer.  X-rays can also show cavities before they become visible to the eye.  In advanced stages of tooth decay, you might experience a toothache, especially after consuming sweets, hot, or cold foods or drinks. Other signs of tooth decay are visible pits or holes in the teeth.

Don't wait for a toothache!

Remember, the longer that you wait to treat a cavity, the more extensive your treatment will be.  A small cavity can be treated with a filling, while a larger cavity that weakens more of the structure of your tooth, may require a crown.  If the decay is too deep, it can affect the nerve or pulp of the tooth and cause it to die, which could result in the need for a root canal or an extraction.

If you think that you may have a cavity, contact us at 918-455-0123 to schedule an appointment.

God Bless,
DRT

Veneers: The Dental Connection!

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells made from tooth-colored material, like porcelain, designed to cover the front side of your teeth. To prepare for veneers, a unique model of your teeth will be created.  This model is sent to the cosmetic dental lab artist to create the veneers.  Before placing your new veneer, I may need to conservatively prepare your tooth to achieve the desired esthetic result.

When placed, you'll be pleased to see that veneers look like natural teeth.  While veneers are stain resistant, it is recommended that you avoid or limit coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco to maintain the beauty of your new smile.

You no longer need to hide your smile because of gaps, chips, stains, or misshapen teeth.  With veneers, you can easily correct your teeth's imperfections to help you have a more confident, beautiful smile.  Veneers are natural in appearance, and are a perfect alternative for patients wanting to make minor adjustments to the look of their smile.  To learn more about veneers, give our office a call at 918-455-0123 and schedule an appointment.

God Bless,
DRT

Back To School Checklist: The Dental Connection!

Now that school is back in session, we at Thomas Family Dentistry would like to remind all of our valued patients about the importance of scheduling regular check-ups in advance.  With school, clubs, sports and family duties to consider, it can be very challenging to find time this Fall.

Here are some tips to consider as the new school year progresses:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice daily.
• Floss at least once a day.
• Limit sugary snacks that can lead to tooth decay

In order to accommodate all of out patients' busy schedules, it is important to plan ahead for your dental appointments so that we are able to find a time that is convenient for you.  If it's time for a check-up, call us today at 918-455-0123 for an appointment.

God Bless,

DRT

Snack & Sip: The Dental Connection!

Eating habits and food choices can lead to tooth decay. Although a steady diet of sugary foods and drinks, including sports drinks, can damage teeth, even snacking throughout the day or "grazing" on healthy foods can also lead to tooth decay!

Check out the following list to reduce your risk of tooth decay.

• If you have sugary foods and drinks, have them with meals.
• Limit sugary drinks and snacks between meals.
• Chew sugarless gum that has the American Dental Association Seal.
• Drink water.
• Brush your teeth two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• See your dentist regularly.

Although almost all foods have some type of sugar, eating a balanced diet can help keep you from feeling tired, getting sick, being overweight, and having other health problems, like tooth decay.  If you have any questions concerning nutrition and tooth decay, feel free to call our dental office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT