Sealing In Your Child's Health: The Dental Connection!

School will be starting soon and keeping your child's teeth in their best possible condition will help them maintain optimum oral health for the rest of their lives.  When brushing and flossing isn't enough, we may suggest placing a dental sealant on your child's teeth. Children who have dental sealants can decrease their chance of tooth decay by 60%!  Sealants are a safe, painless, and effective way to ensure your child's dental health for years to come.

Dental sealants work by providing a protective shield over the tiny grooves and depressions that are found on the chewing surfaces of teeth.  While brushing and flossing are still essential even if a tooth has received a dental sealant, this coating will help the vulnerable areas be less likely to develop decay by "sealing out" plaque and food debris.

If we think that a sealant would be a good option for your child, a simple office visit is all that it takes.  One of our friendly clinical staff members will thoroughly clean your child's teeth before applying the white liquid-plastic material to the tooth's surface.  While sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to ten years, they will be checked for chipping or wear at each regular dental check-up at Thomas Family Dentistry!

If you have any questions or need an appointment, call us at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

American Heart Month: The Dental Connection!

February is not only National Children's Dental Health Month, a time to consider the benefits of improving the dental health of children of all ages, but February also marks American Heart Month. This time each year, the American Heart Association wants everyone to take note of the health of your heart since cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the entire world.

Studies continue to show a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring 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, which improves the treatment outcome.  In observance of Heart Month, know you numbers:

• Blood Pressure
• Less than 120/80
• Cholesterol
• Less than 200
• BMI
• Less than 25

A healthy mouth begins with a visit to our office.  If you have any questions about your heart health or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,
DRT

Gum Disease & Kids: The Dental Connection!

At Thomas Family Dentistry, we know that it's fairly easy to tell when you may have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your child's mouth without you even knowing.  In fact, your child can have the beginning of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort.  Since gum disease can be undetectable, it's important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that beed easily after brushing or flossing
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way the teeth come together in the biting position

If you child is having these symptoms, call us at 918-455-0123 and schedule an appointment.  We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give your child back a healthy mouth!  We look forward to seeing you!

God Bless,

DRT

Motivating Your Children: The Dental Connection!

It's National Children's Dental Month and many parents find it difficult to keep their children interested in their dental health!  Looking for ways to motivate your child to brush his or her teeth?  Using fun facts about different kinds of teeth can spark your children's interest in their own oral health.  Check out these facts from the American Dental Association!

• Humans have two sets of teeth.
• Humans have 32 teeth.
• A Hippopotamus actually has 40 teeth, even though you usually only see four.
• Dogs rarely get cavities because their saliva has a very high pH.
• An elephant's molars can weigh up to 10 lbs!
• The teeth of a pocket gopher grow up to 15 inches a year!
• Although a blue whale is the largest mammal, it has no teeth!
• Armadillos have 104 teeth!
• Snails can have 25,000 teeth, which are located on the tongue!
• Dolphins have only one set of teeth for their lifetime.

Comparing your kid's teeth to their own favorite animals can help keep them focused on maintaining their own!  If you have any questions concerning your children's dental health, call our dental office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT