Sterilization: Your Protection Is Our Priority!

As you are probably aware, there is widespread news coverage involving the investigation of a Tulsa oral surgeon for allegedly poor infection control practices and delegation of dental procedures.  As a result of this story, we wanted to reassure all of our highly valued dental patients that our entire staff at Thomas Family Dentistry meet or exceed every CDC recommended infection control procedure to ensure the protection of your health during every visit at our office.

Below are just a few of the things that we do in our practice in terms of infection control:

• All dental staff involved in patient care repeated scrub their hands and use protective barrier garb such as new disposable gloves, masks and safety glasses during each procedure.
• A new set of gloves is used for each patient.
• Before you enter the treatment room, all surfaces, such as the dental chair, instrument tray, dental light, drawer handles and countertops, have been cleaned and decontaminated.
• Non-disposable dental instruments are cleaned and sterilized between patients.  In our office we sterilize instruments using an autoclave heat sterilizer, which is tested by an independent monitoring service to ensure that each instrument is properly sterilized and is in accordance with current CDC recommendations.
• Disposable items like needles or gauze are placed in special bags or containers for special, monitored disposal.
• Our office was one of the first dental offices in Oklahoma to employ the state of the art Stericenter, which is one of the most complete sterilization systems that was designed to help dental professionals maintain a sterile environment easily, safely, and efficiently.

Your well-being is important to me and my staff, which is why we follow stringent infection control procedures and comply with all Oklahoma state regulations for the protection of all of our patients and each one of our staff members.

If you have any questions about any of our procedures or would like to see our Stericenter, give us a call at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Your Overall Health: The Dental Connection!

Your dental health is closely connected to your overall health!  Your mouth can oftentimes be the first place to indicate signs of health issues in the body.  Check out a few of the dental symptoms that can be related to other health problems.

• FLAT, WORN TEETH, HEADACHES
• Can be signs of stress, which can cause clenching and grinding while asleep.
• CRACKING, CRUMBLING TEETH
• Can be signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease, which can allow stomach acid to weaken teeth.
• SORES THAT NEVER HEAL
• Can be signs of oral cancer, which accounts for 30,000 new cases per year.
• DRY MOUTH
• Can be a sign of Sjogren's syndrome or diabetes.
• WHITE WEBBING INSIDE CHEEKS
• Can be a sign of Lichen Planus, which is an inflammatory skin disease.

During every regular exam and cleaning, not only do we check your teeth and gums, but we also look for any warning signs that may indicate any other health issues.  If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Toothbrush Trivia: The Dental Connection!

Although taking care of your smile is nothing new, how much do you know about toothbrushes? People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years.  In fact, the first "toothbrush" was created around 3000BC!  Ancient civilizations used a thin twig, with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles-similar to today's toothbrushes-was first invented in 1498 in China.   Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog's neck! Go Razorbacks!

It wasn't until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Other interesting facts include:

• Blue toothbrushes are the most popular color.
• The first toothbrush was used in China and India around 500 BC.
• Children smile an average of 400 times a day.
• Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months.
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780.  
• Colgate and Crest toothpastes were introduced in 1873 and 1955, respectively.

If you have any dental questions, call our office at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,

DRT

Mouthwash Choices:The Dental Connection!

Taking care of your health involves a daily regimen of brushing two minutes twice daily and flossing to prevent tooth decay and bacterial infections.  Although brushing and flossing are the basic tools to prevent dental health problems, many patients may need additional aids like mouthwashes to enhance their overall dental health. But like most dental products, there are many different mouthwashes, which can make choosing the right one difficult.   A review of the basics can help you make the right choice that can specifically improve your dental health.

• GUM HEALTH
• Antiseptic mouth washes are designed to reduce the majority of bacteria on and near the gum line, which can help decrease gingivitis.
• FLUORIDE
• These rinses can be beneficial in preventing tooth decay.
• BAD BREATH
• Most mouthwashes can help eliminate the bacteria that contributes to bad breath.
• ADA APPROVAL
• The American Dental Association reviews mouth rinses for their safety and effectiveness.  A mouthwash with the ADA Seal Of Approval will meet strict criteria that has scientific evidence to produce the manufacturers claims.

If you have additional questions concerning your dental health or whether you may need to add a mouthwash to your dental routine, call our office at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,

DRT

Smile Benefits: The Dental Connection!

An attractive smile puts a spring in your step as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you are 14 or 40!  Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, recent studies have even linked people that smile often, live longer!

If you are hiding your smile because you have missing, chipped or discolored teeth, it is time to consider treatment at our dental office.  You will be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today's most advanced dental technologies can be!

Don't hide your smile any longer, give our office a call today at 918-455-0123 to schedule a consultation!

God Bless,
DRT

Spring Into Spring: The Dental Connection!

Spring is just around the corner! Tulips are blooming and the world is awakening from another Winter sleep.  Many people also associate this time of year with Spring cleaning.  What a better time to remind each of our valued patients not to forget about the importance of your dental cleanings as well!  Studies continue to show the link between proper oral and dental care and heart disease, diabetes and even stroke.  Regular cleanings at our office can keep harmful bacteria from entering your body by removing plaque build up that daily forms on your teeth.

Another great benefit to scheduling your 6-month visit is the opportunity to be screened for other potential health hazards. During every cleaning, we can not only clean and whiten your teeth by removing stains, but potentially identify other health concerns like oral cancer!

If you have any dental questions or concerns, or if it is time for your Spring cleaning, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

March & National Nutrition Month: The Dental Connection!

With the arrival of March, warmer temperatures will soon mark the beginning of Spring!  March has also been designated as National Nutrition Month!  During this time, our entire staff and many dental professionals celebrate this occasion by encouraging you and your family to think about the role that nutrition plays in the cause of diabetes, obesity and even periodontal (gum) disease.  Eating healthy and maintaining an active lifestyle will not only improve your overall health, but has been linked to improving your dental health as well. Discover the link!

Small changes can really make a big difference.  Check out the American Diabetic Association's advice on some ways that you can improve your diet this March:

• Commit To Eat More Fruits And Vegetables
• Commit To Be Adventurous And Try New Nutritious Foods
• Commit To Eat Snacks Like Trail Mix
• Commit To Eat Desserts Like Fruit Or Yogurt

If you have any questions concerning nutrition and periodontal disease, feel free to call our dental office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT