Labor Day!

With the Labor Day weekend upon us, summer is "unofficially" ending! As school kids enjoy their "first day" out of school for the new academic year and thoughts of cooler Fall temperatures are right around the corner, many Oklahomans take the chance to throw one more barbecue or head off to the lake.


Did you know...

• Every year, more than 30 million Americans travel over the Labor Day weekend
• Canada was the first country to celebrate Labor Day
• President Cleveland made Labor Day an official US holiday in 1894
• Labor Day marks the fashionable end of wearing "white pants" for the year
• Labor Day marks the beginning of the NFL and NCAA sports seasons for fans

As the college football games kick-off this Saturday and the area teams gear-up for another exciting season, our staff would like to wish each member of our highly valued patient family a safe and happy weekend!

God Bless,

DRT

Four Common Causes Of Toothaches

If you have ever suffered from a toothache, you know how excruciating the pain can be. Although there are other potential sources of pain, tooth pain is usually caused by irritation to the nerves in the roots of the teeth. Fortunately, there are ways to both prevent and resolve a toothache, regardless of its cause.

Common Causes Of Tooth Pain

• Tooth Decay
• Gum Disease
• Injury
• Tooth Impaction

Pain Resolution

• Tooth Decay: Treatment may range from a simple filling, a root canal, or a possible extraction.
• Gum Disease: Treatment may range from a routine cleaning, deeper cleaning with anesthetic or a possible referral to periodontist (gum specialist).
• Injury: Treatment may range from a simple filling, crown, or a possible extraction.
• Tooth Impaction: Commonly related to wisdom teeth.  Treatment usually involves an extraction.

Prevention

• Although there are many ways of treating a toothache, the best way to treat it is by preventing it altogether.  Some causes of tooth pain are not preventable, such as an impacted tooth or some traumatic injuries.  However, tooth decay and gum disease, which account for the majority of tooth pain and sensitivity, are easily prevented by using good hygienic practices at home and visiting your dentist for routine examinations and cleanings.  By brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing, as well as wearing protective mouthguards when participating in high impact activities, you can significantly decrease your chances of developing tooth pain in the future.

If you have any questions concerning tooth pain or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,

DRT 

Tooth Whitening Does Not Equal Brushing!

Many people want a whiter, brighter smile and turn to tooth bleaching!  However, did you know that bleaching strips do NOT clean your teeth?  Check out the following video from the American Dental Association to learn more!

If you have any questions about bleaching options for a brighter smile, or are in need of an appointment, call Thomas Family Dentistry at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

The Importance Of Straight Teeth!

The number one goal of orthodontic treatment is to give you or your child a good bite, which means straight teeth that function well with the teeth in the opposite jaw.  A good bite makes it easier to eat, chew, and speak.  It can enhance your dental health and your overall health, as well as improving your self-esteem.  As part of your comprehensive dental health care plan, braces can help you retain your teeth-and your smile-for a lifetime!

Let your smile express yourself!  Nothing shows the world how happy you are like a beautiful smile.  With orthodontics, you can be confident to flash your smile, knowing that your smile truly represents your positive attitude.

Make your mouth healthy!  Straight teeth aren't just pretty, they're healthy as well.  Straight teeth are easier to clean, which reduces the amount of plaque build up and risk for gingivitis.

Feel free to live your life!  Braces are easier today than ever before, with many different treatment options that fit your lifestyle and schedule.  From clear braces to removable aligners and totally invisible lingual (behind the teeth) braces, your treatment can be personalized to meet all of your needs!

Dr. Thomas and our entire staff at Thomas Family Dentistry are here to help!  If you have any questions concerning which option is the best one for you to achieve your "Hollywood Smile," call us at 918-455-0123.

Keep Smiling,
God Bless,
DRT

Back To School Checklist: Dental Check-Ups!

For many, 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

Tooth Discoloration: Common Causes!

Reminiscing? Many patients find themselves looking back at childhood photos and realize that their teeth are not quite as bright and white as they once were.  A common adult struggle is tooth discoloration.  Below is a list of causes and treatment options to restore your teeth to their original brilliance.

Discoloration Causes

• Genetics
• Medications
• Medical Conditions
• Poor Dental Hygiene
• Foods And Tobacco

Treatment Options

• Avoid foods and liquids that stain like coffee, tea, red wine and dark sodas
• Avoid tobacco
• Crest white strips
• Professional Whitening 

If you are concerned about your teeth becoming yellow or brown, think carefully about your diet and medication use.  Call our office at 918-455-0123 to keep your smile looking its best!

God Bless,

DRT

Chronic Bleeding Gums: The Hidden Danger!

Lately, there has been an increasing amount of information related to a connection between chronically inflamed gum tissue and systemic health!  The concern is that the inflamed gum tissue produces a byproduct called C-reactive protein, which increases the tissue response in areas such as the heart and arteries.   It has been linked to heart disease, stroke and diabetes.  More recent studies have now made a connection between gum disease and increased levels of PSA, which can dramatically elevate the risk of prostate cancer.

If you experience chronic bleeding from you gums that lasts for more than ten days while you are brushing, flossing or eating, it should be checked out by a dentist.  Even though there is usually little to no pain associated with bleeding gums, being proactive and treating the underlying cause may prevent some more dangerous health challenges in the future!

If you have any questions concerning bleeding gums and your overall health, or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Cavities Can Occur At Any Age!

Although most people think that they "outgrow" cavities after they make it through the cavity prone years, in reality, cavities can occur at any time of a person's life!  Cavities, also known as tooth decay, occur as a result of the destruction of tooth structure, which 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 every day to remove food debris and plaque, regular cleanings and checkups with Dr. Thomas at Thomas Family Dentistry is the best way to help prevent cavities.

Don't wait for a toothache!  If you think that you may have a cavity, call our Broken Arrow office at 918-455-0123 for an appointment.

God Bless,

DRT  

Heart Disease And Your Dental Health

Brushing your teeth every day keeps them cleaner, improves your breath and reduces plaque buildup.  But did you know that there may be a connection between your overall dental health and chronic illness?  Recent scientific evidence suggests that poor dental health may be linked to heart disease! Yet another good reason to brush your teeth twice per day, floss daily and visit Thomas Family Dentistry for regular check-ups.

Did you know...

• 2400 people die from heart disease every day.
• Gum disease affects 75% of the U.S. population.
• Gum disease may cause systemic inflammation, which may affect your circulatory system.

Scientists have known for years that gum disease and heart disease share several common risk factors.  Increasing age, cigarette smoking and type 2 diabetes increase your risk of developing both gum disease and heart disease.  Although there has been no conclusive evidence that one condition directly causes the other, eliminating gum disease is very important to improving your health and decreasing inflammatory risk factors associated with heart disease.

If you have any questions about gum disease or are in need of an appointment with our office, call us at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,

DRT