Labor Day 2014!

Labor Day honors the contributions that workers have made to our great country, and for many Americans, the holiday is a great time to relax at home with family or friends as most area Oklahoma schools mark their first official holiday of the year! While many people take in the first football game of the season, an estimated 33 million people travel more than 50 miles over the Labor Day Holiday weekend each year.  Check out these common Labor Day travel destinations!

• Exploring of a National or State Park
• On a national holiday like Labor Day, it is only fitting that many people experience the beauty of one of America's landscapes by heading out to the nearest national or state park.  Especially if you spend most days confined indoors at the office, the area parks can provide a relaxing scenic escape.

• Visiting a BBQ Haven 
• Barbecuing is a popular Labor Day activity, but instead of sweating over the grill or oven, many "grill-miesters" trek out to one of the country's BBQ capitals.  US News and World Report names Memphis as the top BBQ destination, with more than 80 BBQ restaurants in the city, most notably Corky's BBQ and Central BBQ. Kansas City is also known for the sweet taste of its sauces, while central Texas is said to have perfected the technique of smoking tender and flavorful brisket.

• Relaxing on the Beach
• Many people think of Labor Day as the unofficial start of fall, which brings cooler temperatures, more rain, and for many people, an end to lazy days at the beach.  Many beach goers end the summer's beach days with a bang by taking one more trip to one of the coasts or an area lakeside beach.

No matter what your plans may be this weekend, 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 of you a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

God Bless,

DRT

Energy Drinks: The Dental Connection!

Energy drinks have been on the rise, taking up more and more space on grocery store shelves.  Drinks such as Red Bull, 5-Hour Energy, Monster Assault, Rockstar, and the like promise to jump-start your day, give you more energy, and help you feel more alert.  But they also do a lot more than that...Turns out, they can do a pretty good job of stripping your teeth of enamel!

Many of the popular energy drinks are loaded with a lot of citric acid.  In addition, they can be laden with preservatives (not to mention sugar), not only to enhance the flavor, but to extend the shelf life of the product.  While enamel loss, tooth decay, teeth sensitivity, and cavities cannot be fully blamed on energy drinks (improper oral hygiene at home and a lack of professional dental care also play a role), they can wreak havoc on the health of your teeth and gums, especially when consumed in more than moderation.  Over time, energy drinks can strip enamel, which is the outer layer that protects your teeth!

Follow these tips to help minimize the detrimental dental side effects associated with energy drinks:

• Drink through a straw.
• Don't hold the drink in your mouth before swallowing.
• Rinse your mouth with water immediately after drinking this kind of beverage to both neutralize the acid and increase saliva production.
• Chew sugar-free gum immediately after, to increase saliva production.
• Don't brush your teeth right after drinking an energy drink.  Wait at least an hour instead, because the combination of the acid and brushing will further damage tooth enamel.

The best advice is to refrain from drinking energy drinks altogether.  One of the best hydrators is water.  Water is a natural energy-booster and hydrator, and it doesn't contain calories.

If your have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Summer Adventures of 2014!

As Summer starts to wind down and many of the area schools start back, 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.  We encourage you to post any stories or photos from your favorite Summer Adventures on our Facebook wall!

Thanks for staying connected with us,
God Bless,
DRT

Technique Is Everything: The Dental Connection!

Although brushing on a regular basis is critical for a healthy mouth, many teens and patients of all ages can actually overdo a good thing! Known as "toothbrush abrasion," over brushing can lead to sensitive teeth and receding gums, not to mention the wearing down of the protective layers of your tooth enamel.  Over brushing can also push back your gums, and in the process, expose the dentin layer under the enamel.

Technique is everything.  The following brushing tips can ensure proper dental hygiene without any unintended negative consequences!

• Use a soft bristled toothbrush
• Keep the bristles at a 45 degree angle to the gum line
• Move the toothbrush in a scrubbing motion: Never saw back and forth
• Apply just enough pressure to feel the bristles against the gums
• Replace the toothbrush if the bristles are frayed, bent or it's 3 months old
• Brush for two minutes, twice daily

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

God Bless,

DRT

SIX: The Dental Connection!

When was the last time that you paid us a visit?  If you are like many people, chances are it was more than six months ago.  We hear the reasons why people neglect their regular dental visits all of the time: lack of money or quality dental insurance, busy schedules, fear, and LIFE!  However, your twice-yearly checkups are so important for your dental health and for your overall health as well.

You may brush for two minutes twice daily and even floss, and your teeth may feel fine, but regular dental checkups are NOT about addressing problems and reacting to them.  They are about cavity prevention!  No matter how much you brush and floss, there is still a chance that food, other debris and bacterial buildup can develop between your teeth.  This accumulation can make your teeth vulnerable to decay and gum disease.

It's important to know that the majority of dental problems do not become visible or painful until they are highly advanced! Prevention truly is the key!  Make sure your teeth get the professional attention they deserve! If you are overdue for your next cleaning or have a question, call our dental office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT