Snack Foods: The Dental Connection!

Your 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 on healthy foods throughout the day or "grazing" can also lead to an increased risk for cavities!

Consider these choices to reduce your risk for decay:

• Only have sugary foods and drinks with meals.
• Limit sugary drinks and snacks between meals.
• Chew ADA Approved sugarless gum.
• Drink water.
• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste.
• Commit to regular dental visits.

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

God Bless,

DRT

Cardiovascular Health: The Dental Connection!

Studies continue to show a strong correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.  Cardiovascular disease remains American's leading killer according to the American Heart Association.  And an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease, also know as periodontal disease.

People with gum disease are believed to have an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke.  Since most patients are not regularly visiting a heart specialist, regular dental visits to our office can help detect early warning signs of gum disease, which again, has been linked to heart disease.  Early detection and prevention is the key!

KNOW YOU NUMBERS!

• Blood Pressure: Less than 120/80
• Cholesterol:  Less than 200
• BMI:  Less than 25
• Periodontal Numbers: 1-4MM

There are many benefits to visiting our office on a regular basis in addition to maintaining your dental health.  If you have any questions or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Stress: The Dental Connection!

Stress symptoms--which can include high blood pressure, severe headaches, and insomnia--may be affecting your health, even though you might not realize it.  You may think illness is the culprit when in fact stress may actually be the reason.  While not all stress is bad, most people overlook the toll that stress can cause on your mouth. How? Take a look:

• Teeth Grinding
• It's not uncommon for people dealing with stress to develop teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. People who grind their teeth at night may do so unconsciously, but the condition requires treatment to prevent the development of headaches, TMJ, and tooth damage.
•  Mouth Sores
• Research suggests that stress and depression harm your immune system, making it easier for infections to develop and stick around.  That can mean canker sores or a cold sore outbreak.
• Bad Habits
• Stress can lead to bad oral health habits such as smoking, drinking, and neglecting your daily brushing and flossing routine.  If you've been feeling under pressure lately, try to keep up your oral health routine--it will serve you well when your stress levels return to normal.

Although there's not always an easy way to reduce your stress levels, eating healthy, exercising regularly, spending time with your friends and family, and most importantly, prayer, are all good places to start.  If you have any questions or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Autumn: The Dental Connection!

For many people, autumn brings with it a number of new beginnings.  Fall is the time that many people return to school, get back to the daily grind after an enjoyable summer, and even get married.  As the weather cools down, it's easier to enjoy the outdoors.  And regardless of what fall-related events are on your calendar, our team at Thomas Family Dentistry want you to look your best.

One of the very first things that people will notice about you is your smile.  And if yours has become less dazzling over the years-as teeth tend to do-you know how disappointing it is not to have the beautiful, pearly white look you're used to.

BENEFITS OF TEETH WHITENING

• For school-bound students and autumn brides, fall calendars are certainly filled.  School and weddings call for large financial investments, loads of social interaction, and a large amount of personal dedication.  So the last thing any bride or student wants to think about is a less-than radiant smile.
• For many, there is a lack of confidence associated with their smile and investing in teeth-whitening techniques can be an effective solution.  Studies suggest that not only can you experience a boost in the level of confidence, but also you may find that other advantages quickly fall into place.

BENEFITS OF A CONFIDENT SMILE

• Personal and work-related relationships
• Job interviews and meetings
• Success when dealing with customers and potential clients
• Your personality and general happiness as you age
• Overall outlook on daily interactions

All of these benefits can relate directly to how you see yourself.  When you are insecure with something as prominent as your smile, it can affect the way that you handle your life, everything from social gatherings to professional situations.  Now is the perfect time to rejuvenate your smile. With the right teeth-whitening product and regular hygienic practices, walking down the aisle or starting the new semester with the utmost confidence has never been easier.  If you have any questions about making your smile the brightest it can be, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Summer 2014: Remembered!

Now that Labor Day has come and gone and Summer is fading into Fall, the temperatures will soon start cooling down, the leaves will change, and everyone's focus will be on the Tulsa State Fair, Fall Festivals and Thanksgiving plans!  But before we all shift gears into our Fall routines, take a moment to remember your favorite parts of this past Summer! Did you take a wonderful family trip, pick up a new hobby, or just try to spend as much time outside as possible?  No matter what your Summer activities entailed, we'd love to have you share them with us here or on on our Facebook page!

God Bless,
DRT