Summer Break: The Dental Connection!

After your son or daughter departs for college this Fall, the last thing that you want to receive is a call or text only to learn that he or she is in pain.  Although there aren't many emergency situations that can be avoided, when it comes to dental health, one crisis that can easily be prevented before your teen heads hundreds of miles away for college is wisdom tooth extraction.

Many college bound students are affected by the problems that arise from wisdom teeth because the third molars usually erupt in the late teens to early 20s.  Most young adults experience spacing and crowding problems that can cause impaction and infections, which is why most oral surgeons are strongly recommending that they be electively removed during this time period.  Unfortunately, wisdom teeth can go from barely noticeable to extremely painful in a brief period of time.

Summer break is the perfect time to remove wisdom teeth so that your child can avoid the scenario of experiencing this medical emergency while they are far away from home.  If you have any questions are are in need of an appointment to have your child's wisdom teeth removed, please call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Toothpaste: The Dental Connection!

Everyone knows that it is recommended to brush your teeth for two minutes twice daily.  But have you ever wondered what's in toothpaste and how it actually works? The mouth is home to more than 500 types of microorganisms that feed on the leftover food that gets stuck on and around the teeth.  Toothpaste is the best line of defense against all of those pesky germs. Take a look at how it works.

ABRASIVES

Toothpaste contains mild abrasive additives that combat microorganisms and fight plaque.  When you brush, the abrasives in toothpaste dislodge food particles and microorganisms more effectively than if you simply brush with water.  The abrasives also work to remove food stains and polish the surface of the tooth.  Some toothpastes include ingredients like triclosan and Xylitol. These chemicals prevent the growth of bacteria that produce plaque.  The bacteria in plaque not only causes cavities, but it can also lead to more dangerous issues like periodontal disease.

FLUORIDE

Fluoride is the key ingredient in toothpaste.  As the germs in your mouth feed off of the leftover food particles, they leave behind acid and sulfur byproducts that wear away the enamel of the teeth. This is the technical way that the acid forming on your teeth causes cavities.  And it's the sulfur byproduct that causes bad breath.  Fluoride works to fight the acid and help to protect teeth.  By brushing, the fluoride is incorporated into the tooth enamel, which in turn makes the tooth more resistant to acid and plaque.

FLAVORING AGENTS

Not all toothpastes are the same.  The flavoring agents added to the toothpaste don't have anything to do with fighting microorganisms and plaque, but taste is one of the most important selling points in finding a brand that you like and more importantly, will consistently use.  Flavoring agents mask the taste of some of the other ingredients in toothpaste as well, and without those agents, chances are that nobody would be brushing their teeth for the recommended two minutes twice daily!

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

God Bless,
DRT

Summer Foods: The Dental Connection!

Summer--that wonderful time of year when fresh and delicious produce abounds. Your teeth, gums, and tissues all rely on an appropriate mix of vitamins and minerals to maintain good oral health no matter what time of year.  In previous studies, nutrients in fruits and vegetables such as dietary fiber, potassium, and antioxidants have all been associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and cancers, including oral cancer.

Check out these summertime foods that can improve your oral health:

Watermelons and Strawberries

     Watermelons have a high water content, which dilutes the affects of the sugars they contain and
     stimulates the flow of saliva.

Apples

     Consuming apples can help you attain whiter, healthier teeth.  Biting and chewing an apple
     stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, and in the process, lowers the levels of  
     bacteria and other harmful acids, leading to a lower incidence of tooth decay.

Tomatoes

     Tomatoes are a delicious and healthy snack that can help ward off cancer.  The yummy red fruit
     contains lycopene, which helps to protect your skin from sunburn. They can also help fight heart
     disease due to the niacin, folate, and vitamin B6 nutrients that they contain.  Tomatoes are high
     in crucial antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin A, which work to prevent DNA damage.

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

God Bless,
DRT