Contact Lens: The Dental Connection!

Dental Veneers are a way to correct and transform your smile by using "contact lens" for your teeth. Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or ceramic material that are bonded to the front of the teeth.   They are strong and durable, look and feel like natural teeth, and improve your smile.

Dental veneers can help with cosmetic and dental health issues. They can treat multiple problems at once.  Some of the common reasons that individuals choose veneers are to to close gaps and spaces between the teeth, fix minor alignment issues, change the overall shape and appearance of a tooth, whiten a smile by covering stained or discolored teeth, and cover chipped or cracked teeth. If you have teeth that are already worn down and weakened, veneers can also help prevent further damage by covering them with a thin tooth-colored shell.

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

God Bless,
DRT & DRR

Your Experience: The Dental Connection!

At Thomas Family Dentistry, we have been creating beautiful smiles for over 30 years! And with the recent addition of Dr Riddel to our team, we have a combined 34 years of experience! Whether you have visited our office for a week or for your entire life, your experience is very important to us!  In fact, we encourage you to leave a few words for us. We look forward to reading your feedback!

God Bless,
DRT & DRR

New Year: The Dental Connection!

Now that another year is in full swing, we at Thomas Family Dentistry thought that we would like to remind our patients to practice good oral hygiene to keep your smile looking its best!  Of course, this includes brushing and flossing on a regular basis, waiting about twenty minutes and then brushing after consuming foods that can stain your teeth and finally, visiting our office every six months or as recommended.

The American Dental Association also recommends the following for ideal oral hygiene:

• Brush two minutes twice daily with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
• Replace your toothbrush every three or four months.
• Clean between your teeth with floss in areas where bristles don't reach.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Visit our office on a regular basis for professional cleanings and exams.

Lastly, a great reason to smile is this: recent studies have shown that smiling can actually help you live longer!  If you need an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT & DRR

HPV and Oral Cancer: The Dental Connection!

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is best known as a sexually transmitted infection.  In fact, in the United States, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.  In addition to increasing the risk for cervical cancer, HPV is a contributing factor in some cases of oral cancer.  Each year an estimated 1,700 women and 6,700 men develop oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the tongue and throat.

The Oral Cancer Connection

There are more than 40 strains of HPV that live in the skin and mucosa.  Of the strains of oral HPV, only one, called HPV16, increases the risk of oral cancer.  One study reported that it takes about 15 years on average after exposure to HPV to develop into oral cancer.  Thankfully, this makes it a relatively slow-growing form of cancer.

Prevention

Scientists continue to study how HPV infections lead to oral cancer, so little is known about the progression of the disease.  However, one recent study found that poor oral health, including gum disease and poor oral hygiene, is associated with the oral cancer risk.  Thus, being vigilant about brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and staying committed to the recommended twice a year professional exams and cleanings, may reduce HPV-related oral cancer.  The HPV vaccine can also protect against the oral form of the virus as well.

If you have any other questions about the connection between HPV and Oral Cancer, or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

October: The Dental Connection!

Now that October is wrapping up, it's time to take one final look at one of the most important celebrations related to Fall, National Dental Hygiene Month!  The American Dental Association attempts to raise public awareness about good oral health during this time each year.   Their national campaign focuses on BRUSH, FLOSS, RINSE, CHEW!

Remember to brush two minutes twice daily, make flossing a consistent and daily routine, rinse your mouth with mouthwash to freshen your breath, and chew sugar-free gum to help fight tooth decay!  More evidence continues to surface related to the important connection between good oral hygiene and the elevated risk for heart disease and stroke.  Simply remembering to regularly brush, effectively floss and maintain regular dental cleanings, can significantly reduce the oral bacteria that has been associated with your health!

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

God Bless,
DRT

Hitting The Gridiron: The Dental Connection!

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL!  With the start of football season right around the corner, this great seasonal sport often brings a rise in athletic activities, and with them, a rise in tooth and mouth injuries.  Check out these tips that can keep you safe this football season.

• PROTECTION.  All activities come with some risk of tooth damage.  The easiest way to protect your teeth is to get a simple mouth guard from the sport's store.  A custom guard, provided by our office, can provide a more comfortable fit that is very affordable.
• EMERGENCIES.  If you have a tooth knocked out, carefully place it in liquid, (milk being the very best), and contact an oral surgeon ASAP.  If the tooth is positioned back into place within about 30 minutes, there is an increased survival rate.
• SPORTS DRINKS.  Sports drinks are highly acidic and filled with sugar, which makes them extremely bad for teeth.  Unless you are a professional athlete, plain water is best for hydration.  If you drink a sports drink, it is best to gulp it and rinse your mouth immediately with plain water to rinse off the acid and sugar.
• INVISALIGN ALIGNERS.  Aligners will protect teeth from minor traumas, but High Impact Sports, like football, require a custom guard to provide the most safety from a possible traumatic dental injury.

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

God Bless,

DRT

Smiling & Longevity: The Dental Connection!

According to a recent study, people with big smiles may actually live longer than those who don't!  It has been know for quite some time that positive emotions have been linked to both physical and mental health. Researchers did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from a big smile, a partial smile, or no smile).  The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009.  The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results! Researchers found that the players who were not smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years.  While players with partial smiles lived to be 75, those with big smiles, however, lived to be 79.9 years old.

What can we learn from the study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Braces And Regular Check-ups: The Dental Connection!

Many patients ask, "If I have braces, do I still need a dental check-up every 6 months?"  The answer is, "Yes!"  In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit our office regularly.  When you're wearing braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush normally can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis and even gum disease. Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease.  Recent studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.  Our team will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.  Remember, our goal is straight healthy teeth!

If it has been more than six months since your last dental visit to our office, please give us a call at 918-455-0123 to schedule an appointment.

God Bless,
DRT

Your Team:The Dental Connection!

At Thomas Family Dentistry, we have a team of outstanding professionals that strives to improve your dental health!  Each one of our staff members work hard to make certain that everyone of our valued patients are taken care of to the best of their abilities.

MEET THE TEAM:

• Veronica: Office Manager
• Kathy: Front Desk / Receptionist
• Karla: Registered Dental Hygienist 
• Deidra: Registered Dental Hygienist 
• Connie: Registered Dental Hygienist 
• Debby: Certified Dental Assistant
• Jennifer: Certified Dental Assistant

Our entire team is here to serve you.  If you have any questions or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Baby Teeth: The Dental Connection!

It can be easy to underestimate the significance of baby teeth.  Some parents who assume that since their child's baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, eventually fall out and are replaced, they must be less important that the permanent teeth.  But did you know that baby teeth serve purposes other than biting, chewing, and digesting food properly?

Baby teeth are essential not only for your child's language development, but they also serve other important functions, like contributing to the normal development of your child's jaw bones and facial muscles.  Baby teeth also reserve space for your child's future permanent teeth.

A baby tooth is intended to remain in your child's mouth until the permanent tooth underneath is ready to take its place.  Sometimes, either due to a tooth being knocked out accidentally or being removed because of tooth decay, kids lose baby teeth before the permanent teeth are ready to erupt.  If a tooth is lost, the teeth on either side of the open space may possibly push into the open space thereby preventing the permanent tooth from erupting into the correct position when it has fully developed.

If you have any questions about baby teeth and their important long term dental connection or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Our Website: Your Dental Connection!

Our website truly is YOUR DENTAL CONNECTION to all things pertaining to Thomas Family Dentistry.   With continually enhanced abilities to communicate with our patients, our website provides the most up-to-date information about our practice.  From many popular social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and Pinterest, to our constantly updated BLOGS, our website is information central!  Our number one priority is to provide a platform of dental education, highlighting home town events and informing our patients about dental specials that will be featured at our office.

So stay tuned, stay informed and always let us know what you think!  If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Ending The Year With A Smile: The Dental Connection!

Although people have been ushering in the New Year for centuries, it did not become an official holiday until 1582 by Pope George XIII.  At midnight, people were instructed to yell, holler, and blow horns to scare away the evil spirits of the previous year so that the New Year would be joyous and filled with opportunity.  Nearly 500 years later, the New Year is still greeted by whooping and hollering but in a celebratory manner instead!

No manner what your New Year's plans may be, remember to be safe as you end the end with a smile!

God Bless,
DRT

Postmenopause: The Dental Connection!

A new study suggests that postmenopausal women are not only at a high risk for broken bones, but are also at an increased risk for gum disease.

The research included almost 200 women, aged 51 to 80.  They had all gone through menopause within the last 10 years, did not smoke and had not taken any hormone replacement therapy, bone loss prevention drugs or diabetes medications for at least five years.

The women's gums were examined and their fracture risk was assessed on a Fracture Assessment Risk Tool (FRAX), which takes into account factors such as weight, height, previous fractures, arthritis, smoking and diabetes.

The researchers noted that many of those factors are also associated with gum disease!

Women with high fracture risk scores also showed the strongest signs of gum disease, a finding that suggests that fracture risk could be a reliable indicator of gum disease, according to the study published in the journal Menopause.

While more investigations are needed, the FRAX tool score can potentially be used as a way to find women at risk for gum disease. Although health insurance does not cover dental procedures, researchers are now suggesting that there should be coverage for gum disease because of its link to a woman's overall health.

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

God Bless,
DRT

Tannic Acid: The Dental Connection!

Although Coffee and Tea are two of the most common drinks in the world, most people do not realize that they can be very tough on your teeth.  Tannic acid, the substance that makes these popular drinks dark, etches into the pits and grooves of tooth enamel. This is how coffee and tea can transform your teeth from white to tan and in may areas, black!

So, if you can't give up that morning cup o'joe, check out the following tips to reduce their impact on your teeth.

• Rinse with a glass of water after every cup
• Drink iced coffee or tea with a straw

Even if you are not a big coffee or tea drinker, swishing you mouth out with plain water after every meal can help to neutralize the cavity causing acids that are left in your mouth.  If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Smoking: The Dental Connection!

Although everyone is likely to know that smoking increases the risk of lung cancer and emphysema, most people may not realize that cigarettes can have an impact on your smile! Chronic smokers suffer from increased dental problems that can make their smiles unsightly.  Understanding how smoking affects your oral health may provide the momentum that you need to kick the habit for good.

Cosmetic Changes Associated With Smoking

Cigarettes contain more than 600 ingredients that, when lit, create in excess of 4,000 chemicals.  Of these, many are known to be carcinogens while others have been shown to have serious negative effects on health.  The nicotine and tar in all tobacco products are absorbed by the enamel of your teeth.  The result is yellowed teeth that look unsightly; with heavy smoking, your teeth may eventually turn nearly brown in color.  Smoking is also associated with a build-up of tartar and plaque on the surface of your teeth.  Over time, this increases your risk of developing cavities and other oral health problems.  Furthermore, pursing your lips while smoking, leads to wrinkles around your mouth, which detracts from your smile.

Electronic Cigarettes or "Vaping"

The verdict is still out on whether the newest craze of electronic cigarettes is a "safe" alternative to smoking.  Early studies are suggesting that the heating elements used to aerosolize the glycol into a vapor, deposit metals into the vapor, that when inhaled, are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.  Also, the water vapor that is being expressed from the process has been shown to be absorbed as "second-hand" smoke into the by-standers that are not using the product.  If the electronic cigarettes are utilizing a nicotine cartridge, then that means that the non-vaping individuals inhaling the vapors can be exposed to the drug nicotine.  Early studies have shown significant amounts of nicotine in their bloodstreams as well.  Finally, many of the flavored vapors may have added sweeteners that can contribute to tooth decay.  Since all of these e-cigarettes are NOT regulated by the FDA, more research studies are required and patients need to be very cautious.

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

God Bless,
DRT

Sealants: The Dental Connection!

School will be starting soon and keeping your child's teeth in their best possible condition will help them maintain optimum oral health for the rest of their lives.  When brushing and flossing isn't enough, we may suggest placing a dental sealant on your child's teeth. Children who have dental sealants can decrease their chance of tooth decay by 60%!  Sealants are a safe, painless, and effective way to ensure your child's dental health for years to come.

Dental sealants work by providing a protective shield over the tiny grooves and depressions that are found on the chewing surfaces of teeth.  While brushing and flossing are still essential even if a tooth has received a dental sealant, this coating will help the vulnerable areas be less likely to develop decay by "sealing out" plaque and food debris.

If we think that a sealant would be a good option for your child, a simple office visit is all that it takes.  One of our friendly clinical staff members will thoroughly clean your child's teeth before applying the white liquid-plastic material to the tooth's surface.  While sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to ten years, they will be checked for chipping or wear at each regular dental check-up at Thomas Family Dentistry!

If you have any questions or need an appointment, call us at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Wisdom Teeth: The Dental Connection!

No one ever seems to wake up one day and decide that there's nothing else better to do than to have their wisdom teeth removed! However, since wisdom teeth generally begin to erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, many patients may need to consider their removal for many reasons, including pain, infection, or growth issues. Check out the list below that reviews the most common issues associated with wisdom teeth.

• Overcrowding
• Many patients have smaller mouths and jaws, which do not allow room for the third molars (wisdom teeth) to grow in properly. If these teeth do erupt, overcrowding can occur.  Your teeth can begin to shift or overlap each other.   Wisdom teeth that erupt after orthodontic care is completed can cause the teeth to shift and negate the work performed.
• Impacted Wisdom Teeth
• When wisdom teeth are impacted, they are trapped below your gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can be very painful and may be prone to abscess and infection.  The impaction can also lead to decay and resorption of healthy teeth.
• Decay
• Even if wisdom teeth grow in properly, their location makes it very hard to care for.  Statistically, there is an increased risk for decay and gum disease the closer any tooth is to your throat due to access for home care as well an increase also occurs the older one becomes.

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

God Bless,

DRT

July 4th, 2018!

Once again it's the season when Americans all over the world celebrate the birth of our country and its independence on the Fourth of July! There are countless ways that people celebrate and they range from community parades and large scale gatherings to concerts, fireworks displays, and smaller scale celebrations among family and friends.  For some people, July 4th is synonymous with baseball, while others it is all about the beach and barbecues.  However you celebrate, you can be sure that red, white, and blue is visible everywhere throughout the area. Furthermore, no matter how or where you celebrate this year, one thing is certain: all Americans celebrate July 4th as the birth and independence of our great country!

God Bless,
DRT

Smile Protection: The Dental Connection!

If you participate in sports or other physical activities, it is wise to consider getting a mouthguard.  Also known as mouth protectors, mouthguards are a device worn over the teeth to lessen the impact of a blow to the face.

This reduces the chance that you might lose teeth or sustain other serious oral injuries.  It is recommended that all patients involved in a contact sport such as wrestling, football, basketball, or hockey wear a mouthguard because of the high risk of such injuries.

However, anyone involved in a physically demanding sport or activity should wear a mouthguard as well.  Can you imagine what it would be like to lose a few of your front teeth?  The way that you talk, eat, and smile would all change.  Potential injuries when you don't wear a mouthguard include chipped and broken teeth, fractured jaws, root damage, damage to crowns and bridgework, concussions, and/or injury to the lips, cheeks, or gums.

There are different kinds of mouthguards - typically made of a soft plastic material or laminate.   You can decide which works best for you in terms of budget, fit, and comfort.

STOCK MOUTHGUARDS are fabricated to a standard size.  They offer adequate protection, but you need to make sure that you find one that fits properly and comfortably.  Stock mouthguards are readily available at department stores, sporting goods stores, and online.

BOIL-AND-BITE MOUTHGUARDS are placed in boiling water to soften them, then into the mouth so they can conform to the shape of the teeth.  Boil-and-bite mouthguards are more expensive, but offer a more customized fit than stock ones.  You can find these in department stores, pharmacies, sporting good stores, and online.

CUSTOM-MADE MOUTHGUARDS are created and are a custom fit for your mouth and teeth. These offer the best fit and comfort of all of the options, but since they are usually the most expensive, we have decided to reduce the usual fee associated with the custom guards because the importance of guard in providing safety for your teeth truly outweighs the cost of the appliance.

The American Dental Association says a good mouthguard should be easy to clean, fit properly, be comfortable, and resist tearing or damage.  It should also not restrict speech or breathing.

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

God Bless,
DRT

FIVE: The Dental Connection!

Most people know when they have a cavity because they can see it visually or by the sensation of discomfort! But there are certain things that many patients don't know about cavities that could save them from a trip for another dental restoration! Check out these FIVE things that can be associated with an elevated risk for cavities.

• ALL SUGARS ARE NOT EQUAL
• It is quite well known that eating dietary sugars in excess along with poor dental hygiene leads to dental decay such as cavities.  This is due to the fact that the bacteria in your mouth feed on these sugars and excrete acids as a byproduct of that process, which causes decay.  But xylitol, a sugar alcohol derived from birch or corn, actually prevents bacteria from converting sugar into acids.
• Xylitol is available in the form of gum, mints, toothpaste, and even in a granulated form much like cane sugar.  You might consider trying some xylitol products between meals to keep your mouth clean and fresh.
• NOT WHAT BUT HOW YOU EAT
• Are you a grazer, always snacking between meals?  It is now known that this kind of eating can contribute to cavities and other oral health problems.
• Every time you eat anything with carbohydrates in it, you are feeding the bacteria in your mouth, which in turn produce acids.  Constantly eating or sipping on sugar laden beverages does not allow your saliva time to bring the pH of your mouth back into a more alkaline, neutral state.  It takes about 20 minutes to neutralize the acids in your mouth after eating.
• FLOSSING DECREASES DECAY
• Although most patients are aware of the need to brush their teeth to prevent dental decay, many people view flossing as a technique that solely prevents gum disease.  While flossing does decrease the incidence of gum disease, it is also one of the easiest and best ways to remove food debris that remains between your teeth, which the bacteria convert to acid.  Brushing alone, does NOT remove any bacteria where the teeth contact.
• DRY MOUTH
• The saliva is the best defense against tooth decay!  Saliva has a neutralizing effect on the acids that the bacteria produce.  So, if you have a dry mouth from either medications, medical conditions, or simple aging, it is best to sip on plain water.  Xylitol mints, gum or products like Biotene can also help with salivary production and lubrication.  Unfortunately, a dry mouth can quickly lead to non-restorable root decay!
• OVER-BRUSHING
• Brushing like a construction worker with a jackhammer can cause more harm than good!  Brushing too hard can actually thin your teeth's enamel over time, which can leave them more susceptible to decay.   While it is now believed that it takes a full two minutes of correct brushing to remove the sticky bacterial film coating that forms daily on your teeth, most people brush for 30-45 seconds once daily.  The key is to brush longer, NOT harder for a full two minutes twice daily! 

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

God Bless,

DRT