The Same Ol' Grind: The Dental Connection!

Bruxism, also called clenching or grinding, starts early in life while the permanent teeth are still in the process of developing.  15% of all children grind or clench their teeth. As the stresses of life mount, it seems that many people deal with those stresses while they are sleeping.  90% of individuals that clench and grind while asleep have no conscience remembrance of the habit.  It is not uncommon for a grinder (men and women, equally) to experience 2 millimeters of enamel loss by their mid-twenties.  What's more concerning, nighttime grinding can occur as often as 40 minutes for every hour of sleep, producing up to 250 pounds of force per square inch.  That is enough pressure to crack a walnut!

     Consequences:

• Front teeth wear down and become flat and even in length
• Cracks and broken fillings, eventually leading to nerve damage
• Teeth ground down to the dentin, causing sensitivity to heat and cold
• Gum recession, due to pressure on the gum line
• Loose teeth and gum pockets, caused by the back and forth "rocking" effect
• Headaches and aching jaws due to overuse of muscles

If you have any of the signs or symptoms of bruxism, call our office at 918-455-0123.  A simple, painless custom nightguard appliance can be made to protect your teeth from the adverse effects of grinding.

God Bless,
DRT
 

Your Easter Basket: The Dental Connection!

According to the National Confectioners Association, Americans spend more than $1.5 billion on Easter candy each year, second only to the $1.77 billion spent on Halloween.  This means that on average, each American will eat the equivalent of 25 pounds of candy, plus an additional 2 pounds of gum each year.  Our office  encourages moderation to parents and caregivers.  We strongly encourage you to become an educated consumer and monitor the amount of candy that your children consume. If they do eat candy, make every effort to confine it to mealtimes.  Providing a healthy diet, brushing with fluoride containing toothpaste, and chewing sugar-free gum can also reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Another idea to improve the "dental health" of your Easter Holiday activities is to modify the treats that you (or the Easter Bunny) include in the Easter baskets.  There are many great alternatives to give children that do not contribute to cavities or to childhood obesity.  Some great ideas include giving some arts and craft supplies, music CDS, iTunes gift cards, books, and electronic gadgets!

If you have any questions concerning you or your children's dental health, give our office a call at 918-455-0123.  Have a great Easter and may we never forget the true meaning of Easter-- Christ is Risen!

God Bless,
DRT

Your Best Social Asset: The Dental Connection!

For over 25 years, Thomas Family Dentistry has served Broken Arrow and the surrounding communities, and it is a great joy for our office to know that we are able to help our friends and community members maintain good oral health and bright, beautiful smiles!

And speaking of smiling, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, "If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?"

Well, 44 percent of folks out there chose teeth!  In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset.  Respondents said that straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person's smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

We invite you to contact us at 918-455-0123 for your complete dental care.  Smiles are always at the heart of what we do, and we look forward to the many smiles we have yet to share!

God Bless,
DRT

April Awareness: The Dental Connection!

Visiting Thomas Family Dentistry regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy!  The fact is, every hour of every day in the United Stated, someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease.  The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Early detection is the key! Our office completes an oral cancer examination at each hygiene appointment.  Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, it's time to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

Dentists are specifically trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems.  Please let us know if you have any questions about your oral health during your next appointment.  If you need to make an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123. Take care of your teeth!

God Bless,
DRT

A Beautiful Smile: Your Dental Connection!

Did you know that one in every five orthodontic patients is an adult?  We're living longer and technology is improving, making orthodontic treatment  an appealing and safe option for patients of all ages.  As the trend toward treatment later in life grows, we're seeing braces on parents as well as children- and even celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Gwen Stefani and Nicholas Cage have shown off their braces.  It's never too late to look and feel your best!

Can Braces Work For Adults?
People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment.  The physical process for moving teeth is the same, young or old, which means it's never too late to address issues such as an overbite or underbite, crooked or crowded teeth, or jaw disorders.


What are the Benefits?
Straightening your teeth can improve your smile, your self-esteem and dental health. Technologically advanced new treatment makes it easier to identify the option that best fits your lifestyle.  Modern techniques and materials have made braces and aligners more effective, comfortable and less obtrusive.  Even limited treatment options are available to cosmetically improve your smile!

If you think that you might benefit from orthodontic treatment, give Thomas Family Dentistry a call at 918-455-0123.  We can put you in touch with an orthodontist that can help you achieve your dream of a beautiful SMILE!

God Bless,
DRT

April: The Dental Connection!

With Spring here, many children, teens and adults in the Broken Arrow area will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of Spring sports!  April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, we urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year.

Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth's safety this Spring, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontics:

• Wear mouth guards for all contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer, football & basketball
• Wear a helmet
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps.  Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities.  If you have any further questions about any of these tips or need a custom athletic sports guard, please contact Thomas Family Dentistry at 918-455-0123.  Stay safe and have fun!

God Bless,
DRT

Spring Cleaning: The Dental Connection!

Every Spring, everyone gets in the mood to clean up their house, put away those tacky sweaters, and do some yard work.  It's also a great time to think about getting into the dental office for a teeth cleaning! Your teeth get dirty and a professional cleaning by one of our great Hygienists will get them back into tip-top shape just in time for Summer!  We do all types of cleanings here at our office.  We can do regular cleanings, periodontal cleanings, scaling and root planing, as well as cleanings for children.

So call our office at 918-455-0123 to get in for your Spring Teeth Cleaning!

God Bless,
DRT