CVD Link: The Dental Connection!

Don't put off your next visit with our office any longer! Over the years, oral health issues have been increasingly linked to other health concerns, such as heart disease. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, claiming more lives than any other cause of death, according to the American Heart Association.  Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease.  Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care, both at home and by visiting the dentist.

Studies are also beginning to suggest that patients, especially those with periodontal disease, are believed to have an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke.  Since most patients are not regularly visiting a heart specialist, regular visits to our office can help detect early warning signs of heart issues, prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages.

Additionally, if it has been more than six months since your last visit to our Broken Arrow office, please give us a call at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Halloween: The Dental Connection!

It's almost that time of year when candy abounds at every corner!  Whether you are going door-to-door trick or treating, attending a party dressed in a clever, silly or scary costume, or attending a church Harvest Festival, our team at Thomas Family Dentistry want you to keep in mind the following tips from our friends at the American Dental Association to help reduce tooth-decay!

• EAT TREATS WITH MEALS.      Saliva production increases during meals washing out food particles and helping to neutralize cavity causing plaque acid.

• CONSIDER CHEWING ADA ACCEPTED SUGARLESS GUM AFTER MEALS.  Certain sugarless gums have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance for scientifically proving that chewing gum for 20 minutes after meals helped prevent tooth decay.

• FOLLOW THE 1-2-3's OF GOOD DAILY ORAL HYGIENE:  Floss once a day, brush for two minutes twice a day and eat three balanced meals a day.

• VISIT THOMAS FAMILY DENTISTRY FOR REGULAR CHECK-UPS.

Have a great, safe and happy Holliday Season this Fall!

God Bless,

DRT

Five Tips: The Dental Connection!

At Thomas Family Dentistry, we know that no one enjoys that "dirty" feeling that comes from having plaque on their teeth.  Here are five ways that you can avoid that dreaded enemy of our teeth!

First, let start with BRUSHING REGULARLY!  Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth.  Make sure that you use a soft bristled toothbrush and softly brush all of the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is FLOSSING DAILY!  Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.  A simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage as well as removing the plaque found at the gum line.

Let's say that you already brush and floss daily, you are still at risk for plaque accumulation! How? The plaque that is not completely removed each day from your home care hardens and turns into tartar.  REGULAR CLEANINGS at least twice a year or as recommended can reduce plaque, tartar, and lower the chance of getting cavities or losing your natural teeth!

Don't avoid certain FRUITS AND VEGETABLES!  Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth.  They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables.  You can still eat these types of fruits and vegetables even if you're wearing braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.

Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, RESIST YOUR SWEET TOOTH!  Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth.  The bacteria found in plaque can use the sugar to produce acid, which in turns damages our teeth.

Remembering these five things can keep plaque in check and allow your mouth to be as healthy as possible!  If you have any questions about plaque or your dental health, give our dental office a call at 918-455-0123 or ask us on Facebook!

God Bless,
DRT

Recipes For Braces: The Dental Connection!

Since October is National Orthodontic Health Month, we at Thomas Family Dentistry decided to pass along some helpful information for our patients that have braces. During orthodontic treatment, you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy.  What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce?  Nothing?

Thankfully, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, created a variety of "braces-friendly" recipes that will allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care!

Recipes include main dishes, side dishes and even yummy desserts!  After all, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps the patient achieve the best possible results from orthodontic treatment.

If you have any questions about the recipes listed or about the foods you should be avoiding during your orthodontic treatment, please give us a call at 918-455-0123 or ask us on Facebook!

God Bless,
DRT

October & Dental Hygiene: The Dental Connection!

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month?  For our staff at Thomas Family Dentistry, that means one thing:  Reminding you that your teeth are an important part of your body, and that keeping them clean helps to keep your mouth and your body healthy.  By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting our convenient Broken Arrow office on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.

We encourage you to check out the American Dental Association website as well, which provides pointers on keeping your mouth clean and healthy.  Lastly, has it been six months since your last visit to Thomas Family Dentistry?  If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give our dental office a call at 918-455-0123 you set up an appointment.

God Bless,
DRT

October & Orthodontics: The Dental Connection!

Happy October!  For those who don't know, it's National Orthodontic Health Month.  This month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Dr. Thomas and our team realize that this is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene.  National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists and other dental professionals in Oklahoma!

The AAO recommends that patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly Beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Ice

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at 918-455-0123, ask us on Facebook, or during your next visit!

God Bless,

DRT

Fun Facts: The Dental Connection!

Everyone loves FUN FACTS and dental tips.  Dr. Thomas and our team at Thomas Family Dentistry came across these dental fun facts and thought that you might enjoy!

• The second most common U.S. disease is cavities.  The first, the common cold.
• X-rays may be an effective tool in preventing strokes.
• There are almost 9,000 accidental poking and piercings with toothpicks per year.
• Approximately $2 Billion a year is spent on all dental products.
• North American kids spend half a billion dollars per year on chewing gum.
• The average American spends 38 days brushing teeth over his or her lifetime.

Lastly, instead of the American Dental Association's recommendation to see your dentist twice a year, many busy Americans only have their teeth cleaned every 3 years!  Has it been at least six months since your last check-up?  If the answer is yes, we encourage you to call our dental office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT