What's The Best Children's Toothbrush?

Brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention.  But which type of toothbrush should your child use?  When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums.  Choose one that is specifically designed for children's smaller mouths and hands.  Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush more easily.  Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying.  Frayed bristles can harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best, it doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it.  However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, it is best to not use a fluoridated toothpaste until the child can consistently and effectively rinse and spit.  Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth while brushing.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to check out some related articles from Parenthood.com.  Or, give us a call at 918-455-0123 and we'll answer any questions that you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

God Bless,
DRT

Asthma & Tooth Decay: The Dental Connection!

A recent university study came to the conclusion that childhood asthma can also lead to an increase in the incidence of tooth decay!  The reasoning behind this was that children with asthma are more challenged during sleep and tend to breathe more through their mouths.  Chronic mouth breathers tend to have drier teeth, which allows bacteria to stick more easily to the tooth and root surfaces.  As bacteria adhere and produce acid, tooth decay can develop.

Possible solutions to decrease this risk of tooth decay include:

• Increase water consumption.
• Limit or eliminate all acidic liquids like pop.
• Chew sugar-free gum to promote more saliva.
• Brush two minutes twice daily and floss to decrease the amount of bacteria.
• Maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

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

God Bless,

DRT

Say Cheese...The Dental Connection!

Did you know that cheese is crucial to your oral health? Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your teeth.  In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also helps fight cavities. Cheese helps stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and dilute the acids that weaken the teeth.  This means that cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's pH level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of the teeth.

If you have any questions about cheese or calcium, or are in need of an appointment, feel free to call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Smile! June & National Smile Month: The Dental Connection!

June is National Smile Month! Celebrate your "SMILE" by practicing good oral hygiene between your visits to our office!

Below are a few simple steps that you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

• Brush two minutes twice daily
• Floss every day to clean between your teeth and below the gum line
• Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks
• Visit our office every six months, or as recommended

If you have any questions about any of theses tips, call us at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Women's Medications & Dry Mouth: The Dental Connection!

Women using medications to treat a variety of medical conditions are often unaware of some of the potential side effects.  One common side effect of medications such as blood pressure medication, birth control pills, antidepressants, and cancer treatment, is dry mouth, which is called xerostomia.

Dry mouth can lead to many undesirable effects in the oral cavity including periodontal disease and a high rate of dental decay.  Many women who have not had a cavity in years, can suddenly be plagued with a multitude of cavities around existing crowns and at the gum line, or have developed active gum disease.  Many times, the only thing that the patient may have changed in the past six months is starting a new medication.

Salvia washes away bacteria and cleans your mouth.  When salivary flow is diminished, harmful bacteria can grow more rapidly in your mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Many commonly prescribed medications can reduce the flow of saliva without the patient even realizing the side effect.  Birth control pills can also lead to a higher risk of inflammation and bleeding gums.  Patients undergoing cancer treatments are at a heightened risk of oral complications due to the possibility of damage to the salivary glands.

The benefits of many of the medications on the market outweigh the risks associated with xerostomia, however, with regular exams, you can manage the risks and prevent many of the oral consequences of these medications.

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

God Bless,
DRT

Freshen Your Breath: The Dental Connection!

Whether you just "rolled out of bed" or just ate something you enjoyed with garlic or onions, everyone experiences an occasional bad breath.  Thankfully you can keep your breath fresh by familiarizing yourself with the most common things that contribute to halitosis. Take a look at the following things that can affect your breath.

• Dental Home Care. Brushing less than two minutes twice daily and infrequent flossing allow bacteria and food particles to buildup in the mouth.
• Diet.  Foods like pastrami, onions and garlic have strong lingering breath smells.
• Dieting.  Infrequent eating or skipping meals lowers salivary production, which allows bacteria to buildup in the mouth.
• Dry Mouth.  Certain medications and increased mouth breathing related to seasonal allergies can dry the mouth, which causes a buildup of odor-causing particles in the mouth.
• Tobacco.  All tobacco products contribute to decay and gum disease, which increases the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
• Medical Conditions.  Certain medical conditions like a respiratory infection, diabetes, GI disorders, or liver and kidney issues can affect your breath.

Scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings will help reduce the bacterial plaque buildup in the mouth, which will lead to a fresher breath!  If you have any questions or are in need a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,

DRT

Memorial Day: The Official Beginning Of Summer!

Did you know that Memorial Day didn't become an official holiday until 1971, but Americans started gathering annually in the Spring to remember those who lost their lives in war during the 1860's, right after the Civil War.  Celebrated on the last Monday of May, people still decorate the grave sites of war veterans and hold memorial services, but Memorial Day has evolved into a day that signifies the "beginning of Summer."

During the Summer months, many people take road trips to visit family members.  Some head off to the airport to enjoy a long-awaited vacation far away, while others look forward to spending time with friends and family at home.

However you spend Memorial Day and the days of Summer vacation, have a great time!

God Bless,
DRT