Back To School Checklist: Dental Check-Ups!

For many, school is back in session, we at Thomas Family Dentistry would like to remind all of our valued patients about the importance of scheduling regular check-ups in advance.  With school, clubs, sports and family duties to consider, it can be very challenging to find time this Fall.

Here are some tips to consider as the new school year progresses:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice daily.
• Floss at least once a day.
• Limit sugary snacks that can lead to tooth decay

In order to accommodate all of out patients' busy schedules, it is important to plan ahead for your dental appointments so that we are able to find a time that is convenient for you.  If it's time for a check-up, call us today at 918-455-0123 for an appointment.

God Bless,

DRT

Tooth Discoloration: Common Causes!

Reminiscing? Many patients find themselves looking back at childhood photos and realize that their teeth are not quite as bright and white as they once were.  A common adult struggle is tooth discoloration.  Below is a list of causes and treatment options to restore your teeth to their original brilliance.

Discoloration Causes

• Genetics
• Medications
• Medical Conditions
• Poor Dental Hygiene
• Foods And Tobacco

Treatment Options

• Avoid foods and liquids that stain like coffee, tea, red wine and dark sodas
• Avoid tobacco
• Crest white strips
• Professional Whitening 

If you are concerned about your teeth becoming yellow or brown, think carefully about your diet and medication use.  Call our office at 918-455-0123 to keep your smile looking its best!

God Bless,

DRT

Chronic Bleeding Gums: The Hidden Danger!

Lately, there has been an increasing amount of information related to a connection between chronically inflamed gum tissue and systemic health!  The concern is that the inflamed gum tissue produces a byproduct called C-reactive protein, which increases the tissue response in areas such as the heart and arteries.   It has been linked to heart disease, stroke and diabetes.  More recent studies have now made a connection between gum disease and increased levels of PSA, which can dramatically elevate the risk of prostate cancer.

If you experience chronic bleeding from you gums that lasts for more than ten days while you are brushing, flossing or eating, it should be checked out by a dentist.  Even though there is usually little to no pain associated with bleeding gums, being proactive and treating the underlying cause may prevent some more dangerous health challenges in the future!

If you have any questions concerning bleeding gums and your overall health, or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Cavities Can Occur At Any Age!

Although most people think that they "outgrow" cavities after they make it through the cavity prone years, in reality, cavities can occur at any time of a person's life!  Cavities, also known as tooth decay, occur as a result of the destruction of tooth structure, which can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin (the inner layer of the tooth).  While it is very important to brush and floss every day to remove food debris and plaque, regular cleanings and checkups with Dr. Thomas at Thomas Family Dentistry is the best way to help prevent cavities.

Don't wait for a toothache!  If you think that you may have a cavity, call our Broken Arrow office at 918-455-0123 for an appointment.

God Bless,

DRT  

Heart Disease And Your Dental Health

Brushing your teeth every day keeps them cleaner, improves your breath and reduces plaque buildup.  But did you know that there may be a connection between your overall dental health and chronic illness?  Recent scientific evidence suggests that poor dental health may be linked to heart disease! Yet another good reason to brush your teeth twice per day, floss daily and visit Thomas Family Dentistry for regular check-ups.

Did you know...

• 2400 people die from heart disease every day.
• Gum disease affects 75% of the U.S. population.
• Gum disease may cause systemic inflammation, which may affect your circulatory system.

Scientists have known for years that gum disease and heart disease share several common risk factors.  Increasing age, cigarette smoking and type 2 diabetes increase your risk of developing both gum disease and heart disease.  Although there has been no conclusive evidence that one condition directly causes the other, eliminating gum disease is very important to improving your health and decreasing inflammatory risk factors associated with heart disease.

If you have any questions about gum disease or are in need of an appointment with our office, call us at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,

DRT

Mouth & Body: The Dental Connection!

Taking good care of your teeth and gums isn't just about preventing cavities or bad breath. The mouth is a window into the overall health of the body!  Diseases that affect the entire body, like diabetes, may first be noticed because of mouth sores or other oral problems.

The mouth is filled with countless bacteria, some linked to tooth decay and gum disease, which may be connected with diabetes and cardiovascular disease (heart disease and strokes).

Because gum disease and other health problems may be linked, keeping your teeth and gums healthy is very important.  Check out the following list on what you can do.

• Brush your teeth well twice daily.
• Schedule regular dental checkups.
• Tell your dentist about changes in your overall health.
• If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, pay close attention to your teeth and gums.

Remember that diseases like diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV infections and AIDS lower the body's resistance to infection, which can make gum disease more severe.  Several studies link ongoing inflammation from gum disease with heart disease, artery blockages and stroke.  If you think that you may have gum disease or are in need of a cleaning and checkup, call our office at 918-455-0123 for an appointment.

God Bless,

DRT

Summer 2013!

Summer seems to be quickly passing by and soon everyone's attention will be shifting back to the start of another school year! Whether you visited a national park, traveled to an amusement park or just hung out around Tulsa, we want to know what you've been doing this summer.

As Summer marches forward, don't forget to take care of your dental health! If you are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT