Spring Allergies: The Dental Connection!

Spring brings many allergens not only to Oklahoma but all across the country.   With the awakening of the flowers and trees from a longer than usual Winter, noses are starting to be more sensitive to pollen and other allergens that are floating around.  As Spring continues to burst forth, we usually have an influx of patients that drop by with "sensitive" teeth. Although the teeth are mostly fine, quite often what happens is that some of the tooth roots lie in close proximity to the sinus cavity.  When the sinuses are inflamed and irritated due to Spring allergens, it can make teeth ache.

If you experience any of these dental sensitivities or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Spring & Your New Smile: The Dental Connection!

Spring is in the air! Soon the Tulips will be blooming and the world will awaken from its winter sleep!  Since springtime also conjures up thoughts of the traditional "spring cleaning," now is also a great time to remember to call our office for your dental cleaning.  After all, studies have shown that there could be a link between proper oral and dental care and heart disease, diabetes, and even stroke.  Regular visits to our office can keep harmful bacteria from entering your body by removing plaque build up.

Another great benefit to scheduling your 6-month visit is the opportunity for us to screen for other potential health hazards.  Spruce up your smile with a Spring cleaning! If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Happy St. Patrick's Day

As the famous quote goes "St. Patrick's Day is an enchanted time--a day to begin transforming winter's dreams into summer's magic."  From green shamrocks, leprechauns, and pots of gold, it seems that everyone becomes Irish, and that is the universal beauty of the holiday! Celtric pride does not discriminate.

St. Patrick's Day is an important cultural and religious holiday.  There are lavish parades and church services across Ireland on March 17th.  Over time, however, the holiday has developed into a day to observe Irish culture in general. In places like England and the United States, where there is a large Irish community, the holiday has a greater significance than in other countries.  From the streets of Boston to St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, it is a day of celebration, and many Americans of Irish descent will cook up a traditional meal of corned beef and cabbage.

So, to all who are Irish or have chosen to be Irish for the day, our office wishes you a Happy St. Patrick's Day!  If you are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

March & National Nutrition: The Dental Connection!

March has arrived and not only is Spring in the air, but it is National Nutrition Month.  Every March, the dental community celebrates this occasion by focusing on diabetes, obesity, periodontal disease and the link that exists between healthy eating, physical activity and oral health.

Small changes can really make a big difference.  Check out some advice from the American Diabetic Association on ways to start improving your diet this March.

• Focus On Fruits And Vegetables
• Think Fresh, Think Local
• Make Each And Every Calorie Count
• Make Healthy Snack Choices
• Expand Your Menu Horizons

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

God Bless,

DRT

Chocolate: The Dental Connection!

Even though Valentine's Day 2014 is a mere memory, read on to learn more about a "healthier" dental connection to the "sweetest time" of the year! From a student handing out sweets for her classmates to an older married couple exchanging boxes of candy, Valentine's Day is definitely the time of year when more people like to show affection by gifting sugary treats to their loved ones.  Whether you're on the giving or receiving end of Valentine's Day candy, you can celebrate the holiday in a healthier way by making dark chocolate your confection of choice.












Health Benefits
According to the Cleveland Clinic, studies have shown that the cocoa beans used to make chocolate contain flavonoids, which can help protect the body against damage from various toxins. Flavonoids may also help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart and the brain. Dark chocolates typically contain a higher amount of these flavonoids than other types, making them a great choice for chocolate lovers.

Cavity Protection
If you think that there's no way that candy could ever be beneficial for your teeth, think again.  The Texas A&M Health Science Center has reported that the tannins present in cocoa beans may actually help prevent cavities by interfering with bacteria's harmful interaction with teeth.  Just like flavonoids, tannins have been found to be present more often in dark chocolates, rather than milk chocolates, giving you another great reason to choose the richer, sweet varieties.

Avoiding A Sticky Situation
One more benefit of choosing chocolate over other candies is that it is less likely to get struck in the crevices and spaces between teeth.  Gooey sweets like taffy can stay lodged in the mouth for longer periods of time, placing you at a greater risk for developing cavities.  When you choose chocolate, opt for the plain varieties.


Remember that the health benefits that you can receive from dark chocolate are largely based on eating candy in moderation.  With that being said, it's easy to make this delicious and health conscious switch when satisfying your sweet tooth.  If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Heart Disease: The Dental Connection!

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, more than 200 million Americans suffer some degree of inflammation of the gums.  Over the past decade, researchers have published studies that link the bacteria involved in periodontal (gum) disease to cardiovascular disease.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have connected oral infections to heart disease, diabetes, stroke and low birth weights.

Studies also suggest that the common bacteria that cause periodontal disease are also responsible for causing a thickening of the carotid arteries, which increases the chance of a heart attack or stroke.  Although further research is presently being conducted to more fully understand the link between oral health and heart disease, the same species of bacteria that causes gum disease has been discovered in the plaque in the arteries of the heart!

To learn more about the connection between heart disease and oral health, or if you are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123.  Remember, a clean mouth can lead to a much happier heart!

God Bless,
DRT

NCDH: The Dental Connection!

February marks another National Children's Dental Health Month, which has been sponsored by the American Dental Association for the past 64 years in order to raise awareness about the importance of children's oral health. During the month of February, the ADA encourages all parents and caregivers to help children develop good dental habits at an early age.  Regular dental visits can help children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

If you have questions about your children's dental health or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,

DRT