Dental Hygiene: The Health Connection!

There are many ways in which your oral health has an impact on your overall general health.  There are naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth.  Some of those bacteria, including strep and staph, are harmful, while other bacteria are essential for the balance of intestinal flora. The healthier your mouth is, the less likely it is that the harmful bacteria travel to other parts of your body to infect it and make you sick.  There is much more to good dental hygiene than brushing and flossing.

Historical Methods of Maintaining Oral Health

Ancient civilizations relied on natural remedies for maintaining oral health.  Around 250 AD, Egyptians used myrrh and other herbs as antiseptics for treating infected gums.  Two centuries later, the Nubian, drank beer to ease the pain of infected teeth.  That probably sounds crazy, but beer was effective because they used grains that were contaminated with the same bacteria that produce the antibiotic tetracycline.

Today's Challenge

In the past, tooth decay was more of an issue because there was no routine dental care, and problems that are routinely treated today went untreated.  Thanks to fluoridated water, and toothpastes containing fluoride, tooth decay is far less problematic that it was a century ago.  Gum disease has now replaced tooth decay as the most serious dental problem facing people today. According to the American Dental Association, a staggering 80 percent of Americans over the age of 65 suffer from some form of periodontal disease, which is a chronic inflammatory disease.

Researchers are now discovering that untreated inflammation in the mouth acts as a driving force for multiple chronic illnesses, including clogged arteries, heart attacks, arthritis, and even cancer. That inflammation is one of many hypotheses that may explain how chronic infections can trigger systemic diseases, and even intensify existing ones.  Bacterial overgrowth in the inflamed gum tissue can enter the bloodstream as you eat.

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

God Bless,
DRT

Summer: The Dental Connection!

Summer brings sunshine and warm weather, and many people find that summer is the perfect time of the year to brighten their smiles! Teeth whitening is safe, quick, and inexpensive. It can be used to correct many tooth discolorations which may have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth.  By using the latest in whitening technology, creating a beautiful smile can be achieved in a safe manner.  Don't let the summer sunshine out brighten your smile today!

If you are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

A Dry Mouth: The Dental Connection!

Does your mouth always feel dry?   If it does, you may be suffering from xerostomia, which is defined as a dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent saliva flow.  There are various medical conditions that can cause this type of dry mouth.  Minor and more serious health problems can both factor into causes associated with xerostomia.  It can affect the ability to eat and enjoy food as well as jeopardize one's dental health.  Some of the more common symptoms can include a sore throat, a burning sensation in the oral cavity or tongue, and difficulty in swallowing.

One of the more serious problems associated with dry mouth is an increased risk of tooth decay.  Decreased saliva can allow more plaque to form. Saliva acts as a buffer to the things we eat and drink.  Less saliva means that more food debris can be retained in the mouth, thereby leading to an increase in tooth decay.

If you are experiencing a dry mouth, make sure you hydrate with plenty of water.  If you are required to take medications that contribute to xerostomia, drink water before taking the medication, as well as a full glass of water with the medication.  Be diligent with brushing and flossing and to discuss your condition with us at your next visit.

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

God Bless,
DRT

July 4th, 2015!

Every year, Americans all over the world celebrate the birth of our country and its independence on the Fourth of July! There are countless ways that people celebrate and they range from community parades and large scale gatherings to concerts, fireworks displays, and smaller scale celebrations among family and friends.  For some people, July 4th is synonymous with baseball, while others it is all about the beach or barbecues.  However you celebrate, you can be sure that red, white, and blue is visible everywhere throughout the area. Check out these fun facts about the Fourth!

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE 4TH!

• The reason the stars on the original flag were arranged in a circle is because it was believed that all of the colonies were equal.
• Americans eat over 150 million hot dogs on July 4th.
• Imports of fireworks each year totals over $211 million.
• The first "official" Fourth of July party took place at the White House in 1801.
• Benjamin Franklin believed that the turkey should be the national bird but was outvoted by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson and so the bald eagle became the official bird of the United States.

No matter how or where you celebrate this year, one thing is certain: all Americans celebrate July 4th as the birth and independence of our great country!  Happy Fourth of July!

God Bless,

DRT

Summer Break: The Dental Connection!

After your son or daughter departs for college this Fall, the last thing that you want to receive is a call or text only to learn that he or she is in pain.  Although there aren't many emergency situations that can be avoided, when it comes to dental health, one crisis that can easily be prevented before your teen heads hundreds of miles away for college is wisdom tooth extraction.

Many college bound students are affected by the problems that arise from wisdom teeth because the third molars usually erupt in the late teens to early 20s.  Most young adults experience spacing and crowding problems that can cause impaction and infections, which is why most oral surgeons are strongly recommending that they be electively removed during this time period.  Unfortunately, wisdom teeth can go from barely noticeable to extremely painful in a brief period of time.

Summer break is the perfect time to remove wisdom teeth so that your child can avoid the scenario of experiencing this medical emergency while they are far away from home.  If you have any questions are are in need of an appointment to have your child's wisdom teeth removed, please call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Toothpaste: The Dental Connection!

Everyone knows that it is recommended to brush your teeth for two minutes twice daily.  But have you ever wondered what's in toothpaste and how it actually works? The mouth is home to more than 500 types of microorganisms that feed on the leftover food that gets stuck on and around the teeth.  Toothpaste is the best line of defense against all of those pesky germs. Take a look at how it works.

ABRASIVES

Toothpaste contains mild abrasive additives that combat microorganisms and fight plaque.  When you brush, the abrasives in toothpaste dislodge food particles and microorganisms more effectively than if you simply brush with water.  The abrasives also work to remove food stains and polish the surface of the tooth.  Some toothpastes include ingredients like triclosan and Xylitol. These chemicals prevent the growth of bacteria that produce plaque.  The bacteria in plaque not only causes cavities, but it can also lead to more dangerous issues like periodontal disease.

FLUORIDE

Fluoride is the key ingredient in toothpaste.  As the germs in your mouth feed off of the leftover food particles, they leave behind acid and sulfur byproducts that wear away the enamel of the teeth. This is the technical way that the acid forming on your teeth causes cavities.  And it's the sulfur byproduct that causes bad breath.  Fluoride works to fight the acid and help to protect teeth.  By brushing, the fluoride is incorporated into the tooth enamel, which in turn makes the tooth more resistant to acid and plaque.

FLAVORING AGENTS

Not all toothpastes are the same.  The flavoring agents added to the toothpaste don't have anything to do with fighting microorganisms and plaque, but taste is one of the most important selling points in finding a brand that you like and more importantly, will consistently use.  Flavoring agents mask the taste of some of the other ingredients in toothpaste as well, and without those agents, chances are that nobody would be brushing their teeth for the recommended two minutes twice daily!

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

God Bless,
DRT

Summer Foods: The Dental Connection!

Summer--that wonderful time of year when fresh and delicious produce abounds. Your teeth, gums, and tissues all rely on an appropriate mix of vitamins and minerals to maintain good oral health no matter what time of year.  In previous studies, nutrients in fruits and vegetables such as dietary fiber, potassium, and antioxidants have all been associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and cancers, including oral cancer.

Check out these summertime foods that can improve your oral health:

Watermelons and Strawberries

     Watermelons have a high water content, which dilutes the affects of the sugars they contain and
     stimulates the flow of saliva.

Apples

     Consuming apples can help you attain whiter, healthier teeth.  Biting and chewing an apple
     stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, and in the process, lowers the levels of  
     bacteria and other harmful acids, leading to a lower incidence of tooth decay.

Tomatoes

     Tomatoes are a delicious and healthy snack that can help ward off cancer.  The yummy red fruit
     contains lycopene, which helps to protect your skin from sunburn. They can also help fight heart
     disease due to the niacin, folate, and vitamin B6 nutrients that they contain.  Tomatoes are high
     in crucial antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin A, which work to prevent DNA damage.

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

God Bless,
DRT