Gum Disease: The Health Connection!

Many people can be very confused by the diagnosis of periodontal disease, but the good news is that it is treatable and manageable with a little work on the part of the patient!  Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease, which is an infection of the gum tissue, bone, and supporting structures for the teeth.  Diagnosis is commonly made through a combination of dental X-rays, periodontal readings (called probe depths), and visual clinical findings.

The mouth is a gateway to the rest of the body and can provide clues to the patient's overall health.  In fact, the first signs of some chronic diseases appear in the oral cavity;  they can be a hint for the dentist to refer the patient to a medical doctor for a thorough exam.

There are two major types of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis.  The first is very common and is usually caused by a lack of adequate home care (brushing and flossing) and infrequent professional cleanings every 6 months.  The second is usually a progression of gingivitis.  Like bronchitis that can progress to pneumonia, so gingivitis can progress into periodontitis.  Although the symptoms are very similar, if left untreated, periodontitis can lead to premature tooth loss, sensitivity, and chronic or acute mouth pain.  If you have diabetes, you are more prone to periodontal disease and can experience greater difficulty controlling your blood glucose levels.  The body ends up spending so much energy fighting the low grade infection in the mouth that it cannot achieve balance elsewhere.  Studies have shown that once periodontal disease is treated, the glucose levels become more responsive to control as well.

Although periodontal disease is considered to be "silent," which means that you may not always experience pain as a signal of infection, when caught early and subjected to proper daily oral hygiene care, treatments are usually successful.  If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

The Economy: The Dental Connection!

With the continued unpredictable nature of the U.S. and global economy, many patients, justifiably so, continue to be conservative with their finances.  Our team has noticed that most patients respond to the economy in one of two ways: completing only the treatment that is medically necessary, or by pursuing cosmetic work they've been saving for and are ready to get done now. Despite the economy, our practice has been very blessed to continue to slowly grow over the past few years!

The growth of our practice first and foremost must be attributed to God!  With His help, we have assembled a great dental team that are highly trained and ready to meet our patient's dental needs. Our team enjoys listening and talking to our patients, and providing treatment plans that address their concerns.  And in spite of the economy, we have even completed some really beautiful smile designs with Lumineers over the past few years!


If you are in need of an appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123 and begin the journey to a healthier, happier you!

God Bless,
DRT

New Year: The Dental Connection!

With the start of the new year, we get asked a lot of questions from our patients.  The ones that we hear most frequently are "How long is this procedure going to take?" "Will it hurt?" "What are we doing today?" What types of materials will you be using?" "Does my insurance cover this procedure?"

We enjoy answering any questions that you may have, but there are also some questions that you should ask our dental team that we don't hear as often, yet we believe are very important for maintaining your oral health, such as:

• How can I prevent this from happening again?
• How can I keep my teeth for a lifetime?
• What are the benefits of a regular dental cleaning schedule?
• How are my teeth and how well am I taking care of them?

These questions, or any other dental questions that you can think of, our entire team are here to answer!  You can ask us at your next appointment or by calling us at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,
DRT

Seasons Greetings!

Seasons Greetings! Our entire team at Thomas Family Dentistry send out our warmest wishes to all of our patients, friends and family!

Our Broken Arrow office will be closed for the Holidays until Monday, January 5th, 2015 at 8:00AM.

Be safe and may you enjoy this special time of year!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

God Bless,
DRT

Santa's Treats: The Dental Connection!

Although many people will leave Santa a very special treat on Christmas Eve in the form of milk and cookies in anticipation of his yearly visit, few individuals know that there is a dental connection to this Holiday tradition!  Research has shown that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese, or yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting gum disease!

Not only does chess provide large amounts of much needed calcium, cheese is considered to be a cavity fighter! Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect teeth from the acids that weaken the enamel.  That means that cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal.

The next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese or a glass of milk and remember that with each bite, and every sip, you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles!   If you have any questions or are in need of a dental appointment, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Christmas Holiday Break 2014!

As many of the area schools close for Christmas Break, now comes the time for family vacations, hanging out around town, celebrating some special Christmas family traditions, spending time with friends, or simply catching up on sleep! And our Facebook page is a great place to share your experiences and memories with us.

No matter what your plans may be or where your plans may take you, we would like to wish all of our valued patients and their families a very safe and fun holiday season!












God Bless,
DRT 

Spreading Holiday Cheer: The Dental Connection!

Spreading Holiday cheer begins with Fresh Breath! Not only during the Holidays, but everyday of the year, keeping your teeth clean and your breath minty fresh, can be a struggle for many people! Although good oral hygiene is the first step, there are many other factors that can contribute to bad breath such as tobacco, a dry mouth, medications, sinus issues, foods and gum disease.

So if Buddy the Elf's famous quote about Santa, your breath smells like "beef and cheese," is hindering you from spreading Christmas cheer, then remember that visiting our office for regular cleanings and exams can keep your holidays fresh and bright!

God Bless,

DRT