Dental Myths: The Dental Connection!

Myths about dentistry and general dental care abound.  Although these myths are typically inaccurate, they are passed on by word of mouth and are presented as fact.  It is said that "even a lie gains in credibility after it is has been repeated three times".  In fact, many patients that "buy in" to certain dental myths can actually place their own oral health in danger by preventing them from seeking or receiving proper dental care.  Our entire team at Thomas Family Dentistry thought that we would address some of the most common dental myths.

• MYTH:  Since baby teeth are not permanent, they are not as important to fix.
• FACT:   Although they are not permanent, if baby teeth are not properly maintained, it can result in early tooth loss due to tooth decay, which can result in the malpositioning of permanent teeth and the need for early orthodontic treatment relating to a bad bite and decreased ability to chew food.

• MYTH:  It is not necessary to see a dentist if you are not having any dental problems.
• FACT:  Most dental problems are NOT evident in early stages.  Regular exams and cleanings can check for early changes, which can allow for more conservative treatment options to be rendered. Waiting on treatment usually causes a more serious problem to develop!

• MYTH:  Avoid brushing and flossing if your gums are bleeding.
• FACT:  Bleeding gums are usually a warning sign of gum disease.  Proper brushing and flossing can decrease the amount of bacteria, which decreases the irritation to the gum tissue.

• MYTH:  Chewing sugar-free gum is a good substitute for brushing.
• FACT:   Although chewing sugar-free gum can freshen your breath between meals, dental plaque and food particles can only be thoroughly removed by brushing and flossing.

• MYTH:  You can only get a cavity as a child during the "cavity prone years".
• FACT:   Cavities can develop at any age.  As a patient ages: gum tissue can recede, increasing the risk for root decay; and, saliva can also both naturally decrease in the amount produced over time as well as certain medications can cause a dry mouth, increasing the risk for decay.

• MYTH:  Once a tooth has received dental treatment, it cannot ever decay again.
• FACT:   It is possible for other areas of the tooth to become decayed.  Although proper brushing and flossing can decrease the risk of recurrent decay, as a dental restoration ages, it can break down, which allows bacteria to become trapped inside and can result in recurrent decay at the margins or seams of the restoration.

If you have any questions concerning these myths or any other dental areas, call our dental office at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,

DRT

Great Snacks: The Dental Connection!

At Thomas Family Dentistry, we know that everyone's hectic schedule can make eating healthy a challenging task.  From kid's school lunch menu choices, which include French Fries, fried foods and other unhealthy snacks, to the conveniently popular sport's drinks commonly found in gym bags, which can be high in sugar, making healthy snack choices can be a chore!  With some easy, thoughtful planning, the following snacks can be incorporated into your activities:

• Cheese--one of the healthiest dental snacks
• Blueberries--although they can stain your teeth, they are loaded with Vitamin C
• Whole Wheat Bread Or Cereal--great source of vitamins and fiber
• Almonds--rich in Vitamin E and disease-fighting phytochemicals
• Yogurt--excellent source of calcium to build strong bones and teeth

For more information about which snacks are best for keeping your teeth healthy, call our office at 918-455-0123 for an appointment.

God Bless,

DRT

An Owner's Manual: The Dental Connection!

Your mouth is part of your body.  If your mouth isn't healthy, then your body isn't totally healthy either.  To have a healthy mouth and body, it is important to understand your mouth's "owner's manual" by taking charge of your dental health! As the owner of your mouth, there is a lot you can do to keep it healthy. Check it out!

Preventing Decay

• Keep your mouth clean by brushing twice daily and flossing.
• Visit your dentist regularly for an exam and professional cleaning.
• Avoid tobacco.
• Make healthy food choices.

Improving Your Smile

• Darker teeth can be whitened with a professional bleaching.
• Broken or chipped teeth can be restored with tooth colored restorations.
• Gaps between teeth can be filled in with veneers.
• Poorly shaped teeth can be reshaped by contouring the enamel.
• Gummy smiles can be corrected by contouring the gum tissue.
• Crooked teeth can be straightened with braces or other methods.

Remember that our office is your partner to help you reach your goal of excellent oral health. If you have any questions about your dental health, call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Common Things: The Dental Connection!

At Thomas Family Dentistry, we know that your smile is important.  Although we know that you want to keep your smile sparkling and looking its very best, there are several common things that can directly affect your smile.

These include:

• Sports Drinks
• Tobacco
• Coffee
• Tea 
• All Soft Drinks
• Citrus And Acidic Foods
• Blueberries

For more tips on improving your smile and keeping it looking its very best, call us at 918-455-0123, visit us on Facebook, or make an appointment.

God Bless,

DRT

Sugar-filled Gum: The Dental Connection!

I ran across this story about the effects of chewing sugar-filled gum and wanted to pass it along.  A hygienist that had been in practice for over 35 years encountered the worst dental decay situation in her career that was related to simply chewing gum!  Apparently, a mom brought her kids in for their regular cleanings and check-ups. She was unaware as to how destructive chewing bubble gum could be.  Unfortunately, her two children had been chewing sugar-filled bubble gum and had developed deep decay in all of their permanent molars, which had to be treated with root canals and crowns!

Chewing sugar free gum sweetened with Xylitol can help retard decay.  But gum sweetened with sugar, can destroy the top half of a tooth in a short amount of time.  We encourage our patients not to accept gum from others unless they know that it is sugar free.  Be sure to read the labels on the gum package.

As preventive specialists, we want to see our patients avoid the pain and expense of a situation like the one described above.  We at Thomas Family Dentistry recommend frequent dental visits where we can clean your teeth, review dental prevention and discuss bad dental habits that can lead to tooth decay.

If you have any questions, give us a call at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,
DRT

Wisdom Teeth: The Dental Connection!

Wisdom teeth are a type of molar that is found in the very back of your mouth and are the last molars to develop.  There are four wisdom teeth: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right.  These usually appear in the late teens or early twenties but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to the lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry.  The removal of wisdom teeth has become so commonplace that it is almost a rite of passage for young adults.

Depending upon the unerupted tooth's position,  many oral surgeons believe that an impacted tooth may need to be removed.  If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain.  Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and yes, even gum disease.

Our friends at WebMD have developed a helpful explanation about wisdom teeth and how they impact your health.  Also, if you have any additional questions about wisdom teeth or your dental health, give our office a call at 918-455-0123 or ask us on Facebook!

God Bless,
DRT

Summer Pool Safety Tips!

Summer is definitely here, and with summer comes lots of swimming! Our team at Thomas Family Dentistry found an article on some helpful pool safety tips that we wanted to pass along to you, our valued patients.

• Pools need to be enclosed on all sides with a four-feet high fence.
• Pool gates need to open out, self-close and self-latch.
• Children should never be left alone at the pool, even for a moment.
• Pool rescue equipment include: a shepherd's hook, a life preserver, and a portable phone.
• "Floaties" are NOT approved life vests.
• Infants and toddlers should always be within arm's length when on or around the pool.

Hopefully, these pool safety tips can remind all of us how to have a safe and fun summer at the pool while surviving the Oklahoma heat!  If you have any questions for our team, call our dental office at 918-455-0123.

God Bless,

DRT