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

What's The Best Children's Toothbrush?

Brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention.  But which type of toothbrush should your child use?  When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums.  Choose one that is specifically designed for children's smaller mouths and hands.  Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush more easily.  Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying.  Frayed bristles can harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best, it doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it.  However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, it is best to not use a fluoridated toothpaste until the child can consistently and effectively rinse and spit.  Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth while brushing.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to check out some related articles from Parenthood.com.  Or, give us a call at 918-455-0123 and we'll answer any questions that you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

God Bless,
DRT

Asthma & Tooth Decay: The Dental Connection!

A recent university study came to the conclusion that childhood asthma can also lead to an increase in the incidence of tooth decay!  The reasoning behind this was that children with asthma are more challenged during sleep and tend to breathe more through their mouths.  Chronic mouth breathers tend to have drier teeth, which allows bacteria to stick more easily to the tooth and root surfaces.  As bacteria adhere and produce acid, tooth decay can develop.

Possible solutions to decrease this risk of tooth decay include:

• Increase water consumption.
• Limit or eliminate all acidic liquids like pop.
• Chew sugar-free gum to promote more saliva.
• Brush two minutes twice daily and floss to decrease the amount of bacteria.
• Maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

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

God Bless,

DRT

Say Cheese...The Dental Connection!

Did you know that cheese is crucial to your oral health? Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your teeth.  In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also helps fight cavities. Cheese helps stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and dilute the acids that weaken the teeth.  This means that cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's pH level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of the teeth.

If you have any questions about cheese or calcium, or are in need of an appointment, feel free to call our office at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,
DRT

Smile! June & National Smile Month: The Dental Connection!

June is National Smile Month! Celebrate your "SMILE" by practicing good oral hygiene between your visits to our office!

Below are a few simple steps that you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

• Brush two minutes twice daily
• Floss every day to clean between your teeth and below the gum line
• Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks
• Visit our office every six months, or as recommended

If you have any questions about any of theses tips, call us at 918-455-0123!

God Bless,

DRT

Women's Medications & Dry Mouth: The Dental Connection!

Women using medications to treat a variety of medical conditions are often unaware of some of the potential side effects.  One common side effect of medications such as blood pressure medication, birth control pills, antidepressants, and cancer treatment, is dry mouth, which is called xerostomia.

Dry mouth can lead to many undesirable effects in the oral cavity including periodontal disease and a high rate of dental decay.  Many women who have not had a cavity in years, can suddenly be plagued with a multitude of cavities around existing crowns and at the gum line, or have developed active gum disease.  Many times, the only thing that the patient may have changed in the past six months is starting a new medication.

Salvia washes away bacteria and cleans your mouth.  When salivary flow is diminished, harmful bacteria can grow more rapidly in your mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Many commonly prescribed medications can reduce the flow of saliva without the patient even realizing the side effect.  Birth control pills can also lead to a higher risk of inflammation and bleeding gums.  Patients undergoing cancer treatments are at a heightened risk of oral complications due to the possibility of damage to the salivary glands.

The benefits of many of the medications on the market outweigh the risks associated with xerostomia, however, with regular exams, you can manage the risks and prevent many of the oral consequences of these medications.

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

God Bless,
DRT