When you chew properly, your body can break down food better and absorb nutrients. But if you have problems with your teeth, you may not chew enough. This can lead to weight fluctuations, gastrointestinal distress, and poor nutrient absorption. So, take care of your smile with Dr. Matthew Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Call our dentist in Duncan, OK, at (580) 255-4880 for comprehensive care now!

The Importance of Healthy Teeth and Gums

Your teeth and gums need to be in great shape to chew food well. Our dentist in Duncan, OK, warns that if you have missing teeth, cavities, or gum disease, chewing can be painful. If chewing hurts, you might avoid certain foods, especially ones that are tough, crunchy, or fibrous. Unfortunately, these are often the healthiest foods, like fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean meats.

Soft Foods and Weight Gain

When chewing is hard or painful, people often turn to soft foods. But, according to our dentist in Duncan, OK, soft foods are not always the best for your health. Many processed foods, like white bread, mashed potatoes, and pasta, are soft but high in calories and low in fiber. Eating too many of these foods can lead to weight gain over time.

How Slow Chewing Helps Control Weight

Our dentist in Duncan, OK, knows that chewing food slowly can help you eat less. When you chew slowly, your brain has more time to realize you are full. If you eat too fast, you might eat more than you need before your brain catches up. Studies show that people who chew their food well tend to eat fewer calories and maintain a healthier weight.

Signs You Might Have a Chewing Problem

Our dentist in Duncan, OK, says you might have a chewing problem if:

• You avoid certain foods because they hurt to chew.
• You often swallow food without chewing much.
• You have frequent stomach problems after eating.
• You have missing or broken teeth.
• Your gums hurt when you eat.

Ways to Improve Your Chewing Ability

If you struggle with chewing, don’t worry! Our dentist in Duncan, OK, suggests these solutions:

• Get regular dental checkups.
• Treat cavities and gum disease early.
• Replace missing teeth with bridges, dentures, or implants.
• Practice mindful chewing – take small bites and chew slowly.
• Eat a variety of foods to keep your teeth and jaw strong.

Keep Your Smile Healthy for Better Digestion

Our dentist in Duncan, OK, wants to remind patients that keeping their teeth and gums healthy is key to good digestion and weight control. If you keep your smile healthy, you can enjoy a wider range of nutritious foods. This can help you stay at a healthy weight and feel your best.

Visit a Dentist in Duncan, OK, Today!

If you have trouble chewing, don’t wait! Our dentist in Duncan, OK, can help you fix dental problems so you can enjoy your favorite foods again. Call (580) 255-4880 to schedule an appointment at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, or click here to take the first step toward better health!

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If you have questions about the health or appearance of your smile, ask Dr. Matthew Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Our general dentist in Duncan, OK, can help you identify potential problems before they become major issues. Give us a call at (580) 255-4880 to get started now!

Many people worry about tooth color. But are yellow teeth really bad for you? Today, Dr. Bridges tells you the truth behind yellowing teeth.

What Causes Yellow Teeth?

Your teeth can turn yellow for many reasons. Some are normal, and some may need a dentist’s help. Here are a few common causes:

Food and Drinks 

Frequent consumption of highly pigmented treats (like sodas, coffee, tea, and red wine) stains teeth over time. This can make teeth appear more yellow.

Smoking 

It’s no secret that cigarettes stain teeth. But don’t be fooled – there is limited evidence that electronic cigarettes (i.e. vape pens) prevent tobacco stains on teeth. Indeed, vaping can lead to discoloration, too.

Aging 

As we get older, dental enamel gets thinner. This thinning allows more of the yellowish dentin underneath to peek through, leading to a naturally yellow hue.

Genetics 

Some people are born with naturally yellowed teeth due to their genes. Genetic factors like dentinogenesis imperfecta and amelogenesis imperfecta can lead to a yellow smile.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Not brushing and flossing enough lets plaque accumulate on teeth, making them appear more yellow.

Medications

Some medicines can cause yellowing as a side effect. These can include:

• Antibiotics, like tetracycline and doxycycline
• Antihistamines
• Blood pressure medications (calcium channel blockers)
• Antipsychotics and antidepressants, like chlorpromazine and amitriptyline
• Chemotherapy and radiation treatments
• Chlorhexidine mouth rinse

Are Yellow Teeth Unhealthy?

Not always! Discolored teeth can be perfectly healthy. 

The outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, is naturally white. Underneath, there’s a layer called dentin, which is yellow. If your enamel is thin, your teeth may look more yellow, but they can still be strong.

However, if your yellow teeth come from plaque, tartar, or decay, that’s a problem. Our Duncan, OK, dentist can check your teeth to see if they are healthy.

How Can You Whiten Discolored Teeth?

If you want a brighter smile, don’t worry! There are many ways to whiten yellow teeth:

• Brushing and Flossing: Good oral hygiene removes yellowish plaque and prevents stains.
• Whitening Toothpaste: Some toothpastes help remove surface stains over time.
• Professional Cleaning: Our dentist in Duncan, OK, can clean away stubborn stains.
• Whitening Treatments: Over-the-counter strips or professional whitening can help.
• Avoid Staining Foods: Cutting back on coffee, tea, and soda helps prevent stains.

Yellow Teeth? Explore Teeth Whitening in Duncan, OK!

Yellowed teeth don’t always mean unhealthy teeth. Sometimes, it’s just the way your teeth are! But if you want a whiter smile, professional whitening treatments at Chisholm Trail Smile Center can help. Click here for a consultation with Dr. Matthew Bridges, or call us at (580) 255-4880 to learn more!

The post Do Yellow Teeth Mean Unhealthy Teeth? The Truth About Tooth Color appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Make 2025 your year – schedule a check-up, cosmetic consultation, or restorative treatment at Chisholm Trail Smile Center today! Call (580) 255-4880 to reach our dentist in Duncan, OK, now.

This year, why not resolve to prioritize your oral health? In today’s post, our top-rated dentist in Duncan, OK, shares some practical and effective resolutions to ensure your smile shines all year long.

1. Brush and Floss Like a Champ

Our dentist in Duncan, OK, recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each session using fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Don’t forget to replace your brush head or brush about every three to four months – or perhaps sooner if the bristles begin to splay out.  

Equally important is daily flossing to remove food and plaque particles from nooks and crannies. If you find traditional floss challenging, consider alternatives like water flossers or interdental brushes.

2. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Many people only visit our dentist in Duncan, OK, when they experience discomfort or pain. However, preventive care is key to maintaining oral health. 

Make it a resolution to see your dentist in Duncan, OK, at least twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings. Regular visits can help detect future issues early, such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer, allowing for timely treatment and better outcomes.

3. Eat for Your Teeth

Your diet plays a significant role in your oral health. Reduce your intake of carbohydrates and acids, which can lead to tooth decay and enamel erosion. 

Instead, our dentist in Duncan, OK, suggests incorporating tooth-friendly foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and nuts into your meals for stronger teeth and bones. 

And don’t forget to sip on water throughout the day! Drinking plenty of water, especially fluoridated water, also helps rinse away food particles and bacteria.

4. Quit Tobacco for Good

If you use tobacco products, consider making 2025 the year you quit. Smoking and chewing tobacco are major risk factors for gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. 

Quitting can be challenging, but the benefits for your oral and overall health are well worth the effort. Seek support from healthcare professionals, friends, and family, and explore resources like nicotine replacement therapy or support groups.

5. Protect Your Smile

Contact sports and nightly teeth grinding can wear down your smile. Our dentist in Duncan, OK, recommends a quality mouthguard to protect your teeth and oral health. 

Mouthguards can prevent dental injuries during sports activities and protect your teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism (teeth grinding). Consult our dentist in Duncan, OK, to find the best option for your needs.

Cheers to a New Year and Healthy Smiles with Dr. Matthew Bridges

By incorporating these resolutions into your routine, you can achieve a healthier, brighter smile and contribute to your overall well-being. Let 2025 be the year you take charge of your oral health – schedule a visit with our dentist in Duncan, OK, here, or call (580) 255-4880 to request an appointment at Chisholm Trail Smile Center today!

The post Dentist in Duncan, OK: Kick Off the New Year with These Oral Health Resolutions appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Healthy smiles begin at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Contact our family dentist in Duncan, OK, at (580) 255-4880 for an appointment now!

It All Starts in the Mouth

Your mouth isn’t just where digestion begins – it’s also home to a bustling community of bacteria. Some of these bacteria are beneficial, while others can cause problems, like cavities and gum disease. When harmful bacteria take over, they can begin spreading to other areas of the body, including the gut.

Gut Health 101

Your gut is another hotspot for bacteria, housing trillions of microbes that help digest food, produce vitamins, and support your immune system. Our family dentist in Duncan, OK, says it’s like a tiny city with good citizens and troublemakers.

When harmful bacteria from your mouth show up uninvited, it can upset the balance in your gut. This imbalance – called dysbiosis – is linked to issues like bloating, poor digestion, and even more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

How Gum Health Affects the Gut

Here’s a fun fact from our family dentist in Duncan, OK: The health of your gums can reflect what’s happening in your gut. Studies have found that people with gum disease are more likely to have gut issues, and vice versa. This is because inflammation from gum disease can travel throughout the body, including the digestive system.

Long story short: Keeping your gums healthy can help keep your gut happy, too!

Foods That Help Both

The good news? You can feed both your mouth and your gut with the right foods. Here are some delicious options:

• Fiber-rich foods: Think fruits, veggies, and whole grains. They clean your teeth naturally and fuel good gut bacteria.
• Probiotics: Yogurt, kefir, and fermented goodies like sauerkraut are loaded with beneficial bacteria.
• Green tea: It fights harmful oral bacteria and reduces inflammation in the gut.
• Water: Staying hydrated keeps your saliva flowing, which helps clear harmful bacteria and supports digestion.

Say No to Sugar Overload

According to our family dentist in Duncan, OK, sugar is the ultimate villain in this story. It feeds the harmful bacteria in your mouth, leading to cavities, and it can also disrupt your gut microbiome. Cut back on sugary snacks and opt for naturally sweet options like berries or apples.

Tips for a Balanced Oral-Gut Relationship

Want to keep your mouth and gut in sync? Here are a few simple steps from our family dentist in Duncan, OK:

• Brush and floss daily: This keeps harmful bacteria under control.
• Eat mindfully: Chew your food thoroughly to kickstart proper digestion.
• Avoid smoking: It’s bad news for both your gums and your gut.
• Visit a family dentist in Duncan, OK, regularly: A healthy mouth supports a healthy gut.
• Manage stress: Stress affects your entire body, including your oral and gut health.

Healthy Smile and Healthy Bodies at Chisholm Trail Smile Center

Your body is a team, and your mouth and gut are star players. By taking care of your oral health, you’re also giving your gut a boost. So, schedule a routine check-up and cleaning with our family dentist in Duncan, OK. Contact Dr. Matthew Bridges online, or call (580) 255-4880 to schedule a visit now!

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Make Chisholm Trail Smile Center your home of exceptional dental care in Duncan, OK. Call Dr. Matthew Bridges at (580) 255-4880 to use your insurance benefits for five-star care now!

Check Your Coverage

The first step to using your dental insurance benefits before the end of the year is knowing what your plan covers. Take a few minutes to review your policy or call your insurance provider. 

Many plans include coverage for cleanings, exams, X-rays, and basic procedures like fillings. If you’ve already had some treatments this year, find out how much of your annual maximum benefit you’ve used so far.

Schedule a Cleaning or Exam

Many insurance plans fully cover preventive care, so why not book a cleaning or check-up? Regular visits to our Duncan, OK, dentist help keep your teeth and gums healthy and allow us to catch small problems before they become big (and expensive) ones. 

If you’re wondering how to use your dental insurance benefits before the end of the year, this is one of the easiest ways. 

Take Care of Outstanding Treatments

Have you been putting off a filling, crown, or other treatment? Now is the time to take action! Delaying necessary dental work can lead to bigger problems down the road. 

Using your insurance benefits long before they expire can save you from higher costs later. Plus, you’ll start the New Year with a healthier mouth.

Combine Benefits for Major Procedures

If you need extensive dental work, like a root canal or dentures, check with our dentist in Duncan, OK, to see if we can split the treatment across two calendar years. This way, you can use the remainder of your current year’s benefits and start fresh with next year’s. It’s a smart way to stretch your coverage and reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Use Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

If you have an FSA, remember that these funds often expire at the end of the year. Use them for dental treatments not fully covered by insurance, like whitening or braces. This is another way to maximize your savings and keep your smile bright.

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Dr. Bridges’ schedule can fill up quickly at the end of the year as everyone rushes to use their benefits. Call our dentist in Duncan, OK, today to secure an appointment. 

Knowing how to use your dental insurance benefits before the end of the year is only helpful if you act in time!

Have Unused Insurance Benefits? Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center Now!

Your dental insurance benefits are there to help you, so don’t let them go unused. By following these tips, you can take care of your oral health, save money, and start the New Year with a fresh, confident smile. 

Now that you know how to use your dental insurance benefits before the end of the year, what are you waiting for? Call us at (580) 255-4880 or click here to book an appointment in Duncan, OK, today!

The post How to Use Your Dental Insurance Benefits Before the End of the Year appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

When it comes to your oral health, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So, if you notice bumps on gums, contact Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Reach our Duncan, OK, dentist at (580) 255-4880 to reserve your appointment now! 

While bumps on gums can be a little unnerving, they’re usually manageable. So, let’s see exactly what might be causing bumps on your gums.

Bumps on Gums: The Common Culprits

There are some common culprits that produce bumps on gums, including:

1. Canker Sores 

Canker sores are small, painful ulcerations that can appear on your gums. They can be triggered by stress, minor mouth injuries, or even certain foods. 

The good news? Canker sores typically resolve on their own within a week or two. Saltwater gargles and over-the-counter topical ointments can help ease the pain and hasten healing.

2. Gum Abscess

A gum abscess is a bacterial overgrowth that occurs when food particles or debris get trapped in the gumline, leading to an infection. If you suspect a gum abscess, it’s time to visit our dentist in Duncan, OK, pronto! Treatment often involves draining the abscess and prescribing antibiotics to clear the infection.

3. Oral Cancer 

While less common, oral cancer can manifest as persistent bumps on gums. These bumps may be accompanied by other symptoms like unexplained bleeding, difficulty chewing, or a sore that doesn’t heal. 

If you notice any unusual changes in your mouth, it’s crucial to seek professional evaluation at Chisholm Trail Smile Center to rule out serious conditions.

4. Fibromas

Fibromas are non-cancerous growths that can develop on your gums due to irritation or trauma. These smooth, firm bumps on gums are usually harmless but can be removed if they cause discomfort or aesthetic concerns. 

5. Gingivitis 

Gingivitis, the earliest phase of gum disease, can cause your gums to become swollen and develop small bumps. Poor oral hygiene is often the culprit behind this silent agitator. 

The solution? Step up your brushing and flossing game, and consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash. Regular dental check-ups with Dr. Bridges will also help keep gingivitis at bay.

Managing and Treating Bumps on Gums

Dealing with bumps on gums doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here are some friendly tips to help you manage and treat these gum intruders:

• Maintain Stellar Oral Hygiene: Floss every day, brush once in the morning and again at night, and don’t forget to clean your tongue! Good oral hygiene can prevent many gum issues.
• Rinse and Soothe: Try saltwater rinses or antiseptic mouthwashes to soothe irritated gums and keep them clean.
• Mind Your Diet: Avoid foods that can trigger canker sores, such as acidic fruits or spicy dishes. A balanced diet dense in vitamins and minerals keeps your gums healthy.
• Stay Hydrated: Fresh, uncarbonated water flushes bacteria from the mouth and keeps oral tissues well hydrated. 
• Visit Your Dentist: Regular dental visits with Dr. Bridges are essential for spotting potential problems early and keeping your gums in tip-top shape.

Bumps on Gums? We Can Help!

If you notice bumps, lesions, or other issues developing on your gums, it’s time to contact Dr. Matthew Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Contact our general dentist in Duncan, OK, online or at (580) 255-4880 to get started!

The post Bumps on Gums? Here’s What It Could Be appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

In today’s blog, the Chisholm Trail Smile Center team will share tips on how to prevent cavities. You’ll learn:

• How Cavities Start
• How to Prevent Cavities
• About Supplemental Fluoride
• About Dental Sealants

If you’re ready to schedule an appointment now, call our Duncan dental office at 580-255-4880. Dr. Matthew Bridges and our team welcome you and promise to treat you and your loved ones with the utmost gentleness, care, and respect. 

How Cavities Start

Inside your mouth live over 700 species and up to 20 billion–yes, billion–bacteria. The human body is quite resourceful. Tooth enamel, the protective, white coating on our teeth, is the hardest substance the human body can create and the second hardest substance in nature, next only to diamonds. So our teeth are designed to repel bacteria.

Oral bacteria like to eat starch, which you consume by way of sugars, bread, corn, potatoes, and other common foods and beverages. When oral bacteria eat starch, they create an acidic byproduct. These acids leach calcium and phosphorus from tooth enamel, the minerals that give enamel strength. When teeth are demineralized by acid, enamel softens. At this point, bacteria attack teeth because, in addition to starch, they like to consume tooth structure.

Over about an hour following the starch feast, tooth enamel re-hardens. Saliva resupplies the minerals enamel needs to become strong.

In addition, acids bacteria make and acids we consume from citrus fruits, tomatoes, carbonated beverages, sports drinks, and the like erode tooth enamel over time. As a result, enamel thins and offers less protection against cavities. 

Some medications and treatments also increase the potential for cavities. For example, aspirin, chemotherapy medications, inhaled corticosteroids, asthma medications, bisphosphonates, immunosuppressants, and oral contraceptives. 

Acid reflux, or GERD, can subject molars to stomach acid. Without antacids, this scenario can lead to excessive cavities on back teeth. Bulimia patients experience a similar problem. 

How to Prevent Cavities

The biggest cause of cavities is poor oral hygiene, though diet and nutrition can be a factor. Also, acid reflux disease, dry mouth (often caused by medications), teeth grinding, and even brushing too hard for too long can contribute to cavity formation.

You can take measures to reduce your risk for cavities, but as for how to prevent cavities, there’s no surefire solution–yet.

Practice daily oral hygiene following these steps:

• Brush in the morning for two minutes, using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Use a tongue scraper to remove excess bacteria and debris from your tongue
• Use antibacterial mouthwash to freshen your breath
• Floss your teeth thoroughly before evening brushing
• Brush teeth for two minutes after flossing
• You can add a tongue scraping and mouthwash to your evening routine if you prefer
• Ask about fluoride and sealants

In addition, to deter or prevent cavities:

• Reduce starch intake
• Use a straw in sugary or acidic beverages to reduce contact time with teeth
• Chew sugar-free gum to boost saliva production
• Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking
• Drink eight or more glasses of pure water daily
• Don’t suck on sugary candy or sip on a sugary or acidic drink; consume sugars and starches quickly to reduce contact time with teeth
• Schedule and attend six-month checkups and cleanings with Dr. Bridges

About Supplemental Fluoride and Sealants

Most adults are eligible for dental fluoride by way of a varnish or gel that we apply after dental cleanings. Fluoride in small doses is safe and has a significant effect on preventing cavities. Fluoride attracts enamel-strengthening minerals, so it helps with enamel remineralization. 

Topical fluoride works in baby and permanent teeth, but children can also benefit from ingesting fluoride. Most tap water is fortified with fluoride in the United States, so kids should not be limited to bottled water–which doesn’t usually contain fluoride.

Dental sealants are best suited to children under 14, though in some rare cases, Dr. Bridges may recommend sealants for an adult. Sealants are a clear or white coating painted onto molars and then hardened with a curing light. They create a barrier in the crevices of back teeth to prevent cavities. Sealants may need to be touched up occasionally to restore their effectiveness. 

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

The number-one way to prevent cavities is to practice diligent daily hygiene and attend checkups and cleanings. If you experience toothaches, you could have cavities even if you don’t see them. Cavities often form between teeth and are only detectable by X-ray. If it’s time for your semi-annual checkup and cleaning or you’re suffering from a toothache, call our Duncan dentist’s office today at 580-255-4880. We look forward to seeing your smile!

The post How to Prevent Cavities appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Whether you suffer from bad breath (AKA halitosis) or other oral health concerns, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bridges. Call 580-255-4880 today! We treat patients of all ages and offer a wide range of preventive, restorative, prosthetic, and cosmetic services.

Now, let’s dive into 5 tips to fight bad breath.

Tip #1:  Practice Good Oral Hygiene

It sounds rudimentary because you’ve probably heard this advice since you were a child. Brushing and flossing daily is the number-one way to prevent bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and many other oral health problems. Because your mouth is an open portal to your body, bacteria in your oral cavity can cause overall health issues, including endocarditis, which is hardening of the arteries. 

Do this to help keep your breath fresh: 

• Brush in the morning and evening. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoridated toothpaste.
• Brush for two minutes and thoroughly rinse with antibacterial mouthwash or water afterward. 
• Before evening brushing, thoroughly floss your teeth. If you don’t like flossing with floss thread, purchase disposable, pre-threaded flossers. 
• You may want to add a tongue scraper to your routine. These handheld tools remove plaque, food, and bacteria that accumulate on the surface of the tongue.

Tip #2: Watch What You Eat

When a food or beverage has a strong odor, consuming that item will transfer the odor to your mouth. Onions, garlic, curry, fish, fermented foods, and some condiments like horseradish, leave breath quite potent. 

Furthermore, alcohol and carbonated drinks contain elements that dry out the mouth. Since saliva washes our mouths to continually reduce bacteria and food particles, a lack of saliva not only leaves those odiferous elements in the mouth, but it also causes dry mouth. A clinical condition, dry mouth (AKA xerostomia), contributes to both bad breath and tooth decay.

Tip #3: 8 Glasses of Water a Day

Going back to dry mouth being the source of some mouth odors, you should consume eight glasses or more of water every day. It’s commonplace for people to carry bottled water or a refillable container when on the go, so jump on that bandwagon. Water will hydrate your mouth and your body, which promotes good overall health.

Tip #4: Quickly Freshen Your Breath

After consuming a smelly food or drying beverage, rehydrate your mouth with water, sugar-free mints or gum, or mouthwash. These promote salivation and reduce odors that cause bad breath. To stay ahead of bad breath, keep a small bag with these items and some handheld, disposable flossers, handy. 

Tip #5: 6-Month Checkups and Cleanings

Do not neglect regular dental visits! Children and adults of all ages should visit Dr. Bridges every six months, or more often if advised, for a checkup and dental cleaning. 

At checkups, Dr. Bridges often identifies oral health issues in their early stages, when conservative treatment is still possible. Cleanings allow us to track your periodontal health over time and spot gum disease early. The hygienist who performs your cleaning will be happy to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing or provide advice about oral health products. 

Schedule a Checkup with Your Family Dentist in Duncan, OK

Is bad breath causing you embarrassment? Give us a call at 580-255-4880 to schedule an appointment with your family dentist in Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew Bridges. He’ll talk with you about your oral health concerns, conduct a comprehensive oral exam, and explain his findings and treatment options, if necessary. We want to help you and your loved ones enjoy good oral health and a high quality of life now and in the future!

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When dental mysteries arise, you can trust Dr. Matthew Bridges and the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center to get to the bottom of them. Are you dealing with toothy troubles? Give our family dentist in Duncan, OK, a call at (580) 255-4880 now!

If you’ve ever run your tongue along your gums only to discover an unfamiliar bump, you know it can be a bit worrying. However, understanding these bumps can turn that concern into knowledge and empower you to take appropriate action. So, today, our family dentist in Duncan, OK, explains bumps on the gums. 

The Usual Suspects: Common Types of Gum Bumps

A range of issues can cause bumps on the gums, including:

Canker Sores 

Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that can pop up out of nowhere. 

They often develop on the inside of the lips or cheeks, but sometimes on the gums, too. These ulcers are typically round, white or yellow in the center, and red around the edges.  

While they usually heal on their own within a week or two, over-the-counter topical treatments can help ease the discomfort.

Dental Abscesses

A dental abscess is a serious condition. It occurs when an infection leads to the formation of a pus-filled bump on the gums. 

Abscesses are remarkably painful, and they are often accompanied by a foul taste and odor in the mouth and a fever. 

Dental abscesses require prompt professional treatment with our family dentist in Duncan, OK.

Oral Fibromas

Friction on the gums can cause firm, smooth, and painless bumps called fibromas. While fibromas are usually nothing to worry about, they can be annoying. 

They don’t go away on their own and may need to be surgically removed if they cause pain or disrupt daily activities.

Gingival Cysts

Gingival cysts are small, fluid-filled bumps that appear on the gums, usually in the front of the mouth. 

They’re generally painless and not harmful, often arising from developmental issues with the gums. Most of the time, no treatment is needed unless they become bothersome or infected.

Why do these bumps develop?

Gum bumps develop for various reasons, including:

• Infections: Bacterial overgrowth can lead to infections, abscesses, and swollen gums.
• Injuries: Brushing too hard or repetitive behaviors can cause trauma.
• Irritation: Braces and dentures can rub against the gums.
• Systemic Conditions: Diabetes or hormonal changes can affect gum health.
• Immune Responses: Autoimmune diseases can cause inflammatory bumps.

What to do about gum bumps?

Encountering a bump on your gums can be unsettling, but here are some steps to take:

Assess and Monitor

Check for accompanying symptoms like pain, swelling, or fever. If the bump doesn’t improve within a week or worsens, seek professional advice from our family dentist in Duncan, OK.

Maintain Oral Hygiene

Never compromise on daily oral hygiene. So, clean your teeth in the morning and before bedtime, and don’t forget to floss!

Home Remedies

For minor irritation or canker sores, gargling with a solution of water and salt can reduce inflammation. 

Seek Professional Help

If the bump is painful, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, schedule a visit with our family dentist in Duncan, OK.

Visit Our Five-star Family Dentist in Duncan, OK

In many cases, gum bumps are nothing to worry about. But if you’re experiencing pain or disruption to your daily life, it’s best to consult with our family dentist in Duncan, OK. Contact Dr. Bridges online here, or call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at (580) 255-4880 for more information.

The post Family Dentist in Duncan OK Explains Bumps on Gums appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

America’s Founding Father Benjamin Franklin wrote, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” taking the idea from the old English proverb, “Eat an apple on going to bed and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.” A doctor of teeth, whom we know as a dentist, would ask how a man can eat an apple if his teeth are in bad shape. I propose this rhyme: “Disease is a thief to a man with no teeth.” 

Dr. Matthew Bridges and our team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center want to help you prevent oral diseases that negatively impact overall health. At our Duncan, OK, dental office, your family will have access to gentle, comprehensive dental care delivered by a team of experts who go above and beyond to exceed our patients’ expectations.

In today’s blog, you’ll learn:

• Statistics about tooth loss in the USA
• What gum disease and dental caries are
• How to deter oral diseases and retain natural teeth 
• The need for dental restorations and prosthetics
• How to kick off a lifestyle that promotes whole health

Statistics on US Tooth Loss

Today, more people keep their natural teeth for life than in any previous generation. Access to professional dental care and public dental health education have influenced this statistic. Though it’s possible to keep natural teeth for life, tooth loss is still rampant, particularly in the over-65 demographic. 

According to the American College of Prosthodontics, 

• 178 million Americans are missing one or more teeth
• 40 million Americans have lost all teeth
• 30% of Americans 65 to 74 years of age have no natural teeth

Gum Disease and Dental Caries

The main causes of tooth loss in adults are periodontal (gum) disease and dental caries (cavities). Issues like smoking, alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, and dry mouth contribute to tooth loss. Avoiding six-month dental cleanings and checkups allows these issues to steal good oral health, and poor oral health negatively affects overall health and wellness.

Gum disease is an oral disease that begins when plaque and calcified plaque, called tartar or calculus, irritate soft oral tissues. Bacteria in plaque accumulate at the gum line and eat away connective tissues that hold gums to teeth. As a result, periodontal pockets form at the base of teeth, creating a harbor for the rapidly reproducing bacteria. Without treatment, gum disease can progress to cause tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in American adults. 

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance the body creates–harder than bone. It’s also the second hardest naturally occurring substance on earth, next to diamonds.

Dental cavities form when tooth enamel becomes soft in response to acids created by bad oral bacteria. In its softer state, tooth enamel is vulnerable to bacterial invasion. The bacteria eat tooth structure, leaving black cavities in their wake. Without a dentist intervening to repair cavities, the decay will spread and kill teeth, gum tissue, and jawbone tissues.

Dental Cleanings, Checkups, and Good Daily Oral Hygiene Habits Deter Disease

I cannot stress enough that good dental hygiene is imperative to good oral and overall health. A mere 13.5% of American adults floss daily. If you brush and floss daily, and visit us twice a year for dental cleanings and checkups, your mouth and body will be healthier.

In addition to causing bad breath and tooth loss, gum disease is linked to an increased risk for overall health problems like:

• Ischemic stroke
• Heart disease
• Respiratory disease
• Osteoporosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Diabetes complications
• Low-weight births

Dental Restorations and Prosthetics

Dental cleanings and checkups allow Dr. Bridges and our team to detect and treat gum disease, cavities, tooth fractures, infections, and other oral health problems before they escalate. Patients who experience these issues can restore dental health with restorations and prosthetics by Dr. Bridges. 

Dental restorations include dental fillings, crowns, and partial crowns known as inlays and onlays. Dental prosthetics replace teeth with bridges, partial dentures, full dentures, and dental implants. As a gentle dentist, Dr. Bridges helps patients recover good oral health through restorative dental care.

Kick Off a Lifestyle of Great Health

If you and your family want to initiate a strategy to improve oral health, schedule your dental cleanings, checkups, and restorative appointments by calling our Duncan, OK, dentist office at 580-255-4880 or schedule your appointment online. Our office is located at 2035 West Elk Ave., and we take appointments from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Thursday. We are accepting new patients and look forward to meeting you!

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