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!

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Have a question about your smile or dental health? Ask our family dentist in Duncan, OK! Contact Dr. Matthew Bridges and the Chisholm Trail Smile Center team at (580) 255-4880 for advice, information, and appointments.

In today’s blog, our family dentist in Duncan, OK, shares some simple tips to help you and your family keep your teeth healthy and happy through Halloween.

1. Choose Candy Wisely

We love caramels, gummies, and taffy, but sticky candies tend to cling to teeth and make it easier for bacteria to grow. 

Sour candies may taste fun, but the acid in them weakens tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities. 

Instead, try to reach for chocolate treats. Chocolate melts quickly, which makes it less likely to stick to teeth. Plus, dark chocolate has less sugar and polyphenols, which keep sugar-seeking bacteria and inflammation under control.

2. Set a Candy Time Limit

Snacking on candy all day is a quick way to get cavities. Instead, our family dentist in Duncan, OK, recommends enjoying your treats with a meal or right after one. 

When we eat, our mouths generate more saliva, which aids in rinsing away food particles and neutralizing acids. So, save the sweet treats for dessert, and try to eat them within a short time rather than grazing on candy throughout the day.

3. Don’t Forget to Drink Water

Water is the secret weapon against Halloween cavities! Drinking water, especially fluoride-rich water, can wash away sugars, acids, and bacteria in your mouth. 

After indulging in some sweets, have a glass of water to help keep your teeth clean. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference.

4. Rinse or Chew Sugar-Free Gum

If you can’t brush your teeth right after eating candy, try cleansing your mouth with water or chewing sugar-free gum. The act of rinsing and chewing increases saliva production, which, like drinking water, helps wash away sugars and acids. 

Our family dentist in Duncan, OK, recommends looking for gum with xylitol, a natural sugar substitute that reduces cavity-causing bacteria.

5. Keep Up with Brushing and Flossing

Of course, one of the best ways to prevent cavities is sticking to a solid dental routine. Brush twice a day for two minutes each time and floss daily. On Halloween night, make sure everyone in the family brushes before bed to remove any leftover candy bits and sugar.

6. Get a Post-Halloween Checkup

Halloween is a great time to book a dental checkup with our family dentist in Duncan, OK. Dr. Bridges can spot early signs of cavities and give everyone’s teeth a thorough cleaning. 

Celebrate Halloween with Our Family Dentist in Duncan, OK

By making a few smart choices and taking care of your teeth, you can prevent cavities while still having a spooktacular time this Halloween. But why not set your smile up for success by scheduling a Halloween dental check-up with our family dentist in Duncan, OK? 

Request an appointment at Chisholm Trail Smile Center here or dial (580) 255-4880 to reserve your appointment today!

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Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder, but managing the condition can be as easy as wearing a simple oral device while sleeping. Want to explore an easy, non-invasive way to address snoring? Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, at (580) 255-4880 to start resting easier! 

Now, let’s explore some common questions about sleep apnea, including, “Is snoring a sign of sleep apnea?”

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when there is an obstruction somewhere along the respiratory system, causing breathing to stop and start repeatedly. These interruptions in breathing can last from a few seconds to minutes, leading to poor sleep quality and serious health risks. 

Common symptoms include:

• Loud snoring
• Daytime sleepiness
• Waking up gasping for air

You might wonder, is snoring a sign of sleep apnea? In many cases, yes! But keep in mind that not all snoring is caused by sleep apnea. In fact, about half of snorers have obstructive sleep apnea while the other half do not, so it’s important to look for other signs.

Is Snoring Always Sleep Apnea?

If you or someone you know snores loudly and frequently, you may have asked, is snoring a sign of sleep apnea? The answer could be yes if it’s paired with other symptoms like gasping for breath, choking during sleep, or excessive daytime fatigue. If these signs sound familiar, it’s time to call Dr. Bridges.

While snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, it isn’t always the case. Some people snore due to nasal congestion, allergies, or the position they sleep in. 

Can Sleep Apnea Be Treated?

Yes, and the good news is that treatment is highly effective! If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, you have several options depending on the severity of your case. 

Lifestyle changes like weight loss or quitting smoking can help, as well as using a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine to keep airways open while you sleep. But did you know that certain dental treatments can also alleviate symptoms? 

Dentists specializing in sleep medicine (like Dr. Bridges!!) can provide custom oral appliances to help reposition your jaw and keep your airway clear. 

What Should You Do if You Suspect Sleep Apnea?

If you find yourself asking, “Is snoring a sign of sleep apnea?” or noticing other red flags, it’s crucial to consult the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Our Duncan, OK, dentist can recommend a sleep study to determine if you have sleep apnea before addressing the condition with a personalized oral sleep appliance. 

Don’t Wait – Take Action at Chisholm Trail Smile Center Today!

So, is snoring a sign of sleep apnea? It certainly can be, and the sooner you investigate, the sooner you can get back to peaceful nights and energized days. Remember: Sleep apnea is treatable, but ignoring it could lead to complications like heart disease, stroke, or high blood pressure, making prompt treatment a must.

Explore sleep apnea and snoring treatment in Duncan, OK, today! Request an appointment with Dr. Bridges online or call (580) 255-4880 to see if sleep appliances are right for you.

The post “Is Snoring a Sign of Sleep Apnea?”: Common Sleep Apnea Questions Answered appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

In fact, the all-on-four implant with dentures system offers patients many benefits that our grandparents didn’t have. In today’s blog, we’ll review some of those benefits and explain how four little implants with dentures can vastly improve your quality of life. 

What Is All-on-Four?

The All-on-Four dental implant technique involves creating a surgical template to guide implant placement so that posts are placed in the most ideal position within the jaw. Four dental implants can hold an upper or lower denture in place. 

The procedure is done in one day, and in most cases, the patient is fitted with a temporary denture at the same time. The temporary will not endure forever, but it will allow the patient to eat, speak, and smile with confidence as osseointegration occurs. The term osseointegration refers to bone growing around dental implant posts, and it takes about nine months. 

After the bone has sufficiently anchored the implant posts, the long-term, actual denture will replace the temporary. 

5 Benefits of the Implant with Dentures System

Patients who wear traditional dentures miss out on many benefits of All-on-Four or a similar implant with dentures system. With implant dentures, you can enjoy:

• Confidence: Knowing that your dentures will never slip, wobble, slide, or loosen will allow you to dine out with friends and family, without worrying about embarrassing denture accidents. You can smile confidently because you’ll look fantastic.

• Comfortable Function: Implants with dentures feel like natural teeth. They function like natural teeth, too. If you’ve experienced speech and enunciation issues due to missing teeth or improperly fitted dentures, don’t expect the same problems with All-on-Four.

• Longevity of Your Investment: With proper care and continued good health, you can expect your implant dentures to last the rest of your life! The denture itself will need replacement with time, but your implants should last forever.

• Jawbone Retention: Another benefit of implants with dentures is that implant posts stimulate the jawbone to aid in bone retention. When you chew foods with natural teeth, teeth roots create vibrations. The vibrations let the brain know that your teeth are still in use, so your jawbone needs nutrition to remain strong.

When teeth are gone, the jaw holds no teeth roots. Even if you wear traditional braces there are no teeth roots. So, your brain tells your body to divert bone-enriching minerals to other bones that are still working, like arms and legs. As a result, the jawbone shrinks, so dentures no longer fit well and your face looks older.

Implants replace teeth roots, so when you eat, they create the necessary vibrations to ensure good jaw health.

Learn More About Implants at Your Consultation

Might implants with dentures be a good fit for you? For an implant consultation in Duncan, call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580.255.4880. Dr. Matthew Bridges will meet with you, review your records, and let you know which treatment options are available to replace your lost teeth or to stabilize your dentures. Most patients in good health qualify for dental implants.

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At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, Dr. Bridges and his team offer a full range of restorative dentistry solutions. At a consultation, he will explain all of your options. Then he will work with you to choose a treatment that fits your health needs, as well as your budget, comfort level, and cosmetic goals. 

Contact our office to learn more about dental bridges and implants and to find out which treatment may be right for you.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge can replace one or several adjoining missing teeth. Bridges are made of multiple attached dental crowns. The crowns on each end will sit on top of the neighboring natural teeth. To place a bridge and create sufficient room for the crowns, your dentist will need to reshape these teeth.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants replace the missing dental roots. These small posts will be surgically placed in your jaw, where they will fuse with the healthy bone tissue. This process could take up to six months. Once the implants have fully integrated with the jaw, Dr. Bridges will attach a custom-made restoration to the top of the implant post or posts. 

The Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are a more conservative choice than implants. If you select a bridge, you will not need to undergo surgery. Additionally, you will not need to wait for complete healing before you can receive your restoration. Instead, your treatment will usually take just two appointments spaced a few weeks apart. Finally, dental bridges cost less than implants, and insurance may cover a greater amount of the treatment cost.

The Benefits of Implants

Although bridges are more conservative, implants are usually considered the ultimate tooth replacement. First, implants do not necessitate reshaping otherwise healthy teeth. More importantly, implants help to ensure overall oral health. Like tooth roots, they send regenerative signals to the jawbone, which help to prevent jaw deterioration and additional tooth loss. 

Dental implants are also very durable. Studies show that 90 to 95% of implants last ten years or more. Finally, although implants have a bigger price tag upfront, because they last so long and can prevent the need for further restorative treatment, implants may save you money in the long run.

Candidacy for Bridges vs. Implants

To qualify for a bridge, your nearby teeth must be healthy enough to support the restoration. On the other hand, as a candidate for dental implants, you must have a sufficient amount of healthy jawbone tissue. 

Dr. Bridges can assess your candidacy for both treatments during a thorough exam using our advanced imaging technology.

Learn More about Your Restorative Options 

Restore your smile and protect your oral health. Contact our Duncan, OK, office today to book your restorative consultation. 

Complete our online contact form or call us at (580) 255-4880.

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We are almost halfway through this year. Have you scheduled a dental exam and cleaning yet? If not, then it’s time to contact Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK. We offer numerous preventive treatments, including oral cancer screenings and X-rays. Contact our team today at (580) 255-4880 for more information and scheduling.

Brushing and flossing are the most important daily practices for keeping teeth and gums healthy. But, how do you know which products to use? In this blog, our family dentist in Duncan, OK, explores some of the most recommended oral hygiene products by dentists.

Electric Toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes have become increasingly popular in recent years and for very good reason. According to the Oral Health Foundation, they are more effective in removing plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums than manual toothbrushes. 

Electric toothbrushes also have timers and pressure sensors. Our family dentist in Duncan, OK, finds this helpful, as it takes the guesswork out of proper brushing techniques. 

Water Flossers

Water flossers (commonly called oral irrigators) are devices that use a concentrated stream of water to clean between teeth and along the gum line. They can effectively remove food particles and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas, making them an ideal tool for patients with:

• Braces
• Dental implants
• Dental bridges
• Mobility issues

Tongue Scrapers

Tongue scrapers are dental tools that help remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells from the surface of the tongue. This can help improve bad breath, as the majority of oral bacteria that cause odor are found primarily on the tongue. Our family dentist in Duncan, OK, recommends tongue scraping at least once a day for improved hygiene. 

Remineralizing Toothpaste

Remineralizing toothpaste is a staple of any good oral hygiene routine. The mineral-rich ingredients (like fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite) help strengthen tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay and damage. 

Mouthwash

Mouthwash is an effective way to kill bacteria in the mouth, freshen breath, and prevent gum disease between brushings. However, it should not replace regular brushing and flossing.

Sugar-free Gum

Chewing sugarless gum after eating can help encourage saliva production. This is crucial for good oral health because saliva helps to neutralize enamel-destroying acids produced by microbes in the mouth. Saliva also washes away food particles that can lead to decay.

Our family dentist in Duncan, OK, recommends looking for ingredients like xylitol, which deter the growth of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. 

Friendly Family Dentist in Duncan, OK

Using the right oral hygiene products can make all the difference in your daily hygiene routines. Ask our family dentist in Duncan, OK, for more information on how to take your brushing and flossing habits to the next level.
You can reach Chisholm Trail Smile Center online here anytime, or you may call our Duncan dental office at (580) 255-4880.

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Obstructive sleep apnea can be treated! 

Obstructive sleep apnea can involve different types of treatment, with some patients benefiting the most from a combined approach. Other patients find lasting relief with one type.  

The most common forms of OSA treatment include: 

• CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) 
• Correcting underlying medical conditions (such as lowering high blood pressure)
• An oral appliance from your local dentist

Chisholm Trail Smile Center offers oral appliance therapy for patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. In this article, you’ll learn more about OSA and how your local dentist can treat it. 

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

According to this online article published by the National Library of Medicine, obstructive sleep apnea is primarily characterized by partial or complete airway obstruction during sleep. These are known as apneic episodes and may occur hundreds of times during the night.

Breathing introduces oxygen into the blood. A low blood oxygen level, called hypoxemia, is detrimental to overall health. Oxygen in the blood creates healthy arteries and reduces inflammation, while helping cells rejuvenate. 

Sleep is essential to healthy oxygen levels in the blood and an overall healthy body. An adequate amount of sleep each night contributes to a healthy heart, circulatory system, metabolism, immune system, and respiratory system. Regardless of age, the importance of sleep should not be underestimated.  

What are some symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea?

• Frequent morning headaches
• Rapid heart rate
• Weight gain
• Abrupt waking with gasping, gagging, and/or choking
• Frequent night wakings
• Exhaustion during the day
• Lack of focus
• Impotence
• Falling asleep at times of low activity

What are some of the risks associated with obstructive sleep apnea?

• High blood pressure 
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Encephalic (mental/cognitive) alterations
• Behavioral conditions (ie: learning problems, mood disorders)

Risk can increase for patients who are 55 years and older, and men are predominately more inclined than women to have this condition. 

Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea

One study suggests that untreated OSA is associated with high rates of morbidity (suffering caused by a disease or medical condition) and even mortality (death). OSA leads to a vicious cycle within the body that quickly worsens symptoms.

Lack of oxygen while sleeping can cause the release of a chemical that induces bladder spasms. Overactive bladders are rarely thought to be a symptom of sleep apnea yet contribute to frequent night wakings which lead to morbidity caused by lack of sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition but treatment can provide lasting relief of symptoms. 

Learn More About OSA Treatment

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges collaborates with local sleep specialist, Dr. Jones, to ensure a solid diagnosis. As a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Dr. Bridges provides a wealth of information on OSA and treatment. Contact our office online to learn more or give us a call at (580) 255-4880! 

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