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!

The post Family Dentist in Duncan, OK, Responds: How to Prevent Cavities This Halloween appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

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.

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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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Because full mouth reconstruction is different for each patient, you likely have many questions. Dr. Matthew Bridges will collaborate with you to create your treatment plan. During your consultation at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, he can further address any questions or concerns you may have.

To learn more or to begin planning your treatment, contact our Duncan, OK, office today.

Who is a candidate for full mouth reconstruction?

If you have a large number of missing teeth, numerous broken or worn teeth, and/or widespread dental decay, you may be a candidate for full mouth reconstruction. This treatment can also be a good option if you suffer from bruxism (chronic teeth grinding), which can lead to significant tooth erosion. However, Dr. Bridges will need to treat underlying the condition before addressing its effects. 

Note that full mouth reconstruction is not intended as a cosmetic treatment. The primary goal is to restore your bite and oral health. At the same time, it will certainly improve your appearance and often help you look years younger.

What procedures are included?

Full mouth reconstruction is a multi-stage treatment that includes several restorative procedures. These procedures will vary, depending on your health needs, budget, and preferences. They could include:

• Fillings
• Bridges
• Dentures
• Dental implants
• Crowns
• Root canal therapy
• Orthodontia
• Periodontal care

How long will treatment take?

Again, the treatment timeline will depend on the specific procedures included in your reconstruction. Some procedures, such as fillings, can be completed in a single appointment. On the other hand, dental implants require several months for total healing. You may also need to visit a specialist, such as a periodontist or endodontist, and they will provide their own treatment timelines. 

In general, we tell patients that full mouth reconstruction could take up to a year to complete.

How long will the results last?

Although treatment is a time commitment, you could enjoy its benefits for the rest of your life. Individual restorations may need to be replaced. On average crowns last 5 to 15 years, although many last 25 years or more. Implant-supported restorations often last 20 years or more. 

Of course, the longevity of your treatment will depend on your future oral hygiene, whether you have gum disease, whether you smoke, and several other factors. 

Even if one or more of your restorations do eventually need to be replaced, you most likely will never suffer from the widespread damage that you face prior to reconstruction.

Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center Today

Dr. Bridges’ experience, compassion, and personalized care make him an outstanding choice for full mouth reconstruction. He proudly treats patients in Duncan, OK, and the surrounding communities. 

Get in touch online or call us at 580-255-4880 to schedule your appointment.

The post Considering full mouth reconstruction? Here’s Everything You Should Know! appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, we can provide both in-office and take-home whitening. Dr. Matthew Bridges will help you select the right option and supervise your treatment to minimize any side effects. With his expertise, your smile could be up to eight shades brighter.

Dr. Bridges prioritizes patient education. Read on for answers to common questions about teeth whitening. Then contact our office to schedule a cosmetic consultation. 

Does teeth whitening hurt?

Whitening treatments use peroxide-based chemical solutions to break apart stained molecules and eliminate discoloration. When you choose a trusted brand of whitening, it is safe and involves minimal discomfort. 

Many patients do suffer from some minor tooth sensitivity after their whitening regimen, but it usually goes away on its own after just a few days.

Am I a candidate for teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is appropriate for extrinsic discoloration, found on the dental enamel. These stains appear because of food, drink, smoking, and age. Although good dental hygiene and a careful diet can limit extrinsic stains, everyone will experience some degree of discoloration. Teeth whitening is an ideal solution in these cases. 

Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, are located inside of teeth. They often appear due to infection or trauma. Teeth whitening cannot eliminate intrinsic discoloration, but other treatments are available. These include porcelain veneers and dental bonding.

What kind of whitening should I get?

We offer in-office Zoom!® and take-home Opalescence® by Ultradent. Both can achieve comparable dramatic results, although the treatment process differs significantly. During in-office care, Dr. Bridges will coat your teeth in a whitening gel and use a curing light to activate the peroxide. In-take home treatment, you will wear specially made trays filled with whitening gel. 

The type of teeth whitening you select will depend on several factors:

• Your timeline: Zoom! typically takes an hour or less. It can be a great solution if you want immediate results or you are preparing for an upcoming event, such as a wedding. 

• Your level of tooth sensitivity: As mentioned above, teeth whitening can cause some mild sensitivity. If you already have sensitive teeth, this does not automatically exclude you from treatment. But you may prefer in-office care since your dentist can more closely observe and adjust the procedure, as needed. In either case, he may recommend a lower concentration of peroxide. For example, patients who used a 10% hydrogen peroxide whitening solution had significantly less sensitivity than those who used a 40% hydrogen peroxide solution. 

• Your budget: Take-home whitening usually costs less than in-office treatment, although we work hard to make all our options affordable.

Contact Us to Learn More 

Find out more about teeth whitening and whether it is right for you. Contact our Duncan, OK, office today. 

You can easily make an appointment online or call us at 580-255-4880.

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