Your Duncan, OK dentist, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges can help you and your family defend your mouths against decay and disease. Through preventative dentistry and at-home measures, protecting your teeth and gums will give you the freedom to enjoy this season.

Contact our friendly staff today at 580-255-4880 to schedule a regular dental cleaning at Chisholm Trail Smile Center.

Here are three tips to ensure your smile stays healthy:

1. Maintain a good oral hygiene routine.

Whether it’s summer, fall, winter, or spring, good oral hygiene habits are a necessity for both adults and children. These habits should include:

• Brushing properly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day — every morning and before bed for two to three minutes each. Use a fluoride toothpaste and make sure to purchase a new toothbrush every three months.
• Floss: We know, statistics have shown that flossing isn’t a priority for most people, but it should be, especially during the fall season. Floss reaches surfaces of your teeth that a toothbrush simply can’t.  Flossing removes plaque that would otherwise build up and lead to decay and possibly gum disease.
• Use a fluoride mouthwash: Strengthen your teeth by rinsing with mouthwash once a day.

You can encourage your child to maintain these habits by brushing and flossing together every morning and evening. Other useful tips include buying your child, (or letting them pick out) a fun toothbrush and rewarding their fresh breath with a few extra minutes of playtime.

2. Make healthy eating choices.

Fall treats often include pumpkin-flavored coffees, grandma’s famous sweet potato pie, Halloween candy, apple cider, S’mores, and so much more. We aren’t going to tell you not to have those things, but we do encourage you to enjoy them in moderation.

We also encourage you to make healthier choices by eating things like:

• Leafy, green vegetables: Make a salad with spinach, kale, strawberries, nuts, and goat cheese as a healthy appetizer. These greens will help clean your teeth and curb your appetite.
• Cheese: This popular food contains phosphorous and calcium that promotes the remineralization of your teeth, which can prevent cavities.
• Berries: When you’re tempted to eat another slice of pie, choose berries instead. These fruits are great for your overall health and can be paired with yogurt or water to combat the acidity.
• Crunchy fruits and vegetables: Apples, broccoli, and celery are all great side or snack options. These fruits and vegetables naturally clean your mouth by scrubbing your teeth and stimulating the release of saliva.

3. Schedule your regular dental cleaning.

Dr. Bridges suggests visiting your dentist before you become too busy with the hustle and bustle of the holidays. This simple step will help you prevent oral issues such as tooth decay and gum disease.

During your appointment, one of our professional dental hygienists will gently and thoroughly clean and examine your teeth. He or she can spot any problems or potential problems you may have. Dr. Bridges will create a personalized treatment plan if necessary.

We might also suggest other preventative measures, such as:

• Dental sealants
• Fluoride treatments
• Custom mouth guards
• Digital x-rays
• Oral cancer screening

You can learn more about these treatments by clicking here.

Contact Your Duncan, OK Dentist Today

Don’t let oral health issues ruin your holidays. Take the first step towards prevention by calling our office today at 580-255-4880 to schedule your regular dental cleaning.

The post Oral Hygiene Tips for Fall appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

If you are in the area, and are looking for a new dental provider your whole family can see, consider Dr. Bridges! As a father of four himself, Dr. Bridges understands the concerns and goals you may have for your child’s oral health. Trust their smile (and yours!) to Dr. Bridges at Chisolm Trail Smile Center – one of the oldest dental practices in the area. Reach a member of our team at (580) 255-4880.

Good habits should start early.

Dr. Bridges has seen how early dental experiences can shape a child’s perception of dentists, dental services, as well as at-home oral care. The earlier a child can start seeing a dentist who they like and feel comfortable with, the less chance they may have of developing dental phobias and anxieties that could keep them away from critical care later down the road. Dr. Bridges loves being able to help children as young as one become more comfortable in the dental chair, by offering gentle care and providing a warm, welcoming, and kid-friendly atmosphere.

Oral health is crucial during early childhood years.

Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends that children start regularly seeing a dentist at the age of one (or at least six months after the first primary tooth appears)? Since primary teeth eventually give way for permanent teeth, some people don’t think regular dental care is necessary. However, children learn how to speak and chew with primary teeth, so it’s important that they are kept healthy and strong until permanent teeth push through. Also, healthy teeth and gums make the transition to permanent teeth smoother, and can set your child up for a lifetime of better oral health.

In addition to routine cleaning, examinations, fluoride treatments and cavity detection, Dr. Bridges offers treatments that can help prepare a child’s smile for future orthodontic care. For instance, Dr. Bridges can place orthodontic spacers to keep your child’s smile from shifting after a primary tooth is lost prematurely. Other orthodontic assessments can help you understand early on what treatments your child may require to have a straighter smile.

Family dentistry can help everyone achieve better health.

As a parent, Dr. Bridges knows full well that kids follow their parents’ example in nearly everything –including oral health! By seeing a dentist, like Dr. Bridges, who can care for the whole family, your child can see the importance of oral care, no matter their age. Your regular attendance will help your child view the dentist as a normal and healthy habit, one that they should emulate. In addition, scheduling routine examinations and cleanings for the family is easier when everyone sees the same provider!

Kids are eager to learn and try new things.

Witnessing kids learning—and being excited to learn—is such a treat. Teachers and parents know how excited kids can get when learning new tasks, words, behaviors, and more. Dr. Bridges loves being able to help kids learn more about their teeth and gums: why they’re important, how they function, and how to keep them clean and strong. With a heart for teaching and educating patients, Dr. Bridges especially loves one-on-one chats with his youngest patients, who may be learning for the first time exactly how their teeth work, and why brushing is so important.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bridges, Duncan, OK Children’s Dentist.

Your child’s smile is a treasure; help protect and strengthen it through top-quality dental care in the Duncan, OK area. Contact Chisolm Trail Smile Center today to schedule your child’s appointment with Dr. Matthew Bridges.

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If you are a parent in the Duncan, OK, area, choose the right dentist for you and your children: choose Dr. Matthew L. Bridges! Dr. Bridges has a heart for those patients who are fearful or anxious of the dentist’s office. He can help create a more positive, comfortable experience for your entire family. If you are new to the area, or simply looking for a new provider, call us today to schedule a consultation. See for yourself the warm, welcoming environment at Chisolm Trail Smile Center.

Early and Often is Key

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises parents to bring their child in for their first dental appointment by age one (or within six months of developing the first tooth). Early trips to the dentist help children become more familiar — and more comfortable — with treatment. Afterwards, Dr. Bridges or your local dentist can advise how often your child should return for routine exams and cleanings. Usually, about once every six months is normal.

Play “Dentist” Beforehand

If your child has never been to a children’s dentist, or is expressing signs of worry about the appointment, it could be beneficial to play through a normal dental appointment scenario with them. It’s important when speaking about the dentist to use simple language. Avoid works like “needle,” “drill,” or “pain.” Instead, explain that the dentist will simply be checking to make sure his/her smile is strong. Use a mirror to show your child his/her teeth that the dentist will be looking at, and make a game of counting and pointing to each one of their teeth.

Explain the Importance of Healthy Teeth

When answering questions about “why” they need to go to the dentist, keep things positive. Explain that healthy, strong teeth help your child eat their favorite foods, smile, laugh, and ultimately grow into a healthy adult. By keeping discussions about teeth, dentists, and oral hygiene positive, you can prevent undue stress at the prospect of visiting the dentist.

Let the Dentist Lead

When you arrive at your child’s dental appointment, try to allow the dentist and dental team to lead the conversation and appointment process as much as possible. A children’s dentist will have lots of experience treating young children who may be upset or scared about receiving an examination. They most likely have their own, gentle ways of helping relieve children’s anxiety so they can complete treatment or cleaning.

Depending on the situation, your children’s dentist may have you help in different ways. The instinct may be to jump in to try to talk to your child, however, by letting the dentist establish a relationship with your little one, you are helping them become less fearful of the dentist and more apt to having a better experience in the future.

Schedule your Children’s Dentist Appointment Today

If it’s been at least six months since your child last saw the dentist, it’s time for another examination! Use these tips to help ensure that your trip to Chisolm Trail Smile Center is as smooth as possible. If you have questions about your child’s dental health, reach out to our office. We look forward to seeing you and your family soon!

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#1: Your Child’s Unique Needs Can Be Met

Compared to adults, children have unique and specific oral health needs. It is important to choose a dentist who understands these needs. Children are still developing – emotionally as well as physically. Their teeth are not permanent, and their mouths will continue to transition as they grow older. Our team can help your child care for his or her baby teeth until their permanent ones erupt.

#2: Your Child Can Develop Good Habits at an Early Age

Routine dental visits can help your child grow to enjoy oral health check-ups and learn the fundamentals of good hygiene. Our dental team will also support and encourage your child to practice good oral health habits from an early age. In addition to giving your child a sense of self-worth and confidence, routine dental visits can help your child take pride in having healthy teeth and gums.

#3: Early Detection of Oral Health Issues

Regular visits can also help your dentist catch and treat oral issues early, before they become problematic. Today, innovative techniques, such as digital imaging, can provide a multitude of information about the health of a child’s teeth. As a parent or caregiver, you will also be able to stay informed about the changes in your child’s teeth. Prevention is the best defense for good oral care. If issues are detected early, then there is a better chance they will not be come severe problems that require extensive treatment as an adult.

#4: Learning Lessons Early

As a parent or caregiver, it is your job to impart wisdom and understanding into your child.  Your child This can be an ongoing job. Children may not always follow the directions they are given, but their inquisitive eyes and minds will always see and compute what is happening around them. When your child arrives for his or her dental checkup, we do much more than clean the teeth. We also talk about how cavities form, and explain the importance of daily brushing and flossing.

#5: Better Nutrition

Perhaps the connection between oral health and nutrition is one that is not readily seen, but it is certainly there. The health of your child’s teeth has a lot to do with his or her diet. If a child learns how to make better food choices, they are more inclined to choose healthy options as an adult. Your children’s dentist will encourage a healthier diet by showing the child what happens to teeth that are exposed to tremendous amounts of sugar and chemicals. As a parent or caregiver, you can reiterate the need for healthy foods at home.

Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center

If you are in search of a new dental home for you or a loved one, we invite you to visit our practice. Chisholm Trail Smiles Center is proud to serve residents of Duncan, OK with comprehensive dental services for the entire family. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment with your Duncan dentist, call us at 580-255-4880, or reach out to us online.

The post 5 Benefits of Children’s Dentistry appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Are you looking for a new children’s dentist in Duncan, OK? Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center to see what makes us a great choice for family dentistry! Dr. Matthew Bridges loves helping our youngest patients get started on a lifetime of good oral health! Call our office at (580) 255-4880 to make an appointment for your newest family member!

Why Early Dental Visits are a Good Idea

Current American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations suggest you should bring your children in for a first dental visit by their first birthday. Early dental visits are a happy opportunity for children to learn that the dentist’s office is a place where good things happen. We always lavish our youngest patients with calm, friendly attention and give them the time they need to get comfortable with the idea of the dentist. This helps prevent any fear or uncertainty from coloring a first visit.

Early visits are also a great opportunity for parents to connect with an oral health care provider to learn about oral hygiene for children, recommended practices, and how to control children’s diets for optimal oral health. Did you know, for example, that under current recommendations children under two years should not be given fruit juice? This is a recent change to the dietary advice parents have been given in the past, and regular contact with an oral care provider every six months gives you the chance to get the most up-to-date information on health research and recommendations.

Don’t Wait for a Toothache!

The longer you wait to bring your child to children’s dentist, the more difficult a time he or she may have. Preschool-aged children should start getting gentle teeth cleanings to prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar. Skipping early dental cleanings can easily result in the development of tooth decay. Why is this? Children are often too young to clean their teeth properly, for one. Children also have thinner tooth enamel, which means cavities can develop faster than they do for adults.

If you skip professional teeth cleaning appointments and wait for your child to complain of a toothache before you think to bring him or her to the dentist, you are not starting out on the best foot. Children should get acquainted with the dentist’s office when they are not experiencing pain or have a sense that something has “gone wrong.” If you wait until your child develops a cavity, you may be setting him or her up for a lifetime of dental anxiety.

How to Care for Your Baby’s Teeth

If your infant has teeth, you should be spending some time every day keeping them clean. While there are tooth brushes and gum massagers made specifically for infants, you don’t have to buy special tools to keep baby’s first teeth clean. A small piece of sterile gauze makes an excellent tooth cleaning implement, as does a damp baby washcloth. Rub the teeth gently every day to remove plaque. Children can develop plaque on their teeth even if they aren’t yet eating solid foods, so oral hygiene should be a priority from the very first tooth.

If you do choose to use a toothbrush, be sure to choose a baby-sized brush with very soft bristles. You don’t have to use toothpaste in the first years, but if you do—use only an age-appropriate product. Infants should not be using fluoride-containing toothpastes until they are old enough to understand how to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing.

Toddler Teeth and Beyond

As infants get older and try to become more independent, let them try to brush their own teeth—but don’t hand over the reins just yet! Parents should still make sure children get a thorough tooth-brushing more times than not, and this often means doing it yourself. As your child tries to become more independent in his/her brushing, practice co-brushing to model good brushing technique. Children love to brush their teeth with Mom or Dad, and often learn best by imitation. Also, bring your child to a children’s dentist every six months for a routine check-up and teeth cleaning.

Do not start using a fluoride-containing toothpaste until you are certain your child is spitting most of it out. Fluoride is the best way to protect and strengthen teeth, but it can be toxic in high doses. Even in non-toxic doses, ingesting fluoride at a young age can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which creates permanent stains on their developing adult teeth.

Visit Chisholm Trail Smile Center to Learn More!

If you are a new parent, or are looking for a children’s dentist in Duncan, OK, visit our office to learn more. There are a million things we would love to tell you about, to help you protect your children’s smiles and get them started on a lifetime of good oral health. Call our office at (580) 255-4880 to make an appointment for your little one!

The post Bringing Babies to the Dentist – Why It’s Important to Start Early! appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

The Right Age to Introduce a Rinse

Most children are old enough to start using small amounts of fluoride containing toothpastes at about age three or four. We don’t recommend fluoride for children younger than that, because swallowing it can be dangerous to a child’s health. Not only can fluoride be toxic in high doses, but it can also damage the appearance of growing teeth at lower thresholds. If a child is swallowing fluoride, the adult teeth may come in with permanent fluoride stains, a condition called fluorosis.

Many children’s rinses contain fluoride for an extra level of cavity protection, so we don’t recommend introducing them until about age six. Children’s rinses tend to come in a number of mild, kid-friendly flavors; until age six, it may be too likely that a small amount will be swallowed accidentally.

Using Children’s Rinses Correctly

If you choose to let your child use a rinse, pay attention to the ingredients and buy a product made specifically for kids. Adult rinses may contain harsh ingredients that can dry out a child’s mouth or cause sensitivity. Most children do not need to use rinse with alcohol or antimicrobial ingredients, unless your children’s dentist has specifically recommended it. Instead, choose a cavity-fighting rinse that contains fluoride.

A fluoride-containing rinse can help your child make sure he or she has removed all particles of food after brushing. Teach him or her how to swish vigorously to make sure all parts of the mouth get rinsed. A mouthwash can also provide an extra layer of cavity prevention, since liquids may be able to reach spaces between the teeth that are occasionally missed by toothbrush bristles or floss.

Children should refrain from eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes after using a rinse. This ensures teeth get the maximum cavity-fighting and tooth-strengthening benefit from fluoride, as it stays in contact with the teeth longer this way. Rinsing the mouth with water afterward can negate the oral health benefit of the rinse, so be sure to choose a mild product that won’t burn your child’s mouth.

Monitor your child regularly, to make sure he or she is not swallowing the product or otherwise using it improperly. For example, accidental swallowing may become more likely if a child is using double the recommended amount of the liquid rinse! Make sure they use the right amount, for the right length of time. Even older children and teenagers benefit from an occasional parental “audit” of their oral hygiene routine, so make sure you observe and guide your child’s use of rinses.

Do You Have Questions About Your Child’s Oral Health?

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we want your family to have the best oral health possible. We always make time for parents’ questions, and ensure both children and adults understand how their behaviors and dietary choices affect their teeth and gums. If you have questions about your children’s oral health, schedule an appointment with Duncan, OK children’s dentist Dr. Matthew Bridges and you’ll have ample opportunity to speak with our staff. Call us at (580) 255-4880 to make an appointment.

The post Should My Child Use An Oral Rinse? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Do you need a children’s dentist, Duncan OK? Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center for an appointment with Dr. Matthew Bridges. Call us at 580-255-4880 for an appointment.

Give Kids the Tools for Success

Kids love to pick out their own stuff. Décor, toys, clothes—most children love to have their own preferences honored. Oral health tools are no different. Letting your child pick out his own toothpaste, toothbrush, flossing tools, rinse, etc., is a great way to make oral health more important in your child’s life. If your child needs a lot of monitoring, go on a special trip to the oral hygiene aisle at the store and let him pick out his own oral hygiene tools. You may be surprised to see what a difference it makes.

Many parents go beyond the basics, and provide their children with a kitchen timer, for example, to help children do a good job. Both kids and adults should brush their teeth for at least two minutes each time, so a timer can help children make sure they are brushing thoroughly, every time.

Encourage Ownership

Kids love to take ownership of their own care. If you’ve ever heard “I want to do it myself,” you know how much it means to be able to do important things independently. You can encourage your little and big children to take their oral health into their own hands by talking about their oral hygiene routine and asking them how they make sure they do a good job.

A lot of times, children (and adults) get so set in their oral hygiene routine that it becomes automatic. You do a better job when you take the time to brush each tooth individually and intentionally mix up that routine. Talking about this is a great way to help them value their oral hygiene and take things into their own hands.

Share and Model the Experience

Parents often do a good job of showing their children how to brush their teeth when they are toddlers—but we often trust them to do it themselves as they get older. If it’s been a few years since you’ve co-brushed with your child, take the time to brush together every once in a while. Watching each other in the mirror, play “follow the leader” so your child has to copy your movements as you brush and floss your teeth.

Conduct a Random Weekly Audit

It can be hard to monitor your children’s oral hygiene routine in a busy household. If you can’t be there to watch your child brush his/her teeth every day, make a point to conduct an “audit” at least once a week. It’s easy: when you tuck your child in or kiss him goodnight, scratch your fingernail against a tooth, starting at the gum line and moving vertically as you scratch. If you wind up with a big glob of white goo (plaque) on your fingernail, that’s not a good sign. Tell you child that if you find plaque, they have to brush their teeth again. Most kids don’t want to get out of bed to brush their teeth again, so they will be more motivated to do a thorough job every night.

Bring Your Child to Six-Month Visits and Incentivize Good Results

It takes a lot of weight off of a parent’s shoulders when you let your dentist and hygienist do their jobs. When you bring your child in for regular oral health check-ups, you reduce the likelihood of your child getting cavities. You also make it possible to catch bad habits before they cause problems. At each visit we clean the teeth of calcified plaque, and can let you and your child know if there’s one part of the mouth they have been neglecting, for example.

Many parents incentivize good results at the dentist. Taking your child for a special treat, ice cream for example, can help him or her feel proud of their good oral hygiene. Just be sure to brush your teeth afterwards!

Do you need a children’s dentist, Duncan OK? Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center for an appointment with Dr. Matthew Bridges. Call us at 580-255-4880 for an appointment.

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