In general, it’s best to visit a dentist in Duncan, OK, every six months to avoid preventable issues. If it’s been a while since your last dental visit, it’s time to call Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Just call (580) 255-4880 to schedule your check-up today!

Even if you visit the dentist regularly, you might encounter some issues before your next regularly scheduled appointment. So, in today’s blog, our Duncan dentist reveals six signs that a dental check-up is due.

1. You’re Experiencing Tooth Sensitivity

Have you ever felt a sharp twinge when sipping a hot cup of coffee or biting into an ice cream cone? Tooth sensitivity can indicate an issue like tooth decay or enamel erosion. 

While it might be tempting to brush it off, sensitivity is a clear sign that you need a dental check-up. Dr. Bridges can pinpoint the cause and offer solutions to make those pesky zingers disappear.

2. Bleeding Gums

If your gums turn bloody when you brush or floss, it’s time to take notice. Bleeding gums are often a symptom of gum disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious oral and systemic health problems, including cardiovascular and neurological damage. 

A dental check-up with Dr. Bridges allows our team to assess the health of your gums and provide treatment to keep your smile healthy and pain-free.

3. Persistent Bad Breath

Bad breath can be a sign of dental issues like gum disease, tooth decay, or even an infection. If you’re dealing with chronic bad breath despite your best brushing and flossing efforts, a dental check-up is the best way to figure out what’s causing it. Preventive dentistry can help tackle these problems before they escalate.

4. You Have a Toothache

A toothache can feel like a small annoyance, but it often signals a bigger problem. Whether it’s a cavity, infection, or a cracked tooth, a dental check-up is necessary to find the root cause. 

The sooner you address the toothache, the sooner you can get back to enjoying your day without pain. Remember, a toothache never solves itself – let Dr. Bridges help!

5. It’s Been More Than Six Months

Preventive care, including routine cleanings and exams, is the foundation of a healthy smile. So, if you can’t remember the last time you had a dental check-up, that’s a sign it’s time to schedule one! Regular dental visits every six months allow our Duncan dentist to catch small issues before they turn into major problems.

6. You Notice Changes in Your Mouth

Any unusual changes in your mouth, like sores, lumps, or color changes in your gums or tongue, warrant a dental check-up. Even if the issue doesn’t seem painful or urgent, Dr. Bridges can ensure everything’s in good shape and address any concerns before they become more serious.

Don’t Wait – Schedule Your Dental Check-Up in Duncan, OK, Today!

Your oral health plays a big role in your overall well-being, and scheduling regular dental check-ups is one of the best ways to keep everything in check. Give our general dentist in Duncan, OK, a call at (580) 255-4880 or contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center online to set up that all-important dental check-up today!

The post 6 Signs It’s Time to Schedule a Dental Check Up in Duncan, OK 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.