Dr. Bridges volunteered at Give Kids a Smile Day, a non-profit event in which dentists provide free dental care to underserved children. Attending this event shed light on what the software developer wanted to do with the rest of his life: care for kids and families. Dr. Bridges applied to dental school and earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of Oklahoma. 

In dental school, Dr. Bridges thrived. He earned the Pierre Faughard Academy Junior Scholarship, and for the American Student Dental Association, he was Speaker of the House. 

He then joined Dr. Schreiner’s practice, and Dr. Schreiner has since retired. Dr. Bridges bought the practice and changed the name to Chisholm Trail Smile Center.

To continue giving back to the community, Dr. Bridges volunteers with the American Dental Association Foundation, as well as the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy. He was President of the Southwest Dental Society from 2018 to 2021 and currently holds the role of Trustee in the Southwest region of the Oklahoma Dental Association. In 2021, Dr. Bridges was nominated for a fellowship in the American College of Dentists. 

In short, Dr. Matthew Bridges loves being a Duncan, OK, dentist, and he still thoroughly enjoys caring for children at Chisholm Trail Smile Center.

Special Dental Care for Children

By Age One

The ADA and other reputable dental organizations suggest that a baby visit the dentist by his first birthday. At this “happy visit,” the child will become accustomed to the friendly faces and helping hands of the Chisholm Trail Smile Center team. Dr. Bridges will conduct a brief exam, just to ensure your baby’s mouth and teeth are properly developing. 

Babies and Toddlers

After the very first tooth erupts in your baby’s mouth, you should begin using a small dot of non-fluoridated toothpaste and a soft baby’s toothbrush to clean the tooth/teeth in the morning and before bed. Around age three, toddlers understand how to spit toothpaste out after brushing, so they can advance to fluoridated toothpaste. Replace your child’s toothbrush every six months, and begin flossing once teeth touch one another. A child’s pre-threaded dental flosser makes the job easier.

Preschoolers

When kids reach preschool age, around four or five, they can understand how to sit in the dental chair during dental cleanings and exams. So, at this age children should begin twice-a-year preventive checkups with Dr. Bridges.

School-Aged Kids

When children start school, they still need Mom or Dad to inspect their brushing and flossing efforts. Children are prone to develop cavities and/or gingivitis if they don’t maintain effective daily oral care habits at home. (Kids who use an inhaler for asthma are at higher risk for gingivitis.) Even teenagers need daily dental care reminders, as well as regular dental checkups and cleanings.

To deter cavities, encourage your children and teens to drink water instead of soda, sports drinks, or flavored drinks like Kool-Aid. These beverages are high in sugar. The carbonation in sodas, as well as the acidity and sugar, can cause cavities. If your child is going to enjoy one of these beverages, encourage the use of a straw to limit contact between teeth and the harmful elements of the beverage.

Also, limit sweets and carbs. Sugars are carbohydrates, as are starches. Bad bacteria in the mouth consume the carbs and emit an acidic byproduct that causes tooth decay. An occasional sweet treat is fine, but be sure that your child rinses his mouth with water afterward, so carbs don’t sit on teeth. 

Sealants & Fluoride Protect Young Teeth

As your family’s Duncan, OK, dentist, Dr. Bridges wants to protect your children’s teeth and gums from harm. He often recommends that children get dental sealants once molars develop in the back of the mouth. The sealant is a clear, protective coating that we paint onto the chewing surfaces of molars. It fills in small grooves and crevices to create a barrier against bad bacteria, acid, sugar, and other starches. Over time, sealants naturally and safely wear off.

Fluoride treatment in our office also protects tooth enamel against decay. Children benefit from a small amount of swallowed fluoride, which comes from the public water supply. Be sure that your kids drink tap water because bottled water doesn’t contain fluoride. Kids also benefit from topical fluoride. We offer a topical fluoride treatment that takes only a few minutes. 

Fluoride is a cool mineral. It attracts calcium and phosphorus, minerals that strengthen tooth enamel. So, by coating teeth in fluoride, we prompt these minerals to naturally infiltrate enamel and strengthen it against decay.

Your Family Dentist in Duncan, OK

If you’re looking for a dentist to care for your loved ones, remember that Dr. Bridges entered dentistry as a result of a volunteer event that benefitted children. He loves kids! And your kids are sure to love him. Our entire team comes to work each day excited to serve the families of our community. Schedule appointments for everyone in your family. Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580-255-4880 today.

The post A Favorite Children’s Dentist in Duncan, OK appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Want to ask your questions in person? No problem! Schedule an in-person appointment with our Duncan dentist, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges, today! All patients can reach our dental office in Duncan, OK, at (580) 255-4880 for scheduling, information, and advice.

We love curious patients, which is why we want to answer some of your general dentistry FAQs. In this blog, our Duncan dentist does his best to shed some light on your oral health.

What is general dentistry, and what services does it include?

General dentistry is a branch of dentistry that deals with the prevention, identification, and treatment of oral health issues. Typically, general dentists offer a range of services, including:

• Dental cleanings
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental sealants
• Oral cancer screenings
• Fillings
• Extractions
• Root canal therapy
• Gum disease treatment
• Orthodontia
• Sleep apnea and bruxism treatment

However, not all general dentists offer such a wide range of services. Therefore, it is always best to confirm that a Duncan dentist offers the treatments you seek before scheduling an appointment. A quick journey to their website or call to their office can help you determine if a general dentist provides the necessary services.

Why is it important to see a general dentist regularly?

As a trusted and verified authority, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends regular visits to a general dentist for optimal oral health. For most patients, twice yearly appointments with a Duncan dentist are enough to prevent issues and keep the mouth healthy.

But, why is it so important to visit a general dentist regularly? Well, general dentists can identify and treat problems in the early stages, which prevents them from becoming more severe and costly to treat later. 

They can also provide preventive care to help you avoid future problems. Additionally, regular dental checkups can help detect early signs of other health problems, such as:

• Oral cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease

What can I expect during a dental checkup with a Duncan dentist?

During a dental checkup, our Duncan dentist examines your teeth, gums, and mouth for potential signs of decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. We may also take x-rays to get a closer look at your teeth and jawbone. 

Ordinarily, dental cleanings are part of a dental checkup. So, a dental hygienist may remove built-up plaque and tartar on your teeth during a routine dental appointment.

How can I maintain good oral health at home?

Maintaining good oral health at home involves:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
• Flossing daily
• Using mouthwash between brushings

It is also important to:

• Eat a balanced diet
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol intake 

Meet Our Duncan Dentist Today

Are you ready to see why our patients love our Duncan dentist? Then, schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center today! Patients can contact our Duncan, OK, dental office online or at (580) 255-4880 for appointments and more.

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Patients who attend regular dental visits twice a year are less likely to experience toothaches from issues like cavities and gum disease. However, cracked tooth syndrome can occur at any time, to anyone–and it can really hurt! Over 200,000 cracked teeth are reported annually in the United States, and we see quite a few in our office. 

As a Duncan dentist, Dr. Bridges helps children and adults achieve and maintain great oral health. Supported by a caring team of experts, Dr. Bridges invites you to experience gentle family dental care so you and your loved ones can enjoy excellent oral health for life!

What is cracked tooth syndrome?

Cracked tooth syndrome, or CTS, involves a fracture that does not extend fully across a tooth. The fracture may affect enamel, the sensitive dentin beneath, and in some cases, the pulp within a tooth’s innermost chamber. 

With a cracked tooth, pain occurs when chewing foods, particularly small, hard foods like seeds. In addition, temperature changes, namely cold, can increase pain in the affected tooth. Sweet foods may also cause pain in a cracked tooth. Patients who previously endured a cracked tooth may immediately notice the symptoms. For those who have no previous experience with a cracked tooth, symptoms may  mimic other conditions.

CTS may present with symptoms that may feel like:

• Sinusitis
• Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) 
• Headaches 
• Ear pain
• Atypical orofacial pain

Your general dentist says this is IMPORTANT! If a cracked tooth isn’t identified and treated promptly, it can grow to cause complete fracture and destroy the tooth.

What causes a cracked tooth?

Oftentimes, a previously treated tooth (fracture or decay) develops a crack. Also, people who chew on non-food items like ice, pen caps, fingernails, etc., are more likely to develop CTS than those who do not have this destructive habit. 

A tooth may develop a crack or cracks from habitual teeth grinding, called bruxism. Additionally, patients with one cracked tooth, statistically, are likely to develop other cracked teeth.

How does a general dentist diagnose a cracked tooth?

Diagnosis of a cracked tooth can be quite difficult. In fact, some dentists miss a cracked tooth during dental inspection, especially when a patient has no CTS symptoms. 

Dr. Bridges may use any of these evaluations to identify CTS:

• X-ray
• Illumination
• Bite test
• Periodontal probing
• Scrape exam
• Percussion test
• Dye test
• Magnification
• Ultrasound

How does Dr. Bridges treat a cracked tooth?

In most cases, if the pulp within a tooth is not affected by the crack and the crack does not extend to the tooth’s roots, application of a dental crown will restore the tooth’s structural integrity. If multiple teeth are affected by cracks and TMJ disorder or bruxism (or both) is to blame, Dr. Bridges will recommend treating the underlying cause, restoring all affected teeth, and ending the problem once and for good.

What if my tooth can’t be saved?

When a tooth crack extends to the pulp of a tooth or down a root, the tooth may require root canal therapy or extraction and replacement. Rest assured, your CTS can be treated. Dr. Bridges, your general dentist, will get you out of pain first, then through thorough examination he’ll determine the best treatment plan to restore comfortable oral function and lasting, good oral health.

The General Dentist Your Family Can Trust

If you or a loved one have a toothache, or you don’t have a general dentist in Duncan, OK, call on Dr. Bridges of Chisholm Trail Smile Center today. We’re accepting new patients and gladly see children, teens, adults, and senior citizens. We also care for special needs patients with gentleness and respect. Call us at 580.255.4880 to schedule your appointment or alert us to your need for emergency dental care.

***

Resource: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3467890/  

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Tooth pain means it’s time for a trip to the dentist’s office. Dr. Matthew Bridges of Chisholm Trail Smile Center is an experienced family dentist in Duncan, OK. Schedule an appointment, and our team will evaluate the cause of your toothache and determine the best treatment plan to restore your pain-free smile.

Toothache Symptoms

Dental pain is usually a prominent sensation, and the best course of action is to visit your family dentist in Duncan, OK. However, if you’re not sure if your pain is a toothache, look for these symptoms:

• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet substances
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Swelling around your tooth or jaw
• Bad breath or foul taste
• Fever or headaches
• Bleeding or discharge near the tooth or gums

These signs may correlate to a number of oral health complications, so it is important to get to your family dentist right away if you experience them.

What causes a toothache?

Toothaches are a fairly common occurrence, with one study showing that 55.1% of adults had experienced a toothache within six months of the experiment. The causes of a toothache vary and can range from mild to serious. 

Tooth Decay

One common reason for toothache is tooth decay. When saliva mixes with bad bacteria in our mouths, it creates plaque that sticks to our teeth and erodes our enamel. This erosion results in cavities that can cause tooth pain and sensitivity. Despite being preventable, cavities are common and almost 26% of adults aged 20-44 suffer from untreated tooth decay. 

If a cavity is the cause of your toothache, it can be fixed with a quick trip to our family dentist in Duncan, OK. At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we can treat a cavity and prevent further damage with a filling.

Abscessed Tooth

A deep cavity or crack can allow bacteria to enter the interior of your tooth and infect the pulp. This can result in a buildup of pus known as an abscess.

Abscessed teeth can be very painful, and are usually treated with a root canal procedure. Dr. Bridges will remove the infected tissue and fill and seal the tooth. Then, he will fit you with a dental crown to protect your tooth and prevent further damage.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

TMD is a condition that causes pain in the jaw joint and muscle. This pain can radiate into your back teeth, resembling a toothache. Lockjaw, difficulty chewing, and problems opening your mouth widely could be signs that your tooth pain is really jaw pain.

Treatment for TMD is available at your family dentist in Duncan, OK. Dr. Bridges will evaluate your situation and customize a treatment plan to fit your individual needs.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Excessive grinding and clenching of your teeth can wear down your enamel over time and even crack your teeth. If you grind your teeth unconsciously at night, you may benefit from wearing a mouthguard. You can prevent clenching during the day by reminding yourself to relax your jaw and removing stressors from your everyday life.

Gum Disease

A toothache accompanied by red, swollen, or bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. The best way to prevent gum disease is to maintain a good oral healthcare routine. This includes:

• Daily brushing and flossing
• Eating a balanced diet
• Limiting sugar intake
• Avoiding tobacco products

The most important part of good oral healthcare is regular visits to your family dentist. Sometimes gum disease isn’t apparent until it becomes severe, but your dentist can detect early warning signs and recommend preventive measures.

Get treatment for your toothache today!

Dr. Bridges is a compassionate and professional family dentist in Duncan, OK. He and the rest of our team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center are dedicated to providing you with stress-free dental care.

To schedule your next dental visit, contact us online or call (580) 255.4880 today!

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Dr. Matthew Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center is a highly experienced and compassionate Duncan dentist. He is dedicated to working with anxious patients to provide dental care that is stress-free so you don’t avoid the dentist and risk oral health problems.

To help you stay informed about the health and safety of your teeth, here are 8 facts you should know about tooth decay.

1. Bacteria cause tooth decay.

There are both good and bad bacteria in the mouth. A healthy mouth has a balanced oral microbiome. An unhealthy mouth has an excess of bad bacteria that cause tooth decay. These bacteria mix with the food we eat to form plaque that clings to our teeth. The plaque then creates acids that erode the enamel and lead to cavities.

2. Excessive sugar intake increases your risk of cavities.

Because the bacteria feed on sugar and starch, eating a lot of sugary snacks greatly increases your risk of developing tooth decay. Soda, alcohol, citrus fruits, bread, and candy are just a few of the foods and drinks you should limit to protect your enamel.

3. Decay is more common than you think.

Tooth decay causes significant pain and suffering and affects a lot of the population. Despite being preventable, dental caries (tooth decay) is one of the most common diseases. Research has shown that 92% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have had tooth decay in at least one of their permanent teeth.

4. Babies and toddlers can also have tooth decay.

Adults are not the only ones who can get cavities. Babies and toddlers are at an increased risk for tooth decay because they are given bottles and sippy cups. Drinking juice or taking a bottle before bed can cause cavities in young children since the sugars remain on their teeth overnight. 

5. Symptoms may vary.

Depending on the severity and location of the tooth decay, you may experience a range of different symptoms. These might include:

• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet
• Surface stains that are white, brown, or black
• A toothache or severe tooth pain
• Visible pits in your teeth
• An abscess from an infection

However, you may not experience any symptoms at all during the early stages of dental decay, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. Routine visits to your Duncan dentist are the best way to catch tooth decay early before it becomes severe.

6. If left untreated, complications can be fatal.

If you seek treatment right away, it is unlikely that your long-term health will be in any danger. However, infections can arise from untreated dental decay. If these infections spread to the brain, they can cause death in severe cases.

7. Treatment depends on severity.

The best option for treating tooth decay depends on how advanced it is. A few common treatment options are:

• Fluoride treatment. This option works best if you are in the very early stages of dental decay. Fluoride can help your enamel repair itself and reverse the decaying process.
• Fillings. A dental filling is when amalgam or composite resin is used to fill in and seal the parts of a tooth that have suffered from decay. Dr. Bridges and his dental team in Duncan, OK are experienced in placing fillings to keep your smile healthy.
• Root canal treatment. If the damage has spread to the pulp inside your tooth, you may need a root canal procedure. Your dentist will clear the decayed pulp and then clean and fill the inside of the tooth and root. Then you will be fitted with a permanent crown to protect the tooth from further damage.

8. Tooth decay is preventable.

You can take action to prevent tooth decay and keep your teeth strong and healthy. Here are the best ways to prevent cavities: 

• Brush and floss regularly
• Eat healthy, balanced meals
• Cut-out tobacco products
• Visit the dentist every six months for regular check-ups and cleanings

Tooth Decay Treatment From Our Dentist in Duncan, OK

Tooth decay does not go away on its own. The only way to properly take care of damage from dental decay is to visit the dentist as soon as possible.

For quality service in a relaxing environment, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Call our office at 580-255-4880 today to schedule an appointment.

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