The post Five Shocking Facts about Teeth and Dentistry with Our Dentist in Duncan, OK appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Scaling and root planing can stop gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease) in its tracks with the power of deep cleaning. Dentist Dr. Matthew L. Bridges diagnoses and treats gingivitis through scaling and root planing. Contact our Duncan, OK team today to check on your gum health and learn more about our services.

The purpose of scaling and root planing is to remove any bacteria in the mouth affecting one’s oral and overall health. Do you think that you could benefit from a deeper dental clean? Here are four signs that you might need to undergo deep cleaning with our dentist:

Bleeding Gums

Do you notice any bleeding while flossing or brushing? Even if a bit of blood doesn’t bother you, this symptom should not be disregarded. Bleeding gums signify that the gums are agitated, and that plaque is not being removed sufficiently on a daily basis. Plaque buildup is the primary cause of bleeding gums and is one of the first indicators of gum disease.

Deep Periodontal (Gum) Pockets

At regular dental checkups and cleanings, our dentist gently probes the gums and measures the depth of the soft tissue surrounding the teeth. Healthy gums sit snugly against the teeth. Although it may appear like the gums are connected to the teeth, there’s actually a small space (about 2 to 3 millimeters) between the teeth and the gum tissue.

However, scaling and root planing may be necessary if the pocket depth is more than five millimeters. Over time, bacteria, food debris, and tartar collect in the pockets and continue to deepen without intervention.

Inflamed Gingival (Gum) Tissue

As periodontal pockets grow more profound, you may notice that your gums appear swollen or red. Inflammation signifies that your immune system is at work and attempting to fight bacteria or heal an injury.

However, chronic (long-term) inflammation enters the bloodstream and is linked with systemic conditions, especially atherosclerosis (thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by plaque accumulation). So, controlling inflamed gingival tissue may positively impact the symptoms associated with these systemic conditions.

Noticeable Gum Recession

Gum recession may occur for several reasons, including aging, physical wear, and poor oral hygiene. As gums recede, the gum line can appear to shrink and pull away from the tooth. Gum recession deepens the gum pockets and eventually expose the tooth root. Thus, advancing gum disease.

Discover a Deep Cleaning Dentist in Duncan, OK

Catching and treating deep periodontal pockets in time can save your smile from more extensive periodontal disease treatment, bone atrophy, and tooth loss. If you’re suffering from any symptoms mentioned above, it’s worth scheduling an oral health examination.

Dr. Bridges can check the condition of your oral health and determine if scaling and root planing is essential. Book an appointment with our deep cleaning dentist by calling (580) 255-4880 or messaging us online.

The post How a Deep Cleaning Dentist Could Save Your Smile appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Dr. Matthew L. Bridges wants to help you explain the importance of dental cleaning to your children in an informative and accurate way. Our hope is that your child will continue visiting the dentist throughout his or her life—not just because you say so.

Here are five reasons why regular dental cleaning appointments are important:

1. To prevent cavities.

Your daily oral hygiene routine is a major factor in reducing the risk of cavities, but even those with the most effective oral hygiene routines need to visit the dentist every six months. Regular dental cleanings ensure that no food or plaque provides a home for bacteria in your mouth. These particles love to hide between your teeth, along the gum line, and on your tongue. When overlooked, plaque can create cavities in your teeth. Cavities can lead to pain, tooth sensitivity, and tooth loss.

The gentle and thorough care of a dental hygienist is extremely effective in cleaning those hard-to-reach areas of your smile.

2. To brighten your smile.

A regular dental cleaning can remove unwanted stains from your teeth caused by certain foods and drinks like:

• Coffee
• Berries
• Tomatoes
• Red wine
• Soda
• Candy

You most likely won’t experience the same results that professional whitening treatments deliver, but for lighter stains, dental cleanings are certainly effective.

3. To freshen breath.

If you or your child constantly have bad breath, a dental cleaning may be exactly what you need. Bad breath is embarrassing, but it can usually be cured by removing the bad bacteria from your teeth, tongue, and gums.

Continuous bad breath can be a sign of a more serious dental issue like tooth decay and gum disease. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today if you are experiencing this problem.

4. To improve your overall health.

The health of your mouth can have a direct impact on your overall health. By visiting the dentist regularly, you can lower your risk of certain health issues, such as:

• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Dementia
• Diabetes
• Premature birth

By making your oral health a priority, you help keep your whole body healthy.

5.  To save money.

Right now, you are likely the one paying for your child’s dental appointments, but one day he or she will take over.

By attending regular dental cleanings, you and your child avoid more serious oral health issues like cavities and gum disease. If you were to skip regular dental appointments, these problems may develop and cause you to spend more money on expensive procedures and treatments.

Prevention is the best policy when it comes to your oral health, overall health, and finances.

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Appointments Today

Find fun and interesting ways to make these five reasons relatable to your child. Once you and your child arrive at your family dentist’s office, the dental team will make your child feel welcome and comfortable. Hopefully, the next appointment won’t require so much convincing!

Contact your local family dentist today to schedule regular dental cleanings for you and your child.

The post How to Explain the Importance of Dental Cleanings to Your Children appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

A family dentist has the same knowledge of oral health as a general dentist, but they are also experts on the unique needs of children. Possessing kid-friendly skills and knowledge of children’s oral development provides your child with a more pleasant experience and better dental care.

You may be thinking, what about a pediatric dentist? While a pediatric dentist does offer some advantages, family dentists will benefit the whole family.

Continue reading to learn about all the benefits of choosing a family dentist to be your children’s dentist.

Education

A family dentist recognizes that children are unique and require special dental services as they grow. The development of baby teeth will impact your child’s bite, speech patterns, nutrition, as well as the development of their permanent teeth.

Based on their extensive knowledge of child dental development, the family dentist will help you provide proper oral care to your toddler. Once your child is old enough to take care of his or her own teeth, the dentist can teach them the correct brushing and flossing methods to prevent cavities and other oral health problems.

In this way, the dentist and parent can work together to train the child on how to care for his or her teeth and gums.

The Right Services

Your family dentist will ensure your child’s health by offering preventative services, such as:

• Routine examinations
• Regular cleanings
• Fluoride treatments
• Cavity detection
• Dental sealants
• Orthodontic assessments

A family dentist also provides all of the same preventative, restorative, and cosmetic services for adults as a general dentist does. This way, you and your child can receive dental care at the same place and time.

Long-lasting relationships

Children thrive in stability and familiarity. These two factors are extremely important in making your child feel comfortable and confident when visiting the dentist. Your child will know what to expect when you bring him to the dentist every six months, and he or she may even begin looking forward to it!

The family dentist and your child will love developing a relationship from their first appointment until much later in life. We love seeing adolescent patients return to our dental practice as young adults.

Family History

A family dentist can treat the youngest of children and oldest of adults. This means as the dentist gets to know you and your family, they will also know what dental problems to anticipate for your children. Gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancer, and dental misalignment often develop from underlying genetic factors.

By treating your dental problems, your children’s dentist can help him or her avoid teeth and gum problems that you may have experienced as a child.

Visit A Family Dentist Today

You only get one chance to give your child a good impression of the dentist, so choose the right one! Find a family dentist near you today. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children have their first dental visit by age 1 or within six months of their first tooth eruption.

Dr. Matthew L. Bridges proudly provides the families of Duncan, OK with family-friendly dentistry. He actually decided to pursue dentistry after volunteering with Give Kids a Smile Day for underprivileged children while he was in college studying software development. His passion for giving children beautiful smiles is still apparent today. Schedule an appointment with our team at 580-255-4880.

The post Choose A Family Dentist as Your Children’s Dentist appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

The best thing you can do for your oral health is regularly visit your dentist, which means visits every six months. Dr. Matthew L. Bridges in Duncan, OK is passionate about providing preventive dental care for patients of all ages. He’ll help you determine what you can add to your homecare regimen to help deter oral disease. For parents, Dr. Bridges provides tips and answers questions, so you can work together for the best result for your children.

Maintain a Healthy Smile at Home

Include these three essential steps into your daily oral hygiene routine:

• Brushing: Proper technique is extremely important. Start with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use a circular motion to brush along the gumline, the back, front, and top of each tooth, and your tongue. Pay special attention to your back molars and any fillings or crowns. Brush for two minutes. Remember to replace your toothbrush at least every three months.
• Flossing: Most people avoid flossing altogether, but you shouldn’t! Flossing reaches the areas your toothbrush can’t. Use regular floss, dental floss holders, or interdental cleaning devices to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. Always move the particles away from the gum line. Floss every single day.
• Rinsing: Mouthwash offers a variety of benefits. It can reduce bad breath, prevent plaque buildup that leads to gingivitis, promote remineralization of enamel, and whiten teeth. Use an ADA-approved mouthwash or ask Dr. Bridges which mouthwash he recommends.

Healthy Eating

Foods and drinks with a high amount of processed sugar and other carbohydrates are one of the top causes of cavities. Changing your eating habits will benefit your oral health as well as your overall health.

We won’t ask you to completely avoid eating sweets and carbs, but there are foods you can add to your daily diet that will strengthen and clean your teeth. These include:

• Dairy products such as cheese, milk, and yogurt
• Leafy greens
• Lean proteins like chicken and fish
• Fibrous, low-sugar vegetables like carrots and celery

Of course, you should also make it a priority to substitute water for beverages such as sodas, sports drinks, and juices that eat away the protective enamel on your teeth.

Regular Dental Visits

According to the American Dental Association, you should visit the dentist at least twice a year. These visits are important because your dentist can detect oral health problems that you likely won’t spot at home. Symptoms of overall health issues such as diabetes, thyroid problems, heart disease, and osteoporosis commonly manifest in the mouth, so your dentist may be the first to detect signs of these conditions.

A regular dental cleaning will also deter cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Research shows that oral health is linked to overall health, so by reducing the potential for oral health problems, you will also reduce the likelihood of overall health problems.

In addition to visiting the dentist a least twice a year, you should schedule an appointment if you notice changes in your oral health, such as:

• Sensitive teeth
• Irritated or bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• A toothache
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Jaw pain
• Dry mouth
• A loose filling or crown

The First Step: Visit the Dentist

Our team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center would love to be a part of your journey towards great oral health. Visit Dr. Bridges soon for a checkup and cleaning, and to learn specifically how to improve your daily oral care routine.

The post What’s the best oral hygiene routine? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

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.

Dr. Matthew L. Bridges provides excellent, comprehensive preventative care for patients of all ages. Our practice provides a variety of preventative treatments and teaches your child healthy oral habits for the upcoming school year. Continue reading to learn more or call our office today at (580) 255-4880 to set up an appointment and discuss what treatments will be helpful for your child.

Preventative Treatments for Children

We believe prevention is the best policy when it comes to your child’s oral health. At our Duncan, OK dentist office, we provide any of the following treatments during your child’s appointment:

• Routine Exam: Bridges will check for proper development of your child’s teeth, gums, and surrounding structures and look for any signs of tooth decay.
• Regular Cleaning: To help prevent cavities and plaque build-up and support gum health, regular professional cleanings are extremely important.
• Fluoride Treatment: Fluoride works to strengthen the tooth enamel (the outer protective layer of the teeth) and stop the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Cavity Detection: As part of the routine oral exam, Dr. Bridges will look for any signs of cavities in your child’s teeth.
• Dental Sealants: To combat cavities, a thin, plastic coating can be painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. This protective shield bond to the teeth to prevent tooth decay.
• Orthodontic Spacers: If a child loses a tooth too soon, their other teeth may begin to shift or space out into the extra room. Spacers are small and unobtrusive and help keep their teeth in their correct spots.
• Orthodontic Assessments: Based on Dr. Bridge’s examination, he may decide that your child needs orthodontic treatment. If that is the case, he will refer you to an orthodontist for a full assessment.

Creating Healthy Oral Habits at Home

Dr. Bridges and his team want to work with parents to help their children create healthy oral hygiene habits at home. We love teaching our patients how to care for their teeth! Here are a few tips that will help them maintain healthy, beautiful smiles:

• Brush at least twice a day. We will demonstrate for your child how to get to the most difficult parts of their mouth, so no tooth is left out! Proper brushing techniques are extremely important for keeping damaging bacteria at bay.
• Floss once a day. Flossing gets to the crevices between the teeth more a toothbrush can. It is also helpful for maintaining healthy gums.
• Keep a healthy diet. Children rely on their parents to feed them nutritious food. We can help you find foods that your child will enjoy and that will help keep their teeth healthy.
• Visit our office for regular dental cleanings. If your child gets into the habit of visiting the dentist every six months now, he or she will be more likely to continue coming when they are old enough to set up their own appointments. Now is the time to help them form healthy habits!

Schedule a Back-to-School Appointment Today!

Preventative care is necessary and important for your child’s oral health. Start teaching them healthy habits like regular dental cleanings and good school attendance by scheduling their appointment before school starts! Give us a call today at (580) 255-4880 or contact us online to make an appointment with Dr. Bridges. We look forward to seeing you and your child soon!

The post Back-to-School Dental Visit appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Unlike specialized dental practices, family dental groups are made up of general dentists with a wide variety of specializations. This means they are a one-stop shop – no more driving the kids to one place and having to take yourself or your older children to another; no more having to schedule different appointments on different days and having to take extra time off work. Here, at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, your little one can grow into an adult under the familiar and consistent care of our wonderful team. Bring everyone to one place to get the individualized treatments each of you needs!

Meet Dr. Bridges

Dr. Bridges is passionate about making his patients feel confident and comfortable each time they enter his office. He believes that a visit to the dentist shouldn’t cause anxiety or stress and prides himself in making each patient feel welcome and at home.

When he was in college studying to become a software designer, Dr. Bridges volunteered at Give Kids a Smile Day, and it was there that he fell in love with dentistry—changing the trajectory of his career path. Like the rest of the team members at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, he continues to be community focused and is involved with charity and volunteer work in the Duncan, Oklahoma community and the dental community.

Dr. Bridges is happy to be a part of a practice that has treated many of the same families for several generations. If you are interested in adding your family to that list, visit our website for more information or contact us today to set up a first-time appointment.

Services for the Whole Family

We are happy to provide our patients of all ages with the latest preventative, restorative, and cosmetic services. Our family-friendly services include:

• Check-ups
• Fillings
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Dentures
• Implants
• Tooth extractions
• Root canal therapy
• Teeth whitening treatment
• Bonding
• Tooth contouring
• Veneers

Does dental phobia keep you from getting necessary dental services? Sedation dentistry is offered to those who struggle with fear and anxiety to help calm the nerves and give them a better overall experience. Discuss this with Dr. Bridges to see if sedation dentistry is right for you.

For Your Safety

To know what services you will need, Dr. Bridges may have to take an x-ray. Because safety and health are our top priority, we now have a modern radiographic unit that transmits 90 percent less radiation than ordinary x-ray machines. This keeps you safe and healthy while allowing us to provide the most accurate services.

We know that everything in life doesn’t happen on a schedule which is why we provide emergency services to Duncan, OK and the surrounding areas. To understand what constitutes as a dental emergency, or what actions you should take if one arises, check out this article on our webpage. If you or a loved one is currently experiencing a dental emergency, contact our office immediately at (580) 255-4880 to talk to one of our dental professionals.

Set Up an Appointment Today

If you are interested in becoming a part of the Chisholm Trail Smile Center family, call (580) 255-4880 to set up an appointment today. Our Duncan office is conveniently located on West Elk Avenue across from the Duncan Regional Hospital.

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