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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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.

The post Duncan Dentist Answers General Dentistry FAQs appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Dr. Matthew Bridges is a great example of this dedication to continuing education. Thanks to his training, the team at Chisholm Trail Smile Center is able to offer a wide range of unique services. Our Duncan, OK, patients benefit from our cosmetic treatments, state-of-the-art dental restorations, TMD treatment, and sleep apnea expertise. 

Contact our office to learn more about Dr. Bridges’ education and how it can benefit you.

How long do dentists go to school?

Like most college graduates, dentists spend four years pursuing their undergraduate degree. Then they spend an additional four years in dental school. Some select programs combine undergraduate and graduate training into a single six-year program.

How much continuing education do dentists undergo?

A dentist’s education is never done. The Oklahoma Board of Dentistry requires that dentists undergo 40 hours of additional training every three years. Among other topics, this education must include training in opioids, CPR, and ethics. 

But this is just the minimum. Many truly passionate dentists like Dr. Bridges undergo much more training, often focusing on areas of special interest.

What do all those letters mean after a dentist’s name?

Typically, you will see a dentist’s name followed by “DDS” or “DMD.” DDS is the abbreviation for “Doctor of Dental Surgery.” DMD represents “Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry” or “Doctor of Dental Medicine.”

So what’s the difference? Nothing! Different schools use different names for their degrees but the education and curriculum are identical.

What kind of training does a hygienist need?

Dental hygienists play a key role in your oral health. Typically, hygienists are the ones who will clean and polish your teeth at routine visits. Hygienists also prep patients for x-rays and treatment, and they may assist dentists during lengthier or more involved procedures. 

A hygienist also undergoes extensive training, although it is not as rigorous as a dentist’s education. Hygienists are required to have an associate’s degree, as well as a state license. However, many hygienists – like our own beloved Michelle – have a bachelor’s degree, as well. Like dentists, hygienists are required to take continuing education courses.

What is Dr. Bridges’ educational background?

Dr. Bridges received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and worked in software development. Realizing his love for dentistry, he decided to change careers. He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Oklahoma. 

Dr. Bridges has a keen interest in related health conditions, such as TMJ Disorder and sleep apnea. Thanks to his many additional hours of training, he has been named a Qualified Dentist by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He has also completed the renowned Dawson Academy continuum to combine the practical side of dentistry with practice philosophy. 

Contact a Highly Trained and Experienced Dentist 

If you are looking for a dentist who is dedicated to education and training, you have come to the right place! 

Schedule an appointment at Chisholm Trail Smile Center online or call us at 580-255-4880.

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At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges is a skilled Duncan, OK, general dentist, who has been named a Qualified Dentist by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He is also a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and takes ongoing education in this important field. 

But how exactly can a dentist treat a sleep disorder? Read on to learn more. Then contact our office to schedule an appointment and find out how you can enjoy relief from your symptoms. 

How can a general dentist treat sleep apnea?

The connection between dentistry and a sleep disorder is not immediately apparent. In fact, there are two forms of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is uncommon, affecting an estimated 0.9% of Americans. It is often related to other health conditions and may require the care of a neurological expert or other physician. 

On the other hand, obstructive sleep apnea is often caused by improper jaw position. As the facial muscles relax during sleep, soft tissues can droop into the throat, blocking normal breathing. A dentist can easily treat OSA with a small oral appliance. The device realigns the jaw to keep the airways open. Because these appliances are similar to retainers, dentists are uniquely suited to provide this treatment.

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea? 

Sleep apnea often causes the following symptoms:

• Daytime sleepiness
• Loud snoring
• Waking up frequently during the night
• Dry mouth 
• Headaches
• Waking up with gasps for air
• Irritability 
• Insomnia

I snore. Does that mean I have sleep apnea?

Not necessarily. 94% of OSA patients report chronic snoring. However, up to 60% of the general population snores, and only an estimated 7% of these suffer from sleep apnea. If you snore, you should schedule a consultation with a general dentist, but don’t assume that you have OSA. 

What happens if I don’t seek treatment?

The reason it is so important to schedule a consultation, even if you only suspect sleep apnea, is that the condition can have a major impact on your overall health and quality of life. First, it can cause excessive fatigue, which can affect your mood, your performance at work, and your personal relationships. Plus, drivers with sleep apnea are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a car accident.

On top of that, sleep apnea can increase your risk for serious health complications, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Atrial fibrillation
• Metabolic syndrome
• Abnormal liver function 
• Complications with healing following surgery

A simple oral appliance provided by your general dentist in Duncan, OK, can quickly improve the quality of your sleep and reduce your risk for these life-threatening conditions.

Schedule an Appointment with Your General Dentist in Duncan, OK

Treatment for OSA is fast and simple, yet highly effective. Protect your health today by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Bridges. 

You can complete our online contact form or call us at 580-255-4880.

The post “How can a general dentist treat sleep apnea?” and Other FAQs appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

General dentists are trained in a wide range of dental procedures, and most dental problems are treatable in our office. However, when necessary Dr. Matthew L. Bridges, our general dentist in Duncan, OK, will collaborate with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to treat issues that require oral surgery. If you have oral or jaw pain, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580-255-4880 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bridges.

Education

Both general dentists required to complete a bachelor’s degree and four additional years of dental school. During this time, students study anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and oral surgery. They also gain hands-on training to learn how to diagnose and treat dental problems. At the completion of these four years, a general dentist will go on to pass a licensure exam.

Oral surgeons, on the other hand, have the option of dental school or medical school. After four years of either schooling is complete, they will continue their education with four to six more years of a surgical residency. The Commission on Dental Accreditation requires that oral surgeons obtain additional training in oral pathology, anesthesia, and oral surgery. The doctor can then complete and pass a board certification.

What Dentists and Dental Surgeons Do for Patients

General dentists do more than just perform checkups; they can address most oral health problems. In a day’s work, a dentist may:

• Examine, diagnose, and treat oral diseases, injuries, and teeth and gum abnormalities
• Treat dental nerve and pulp disease – root canal therapy
• Fit and install dental restorations and prosthetics – crowns, bridges, dentures, implants
• Create and fit oral appliances – bite guards, night guards, TMJ devices
• Providing preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental care
• Install and manage dental braces cases for orthodontics

This is not a comprehensive list of all a general dentist can do, but you get the idea. They do a lot!

All dentists are trained and prepared to carry out these duties. If you are experiencing pain in or around your mouth, the dentist should be your first stop. He will recommend an oral surgeon if he believes you need one.

Oral surgeons usually work with a patient’s referring general dentist to ensure a positive treatment outcome for the patient’s long-term good oral health. The oral surgeon can perform surgery and other procedures related to the oral and maxillofacial (jaw) regions. The responsibilities of oral surgeons include performing surgery and procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the mouth, face, and jaw because of:

• Disease
• Injury
• Defects
• Dysfunction
• Appearance

Dr. Bridges’ Interdisciplinary Approach

Dr. Bridges will always recommend and work with an oral surgeon on behalf of his patient when the situation requires it. He refers his patients only to respected, proven oral surgeons who put patient care first. The following scenarios may require an oral surgeon’s expertise:

• Impacted wisdom teeth
• TMJ disorder
• Overbite/underbite
• Dental implants
• Sleep apnea
• Oral cancer
• Cleft lip or palate

In many of these cases, the oral surgeon and dentist will collectively create a treatment plan that best meets the patient’s needs. This usually requires work from both parties. As is the case with dental implants—an oral surgeon will install the implant in your jaw and Dr. Bridges will design and secure the restoration, once your gums have healed.

In this way, both professionals work together to give the patient high-quality, comprehensive care.

Visit Your General Dentist in Duncan, OK

If you are experiencing pain in and around your mouth because of wisdom teeth, a cavity, jaw problems, or an unknown source, call Dr. Bridges to schedule a visit, so he can to diagnose and treat your issue. Most dental concerns can be treated in our office, but if necessary Dr. Bridges will refer you to an oral surgeon.

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If it’s been a while since your last dental office visit, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center at 580-255-4880 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew L. Bridges.

Here are the top benefits of a dental cleaning:

1. A Brighter Smile

Extrinsic stains on your teeth are caused by coffee, tea, red wine, tomatoes, berries, and many other food and beverages. Because these stains are just on the enamel, they can be removed when they are gently scrubbed with a high-quality toothpaste and dental tools such as the ones we use during a dental cleaning.

A dental cleaning won’t produce the same results as a professional teeth whitening, but you may notice a significant difference in the brightness of your teeth.

2. A Thorough Cleaning

A dental hygienist can clean and floss your teeth more thoroughly. The hygienist can reach your back teeth more easily and completely floss in-between your teeth and down to your gums. These places are where disease-causing bacteria often lurk and cause cavities, periodontal disease, and tooth loss

3. Prevention of Overall Health Problems

When you skip dental cleanings, you are more prone to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. These problems can lead to heart attacks, strokes, infertility, pregnancy complications, and diabetes.

4. Freshen Breath

Poor dental hygiene, oral infections, and gum disease are common causes of bad breath. A dental cleaning is a great way to rid your mouth of the bacteria that causes bad breath.

5. Save Money

Your dental cleaning helps prevent dental issues that are much more expensive to treat. For this reason, regular dentist office visits will actually save you money in the long run. Additionally, most insurances completely cover your dental cleaning and oral exam so you won’t have to pay a penny. However, if you don’t have dental insurance, the visit is still affordable, especially when compared to most other dental procedures.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we also accept CareCredit® and offer in-office, affordable payment plans to break up the cost of your visit.

Visit Your Duncan, OK Dentist Office Today

When you attend your regular dental cleaning, you don’t just walk out with a shinier smile, you walk out with a healthier mouth and body. Additionally, if any other dental or periodontal issues are detected, we can create a personalized treatment plan to restore your oral health and prevent major problems in the future.

Dr. Bridges and our team of caring dental hygienists are passionate about providing excellent dental care to patients of all ages. Maintaining the health of our patients is what motivates us to do our jobs to the best of our ability every day.

To schedule your dental cleaning, contact us today at 580-255-4880.

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At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, our general dentist, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges, offers passionate, professional care for patients of all ages. The services we provide include preventative, restorative, and cosmetic care, as well as sedation dentistry. Here are the five most common dental problems we treat:

1. Bad Breath

Also known as halitosis, bad breath is common and extremely embarrassing. Causes of bad breath include:

• Gum disease
• Cavities
• Oral cancer
• Dry mouth
• Bacteria on the tongue

If you have chronic bad breath, don’t keep trying to eliminate it with gum and breath mints – visit your dentist. He can rule out any of these problems and perform a full mouth examination and dental cleaning.

2. Tooth Decay

Cavities are one of the most common health issues in the United States. These develop when plaque forms on your teeth and eats away at the enamel, which is the hard, protective surface of your tooth. Some common causes of tooth decay include:

• Consuming too much sugar
• Dry mouth
• Certain medications
• Bad oral hygiene

Cavities aren’t just for children; they can develop at any age. If you think you have a cavity, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. When cavities go untreated, they can cause much worse and much more expensive dental problems in the future.

3. Gum Disease

Periodontal disease – more commonly known as gum disease – causes tooth loss in adults more than any other disease. This is an infection of the soft tissues around your teeth. Symptoms include:

• Bad breath
• Tender, swollen, red, or bleeding gums
• Sensitive teeth
• Painful chewing

There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. It’s important to visit your Duncan, OK general dentist as soon any symptoms of gum disease arise so he can stop the progression and prevent tooth loss.

4. Toothaches and Dental Emergencies

Urgent dental problems are often a result of trauma, such as a sports injury or car accident. In these situations, you don’t have time to wait for dental care. Our practice offers emergency dental care during our regular office hours. Contact us if you experience:

• A toothache or acute mouth pain
• A loose or knocked-out tooth
• Facial swelling
• Excessive bleeding
• Intense temperature sensitivity
• Swollen gums

5. Unattractive Smile

Although this isn’t technically a dental health problem, an unattractive smile can make you feel incredibly self-conscious. We help love helping our patients gain more confidence with these cosmetic treatments:

• Porcelain Veneers
• Composite Veneers
• Tooth Contouring
• Teeth Whitening

Let us help you achieve a beautiful smile today.

Visit Your Duncan, OK General Dentist Today

Whether you’re fighting bad breath, in pain because of a toothache, or just want to improve your smile, we have the solution for you! Dr. Bridges and his team will create a comprehensive plan that suits your specific needs. Contact us online or by calling (580) 255-4880 today.

The post Top Five Most Common Dental Problems appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

For information on your specific dental insurance plan, always contact your insurance provider. However, for details on our insurance policies, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bridges, give us a call at 580.255.4880.

The Benefits of a Dentist Who Accepts Insurance

If you already have dental insurance coverage, finding a dental provider who is in your insurance network can dramatically lower costs of preventive or restorative treatments. Many dentists who work within your insurance plan’s network have agreed on set prices for basic treatments like fillings, teeth cleanings and examinations, and dental crowns. For the most part, preventive care, like cleanings and exams, x-rays, and oral cancer screenings, are covered in full by insurance for bi-annual exams. That means that if your mouth is healthy and doesn’t require additional treatments, you have zero financial responsibilities at the practice during your routine exam! If you do require additional treatments, like a small filling or a crown for a cracked tooth, the procedures have a set cost so you know what your expected treatment costs will be. Depending on your coverage policy, your insurance plan covers some percentage of total treatment costs, and you must contribute any residual costs of service (this is referred to as a co-pay).

Research Your Plan and Network

When looking for a dentist who accepts insurance, you will first need to find out what type of plan you’re signed up for. The two most frequently used plans include PPO (Preferred Provider Organization), or a DMO/DHMO (Dental Health Maintenance Organization). When discovering the type of plan, you can also search for providers in “your network” on your insurance company’s website. This is a group of dentists who have agreed to partner with your insurance company to provide services at a set cost.

Some plans, usually PPO plans, will offer some cost savings for dental providers who are technically out of network. Often, DMO or DHMO plans are not as likely to contribute to out-of-network expenses. Most PPO plans have a large selection of dentists to select from, while DMOs/DHMOs have a reduced network. Don’t forget to always contact your insurance company if you are confused about your network providers, or the cost coverage policies. They are well-versed in their policies and can quickly answer questions you may have!

Schedule Consultations

A dentist may be in network, but it doesn’t mean that he or she be the best provider for you. Always schedule a consultation with potential dental providers to meet them and their staff before you require treatment. A quick trip to their office, chatting with their front desk staff, and discussing dental care with the dentist can help you determine if you are comfortable in the practice. This step is most important for those patients with dental fear and anxiety who may desire a very peaceful, friendly, and patient-centric atmosphere.

Have Dental Insurance? We Can Help You Make the Most of It!

At our practice, we are in-network with Health Choice and Delta Premier, and help file paperwork for any Out-of-Network patients to help maximize their benefits. If you would like to learn more about how we can serve you as a dental provider, contact a Chisolm Trail Smile Center team member today!

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If you are searching for the best dentist in Velma, OK, look no further than Dr. Matthew L. Bridges, an experienced dentist who operates one of the oldest dental practices in nearby Duncan, OK. Dr. Bridges offers comprehensive care, including children’s dentistry, cosmetic treatments, preventive care, and restorative treatments. Give us a call if you’re looking to find a gentle, knowledgeable dentist near you!

Think you know dental care? Discover these incredible dental facts to “brush up” on your dental health knowledge.

Your Mouth is an Exceptional Host

Almost 200 species of both good and bad oral bacteria live on the average patient’s teeth, gums, and tongue at any given time. Those patients who brush regularly and practice optimal oral hygiene may have about 1,000 to 100,000 bacteria on every tooth surface, while those patients who could use benefit from better oral care may have up to 1 billion bacteria on every surface!

That’s a Lot of Toothpaste

Americans buy more than 14 million gallons of toothpaste every year! When it comes to toothpaste, it’s best to buy a variety that has the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. (Like these, listed here.) We recommend choosing an option with fluoride in it, a safe substance that can help strengthen enamel and allow your teeth to better fend off decay.

Enamel is #1

Your tooth enamel, or the outer layers of your teeth, is the strongest biological substance in the body. It’s said to be as strong as steel! Yet, while enamel is incredibly strong, it can be brittle because of it mineral makeup. The crystalline calcium phosphate (the same substance that your bones are made of) can break or crack unexpectedly if it experiences trauma at just the right angle or force. For this reason, it’s important to never use your teeth as tools to open packages or cut string. In addition, check your food carefully so you don’t bite down on a hard popcorn kernel or shell fragment.

Flossing Pulls Its Weight

Do you even skip flossing in favor of hitting the hay early? Don’t skip your final oral care step! Flossing isn’t just an “extra” step after brushing; it reaches the 40 percent of teeth surfaces that are missed by your toothbrush, and is imperative for reaching a fully clean mouth. To make flossing easier, and more fun, invest in an oral irrigator which uses a thin stream of pulsating water to clear plaque and food from between the teeth.

Find a Velma Dentist Near You

When it comes to your teeth, the more you know the better! So if you want to know the best dentist in the Velma or Duncan area, look no further than Dr. Matthew Bridges at Chisolm Trail Smile Center. If it’s been more than six months since your last dental appointment, give us a call to schedule a routine cleaning and examination!

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