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.

If you’d like to speak with our dedicated dentist in Duncan, OK, then schedule an appointment now. Patients can easily request an appointment online, or they may call our office directly at (580) 255-4880.

Now, let’s get into some surprising dental facts that just might blow your mind (and make you want to brush your teeth!).

Tooth Enamel Is the Hardest Material In the Human Body

Tooth enamel is the protective layer on the outer surface of our teeth. It consists of nearly 96% minerals (like calcium and phosphate), making it even more durable than bone tissue. 

However, this does not mean that tooth enamel is immune to damage. Trauma, tooth grinding, and even sugary and acidic foods can damage tooth enamel over time. So, avoid damaging behaviors, practice good oral hygiene, and visit our dentist in Duncan, OK, every six months to protect your tooth enamel.

The Human Mouth Contains Billions of Bacteria

Experts believe that nearly 700 species of bacteria inhabit our mouths, which adds up to an unbelievable six billion bacteria in our oral cavities at any given time. Do these numbers make you feel queasy? You’re not alone!

But, these bacteria create an intricate microbiome that works to keep our mouths and bodies healthy. So, while it might make you feel weird to have billions of bacteria in your mouth, they are actually working tirelessly to keep you healthy and safe. 

You Might Have Gum Disease Without Knowing It

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of all Americans over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. And, oftentimes, the people who have gum disease don’t even know that they have it. 

Our dentist in Duncan, OK, refers to gum disease (also called periodontal disease) as a silent disease. This is because the initial symptoms are frequently so minimal and unnoticeable that patients don’t know that they have the disease until it is too late.

If you haven’t visited a dentist in Duncan, OK, within the past year, then contact our team as soon as possible for a dental checkup and cleaning.

Dentistry Has Been Around for Millennia

Preserved remains from Egypt and Rome indicate that ancient civilizations pioneered effective methods to treat and manage cavities. Using materials like resin and bronze, these civilizations were able to prevent dental decay from spreading, which allowed them to keep their natural teeth longer.

Most People Don’t Brush Long Enough

We’ve all heard that we are supposed to brush our teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. But, research suggests that most people are only brushing for approximately 45 seconds when they do brush.

Our dentist in Duncan, OK, recommends setting a two-minute timer or listening to your favorite song for two minutes while you brush. And don’t forget to floss!

Schedule an Appointment with Our Dentist in Duncan, OK

Are you ready to meet our compassionate dentist in Duncan, OK? Then, schedule your appointment now by calling our team at (580) 255-4880 or by requesting it online.

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

If you’re searching for a do-it-all dentist, consider Dr. Matthew L. Bridges as your comprehensive dental care provider. For more information regarding our practice, as well as to schedule a consultation, call us at (580) 255-4880.

When reviewing potential providers, be sure to evaluate both their professional qualifications and services, as well as more practical information like their practice’s location, and whether their office is welcoming and relaxing.

Ask About Their Education and Training

Dentists attain advanced education to practice dentistry, so don’t be afraid to ask about their own educational experienced and on-going training. It’s crucial that your general dentist has the skill and knowledge to handle any complications that may arise during your treatments. Your prospective dentist will most likely have his diploma and other certifications on display in his practice, but it’s a good idea to ask about any additional certifications he/she may hold. Are they associated with any professional dental organizations, such as the Academy of General Dentistry or regional dentistry organizations? Do they have extensive post-grad training in a specific area of dentistry? Answers to these questions can help you understand the level of importance they place on on-going education and the latest industry best practices.

Confirm Offered Services

Does this prospective dentist offer comprehensive preventive, restorative, and cosmetic care? Do they offer dentistry for the whole family, including children’s dentistry services? Additionally, make note whether or not they provide emergency dental care; while it may not be top of your mind, having a familiar dentist to turn to when a stressful and emotional emergency occurs can help improve your experience and give you increased peace of mind.

Review Practical Practice Information

The more convenient and comfortable a dental practice is, the easier it will be to attend routine appointments. Be sure to take note of the practice’s office hours; will they work with your own busy schedule?

In addition, when you meet and interact with the front office staff and dental assistants, are they welcoming and friendly? Do you feel comfortable asking them questions? While a dentist may be your primary provider, the rest of a practice’s team can play in an important role in whether or not dental appointments are a positive experience!

Gather Information on Financial Responsibility

Finally, if you have dental insurance, ask the front office staff about their specific insurance coverage policies, or whether they accept insurance at all. Ask them when payment is expected, and how insurance claims will be filed. Along with insurance plans, ask about accepted financing plans they offer. These can be a way for patients to break down large treatment costs into attainable monthly payments with little or no interest rates. Some dentists may accept national financing plans such as CareCredit®, or may offer in-house financing options. Look over the terms and application to see if it fits with your financial situation.

Finding Your Local Rush Springs Dentist

If you’re looking for a general dentist who covers all these bases and more, look no further than Dr. Matthew L. Bridges. Our Duncan, OK practice is located just 30 minutes south of Rush Springs, and is accepting new patients! Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.

The post Interview Tips for Choosing a Rush Springs Dentist appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

One of the easiest resolutions for elementary and preschool children is a pledge to brush their teeth morning and night. Not only is this a simple task to achieve, but it will go a long way toward preventing cavities – which are caused by dental caries, the leading disease in children across the globe. The Colgate website states that 2.1 days of school per year are missed, per child, due to dental issues. Don’t let this be your child’s future in 2019!

These three steps can help you teach your little one how to make a goal and achieve it, while boosting healthy habits and big smiles.

Plan for Good Planning

Before you even begin a conversation with your kids, plan! See these printable teeth brushing charts on Pinterest and have the link ready for reference when you get to step #3 on this list. Purchase some small stickers or a set of markers for your children to use on the charts.

Also, make your resolutions first. They’ll be a point of interest when you’re asking your child to make his or her own commitment.

Talk About Resolutions

Ask if your child has heard about New Year’s resolutions and discuss what they are. Talk about the importance of setting, striving for, and achieving goals in life. Be sure to mention, goal setting can come with incentives! Plan a healthy way to celebrate when your child sees his New Year’s resolution through to completion.

Next, share your resolution with your kiddo. (They will hold you accountable!) Offer a few sample resolutions that will easily be achieved for your child, over the course of 30-60 days. Guide the goal setting toward teeth brushing, twice daily. If your mini-me wants to set bigger goals, suggest tackling this smaller one first to learn and gain experience.

Follow Through with Moral Support

As you’ve heard, leading by example is paramount to good teaching. So, when you brush your teeth in the morning and after dinner, do it with the kids. They’ll appreciate the attention and mimic your actions. Try to brush for at least 2 minutes, and rinse thoroughly afterward.

Re-visit those brushing charts with your kids, and let them select their favorites. Print them together and provide either a favorite colored marker or stickers to mark achievements.

Once your children have reached their goal of brushing twice a day for 4 to 8 weeks, celebrate!

The Family Dentist for Your Family

Chisholm Trail Smile Center is located in Duncan, Oklahoma and serves patients from Marlow and across the Central Oklahoma area. If you need a family dentist or would like to learn more about our dental office, call (580) 255-4880.

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