Don’t forget to treat yourself this year. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center today by dialing (580) 255-4880 now!

Thoughtful and practical gift ideas are a sure way to bring happiness and dental well-being to your loved ones this holiday season. In today’s blog, our dentist in Duncan, OK, gives you oral health-related gift ideas for your friends and family members.

Electric Toothbrush: A High-Tech Upgrade

Upgrade your loved one’s oral care routine with a state-of-the-art electric toothbrush. These devices offer superior plaque removal compared to manual toothbrushes. Look for reputable brands that provide various brush head options, pressure sensors, and timers for a personalized touch.

Fluoride-Free Alternatives: Diversify Oral Care

Although fluoride is a proven way to fight cavities and maintain a healthy smile, some people may want to limit their exposure. If you have a loved one who wants to explore fluoride alternatives, introduce them to the gift of nano-hydroxyapatite.

This naturally occurring mineral is clinically proven to remineralize teeth just as well (if not better than) fluoride-containing products. As a result, you can keep your family’s and friend’s smiles healthier throughout the year!

Whitening Kits: Unwrap a Brighter Smile

Who wouldn’t want a brighter, whiter smile? Consider gifting a professional teeth-whitening kit that your loved one can use from the comfort of their home. These professional kits provided by our dentist in Duncan, OK, contain strong yet safe ingredients to protect tooth enamel while delivering brilliant results.

Customized Mouthguard: Protecting Smiles

For the active individuals in your life, a customized mouthguard is a thoughtful and practical gift. Whether they engage in contact sports or grind their teeth at night, a personalized mouthguard created by our dentist in Duncan, OK, provides superior protection compared to generic options. 

Flavored Toothpaste Set: Making Brushing Fun

Make brushing a more enjoyable experience with a set of flavored toothpaste. From exotic flavors (like coconut and cinnamon) to classic options (like mint and citrus), these toothpaste sets can add a touch of fun to a daily routine. Ensure that the chosen toothpaste contains remineralizing ingredients (such as fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite) for optimal cavity protection.

Bamboo Toothbrush Set: Eco-Friendly Oral Care

For the environmentally conscious person in your life, a set of bamboo toothbrushes makes an ideal gift. These eco-friendly alternatives to plastic toothbrushes are biodegradable and sustainable, making them a perfect choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining good oral hygiene.

Give the greatest gift of all – a visit to our dentist in Duncan, OK!

This holiday season, consider the gift of a healthy smile. From high-tech electric toothbrushes to personalized mouthguards, there are plenty of oral health-related presents that show you care about your loved ones’ well-being. Perhaps the best way to show you care is by scheduling an appointment for your loved one at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Request appointments online here or call our dentist in Duncan, OK, at (580)255-4880 to book an appointment now!

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If tooth pain and damage are controlling your life, then it’s time to talk to an experienced dentist in Duncan, OK. Don’t wait – contact Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center today at (580) 255-4880.

Tooth extraction may seem daunting, but it can pave the way for improved oral health and a brighter, more beautiful smile. In this blog, we explore some signs that indicate it may be time to remove teeth for a healthier smile.

Severe Tooth Decay or Damage

When tooth decay or damage becomes so extensive that a dentist cannot effectively treat it with restorative procedures like fillings or crowns, extraction may be the best option. Leaving severely decayed or damaged teeth in place can lead to chronic pain, infection, and even more significant dental problems down the road.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Many of us are born with an extra set of molars (most commonly known as wisdom teeth). However, these teeth often don’t have enough space to grow properly, leading to impaction. Once this happens, it can cause pain, infection, and damage to neighboring teeth. 

That’s why dentists remove teeth with insufficient room to grow. If you need your wisdom teeth removed, you’re not alone – nearly 10 million of these teeth are extracted yearly!

Crowding and Orthodontic Concerns

Crowded teeth can lead to a host of problems, even making it harder to clean our teeth properly. This can increase our risk of decay and gum disease, and even misalignment of the jaw. 

In some cases, a dentist may remove teeth to create the necessary space for orthodontic treatment. Once removed, treatments like braces or aligners can straighten the remaining teeth and improve overall oral health.

Periodontal Disease

Advanced gum disease (sometimes called periodontitis or periodontal disease) can lead to the deterioration of the supporting structures of your teeth, including the bone. In severe cases, this can result in loose teeth that are beyond saving. Tooth extraction may be necessary to prevent the spread of infection and maintain the health of the surrounding tissues.

Infection or Abscess

An untreated dental infection can lead to the formation of an abscess, which is an accumulation of pus that can cause severe pain and swelling. In some cases, the infection may not respond to antibiotics or root canal treatment, making extraction the only viable option to eliminate the source of infection and prevent its spread.

Tooth Fractures or Cracks

Teeth that have deep fractures or cracks that extend into the root can be extremely painful and vulnerable to infection. In such cases, a dentist may remove teeth to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.

Preparing for Dentures or Dental Implants

If you’re getting dentures or dental implants, extracting severely damaged or compromised teeth may be necessary to create a stable foundation for your new dental prosthetics. This can ultimately lead to a healthier and more functional smile.

Want to remove teeth comfortably? We can help!

If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, it’s essential to contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center today. Our team can help you beat the pain and get a healthier, more comfortable smile. Schedule an appointment here, or call our Duncan, OK, dental office at (580) 255-4880.

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Your mouth facilitates entry of external elements into your body. It makes perfect sense, but have you really thought about it? Everything you put in your mouth, from foods to fingernails to your own toothbrush bring either good or bad elements into contact with your teeth, soft oral tissues, and potentially into your stomach and bloodstream. We call this the mouth-body connection.

Your family dentist should explain the mouth-body connection and its implications. Why? Because the mouth-body connection has a significant impact on whole-body health. 

“The mouth is a portal to the body,” says dentist at Chisholm Trail Smile Center.

Scientists discovered the mouth-body connection years ago and research continues to reveal new ways the mouth and body are intertwined. The bottom line is, your mouth is a portal to your body. 

When bacteria in the mouth feast on starches inside the oral biome, they release acids that weaken tooth enamel so that cavities (tooth decay or dental caries) form. Tooth decay is present, at some point, in 99% of humans, so it’s important that you understand the importance of balance in the oral biome (the atmosphere in your mouth). Good and bad bacteria, as well as pH levels, affect teeth, gums, and whole-body health.

All humans produce plaque, a sticky matrix of bacteria, saliva, and minerals that clings to teeth. Plaque carries bad bacteria that build up on and between teeth. Plaque that is not removed by brushing, flossing, or a professional dental cleaning, can irritate gum tissue and lead to the development of gum disease, which is the main cause of adult tooth loss. Researchers link gum disease to conditions like:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes complications
• Low-weight birth
• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Lung conditions

Furthermore, when the bacteria that cause tooth decay, called Streptococcus mutans, or simply S. mutans, enter the bloodstream through the mouth, a patient can develop endocarditis. This heart condition can be fatal if not treated.

However, if you practice good oral hygiene daily and visit Dr. Bridges, your dentist at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, twice a year for checkups and cleanings, you may avoid all of these symptoms and the destruction they cause on whole-body health.

Introducing outside elements to the body via the mouth has consequences. This listicle explains how specific elements affect oral and overall health.

Foods and Drinks

Avoid starches, including sugars, when possible. Certainly reduce your intake of sugars and bready foods, like breads, cereals, crackers, chips, and cookies. Foods and drinks with excessive starch feed oral bacteria. So, after you consume starches, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water afterward and don’t brush your teeth for at least a few hours. This will help your body re-establish healthy pH in the oral microbiome, while also hydrating and rinsing away bad bacteria.

Water

Our bodies are 55-60% water, and without proper hydration, the whole body suffers. Drink pure water throughout your day. Avoid sipping on sugary beverages. Limit any drink other than water to mealtimes or drink them through a straw to reduce contact with teeth and gums. 

Note that babies should only go to bed with a cup or bottle of water. Never put your child to bed with juice or milk. Babies and toddlers who fall asleep drinking anything but pure water, over time, may develop a painful condition called baby-bottle mouth syndrome. This condition involves severe tooth decay and requires extensive dental treatment to re-establish good oral health and reduce pain. 

Tobacco, Alcohol

Tobacco and alcohol cause dry mouth. (Alcohol also contains sugar.) In turn, dry mouth allows oral bacteria to reproduce rapidly. If you smoke cigarettes or dip tobacco, ask Dr. Bridges for help finding a cessation program. If you drink more than a few glasses of alcohol a day, consider cutting back for the health benefits. 

Medications

Some medications cause dry mouth, clinically known as xerostomia. If you experience dry mouth, purchase artificial saliva at your pharmacy. One brand, Biotene, comes in flavored spray, gel, and mouthwash. Keeping your mouth hydrated and salivated will reduce the amount of and reproduction of bad oral bacteria. 

Pen Caps, Fingernails, Toothpicks

Chewing on items not intended for your mouth can harm your teeth and gums. Furthermore, they may introduce germs into the oral microbiome and into your body. If you like the feeling of chewing, consider munching on sugarless gum. It can freshen your breath and aid in saliva production!

Your Own Toothbrush

Flushing an open toilet literally sends germs into the air via water particles. Studies show that these particles can land on nearby items, like your toothbrush. It’s best to keep a toothbrush in a drawer or zipper bag, and to close your toilet lid prior to flushing.

Also, replace your toothbrush every 90 days or so, because when bristles soften and fray brushing becomes less effective.

Bacteria & Brushing

How can you get rid of bad bacteria and keep it from entering your stomach and blood stream? We need bacteria in the oral microbiome, but it’s beneficial to reduce the amount of bad oral bacteria. Daily brushing and flossing do the job

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste (unfluoridated for kids under three years old). Floss once a day. Also consider using a tongue scraper to remove plaque on your tongue. An antibacterial mouthwash will help control the level of bad bacteria in your oral microbiome, as well.

Need a dentist at Chisholm Trail who will educate you and your family about oral health?

Call on Dr. Bridges, your dentist at Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK. Visit us online at www.chilsholmtrailsmilecenter.com or call 580-255-4880. 

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At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew Bridges understands that oral and physical wellness are inseparably linked. Though he treats dental conditions, he wants you to enjoy overall health, including a healthy diet. Of course, he is not a weight loss expert, so you should consult with your physician before beginning any particular diet. 

To learn more about the connection between diet and oral health or to schedule a dental appointment, contact our office today.

What is the keto diet?

Most adherents of the keto diet practice a modified version of the original, which was developed in the 1920s. By dramatically reducing carbs, a dieter deprives her body of glucose, the main source of energy. To access the necessary energy, the body then begins to break down fat stores, a state known as ketosis. 

To achieve ketosis, your diet should consist of about 70-80% fat, 10-20% protein, and 5-10% carbohydrates.

The Keto Diet and Tooth Decay

Carbohydrates are not only the body’s main source of energy, carbs are the primary food source for oral bacteria, as well. When you eat carbs, especially refined carbs like sugar, oral bacteria multiply to form sticky plaque and, eventually, hard tartar. These substances can eat through your tooth enamel, creating a cavity.

When you cut carbs in the keto diet, you also reduce your risk of tooth decay and an emergency trip to your Chisholm Trail dental office.

Ketosis and Your Breath 

Although the keto diet can have positive long-term benefits for your teeth, it can have negative consequences for your breath. Once your body starts using ketones for energy, you could develop very distinctive “ketosis breath.” Many describe the smell of ketosis breath as being similar to the odor of nail polish remover. It can also cause a metallic taste in your mouth. 

Keto breath occurs because one of the ketones that your body breaks down for energy is acetone, a common ingredient in many nail polish removers. When your body breaks down proteins, it can also release ammonia, which lends a distinctive odor to breath.

Keto breath is not permanent and will usually fade as your body adjusts to the diet.

Not ready to go low carb?

No doubt about it, the keto diet is a commitment. But don’t worry – if you’re not ready to slash your carbs, there are other diets that can protect your smile. In fact, if you are looking for the healthiest all-around diet, keto may not be the way to go. Health experts warn that it has numerous health drawbacks, especially since it involves high consumption of saturated fats.

In part because of this risk, the keto diet was recently named one of the worst diets for 2023. Instead, health experts recommend the Mediterranean diet, which earned the top spot. Indeed, this diet is full of healthy nutrients, which can benefit every aspect of your health – including your smile. 

Contact Your Chisholm Trail Dental Office for More Oral Health Tips and Information

Dr. Bridges prioritizes patient education and is ready to answer your questions. Contact our Chisholm Trail dental office to speak to a member of our team or to book an appointment. 

You can reach us online or call us at (580) 255-4880.

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At Chisholm Trail Smile Center in Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew Bridges offers a full range of dental services. With his recognition by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, he is especially qualified to treat sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and snoring. 

Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center to learn more about our services or to book an appointment.

Sleep Apnea

It seems surprising that a dentist can treat sleep apnea. Don’t you need to go to a sleep specialist for care? Actually, a dentist can often provide convenient and effective treatment for sleep disorders. 

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which affects between 10 and 30% of adults, occurs when airflow through the throat is blocked. Breathing stops and patients wake up, often unconsciously. Dentists like Dr. Bridges can treat OSA by providing a comfortable, discreet oral appliance. The mouthguard will reposition the jaw to tighten soft tissues and keep the throat open.

Chronic Headaches

Chronic headaches are often the result of dental misalignment, bruxism, and/or TMJ Disorder. When your bite is uneven or you frequently grind your teeth, this can damage your jaw joints and cause inflammation in the nearby muscles. 

Once Dr. Bridges determines that your headaches are indeed dental-related, he can design a mouthguard, which will stop chronic teeth grinding. Relaxation techniques can also help, since bruxism is often connected to stress.

Heart Disease 

Ok, so you couldn’t visit dentists for your bypass surgery. But going to the dentist could prevent you from needing such procedures in the first place! There is a strong link between gum disease and heart disease. In fact, research shows that patients with gum disease are two to three times more likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke. 

Visiting the dentist is one of the best ways to prevent periodontitis, which develops when oral bacteria build up in the gums. Routine cleanings can eliminate these microbes. And if you do develop gum disease, a deep cleaning can prevent serious complications like tooth loss.

Pregnancy

Many pregnant women assume that they shouldn’t visit the dentist, but nothing could be farther from the truth! In fact, pregnant women may need more dental care. Expecting mothers are more likely to develop gum disease than other women. Research shows that 60-75% of pregnant women have gingivitis, the earliest, reversible stage of gum disease. If gum disease progresses, it can have serious consequences on unborn babies and may contribute to low birth weight and preterm labor.

Oral Cancer

This last health condition may not be as much of a surprise as the others. But it is included because oral cancer screenings are one of the most important services performed by dentists. 

Taking place at every dental exam, screenings look for mouth sores and other symptoms. Patients who are diagnosed early have a much better prognosis, which is one reason that it is so important to visit your dentist twice a year.

Looking for outstanding dentists? Contact Us!

Dr. Bridges is committed to your systemic health and takes ongoing training to provide the best possible care. Contact our Duncan, OK, office to schedule your consultation. 

Complete our online form or call us at 580-255-4880.

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At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges is committed to providing outstanding dental care for all patients. He particularly values patient education and the opportunity to encourage improved oral care and hygiene. 

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah or are simply looking for a compassionate and experienced Duncan, OK, dental service, contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center today.

Hanukkah Menus

Hanukkah menus often feature fried foods. The use of oil commemorates the miracle of the oil, when one cruse lasted for eight days. 

Cheese also plays an important role on the Hanukkah table. This ties into the apocryphal story in the Book of Judith, in which Judith gives salty cheese to Holofernes. The villain is so thirsty that he guzzles wine, becoming drunk and giving Judith an opportunity to kill him.

Latkes

Latkes are an indispensable part of any Hanukkah menu. Who doesn’t love a fried potato pancake? While potatoes aren’t the worst thing for your teeth, they are very starchy, providing a rich source of energy to oral bacteria. 

Fortunately, there are a wide range of delicious, non-traditional latke recipes that still fit the spirit of the holiday. Sweet potato latkes are not only delicious; they also contain high amounts of Vitamin A for improved gum health.

Sour Cream and Applesauce

Many people wouldn’t consider latkes complete without a side of sour cream and applesauce. Apples are actually a great choice when it comes to oral wellness. The fibrous texture helps to remove bacteria and freshen breath. 

Sadly, applesauce does not have the same effects. In fact, one study showed that the high acid content in applesauce can have very damaging effects on dental enamel. 

Brisket

Braised brisket is the centerpiece of many a Hanukkah table. Luckily, meat, especially iron-rich choices like brisket, can help to strengthen teeth. Further, a 2015 study indicates that red meat may help to reduce the biofilms that lead to decay and periodontitis.

Noodle Kugel 

If you don’t eat noodle kugel any other time of the year, Hanukkah is the time to do it! The satisfyingly squishy pudding can be either savory or sweet. While either variation will undoubtedly be starchy, your Duncan, OK, dental service recommends a savory version. Without sugar, the dish will be less detrimental to your teeth. 

Plus, savory kugel usually contains garlic, which can help to combat oral bacteria. Just watch out for the effects of too much garlic on your breath!

Gelt 

Of course, if you’re playing a game of dreidel, you’ll need some chocolate coins. Though chocolate is high in sugar, dark chocolate is also rich in antioxidants, which can help to combat infection, including gum disease. 

Choose dark chocolate gelt, if possible, and enjoy in moderation. 

Contact Your Duncan, OK, Dental Service Today

To learn more about diet and your oral health or to book an appointment, contact our office today. 

Get in touch online or call us at 580-255-4880.

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November is American Diabetes Month, a time set aside to raise awareness of diabetes and provide new ways of managing the disease. If you suffer from diabetes, you know the far-reaching effects it can have for your overall health – and your dental wellness is no exception. That is why it is so important to receive dental preventive care, in addition to your regular diabetes treatment and management. Fortunately, we provide thorough preventive dentistry to help maintain your oral and physical health.

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew Bridges offers a full array of preventive services. He proudly employs state-of-the-art digital x-rays to make earlier and faster diagnoses. Most importantly, he offers compassionate, personalized care. He will get to know you and your specific health needs to provide the best possible dental treatment. 

Contact our Duncan, OK, office today to schedule your dental preventive care.

American Diabetes Month 2022

Every year, the American Diabetes Association choses a different theme for American Diabetes Month. This year, the theme is “Today’s Diabetes Hits Different!” Since the COVID-19 pandemic, diabetes patients face a new set of challenges. The disease hits different communities, has different risk factors, and raises the risks of different complications. Most significantly, today’s patients have different and higher costs to worry about. 

Fortunately, as the American Diabetes Association points out, today’s patients also have different ways to fight the disease. 

Diabetes and Dental Health  

Diabetes can raise your risk for a number of oral health conditions. Gum disease is the most common of any diabetes-related health complication, affecting 22% of diabetes patients.

There are several reasons that diabetes could lead to gum disease. If you have uncontrolled blood sugar, the sugars can also end up in your saliva, providing food for harmful oral bacteria. Second, diabetes can affect your immune system, making it more difficult to fight off infections, including periodontitis. Furthermore, if you have diabetes, gum disease may be more severe and difficult to manage. 

But the connection between oral and physical health goes two ways. Research shows that dental preventive care and gum disease management could actually help to lower your A1c.

Dental Preventive Care for Those with Diabetes

So what does oral care look like if you have diabetes? It begins at home with a firm commitment to routine brushing and flossing. If you wear dentures, you should clean the prosthetic at least once a day. After all, tooth loss does not make you immune to gum disease. 

Second, schedule your dental exams and cleanings. At these appointments, your hygienist can remove the plaque and tartar that eventually lead to gum disease. Furthermore, Dr. Bridges can conduct a complete exam to look for the early signs of gingivitis. That way, he can catch the condition in the very earliest stages when it is reversible. 

Be sure to tell Dr. Bridges about your diabetes diagnosis at your first appointment. Although biannual exams and cleanings are typical, he may recommend additional visits since you are in a higher risk group. Plus, he can partner with your healthcare team to provide truly comprehensive care. 

Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center Today

If you are facing a diabetes diagnosis, new or old, don’t let your oral health go overlooked. Contact us to schedule your dental preventive care. 

You can reach us online or call (580) 255-4880.

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Dr. Matthew Bridges is passionate about patient education to make sure this condition is better understood. Furthermore, at Chisholm Trail Smile Center, he can diagnose and treat temporomandibular disorders with effective, non-invasive care.

If you suffer from the symptoms of TMD, contact our office today.

What is TMD?

Temporomandibular disorders are a group of disorders that affect the jaw joints and muscles. In some cases, it may involve joint dysfunction, such as a slipped disc or bone injury. In other cases, muscle inflammation may be the main concern. Patients can also suffer from both joint and muscle problems.

TMD is quite common. An estimated 11 to 12 million US adults suffer from one of these conditions.

What’s the difference between TMJ and TMD?

The TMJ is the temporomandibular joint, located on each side of the jaw. TMD is a temporomandibular disorder, affecting those joints.

What causes the condition?

TMD can arise for many different reasons. Facial trauma or injuries to the TMJs are one cause. Excessive jaw strain, due to chronic teeth grinding, can also lead to TMD. 

In many cases, the exact cause is unclear, but there are certain risk factors. For instance, women are more likely to suffer than men. Genetics and stress can also play a role. 

How long does TMD last?

It can last a few days, a few weeks, or many years. Sometimes it can go away on its own. Quite frequently, however, the condition will flare up periodically, especially in times of stress. 

Fortunately, once patients seek treatment, discomfort often disappears after a few days!

Is TMD serious?

These disorders are not life threatening, but they can take a huge toll on your quality of life. Symptoms include: 

• Frequent headaches
• Jaw stiffness
• Facial pain
• Ear pain
• Tinnitus
• Neck and shoulder pain 
• Popping in the jaw joints
• Dizziness
• Pain or difficulty when eating

Moreover, temporomandibular disorders can seriously affect your bite and cause lasting damage to your teeth. In severe cases, eating may be restricted, and you could suffer from nutrient deficiency. 75% of surveyed patients report altering their diet in response to jaw pain.

What are my treatment options?

Dr. Bridges typically begins with a combination of simple, convenient treatments. In most cases, he will provide an oral appliance. This will reposition your jaw and alleviate pressure on your TMJs while you sleep. He may also suggest anti-inflammatory medications, jaw exercises, muscle relaxants, and lifestyle changes.  

If you have particularly severe TMD, Dr. Bridges may refer you to an orthodontist or oral surgeon.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Bridges Today

Contact us to learn more about TMD and find out what is causing your jaw pain. 

You can reach our Duncan, OK, office online, or you can give us a call at 580-255-4880.

The post Everything You Should Know about TMD appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Concerned that you have a cavity and looking for more information? Read on to learn the answers to some common questions about dental caries. Then contact us right away for the potentially tooth-saving treatment that you need.

What do cavities look like?

A cavity will change in appearance over time. Often, it will start out as a white spot, a sign that your tooth is being stripped of important minerals. As decay worsens, the white area may change to a brown or black spot. In more advanced cases, you may even see a small hole in the surface of your tooth.

Frequently, however, cavities are not visible. Many times, they are located inside of teeth where only a dental x-ray can reveal them. Other times, they may be situated between teeth where they are nearly impossible to see.

This is why it is so important to schedule your routine dental visits. Biannual cleanings will remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar that cause cavities. Plus, your dentist can routinely screen for decay before it causes significant discomfort or damages the overall structure of your teeth.

Do cavities cause bad breath?

They can. The American Dental Association® warns that cavities harbor bacteria in areas where they cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. Thus, dental decay is a frequent cause of halitosis, or chronic bad breath. 

Are cavities common for kids?

While we would like to think of dental caries as an adult problem, the fact is that tooth decay is incredibly common in young children. In fact, 42% of children between the ages of 2 and 11 have sustained at least one cavity in their baby teeth. 

Fortunately, appropriate children’s dental care can greatly reduce the risk of cavities. From birth, parents should begin wiping down their children’s gums after eating. Once the first tooth erupts, they should begin brushing. Schedule your child’s first dental visit when their first tooth appears or around their first birthday. 

Of course, good dental care continues throughout childhood. Children should learn good oral hygiene, brushing twice daily and flossing at least once every day. They should continue to visit the dentist every six months for an exam and cleaning. And they should eat a healthy diet, limiting their intake of sugar, juices, and refined carbohydrates. 

Are cavities contagious?

Cavities are caused by bacteria, most commonly streptococcus mutans. Just like any microbes, oral bacteria can spread from person to person. Unfortunately, tooth decay is most likely to spread from adults to children since children have not yet built an immunity to oral microbes. For example, mothers will often share eating utensils with their children or test their food to make sure it is not too hot. This is an easy way to transmit cavity-causing bacteria.

How do you treat a cavity?

Dental fillings are the most common treatment for a cavity. Dr. Bridges offers several types of fillings, including lifelike composite. This durable material comes in various tooth-colored shades, so he can easily find a filling that blends naturally with your tooth. 

When undiagnosed decay spreads, you may require a more extensive treatment. If the cavity is too large for a filling, a dental crown can often reinforce the tooth and restore functionality. In cases where bacteria have spread to the dental roots, you may require root canal therapy. Dr. Bridges will carefully assess your tooth and provide the most effective and conservative treatment possible. 

Learn More about Cavities and Our Restorative Options

Still have questions about tooth decay or looking for outstanding dental care? Contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center today. Reach us via our online form or give us a call at 580-255-4880. We see patients from Duncan, OK, and the surrounding area. 

The post “What do cavities look like?” and Other FAQs appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

1. You’re worried that you may have a cavity.

Cavities are common. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that a whopping 92% of adults have to have had at least cavity treated, and 26% of adults leave their tooth decay untreated. Sometimes, people develop tooth decay and don’t even realize it.

If you have experienced the following symptoms, you may have a cavity:

• Toothache or biting pain
• Dark spots or holes on the enamel (surface of the teeth)
• Sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages
• Pus near teeth (abscess)
• Bleeding, swollen gums

Before tooth decay worsens, it’s imperative to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Your family dentist can create an action plan to help save the integrity of the remaining dental tissue before it is destroyed.

2. Your gums bleed after brushing or flossing.

Do you notice crimson bloodstains on your toothbrush or in your sink after caring for your teeth at home? Bleeding gums are one of the initial signs of periodontal (gum) disease. When oral bacteria flourish, it can cause gums to be infected and inflamed, inducing bleeding, swelling, or redness. 

For many, dentists can reverse gingivitis (a mild form of gum disease) with a deep dental cleaning called scaling and root planing. During scaling and root planing, a dentist removes bacterial plaque and tartar below the gumline. However, if gingivitis morphs into periodontal disease, it cannot be reversed and only managed by a dentist.

3. You’re concerned about bad breath.

Even if you are not conscious of it, bad breath can be a problem that dramatically affects your health and agreeableness with others. While bad breath can be an embarrassing problem, it doesn’t always go away with regular brushing. Many conditions can trigger bad breath, including:

• Chronic health problems
• A side effect of certain medications
• Oral infections
• Chewing and smoking tobacco products
• Mouth, nose, and throat conditions
• Poor dental hygiene

No matter the cause of bad breath, it can be challenging to manage alone. A general dentist can help patients manage their uncontrollable bad breath with professional teeth cleaning.

4. You haven’t been to the dentist’s office in over six months.

Even if your teeth and gums look nice, it’s essential to schedule a dental exam and cleaning at least twice a year (every six months). Frequent trips to the dentist can help protect your teeth and gums from bacterial buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning Right Now

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges and our dental hygienists help patients of all ages achieve their best smiles with consistent and calming dental cleanings and exams. Book your and your family’s next dental cleaning in Duncan, OK by calling 580-255-4800 or messaging us online today.

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