If you have questions about oral health products, you’re in the right place! Here, you’ll acquire excellent, expert information to help set your mind at ease and set your morning oral hygiene routine up for success. 

Now, let’s explore the most important oral health tools and products. We’ll cover:

• Toothbrushes
• Floss or Flossers
• Mouthwashes
• Tongue Scrapers
• Toothpaste
• Home Whitening Products

Best Toothbrushes for Oral Health

The big question here is, electric or traditional? Studies show that electric toothbrushes aren’t more effective than non-electric counterparts. However, most people tend to brush longer with an electric toothbrush. So, if you or your children have trouble brushing for a full two minutes in the morning and evening, an electric toothbrush may help maintain good oral hygiene.

Tips:

• Unless Dr. Bridges tells you otherwise, always select a soft-bristled brush.
• Choose a brush with a head that fits your mouth. Kids need small brushes.
• Select different colors for each household member.
• If you get sick, once you’re well microwave your toothbrush in a cup of water for 3 minutes to kill germs.
• Replace toothbrushes every 3 months.

Toothpaste: The Right Fit Makes All the Difference

You need to consider your toothpaste’s main benefit (reduces sensitivity, whitens teeth, etc.) as well as the flavor you and your family members prefer. Children often opt for fruity flavors, while older kids and adults usually prefer a mint toothpaste.

Tips:

• Children under three years of age need toothpaste without fluoride. (Swallowing toothpaste in childhood can cause fluorosis, permanent horizontal white lines, on permanent teeth that have not yet erupted.)
• Choose an ADA-approved toothpaste. (The ADA is the American Dental Association.)

Flosses or Flossers Are Super Important

In truth, few people floss, and even fewer floss correctly. Flossing can feel awkward if you don’t use a good technique. Our hygienists will be happy to teach you proper flossing techniques so that you can develop an effective method. 

You’ll find waxed and unwaxed, as well as flat and round varieties of floss. All work well if you use the proper technique, so just select the flavor and type that appeal to you. 

Flossers are ergonomic, pre-threaded tools that you throw away after use. They can make flossing much easier for children and seniors in particular.

Tips:

• Choose a flavored floss to freshen your breath. 
• Choose the floss that your hygienist recommends or the one you’re most likely to use every day to maintain good oral hygiene.
• Floss once a day, as recommended by the ADA. If you wear braces, use interdental flossers as well as traditional floss, and floss after meals and snacks when you brush your teeth.
• Floss before brushing.

Mouthwashes: Different Types for Different Issues

Like toothpaste, mouthwash comes in many flavors and serves varying purposes. Choose the mouthwash that will accomplish your goal, whether you want to brighten your teeth with whitening mouthwash or use a simple fluoride rinse.

Tips:

• Kids under three should not use mouthwash.
• ACT mouthwash helps kids measure the right amount with its special press-to-measure bottle.
• Everyone in your family may prefer a different mouthwash. 

Tongue Scrapers: A Great Tool for Fresher Breath

Few people use a tongue scraper. The tool, which comes in various shapes and sizes, literally scrapes the top of the tongue to remove plaque and debris from between the bumps of the tongue. Use a tongue scraper after you brush to reduce plaque and bad breath. Then rinse with your preferred mouthwash.

Home Whitening Products: An Afforable Option for Moderate Results

Dr. Bridges offers professional teeth whitening systems in our office. If you only want mild to moderate results, however, you can opt for an over-the-counter whitening product. Without a prescription, you can purchase whitening strips, pastes, mouthwashes, trays, and brush-on varieties.

Call for Your Oral Hygiene Consultation

In Duncan, OK, Dr. Matthew Bridges treats patients of all ages. (Our team loves kids!) If you need more direction on maximizing the effectiveness of your oral health regimen at home, schedule a new patient consultation today. Call 580.255.4880 today.

The post Quick Tips for Choosing the Best Oral Hygiene Tools and Products appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

1. The family dentist is only for families.

Family dentists serve not only families but individuals of all ages. Many family dentists perform a variety of dental services, including:

• Preventative Dentistry: People are strongly encouraged to visit the dentist for a checkup and professional cleaning every six months. During preventive visits, a dental hygienist removes tartar. Also, a dentist examines the mouth for signs of developing cavities, periodontal (gum) disease, oral cancer, and other ailments in the mouth and surrounding structures.
• Restorative Dentistry: Family dentists can remove severely damaged or decayed dental tissue or teeth. After removal, they can replace teeth with natural-looking and high-functioning substitutions.
• Cosmetic Dentistry: If your smile is anything but perfect, a family dentist can whiten, reshape, or construct a brand-new, optimized smile.

2. Baby teeth don’t need as much care as adult teeth.

Even though baby teeth fall out over time, they are still essential for a child’s growth and development. Young children use their teeth just like adults do. Strong, healthy teeth help every man, woman, and child:

• Chew coarse or crunchy foods
• Digest food
• Speak clearly with others
• Express emotions
• Maintain a sense of self-worth

3. My oral health only affects the mouth.

The definition of “oral” means “by the mouth,” so many people associate oral health with mouth health. However, oral health is vital to comprehensive health, well-being, and quality of life. The link between oral and systemic health is becoming increasingly evident and recognized globally. 

Our mouths are complex ecosystems that house many species of bacteria that compete for space. When oral bacteria is balanced, the mouth is healthy, and there are no signs of infection. However, when bacteria flourishes, it can lead to gum disease (an inflammatory response that can dramatically decrease the quality of life). Furthermore, Mayo Clinic staff believe that inflammation may be to blame for causing: 

• Cardiovascular disease
• Respiratory diseases
• Pregnancy and birth complications

4. The only reason to visit the dentist is if there is a problem.

As previously mentioned, oral health impacts overall health, and patients are encouraged to visit the dentist at least twice per year. The most efficient way to take care of your teeth, gums, and mouth is to visit the dentist for preventive treatment before issues arise. Preventative visits can help prevent a cavity or periodontal disease from developing, which could potentially: 

• Prevent intensive treatment, such as a root canal
• Reverse gum disease
• Save a tooth from permanent loss

Find a Family Dentist Near Bray, OK

Are you interested in learning more about the best practices for oral hygiene, disease prevention, and more? At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges helps patients in Bray, OK, and surrounding cities manage their oral health and the appearance of their smiles. Schedule your next dental appointment with us by calling 580-255-4880 or messaging us online at your earliest convenience.

The post Family Dentist Busts Four Common Dentistry Myths appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Keep your family from experiencing the consequences of inconsistent dental care. To make visits convenient, find a family dentist who can take care of your spouse, children, and even your parents.

Dr. Matthew L. Bridges of Chisholm Trail Smile Center is an experienced family dentist who knows how important it is to have both a great smile and good oral health. He and our team want you to understand how a family dentist can benefit you and your family.

General, Preventive, and Comprehensive Dental Treatment for Everyone

Family dentists are general dentists, but not all general dentists are family dentists.

The Youngest Patients Need Special Care

Adults and children have different dental needs. Family dentists welcome children of all ages, and many, like Dr. Bridges, have experience treating children. Kids respond best to dentists and dental team members who look them in the eye, smile, and answer all of their questions. Parents appreciate children’s dentists who will look them in the eye, smile, and answer all of their questions, too!

Dr. Bridges and our team love kids. In fact, Dr. Bridges became a dentist because he sincerely enjoyed volunteering at a non-profit event that provided dental care for low-income children.

We maintain a positive, fun attitude and atmosphere so that our youngest patients feel respected and appreciated. Children should visit the dentist by their first birthday, then annually thereafter or when any abnormalities develop in the mouth. When a kiddo reaches age four or five, six-month checkups and cleanings are important.

If you choose Chisholm Trail Smile Center, you will benefit from knowing that your children’s dentist will see them all through childhood, adolescence, college graduation, and beyond.

Adult Patients Have Various Oral Health Needs — and Wants

Family dentists usually offer cosmetic dentistry for professional or image-conscious adults who want a beautiful smile. Dr. Bridges can place veneers and he prefers to use natural-looking materials for restorations, like crowns and bonding.

More mature patients may need old, failing dental work replaced. Some need replacement teeth, like bridges, partials, and full dentures. Dr. Bridges offers these treatments, as well as dental implants to secure dentures or replace individual teeth. The risk of developing gum disease increases as we age. Dr. Bridges treats all levels of gum disease and works with a respected periodontist for advanced cases of periodontitis.

Reduce the Need for Restorative Dental Care

Chisholm Trail Smile Center provides preventive dental care to maintain your family’s healthy smiles. It’s counterintuitive to running a business with repeat customers, but Dr. Bridges and our team want to help you avoid the need for dental work. Your healthy, strong, bold and beautiful smile makes us happy.

Preventive care includes checkups and cleanings every six months (more often for patients undergoing gum disease treatments). It also involves you taking good care of your teeth at home, brushing twice and flossing once every single day.

When we find soft enamel during a checkup, we know a cavity could form in that area. In some cases, just monitoring the area and using a remineralizing mouthwash may deter the bacteria from causing decay. Other times, placing a tiny surface filling will eliminate the potential for bacteria growing to create a deeper, painful cavity. This is just one example of how preventive care and early treatment maintain good oral health and help our patients avoid the need for more invasive, expensive restorative care in the future.

Convenient Appointments for Everyone

At a family dentist’s office, you can schedule appointments for some or all of your family at one time and in one place. Personal commitments, work, school, and family activities may keep you running all day, all week long. Streamlining visits to the family dentist should help make your busy schedule a little easier.

If you choose a family dentist, keeping track of routine checkups and cleanings for all of your family members requires communication with only one office. This helps with long-term family calendar planning.

A Family Dentist in Duncan, for Bray and Surrounding Areas

Your loved ones are welcome here. We want to know them by name! As a family dentist, Dr. Matthew L. Bridges provides dental care to all kinds of families from Bray and surrounding towns. He believes in delivering compassionate care and creating a comfortable setting where families feel welcome and happy. Contact us at (580) 255-4880 to schedule preventive checkups and cleanings or a consultation with Dr. Bridges.

The post Benefits of Choosing a Family Dentist 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.

Planning for a busy holiday schedule? Give yourself a gift before your holiday plans begin, and schedule an appointment with Dr. Bridges of Chisolm Trail Smile Center. Dr. Bridges can ensure you head into the season confident about your oral health. Call his office now at 580-255-4880.

Chew Extra Carefully

So many delicious recipes are tried out around the holidays, and you’ll probably want to taste a bit of everything. Before you dig in, be cautious of biting down on hard fragments like nut shells or pieces of bone. One wrong bite could mean a fractured tooth and emergency visit to your family dentist. Cut your food carefully and slow down when chewing. Taking your time to eat will not only protect your teeth, but it will help you recognize when you’re full and save you from over-indulging.

Keep a Glass of Water Handy

A glass of wine can be a great complement to your meal, but it can also damage your teeth. The high acidity in wine will encourage bacteria to attack your teeth’s protective enamel. To minimize this risk — and stay hydrated after eating high-sodium meals — drink water directly after enjoying your glass of wine. The water will help clean out your mouth and dilute the harmful acidity levels caused by wine or other alcoholic or sugary beverages. In the same way, drinking water after eating holiday sweets will minimize the corrosive impact sugar has on your teeth. So, remember to drink up!

Be Selective at the Dessert Table

When you’re craving something sweet, be choosy. Select the treats you’ll enjoy most and those you don’t see during the rest of the year. Savoring just one or two small desserts, you will do your teeth a big favor by reducing your sugar intake. Eating sugary foods encourages bacteria growth in your mouth and can lead to more plaque buildup, which causes both tooth decay and gingivitis. Plus, by limiting sweets, you’ll avoid the dreaded symptoms of a “sugar hangover” the next day: fatigue, headache, brain fog, and more. (Maybe you won’t pack on the holiday pounds, too!)

Get Ready for Your Close-up

The holiday season presents lots of photo opportunities. If you want to look your best this year, brighten your smile. Consider professional teeth whitening! Dr. Bridges, your Duncan family dentist, offers cosmetic dentistry as well. Choose from in-office or take-home whitening options, both of which offer fast results – just in time for holiday parties. Professional whitening is safe and effective, and the products we use have been approved by the American Dental Association.

Contact Us Before the Holiday Rush Begins

If you’re looking for a family dentist in the Duncan, OK area, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bridges. Offering preventative, restorative, and cosmetic procedures, Dr. Bridges and the staff at Chisolm Trail Smile Center will make your comfort a top priority, and spend time discussing the best options for your oral health. Call Chisolm Trail Smile Center at 580-255-4880.

The post Healthy Teeth for the Holidays: Tips from a Family Dentist appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

The Right Age to Introduce a Rinse

Most children are old enough to start using small amounts of fluoride containing toothpastes at about age three or four. We don’t recommend fluoride for children younger than that, because swallowing it can be dangerous to a child’s health. Not only can fluoride be toxic in high doses, but it can also damage the appearance of growing teeth at lower thresholds. If a child is swallowing fluoride, the adult teeth may come in with permanent fluoride stains, a condition called fluorosis.

Many children’s rinses contain fluoride for an extra level of cavity protection, so we don’t recommend introducing them until about age six. Children’s rinses tend to come in a number of mild, kid-friendly flavors; until age six, it may be too likely that a small amount will be swallowed accidentally.

Using Children’s Rinses Correctly

If you choose to let your child use a rinse, pay attention to the ingredients and buy a product made specifically for kids. Adult rinses may contain harsh ingredients that can dry out a child’s mouth or cause sensitivity. Most children do not need to use rinse with alcohol or antimicrobial ingredients, unless your children’s dentist has specifically recommended it. Instead, choose a cavity-fighting rinse that contains fluoride.

A fluoride-containing rinse can help your child make sure he or she has removed all particles of food after brushing. Teach him or her how to swish vigorously to make sure all parts of the mouth get rinsed. A mouthwash can also provide an extra layer of cavity prevention, since liquids may be able to reach spaces between the teeth that are occasionally missed by toothbrush bristles or floss.

Children should refrain from eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes after using a rinse. This ensures teeth get the maximum cavity-fighting and tooth-strengthening benefit from fluoride, as it stays in contact with the teeth longer this way. Rinsing the mouth with water afterward can negate the oral health benefit of the rinse, so be sure to choose a mild product that won’t burn your child’s mouth.

Monitor your child regularly, to make sure he or she is not swallowing the product or otherwise using it improperly. For example, accidental swallowing may become more likely if a child is using double the recommended amount of the liquid rinse! Make sure they use the right amount, for the right length of time. Even older children and teenagers benefit from an occasional parental “audit” of their oral hygiene routine, so make sure you observe and guide your child’s use of rinses.

Do You Have Questions About Your Child’s Oral Health?

At Chisholm Trail Smile Center, we want your family to have the best oral health possible. We always make time for parents’ questions, and ensure both children and adults understand how their behaviors and dietary choices affect their teeth and gums. If you have questions about your children’s oral health, schedule an appointment with Duncan, OK children’s dentist Dr. Matthew Bridges and you’ll have ample opportunity to speak with our staff. Call us at (580) 255-4880 to make an appointment.

The post Should My Child Use An Oral Rinse? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Do you need a Velma dentist who will give you the straight story on oral health and hygiene? Dr. Matthew Bridges is here for you and your family. Contact our Duncan OK dental office at 580-255-4880 for an appointment.

Common Misperceptions About Flossing

Perhaps the most common mistake people make is assuming that the purpose of flossing is to remove bits of food from between the teeth. If the only time you think of flossing is when you have a shred of steak stuck in your teeth (or eat popcorn), you need to know the truth. The purpose of flossing is to remove plaque and bacteria from (a) between the teeth and (b) between the teeth and the gums.

A common misperception is that flossing every couple of days is good enough. If you wouldn’t skip a day of brushing your teeth, you shouldn’t skip a day of flossing. Failing to floss leaves approximately 36 percent of your tooth surfaces uncleaned. This can let plaque harden into tartar between the teeth, which will give bacteria a food source that encourages them to feast. This makes cavities and enamel demineralization more likely to occur.

Another misperception is that you have to use floss to floss. If loose floss has never been easy for you to manipulate, there are many efficient alternatives. Flossing picks, end-tufted brushes, stiff-ended picks, and oral irrigators (water flossers) are all excellent ways to clean the surfaces between the teeth and at the gum line. If you don’t floss daily because traditional loose floss is not convenient, find an alternative method of flossing and make it a part of your daily routine.

How to Floss Properly

No matter which flossing tool you prefer, there are a few guidelines you should follow when you floss every day.
1. Use new floss every time you floss. Reusing disposable floss or flossers can spread bacteria. If you use a multi-use tool, make sure to clean it regularly.
2. Use about 18 inches if you use loose floss. Wrap it around the middle fingers, and ensure you have enough slack to grip and manipulate it with your index fingers.
3. Rub the floss against the side of each tooth, starting at the gum line and working downward. Repeat 2-3 times for each side of the tooth.
4. Gently move the floss into the C-curve where the tooth meets the gums, to remove plaque and bacteria from the periodontal pockets.
5. Don’t forget to floss the back surfaces of your back teeth. The molars at the back of the mouth are already harder to keep clean, due to their pitted surface and location. Make sure you floss where the molars meet the gums in the back.

If Flossing Makes Your Gums Bleed

A common concern we hear from patients is that flossing makes their gums bleed and causes inflammation. This can certainly make it a challenge to floss every day, but it is a sign you need to be flossing more regularly. If this happens to you, take the two-week challenge. It may make you sore at first, but if you floss every day for 14 days, you should stop bleeding. As your gums get cleaner and have bacteria removed regularly, they will get stronger and healthier. If you still can’t tolerate flossing after two weeks of daily practice, call us for an appointment. You may need periodontal care visits to get your gums healthy again.

Do you want to have the best oral health of your life? Contact Velma dentist Dr. Matthew Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. We don’t care how long it’s been since you’ve seen a dentist—we just want to help you have healthy teeth and gums. Call us today at 580-255-4880 to make an appointment.

The post What Every Human Being Should Know About Flossing appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Do you need a general dentist, Duncan OK? Dr. Matthew Bridges provides preventive and cosmetic dentistry for every member of the family. Call 580-255-4880 to make an appointment at Chisholm Trail Smile Center.

Acids Damage Tooth Enamel – Consume them Sparingly (or Neutralize Them)!

Everyone knows that sugar is bad for your teeth, but did you know that acidic foods and drinks can erode your enamel? Acid erosion may not directly cause cavities, but it can weaken the teeth, make it easier for decay to set in, and wear away your enamel. Unfortunately, acidic foods and beverages are all around us: sodas, lemonade, oranges, Margaritas, grapefruit, et cetera.

Many acidic foods are good for your body, so you shouldn’t cut them out of your diet altogether. Rather, take care in how you eat them to mitigate potential damage. For example, if you eat grapefruit or drink orange juice, take a moment to rinse the mouth with a neutral or neutralizing beverage after you eat them (milk or water). Chewing gum afterwards can also help, as can eating tooth-healthy foods like crunchy fruits and vegetables.

Add Green Tea to Your Daily Routine

Yes, changing the color of your tea can help you protect your teeth and gums, (and prevent black-tea stains, as well). Researchers in Japan have done scientific research with convincing evidence that green tea alone can reduce your chances of developing gum disease and reduce gum inflammation. If you’ve ever been diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis, this addition to your diet could make a difference in your oral health.

If you do decide to start drinking green tea, keep in mind that it’s also widely praised for its metabolism-boosting properties and its antioxidant-rich catechins. It’s a win-win for your whole body. Make your own tea at home, rather than buying the bottled varieties, as they usually contain less actual green tea and more sugar and sweeteners.

Chew Gum When You Can’t Brush

Chewing gum can be an effective way to clean the mouth and protect your teeth after you eat. Chewing gum does more than just freshen your breath; it stimulates the production of saliva. This is a good thing because saliva is nature’s best defense against mouth bacteria. It neutralizes the bacterial acids that can cause cavities and rinses away food particles.

Next time you’re buying a pack of gum, look for a brand with xylitol listed as an ingredient. This substance is the only natural sweetener that is actually good for your teeth. It has been clinically proven to block bacteria from consuming other forms of sugar, so it keeps them from producing acids that damage enamel. (Just don’t consume too much xylitol, as it can cause unpleasant digestive side effects.)

Think About the Texture of Your Foods

If you are trying to supply your family with mouth-healthy foods, it pays to think about texture. Foods that are sticky, chewy, or gloopy tend to stick to the teeth worse than other foods. Especially those high in sugar and carbohydrates. If you can still feel great big globs of food sticking to your teeth five minutes after you eat, that means you are feeding your mouth bacteria, which isn’t good. Foods that dissolve quickly in the mouth are equally bad, as your tooth enamel tends to draw those dissolved foods (cookies, cakes, chips, and corn puffs) to them like a magnet.

Crunchy foods that require a great deal of chewing (carrots, celery, cucumber) are best for your teeth. With vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and crunchy greens, the texture actually cleans the teeth as you chew. Did you ever hear that eating an apple is almost as good as brushing your teeth? That old wives’ tale is actually true.

Maximize Your Fluoride Exposure

Most of us use fluoride-containing toothpastes, and this is crucial step in preventing cavities. However, brushing your teeth twice a day only amounts to about four minutes of contact with fluoride ions. How can you make sure your teeth get the maximum enamel-strengthening benefit from fluoride? If you use a rinse that contains fluoride, don’t rinse with water after you spit it out, and don’t eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes afterward. If you don’t use a rinse, try not rinsing with water after you brush your teeth. Just spit out the excess toothpaste and leave a bit of residue on your teeth. That clean feeling will last longer and your teeth will get more fluoride exposure.

To learn more about good oral health, visit Dr. Matthew Bridges, general dentist, Duncan OK. We provide family and cosmetic dentistry for every member of your family. Call 580-255-4880 to make an appointment at Chisholm Trail Smile Center.

The post 5 Pro Tips for a Healthy Mouth Environment appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Do you need a children’s dentist, Duncan OK? Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center for an appointment with Dr. Matthew Bridges. Call us at 580-255-4880 for an appointment.

Give Kids the Tools for Success

Kids love to pick out their own stuff. Décor, toys, clothes—most children love to have their own preferences honored. Oral health tools are no different. Letting your child pick out his own toothpaste, toothbrush, flossing tools, rinse, etc., is a great way to make oral health more important in your child’s life. If your child needs a lot of monitoring, go on a special trip to the oral hygiene aisle at the store and let him pick out his own oral hygiene tools. You may be surprised to see what a difference it makes.

Many parents go beyond the basics, and provide their children with a kitchen timer, for example, to help children do a good job. Both kids and adults should brush their teeth for at least two minutes each time, so a timer can help children make sure they are brushing thoroughly, every time.

Encourage Ownership

Kids love to take ownership of their own care. If you’ve ever heard “I want to do it myself,” you know how much it means to be able to do important things independently. You can encourage your little and big children to take their oral health into their own hands by talking about their oral hygiene routine and asking them how they make sure they do a good job.

A lot of times, children (and adults) get so set in their oral hygiene routine that it becomes automatic. You do a better job when you take the time to brush each tooth individually and intentionally mix up that routine. Talking about this is a great way to help them value their oral hygiene and take things into their own hands.

Share and Model the Experience

Parents often do a good job of showing their children how to brush their teeth when they are toddlers—but we often trust them to do it themselves as they get older. If it’s been a few years since you’ve co-brushed with your child, take the time to brush together every once in a while. Watching each other in the mirror, play “follow the leader” so your child has to copy your movements as you brush and floss your teeth.

Conduct a Random Weekly Audit

It can be hard to monitor your children’s oral hygiene routine in a busy household. If you can’t be there to watch your child brush his/her teeth every day, make a point to conduct an “audit” at least once a week. It’s easy: when you tuck your child in or kiss him goodnight, scratch your fingernail against a tooth, starting at the gum line and moving vertically as you scratch. If you wind up with a big glob of white goo (plaque) on your fingernail, that’s not a good sign. Tell you child that if you find plaque, they have to brush their teeth again. Most kids don’t want to get out of bed to brush their teeth again, so they will be more motivated to do a thorough job every night.

Bring Your Child to Six-Month Visits and Incentivize Good Results

It takes a lot of weight off of a parent’s shoulders when you let your dentist and hygienist do their jobs. When you bring your child in for regular oral health check-ups, you reduce the likelihood of your child getting cavities. You also make it possible to catch bad habits before they cause problems. At each visit we clean the teeth of calcified plaque, and can let you and your child know if there’s one part of the mouth they have been neglecting, for example.

Many parents incentivize good results at the dentist. Taking your child for a special treat, ice cream for example, can help him or her feel proud of their good oral hygiene. Just be sure to brush your teeth afterwards!

Do you need a children’s dentist, Duncan OK? Call Chisholm Trail Smile Center for an appointment with Dr. Matthew Bridges. Call us at 580-255-4880 for an appointment.

The post 5 Ways to Improve Your Kids’ Oral Hygiene appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Do you need a Bray dentist? Dr. Matthew Bridges serves the Duncan, Velma, and Bray, OK area and can help keep your family’s smiles healthy. Call us at (580) 255-4880 to make an appointment.

Fluoride Rinses

Fluoride not only helps neutralize bacteria, but it also makes tooth enamel stronger. Most dentists agree that exposure to fluoride toothpaste twice a day through brushing is adequate for strengthening the teeth. However, if you feel you are especially prone to getting cavities, it might not hurt to add a fluoride rinse to your routine. Not only will it make your teeth stronger, but it will help reduce plaque build-up, which leads to cavities. This can be helpful for children as well as adults.

If you do use a fluoride rinse, make sure you are using it correctly. A fluoride-containing rinse should be used after you brush the teeth, and you should not rinse with water afterward. In fact, you should watch the clock after using a fluoride rinse—to make sure you consume no food or beverages for at least 30 minutes. This lets the fluoride sit on the teeth longer and do its good work, undisturbed.

Antiseptic Rinses

If you’ve had problems with gingivitis or signs of gum disease, you may want to seek out an antiseptic rinse to help keep mouth bacteria in check. When swished vigorously, a rinse is capable of reaching spaces in the gingival tissues that brushing and flossing may miss.

A mouthwash that contains alcohol may sting and burn, but it does a pretty good job of killing bacteria and preventing the build-up of plaque. The most popular “strong” mouthwashes on the market contain a list of essential oils (menthol, thymol, eucalyptus, etc.) held together in an alcoholic base. There is some concern over alcohol-containing mouthwashes making you more susceptible to oral cancer. Alcohol irritates the soft tissues of the mouth, and irritation is the cause of oral cancer. However, most dentists feel that risk is pretty low and other risk factors (smoking, heavy drinking) are far more significant.

If you want to avoid the burn, look for a mouthwash with chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), or even triclosan. These mouthwashes may be labeled as antibacterial, antiseptic, or use other language to indicate their germ-fighting abilities.

Sensitive Mouth or Dry Mouth

If you suffer from dry mouth, an alcohol-containing rinse can make the situation worse, since alcohol dries out soft tissues. There are a number of “gentler” mouthwashes available for dry/sensitive mouths. The whole Biotene line caters to dry mouth, but other labels produce rinses that can protect and sooth a dry or sensitive mouth. Many of these products contain xylitol, which is an excellent ingredient to have in your oral care regimen. Xylitol is a form of natural sugar that not only doesn’t harm the teeth, but actually makes them more resistant to bacteria.

What’s in Your Rinse?

The bottom line is that there are many oral health rinses to choose from, so it pays to notice the ingredients and know how they affect your mouth environment. If you want a bacteria-fighting mouthwash, you have options to choose from (other than the kind that burns your mouth)!

Do you want to learn more about your family’s oral care products? Visit Chisholm Trail Smile Center! Bray dentist Dr. Matthew Bridges and his hygiene staff are an excellent source of information. Call us at (580) 255-4880 to make an appointment.

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