In general, it’s best to visit a dentist in Duncan, OK, every six months to avoid preventable issues. If it’s been a while since your last dental visit, it’s time to call Dr. Matthew L. Bridges at Chisholm Trail Smile Center. Just call (580) 255-4880 to schedule your check-up today!

Even if you visit the dentist regularly, you might encounter some issues before your next regularly scheduled appointment. So, in today’s blog, our Duncan dentist reveals six signs that a dental check-up is due.

1. You’re Experiencing Tooth Sensitivity

Have you ever felt a sharp twinge when sipping a hot cup of coffee or biting into an ice cream cone? Tooth sensitivity can indicate an issue like tooth decay or enamel erosion. 

While it might be tempting to brush it off, sensitivity is a clear sign that you need a dental check-up. Dr. Bridges can pinpoint the cause and offer solutions to make those pesky zingers disappear.

2. Bleeding Gums

If your gums turn bloody when you brush or floss, it’s time to take notice. Bleeding gums are often a symptom of gum disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious oral and systemic health problems, including cardiovascular and neurological damage. 

A dental check-up with Dr. Bridges allows our team to assess the health of your gums and provide treatment to keep your smile healthy and pain-free.

3. Persistent Bad Breath

Bad breath can be a sign of dental issues like gum disease, tooth decay, or even an infection. If you’re dealing with chronic bad breath despite your best brushing and flossing efforts, a dental check-up is the best way to figure out what’s causing it. Preventive dentistry can help tackle these problems before they escalate.

4. You Have a Toothache

A toothache can feel like a small annoyance, but it often signals a bigger problem. Whether it’s a cavity, infection, or a cracked tooth, a dental check-up is necessary to find the root cause. 

The sooner you address the toothache, the sooner you can get back to enjoying your day without pain. Remember, a toothache never solves itself – let Dr. Bridges help!

5. It’s Been More Than Six Months

Preventive care, including routine cleanings and exams, is the foundation of a healthy smile. So, if you can’t remember the last time you had a dental check-up, that’s a sign it’s time to schedule one! Regular dental visits every six months allow our Duncan dentist to catch small issues before they turn into major problems.

6. You Notice Changes in Your Mouth

Any unusual changes in your mouth, like sores, lumps, or color changes in your gums or tongue, warrant a dental check-up. Even if the issue doesn’t seem painful or urgent, Dr. Bridges can ensure everything’s in good shape and address any concerns before they become more serious.

Don’t Wait – Schedule Your Dental Check-Up in Duncan, OK, Today!

Your oral health plays a big role in your overall well-being, and scheduling regular dental check-ups is one of the best ways to keep everything in check. Give our general dentist in Duncan, OK, a call at (580) 255-4880 or contact Chisholm Trail Smile Center online to set up that all-important dental check-up today!

The post 6 Signs It’s Time to Schedule a Dental Check Up in Duncan, OK appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Continue reading to discover the science behind cavities and explore the factors that contribute to their formation.

The Anatomy of a Cavity: A Microscopic Journey

To understand caries, we must first zoom in on the microscopic level. Our mouths are home to various bacteria, some of which are beneficial, while others can wreak havoc on our teeth. Streptococcus mutans, in particular, is notorious for its role in tooth decay.

When we consume sugary or starchy foods, these bacteria feed on the remnants left on our teeth and produce acid as a byproduct. This acid, in turn, erodes the enamel—the protective outer layer of our teeth. Enamel is a hard, mineralized substance that shields the underlying dentin and pulp from harm. As the enamel weakens, tiny openings or cavities can form.

The Domino Effect: Factors Contributing to Caries Formation

While bacterial activity is a primary factor in cavity formation, several other elements come into play:

Dietary Habits

The types and frequency of foods we consume significantly impact cavity formation. Sugary and acidic foods create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Limiting the intake of such foods can help reduce the risk of cavities.

Oral Hygiene Practices

Inadequate brushing and flossing allow bacteria to accumulate on the teeth, leading to plaque formation. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, produces acids that contribute to enamel erosion.

Saliva Composition

Saliva plays a crucial role in neutralizing acids and maintaining a healthy oral environment. Factors such as dry mouth or reduced saliva production can increase susceptibility to cavities.

Genetic Predisposition

Genetics can influence the strength of your enamel and the overall health of your teeth. Some individuals may be more genetically predisposed to cavities, emphasizing the importance of personalized oral care.

Age and Hormonal Changes

Changes in oral health are often associated with different life stages. Children, for example, are more prone to caries as their enamel is still developing. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can also affect oral health.

Debunking Myths: Dispelling Common Misconceptions About Cavities

Despite the prevalence of cavities, numerous myths surround their causes and prevention. One common misconception is that only children get cavities. In reality, individuals of all ages can develop cavities, and factors such as diet and oral hygiene habits play a significant role.

Another myth is that only sugary foods cause cavities. While sugar is a major contributor, starchy foods also break down into sugars, providing fuel for bacteria. Maintaining a balanced diet and practicing good oral hygiene are key to preventing cavities.

Empowering Your Oral Health Journey in Duncan, OK

Understanding the basics of cavities empowers individuals to take control of their oral health. By adopting healthy habits, dispelling myths, and seeking regular dental care, you can significantly reduce the risk of cavities and maintain a bright, healthy smile. Remember, prevention is the key, and a little care today can go a long way in preserving your oral health for years to come.

The post Understanding the Basics: What Are Cavities and How Do They Form? appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

The post Dental Preventive Care for American Diabetes Month® appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

The post Your Guide to Brushing Like a Dentist appeared first on Chisholm Trail.

Visit Chisholm Trail Smile Center to experience modern laser dentistry first-hand. Dr. Matthew Bridges provides preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments in our Duncan OK dental clinic. Call (580) 255-4880 or contact us through our website to set up an appointment.

Quieter, More Precise Fillings

It’s a fact of life that most people will experience tooth decay that requires a filling at least once in their lives. If you’ve ever had a cavity filled with a traditional drill, you know it is noisy and causes vibrations you can feel deep in your bones. Many cases of dental anxiety stem from fear of the drill, in fact. In our office, we prefer to use a Waterlase laser tool for fillings, for two reasons. First, a laser tool is quieter and creates only the sensation of a soft pulse. The second benefit is the fact that the Waterlase laser is a more precise cutting tool. This allows us to preserve more of your natural tooth when removing decay and bacteria. It also means that many cavities that would have required a local anesthetic injection can now be completed with less sensitivity. Many patients are surprised when we tell them they won’t need an injection!

Laser-Based Periodontal Therapy

If you suffer from gum disease, you’ve probably had periodontal therapy appointments that left your gums sore and swollen for days. It’s not fun, but removing bacteria from below the gum line requires access to those spaces. In the past, dentists used metal tools to scrape and scale away bacteria, but today laser dentistry provides an equally effective solution. Lasers can be used to access the periodontal pockets and sanitize them more precisely. This means less rubbing against the gums, and less pain afterwards.

If you require gum surgery, a soft tissue laser can be used to cut and cauterize tissues. This technique is preferable to using a scalpel and suturing because it causes less bleeding, promotes faster healing, and causes less damage to the gingival tissues.

Efficient Diagnostic Tools

Another wonderful application of laser technology is the DIAGNOdent diagnostic tool. When conducting an oral exam in the past, we used metal tools to find spots of demineralized enamel on teeth. These “soft spots” tell us that a cavity may develop and help us deliver strengthening fluoride treatments where they are most needed. Today, we use a low frequency laser to illuminate the teeth. Soft spots become immediately visible and help us catch problem areas we may have missed in the past. DIAGNOdent can also help us identify gum disease symptoms more readily.

Lasers tools make oral cancer screening more efficient, as well. One laser-based tool scans the mouth to find thickened tissues that may indicate cancerous growth. Another laser tool can be used to gently remove a tissue sample for biopsy.

Laser Dentistry is Advanced Dentistry

When you seek care with Dr. Matthew Bridges, you ensure you are getting the most advanced, efficient dental care possible. Visit Chisholm Trail Smile Center to learn how laser dentistry can improve your family’s experiences at the dentist. Contact our Duncan OK dental office at 580-255-4880 for an appointment.

The post Laser Dentistry is Gentle and Efficient appeared first on Chisholm Trail.