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.

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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 L. Bridges offers treatments in restorative, cosmetic, and children’s dentistry at one of the oldest practices in Duncan, OK. As a general dentist, Dr. Bridges can ensure your whole family has quality dental care from routine cleanings and fillings, to dental crowns, implants, and veneers. Call and schedule your appointment at 580-255-4880.

Your Toothbrush

Choosing the right toothbrush makes a big difference in how effective your daily brushings are. The American Dental Association recommends using soft-bristled toothbrushes, as they are gentler on your teeth and gums. Make sure that the toothbrush you choose feels comfortable to you and can reach your third molars in the very back of your mouth. Once you find the right brush, stock up: a good rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush every season (or about every 3-4 months). Always replace sooner if the bristles become frayed or bent. Electric toothbrushes are a popular option with many patients and can make brushing easier, resulting in more plaque removal. However, traditional brushes can work just as well with proper technique and brushing frequencies.

Proper Technique

Always use short, soft strokes, and position your brush at a 45-degree angle, tilted toward your gum line. Plaque is easily removed with a gentle brushing – don’t push so hard you flatten the brush’s bristles against your teeth. Focus on brushing along the gum line, where plaque tends to accumulate. Pay close attention to reaching the second and third molars and the rear of your front teeth—two areas that are frequently missed. It’s generally best practice to brush the outside and inside surfaces of your top teeth, before moving to the outside and inside surfaces of your bottom teeth. Finish by brushing the chewing surfaces of each tooth and the top of the tongue.

Duration and Frequency

You probably know that the American Dental Association recommends brushing at least two times a day — once in the morning, and once at night, preferably after meals. But they also recommend each brushing session last two minutes. Many patients fail to brush for the entire two minutes. Put your routine to the test by timing your next brushing. If you find your normal routine is cutting it short, continue timing each brushing until two minutes becomes second nature.

Complete your daily oral care by flossing after one brushing each day. And for even more plaque-fighting protection, choose a fluoride-enhanced mouthwash to strengthen and build enamel.

Contact Us

Proper daily brushings are the foundation of a healthy smile, but so are routine cleanings with a general dentist. If it’s been six months or more since your last cleaning, give us a call! You can reach a member of our staff at Chisolm Trail Smile Center by calling 580-255-4880.

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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.

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