Make Flossing A Priority, For Your Sake

Like "eat your vegetables," "no candy before dinner," and "wear your seatbelt," mom's advice to floss after brushing is often ignored when we become adults. However, just like it is with most of mom's advice, it turns out that mom had it right. The importance of flossing cannot be stressed enough. It's something that everyone should be doing.

While people today are more germ-conscious than ever before, they also place unprecedented faith in cleaning products to remove these germs. The urban legend that mouthwash is more effective than flossing at killing the germs in your mouth is simply not true. This misinformation sells mouthwash, but downplays an important step in oral hygiene.

Mouthwash does not clean the deep crevices between your teeth nearly as effectively as flossing does. Have you ever gotten a big chunk of food wedged between two teeth? Odds are, you reached for a toothpick or a piece of floss to remove it. You probably did not swish a mouthful of liquid around in your mouth to try to get it out. That's because the swishing method would not work nearly as well as the dental floss at removing the food that is stuck between your teeth. If floss is more effective than mouthwash at removing the stuff you can see, guess which one works better on the stuff you can't see. 

Nothing cleans the spaces between your teeth better than good old-fashioned flossing. Using mouthwash alone to get your teeth clean is about as effective as dipping a greasy pan in hand sanitizer. A good dental hygiene routine combines brushing, flossing, and mouthwash for an effective, well-rounded clean. Flossing allows a bigger portion of your teeth to be exposed to the cleaning power of your toothpaste and mouthwash. So flossing is not only good by itself, it helps brushing do a better job of cleaning your teeth as well. 

If you are already brushing your teeth and using mouthwash daily (I really hope you are), then flossing will only take an extra minute. However, it will make your entire dental routine a lot more effective. A healthy mouth is definitely worth an extra minute a day.

Don't forget to schedule appointments to see a dentist regularly as well. If you're in Oklahoma City, you should consider coming to Classen Family Dentistry and visiting Dr. Tim Kirby. He has become a trusted dentist in OKC and welcomes the entire family.

You can find him and his wonderful staff online at http://classenfamilydentistry.com/

Struggling with Sensitive Teeth?

Sensitive teeth can be a real problem; especially if you enjoy foods like ice cream, pop, watermelon or a nice chocolate sundae. However, there are certain toothpastes that can reduce tooth sensitivity such as Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief or Sensodyne. Both give effective and temporary relief from hot and cold food and drinks. 

Arm and Hammer Sensitive is another toothpaste that protects your teeth from hot or cold sensitivity. Crest Sensitivity is another toothpaste that helps with sensitive teeth. This sensitive toothpaste is affordable and effective. Of course, having a quality and caring dentist can also help because he or she can examine your teeth and advise you on all kinds of dental needs and concerns and show the best ways to keep your teeth clean and free of decay. 

In addition, there are things you can do to avoid hot and cold sensitivity to your teeth such as not eating certain foods such as oranges, lemons and tomatoes. They are rich in acids—acids that irritate sensitive teeth. Also, lower your intake of coffee and tea. The acid in coffee and tea can also irritate teeth that are sensitive. However, bananas are rich in potassium and can give some relief to sensitive teeth. When using toothpaste, look for toothpaste and rinses that have fluoride in them. Fluoride not only helps prevent decay but also helps with sensitive teeth. 

Use the right tools

It is important to note that using a soft-bristled toothbrush can also help with sensitive teeth. Hard toothbrushes can aggravate gums and that can sometimes lead to pain and receding gums. Most dentists agree that proper brushing can help with sensitive teeth. By brushing in a circular motion, instead of a back and forth motion, you can also lessen the abrasion of your teeth. Rinsing with warm water instead of cool water after brushing your teeth, can also lessen sensitivity of the teeth.

To conclude, there are many methods and means that can help if you have sensitive teeth such as: not eating certain foods such as oranges and tomatoes, using a softer toothbrush, rinsing with warm water instead of cold and talking with your dentist or hygienist about tooth sensitivity.

Sensitive teeth aren't any fun and can be the signals of greater issues. If it seems that your teeth are becoming more sensitive then you might be struggling with a cavity. Don't wait to have this examined. 

If you're in the Oklahoma City area, then Dr. Tim Kirby is a respected dentist. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about your sensitive teeth and how you can find relief. Trust Dr. Kirby as your dentist in Oklahoma City - http://classenfamilydentistry.com/

Don't Neglect the Floss

Everyone is in such a hurry these days. It seems as if there are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done that must be done. However, many dentists and dental hygienists are very concerned about the health of children and adults, as well. In their hurry to get everything done, they oftentimes forget to do one very important thing right before they brush. Too many times they forget to floss!

Many people ask why they should floss. They simply do not see the importance of doing something so small. Many say that they brush their teeth so well that they do not need to floss. Many more simply forget. But it is important! It is not simply a matter of vanity in order to have a more perfect smile. In fact, flossing can be the difference between life and death. 

When a person eats, bits of food can become stuck between the teeth. If not removed, these bits turn into plaque. Recent studies have shown a strong correlation between people who have gum disease who also have heart attacks. For this reason alone, it is extremely important to floss regularly. In addition, those who do not floss are more likely to have periodontal disease, which must be treated by a dentist. Recent studies have also shown a strong correlation between pregnant women with periodontal disease and premature births. Also, if the plaque is allowed to sit long enough, it can turn into tarter. At this point, the person must go see his dentist to have it removed.

Flossing may seem trivial but it is one of the most important things a person can do, not only for his teeth, but for his whole body, as well. It may seem like a difficult thing to remember to do every day, but it needs to become a habit. If a person has gone to bed and then remembered that he did not floss, he should immediately get up and floss his teeth. This act will serve as a reminder for him to floss the next day. So make flossing part of the everyday routine. It is a small thing that has a big impact!

Part of maintaining your overall health is taking care of your dental health. Flossing is a major part of your dental health. If you do struggle with dental health in the Oklahoma City area, then make time to visit Dr. Tim Kirby at Classen Family Dentistry. 

Dr. Kirby is a trusted dentist in Oklahoma City, so don't hesitate to schedule an appointment if you really need help - http://classenfamilydentistry.com/

Take Care of that Toothache

When you are stricken with a toothache you might be shocked at the severity of the pain you can experience. The pain can begin in the mouth and may spread into the jaw and also your face. Because your mouth is a highly sensitive area, you will most likely experience a lot of pain before figuring out how to get rid of the toothache.

Use OTC or over-the-counter medication for pain. The first technique to gain relief should include purchasing ibuprofen or maybe acetaminophen. It is recommended that you take it every 4 to 6 hours. 

Be careful what you eat. Any foods that are hot or cold will most likely cause the pain to worsen. Avoid eating these type of foods to avoid the pain.

Make use of an herbal remedy. A lot of people who suffer from toothaches have found that clove oil is a really effective pain reliever for toothaches. 

Try numbing the area. If you have a toothache that is centralized to only one area of your mouth, put a tiny amount of Orajel in that direct area. Orajel can also be purchased over the counter. 

Try placing a cold pack next to where you feel pain. A lot of people use this method to reduce swelling during toothaches. Swelling actually worsens the pain during a toothache. Using a cold pack will help the swelling go down and possibly reduce or could even relieve the pain altogether.

Use a warm water and salt rinse. This is a home remedy that has been used for many, many years. Depending on how bad the tooth or the pain is, using this remedy could help. It is often used to get rid of the tenderness around the affected tooth and can also help to relieve swelling. It is also known to make the gum around the tooth course and is only a temporary method to relieve pain. 

Make an appointment with Classen Family Dentistry in Oklahoma City. It may be necessary to go through a dental procedure to relieve pain. It's possible that you could need your tooth extracted, filling or a root canal. Dr. Tim Kirby will locate the cause of your pain and treat any underlying problems.

We are your trusted dentist in OKC: http://classenfamilydentistry.com/

Emergency Dental Care in Oklahoma City

Many things can you done in order to prevent damage, injury or further injury to a tooth. A very useful way to prevent injury from occurring to a tooth, or any features of the mouth would be to wear protection a mask or mouth guard while actively performing in sports that have a high risk for injuries. Chewing any hard substances such as candy, ice, or even popcorn kernel can all crack a tooth. Also, try using scissors to cut tape instead of your teeth.

When an injury does happen, knowing where to go for emergency dental care means all the difference when losing a tooth and saving them.

Tim Kirby of Classen Family Dentistry will take time out of his day to tend to emergency patients. Call Time and his staff and give all the information that you can about your situation. Naturally, pain is the body’s way of telling your brain that something is most definitely wrong and cannot be solved by ignoring it. Other alternative’s when you have little to no dental insurance is to ask a dentist whether or not the practice has any convenience besides monthly payments. Credit options will be available after submitting an application, then you can get the emergency care you need.

In the case you have broken your tooth, you should immediately wash your mouth out with water, this will clean the area where your tooth once was. Use a cold object such as a ice to reduce the swelling. Afterwards contact a dentist.

If you have a knocked out tooth that is dirty, wash of the root of the tooth by holding it by the crown while rinsing it with clean water. As gently as possible, insert the tooth back into the socket it came out of. If you can’t do that, place the tooth a cup full of milk then rush to a dentist as fast as you can. As panicked as you might be, do not forget the tooth, take it with you. 

For toothaches, simply rinse your mouth out with water. Then floss to make sure there is nothing caught in between your teeth. Did not put any painkillers on tooth or gums. If the pain continues, you should contact a dentist.

Contact Classen Family Dentistry for emergency dental care in Oklahoma City. 

Take A Tip For Your Teeth

Someone in our family has yelled at us to brush our teeth at some point in life. Whether it was a mom, dad or grandparent, we’ve been instructed to brush our teeth daily. For most, it’s routine in the morning and evening, and for others who are more obsessed, it occurs after each meal (which isn’t a bad habit). However, just having the routine of brushing twice a day isn’t enough to know for good, oral health. You need to know more.

Let’s cover several tips about brushing and flossing so you can increase your oral health, avoid those horrid cavities and maintain overall health. Here they are:

• When you brush in the morning and evening, don’t rush the process. I typically fly through my brushing routine so I can either get out the door or get into bed, but I’ve been told this isn’t good for my gums or teeth. Slow down, be gentle and pay attention.
• Check your toothbrush. Is it worn out? How long have you been using it? Go ahead and toss that toothbrush out if you can’t remember when you last replaced it. Always have a good toothbrush handy.
• It’s all about technique, which goes back to the issue of time—if you are moving too fast then you won’t have good technique. Brush at an angle and don’t brush too hard. If you do, you’ll irritate your gums and you don’t want to do that.
• When you finish brushing, place your toothbrush in a clean area without cover. Covering your toothbrush can lead to a buildup of bacteria and make you sick over time. No one wants to be sick, so just leave that toothbrush in the open to dry.
• Hate to floss? I do, but it’s extremely necessary. I used to get cavities all the time and had to have them filled every time I visited the dentist. Then I started flossing and I don’t have cavities. It works.
• Make flossing easier by picking up some flossing picks at a local store. Flossing picks (or whatever they are named) are incredibly easy to use and don’t require long strands of floss wrapped around your fingers to floss. Find them and buy them. They will encourage you to floss because they’re so easy to use.

So, do you understand what you need to do? I hope so. Then go forth, take these tips and remember to slow down, brush gently, and floss as much as possible. Keeping your oral health in good shape will keep your overall health where it needs to be. Your health is all connected, so don’t let one portion be neglected. And if you need more advice and help, contact a dentist. 

Dental Health Affects Overall Health

Oftentimes, we don’t think about all of the things that affect our health. Sometimes things that seem small have a profound affect on us, and we just simply over look them. Oral health and dental care seem to be one of those seemingly small things that people often ignore. Yet, think about this for a minute – everything you eat, all of your nutrition, enters your body through your mouth. It is crucial to keep your mouth healthy, so you can keep your body healthy.

It is important to find a good dentist to help you keep your mouth healthy. A dentist can help identify little problems before they become big problems. Plus, it’s always easier and much less painful to take care of a small cavity than to repair an entirely rotten tooth. Not to mention, preventative dentistry can keep you from getting even a small cavity.

Serious infections can result from rotten and infected teeth. When the infection in a tooth begins spreading into your jaw, and possibly your blood stream, you can be in for some real trouble. Not only is this spread of infection exceptionally painful, it is also very dangerous. Yet, this is not the only problem that occurs from poor dental health.

If your teeth are hurting you, you are less likely to chew your food well, or eat as balanced of a diet. When you don’t chew your food well, you miss out on important nutrients that keep the rest of your body strong and healthy. Limiting your diet to a few soft foods also limits the nutrients you are getting, which leads to the deterioration of your health.

Not caring properly for your mouth, including your teeth and gums, can complicate other health conditions. Diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions can be made worse by neglecting to care for your oral health. Seeking the help and care of a good dentist is a valuable resource in maintaining good oral health.

People often think of dentistry as being scary. These days, dentists have many different ways to help people over come their fears. Some dentists even practice sedation dentistry, which allows the patient to rest comfortably during their procedure and not feel the fear or anxiety that dentistry can provoke.

Another common thought about dentistry is that it is for people who already have a problem. Some people think the only time to go to the dentist is when their tooth aches so bad it keeps them awake at night or makes it hard to eat. This is not the case. Maintaining good oral health requires regular check ups and maintenance care so that problems don’t arise. It is much easier, and less painful, to prevent oral health problems and tooth decay than it is to repair it once it has occurred.