Your dental health is more important than just having a pearly white
smile. Medical studies show a correlation between a person's dental
health and their overall health. For example, those with gum disease
have a greater risk of developing more serious issues later on, such as
heart disease and stroke. With evidence like that, it's necessary to
have teeth cleaning in Oklahoma quite often.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Dental Emergencies and Dental Care in Oklahoma City
Whenever you have any type
of dental emergency it is important that you contact a local dentist as soon as
possible. There are situations however where you cannot get to a dental office
immediately. You may be unable to travel or the office may be closed during a
holiday or weekend. Here are ways to deal with a dental emergency until you can
get yourself over to the dentist office.
Dealing With a Toothache
When you experience the initial signs of a toothache it is important to rinse your mouth with warm water and a pinch of salt. Rinsing and flossing may remove a piece of food that is lodged in your teeth causing the discomfort. When swelling appears, be sure to apply a cold compress on your cheek or mouth. Contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Dealing With a Broken Tooth
When you break or chip a tooth, try to save the broken piece if possible. Fill a glass with warm water and a dash of salt and rinse that side of the mouth. When there is excessive bleeding you can apply gauze to the area and apply pressure. The bleeding should stop after ten minutes of applying pressure. To keep the swelling down apply a cold compress to the cheek or area as close to the broken tooth as possible. Contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Dealing With a Knocked Out Tooth
It is very important to retrieve the tooth and rinse it off with warm water. Time is of the essence here, so try to reinsert the tooth in the socket if you can. If you feel you are forcing the tooth back in then simply place it in a cup of milk or water. Getting to a dentist as soon as possible is vital because a dentist can successfully return a tooth to the socket if they are seen within one hour of the incident.
Dealing With a Missing Filling
This is not considered a dental emergency of sorts, however it does not mean you should neglect the issue. For a temporary fix you can insert a piece of sugarless gum into the opening in your tooth to keep debris from getting in their and aggravating the exposed nerve endings. Contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Dealing With a Toothache
When you experience the initial signs of a toothache it is important to rinse your mouth with warm water and a pinch of salt. Rinsing and flossing may remove a piece of food that is lodged in your teeth causing the discomfort. When swelling appears, be sure to apply a cold compress on your cheek or mouth. Contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Dealing With a Broken Tooth
When you break or chip a tooth, try to save the broken piece if possible. Fill a glass with warm water and a dash of salt and rinse that side of the mouth. When there is excessive bleeding you can apply gauze to the area and apply pressure. The bleeding should stop after ten minutes of applying pressure. To keep the swelling down apply a cold compress to the cheek or area as close to the broken tooth as possible. Contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Dealing With a Knocked Out Tooth
It is very important to retrieve the tooth and rinse it off with warm water. Time is of the essence here, so try to reinsert the tooth in the socket if you can. If you feel you are forcing the tooth back in then simply place it in a cup of milk or water. Getting to a dentist as soon as possible is vital because a dentist can successfully return a tooth to the socket if they are seen within one hour of the incident.
Dealing With a Missing Filling
This is not considered a dental emergency of sorts, however it does not mean you should neglect the issue. For a temporary fix you can insert a piece of sugarless gum into the opening in your tooth to keep debris from getting in their and aggravating the exposed nerve endings. Contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Emergencies are just that,
they are unexpected. If you need emergency
dental care in Oklahoma City, then consider going to Dr. Tim Kirby and his
clinic—Classen Family Dentistry.
Dr. Kirby and his staff
will address your emergency with immediate care and gentleness. You will be
evaluated, any immediate treatment that can be done will be completed, and then
you will be provided with information regarding recovery and any additional
treatment.
Learn more about dental
emergency care in OKC at: http://classenfamilydentistry.com/
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Pay Attention to Your Brushing Technique
How long should you brush?
The proper technique for brushing your teeth should take at least two minutes. I recommend using a stopwatch or just watching the clock to make sure. Under brushing is a very common problem that leads to many dental issues, even when people think that they are caring for their teeth properly.
What kind of brush should you use?
First, make sure that you select the right toothbrush for you. Soft bristled brushes with smaller heads reach back teeth more easily. Many dentists prefer the soft or medium bristles because they are easier on your gums. For those with limited manual dexterity, an electric toothbrush works great. However, whenever possible, use a manual tooth brush because it allows for much more variety in brush strokes.
You should replace your toothbrush as soon as you begin to see wear. Even if your toothbrush looks good, you should get a new one every three months. Also, you should throw away any toothbrushes that you use while you have a cold or flu. The bacteria and viruses from illnesses can re-infect you if you continue putting them in your mouth.
What is the right toothpaste?
Toothpaste choice is important as well. Many different toothpastes are designed for specific conditions such as gingivitis, gum disease, cavities, weakening enamel, and tartar buildup. Finding the right toothpaste can be difficult but not impossible. Toothpastes with baking soda are good for tooth whitening.
What is a good process for brushing?
Make sure to clean each section of your mouth thoroughly, about 30 seconds each.
Start with the outer surfaces of your upper teeth then move on to the lower. Next, brush the inner surfaces of the upper teeth. Now you should scrub the tops of your teeth where you do most of your chewing. Finally, Brush your tongue to clear away bacteria and have fresher breath. That's it. It's that easy.
If you’re still wondering about technique or specifics about what to use for your mouth particularly, then you need to consult a dentist. If you live in Oklahoma City, consider Dr. Tim Kirby at Classen Family Dentistry.
The proper technique for brushing your teeth should take at least two minutes. I recommend using a stopwatch or just watching the clock to make sure. Under brushing is a very common problem that leads to many dental issues, even when people think that they are caring for their teeth properly.
What kind of brush should you use?
First, make sure that you select the right toothbrush for you. Soft bristled brushes with smaller heads reach back teeth more easily. Many dentists prefer the soft or medium bristles because they are easier on your gums. For those with limited manual dexterity, an electric toothbrush works great. However, whenever possible, use a manual tooth brush because it allows for much more variety in brush strokes.
You should replace your toothbrush as soon as you begin to see wear. Even if your toothbrush looks good, you should get a new one every three months. Also, you should throw away any toothbrushes that you use while you have a cold or flu. The bacteria and viruses from illnesses can re-infect you if you continue putting them in your mouth.
What is the right toothpaste?
Toothpaste choice is important as well. Many different toothpastes are designed for specific conditions such as gingivitis, gum disease, cavities, weakening enamel, and tartar buildup. Finding the right toothpaste can be difficult but not impossible. Toothpastes with baking soda are good for tooth whitening.
What is a good process for brushing?
Make sure to clean each section of your mouth thoroughly, about 30 seconds each.
Start with the outer surfaces of your upper teeth then move on to the lower. Next, brush the inner surfaces of the upper teeth. Now you should scrub the tops of your teeth where you do most of your chewing. Finally, Brush your tongue to clear away bacteria and have fresher breath. That's it. It's that easy.
If you’re still wondering about technique or specifics about what to use for your mouth particularly, then you need to consult a dentist. If you live in Oklahoma City, consider Dr. Tim Kirby at Classen Family Dentistry.
Dr. Tim Kirby is a trusted dentist with a family dentistry in Oklahoma City. Bring the entire family to one place and receive the dental care you need. Learn more online at http://classenfamilydentistry.com/
Monday, September 23, 2013
When To Take Your Child to the Dentist - Dentist Oklahoma City
There are many reasons to start dental visits early, but how early is the question? One important reason is to prevent future fears of the dentist's chair. Being afraid of going to the dentist is a fairly common occurrence among adults, sometimes bordering on an actual phobia. Fear can turn a routine visit into an absolute nightmare, making it very hard to maintain good dental health. If possible, a baby should accompany mom and dad to their dental check ups. Watching the parents allow the dentist to look inside their mouths on a regular basis will help baby to think of it as a normal thing. He or she will be much more likely to feel comfortable opening his or her mouth for a check up after months of observing.
Opinions vary about exactly when a child needs to see the dentist for the first time. Around one year is the earliest that is usually recommended, with three or four years old being the latest. It has a lot to do with the maturity of the child and his or her ability to cooperate.
Starting dental visits early is crucial to ensuring good dental health for your child. Twenty percent of children get at least one cavity by the time they are five years old. Cavities can cause early loss of baby teeth, which can result in spacing problems with other teeth, speech issues and trouble chewing food properly. Also, cavities hurt - something nobody wants for their child.
Some children have a situation where the enamel doesn't develop on their baby teeth as they form, causing almost immediate cavities to develop. In this case, obviously, they would need to see a dentist earlier than usual as fillings will be necessary.
Choosing the right dentist for your child is very important as his early experience will affect his reaction to dentists for the rest of his or her life. It's not necessary that they specialize in pediatric dentistry, just that they have an understanding of how children think and can relate to them in such a way that puts them at ease. The same criteria applies to the rest of the staff that he or she will come in contact with during visits. There should be a kid friendly atmosphere throughout the office, making the whole experience of being there a pleasant one.
Opinions vary about exactly when a child needs to see the dentist for the first time. Around one year is the earliest that is usually recommended, with three or four years old being the latest. It has a lot to do with the maturity of the child and his or her ability to cooperate.
Starting dental visits early is crucial to ensuring good dental health for your child. Twenty percent of children get at least one cavity by the time they are five years old. Cavities can cause early loss of baby teeth, which can result in spacing problems with other teeth, speech issues and trouble chewing food properly. Also, cavities hurt - something nobody wants for their child.
Some children have a situation where the enamel doesn't develop on their baby teeth as they form, causing almost immediate cavities to develop. In this case, obviously, they would need to see a dentist earlier than usual as fillings will be necessary.
Choosing the right dentist for your child is very important as his early experience will affect his reaction to dentists for the rest of his or her life. It's not necessary that they specialize in pediatric dentistry, just that they have an understanding of how children think and can relate to them in such a way that puts them at ease. The same criteria applies to the rest of the staff that he or she will come in contact with during visits. There should be a kid friendly atmosphere throughout the office, making the whole experience of being there a pleasant one.
At Classen Family Dentistry in Oklahoma City, Dr. Tim Kirby and his staff make the dentist office as comfortable as possible for children. Dr. Kirby is not a pediatric dentist, but welcomes them any day the office is open. Parents are encouraged to bring their little ones along for a visit. You can trust Dr. Kirby to be patient and caring with your children.
For a superb dentist in Oklahoma City, go online to http://classenfamilydentistry.com/ and learn more about Dr. Kirby and his practice.
Monday, September 2, 2013
We Should All Floss More Often - Oklahoma City Dentist
Flossing is one of the best and the easiest things one can do for maintaining good oral health. According to some estimates, around 83 percent of people do not floss. All these are good reasons to heed to the warning by the dentists.
It’s important to first understand what would happen if you don’t floss on a regular basis. The bacteria from the food may get trapped in-between your teeth. This may form plaque, which is a sticky substance made of mucus, food debris and bacteria. Plaque can be fairly easily removed, but over time, it can turn into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. If it is not removed, it may contribute to cavities and tooth decay.
The worst consequence of not flossing your teeth is periodontal disease. If it’s left untreated, it may result in gingivitis, where your gums may become tender and may start bleeding with even mild brushing. Another consequence of periodontal disease is your increased susceptibility to heart disease. Many studies in the past have shown that risk of heart disease doubles in people with periodontal diseases.
An non-flossed mouth is full of fecal matter, bacteria and rotten food. The consequences of bacteria is bad breath (halitosis). Aside from being a social faux pas, your foul smell breath can keep you from getting a good job or for making social connections. There are many positive sounding reasons for flossing as well. It also acts as a fountain of youth, as it helps in maintaining your mouth. It keeps your lower third of face vibrant and healthy.
Choosing the right floss is key to a good oral hygiene. Floss is made using Teflon or nylon. Both of them are equally effective. All those who have large spaces between their teeth should opt for flat, wide dental floss. People with smaller spaces in-between their teeth can do well with a thinner floss. In any case, you must ensure that floss is strong.
Once you establish flossing as a habit, you should follow the correct technique. Use about 14-18 inches of floss and warp it around your teeth in the shape of C. Don’t worry about some blood. This is simply due to inflammation, but will be reversed about few days of regular flossing. Brushing and flossing should be part of your daily routine. Just like it’s important to do regular exercise and heat healthy food, it’s important to maintain good oral health.
It’s important to first understand what would happen if you don’t floss on a regular basis. The bacteria from the food may get trapped in-between your teeth. This may form plaque, which is a sticky substance made of mucus, food debris and bacteria. Plaque can be fairly easily removed, but over time, it can turn into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. If it is not removed, it may contribute to cavities and tooth decay.
The worst consequence of not flossing your teeth is periodontal disease. If it’s left untreated, it may result in gingivitis, where your gums may become tender and may start bleeding with even mild brushing. Another consequence of periodontal disease is your increased susceptibility to heart disease. Many studies in the past have shown that risk of heart disease doubles in people with periodontal diseases.
An non-flossed mouth is full of fecal matter, bacteria and rotten food. The consequences of bacteria is bad breath (halitosis). Aside from being a social faux pas, your foul smell breath can keep you from getting a good job or for making social connections. There are many positive sounding reasons for flossing as well. It also acts as a fountain of youth, as it helps in maintaining your mouth. It keeps your lower third of face vibrant and healthy.
Choosing the right floss is key to a good oral hygiene. Floss is made using Teflon or nylon. Both of them are equally effective. All those who have large spaces between their teeth should opt for flat, wide dental floss. People with smaller spaces in-between their teeth can do well with a thinner floss. In any case, you must ensure that floss is strong.
Once you establish flossing as a habit, you should follow the correct technique. Use about 14-18 inches of floss and warp it around your teeth in the shape of C. Don’t worry about some blood. This is simply due to inflammation, but will be reversed about few days of regular flossing. Brushing and flossing should be part of your daily routine. Just like it’s important to do regular exercise and heat healthy food, it’s important to maintain good oral health.
Dr. Tim Kirby encourages all of his patients to take care of their oral health by flossing. This is the key, along with brushing, to having a healthy smile. Don't forget to floss next time you go to bed - it might just save your health.
Dr. Kirby is a trusted Oklahoma City dentist and practices at Classen Family Dentistry. Bring your whole family and let Dr. Kirby take care of your dental health: http://classenfamilydentistry.com/
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Avoid Cavities - See a Dentist in OKC
Getting cavities is something that everyone always tries to avoid. It is when part of the tooth starts to decay and it can spread throughout the entire tooth. In order to stop this, dentists fill the area that is decaying to stop it completely. However, if oral hygiene is not right, many of these cavities can start ruining the whole mouth. In order to avoid cavities there are some simple steps that can be repeatedly daily. These steps will not take more than 5 minutes a day to complete, so it is crucial to have this routine down.
Brush the Day Away
The first step to avoiding cavities is something that the dentist will tell their patients every time they come to visit: brush your teeth. Not just once, but twice a day because bacteria can build up on the teeth in just a few hours. It is important to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride as well since this is a very powerful cleaning agent. This will eliminate the bacteria from the visible areas of the teeth and leave it feeling fresh. Then it is important to floss your teeth at least once a day. The crevices between your teeth are just as susceptible to cavities as any other areas and need to be treated the same. Food debris gets stuck in teeth and it may lead to cavities if it is not flossed out.
Watch What You Eat
The next step is to avoid eating bad foods that deteriorate the linings of the teeth. Avoid sugar filled items as much as possible as the acidic nature will slowly erode at the teeth and make it easier for a cavity to start. Switching to a nutritional diet can not only help out the teeth but also the rest of the body. Also try chewing sugarless gum if you have to chew gum. This will limit the amount of contact the teeth have with sugar.
The most important part of keeping up with good oral hygiene is to visit an OKC dentist regularly. Visit the dentist every 6 months and they will be able to detect cavities at an early stage and deal with them immediately before they get worse.
The most important part of keeping up with good oral hygiene is to visit an OKC dentist regularly. Visit the dentist every 6 months and they will be able to detect cavities at an early stage and deal with them immediately before they get worse.
Here at Classen Family Dentistry in Oklahoma City, we make sure our patients are guarded against cavities and have much information and knowledge about how to avoid them. We want your teeth healthy!
Trust Dr. Kirby with your teeth and keep them shining for years to come. Find Classen Family Dentistry online by going to http://classenfamilydentistry.com/
Friday, August 2, 2013
Should you purchase dental insurance or not?
When it comes to insurance, it is always a good idea to have it, no matter how often you go in and see the doctor. However, the dentist is different, and is something that you need to consider if it is actually worth opting in for the dental insurance over not having it. There are pros and cons to both, so make sure to look over all areas before you make your final decision.
The pros of having dental insurance are that you don't have to worry about paying the high prices of seeing the dentist. This is especially important if you plan on receiving braces, need a tooth removed, a new crown or other aspects and services that a dentist provides. All of these become incredibly expensive and are areas you should cover with insurance. The insurance is also going to allow you to go see the dentist more often, which is always good, because many individuals put off going to the dentist, leading to further problems with their teeth and mouths.
On the other side, if you are not able to afford the dentist then you probably don't want to pay for insurance. While seeing the dentist twice a year is important, if you take exceptional care of your teeth and don't have any cavities, it might be less expensive to just see the dentist for the checkup and not pay for insurance. It is something you need to consider as this does add up quickly every single month.
When it comes to purchasing dental insurance, you need to determine what is going to work best for you and your family. If you plan on, or are open to the possibility of different procedures taking place inside the dentist office, you need to figure out what is going to work for you and if you can afford this without insurance. Insurance is going to cover these features and save you money, but only if these services are required. If not, you might just be better off taking exceptionally good care of your teeth and avoiding the needed insurance and seeing the dentist every two years. This basically is a personal decision and one you need to make on your own.
The pros of having dental insurance are that you don't have to worry about paying the high prices of seeing the dentist. This is especially important if you plan on receiving braces, need a tooth removed, a new crown or other aspects and services that a dentist provides. All of these become incredibly expensive and are areas you should cover with insurance. The insurance is also going to allow you to go see the dentist more often, which is always good, because many individuals put off going to the dentist, leading to further problems with their teeth and mouths.
On the other side, if you are not able to afford the dentist then you probably don't want to pay for insurance. While seeing the dentist twice a year is important, if you take exceptional care of your teeth and don't have any cavities, it might be less expensive to just see the dentist for the checkup and not pay for insurance. It is something you need to consider as this does add up quickly every single month.
When it comes to purchasing dental insurance, you need to determine what is going to work best for you and your family. If you plan on, or are open to the possibility of different procedures taking place inside the dentist office, you need to figure out what is going to work for you and if you can afford this without insurance. Insurance is going to cover these features and save you money, but only if these services are required. If not, you might just be better off taking exceptionally good care of your teeth and avoiding the needed insurance and seeing the dentist every two years. This basically is a personal decision and one you need to make on your own.
Whether you have dental insurance or not, Classen Family Dentistry will help you maintain good oral health. Dr. Kirby is dedicated to helping his patients achieve the best dental health in Oklahoma City.
For a trusted dentist in Oklahoma City, select Dr. Kirby for yourself and your family. You can learn more about Dr. Kirby and Classen Family Dentistry at classenfamilydentistry.com
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