How to Teach Children to Brush Their Teeth

As kids grow older, they become responsible for taking care of their bodies—and smiles! However, many parents are familiar with the pickiness associated with when and how their children want to express their independence. The following tips can help with teaching a child to keep up with daily tooth brushing.

Make It Entertaining

If they feel like they're being nagged, children will consider brushing their teeth a chore—especially since it's associated with their least favorite activities: going to school and bedtime. Creating a game out of a tooth brushing routine will take the hassle out of the process and can even offer an opportunity to spend quality time together as a family while avoiding cavities. Cranking up some music (try finding a song that is over two minutes) instead of setting a timer will help with ensuring that the teeth are being thoroughly cleaned without feeling the need to closely supervise. As a bonus, playing music will make the time fly by.

Shop Together

Taking children along for the ride to buy their toothbrush will make them feel like their choice is important and will encourage them to start brushing without assistance. Let them pick out their toothbrush, but try to find a selection that includes their favorite colors and characters to keep them excited about going home to brush their teeth after dinner.

Stick to a Routine

Try to make toothbrush time a natural part of the day. When there's a lapse in the normal schedule, like a vacation, the normal routine can get off track. No matter what, be sure to make time to brush teeth as a family before everyone goes to bed and before or after breakfast in the morning. The more normal it feels, the more likely children are going to be used to brushing twice a day for at least two minutes, which will help them keep their smiles healthy on their own in between regular cleanings.

Keeping a healthy smile is easy with Storts Family Dentistry. Whether you're a new patient seeking a trusted dentist or you need emergency dental services, rest assured that you and your family will be accommodated by experienced dental professionals. Schedule an appointment at one of our three locations in Oklahoma for complete oral care.

The Differences Between At-home and In-office Teeth Whitening

Patients often whiten their teeth to improve the appearance of their smile and build extra confidence. This process involves applying teeth bleaching agents to remove stains and discolorations and can either be done at home or in a dentist's office. Brush up on these main differences between each option before beginning any teeth whitening.

Teeth Whitening at Home

The options for teeth whitening at home are popular due to being cheaper than having it done professionally. Teeth whitening kits can be purchased along with a custom tray fit specifically for that person's mouth and designed in such a way that the whitening gel will not come in contact with the gums. The at-home gel contains a smaller amount of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide responsible for whitening, making it a slower process than in-office, although it does achieve similar results. However, custom teeth whitening trays are long-lasting, and patients can purchase refill whitening gel, lowering the cost even more.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

This process, recommended by the American Dental Association, requires the service of an experienced dentist, making it a safer option. It is also a faster option as it involves the use of a higher concentration of whitening gel. During this process, a barrier protects the gums from inflammation or sores that may result from misused peroxide. The whitening agent is then applied to the surface of the teeth, and a dentist uses a halogen light to complete the procedure. Halogen lights can catalyze the teeth whitening process by breaking down stains and discoloration and is typically not something that a patient would have access to at home.

If you're interested in whitening your teeth or learning more about other dental procedures, Storts Family Dentistry is a full-service practice that provides comprehensive care on all dentistry needs. We offer traditional services as well as cosmetic solutions such as bonding, Invisalign, porcelain crowns, and bone grafting for implants. Contact us today to make an appointment at one of our three convenient Southern Oklahoma locations.

How to Take Care of Teeth With Braces

Braces: the rite of passage for many kids and teens. While they help align teeth into a healthy, straight smile, taking care of them can be a little difficult. Braces have many tiny spaces where food can get trapped and cause plaque, leading to teeth staining and other complications. Proper oral hygiene with braces not only prevents damage to the braces themselves but also the teeth underneath. Below is a guide on how to take care of them.

Brushing and Flossing

Like teeth without braces, teeth with braces should be flossed regularly. Food and plaque trapped between braces should be removed daily to avoid the development of cavities and stains. In between regularly scheduled cleanings, teeth should be brushed for two minutes at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Brushing may not remove all the food particles between the teeth and under the braces, so flossing is also essential. The shorter end of the floss should be inserted between the main wire and upper tooth. One should then gently saw the floss on both sides of the teeth to avoid damage to the main wire.

Caring for Elastics

Braces with elastics are a common part of orthodontic treatment. They may make it quite challenging to talk and limit some mouth mobility; however, this discomfort is only temporary. Each treatment plan is designed to get the teeth in proper alignment as safely and quickly as possible. Elastics should be worn every day and taken out with every meal and snack. Wearers should wait until after they've brushed their teeth to put elastics back in, and they should be replaced every day for cleanliness and optimal stretch.

Avoid Certain Foods

When in doubt, food should be consumed in small bites and chewed slowly. Soft foods and liquids are best, but hard-to-bite snacks like apples and bagels can be consumed if cut into more manageable bites. Sticky candy, gum, corn on the cob, popcorn, and nuts can loosen or break wires and should be avoided.

Storts Family Dentistry offers pediatric and adult orthodontic treatments for those in the Ardmore, OK area. Request a consultation at one of our three locations to start your journey toward a beautiful and healthy smile.

What Is the Difference Between Crowns and Veneers?

From chipping to discoloration, many teeth problems affect the quality of a smile. Luckily, advances in dentistry have made dental restorations possible. Dental crowns and veneers are two of the most common dental restoration methods. Patients should understand the differences between these dental techniques to make an informed choice when visiting the dentist.

Dental Veneers

A dental veneer is a one-sided, forward-facing porcelain covering for a damaged tooth. The main function of a veneer is to improve dental appearance. This dental restoration technique is ideal for chipped, discolored, and broken teeth. A patient can opt for a single veneer or multiple fixtures for a symmetrical smile.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a restoration technique for an extensively damaged tooth. It is a metal, porcelain, or composite (metal and porcelain) covering that encases the entire damaged tooth. The covering is about 2 millimeters in thickness. It is ideal for restoration of discolored, chipped, or cracked, decayed, and crooked teeth.

Dental Crowns Vs. Veneers

A dentist will decide crowns or veneers based on each patient's situation. They use their findings to determine the best restoration method. Here are some of the major differences between these dental restoration techniques:

• The extent of coverage: Dental crowns cover the entire tooth while veneers only cover the front of the damaged tooth.
• Restorative effect: Veneers have a largely cosmetic role, which is to restore a smile. Dental crowns, on the other hand, also strengthen a tooth’s structure to prevent further damage.
• The procedure: Porcelain veneers require minimal anatomical enamel reduction before fitting. For crowns, the dentist will do more extensive enamel trimming before fixing the covering over the affected tooth.
• Thickness: Veneers are wafer-thin, at around 1 millimeter, while dental crowns are about 2 millimeters or more in thickness.

For families looking for comprehensive dentistry services in Ardmore, OK and surrounding areas, including fitting veneers and crowns, Storts Family Dentistry has your needs covered. Contact us today and set an appointment for dedicated dentistry services in the area.

Getting to the Root of It: Understanding Root Canals

Especially among those who are fearful of dental procedures, the root canal is almost universally dreaded. However, the procedure is very common, and patients experience little to no discomfort during or afterward, thanks to modern medical techniques such as anesthesia. While preventive care can help patients avoid the need for a root canal, it's an indispensable treatment method for resolving infections, alleviating tooth pain, and even saving teeth.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a type of endodontic dental treatment, which means it's performed on the inside of the affected tooth. This area of the tooth, which is protected by hard, external enamel and underlying dentin, contains a soft tissue called pulp, which is full of nerves and blood vessels. When this pulp becomes infected or is inflamed, it can lead to many other problems: severe pain, tooth loss, abscesses, and the spread of infection to other parts of the body. During a root canal, a dentist will remove the pulp, fill the empty space, and seal it to effectively resolve the issue and prevent further damage. If the tooth is cared for properly after a root canal, it often lasts the rest of the patient's life without any future concerns.

What Causes the Need for a Root Canal?

The inflammation or infection of tooth pulp can be attributed to a number of circumstances, including:

• Deep tooth decay
• An injury to the tooth, particularly one that causes cracks or chips
• Repeated dental work on the same tooth

In addition to the practical reasons for having a root canal performed, the benefits can be cosmetic, as well. By restoring the natural tooth, the patient may save their smile, continue eating and drinking normally without restrictions, and avoid extensive dental work.

If you think you may be in need of a root canal or are looking for a trusted dentist to provide you and your family with preventive dental care, the compassionate team at Storts Family Dentistry can help. Contact our Ardmore, OK office today at 580-223-6720 to schedule an appointment at one of our three convenient locations.

Four Signs You Should Visit the Dentist

Many adults stick to the recommended six-month interval for dental check-ups and cleanings. However, others don't visit the dentist until an issue arises. Although most dental issues aren't emergencies, individuals who experience these four symptoms should make an appointment right away to avoid serious oral health problems.

Tooth Pain 

A toothache can indicate a cavity or an abscess, which is an infected area near the tooth. Seek immediate care when the pain is severe or constant and/or accompanied by a fever, swollen gums or face, redness, or fluid drainage. This issue often requires antibiotics as well as treatment for the cavity.

Lost or Broken Tooth

When a tooth is knocked out while playing sports or because of a fall, seek immediate care, as the tooth can sometimes be reimplanted. Keep the tooth moist, placing it back into the open socket if possible or storing it in a glass of milk. Hold the tooth by the crown and avoid touching the root. 

When a tooth is broken, place the chip into a cold, moist cloth so the dentist can reattach it if possible. For a tooth that has been knocked out of place, gently push it back into position and visit the dentist for treatment.

Jaw Pain

An issue called temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) causes jaw pain that may be accompanied by a clicking or popping sound with chewing, talking, or yawning. TMJ is caused by joint inflammation or irritation and can often be treated with a mouth guard and/or medications that treat inflammation.

Dry Mouth

When the mouth does not produce enough saliva, the uncomfortable feeling of dry mouth is reason enough to see a dentist. Left untreated, this issue can lead to tooth decay and infection. A dentist can evaluate the cause of dry mouth and recommend a course of treatment.

Storts Family Dentistry provides emergency care for the above issues, as well as comprehensive dental care. We welcome new patients for both regular checkups and emergencies. Call 580-223-6720 or complete our online form for an appointment at one of our three convenient Ardmore-area locations.

Avoid These Cavity Consequences With Prompt Treatment

Even when cavities don't cause noticeable symptoms, it's important to have them filled by a dentist. Left untreated, cavities can cause a range of unpleasant consequences from pain and sensitivity to the need for a root canal or tooth extraction. Good dental hygiene, including regular dental visits and prompt treatment for cavities, can prevent these complications.

Complications Caused by Cavities 

Cavities are caused by a sticky substance called plaque, created when the acids in our mouths combine with food particles and bacteria. When it isn't removed by brushing or flossing, plaque slowly erodes the enamel of the teeth and leaves them susceptible to decay. When cavities are left untreated, complications can include:

• Chronic tooth pain
• Heat and cold sensitivity
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Difficulty biting and chewing certain foods
• Missing, shifted, or misaligned teeth
• Malnutrition caused by difficulty eating
• The development of an infected abscess, which can become life-threatening if the infection enters the bloodstream

Prevent Decay With Dental Hygiene

A good dental hygiene regimen protects the teeth from the effects of cavities and decay. Visiting the dentist for a cleaning and checkup every six months is the best way to detect and treat signs of tooth decay before they lead to more serious problems. Minor cavities can be treated with a simple filling, while more serious issues may require a root canal. A root canal allows you to avoid an extraction by removing the infected nerve root while preserving the tooth.
In addition to regular dental visits, prevention steps to take include:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day, as recommended by the American Dental Association
• Avoiding between-meal snacks
• Limiting sugary and acidic foods and beverages
• Drinking plenty of water
• Getting dental sealants, a protective coating that shields the teeth from plaque

Storts Family Dentistry is a full-service practice that provides comprehensive dental care, including preventive care and treatment for cavities and other oral health issues. Contact us by calling 580-223-6720 to make an appointment for your checkup at one of our three convenient Southern Oklahoma locations.