You’ve probably heard that COVID19 can make patients lose their sense of taste and smell. Hopefully, you haven’t experienced that yourself. Let’s consider other oral issues linked to COVID-19. Dry Mouth is as Common as Loss of Taste A group of Brazilian scientists led by University of Brasilia researcher E.N.S. Guerra analyzed more than 180 […]
General Dentistry
Signs Of Oral Cancer: What Not To Ignore
Today’s article focuses on a very serious issue—oral (oropharyngeal) cancers. The medical community categorizes oral cancers as a subset of head and neck cancers. Oral cancers can develop in the following locations: The tongue The roof of the mouth and under the tongue The inside of the cheeks The oropharynx (the part behind the soft […]
The 4 Stages of Gum Disease
You may be wondering why every so often your gums are red and swollen, or your breath is bad. Maybe you’re just interested in improving your dental health and want to be more aware for your next appointment. Learn about the four stages of gum disease you may be overlooking when thinking of your comprehensive […]
6 Good Reasons To Visit Your Dentist More Often
Most men and women visit the dentist about once each year. As many as forty percent of Americans see their dentist less often. Some go as long as five years between visits. Most dentists recommend a visit at least every six months. Here are six terrific reasons to visit your dentist more often. 1. Oral […]
Let’s Take Care Of Those Tooth Stains
The effectiveness of teeth bleaching depends partly on the types of stains. Extrinsic tooth stains are the simplest to remove. These surface stains have not yet penetrated through the enamel into the dentin. Extrinsic stains are caused by dark-colored foods and beverages like blueberries, carrots, coffee, red wine, and cola. And nicotine is no better […]
Trouble Getting Numb For Dental Treatment?
Our bodies work differently. Some dental patients don’t respond to local anesthetics by getting numb. This is understandably concerning when you need dental treatment. (And the word “concerning” may be a huge understatement!) It’s important to recognize that bad experiences in the past don’t guarantee that you will never be able to become numb. At […]
The Tea And Teeth Question
What do you call a dentist who doesn’t like tea? Why, Denis, of course. Lame jokes aside, a common concern for patients is stained teeth. I’m Dr. Mark Phan of OKC Smiles. Today, let’s talk a little bit about a common cause of tooth staining: dark beverages including tea. Over time, tea can stain the […]
The Rate of Bone Loss After Extraction Can Be Slowed or Stopped With an Implant
The alveolar bone The bone surrounding the teeth is called alveolar bone. Its main job is to support the teeth and provide a heavy-duty foundation for tooth roots. Normal mouth function maintains bone health. As you chew, it stimulates bone cells to continually generate new bone. What can cause alveolar bone loss? Extraction When a […]
Avoid These 5 Smile Wreckers
We hope today’s post will alert blog visitors to some harmful oral health risks. At OKC Smiles, too often, we treat cavities and damage caused by the following: 1. Sports Injuries Many parents send their children out on the playing field with a mouthguard but fail to protect themselves when they participate in activities that […]
Don’t Let Fear Of The Dentist Compromise Your Oral Health
If you have claustrophobia, you avoid cave exploration. If you have acrophobia (fear of heights), you avoid sky diving. In either case, you can live a fulfilling life without joining in these activities. What if you have dentophobia or a fear of the dentist? (Yes, it’s a real thing with an official name.) This is […]
