Dr. Kevin Rykard DDS and his dental treatment team are pleased to provide professional and caring dental services to their patients from Oklahoma City OK and the surrounding communities. Our dental services include: adult, children's, cosmetic, family, general, implant, laser, orthodontic, preventive, restorative and sedation dentistry.
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org Is the satisfying fizz of your favorite sparkling water putting you at risk for tooth decay? Because any drink with carbonation-including sparkling water-has a higher acid level, some reports have questioned whether sipping sparkling water will weaken your tooth enamel (the hard outer shell of your teeth where cavities first form). So, Is Sparkling Water Affecting My Teeth? According to available research, sparkling water is generally fine for your teeth-and here's why. In a study using teeth that were removed as a part of treatment and donated for research, researchers tested to see whether sparkling water would attack tooth enamel more aggressively than regular lab water. The result? The two forms of water were about the same in their effects on tooth enamel. This finding suggests that, even though sparkling water is slightly more acidic than ordinary water, it's all just water to your teeth. Tips for Enjoying Sparkling Water-and Protecting Your Teeth
Sparkling water is far better for your teeth than sugary drinks. In addition, be sure to drink plenty of regular, fluoridated water, too-it’s the best beverage for your teeth. Water with fluoride naturally helps fight cavities, washes away the leftover food cavity-causing bacteria feast on and keeps your mouth from becoming dry (which can put you at a higher risk of cavities).
Be mindful of what’s in your sparkling water. Citrus-flavored waters often have higher acid levels that does increase the risk of damage to your enamel. Plan to enjoy these in one sitting or with meals. This way, you aren’t sipping it throughout the day and exposing your teeth over and over again to the slightly higher level of acid it contains.
Sparkling water brands with added sugar can no longer be considered just sparkling water. They are a sugar-sweetened beverage, which can contribute to your risk of developing cavities. So remember-sparkling or not-plain water is always the best choice.
Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke
The connections found by current medical research are startling: gum disease is linked to stroke, heart disease, and more. Since heart disease is frequently fatal, it is important to take gum disease very seriously. The American Dental Association approximates that 8 out of 10 Americans have periodontal (gum) disease. If this were any other disease, such as AIDS or tuberculosis, it would be treated as an epidemic! And while most dentists consider it to be just that, they also expect that gum disease will never be identified as an epidemic because “no one ever dies from it.” Normally, the worst concern expressed is that you lose your teeth. Not desirable – but definitely not life threatening. But that mindset has changed.
The American Academy of Periodontology reports that “studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.” Periodontal disease is an uncontrolled bacterial infection of the gums. These bacteria can move through your soft tissues, into your bloodstream, and directly to your heart. Kevin Rykard, DDS 12448 St. Andrews Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 752-2626 OklahomaDentistry.com
There are some “clear” benefits to the Invisalign program. For example, no one will realize you’re straightening your teeth because the transparency of the aligners makes them nearly invisible! People will have to be told you’re wearing aligners, or look very closely, to be able to spot them. This will be a real confidence booster when it comes to your smile all through your active treatment.
Don’t forget comfort! No braces, wires, or headgear means no mouth irritation. The aligners are a single unit, with no metal or wires to be tweaked, so you even get to devote less time to Dr. Rykard’s dental chair.
Then there’s the convenience factor. Though you wear the aligners 24 hours a day, they’re quick to pull out for eating and brushing, which equates to no food restrictions. Removing plaque and keeping your teeth clean is just as anxiety-free as it was prior to treatment, because there are no braces to get in your way. Kevin Rykard, DDS 12448 St. Andrews Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 752-2626 OklahomaDentistry.com
Keeping your teeth clean, smooth and beautiful... Proper oral hygiene is your key to a healthy, beautiful smile. Here are our and the American Dental Association's recommendations for at home care:
Brush 2-3 times every day with a flouride toothpaste (it doesn't matter which brand)
Floss once a day
Eat a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, etc)
Limit consumption of sugary foodsand beverages. Soda drinks can destroy teeth faster than almost anything else
Eliminate or at least limit use of alchol, chewing tabacco, and cigarettes
We also recommend using an electric high-speed toothbrush in conjuction with a waterpik for your daily at-home oral care. And don't forget six-month professional cleanings and checkups. The American Dnetal Association recommends checkups every six months for those ages four and older. Professional cleanings by qualified hygienists will remove bacteria and plaque, which can cause serious dental problems if not kept in check. If you have not been seen recently call our office for an appointment!
Lately, there has been a lot of talk about flossing and if it is good or not! Kind of reminds me of coffee, some studies say is good for you and others say it isn't. Our dental office believes that flossing is beneficial to a person's general oral health. Our staff is trained to address the issues of proper flossing to our patients on an individual need basis. We promote many different tools used to effectively and safely clean between the teeth. If you are concerned with the recent news reports, please give our office a call to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to review your concerns and make sure you are properly caring for your teeth.
Is the satisfying fizz of your favorite sparkling water putting you at risk for tooth decay? Because any drink with carbonation-including sparkling water-has a higher acid level, some reports have questioned whether sipping sparkling water will weaken your tooth enamel (the hard outer shell of your teeth where cavities first form).
The connections found by current medical research are startling: gum disease is linked to stroke, heart disease, and more. Since heart disease is frequently fatal, it is important to take gum disease very seriously. The American Dental Association approximates that 8 out of 10 Americans have periodontal (gum) disease. If this were any other disease, such as AIDS or tuberculosis, it would be treated as an epidemic! And while most dentists consider it to be just that, they also expect that gum disease will never be identified as an epidemic because “no one ever dies from it.” Normally, the worst concern expressed is that you lose your teeth. Not desirable – but definitely not life threatening. But that mindset has changed.
Proper oral hygiene is your key to a healthy, beautiful smile. Here are our and the American Dental Association's recommendations for at home care:
Lately, there has been a lot of talk about flossing and if it is good or not! Kind of reminds me of coffee, some studies say is good for you and others say it isn't.