Learn more about the risks to your oral health during pregnancy.
Now the Good News
Most dental insurance plans cover the treatments necessary to halt the spread of gum disease. With advanced periodontal disease, the treatment is surgical, a process that is nearly always successful in correcting the condition. With less severe infections of periodontal disease, there are very effective NON-surgical methods that, united with improved dental hygiene, can essentially destroy the disease.
Kevin Rykard, DDS
12448 St. Andrews Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
(405) 752-2626
OklahomaDentistry.com
Learn more about dental care for people with special needs.
Tired of Dentures Slipping?
If traditional dentures are your best option, Dr. Rykard can create natural-looking dentures that fit well enough to prevent slippage! He works to customize the plate perfectly, so you no longer must be concerned about the foods you eat or where your dentures might wander off to while you talk. If you are a denture wearer, be sure to inquire about this option. It will make your life so much easier.
Kevin Rykard, DDS
12448 St. Andrews Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
(405) 752-2626
OklahomaDentistry.com
Learn more about Bad Breath, which is also known as Halitosis.
A Crown Restores a Damaged Tooth
Over time teeth can become worn down, or a trauma may result in a broken tooth. In these cases, a simple filling may not be sufficient to restore your tooth to full functionality. When this happens, a crown may be the perfect solution for refurbishing your tooth. A crown will save and even add strength to the damaged tooth. Dr. Rykard uses the best-quality materials available. When he’s done, it will appear so natural, you won’t be able to distinguish it from a real tooth. Check out our CEREC™ page for information on crowns made while you wait!
Kevin Rykard, DDS
12448 St. Andrews Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
(405) 752-2626
OklahomaDentistry.com
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Brenna Stone
Does the thought of mouth germs taking up residence on your teeth make you feel a little uncomfortable? It should! Masses of harmful microorganisms in the mouth can form plaque, the sticky substance that adheres to the teeth and gumline. Plaque can really harm your teeth and gums. When it isn't removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can lead to cavities and gum disease! Find out what you can do to reduce the amount of germs in your mouth.
Regular Toothbrushing
Toothbrushing is a powerful tool for fighting germs. At the minimum, brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste; once after breakfast and once before going to bed. There is no harm in brushing your teeth more frequently. You can brush after meals to cut down on plaque formation and to freshen your breath. Spend a full two minutes gently brushing all surfaces of your teeth and your tongue. Use a toothpaste like Colgate Total that is designed to keep your mouth clean and to fight germs.
Bacteria can flourish on your toothbrush as well. Change your toothbrush when it begins to look worn, according to American Dental Association. The American Dental Association recommends switching to a new brush about every three to four months. It is best to leave your bristles in the open air; a closed, moist environment can harbor more bacteria. Also, don't share brushes; it is possible to transfer mouth germs this way.
Don't Forget to Floss
Daily flossing is another important way to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Flossing can help to remove plaque from places that your toothbrush can't reach. Slide your floss in between the teeth. Also clean at the base of each tooth, removing plaque and food debris from underneath the gum line.
Your Diet and Mouth Germs
What you eat can also help to support a healthy smile. Eating lots of sugary and starchy foods will increase the amount of sugars that are available for bacteria in your mouth to thrive upon. Try cutting back on sweet treats and snacking on fresh fruits and veggies instead. When eating grains, be sure to choose whole grains.
Take good care of your teeth with daily brushing and flossing. Eat a balanced diet and see your dentist for regular check-ups. Your dentist can check for signs of cavities and gum disease, the dental hygienist can also clean your teeth, removing the plaque and tartar (hardened dental plaque) that is on your teeth. With excellent oral hygiene, mouth germs don't stand a chance!
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by AM Hopkins
Everyone knows that brushing their teeth plays a major role in their overall health, but they may not be aware of the correct way to brush their teeth. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice each day; here is a quick guide to ensure you know how to do it properly.
Purchase the right toothbrush. Before you even begin the process of brushing your teeth, it's important that you have the right toothbrush. The type of toothbrush you select depends on your specific needs. If you need a toothbrush mostly for removing plaque, a soft-bristled brush is best. On the other hand, if you are concerned about reaching hard-to-reach spaces, you should consider a toothbrush with a smaller head. in the Colgate Oral Care resources.
Take your time. You should spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth. This may seem like a long time - the average person usually falls short of this goal - but it is necessary ensure that your teeth are clean. If you're worried about reaching this goal, consider investing in a toothbrush that has an automatic timer or use a stopwatch.
Be thorough. Tilt your toothbrush to a 45 degree angle and ensure that you are cleaning both the outer and inner surfaces of your upper and lower teeth. It is equally important to clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well.
Be gentle. When brushing your teeth, it's important to use short, precise strokes. This ensures that you don't cause any trauma to your mouth and that you reach the specific areas you are trying to target. You should brush the entire surface of the tooth in a gentle back and forth motion.
Don't forget your tongue. Brushing your tongue is an essential part of maintaining proper oral care. Many people often overlook this step, but it is important to both your overall oral hygiene and the freshness of your breath.
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the importance of dental sealants as a preventive dental treatment for your children!
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com
By following the information in this guide, you and your family can have healthy teeth and gums to last a lifetime. As a parent, you can work with your children to help them understand why good oral care is important - and show them how to do it right!
Four Steps to a Bright Smile
- Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, especially after eating breakfast and before bedtime.
- Floss every day.
- Limit the number of times you eat snacks each day.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
It's easy to guide your family toward good oral health. All it takes is the right information and a little practice to keep them moving in the right direction!
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.
The remainder of the article details the following:
- Infographics on how to brush
- Infographcis on how to floss
- A list of preventive dental care tips!
Preventing Child Tooth Decay – the Easy Way!
For both children and adults, doing an adequate job of brushing our teeth isn’t always easy. Even with meticulous brushing, we may frequently miss the deep grooves in the back teeth. This permits bacteria, acid, and plaque to remain, which will cause decay. And once the tooth has decay, it is impaired permanently and will require a filling or a crown.
The use of dental sealants can compensate for a child’s struggles with brushing properly, protecting their teeth from harm. The steps are harmless, painless, and take just a few minutes to achieve. After the tooth (or teeth) is cleansed and sterilized, a thin layer of a white or clear plastic sealant is painted on the tooth. Then a curing light is focused on the sealant to bond it into place. This procedure requires no shots, drills, or the reduction of any tooth structure. Applying dental sealants is one of the best pre-emptive actions both children and adolescents can have done to preserve their natural teeth!
Kevin Rykard, DDS
12448 St. Andrews Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
(405) 752-2626
OklahomaDentistry.com
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Stress and your Oral Health!
Saving Hopeless Teeth
A root canal – the very thought is sufficient to make most people wince. In the past, before the development of proper instruments and anesthesia, the root canal deserved its dreaded reputation. However, with modern anesthetics and new, innovative technology, root canals are now exceptionally manageable. This technique fixes a tooth by removing the pulp chamber and replacing it with a filling material. This is often mandatory when dental decay touches the nerve of the tooth or the tooth has developed an infection, and a simple filling will not repair the damage. Teeth with these issues used to necessitate extraction, which can bring on even more difficulties and should be avoided whenever possible. Call us today and find out how Dr. Rykard can help you save your teeth. He’s very experienced in advanced root canal therapy.
Kevin Rykard, DDS
12448 St. Andrews Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
(405) 752-2626
OklahomaDentistry.com
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Periodontal Screening!
Headache and Migraine Suffers – We May Have Your Miracle Treatment!
Have you ever seen the NTI™ device on TV or in magazines? This tiny wonder device is an FDA-approved, drug-free treatment for the deterrence of migraine and tension headaches, and Dr. Rykard has it available in our practice. It works by soothing the muscles beneath the scalp and thus averting most headaches. In clinical trials, 82% of migraine sufferers found relief from their headaches, experiencing a 77% reduction in migraine events. It’s painless, fast, and NOT expensive. If you suffer the agony of migraines or know someone who does, be certain to ask us about this amazing new treatment.
You know good dental habits can help prevent things like cavities and gingivitis, but you may not know what conditions like these really look like or how they can affect your mouth. Use this visual guide to learn more about some of the most common dental health issues, symptoms to watch for and the potential treatments that are available. Please note: This content is for informational purposes only. Only a dentist, physician or other qualified health care professional can make a diagnosis.
Darkened Tooth
There
are two reasons your tooth may change color after trauma: It’s either trying
to protect the nerve or it’s dying. If it’s protecting the nerve, your tooth
may look a little darker than the ones next to it. If it changes colors like a
bruise (from pink to gray), this means your tooth is most likely dead. You may
need a root canal, usually followed by
a crown. In some cases it may
be necessary to remove the tooth. If it is a baby tooth, you may be able to
leave it alone until it falls out.
Canker Sores
Canker sores are small white or
gray sores with a red border that appear your lips, the back of your throat or
under your tongue. Their exact cause is uncertain but some suggest that immune
system problems, bacteria or viruses may be play a role. They are also more common
in women.
Canker sores aren’t contagious and usually heal on their own after one or two
weeks. Over-the-counter creams and mouthwashes may give you temporary relief.
Until it heals, stay away from hot, spicy or acidic foods because these can
irritate the sore.
Cancer
Each
year, approximately 40,000 new cases of oral cancer and cancers of the
throat, tonsils and back of the tongue are diagnosed. Tobacco use, alcohol abuse and HPV all increase your
chance of developing these
cancers.
Men are twice more likely to get oral cancer than women. During regular
checkups, your dentist will check your mouth for symptoms like red or white
patches, sores that won’t heal and rough, crusty spots. If anything suspicious
is found, your dentist will order more testing or refer you to a specialist.
The image above is only one example of how oral cancer might appear.
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
Most dental insurance plans cover the treatments necessary to halt the spread of gum disease. With advanced periodontal disease, the treatment is surgical, a process that is nearly always successful in correcting the condition. With less severe infections of periodontal disease, there are very effective NON-surgical methods that, united with improved dental hygiene, can essentially destroy the disease.
Does the thought of mouth germs taking up residence on your teeth make you feel a little uncomfortable? It should! Masses of harmful microorganisms in the mouth can form plaque, the sticky substance that adheres to the teeth and gumline. Plaque can really harm your teeth and gums. When it isn't removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can lead to cavities and gum disease! Find out what you can do to reduce the amount of germs in your mouth.
Everyone knows that brushing their teeth plays a major role in their overall health, but they may not be aware of the correct way to brush their teeth. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice each day; here is a quick guide to ensure you know how to do it properly.
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com
For both children and adults, doing an adequate job of brushing our teeth isn’t always easy. Even with meticulous brushing, we may frequently miss the deep grooves in the back teeth. This permits bacteria, acid, and plaque to remain, which will cause decay. And once the tooth has decay, it is impaired permanently and will require a filling or a crown.
A root canal – the very thought is sufficient to make most people wince. In the past, before the development of proper instruments and anesthesia, the root canal deserved its dreaded reputation. However, with modern anesthetics and new, innovative technology, root canals are now exceptionally manageable. This technique fixes a tooth by removing the pulp chamber and replacing it with a filling material. This is often mandatory when dental decay touches the nerve of the tooth or the tooth has developed an infection, and a simple filling will not repair the damage. Teeth with these issues used to necessitate extraction, which can bring on even more difficulties and should be avoided whenever possible. Call us today and find out how Dr. Rykard can help you save your teeth. He’s very experienced in advanced root canal therapy.
