12448 Saint Andrews Dr.
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
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405-752-0600

July 28, 2010

10 Tips to Beat Bad Breath

mint tea for fresh breathThere’s no way around it – bad breath is embarrassing. Chronic bad breath can seem like a nemesis, constantly foiling your plans and preventing you from engaging in social activities. We know what to avoid food-wise: anchovies, onions, garlic, etc., but what else can you do? Consider these helpful tips to help you overcome bad breath and start smiling again!

1. Visit Dr. Brooks‘ OKC dental office regularly. Only a professional can remove hardened tartar (a source of bad breath) from below the gumline. We can also diagnose the source of the problem, recommend hygiene products, and devise a plan of action.

2. Brush and floss daily. This seems like a no-brainer, but let’s be honest. How often do you really floss? If you’re like most people, then it’s about as often as you flip your mattress. Debris builds up between teeth, decays, and emits a foul odor. Flossing removes the debris, and it’s absolutely essential for fresh breath.

3. Scrape your tongue. Bacteria hides beneath your taste buds, but a gentle, cost-effective tongue scraper can effectively remove a good percentage of this bacteria. Tongue scrapers last for years, and it might just be (more…)

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July 21, 2010

What’s Up with Wisdom Teeth?

Third molars have been affectionately dubbed “wisdom teeth,” because they’re the last teeth to erupt in the mouth – presumably after a person has gained 20-some-odd years of worldly wisdom. Although wisdom teeth once allowed humans to chew a diet of tough foodwisdom-tooths, the modern human’s diet and jaw shape, coupled with modern marvels (i.e. the fork and knife) have made the need for wisdom teeth nonexistent. In fact, it’s estimated that about 85% of wisdom teeth will eventually need to be removed.

A Word for the Wise: Wisdom Teeth Tidbits

  • Wisdom teeth generally erupt between the ages of 17 and 25.
  • The number of wisdom teeth can range from 0 to 4 (or more on rare occasions).
  • 25% of all people are lacking one or more of their wisdom teeth.
  • Wisdom teeth are classified as vestigial organs, meaning functionless due to evolution. (more…)
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July 15, 2010

7 Tips for Choosing the Right Cosmetic Dentist

woman with smile makeoverCosmetic dentistry is not recognized as a specialty by the American Dental Association, so any general dentist can claim to be a cosmetic dentist. Most, if not all, general dentists will consider their work cosmetic to some degree. Because beauty is subjective, choosing the right cosmetic dentist can seem difficult. However, some factors can help you decide whether the dentist is the right one for you.

When choosing a cosmetic dentist, whether for porcelain veneers, orthodontics, or full-mouth reconstruction, keep in mind the following tips:

1. Experience – Perfecting the art of cosmetic dentistry takes practice. Dr. Brooks has over 10 years of experience with cosmetic dentistry, and he’s performed hundreds of successful smile makeovers. Don’t be afraid to ask the dentist you’re considering if he performs cosmetic dentistry regularly. (more…)

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July 8, 2010

Back to Basics – Brushing Up on the Essentials

brushingSummer is in full swing, and there’s still plenty of time for water parks, camping trips, and mini-vacations. While we’re enjoying the warm weather, our smiles often take a backseat, and we become vulnerable to decay and gum disease. While you’re basking in the summer sun, don’t forget to safeguard your smile against teeth-eating bacteria by brushing and flossing regularly. Here are some helpful tips from Dr. Brooks and the team at our OKC dental office to keep your smile looking and feeling great on into fall.

Brushing Basics:

  • Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Brush for a full two minutes, getting the front and back of teeth
  • Brush your tongue or use a scraper to reduce odor-causing bacteria
  • Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to strengthen enamel
  • Change your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months (more…)
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July 1, 2010

Shocking News about Fitness Beverages

drink-and-bike-smallVitamin water, energy drinks, fitness beverages… what do they all have in common? They eat teeth! According to a study published by the Academy of General Dentistry, popular fitness drinks can actually cause more damage to teeth than soft drinks – up to 11 times more damage! The news comes as a surprise for athletes who rely on sports drinks for a boost of energy, but also for teenagers, college students, and anyone who consumes these types of beverages on a regular basis.

You may think you’re doing yourself a favor when you pick up a Gatorade instead of a Coke. While your body may thank you for the lower sugar content, your teeth will not. According to the study, the drinks that caused the most damage to teeth when exposed for extended periods of time were as follows: (more…)

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