Safe Sedation with Nitrous Oxide

Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS safely uses nitrous oxide, sometimes called “laughing gas,” to control patient pain and anxiety during a procedure. It is not intended to put you to sleep and you will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS may have. Your speech may be slightly slurred, and your responses may be slower than usual, but in general, you will be relaxed and cooperative.

For people who avoid dentists like the plague, sedation dentistry can be used for everything from invasive procedures to a simple tooth cleaning. How it’s used depends on the severity of the fear. To administer nitrous oxide Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS will ask you to breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes, you should start to feel the effects of nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable.

If you have questions about sedation dentistry or nitrous oxide, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Dental Tips for Halloween

Halloween is full of tricks and treats but it should not be full of cavities or emergency dental visits! Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS wants to be sure patients are taking care of their dental health all year long, even during candy-filled holidays like Halloween. Take some of our tips for taking care of your teeth through the holiday and avoiding emergency dental visits.

Sugary and sour candies are delicious, but try to limit the amount you eat every day. With all of that candy collected from trick-or-treating (or left over from passing it out), it is tempting to snack on it all day until it is gone. However, set a healthy limit for yourself and stick to it. This will help you from going overboard. In addition, make sure you do an excellent job brushing and flossing. Acidic candies (sour candy) in particular can wear down tooth enamel, so you should wait at least thirty minutes after eating it to brush. This allows enamel softened by the acid to re-harden before you brush.

Sticky candies like gum, taffy, and caramel are known for pulling out loose fillings and dental crowns. If you have a dental crown, recent fillings, or even braces, it is smart to stay away from these types of candies. Unfortunately, that includes those caramel apples on sticks! Instead, cut up an apple and dip it in smooth caramel.

Have a great Halloween but also remember to take care of your teeth! To schedule your next cleaning and examination with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, call our Enid, OK office at (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com. 

Choosing the Correct Mouthwash

Mouthwash or rinses are used for a variety of reasons: to freshen breath, to help prevent or control tooth decay, to reduce plaque, to prevent or reduce gingivitis, to reduce the speed that tartar forms on the teeth, or to produce a combination of these effects.  Mouthwash has a few beneficial properties and Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS would like to explain some of them.

• Antimicrobial agents act directly on oral bacteria to help reduce plaque, decrease the severity of gingivitis and control bad breath.


• Fluoride helps reduce tiny lesions (tooth decay) on tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay.


• Astringent salts can serve as temporary deodorizers that mask bad breath.


• Odor neutralizers act by chemically inactivating odor causing compounds.

If you have questions about oral hygiene, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Choosing a Toothpaste That’s Right for You

When stepping foot into the oral hygiene aisle at the drugstore, our staff at the dental practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS understand that the selections of toothpaste can be overwhelming. Should you go for tartar control, fluoride, sensitive or whitening toothpaste? When it comes to choosing the toothpaste that is best for you, it’s important to consider your unique oral health needs. The best way to discover what those are is by scheduling an oral exam with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS. In the meantime, here are some options to consider while browsing:

• Anti-cavity: This type of toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride plays an active role in preventing decay, and it actively strengthens tooth enamel.


• Anti-gingivitis: If you spit blood in the sink, this is an early sign of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Antigingivitis toothpaste helps reduce oral bacteria and can be very effective at stopping gingivitis in its tracks.


• Desensitizing: If you’ve ever bit into an ice cream cone and felt a sharp pain in your tooth’s nerve, this type of toothpaste will provide relief by blocking the tooth’s pain signal to the nerve.


• Tartar-control: This toothpaste does exact what it says, however, the best way to remove tartar is by scheduling a professional dental cleaning with one of our doctors.


• Whitening: This toothpaste contains chemicals that are able to help maintain the natural color of your teeth.

If you have any questions about oral hygiene, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Thank You For Your Testimonials!

Here at the dental practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS our entire staff appreciates feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Bill D. for his review, but we would like to thank him for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

"I'm happy to have Dr. Morehart as my dentist since 1977. I am always confident and comfortable when he is working on me. I appreciate his kindness and gentleness and his very comforting personality. I am so comfortable at times that I do not even feel him at work."

-Bill D.

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

What is an Underbite?

The main cause of an underbite is a misalignment of the lower jaw, which is usually present at birth. An underbite, clinically called prognathism, is the malocclusion or “bad bite” that happens when the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. Just because your mouth may have this problem doesn’t mean that it’s untreatable. If you have been diagnosed with an underbite, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can correct the problem with dental braces.

Although far less common than overbites, underbites still affect 5-10 percent of the population. An extreme underbite can cause facial abnormality, resulting in an extended chin. In addition to the aesthetic problem, underbites including difficulty with chewing, swallowing and speaking. Underbites may also wear down tooth enamel and increase your chances of developing tooth decay or other dental problems such as TMJ disorder.

If you would like to discuss malocclusion treatment options, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Basics of Bruxism

Do you ever wake up from a night’s sleep with sore teeth and jaws? You could be grinding your teeth. The medical term for occasional teeth grinding is called bruxism and although this condition does not usually cause harm, when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can develop an individualized treatment plan to help alleviate this condition.

Stress, anxiety, smoking, heavy alcohol, caffeine, depression and sleep disorders are all possible causes of teeth grinding. Treatment for teeth grinding depends on the cause. In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in fracturing, loosening or loss of teeth. Patients may benefit from a mouth guard to stabilize the jaw and prevent tooth damage that is caused by grinding.

If these bruxism symptoms sound all too familiar, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Dental Implant Procedure Expectations

If you are receiving dental implants in the near future, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS doesn’t want you to be frightened, he wants you to be informed on what to expect. Pain is a common concern among individuals who are considering dental implants and our staff want wants you to know that while some discomfort is expected, it should not be your primary concern.

As with any major dental procedure, or surgery in general, some discomfort is to be expected during the recovery process since it is a surgery that typically involves removing teeth, cutting gums, drilling into the jawbone and inserting a titanium post. The procedure itself is not painful since it is performed with either general or local anesthesia to completely numb your mouth. If you’re anxious about the discomfort during the procedure and being aware of drilling noises and forces being applied to your mouth, please ask about our sedation options.

If you have further questions regarding your oral hygiene routine, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Consequences of Missing Teeth

Although tooth loss is typically associated with the elderly, missing teeth can occur in adults for a variety of reasons. Whether you’ve lost a tooth to decay, or injury, tooth loss can rob you of much more than the ability to chew and properly digest food. It can have serious social, psychological and emotional consequences as well. At the dental practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS we don’t want you to experience the consequences of a toothless grin. This is why we offer a wide variety of restorative and cosmetic options to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

The most obvious effect of missing teeth is aesthetic. When a tooth is lost, the facial muscles begin to sag, making you appear older than you are. Additionally, missing teeth will make it more difficult to chew and may even affect the way you speak. The more teeth a person is missing, the more challenging the task to replace them can become. It can also be costly. It is important to have regular dental visits with us to prolong the life of your teeth. 

If you have missing teeth, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Occlusal Adjustment

Misaligned teeth can cause pain and frustration but fortunately, there is often a simple fix. In our Enid, OK dental practice, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can perform an occlusal adjustment. This is just minor adjustments to the uneven areas of the teeth so that they line up better.

Misaligned teeth can cause a misaligned bite. This often results in:

• Difficulty biting and chewing food


• Worn down teeth due to abnormal contact while chewing


• Chips and fractures due to increased pressure and abnormal contact


• Jaw and facial muscle pain

An occlusal adjustment evens out the alignment of the teeth. It creates a bite that lines up perfectly so there are no areas that meet before the rest when the mouth is closed. A dental drill with a filing stone is used to file areas of the teeth after a scan is taken of the mouth. The scan uses advanced technology to pick up on areas that need adjustments. After the adjustments are made, the patient should be able to close their mouths and bite down evenly. Pressure and pain will subside as you are able to close your mouth, bite, and chew evenly.

If you suspect your bite is uneven, be sure to ask us about needing an occlusal adjustment. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS here in Enid, OK, call our office at (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com. 

Getting Kids Motivated for Oral Care

Taking care of your teeth is essential for your overall health, even baby teeth. While some kids do not quite understand the importance of good oral hygiene, they should still know how to do a good job. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS wants to encourage all of his pediatric patients to get a head start with creating a routine home oral care plan. Take some of these tips for getting your child excited about taking care of their mouth.

The first thing that can get kids interested in their dental health is letting them pick out their own dental supplies. There are so many fun flavors for both toothpaste and floss. Then let them pick a toothbrush that they will be excited to use. Bright colors and cartoon characters can motivate kids to pick up their toothbrush. They may even enjoy a toothbrush that plays music. The music makes the job entertaining plus it keeps track of their time brushing so that they spend enough time.

Another way to entice kids into taking good dental care is to brush your own teeth with them. For little kids, this helps them see what they should do. Make sure to floss in front of them, as well!

Chore charts help for those who need a little extra motivation. These can be simple; such as brushing twice per day and flossing once per day for so many days in a row gets your child a trip to the park or their favorite dinner.

Starting your kids on a good dental hygiene habit young means they will likely keep a good routine in adulthood. To schedule your family’s appointments with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, call our Enid, OK dental practice at (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com. 

Calming Kids' Dental Fears

When kids are afraid of going to the dentist, if that fear is not overcome, unfortunately, it can sometimes lead to dental anxiety that continues into adulthood. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS here in Enid, OK wants all of his patients to feel relaxed and happy during their dental appointments. Take these tips for helping kids feel better about dental visits.

Kids feel safe when they are in familiar territory, which is one reason why you should begin taking your kids to the dentist at a young age. Anyway, kids should begin seeing a dentist as soon as their first tooth appears, or at least by the age of one. If they start as young as possible, kids will feel familiar with the appointments and be less nervous.

For young kids who have never been to the dentist or do not remember going, try creating a pretend dental appointment at home. Have them lie back on a sofa and open up wide while you take their toothbrush and rub each tooth. Pretend to examine the teeth and mention how healthy their mouth will be after the real appointment.

Taking your kids to your own appointment is another way to get them familiar with the building and the staff. Again, familiarity is key, plus your kids can see that you are fine and there is no reason to fear their own dental appointment.

Keeping healthy baby teeth is vital for healthy adult teeth. To schedule your family’s cleaning and examinations with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, call our Enid, OK dental office at (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com. 

Invisalign vs Braces

When it comes to orthodontic options, Invisalign has several clear advantages over braces. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS of Enid, OK offers Invisalign here in our office. Keep reading to learn why patients love Invisalign over traditional metal braces.

Invisalign is a teeth aligning system made of a series of clear, smooth, BPA-free plastic trays. The trays are completely customized to fit your teeth. Using a computer system, each tray will be created with minor adjustments so your teeth gradually shift into place.

The length of each patient’s treatment will vary depending on the complexity of their case. The trays are switched out every two weeks and you will visit with us every four to five weeks to pick up your new trays and to make sure the process is going as planned. The Invisalign trays are to be worn for twenty to twenty-two hours per day. You take them out to eat, brush, and floss, unlike with braces.

This also means that there are no restrictions on what you can eat with Invisalign, so you do not have to avoid crunchy, hard, sticky, or chewy foods. Since you can brush and floss normally, there are no special supplies you need to purchase like interdental cleaners or floss threaders.

The smooth plastic is also more comfortable than metal braces, so it is easier on the gums and cheeks. The biggest reason patients like Invisalign over braces is the appearance. No more metallic smile; Invisalign is nearly invisible. Plus, you can take them out for important moments like graduation photos or family photos.

Straightening your teeth leads to great oral health and a boost in confidence. To learn more about Invisalign, schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS of Enid, OK. Call us at (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com. 

General Dentistry Defined

General dentists such as Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS are the primary dental care providers for patients of all ages. They can treat you and your entire family and care for your overall health. Dentistry is defined as the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment (nonsurgical or related procedures) of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. When looking for exceptional and quality general dentistry services, look no further than our dental practice.

Instead of specializing in just one area of dentistry, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS provides plenty of different services for you and your entire family, such as cosmetic procedures, crowns and bridges, dental implants, dentures, gum disease treatment, home care instruction, root canal therapy, teeth cleanings and much more. Additionally, he stays updated on the latest advances in technology to guarantee that you receive the most exceptional quality of dental care.

If you are searching for a general dentist, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Foods You Shouldn’t Eat with TMJ/TMD

Your temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, which are in front of each ear. Problems with your jaw in the muscles of your face that control it are known as temporomandibular disorders. TMJ disorders can affect your jaws range of motion while talking, chewing, and yawning. If you’ve been diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS recommends adjusting your diet to avoid certain foods that might worsen the condition.

Crunchy foods, including popcorn, chips, and other salty snack foods may be too difficult for your jaw to chew when you have TMJ. Hard vegetables like carrots and celery can also cause pain in the jaw because of the intensity with which you need to bite down on them. Other types of food to avoid include chewy snacks, fatty foods, and foods that are cut into large pieces. To summarize, any type of food that allows you to open your mouth wide or chew for long periods of time may aggravate your TMJ. As we previously mentioned, we recommend incorporating more soft foods into your diet, such as cooked veggies, soft bread, and yogurt.

If you have TMJ disorder and would like to discuss your treatment options, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

What is an Overbite?

If you have been diagnosed with an overbite, this simply means that your top teeth extend beyond your bottom teeth. It is a common dental problem that Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can correct with braces. Overbite teeth are considered a type of “bad bite.” It can either be noticeable or unnoticeable, but it some extreme cases it can make your jaw look significantly larger or your bottom jaw look much smaller.

Most often, overbites are inherited as traits just as the color of your eyes or the freckles on your cheeks. Other causes of misaligned bites may result from an early loss of baby or adult teeth, gum disease, or common oral health problems in children, such as thumb sucking. Once Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS confirms your overbite with X-rays, he may take regular photographs of your face to further examine the relationship between the teeth, jaws, and head. From there, an individualized treatment plan will be developed to correct the bite.

If you are concerned about an overbite and would like to discuss orthodontic options, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Brush Your Braces!

If you have braces, your oral hygiene routine should be accelerating into overdrive. The reason for this is that braces have tiny spaces where food particles and plaque get trapped, and inadequate cleaning while wearing these wires can cause enamel staining and tooth decay around brackets or bands. At the dental practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, he and our staff can’t stand behind you to monitor how you often you brush, but we can recommend the following routine to help make daily brushing and flossing with braces both simple and effective. 

• Prepare to brush – take off elastics, and any other removable parts of your orthodontic appliance.

• Clean your braces – use your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush from the top of each wire and then from the bottom. Take time to ensure that all plaque and debris are removed.

• Brush your teeth – clean each tooth individually. First, place your brush at a 45-degree angle to the junction between the tooth and the gum, and then apply gentle pressure as you move in a circular motion. Use the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.

Last but not least, don’t forget to floss in between brackets! 

If you have questions about your orthodontic oral care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

If you have braces, your oral hygiene routine should be accelerating into overdrive. The reason for this is that braces have tiny spaces where food particles and plaque get trapped, and inadequate cleaning while wearing these wires can cause enamel staining and tooth decay around brackets or bands. At the dental practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, he and our staff can’t stand behind you to monitor how you often you brush, but we can recommend the following routine to help make daily brushing and flossing with braces both simple and effective.

•  Prepare to brush – take off elastics, and any other removable parts of your orthodontic appliance.


• Clean your braces – use your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush the top of each wire and then from the bottom. Take time to ensure that all plaque and debris are removed.


• Brush your teeth – clean each tooth individually. First, place your brush at a 45-degree angle to the junction between the tooth and the gum, and then apply gentle pressure as you move in a circular motion. Use the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.

 

 

 

Last but not least, don’t forget to floss in between brackets!

If you have questions about your orthodontic oral care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Soft Food Diet for TMJ Relief

If you suffer from a TMJ disorder, you may notice a clicking or a popping in your jaw when you try to eat your favorite foods. This is because symptoms of TMJ disorder can include jaw discomfort and tenderness or pain when opening or closing the mouth. At the dental practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, we don’t want you to live on a soft diet, but incorporating soft foods into your diet may alleviate your discomfort.

Soft foods give your jaw and temporomandibular joints the opportunity to rest and heal. Some excellent (and healthy) foods to eat include cooked vegetables and fruits, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, soup, and yogurt. If you must eat food that requires a heavy amount of chewing, we recommended chopping it up into small pieces. If you have a sweet tooth, soft cakes, cobblers and cheesecake are good things to choose from.

If you are experiencing jaw pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Stages of Periodontal Disease

If you want to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, then you need to practice a proper oral hygiene routine on a daily basis. If you don’t, you’re already headed down the road toward gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three stages that you need to be aware of. You should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS twice a year to avoid this condition.

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

If you are experiencing gum inflammation, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Flossing with Braces

As Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS will tell you, flossing can be difficult when you have traditional metal braces, but it’s more important than ever to keep the gaps in your teeth clean when you have a mouth full of metal. Many folks who have braces don’t know how to floss with them or think that they can’t floss at all if they have braces and this is not true. We already taught you how to brush with braces, so it’s only fair that we share some tips for flossing effectively and keeping those brackets and wires clean.

• Use waxed floss, because unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and shred in your braces.


• Use about 18 inches of floss and thread it carefully.


• Take the floss and gently thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth.


• Be sure not to snap the floss. Simply move the floss up and down carefully against the side of each tooth.

If you have questions about your orthodontic oral care, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Frenectomy for Lip Tie and Tongue Tie

Lip tie and tongue tie can cause major problems for babies and the troubles can continue all the way through adulthood. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS of Enid, OK performs frenectomies to release the lips or tongue and allow them to heal with more range.

The frenectomy is performed here in our office and often, only a local anesthetic is needed to numb the area. The tight or short frenulum that is limiting range of the tongue or lips is detached with a minor cut. The frenulum is then allowed to heal. The end result will be a tongue or lips with more range. The procedure is quick, often performed in less than fifteen minutes.

When a tightened or shortened frenulum causes the lips or tongue limited motion, this causes immediate difficulties for nursing babies. They are unable to latch correctly and will suffer from low weight, delayed development, and digestion problems, among other issues. The mothers also suffer through blockage and injury to their milk ducts. Later on in life in childhood or adulthood, lip tie and tongue tie can affect speech, eating, and cleanliness. It can also interfere with activities like playing a wind instrument, singing, whistling, and kissing.

Lip tie or tongue tie can cause major problems, but fortunately, there is a simple solution. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS performs this right in our Enid, OK dental office. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Morehart, call our office at (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com. 

The Intraoral Camera

Having an office with advanced technology means that we can provide our patients with the best care possible. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS uses an intraoral camera as a way to keep updated technology here in our Enid, OK dental practice. We use the intraoral camera for more accurate diagnoses, more precise treatment plans, and better patient outcomes.

The intraoral camera is about the size of a pen and lets us look at any surface in the mouth much more closely. In the past, there may have been areas of the mouth that were hard to reach and hard to view. We can also use this technology to take pictures and videos. The digital photos and video make future visits more efficient by allowing us to refer back to the past condition of the mouth. Our patients can also take the photos home so that they can keep their eye on changes and certain conditions. These photos are also easy to send to another doctor or to an insurance company.

In addition to these benefits, our patients are also able to see what we see. We can display the pictures or live video on a monitor so the patient knows exactly what we are examining.

To learn more about the technology we use here in our Enid, OK dental office, be sure to visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, call our office at (580) 237-2213 or visit our website. 

Common Dental Emergencies

Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS understands that accidents happen. Knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If you or your child experience some sort of trauma to your mouth for whatever reason, please give us a call immediately. Meanwhile, in the midst of a dental emergency, utilize these tips to ensure a smooth recovery. 

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you experience a dental emergency, please give us a call immediately. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Oral Care for Seniors

As we all grow older, certain health concerns earn our full attention, but we should never forget about the health of our teeth. When it comes down to numbers, according to the Washington Dental Service Foundation (WDSF), around 75 percent of adults 60 and older only have a portion of their original teeth. You only get one set of permanent teeth and Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS is here to help you take care of them for as long as possible.

Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems, such as darkened teeth, dry mouth, root decay, gum disease, tooth loss and even a diminished sense of taste. If teeth are lost over the years and not replaced, an uneven jawbone can develop and this allows the rest of the teeth to drift and shift into open spaces, causing the skin to sag more than it should. At the dental practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS we want to assist our senior patients in avoiding these problems by providing the best care possible.

If you or a relative are due for a dental checkup, please give us a call. To learn more about our services we provide at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS here in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Xylitol and Teeth

Xylitol has become quite popular in the dental industry and for good reason – it protects your teeth and prevents cavities. Simply put, xylitol is an all-natural sweetener similar to sugar that wreaks havoc on bacteria in your mouth. Xylitol stops tooth-eating acid attacks in their tracks and less acid means healthier teeth and a healthier smile overall. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS encourages the use of xylitol, because of its unique and clinically proven dental benefits.

Unlike sucrose, (regular table sugar), the main culprit associated with tooth decay, xylitol is not broken down by the most prominent decay-causing bacteria, to produce acid. When used appropriately, xylitol starves these particular bacteria to the point where it is almost like removing sugar from your diet completely. Xylitol is equal in sweetness and volume to sugar and can be consumed through chewing gum, candies, and dental products. The result is a healthy smile that you can be proud of.

If you have further questions about the dental benefits of xylitol, please give us a call. To learn more about our services we provide at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS here in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Are You Ready for Your Close-up?

With instant photo sharing taking over the internet, you always want to have a camera-ready smile. Because of all the coffee, wine, smoking, and other foods that have the ability to stain our teeth on a daily basis, even proper maintenance can make pearly whites hard to achieve. At the dental practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS we can improve your smile with a tray whitening system that is completed in two steps. However, if there is any reason you can’t go the cosmetic route at this moment, we will provide you with these tips that will give you a photogenic smile no matter what.

• Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.


• Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day.


• Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror!

If you desire a brighter smile, please give us a call. To learn more about our whitening services, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS here in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Crown Lengthening

Occasionally, a tooth may become so decayed or injured that work needs to be done on it below the gum line. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS here in Enid, OK performs crown lengthening on patients who need this type of dental work done.

The crown of a tooth is the part that is visible; outside of the gums. A crown lengthening procedure lengthens the crown by exposing more of it. Dr. Morehart does this by removing part of the gum tissue. First, Dr. Morehart will make incisions to pull the gum tissue away from the tooth. He will then stitch down the gum line into a new location so that more of the tooth is exposed. If a dental crown is being placed to fix a broken tooth, the gums must heal before the crown can be placed. This is because as the gums heal, they tend to shrink, so a crown placed right away may be misplaced later.

For patients who have excess gums that make their teeth appear short, Dr. Morehart can also perform crown lengthening. This condition is often referred to as “gummy smile”. Dr. Morehart will create an even gum line that exposes more of the tooth.

To learn more about crown lengthening, call our office at (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com. You can also click or call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK.

Make Sure You Are Brushing for 2 Minutes!

To really get a good cleaning, you should be brushing your teeth for about two minutes. Do you brush yours for two? Many patients only brush their teeth for a few seconds without really realizing it. Take some of our tips for making sure you are brushing for a full two minutes. In addition, make sure you see Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in our Enid, OK dental practice for routine professional cleanings!

Brushing your teeth two to three times per day is so important to remove bacteria, however if you are only doing a quick sweep, you are leaving tons of the bacteria in there. Start by breaking your mouth into four quadrants; the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. Brush each quadrant for thirty seconds. This ensures that you are getting an even brushing and also doing a good job.

Another great way to ensure you are spending enough time is by investing in a toothbrush that has a timer. Many electric toothbrushes and some manual ones have timers that buzz or beep when you have hit two minutes. For an entertaining way of brushing, keep a music player in your bathroom. Play your favorite song and jam out until it hits the two-minute mark.

Brushing your teeth may seem like a simple task, but it is vital to your oral health. To schedule your next dental cleaning with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call our office at (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com. 

Keeping White Teeth White

Keeping a white smile can be more difficult than it seems. While brushing your teeth helps in a big way, there are other factors that go into keeping a white smile. Here at the office of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, we offer professional teeth whitening to get you started, however, take some tips for keeping those teeth white!

As mentioned before, brushing your teeth is a huge factor in have a bright smile. Make sure you are brushing two to three times per day. In addition, do not skip flossing! The bacteria and other debris that can become stuck in between teeth contribute to plaque and stains. Floss once per day.

Using tobacco is a habit that has a major effect on your health. Not only is it terrible for your oral health and your overall health, but it also stains teeth over time. Whether you smoke it or chew it, it’s time to quit!

When eating dark foods like blueberries and soy sauce or when drinking dark liquids like tea or cola, be sure to rinse your mouth out afterwards. This will help wash away the stain-causing debris and keep it from sticking to your teeth. Sip dark liquids through a straw so that it minimizes how much of the liquid will touch your teeth.

To find out more about our professional whitening system, contact the office of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK by calling (580) 237-2213. You can also reach us through our website, www.eniddentalcare.com. 

Choosing the Right Toothbrush for You

When brushing your teeth, it is important to not only have the right technique, but also the right supplies. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS of Enid, OK wants to make sure all of his patients have the proper knowledge about brushing their teeth. Take some tips for choosing the right toothbrush for you!

Toothbrushes may seem like a simple choice, but these days there are a lot of options. Let’s start with the most obvious difference: manual vs. electric. Studies have shown that as long as the brusher is doing a good job, an electric toothbrush does not clean teeth any better than a manual toothbrush. However, for patients who have trouble using their hands like those with arthritis, an electric toothbrush may get them a better cleaning. This is because they do almost all of the work; they just need to be held in the right place.

Next, you will want to make sure that your toothbrush has a small enough head. A large toothbrush head may have a ton of bristles but it you cannot maneuver it around all the corners of your mouth, you will not be cleaning your teeth properly. In addition, a good grip will also help with maneuvering the toothbrush around.

Next, you want to be sure that you are not using stiff bristles. These can irritate the gum tissue; causing recession. Stiff bristles can also wear down on enamel causing teeth to become cavity prone and sensitive.

To schedule your next dental cleaning with Dr. Dennis Morehart, call our Enid, OK dental office at (580) 237-2213. Appointments may also be made through our website, www.eniddentalcare.com. 

Types of Tooth Extractions

At the dental office of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS we understand that your permanent teeth were meant to last a lifetime. However, there are a number of reasons (aside from wisdom teeth) why tooth extraction may be needed. A very common reason involves a tooth that is too badly damaged, from trauma or decay, to be repaired. Other reasons include a crowded mouth, infection, or risk of infection. Once Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS decides whether you’re a “tooth extraction candidate” he will make you as comfortable as possible before he performs the procedure.

If you need an extraction, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS will first take an X-ray of the area to help plan the best way to remove the tooth. Once this is done, he will perform one of two extractions: a simple extraction, which is performed on a tooth that can be seen in the mouth or a surgical extraction that is used if a tooth has broken off at the gum line or has not emerged into the mouth yet. During a tooth extraction, you can expect to feel pressure, but no pain depending on the type of anesthesia you are administered.

If you believe you have a tooth that may need to be extracted, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Don’t Suffer From Dental Anxiety

Some people don’t look forward to dental appointments any more than they look forward to paying bills. In fact, 20% of patients experience enough anxiety that they will only go to the dentist when absolutely necessary. Fortunately, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS has a team of health-centered professionals that are dedicated to making you feel most comfortable in the dentist’s chair.

People develop dental anxieties for many different reasons. Pain, feelings of helplessness and loss of control, embarrassment, and negative past experiences only name a few. Everyone has fears and concerns and copes with them in different ways. However, the prospect of dental work doesn’t need to fill you with fright. At the office of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS we want to help you greatly reduce your anxiety and provide you with dental treatment in a way that feels calm and safe. After all, in order to counteract past bad experiences, you need to have new positive experiences which lead to the development of improved feelings and attitudes.

If you have a case of dental anxiety, please inform us when scheduling your appointment. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Types of Teeth and Their Functions

Have you ever wondered why all of your teeth look different? That’s because they are all designed to do different things. At the dental practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS it is our job to take care of your teeth, but it is up to you to learn more about them. Teeth not only help you chew your food, they also play an important role in speech, and impact our health overall.  Each type of tooth has a slightly different shape and performs a different job.

The types of teeth and their functions are:

• Incisors – located at the front of the mouth, these teeth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces.


• Canines – located at the ‘corners’ of the dental arches, these teeth have a sharp pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food.


• Premolars – Unlike incisors and canines, these teeth have a flat biting surface. Their function is to tear and crush food.


• Molars – The molars are the largest teeth in the mouth and they too have a large flat biting surface. The function of these is perhaps the strongest of all as they chew, crush, and grind food.

If you have further questions about your pearly whites, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Dental Health and Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural occurring mineral that helps prevent cavities in children and adults by making the enamel more resistant to the acid attacks that cause tooth decay. It is naturally found in most water sources, including rivers, lakes, wells, and even in the oceans. If you are prone to developing cavities, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, can apply fluoride directly to your teeth during your dental visit.

As mentioned, fluoride is found in water, but it can also be found in food. The fluoride we consume from foods and beverages continues to provide a topical benefit because it becomes part of our saliva, constantly bathing the teeth with tiny amounts of fluoride that help rebuild weakened tooth enamel. It can also be applied to the teeth through fluoridated toothpaste and mouth rinses. However, fluoride treatments that Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS provides in-office contain a much higher level than the amount found in toothpaste and mouth rinses.

If you have questions about fluoride treatments, please give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Invest In a Tongue Cleaner

Bad breath can have a negative impact on a person’s life, relationships, and self-esteem. It can also be an underlying cause for more serious oral health issues, such as gum disease. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS recommends scheduling professional cleanings and oral exams twice a year as a preventive measure against serious gum conditions, however, in addition to using a toothbrush to clean your teeth, you can improve your mouth’s freshness by using a tongue cleaner.

Do yourself a favor and step in front of a mirror. Do you spot a coated tongue? If you do, tongue scraping may be helpful. Tongue scrapers, which are available in most drugstores in various shapes and sizes, have been deemed a way to reduce or eliminate bad breath. To use it, all you need to do is place the tongue scraper at the back of your tongue and gently bring it forward along your tongue, repeating as often as needed. Although there’s no harm in trying a tongue scraper to treat bad breath, you should remember that it’s just as important to practice good dental hygiene overall. Brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day, floss in between your teeth at least once a day, and rinse or gargle with mouthwash to help keep your breath fresh.

If you are due for a dental checkup, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Don’t Let Plaque Pester You

If you’ve ever licked your teeth after eating a meal that’s high in carbohydrates, then you know what plaque feels like. This sticky, colorless, film of bacteria makes teeth feel “fuzzy” to the tongue and is most noticeable when teeth are not brushed. When left untreated, plaque can develop on the tooth roots underneath the gum and cause breakdown of the bone supporting the tooth. Plaque that is not removed daily by brushing and flossing between teeth can eventually harden into tartar, which only Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS will be able to remove.

When you eat, the bacteria in plaque use the sugars in your food to produce acids that eat away at the tooth enamel. Repeated attacks cause the enamel to break down, eventually resulting in tooth decay. Since plaque is a sticky substance, you must brush and floss to remove it. In addition to brushing and flossing at least twice a day, Dr. Dennis Morehart recommends visiting him twice a year for professional cleanings and oral exams.

If you have plaque or tartar buildup and are due for a dental checkup, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

The Proper Brushing Technique

You’ve known how to brush your teeth since childhood and have likely stuck with the same brushing technique into adulthood. However, many of us would be surprised to learn that we are brushing our teeth incorrectly. There are different ways to brush correctly, but Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS suggests utilizing this technique the next time you clean your teeth:

• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.


• Move the brush back-and-forth gently in short strokes.


• Brush the outer surfaces, the inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of all teeth.


• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.


• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh and don’t forget to floss!

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine or have questions about how to properly brush your teeth, please give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Sensitive Teeth Causes and Treatment

The winter months are upon us and if you are experiencing tooth pain when the cold wind blows, you may have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth are caused when your gums pull back and expose the surface beneath, called the dentin. This soft layer makes up the inner part and roots, which have thousands of tiny tubes that lead to the tooth’s nerve center (the pulp). Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain. This is why it’s important to visit Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS for regular dental checkups.

Fortunately sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. Having a conversation with Dr. Morehart is the first step in finding relief from your discomfort. After he determines the reason for your sensitivity, treatment may be as simple as applying an in-office fluoride gel to help you manage the sensitivity.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about root canals as well as other services provided at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.