Drink More Water!

If you want to protect your teeth from decay, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS hopes you’re staying hydrated. Our bodies are made of 60% water, and it’s no secret that it keeps our system healthy. Drinking beverages that contain sugar may taste good, but they do more harm for your teeth. Instead, water cleans your mouth with every sip, leaving you with a healthy, fresh smile.

Water contains fluoride – nature’s natural cavity fighter. Fluoride fights against cavities by strengthening tooth enamel and remineralizing teeth that have been damaged by acidity. Drinks like juice, soda, or sports drinks will leave unwanted sugar on the teeth and will eat away at the enamel if not brushed away. Since dental health is linked to overall health, you can’t go wrong with drinking lots of water.

If you have questions or concerns about the status of your oral health, 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. 

Periodontitis

Do your gums hurt while brushing and flossing? If so, this is usually a symptom of gingivitis. Fortunately, for those who fall victim to this periodontal peril, gingivitis is reversible. If gingivitis is left untreated, however, it can lead to a more serious periodontal infection – periodontitis. If your gums are puffy, dark red, and/or bleed easily, visit Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, to discuss your treatment options.

Like gingivitis, periodontitis begins with plaque. If plaque is not brushed away on a daily basis, it will turn to tartar, which only our team of hygienists is able to remove. Periodontitis is an aggressive form of gum disease that destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. This can lead to tooth loss if you don’t visit us for annual cleanings. To prevent periodontal disease, we encourage you to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. The sooner you seek assistance for your oral care, the healthier your smile will be.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, 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. 

Intrinsic Stains

At Enid Dental Care, Dr. Dennis Morehart gives high priority to patients’ cosmetic concerns. Most tooth stains are extrinsic, meaning that they only extend to the outermost layers of the teeth. But for intrinsic stains, a root canal may be necessary to restore the appearance of a patient’s smile.

Extrinsic stains are acquired from factors such as smoking and drinking dark liquids and can usually be reversed through bleaching. Intrinsic stains, though they can be masked with veneers and bonding, affect the teeth at a deeper level. Some common causes of intrinsic stains are the use of tetracycline antibiotics and overexposure to fluoride. However, they also can be caused by infection or trauma to the dental pulp, which puts patients at risk of developing an abscess.

Dr. Morehart and his staff will use advanced imaging technology to determine whether the patient has an infection. If so, they will use root canal therapy to remove the damaged pulp. Usually, root canals end with the tooth being filled and sealed, but for cosmetic reasons, it may be preferable to replace the entire crown.

Dr. Dennis Morehart, Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, operates Enid Dental Care at 2411 Heritage Trail, Ste #4, Enid, Oklahoma, 73703. To schedule an appointment, call 580-237-2213 or visit EnidDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.