Hookah Tobacco and Teeth

Smoking a hookah has become super trendy in restaurants, cafes, and bars. Though people have tried to pass it off as a safer way of smoking tobacco, this has been proven false, and hookah tobacco can wreak just as much havoc on your teeth and gums as regular cigarettes. Research shows that periodontal disease increases by fivefold in water pipe smokers. Dr. Dennis, Morehart, DDS doesn’t want to put a damper on your fun, but he wants you to be aware of the risks associated with smoking hookah.

Though a hookah as a water chamber that filters smoke, this isn’t safe for the teeth and gums. It’s true that filtering tobacco through water removes some of the dangerous toxins, however, the smoke itself contains levels of nicotine that are three times the amount of actual cigarettes. Overall, the act of smoking provides no benefits to your oral health, therefore if you only smoke hookah as a recreational activity try to find something else to do that will be better for your smile.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, 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. 

Extrinsic Tooth Stains

Unlike intrinsic tooth stains which we’ve mentioned in an earlier post, extrinsic tooth stains are easy to remove. Extrinsic stains occur on tooth enamel and are usually caused by frequent coffee, wine, or cola consumption. Fortunately, if you’ve fallen victim to this category of tooth discoloration, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can treat the problem with a professional whitening treatment.

Extrinsic stains occur on the outer surface of the tooth which makes them easier to remove than intrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains may appear dark brown or yellow in color. Though they aren’t problematic to the status of your oral health, they can diminish a person’s self-esteem and confidence. A professional whitening treatment can remove these stains and make teeth appear a few shades whiter.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth stains or teeth whitening services, 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. 

Back to School Check-Up

Patients of all ages should come in for cleanings twice a year, and if your children are due, there’s no better time than early in the school year. Caries, or cavities, are most common in children. If they are not treated, these little holes can become big problems.

The most recent information from the Centers for Disease Control says that as many as 20% of preteens and 13% of teenagers have untreated tooth decay.  This spells big trouble for kids’ academic performance and overall health. Tooth decay progresses, meaning that what’s just a small cavity today could become infected pulp or a cracked tooth months from now. Such a problem would necessitate a root canal. In the meantime, the child will be in pain, which will interrupt their sleep, diet, and concentration, and could cause them to be irritable. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that 42% of children have caries (including treated ones) in their baby teeth and 23% of children have caries in their permanent teeth, indicating that tooth decay is quite common. Given the likelihood of some kind of decay, it is better for children to get treated near the start of the year, so problems can be discovered before they’ve had a major impact and when they’re simple to treat.

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.