How to Prevent Teeth Grinding

Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time. Occasional teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise. When this occurs, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can supply preventive treatment with a custom-fitted nighttime mouth guard.

Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or crooked teeth. Because grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw is a symptom of bruxism. If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS. He can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth and then fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep.

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

Gum Chewing: Helpful or Harmful?

Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, wants you to know that when it comes to chewing gum, it’s the type of gum you chew that makes a difference in whether it’s helpful or harmful to your teeth. The chewing of sugarless gum increases the flow of saliva, which washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth.

For most people, chewing sugar-free gum (especially gum sweetened with xylitol) can be a good preventive measure in situations when tooth brushing and flossing aren’t practical. It’s important to remember that sugar free or not, chewing gum should never replace good dental hygiene practices. Next time you are walking through the sweets aisle, look for chewing gum with the ADA Seal because you can be sure it’s sugarless. All gums with the ADA Seal are sweetened by non-cavity causing sweeteners such as aspartame, xylitol, sorbitol or mannitol.

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

Are You Flossing Properly?

Daily flossing is an important part of your oral health care routine to help remove the plaque from these areas where a toothbrush doesn’t completely reach. But to truly reap the benefits, you need to use a proper flossing technique. As much as Dr. Dennis Morehart loves to see you in his office, he would rather you understand the proper flossing technique to eliminate bacterial buildup in your mouth that can eventually lead to cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.  

• Start with 18” of floss. Wind most of it around one of your middle fingers and the rest around the same finger on your other hand.


• Hold floss tightly with about 1” of floss between your hands. Glide floss between teeth with a gentle sawing motion.


• Hold the floss against each tooth, gently scraping the tooth’s side while moving the floss away from the gum. Repeat on all teeth, including the very back ones.

If you haven’t flossed recently, your gums may feel sore or bleed. However, don’t worry. After five or six days, you’ll remove the built-up bacteria and your gums will feel great.

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

Sealants for Kids + Teens

Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS wants your child to have the healthiest smile imaginable, which is why he protects them with dental sealants. Dental sealants are recognized as an effective approach to preventing pit and fissure caries (cavities) in children. They protect the grooved and pitted surfaces of the teeth, especially the chewing surfaces of back teeth where most cavities in children are found.

Sealants are a great way to protect against tooth decay and cavities on your back molars. These teeth are most vulnerable to cavities and decay because they are used in the chewing process and are the most difficult to reach and clean. Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best for your child to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure that they are protected early.

If you have questions about pediatric sealants, give us a call. To learn more about pediatric sealants, the application process, and services provided at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

How Often Do You Brush?

Besides putting a damper on your social life, neglecting to brush your teeth can land you with more than just a few cavities. It could actually lead to life-threatening diseases. Keeping your teeth clean means keeping them strong and healthy, this is why Dr. Dennis Morehart makes it his goal to provide you with the best oral care achievably possible.   

It’s simple. If you don’t brush your teeth you will eventually lose them. You should clean your at home with a soft-bristled brush two or three times each day for at least two minutes. The brush that you use should comfortably fit the size and shape of your mouth, and should be replaced every few months. Brushing twice a day can potentially save you hundreds of dollars in restorative dental care in the future. In addition to forming good daily brushing habits, it is also important to have your teeth professionally cleaned.

If you need assistance with your oral hygiene routine or have questions about brushing 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 a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Why Should I Floss?

Chances are, the last time you visited the dentist and the hygienist asked you when the last time you flossed was, you probably lied. What you don’t realize is that by flossing your teeth daily, you increase the chance of keeping them for a lifetime and decrease the chance of getting gum disease. Dr. Dennis Morehart wants you to keep your natural teeth as long as possible, which is why you should know the reasons to floss.

Flossing is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day to help remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. This is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Proper dental care – including regular flossing – can do more than keep your smile attractive. It leaves your mouth healthier and a healthy mouth can help prevent much more serious diseases, some of which can be life threatening.

If you need assistance with your oral hygiene routine, please give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

What is TMJ Disorder?

Although were not always aware of it, some of us might feel a clicking or a popping in our jaws every now and then. If you place your fingers just in front of your ears and open your mouth, you can feel what is called the temporomandibular joint and its movement. This joint controls many jaw functions, like chewing. If the chewing muscles are causing you pain, then Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, may need to treat you for a possible temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder.

Your temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, which are in front of each ear. Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorder include pain in the jaw joint, clicking of the jaw, ear pain, popping sounds in ears, headaches, stiff or sore jaw muscles, pain in the temple area and/or locking of the jaw. Many of these symptoms can often be associated with other health problems, so only a medical professional can tell you if it is due to a TMJ disorder. Pain relievers and hot/cold compresses are short term methods to provide relief for pain symptoms, but Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, can provide you with a night guard to lessen the pressure on the joint itself.

If you have questions about TMJ disorders, please give us a call. To learn more about TMJ disorders visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Endodontic Retreatment – When a Root Canal Fails

With proper care, even teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime. However, sometimes a tooth that has been treated doesn’t heal properly and can become painful or diseased months or even years after treatment. If your tooth failed to heal or develops new problems, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can provide you with a second chance, utilizing a procedure called endodontic retreatment.

Endodontic therapy is a complicated procedure that uses files to extract the infected pulp from the root. When the infection remains in the root’s canals, the tooth may not heal, causing it to become reinfected. The first step in endodontic retreatment is non-surgical treatment, which is performed like a typical root canal. Although the procedure is similar to your original root canal treatment, it requires more precision to better remove what was missed before.

If you're experiencing discomfort in a tooth that had a root canal, don't ignore it. The sooner you have endodontic retreatment, the better chance you'll have of saving your tooth and getting relief from your pain. To learn more about the procedure and why an endodontic retreatment is necessary, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an oral cancer screening with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Understanding the Actions of Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a chemical compound with the formula N20. At room temperature, it is a colorless, non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. In Enid, OK, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS only administers this pain relieving formula to eligible patients.

Nitrous oxide is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. It is administered by having the patient inhale the gas, which is carefully monitored by Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS. You will fall into a euphoric state and feel completely relaxed. All feelings of fear and anxiety fade away, leaving you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed. In most cases, all dental work can be completed in one visit while you are sedated. Once the procedure is over, the nitrous oxide will wear off fairly quickly and you will probably be able to drive yourself home and return to your daily activities.

You will need to have a preliminary visit with your dentist to make sure that you are an eligible candidate for nitrous sedation. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. To learn more about Nitrous oxide and services provided at the office, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information.

Straight Teeth are Healthy Teeth

Swollen red gums can often be the result of having teeth that are crowded or too widely spaced. When teeth are properly aligned, it helps the gums fit more securely around the teeth, allowing for the strongest and healthiest defense against potential periodontal problems. In Enid, OK, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, can provide you with a variety of options to straighten your teeth so that you can have a beautiful healthy smile.

When teeth are properly aligned, they’re easier to clean and when your teeth are clean and dental plaque free, you’re less likely to need a tooth filling or gum disease treatment. When teeth are straight, it helps the gums fit more securely around the teeth, allowing for the strongest and healthiest defense against potential periodontal problems.

Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by bacteria. Left untreated, they can cause mouth sores, tender or bleeding gums, bad breath, and possible tooth loss.  Correctly aligning your teeth can also alleviate the issues that can be caused by an improper bite, speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems and increased wear on the tooth enamel.

If you are considering braces, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS offers Invisalign as well as traditional braces as options. To learn more about these options visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Oral Cancer Screenings

An oral cancer screening means looking for cancer in the mouth before a person has any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage and when abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat.  Oral cancer screenings are a very important part of the dental visit for the patient. With the advances in modern technology, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, is now able to pinpoint the start of a potential problem much earlier in its evolution.

The oral cancer screening is often completed with an ultraviolet light or similar device that allows us to view issues that can't always be detected by the human eye under normal conditions. During your dental visit, Dr. Dennis Morehart can talk to you about your health history and examine these areas for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer. The screening will consist of a visual inspection of the mouth and palpation of the jaw and neck.

It is important to remember that your dentist does not necessarily think you have cancer if he or she suggests a screening test. Screening tests are given when you have no cancer symptoms. To schedule an oral cancer screening with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. To learn more about oral cancer screenings and other services provided at the office, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information.