Childhood Halitosis

At Enid Dental Care, Dr. Morehart and his dedicated staff provide assistance to patients of all ages suffering from halitosis. Children commonly have bad breath because they haven’t yet learned to maintain vigorous oral hygiene, but there may be another problem, or they may have been taught incorrectly.

The most common reason for halitosis is a build-up of bacteria. These can happen on the teeth, as well as the gums and the tonsils. Mouth sores and sinus infections also provide environments for bacteria to thrive in, particularly as the nasal drip from a sinus infection provides bacteria with plenty to feed on. A foreign object stuck in a child’s nose can also trigger nasal drip. Brushing the tongue is the surest way to prevent bacteria build-up at its most common location.

Another common cause of bad breath is dry mouth. Children who breathe through their mouths and who engage in physical play without staying hydrated are at high risk of developing dry mouth, but the condition can also result from certain medications. Anxiety and ADHD are common childhood ailments for which medications often cause dry mouth or directly create bad breath.

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.

 

Acid Reflux and Oral Health

What does heartburn have to do with teeth? In fact, quite a lot. At Enid Dental Care, Dr. Dennis Morehart observes many kinds of tooth erosion, and one of the most common is that caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as acid reflux or GERD.

Acid reflux happens when the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach opens, allowing hydrochloric acid out of the stomach. GERD describes when this happens at least twice a week. Hydrochloric acid causes painful ulcers in the esophagus and when it gets as far as the mouth it can contribute to the erosion of the gums as well as the teeth and result in dry mouth.

As tooth enamel erodes, teeth become sensitive, discolored, and either pitted or flattened out. Remineralization therapies, such as fluoride treatment, can help protect enamel, but they cannot restore what has been lost. However, Dr. Morehart can reconstruct teeth through methods such as bonding and partial crowns. Patients can lower their risk of acid reflux by reducing their intake of fatty and acidic foods, such as citrus juice and onions, as well as chocolate and alcohol. They may also need to discuss with their general practitioner whether they need to switch out any medications that are harming their oral health.

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.

 

 

How to Care for Dentures

When patients receive dentures, preventing dry sockets is the first order of business, but learning a new oral health regimen is the second. At Enid Dental Care, we understand that getting dentures can be frightening, which is why we want our patients to know that we are anticipating their needs by providing them with information about proper denture care.

There are many kinds of dentures, but what they have in common is that they need to be removed for cleaning every night. Doing this will also give the patient the chance to brush their mouth, including their tongue and any exposed metal, such as implants or a bar support. People should only brush their mouths with soft-bristled brushes, and the same is true while brushing their dentures. But patients should also take care to select a toothpaste which has been approved for use on dentures because toothpaste for normal teeth contains gritty minerals that scratch artificial teeth, which lack natural protective films.

Anytime they are not in the patient’s mouth, dentures should be left soaking in room-temperature liquid. The liquid may be water or a cleaning solution, but it must not be hot enough to warp the denture’s thin plastic. Although it is expected that dentures will need to be refitted on occasion, this should only be done in a dental laboratory by professionals.

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.

 

Understanding Dry Sockets

While we work hard at Enid Dental Care to ensure our patients understand their post-operational instructions, complications are possible. One of the most common problems following a tooth extraction is a dry socket, so we want our patients to know how to prevent it and how to recognize if they develop one.

When a tooth is removed, it is very important that a blood clot be allowed to form over the extraction site. Without it, the socket will painfully dry out and be at risk of infection. Patients are advised to avoid sipping through straws immediately following surgery, so as not to knock the clot loose prematurely. It is also wise to forego the use of birth control, as it interferes with clot formation, and to avoid smoking or use of tobacco products (although dentists always recommend that).

When patients do suffer from dry sockets, they will usually feel severe pain about two days after the extraction. Difficulties are more likely to happen following complicated extractions which required the doctor to cut through bone or gum tissue. Patients should request an emergency appointment so they may be provided with painkillers, anti-bacterial pills, and medicated wound dressing to moisten the sockets. The dressings will need to be replaced every few days until the healing is complete, but patients usually make full recoveries.

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.

 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Full and Partial Dentures

For patients who have lost all or most of their teeth, dentures are a great option for replacement. Dentures will allow patients to eat and speak normally again. Dr. Dennis Morehart provides patients in our Enid, OK dental practice with full and partial dentures to repair smiles and improve facial structure.

Dentures are a new set of teeth that are able to be taken out. Whether all of the teeth are missing or just most of them, Dr. Morehart has options. Dentures make it possible to eat and speak normally again. They bring your smile back and can even improve your smile. In addition, when teeth are lost, the facial muscles sag and make a person appear older than they are. Dentures keep these muscles in place and retain the shape of the face.

Dr. Morehart offers full and partial dentures. Partial dentures are able to be utilized when there are a few teeth left that can serve as a base for the dentures. Full dentures are able to be applied conventionally or immediately for our patients’ convenience. The benefit to immediate dentures is that there will be no time spent without teeth (if extractions are necessary), however in the future they will need to be re-fit. When gums heal from extractions, they tend to shrink and change shape.

If you are looking to repair your smile and regain confidence talking, laughing, and eating, consider dentures. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS here in Enid, OK, call us at (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com. 

Gum Grafting in Enid, OK

Gum disease can cause some damage to gums that cannot heal on its own. When gums recede, they can cause pain and must be corrected for the health of the gums and the teeth they hold. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS performs gum grafts right here in our Enid, OK dental practice for those who need additional gum tissue added to an area.

Gum grafting takes tissue from the roof of the mouth and moves it down to where additional tissue is needed. Sometimes when gum disease progresses far enough, it will create deep pockets in the gums which recedes the gum line. Exposed tooth root can cause pain and sensitivity, as well as put the future of the tooth in jeopardy. If untreated, the tooth root can become decayed or eventually lead to the tooth falling out. Gum grafting is needed to repair the natural state of the gums so they can do their job correctly.

Dr. Morehart will cut tissue from the roof of the mouth or an area of the gums where there is excess tissue and he will transfer it down to the area where gums are needed. The tissue is stitched into place and over time, they will grow and heal into a natural gum line.

If you are experiencing sensitive teeth due to exposed tooth root, schedule a consultation with skilled and experienced Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS of Enid, OK. To schedule, call us at (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com.

Braces for Straightening Teeth in Enid, OK

A great smile and a healthy mouth go hand-in-hand with straight teeth. Straight teeth are a major desire for many. This is why Dr. Dennis Morehart offers braces to his patients at his Enid, OK dental practice.

Braces are a teeth straightening procedure that works by applying metal bracing to the teeth, providing continuous pressure. The continuous pressure over time moves the teeth into the desired position. Dr. Morehart comes up with a step by step plan so that each movement is in the right direction.

Braces have been around for a long time, but they have continuously changed and advanced. Today’s braces are made of super-strong metal alloys. Metal brackets are bonded to the front of teeth and a metal wire is clipped into the brackets which apply pressure into a certain direction set by Dr. Morehart. The wire is changed out about every four weeks. The duration for wearing braces varies with each case, however it is usually somewhere between one and three years.

If you are considering straightening your teeth, come find out if braces are right for you. To learn more about braces or to schedule a consultation here in our Enid, OK dental practice, contact Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS by calling (580) 237-2213 or by visiting our website, www.eniddentalcare.com. 

Dental Bonding for Affordable, Attractive Cosmetic Improvements

Want your bright and healthy-looking smile back? Dental bonding is an affordable and good-looking way to improve the look of many dental issues. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS offers dental bonding here at his Enid, OK dental practice for his patients looking to improve the look of chips, cracks, discoloration and more.

Dental bonding is the process of applying a composite resin to teeth in places where improvement is needed. The composite resin is tooth-colored and is the same resin used for white cavity fillings. It is smoothed over an imperfection like a chip or a crack. It can even be used to close a gap or lengthen a tooth that appears misaligned. The resin is molded and shaped into the desired look and hardened using an LED light. For whitening purposes, a brighter-colored resin is chosen and smoothed over your teeth. Dental bonding is durable and is taken care of just like normal teeth. With good care, dental bonding can last over ten years.

Long-lasting, affordable improvements and whitening are now available for those in Enid, OK desiring a more attractive smile. To contact Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, contact us by calling (580) 237-2213 or by visiting our website, www.eniddentalcare.com. 

Invisalign in Enid, OK

Dreaming of straight teeth? Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS of Enid, OK offers Invisalign, the nearly invisible teeth straightening system, to his patients looking to straighten up their smile.

Invisalign is a teeth straightening process that works by using clear, plastic aligner trays to gradually shift teeth. Invisalign can treat mild and more difficult cases. Some of the main conditions Invisalign treats are gapped teeth, overcrowded teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and openbite. Dr. Morehart will be able to tell you if your specific case will benefit from Invisalign.

The recommended amount of time to wear the aligners is twenty to twenty-two hours per day. You take them out when eating and when brushing your teeth. The aligners are switched every two weeks, and the new change to each set of aligners will gradually straighten your teeth. For adults, this process usually takes about a year. For teenagers, the average duration is two years.

Invisalign has major advantages over traditional metal braces. For one, the aligners are taken out while you eat, so there are no limitations on what you can eat. They are also taken out when you brush and floss your teeth, so there is no hassle keeping a good oral hygiene routine. Another large advantage is no metallic smile. Invisalign is nearly invisible.

If you are looking to straighten teeth and do not want the hassle of traditional metal braces, schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS at our Enid, OK dental practice. Call (580) 237-2213 or visit our website, www.eniddentalcare.com.