The Root Canal Procedure

Signs you may need root canal therapy include: severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed), discoloration of your tooth, swelling and tenderness in nearby gums, and/or a persistent or recurring abscess on the gums. Fortunately, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, can save any tooth that is badly decayed or infected.

After taking X-rays or examining existing x-rays to show where the decay is located, the procedure starts off with the patient being administered a local anesthetic. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, will then drill down into the tooth to create an opening into the canal. He will then be able to remove infected tissue and clean the infection and unhealthy pulp out of the canals. The canals are filled with a permanent material called gutta-percha to keep them free of contamination. After this is done, the filling remains until the tooth receives a permanent filling or a crown. The first few days after your root canal, the tooth may be sensitive, but the over results will be pain free.

If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, 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. 

Beware of Cavities

Only Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can tell you if you have a cavity, and although he has all of the required materials in his office to fill said cavity, he would rather his patients avoid them altogether. “Cavity” is just another way of saying “tooth decay,” and tooth decay is influenced by lifestyle, what we eat, how well we take care of how teeth, and the presence of fluoride in our water and toothpaste.

Many people think only children get cavities, but changes in your mouth as you age make them an adult problem too. As you get older, your gums pull away from your teeth. This exposes the roots of your teeth to plaque and if you eat a lot of sugary or high-carb foods, you’re more likely to get cavities. Cavities are very serious. Left untreated, a cavity can destroy your tooth and kill the delicate nerves at its center which may result in spending extra time and money in the dentist’s chair down the line.  As always, preventive care can keep micro problems from turning into major ones, so remember to brush at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth and below the gum line.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call. To learn more about the 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.

Pregnancy and Teeth

Pregnancy comes with a lot of bodily discomforts. Swollen ankles, weight gain, and morning sickness only name a few. You may not expect to experience changes in your oral health during pregnancy; however, if you already have gingivitis, the condition is likely to worsen during this time. Because this time is critical for teeth, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS encourages patients to schedule appointments if any changes in the mouth appear during pregnancy.

Primary changes in your oral health are due to a surge in hormones – particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone – can exaggerate the way gum tissues react to plaque. If the plaque isn’t removed, it can cause gingivitis – red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. To help minimize any risks during pregnancy, make sure you give your teeth and gums extra special attention. Regular tooth brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, eating a balanced diet and visiting the dentist regularly will help reduce dental problems that accompany pregnancy. If morning sickness is frequent, rinse your mouth out with water to keep the acid level under control.

If you are pregnant, please notify us when making your next appointment. To learn more about the 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.

Benefits of Using a Tongue Cleaner

Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS wants you to brush and floss daily, but you should never neglect your tongue after completing these tasks. Some people use a toothbrush to clean the tongue, however, this may not be as effective as using a tongue scraper tool. Tongue scrapers, which are available in most drugstores in various shapes and sizes, have been proclaimed as a way to reduce or eliminate bad breath, but this isn’t their only benefit.

When we sleep, our digestive system remains awake, removing toxins from our body by depositing them onto the surface of our tongue. If we don’t scrape away these toxins, they get reabsorbed by the body and can lead to respiratory difficulties, digestive problems, and a compromised immune system. This oral hygiene practice also promotes general tooth and gum health and removes bacteria and toxins responsible for periodontal problems, plaque buildup, tooth decay and gum infections. Introducing a tongue cleaner/scraper into your oral hygiene routine, can simply boost oral hygiene while helping to prevent bad breath.

If you have questions about your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about the 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.

Tooth Friendly Diet

At the dental practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS we see it as our responsibility to share information to help our patients make good choices regarding their dental health and good dental health begins with a well-balanced diet. While a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and unsaturated fats will benefit your overall health, there are a few stand out foods and nutrients that can really boost it.

We’ve all heard the phrase, “milk builds strong bones and teeth.” This is true because calcium prevents against tooth decay. Calcium is found in foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt as well as in fish and some vegetables such as kale and broccoli. Crunchy fruits and vegetables – like apples, pears, celery, and carrots – act as a detergent on teeth, wiping away bacteria that can cause plaque. We don’t have to tell you to stay away from sugary snacks, but even healthy foods have sugars in them. Therefore, no matter what you eat it’s always important to brush and floss afterward and remember to visit us twice a year for checkups.

If you have questions about a tooth friendly diet, give us a call. To learn more about the 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 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.