Combat Persistent Bad Breath with Expert Tips from Dental Expressions

September 24, 2013

126952776Though we all experience bad breath every once in a while – whether it be due to something we ate or simply a case of dry mouth in the morning – but the fact that it affects everyone now and then doesn’t make it any less embarrassing when it happens to us. At Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, OKDr. Colin Holman and Dr. Natalie Frazier want to give you all of the information you need to maintain a clean, healthy mouth and get rid of bad breath.

Find the Culprit, Find the Cure

Some people suffer from chronic bad breath caused by an underlying condition, like liver problems, or because they take certain medications. If you regularly detect an unpleasant taste and associated odor in your mouth, we recommend coming in for an exam at Dental Expressions. We can check for signs of periodontal disease (more commonly known as gum disease), an infection of the gums that can contribute to persistent bad breath.

If you’re otherwise healthy and you still have problems controlling the odor of your breath, keep the following in mind:

  • Don’t skip the floss. Food particles that become lodged between the teeth and along the gum line can quickly foul up the smell of your breath, especially if these particles remain hidden for days. Flossing twice a day when you brush your teeth can help keep bad breath at bay.
  • Stay hydrated. A dry mouth smells worse than one that has a proper pH balance and sufficient saliva. Drink between 8 and 10 glasses of water per day for improved oral health and overall physical well being.
  • Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash. Oftentimes, brushing and flossing simply aren’t enough to rid your mouth of potentially harmful bacteria. A mouthwash used after you brush can rinse away the germs that make your breath smell bad and even protect against future plaque buildup.
  • Brush your tongue – If you see a sticky, pale film form on your tongue, particularly toward the back of your mouth, it’s likely that you’re harboring excess bacteria there. Brush your tongue gently but firmly enough to get rid of that buildup or use a tongue scraper for better comfort and efficiency.

Take Control of Your Oral Health!

If problems with bad breath have caused you unnecessary embarrassment and you’re looking for a solution that offers real results, contact us at our Oklahoma City, OK office today and talk with Drs. Holman and Frazier. We also happily serve patients throughout the surrounding areas of Norman, Moore, Midwest City and beyond. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Oklahoma City Patients Can Completely Revitalize Their Smile with a Personalized Smile Makeover

August 21, 2013

185780257Many of us dream of having a smile that looks like it came straight out of the movies, and why wouldn’t we? Beautiful teeth are often valuable tools in the professional and social settings, implying success, youth, confidence, and so much more to others. For some people, it’s easy to pick out that one treatment you need to achieve the results you’re looking for, such as teeth whitening to clean up stains. But what if you’re less sure? Maybe your teeth need a little more work than one procedure can offer, or maybe you simply don’t have the time or funds to spend on several, lengthy appointments. Whatever the case is, our dedicated team at Dental Expressions is here to help! At our Oklahoma City office, you can find the caring touch you’ve been looking for when you undergo services from Dr. Holman and Dr. Frazier. We’ll be happy to create a personalized smile makeover plan that will give you the stunning results you’ve been looking for.

Transform Your Smile, Transform Your Life

Changing the look of your smile is a big step, and one that our team takes very seriously. First, Dr. Holman or Dr. Frazier will carefully inspect your teeth and gums, being sure to take into account any cosmetic flaws (after first ensuring that no restorative work is required). They’ll then discuss with you any goals or preferences you have for your dental work (including cost and time commitments) before making their recommendations over what procedures would best benefit your unique situation. Our available cosmetic treatments include:

Don’t settle for a smile that’s simply lackluster – we’ll be happy to help you pursue your dreams of a new and improved you! Contact our Oklahoma City office today to schedule an appointment. We welcome patients from all over the OKC area, as well as Moore, Norman, Midwest City, and beyond.

Keep Your Teeth in Tip-Top Shape with Advanced Dental Technology in Oklahoma City

June 13, 2013

454389001In order to provide the most effective, thorough care possible, it’s important for dentists to keep up and implement the latest dental technologies in their offices. After all, modern equipment and techniques have several advantages – it makes it easier for dental teams to share and relay information with patients, comfort is noticeably enhanced, and dentists are able to ensure that care is more detailed and precise than ever before. Drs. Colin Holman and Natalie Frazier believe strongly in sharing these benefits with their patients; that’s why their Oklahoma City office houses a variety of dental technologies designed to make oral health easier and safer for smiles of all ages. Come in to Dental Expressions to see for yourself!

Here are just a few of the tools our team uses to help your teeth become happier and healthier:

  • We use digital X-rays instead the traditional system, resulting in faster, more thorough pictures of your mouth as well as 90% less radiation.
  • Intraoral photography gives our team an up close and personal look at your teeth and gums, allowing us to show you any suspicious areas and more precisely pinpoint treatment plans.
  • Our cutting-edge sterilization system includes a heated autoclave with an LED lighting system that separates sterilized and non-sterilized equipment, ensuring that you never have to worry about cleanliness when undergoing our care!
  • Our fully digital recordkeeping system makes it easy to pull up information, edit addresses, and review records in seconds!

Are you ready to experience comprehensive, personalized care that puts patient comfort first! Contact our Oklahoma City office today to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists, or if you have any questions about our technologies. We’re happy to see patients from all over the OKC area, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, and beyond!

Treat Little Smiles Well with Dedicated Children’s Dentistry Services in Oklahoma City

February 27, 2013

140303575You do your best to keep your children healthy by monitoring their diet and keeping them active – but what about their teeth? Going to the dentist’s office can be scary at first, especially for little smiles. Here at Dental Expressions, we understand how crucial it is for your little one to have a pleasant and comfortable experience at our Oklahoma City office every time they come in; after all, establishing good dental hygiene habits at such a young age can put them on a lifelong path towards optimal oral health! With a variety of personalized and gentle children’s dentistry services, Dr. Colin Holman and Dr. Natalie Frazier will be sure to keep your son or daughter’s teeth healthy and happy for years to come.

Children’s Dentistry Leaves Little Kids Smiling

We suggest first bringing your child into our Oklahoma City office around the age of two – not for a full-blown dental appointment, but instead for what we like to call a “happy visit.” Children often have the most trouble with situations, places, or people that are unfamiliar to them; this way, we can prepare them for their first visit by introducing our staff, showing them all the tools we use, and even letting them sit in the dentist’s chair!

We usually suggest that children should start attending regular check-ups and cleanings around the age of three to five; however, if you notice any abnormalities in the way their teeth seem to be developing before then, please feel free to bring them in so we can take a look. During these appointments, we’ll be sure to keep our care gentle and conservative while also watching out for potential problems. Our friendly hygienist will be glad to show you and your son or daughter how to properly brush and floss at home.

Once your child is older, we can provide them with other personalized children’s dentistry services, such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments – both of which help to keep teeth strong and cavity-free!

Our team loves children, and we can’t wait to provide them the tools they need to keep their smile looking lovely for a lifetime. Bring your loved ones to Dental Expressions for caring children’s dentistry services today! Call our Oklahoma City office to schedule an appointment. We also are happy to see patients from the OKC area, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, and the surrounding communities.

Could You Be Suffering From Sleep Apnea?

February 18, 2013

488099845We can all agree that snoring is an annoying habit to have – especially where tired spouses are concerned. The habit can keep your family awake at night, disrupt your own sleep, and leave you with a sore throat in the morning. But did you know that snoring can actually be an indicator of a much more serious condition? If you’re a chronic snorer, you might be suffering from sleep apnea, a potentially dangerous disorder that causes a person to stop breathing constantly through the night, usually for instances of ten seconds or longer. People who suffer from untreated sleep apnea not only suffer from chronic exhaustion and lessened enjoyment of life, but could also suffer possible complications later in life. Here at Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, our team is happy to provide you with a variety of effective solutions to treat your sleep apnea. With the help of Dr. Holman and Dr. Frazier, you and your family will be back to peaceful slumber in no time.

But first, how do you know for sure if you have sleep apnea? Here are some common symptoms:

  • Chronic exhaustion/ drowsiness during the day, no matter how sleep you got the night before
  • Waking up with a dry mouth or throat after sleep
  • Constant choking, gasping, or snorting during sleep
  • Loud snoring
  • Constantly waking up during the night
  • Morning headaches

Some of those sound familiar! What are my options for treatment?

After Dr. Holman or Dr. Frazier have concurred that you are in fact suffering from sleep apnea, there are a few solutions you both can pursue, depending on the severity of the disorder. First, they can offer you the use of an oral appliance (commonly referred to as a snoreguard). Wearing a snoreguard alleviates snoring and keeps your airway open. If your symptoms don’t respond to that treatment, Dr. Holman or Dr. Frazier may recommend that you see a doctor who specializes in sleep disorders, or that you look into the use of a CPAP machine, which consists of a box, facemask, and tube that carries air to your body while you sleep.

Our team is committed to providing you with comfortable and personalized service, here at Dental Expressions. Let us give you a reason to smile! Call our office today to schedule a consultation for your sleep apnea treatment.  We proudly serve patients from the OKC area, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, and surrounding communities.

Be Fear-Free in the Dentist’s Chair with Oral Conscious Sedation

January 8, 2013

stk85221corIf the mere thought of going to the dentist fills you with hesitation or anxiety, you’re definitely not alone – nearly 75% of the population reports some level of fear when faced with the idea. These feelings can even make you delay dental care indefinitely, which can lead to more serious oral health issues.

Here at Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City, we want to make sure you get the dental treatment you need as quickly and effectively as possible. At the same time, your safety and comfort are a top priority for us, which is why Dr. Holman and Dr. Frazier are happy to be able to offer you oral conscious sedation as an option during your procedure. With oral conscious sedation, you’ll be able to feel relaxed and happy while our team does all the heavy lifting, providing you with beautiful, healthy teeth you’ll be thrilled to share with the world.

Is sedation right for you? Take a look at these characteristics:

  • Do you respond poorly to anesthesia?
  • Do you experience a lot of stress, anxiety, or discomfort when faced with that familiar big chair?
  • Do you have a sensitive gag reflex?
  • Do you need to undergo several lengthy procedures?

If one or more of these seem familiar, then oral conscious sedation may be the right choice for you. Oral conscious sedation is a small sedative that comes to you in pill form. You simply take it the night before your procedure and bring another with you. The next day, you will feel groggy, so you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Under oral conscious sedation, you’ll still be able to respond to commands from Dr. Holman or Dr. Frazier, but you’ll feel much more relaxed, so much so that many patients don’t even remember much of their procedure once it’s finished.

While oral conscious sedation can be provided by dentists who’ve had no training in the area, both Dr. Holman and Dr. Frazier have taken the time to attend a specialized training program for the treatment. That way, you know that you’re receiving the most educated and safe service possible when you come to Dental Expressions. Let us put a smile on your face! Call our office today to schedule a consultation.  We proudly serve patients from the OKC area, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, and surrounding communities.

Have You Scheduled Your Fall Checkup Yet?

September 14, 2012

186428328In just about a week and a half, we’ll have reached the first day of fall. What that means for all of us in Oklahoma City and around the country is cooler weather, shorter days, and beautiful fall colors. It also signals that 2012 is mostly behind us now; the holidays will be here before you know it. That makes now a great time to schedule your fall checkup.

Enjoy a Healthy Smile This Holiday Season

We all want to enjoy the holiday season. And a key part of enjoying the holidays is having the freedom to comfortably enjoy the great foods that come with Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Christmas season. That’s a more difficult thing to do, though, when you don’t know how your smile’s doing.

But that’s exactly what you can find out during a fall checkup with Dr. Frazier or Dr. Holman at Dental Expressions in Oklahoma City. During your visit, our team will thoroughly assess your oral health, perform a professional cleaning, and recommend any services that we think might be helpful for you.

Some of those services may be preventive or restorative—you may need a filling, for instance—but others might be cosmetic. Wouldn’t you love to share a whiter, straighter, more shapely smile with your friends and family this year? We have services that can help.

Are you ready to schedule your fall checkup with Dental Expressions and Dr. Frazier or Dr. Holman? Call our Oklahoma City dental office today to schedule your appointment. Our OKC team is always ready to help.

 

Dental X-rays in the News: What you need to know

April 11, 2012

469156185You may have recently read news stories about dental x-rays being linked to benign brain tumors.  We want to clarify a few points and assure you that every reasonable precaution is being taken to ensure your safety and minimize potential risks.  For years, the recommendations concerning radiographic frequencies/techniques have been governed by a concept called ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Allowable).  This means that you take x-rays at the lowest possible settings to obtain diagnostic radiographs, as well as taking them only when necessary.  When are they necessary?  According to the American Dental Association/FDA Guidelines there are many differences based on age, previous cavity experience and risk factors.

For new patients to our practice, baseline radiographs are necessary to determine current dental health and risks.  If you have recent DIAGNOSTIC radiographs from your previous dentist, this may not be necessary.  In this instance these x-rays are used to determine if there is decay between your teeth (which cannot usually be seen during a routine exam) and to check bone levels for signs of periodontal disease.  Also radiographs are necessary to diagnose abscesses in patients having toothaches.

For recall patients with visible decay or increased risk of decay there are two different recommendations for children/teens and adults.  In children and teens x-rays are indicated every 6-12 months.  In adults this increases to every 6-18 months.  This range means that it is on a case-by-case basis depending on risk factors.

For recall patients with no visible decay and not at an increased risk for decay there are three groups.  For children the interval is 12-24 months.  For teens the interval is 18-36 months and adults are 24-36 months.

The news story reported that most patients only needed x-rays every 3 years.  As you can see, this frequency only applies to adults with little to no risk factors.  According to Dr. Donald O’Rourke, an associate professor of neurosurgery at the University of Pennsylvania , it is also important to note that there is around a 20-25 year delay in radiation induced meningioma formation.  The 1433 study participants mean age was 57, meaning that they were x-rayed using older technology.  Digital radiographs have drastically cut radiation exposures.  The study also relied on patient’s memories of whether they had received regular x-rays during the decades preceding the study, including during their childhood.  Self-reporting of this frequency also leaves great room for error.

The amount of radiation that we are exposed to from dental X-rays is very small compared to our daily exposure from things like, cosmic radiation and naturally-occurring radioactive elements (for example, those producing radon).

The table below compares our estimated exposure to radiation from dental X-ray with other various sources. As indicated below, a millisievert (mSv) is a unit of measure that allows for some comparison between radiation sources that expose the entire body (such as natural background radiation) and those that only expose a portion of the body (such as X-rays).

 

Source Estimated Exposure (mSv)
Man MadeDental X-rays

Bitewing radiographs
Full-mouth series

 

0.038
0.150

Medical X-raysLower gastrointestinal tract radiography
Upper gastrointestinal tract radiography
Chest radiograph
4.060
2.440
0.080
NaturalCosmic (Outer Space) Radiation

Average radiation from outer space In Denver, CO (per year)

 

0.510

Earth and Atmospheric RadiationAverage radiation in the U.S. from Natural sources (per year) 3.000

Source: Adapted from Frederiksen NL. X-Rays: What is the Risk? Texas Dental Journal. 1995;112(2):68-72.

As always, please let us know of any concerns you may have so that together we can work to make a customized dental health plan that we can both agree on.

 

Sources:

http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/10/brain-tumors-linked-to-dental-x-rays/

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1156552-overview#showall

http://www.ada.org/en

http://www.ada.org/enmember-center/oral-health-topics/x-rays

 

Leap Years Come Every Four Years, Dental Checkups Should Come Every Six Months

February 29, 2012

462389477Today is February 29th, meaning that this year is a leap year. Leap years only come every four years. Regular checkups at Dental Expressions, on the other hand, should come much sooner than that. In fact, ideally they should happen every six months.

Why so often?

Because, as important as brushing and flossing are, nothing gets smiles as clean as a professional cleaning. What’s more, during a dental checkup, our doctors have a chance to inspect your smile and gauge how healthy it is. If we need to, we can recommend a general, cosmetic, or restorative service that will help you give your smile a better future.

To find out more about each of our services, including popular services like teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and dental implants, please explore our site.

And if you’re ready to schedule your next appointment, just get in touch with our Oklahoma City dental office. Dr. Colin Holman and Dr. Natalie Frazier would be happy to answer any questions you might have, in addition to thoroughly examining your smile.

Give us a call today. We serve patients from OKC, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, and surrounding areas.

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