Author: avant8

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a concern for many patients. It can cause embarrassment and is usually the result of prolonged, poor oral hygiene. Further exacerbation can come from unhealthy food and lifestyle choices such as smoking cigarettes. Bad breath can also be an indicator of other health problems. Unfortunately, many myths float around regarding how best to treat it. Storts Family Dentistry wants to aid you in deciphering true from false when it comes to bad breath treatment and how to best prevent and combat it. 

Preventing bad breath is simple; all it takes is consistency! You should always brush your teeth after you eat with toothpaste containing fluoride. When you pair this with flossing, more food particles and bacteria will be removed. Bad breath often emanates from the back of the mouth and tongue, so brushing your tongue in addition to your teeth will keep your breath fresh. Lastly, visiting our office twice yearly for an exam and cleaning is crucial. There is only so much you can do through your at-home hygiene routine, and your dental hygienist will be able to remove hard-to-reach plaque and tartar, which will contribute to bad breath if left unattended for too long. 

So what are some common myths about bad breath you should avoid believing? 

Myth: By breathing into your hands, you can tell if you have bad breath.

Fact: True bad breath is propelled from the back of your mouth when you talk. When breathing into your hands, you produce breath from the front of your mouth and may miss certain smells.

Myth: Using mouthwash regularly will cure bad breath.

Fact: We wish this were true, too! While mouthwash can temporarily disguise certain odors from the back of your mouth, it can eventually dry your mouth, making your breath symptoms more intense. 

Myth: Bad breath is a sign of an underlying illness.

Fact: Most bad breath is caused by particular chemicals in your mouth and a coating on your tongue or irritated gums. While it can be a sign of an illness in another area of your body, the bad breath will almost always be accompanied by additional symptoms if this is the case.

If you’re struggling with bad breath, call our office to make an appointment. Our dental team will give you a thorough exam and cleaning and assess the cause of the problem. Generally, bad breath is something we can treat in-office with a deep cleaning. If your exam reveals it results from a health issue in another part of your body, we will refer you to a specialist. 

To aid treatment while at home, ensure you maintain oral hygiene and take extra measures such as flossing and scraping your tongue. The Storts Family Dentistry team knows how debilitating bad breath can feel, and we want to do everything we can to aid you in prevention and treatment. To book an appointment or have your questions answered, call us at (580) 223-6720 for our Ardmore location, (580) 276-3055 for Marietta, and (580) 795-3360 for Madill. Do you have dental anxiety? Learn how to overcome it.

The Storts Family Dentistry team enjoys starting our days with the intention of giving our patients a stellar dental experience. We understand that every patient has unique circumstances and take them all into consideration, including dental anxiety. There are many routes we can take to help you combat dental anxiety while pursuing your smile goals, and we are here to share them!

We will begin by discussing why keeping up with oral healthcare is essential. Visiting our office every six months will include a dental hygienist thoroughly cleaning your teeth. Hard-to-reach plaque and tartar will be removed, which generally builds up in areas that are more difficult to reach during your at-home hygiene routine. Your hygienist and dentist will also be able to catch any early signs of oral cancer, cavities, and other issues. When dealt with ahead of time, you will spend less time and money at our office in the long run, and your smile will thank you for it!

Many people avoid going to the dentist or only make an appointment when absolutely necessary. While you may think that dental anxiety comes from wanting to avoid pain, it is usually due to feeling a lack of control. At Storts Family Dentistry, we tend to each patient with kindness and patience, desiring to provide comfort. Some of the ways in which we build trust with patients include:

• Checking in with patients during the appointment. We constantly check in with our patients throughout their appointments, especially if it involves an in-depth dental procedure.
• Making sure patients are aware they can take a break if they are uncomfortable. We believe it is best to play it safe and take it as slowly as possible if a patient feels anxious. If you need to step out and get some air, you are welcome to let us know!
• Explaining what patients will feel and for how long. As we said, lack of control is the main reason people have dental anxiety. This anxiety can be alleviated by being given as much knowledge as possible about what to expect and when to expect it. We will provide information at multiple points throughout the appointment.
• Making sure patients know they can be assertive with their needs. Our team will provide a thorough exam for all patients; however, it is an essential part of the visit for patients to let us know if there is an issue. We will ensure to inform all patients ahead of time they can express their needs and comfort level at any time during their visit goes a long way.
• Getting to know each patient. Building relationships with everyone who walks through our doors is in our DNA. We want you to feel like you are visiting with old friends. We care deeply about the health of your teeth but also your life!

We are here to help if you are feeling nervous. Some relaxation techniques that will ease anxiety in the moment are such as progressive muscle relaxation, breathing deeply, or listening to calming music. In addition, we offer nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. This treatment is beneficial for anxiety over extensive procedures, and we take it very seriously. If you think it may be helpful for you during your visit, we will consult with you prior and figure out if it makes sense to include it in your oral health journey.

If you have questions about dealing with dental anxiety for yourself or a loved one, there is always more to learn! We want to come alongside you at our office and make everything as simple as possible. Feel free to call us at (580) 223-6720 for our Ardmore location, (580) 276-3055 for Marietta, and (580) 795-3360 for Madill with any questions. Learn more about what makes our team great here.

Have you ever dealt with a badly infected or damaged tooth? It can be an experience that causes a lot of frustration, especially if you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start when it comes to obtaining the care and treatment you need. Luckily, the team at Storts Family Dentistry is always here to help!

Root canals are the most common dental treatment for various issues relating to cavities and infections in a tooth or teeth. While removal of a damaged tooth is an option, it can result in more money spent and a longer recovery time. In contrast, a root canal seeks to save the tooth and preserve your natural smile. Many patients worry getting a root canal will cause intense pain, but this is not the case! With our modern dental technology, patients will have little to no pain during the procedure. It’s likely more painful to live with the infected tooth!

Why are root canals necessary, and how do they help? Every natural tooth is filled with a soft pulp core. This pulp fills the entirety of your tooth, from just below the crown into the roots. It is made up of nerves, soft tissue, and blood vessels. If you develop a deep cavity or crack in one of your teeth, bacteria can enter the pulp and cause infection, damage, and inflammation. If these cavities are left untreated for too long, pulp death, bone loss, or loss of the entire tooth may occur. A few signs of this type of infection include swelling, toothache, and sensitivity to foods and drinks that are too hot or cold.

The root canal process is simple. Your dentist will take x-rays of your teeth to see if a root canal is necessary. If so, you will be provided with a local anesthetic to numb the area and ease the pain. All tooth decay will be removed, and an opening will be made in the crown of the tooth through which the root canal will be performed. Dental tools will then remove all infected pulp from the root.

After removing the infected pulp, the tooth chamber will be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Then, the tooth will be filled, making it as good as new! Your dentist will do everything possible to prevent further damage and restore your tooth or teeth to their original function. This is done by placing a crown over your newly filled root. Nowadays, crowns are usually made of porcelain and blend in perfectly with the natural teeth around them. If you keep up with your oral hygiene and come to the dentist every six months for exams and cleanings, your newly restored tooth will last a lifetime!

If you think you may require a root canal or have any questions for our staff, give Storts Family Dentistry a call at (580) 223-6720 for the Ardmore location, (580) 276-3055 for Marietta, and (580) 795-3360 for Madill. We would be happy to assist you!

Summer is everyone’s favorite! Our team wants to give you all the tools possible to keep the health of your smile in check during any trips you may be taking. 

Ways To Practice Good Oral Hygiene This Summer

While oral health probably isn’t the first thing on your mind while traveling, it is surprising how easy it can be to take care of it with these simple tips in mind.

First, make sure to keep your consumption of sugary foods in check

Vacation is a perfect opportunity to treat yourself, and everyone deserves this! However, we want to make sure you avoid any potential dental issues that could form due to high sugar intake. You might want to try swapping out carbonated soda for an equally delicious and healthier beverage, such as green tea. While avoiding your favorite treats may not be possible, adding in foods such as vegetables high in fiber will aid in keeping your teeth clean. It is all about balance.

Second, it is always a good idea to have sugar-free gum on hand 

Whether flying, driving, or taking a bus, you may go longer than usual without brushing your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum after eating is a wonderful way to keep your mouth as clean as possible. Not to mention, there are many delicious flavors out there!

Third, stay hydrated for good oral hygiene for summer

Hydration is essential for many reasons, including when it comes to the health of your smile. If you are enjoying a vacation adventure during the day and aren’t able to brush your teeth until later, drinking water while you eat will help dilute any plaque-forming acids and protect your teeth while you are having fun. Hydration is also key in guarding against dry mouth. Saliva is 99% water, so the more you drink, the more saliva you produce!

Fourth, let’s discuss your toothbrush’s ideal environment!

Can you guess one of the most important things to pay attention to on vacation? Minimizing potential bacteria growth on your toothbrush. Yes, you read that right! There are two main ways to ventilate your toothbrush and prevent bacteria growth. When looking for a travel toothbrush case, try to find one with small holes or room for air to circulate. A case without holes will keep the moisture locked in, which is not ideal. Also, keep your toothbrush free from its travel case when possible. Leaving it out to dry will aid in prevention.

Lastly, try your hardest to stick to your regular morning and evening oral hygiene routines

If you brush your teeth first thing in the morning, keep doing that. If you regularly brush your teeth throughout the day, travel toothbrushes were made for you. This will keep a healthy habit going, and it will also aid in preventing tooth decay and plaque. To make it even easier on yourself, pack an extra toothbrush and toothpaste just in case you misplace yours!

If you’d like to learn more about the prevention and treatment of cavities, read about it on our blog.

The Storts Family Dentistry team wants to ensure you have the best summer with your loved ones! If you haven’t had your first appointment of the year with us yet, give us a call at (580) 223-6720 for our Ardmore location, (580) 276-3055 for Marietta, and (580) 795-3360 for Madill to make one before your first Summer trip. This way, you will be able to enjoy your vacation without any stress or pain. You deserve it!

Cavities are one of the most commonly known dental issues and something everyone dreads. When you go to the dentist, you may wonder, “Do I have a cavity?” in the back of your mind. We have all experienced this fear! Luckily, treatment for and prevention of cavities are simple and more accessible than ever, especially at Storts Family Dentistry.

A cavity is formed when your enamel becomes damaged and can eventually develop into a small hole in your tooth. There are many common causes of cavities, such as overindulging in sugary snacks and drinks, not keeping your teeth clean, and bacteria. Cavities can become highly problematic if ignored for too long. If left untreated, a cavity can grow and affect deeper parts of your tooth. Eventually, this can cause infection or even the loss of your tooth. So, what are some of the best ways to prevent cavities?

Prevention And Treatment Of Cavities

Regular dental cleanings and checkups

Staying on top of hygiene appointments and oral exams will prevent cavities from forming and catch any that have already formed in their early stages before they progress and cause more harm!

Enjoy sugary snacks and drinks in moderation

Certain snacks and beverages create acids that can be destructive to your enamel. If you have a sugar craving, rinse and brush your teeth soon after!

Use fluoride toothpaste

Brushing your teeth twice a day is imperative, but it is even more beneficial when using fluoride toothpaste. This will decrease your risk of tooth decay.

Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments

Fluoride treatments are a great preventative measure, especially if your teeth aren’t getting enough fluoride. We can perform fluoride treatments right here in our office and your routine cleanings and checkups!

Signs of a Cavity 

Despite your most thorough preventative efforts, there is a chance that you could still develop a cavity. There are a few simple indicators you can look for when watching for cavities. If a cavity is forming in your mouth, you may notice pain or sensitivity in a tooth, black or brown staining on a tooth, pain when eating or drinking something hot or cold, or even small pits in a tooth.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call our office immediately at (580) 223-6720 for the Ardmore location, (580) 276-3055 for Marietta, and (580) 795-3360 for Madill!

Learn more on why keeping up with treatment is so important.

Our office offers treatment options for cavities that will restore your tooth’s look and feel back to its healthy state and function. These services include fillings, root canals, and crowns. Feel free to visit the services section of our website to learn more! The Storts Family Dentistry team wants to help you maintain the best dental health you can, and we hope this provides a little more insight on how to do so.

The team at Storts Family Dentistry wants to help our patients achieve smiles they are proud of. This is why we would like to highlight our orthodontic options! We get many questions about Invisalign, braces, and other forms of orthodonture. There is always more to learn! Hopefully, this information will help you decide whether moving forward with orthodontic treatment is suitable for you and your family.

Invisalign is an excellent alternative to traditional braces. Not only will you be able to eat the foods you love, but you will also be able to see your smile progress through every step of treatment. When wearing your aligners, you will be ready for anything. Just take them out before eating or drinking, and brush your teeth before putting them back in. Wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours per day will give you the best results and shortest overall treatment time. If you are a parent, your child’s aligners will have blue compliance indicators, so you can make sure they are wearing them for the required amount of time per day. Invisalign treatment is risk-free, straightforward, and an excellent option for all ages and stages of life!

Would you prefer to stick with tried-and-true traditional braces? Luckily, we offer them as well! Metal braces use stainless steel brackets and wires to apply pressure to each tooth. This technique gradually coaxes your teeth into a healthy alignment and will result in a beautiful, straight smile! One of the best parts about traditional braces is that you won’t have to worry about whether or not you are wearing them enough; they’re always there! In addition to this, children can choose fun colors for their rubbers bands to make their orthodontic treatment more exciting.

With both Invisalign clear aligners and traditional metal braces, patients will wear a retainer after treatment to keep their teeth from shifting. We will offer these along with your orthodontic treatment and guarantee that your newly straightened smile will be kept beautiful! In addition to retainers, Storts Family Dentistry also provides mouthguards. Mouthguards are a fantastic option if you struggle with clenching and grinding your teeth as you sleep. If your teeth go unprotected, clenching and grinding can wear them down over time and result in expensive dental treatment. Having a mouthguard will help you sleep comfortably while protecting your smile!

We want to educate our patients as much as possible on our services, and we hope this was helpful concerning orthodontic treatments! Orthodonture can provide long-lasting restoration, uses the latest material for optimal results, and gives you a customized plan for your smile needs. These are some of the main reasons we love offering it and other dental procedures to our patients! If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation or have any questions, give Storts Family Dentistry a call at (580) 223-6720 for our Ardmore office, (580) 276-3055 for Marietta, and (580) 795-3360 for Madill. We would be happy to assist you!

The Storts Family Dentistry team wants to do everything to ensure that the health of your smile is in top shape. Staying up-to-date with any diagnosed treatment is a substantial part of this.

Why should patients keep up with treatment?

1. You will be more comfortable! Whether you require restorative treatment or are looking for cosmetic treatment, getting it done will relieve pain and/or make you more comfortable with your smile. Nothing beats that!

2. You will save time and money spent in the long run. No one likes spending money they don’t need to. If you put off your diagnosed treatment, you’ll likely pay more later. While treatment can be costly, it becomes more expensive when delayed. More complex treatments usually require more time for the procedure(s) and subsequent recovery. You will thank yourself later if you schedule as soon as you can!

3. Current dental issues will grow more severe if they go untreated. One of the main reasons patients develop severe oral health problems is that they do not follow up with their dentist’s recommended treatment. Not following through with diagnosed treatment will result in even more in-depth treatment.

At Storts Family Dentistry, our talented dentists are proud to offer an extensive range of treatments and want to do what is best for each individual’s dental health needs. Each patient’s treatment plan will be unique based on the urgency of addressing certain dental issues and smile goals. So what are some treatments offered by Storts Family Dentistry?

Here are a some of our treatment options:

1. Crowns – If you want to prevent a weak, broken, or cracked tooth from breaking further, a crown is the best option! It will protect your tooth while giving it a natural look.
2. Extractions – A chronic toothache or infection in a tooth may require an extraction. This will improve the overall health of your mouth and keep the problem from worsening.
3. Fillings & root canals – Cavities and infections can be easily treated with our filling and root canal options! They both provide simple ways to restore and maintain your natural set of teeth.
4. Wisdom teeth removal – Most people need to have their wisdom teeth removed. Generally, wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow naturally without shifting your other adult teeth and causing issues with the alignment of your smile. Luckily, we can easily remove them and aid you in recovery.
5. Implants – If you have had one or multiple teeth extractions, dental implants are an excellent option for replacing these missing teeth.

Storts Family Dentistry offers many treatments, and these are just some of them! If you want to learn more about dental procedures, read our blog. To prevent further dental issues from arising, it is best to complete your treatment as soon as possible. If you have any questions for us or would like to schedule, you can reach our Ardmore location at (580) 223-6720, Marietta at (580) 276-3055, and Madill at (580) 795-3360.

Did you go to the dentist every six months for a hygiene appointment and checkup when you were growing up? If you want to make sure you don’t spend extra time and money at the dentist, these regular appointments will help ensure that. So how do these appointments impact your dental health and what do they consist of? We are here to share more!

Why Should You Have A Dental Routine Procedure Visit?

The main goal of a hygiene visit is to get rid of any plaque and tartar that has built up on your teeth over time. Why is this important? There are some very advanced electric toothbrushes out there, but even using one every time you brush will be unable to remove the toughest plaque from your teeth. Certain areas of your teeth are harder to keep clean, even if you floss regularly. Your hygienist will be able to use special tools to thoroughly clean these areas, which will prevent dental disease and extra visits to our office!

If your mouth isn’t given regular attention by a professional, gum disease may develop. It will easily be spotted when you come in for your appointment. When it comes to declining oral health, gum disease is one of the most common results. Your hygienist will examine your gums for signs of disease and use preventative hygiene measures to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy in unison.

What To Expect At A Dental Routine Procedure Visit

You will also receive an exam from the dentist, which is just as important as your cleaning! Your dentist will carefully examine your teeth and gums to determine their health and catch any early signs of dental problems or oral cancer. This is easy to treat if it is caught early on. X-rays are another aspect of routine appointments and are used by your dentist to check for any internal dental issues such as damage to the jawbone, decay between teeth, or impacted teeth.

Dental anxiety is a common problem. All the cleaning and exam procedures performed by your dentist and hygienist are effective, safe, and meant to keep your mouth in prime health! If going to the dentist makes you nervous, make sure to let us know. We specialize in working with patients who struggle with dental anxiety and will do everything we can to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Explaining checkups and procedures as we do them is one way we can do this, and we hope this blog helps alleviate some stress you may feel.

It is important to come in for an appointment every six months as it will save you money and time in the long run. If you would like to schedule an appointment for a dental routine procedure at Storts Family Dentistry,  give us a call at (580) 223-6720 for our Ardmore location, (580) 795-3360 for Madill, and (580) 276-3055 for Marietta. We will be happy to answer any of your questions and do everything we can to make your visit with us go as smoothly as possible.

Just because Valentine’s Day has passed doesn’t mean you have to stop with self-love! At Storts Family Dentistry, we want to make sure your smile gets the love and attention it deserves. Keeping your smile bright and healthy involves more than brushing and flossing daily. Taking the health of your smile to the next level can be done by working on a few simple tasks into your oral health routine. We hope these straightforward tips on keeping your smile in good health will give you something to be excited about.

How To Love Your Teeth

Here are six simple practices you can adopt at home to elevate your oral care routine:

1. Eat teeth-whitening foods. Did you know that there are foods that can help whiten your teeth? Crunchy foods generally need to be chewed for longer, and therefore your mouth will generate more saliva while eating them. Saliva assists in neutralizing acids that wear down your enamel, which will help prevent yellowing. In addition to this, foods that are coarse and rich in fiber, such as apples, pears, carrots, lettuce, celery, and cucumbers, can help rid the surfaces of your teeth of accumulated plaque.
2. Don’t brush too often. You may feel the need to brush your teeth after every meal. However, brushing more than twice per day can damage your gums and enamel. If you still feel the need to have your mouth feel clean after every meal, try rinsing with plain water. This will disrupt food particles without placing extra pressure on your teeth or gums.
3. Start by brushing in the back of your mouth. All of us are probably guilty of skimping on paying attention to brushing our back teeth during our oral care routine. These teeth need some love! Your molars are more prone to infection and gum disease because of all the hard-to-reach spots surrounding them. Brushing your back teeth before the rest of your mouth will ensure you are not too fatigued to hit all the right places!
4. Keep your toothbrush holder clean. This may not be a step you think of taking when it comes to keeping your teeth themselves clean. If you haven’t cleaned your toothbrush holder in a while and take a close look at it, you may notice that it has accumulated grime. Your toothbrush holder holds on to many of the germs that reside in your bathroom and is known to be the third-dirtiest household item. To keep it clean, we recommend washing it in your dishwasher a couple of times per week!
5. Don’t spend too much time on your favorite sugary drinks. Some people finish their favorite latte or soda in a few quick gulps, while others nurse on it for hours. So why is finishing it quickly more beneficial for your teeth? Suppose your teeth are being exposed to sugar over a more extended time. In that case, bacteria in your mouth that use sugar as a food source will metabolize it into lactic acid. This acid can eventually dissolve the healthy minerals on your teeth, leading to cavities down the road.
6. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush. Have you ever had trouble with sensitivity while brushing your teeth? This may be due to applying too much pressure as you brush, which can be exacerbated by the quality of the bristles on your toothbrush of choice. It is common knowledge that you should switch out your toothbrush every few months. Make sure you keep doing this but pick up a soft-bristled brush on your next trip for a switch. In addition to these brushes being better for your teeth and gums, applying less pressure when you brush will help minimize abrasiveness.

Keeping your smile in top shape should be something you strive towards no matter what time of year it is! Following these six simple steps will definitely improve the health of your teeth. If you’re interested in treating yourself to something extra, Storts Family Dentistry offers both take-home teeth whitening kits and in-office whitening. We promise both of these options will increase your confidence and make you even more proud of your smile! Learn more about prevention and treatment of cavities here. 

Give us a call at (580) 223-6720 for the Ardmore office, (580) 795-3360 for Madill, and (580) 276-3055 for Madill if you would like to schedule an appointment or have any questions about our teeth whitening or other cosmetic options.

Who is excited for the New Year? At Storts Family Dentistry, we view 2022 as the perfect time to leave bad oral health habits in the past. If you don’t have any goals or resolutions for 2022 yet, we are here to give you some easy ones. We want to help benefit your oral and overall health in every way we can, so here are ten sustainable goals to help you keep your teeth in top shape this year:

1. If you like to chew gum, make sure it is sugarless. In addition to this, chewing sugarless gum after big meals can help prevent tooth decay!
2. Drink more water. Water is vital for all areas of your health, including oral health! When you drink water, especially with a meal, it will wash away plaque-causing substances such as sugars and starches.
3. Brush your teeth gently. If you use too much pressure when you brush your teeth, you can damage your gums over time.
4. Start brushing twice per day for two minutes each time. We hope all of you are already brushing twice per day, but increasing your brush time to two minutes will ensure a healthier smile and a lower likelihood of developing cavities.
5. Schedule your first hygiene visit of the year. We recommend seeing your dental hygienist every six months. If you haven’t come in for hygiene since June, it is time to schedule! Keeping up with your hygiene appointments has many benefits, the greatest of which is keeping any plaque and tartar that has developed on your teeth under control.
6. Keep up a healthy, balanced diet. Everyone knows staying away from sugar is essential for the health of your teeth, but did you know having a generally balanced diet is too? Fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables and dairy products are beneficial to the overall health of your teeth and enamel.
7. Commit to replacing your toothbrush every three months. If you use the same toothbrush for too long, the bristles will become worn out and less effective at cleaning your teeth. This may mean more visits to the dentist and more money spent in the long run. Prevent this from happening, and start your year by treating yourself to a new toothbrush today!
8. Use mouthwash. Mouthwash is great for fighting bacteria, especially on your tongue and gums. You will see the best benefits of mouthwash if you use it for 30 seconds twice per day as a part of your brushing routine.
9. Drink water that is infused with fluoride. Fluoride is excellent at helping prevent the onset of cavities by giving your teeth a stronger resistance to acids.
10. Keep up with your flossing. If you have been to see us recently, you know how much we emphasize flossing. When you floss, you can clean surfaces of your teeth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Floss twice a day with your brushing!

We promise you won’t regret adopting these practices. The long-term health of your smile will thank you later!. If you have any questions about oral hygiene or simple ways to take care of your teeth, give us a call at (580) 223-6720 for our Ardmore location, (580) 276-3055 for Marietta, and (580) 795-3360 for Madill. We would love to answer any of your dental questions and get your first hygiene appointment of 2022 on the calendar!

Learn more about gum care.