O'Brien Dental Wellness Center Blog

Tooth loss can take a severe toll on your nutritional intake by making it harder to chew and digest many healthy foods like raw fruits and veggies, fresh meat, and savory nuts and seeds since they can be tough or crunchy. Thankfully, dentures can make it much easier to enjoy a healthy diet by restoring a significant amount of your chewing power. Here’s a brief look at how tooth loss can affect nutrition and how your dentist can help.

(more…)

Did you know that “periodontal disease” is just another word for “gum disease”? In dentistry, “periodontal” usually refers to your pink oral tissue. They’re part of the reason your teeth are able to stay in place, so it’s important to take good care of them.

“Great,” you might be thinking, “but what’s with the random facts?”

This month happens to be Gum Care Month, which is all about – you guessed it – your soft pink oral tissue! So why not learn a new fact or two to celebrate? With these periodontal facts under your belt, you’ll be more than ready for Gum Care Month.

(more…)

If you are like many people, then you may enjoy a nice cup of liquid gold in the morning. You might drink it at home before starting your day or use it to give you the boost you need for work. But with National Coffee Day coming up (September 29^th), you may be excited to splurge a bit on your favorite beverage. However, enjoyers beware because it can cause some oral health issues. Keep reading to learn how and in what ways you can drink it safely.

(more…)

A great way to keep your mouth healthy is by following a good dental routine. It may have already been drilled into you that you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once. This is to help keep your smile strong, but do you rinse your mouth after you finish brushing? It may be a habit, but it might not be the best choice for your oral health. Keep reading to learn more about why.

(more…)

If you’ve had a dental crown for many years—especially one made of metal—you might not have thought much about replacing it. After all, it’s still doing its job, right? But even if your metal crown seems functional, there are several good reasons to consider an upgrade. From aesthetics to comfort to overall dental health, modern dental crowns offer significant advantages. Here’s why you shouldn’t think twice about replacing your old metal crown.

(more…)

If you want to repair your damaged tooth as quickly as possible, chances are that CEREC same-day crowns seem like a very attractive choice. But how much do you really know about this cutting-edge restorative option? Before committing to any sort of dental treatment, it’s important to learn as much as you can about it. Below are 4 interesting facts about CEREC crowns that you may not have known.

(more…)

Your toothbrush is your all-important first line of defense against tooth decay and gum disease, but these appliances are not designed to last forever. Using the same brush for too long can diminish its ability to properly clean your teeth and expose you to harmful bacteria. Here’s a brief guide to why it’s important to change your toothbrush every three months or so and a few signs that your appliance is ready to be replaced early.

(more…)

Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in several ways because you rely on two complete arches to perform basic tasks, like eating and speaking. Gaps in your grin can interfere with your ability to chew your food thoroughly enough to be swallowed and digested. They can also lead to a lisp, slur, or other alterations in your speech.

However, the changes that many patients struggle with the most are the ones to their appearance. Continue reading to learn how missing teeth can affect your facial structure and how to prevent it from occurring!

(more…)

Today’s dental implants are the best tooth replacements, but even they can’t withstand everything. A bad case of bruxism will often put them at risk and lead to treatment failure. With that said, you’ll want to know how to manage this issue before you get any implant posts. The good news is that your Tulsa dentist is here to help you do so. Now, just keep reading to learn about the negative link between bruxism and dental implants.

(more…)

If you’ve recently had a tooth extraction, you’ve probably heard the warnings about dry socket. This condition certainly has a scary reputation, but should you really be worried? Not if you have the knowledge you need to prevent it! Continue reading to learn more about what dry socket is, what causes it, and when you should see your dentist for relief.

(more…)