Healthy Teeth, Healthy You

Steven Deem, D.D.S., owner of Dentistry for You, talks about how important oral health is for everyone.

The staff of Dentistry for You includes (L to R): ­Jessika Hodge, Fran Hutton, Karen Murray, Dr. Steven Deem, Candace Shoopman and Stacie Bedford.

Good oral hygiene is associated with good health and is maintainable at any age. With the many advances in dentistry today, chipped, misshapen or stained teeth can be easily repaired, resulting in a beautiful smile. “I can give patients a gorgeous smile, but ultimately the treatments are to preserve the teeth, gums and bone,” said Steven Deem, D.D.S., owner of Dentistry for You. “The health benefits outweigh the cosmetic benefits.”

Straight teeth ensure a proper fit for back teeth and protect jaw joints. Crowded teeth handcuff dentists from providing proper oral care and make it impossible to reach the gums and clean bacteria that develop there.

All teeth have small crack lines that can lead to fracture lines without proper dental care and regular visits to your dentist. “People that don’t take care of their oral hygiene are slowly setting their teeth up for failure,” said Dr. Deem.

As soon as a child’s teeth come in, good oral hygiene begins and should be supported with regular dental visits. It is the key to a lifetime of good dental health. Parents should make a child’s first appointment when the first tooth appears, not because of a toothache. “Baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth,” said Dr. Deem. “If the child’s first impression of a dentist is associated with a toothache, it alienates them and sets the tone for future visits.”

Parents can clean baby teeth at home using a soft cloth. Dr. Deem warns against forcing these early teeth cleanings. “Don’t push it on them. Make it fun.”

By brushing, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly themselves, parents can help their children develop healthy dental habits at an early age.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the best way to remove decay-causing plaque is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth every day. The ADA recommends using a soft-bristled brush, toothpaste that contains fluoride, and flossing between the teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. When choosing any dental product, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance, a symbol of a dental product’s safety and effectiveness.

Maintaining good oral health is each patient’s responsibility. Take charge of your dental care by partnering with your dentist to identify your oral health goals, outline a plan and develop a timeline. Be sure to tell your dentist about any medications you are taking and provide a health history that includes both prescription and over-the-counter products. Always let your dentist know when there are changes in your health or medication use. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly, you can have healthy teeth your entire life.

Dr. Deem was the first general practitioner in Oklahoma certified in Invisalign, and he has dealt with braces, removable appliances and orthotics since the early 1980s. With 28 years of experience straightening teeth, he remains passionate about his work. “I have the opportunity to help people live better, healthier lives,” he said. “You can’t put a price tag on that.”

Dentistry for You offers basic dental health procedures including fillings, sealants and non-surgical gum treatments, as well as a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures. Contact him to discuss basic dental health and cosmetic dentistry options most suitable for you and your expectations.

Dr. Deem’s Dos and Don’ts

Do:

• Use a topical fluoride treatment for children ages 6 and above.
• Brush and floss your teeth each time you eat.
• Rinse your mouth with water if you can’t brush/floss.
• Consume gum, mints and other products containing xylitol, which helps prevent cavity-causing bacteria from creating tooth-eating acid.
• Stop smoking.

Don’t:

• Use lozenges or consume carbonated beverages and sugary treats, all of which bathe your teeth in sugar and acid.
• Ignore toothaches.
• Chew hard candy or ice, which can crack teeth.
• Bite your fingernails; this is a tremendous force on your jaw and can lead to fracture lines in front teeth where bacteria can grow.

For more information, contact

Dentistry for You

www.dentistryforyou.org