Bobby J. Carmen, DDS Blog

Have you ever avoided getting the dental care you need because of fear or anxiety? If yes, you’re not alone. As many as 20% of all Americans have admitted to avoiding the dentist because of their fear. Because this problem is so common, dentists have developed a couple of major ways of alleviating your anxiety – sedation dentistry. Let’s examine the two types and figure out which one is right for you: oral sedation vs nitrous oxide sedation.

The month of February might be all about planning the perfect date for the person who stole your heart. But did you know it’s also the perfect time to start caring for your actual heart too? That’s right, February is Heart Health Month. You might think that eating vegetables and exercising are the best ways to ensure excellent cardiovascular health, but did you know that brushing and flossing can also help? That’s because if you get gum disease and need periodontal therapy in Norman, you might be at a higher risk for heart disease. Keep reading to learn about the connection between gum disease and your heart.

Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one untreated cavity. Even in baby teeth, tooth decay that’s allowed to progress will eventually become painful and can influence your child’s nutrition, speaking patterns, and permanent tooth development. Thankfully, the right healthy habits can easily protect your son or daughter’s smile. Read on as your dentist in Norman breaks down the top three factors that cause cavities in children.

Are you ready for the New Year? Many people are starting the year off by setting new goals and ambitious habits to better themselves. Instead of trying to get healthier by running five miles every morning or living off a salad-only diet, why not start with your smile? Taking care of your oral health with regular dental checkups is an easy but effective New Year’s resolution worth investing in. Find out how you can save money, feel more confident, and even improve your overall health by seeing your dentist for a dental examination and cleaning!

When you’re sick everything is affected: your concentration, your appetite, your temperature, your skin, and even your oral health! Studies suggest that your oral health and overall health are closely related, and the wellbeing of one greatly impacts the other. Getting sick can put you at a much higher risk of dental issues like cavities and gum disease, and the increased levels of bacteria can keep you from getting better quickly. As you take care of the rest of your body, pay attention to your mouth when you’re sick. Your dentist in Norman has the best tips for protecting your teeth while you stay healthy during the flu season.

During the holidays, there’s certainly no shortage of parties to attend. Between cookie-exchanges at work, neighborhood gatherings, and family get-togethers, you may find yourself indulging quite a bit. And since no one wants to see a dentist in Norman for unexpected dental work, is it possible to maintain your oral health without turning into a total Scrooge? Absolutely – as long as you have a few good tips and tricks! Below, you’ll learn about 5 easy ways to protect your smile this holiday season and enjoy yourself without worry. 

The holidays offer a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your kids, whether they are youngsters whose schools are closed for a few weeks or college students home for winter break. With all the hustle and bustle of a full house, however, accidents and injuries sometimes seem to happen more often. Do you know what to do in case of a dental emergency? Being prepared for when an emergency strikes can be the difference between saving or losing a tooth. Don’t let the unexpected ruin the festive season for you and your family. Here are 5 tips to handle dental emergencies during the holidays.

Whether you are gathering around for a family photo or sharing pictures of your festive decorations with your friends on social media, your smile is sure to be front and center this holiday season. Are your teeth ready for the spotlight? If you have cracked, stained or misshapen teeth, you may not feel confident enough to smile around family and friends. Fortunately, there is a range of cosmetic treatments that can quickly and dramatically boost the appearance of your smile. Here are 3 popular forms of cosmetic dentistry for the holiday season.

To your partner or family member, your teeth grinding in the middle of the night could sound like nails on a chalkboard, keeping them up. If you wake up with a sore jaw or have teeth sensitivity in the morning, these could be tell-tale signs that you’re wearing down your pearly whites because of this bad habit caused by stress. According to multiple studies, bruxism, or chronic grinding and clenching, can result in a variety of additional problems. Read on to find out other issues this condition can cause and how you can treat it.

Over $9 billion is spent on Halloween candy every year in America. While there’s no denying how delectable and delicious each fun sized treat is, the more your child eats, the more they’re at risk of developing oral health problems. It makes sense that you wouldn’t want to completely deny your little one the fun of going trick-or-treating and enjoying their spoils. However, there are some preventive measures you can take to reduce candy’s effect on children’s teeth. Read on to learn what the big deal is about sugar and some helpful Halloween candy tips to avoid cavities developing in your little one’s mouth.