October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and as a long time advertiser and friend of NonDoc, Dr. Barry Amos of Designs in Dentistry has a strong reminder for us all: dental hygiene should be a priority.
Oral health is just as important as eating green veggies and not eating a whole cheesecake every evening, but some of us may be guilty of putting our teeth, tongue and gums on the back burner.
In addition to hard facts that we may have forgotten about our dental hygiene and oral care routine, this Q&A with Dr. Amos contains a few tips to keep our mouths healthy between our twice-yearly visits.
What is the number one oral health concern or issue you see with most patients today?
Tooth decay has become an epidemic. One in five Americans has not been to the dentist in the last few years. Even more frightening is that, according to National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 23 percent of children age 2-11 have never been to the dentist.
We also see a lot of patients with gingivitis, which is the presence of sensitive and bleeding gums. This can lead to gums that recede, and over time can cause serious issues for your teeth.
If you could change one thing about the way people approach their oral health care, what would it be?
Oral health and dental hygiene should be a priority. Just like getting the oil changed in your car or getting your hair done on a regular schedule, teeth must be professionally cleaned every six months. You would never drive your car for six months past the oil change date, but somehow people think it’s okay to ignore their mouth and teeth in that way. Your oral health affects the health of your entire body.
Further, when you go to the dentist, if you are told you are in need of any treatment, do not delay. The issue will always grow and worsen the longer it’s left untreated.
Tell us a little about yourself?
I was born and raised in Claremore, Oklahoma. Since completing my education in 2005 at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, I have served in private practice and am the proud owner of Designs in Dentistry. I enjoy having my own practice because it allows me confidence in the quality of care that our patients are receiving.
Designs in Dentistry
Dr. Barry Amos, D.D.S.
14810 Serenita Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73134For appointments, call:
(405) 748-5000
I am dedicated to continuing my education, and I focus on improving my skills and learning the latest techniques in order to provide our patients with exceptional dental care. I have been an active volunteer in the OKMOM event, and I served as the lead dentist Remote Area Medical Oklahoma events in 2010, 2012 and 2014, which provided free dental care and services on weekends to community children and families who were in need.
When I am not peering into mouths, I enjoy spending time with my wife, family, friends, and I’ve got a few hobbies like traveling, playing the guitar and golfing.
Tell us about your new office and the benefits patients will see as a result of this move.
We designed and built a new office in a growing area, and it opened in June. It is a space where we take pride in helping patients achieve healthy, happy smiles. In this new office, we are better equipped to meet all the needs of the patient. We have new equipment, more room, and we are in a more central location in north Oklahoma City.
Any last PSA announcements our readers need to know?
Yes. First, the Academic Pediatric Association now recommends that children as early as 6 months old get their teeth cleaned. So please, start them early and get them used to the routine of going to the dentist.
Finally, a good rule of thumb is to rinse with water after eating or drinking sugary foods. That will help neutralize the PH level in your mouth, which helps maintain good oral health.
