The medical field has making it more and more aware to the public that diabetes is one of the top diseases killing Americans, many people aren’t aware that there is an even stronger need for diabetics to maintain a healthy dental regiment but need to get good dental care too.

For most of us, the twice a year visit to the dentist for check up and cleaning is sufficient. For diabetics though, the frequency is increased to a recommendation of every three months. Since diabetics have an increase of glucose (sugar) in their system, it increases the likelihood of bacteria breeding even more on the teeth and gums and therefore causing tooth decay and leading to gum disease.

Dental studies have shown that gum disease can worsen diabetes, and vice versa. As well, those who are borderline diabetic now, with improper dental care, it is believed that poor oral health can increase the person’s probability to develop a diabetic condition.

For everyone, there are areas of your mouth that you can no clean thoroughly, you just don’t see everything and reach every area that your dentist can. When you have your routine appointments with us at Berkshire Dental Group, we check for plaque build-up and detect potential threats that lead to tooth decay or infections early on. This is very important for everyone, but extremely so for diabetic or borderline diabetics.

Even for those who have a strict, daily dental hygiene routine of brushing and flossing, one of the first things we will do for you is a cleaning. Our cleaning removes any plaque that you and your toothbrush might miss. .As we clean and polish your teeth, we are not only removing plaque and stains, but we are applying fluoride as well to protect your teeth and build up a resistance to tooth decay.

After a thorough examination of your teeth and their condition, there may be other dental procedures that we’ll recommend. One of those procedures includes x-rays of your teeth, gums and mouth. This procedure gives us the ability to see the areas of our teeth that are not visible by the naked eye and find any potential problems early on.

At the end of each three month visit, we will give you instructions and advise on how to care for your teeth and maintain a preventive dental hygiene routine. For all of our patients, and even more so for diabetic patients, it is imperative that you follow the recommendations we make as well as maintain your regular check ups.

For diabetics, your regular scheduled consultations will include discussion of your blood sugar levels and your overall medical condition. You should keep us updated with any changes of medications and treatments. By keeping an open line of communication with us and asking questions when you are uncertain of things discussed is crucial in your dental health as well as your general health.

Diabetes can seem like a life sentence. However with the right attitude, proper dieting, staying on your medication and practicing a healthy dental regiment and keeping your visits current with Berkshire Dental Group, you can live a long, smiling happy life!

TULSA BOAT SPORT & TRAVEL SHOW
QuikTrip Center
Monday, Jan 30 – Sunday, Feb 05
www.tulsaboatshow.com

FREE STYLE MOTOCROSS
February 4, 2012
BOK Center
bokcenter.com
The world’s most daring FMX riders will run the gauntlet to perform tricks never thought possible on a dirt bike.

WWE SMACKDOWN
February 7, 2012
BOK Center
bokcenter.com

RONNIE DUNN
February 9, 2012
The Joint – Tulsa Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
hardrockcasinotulsa.com
Ronnie Dunn is an singer-songwriter, known for being one half of the duo Brooks & Dunn.

THE GET MOTIVATED SEMINAR
February 13, 2012
BOK Center, 3rd Street and Denver, Tulsa
BOKcenter.com
The Get Motivated Seminar featuring America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani; World Famous Soldier-Statesman, General Colin Powell; Renowned Notre Dame Head Coach, Lou Holtz and Former First Lady, Laura Bush is coming to the B.O.K. Center. This day-long presentation

JEFF DUNHAM
February 26, 2012
BOK Center, 200 S Denver Ave, Tulsa
The man whose standup concerts rule the comedy world, Jeff Dunham, offers his millions of fans brand new laughs and hilarious additions to his famed troupe of sidekicks.
bokcenter.com

Do you wake up with head, neck or jaw pain? Do you have a constant headache? If you are one of those people that suffer from headaches, jaw pain or neck aches and you have not had any success with your medical doctor, there could be a solution for you here at Berkshire Dental Group.

In the medical and dental fields, we know that headaches and neck aches happen when there is damage to a ligament, muscle, tendon which is called “soft tissue lesions”. Soft tissue lesions come from some trauma such as a car accident, sporting injury, general anesthetic, a fall or a blow to the body. Or they could be caused by poor posture, poor sleeping or clenching and grinding of the teeth. This is where Berkshire Dental group comes into the picture.

When you clench or grind your teeth it tightens your jaw muscles with muscles at the back of the neck. With this tension in play, your neck muscles can’t relax nor will the soft tissue lesions heal. Many times, when looking for the cause of headaches and neck aches, this connection between jaw and neck muscles is often overlooked.

For those patients, we have several dental procedures that can provide relief they have longed for, and improve their general health as well. Here at Berkshire Dental Group, we have found studies where a common factor in migraine and tension type headaches and neck aches are caused by clenching of the teeth.

For example, after a thorough examination and x-rays, we may recommend an appliance that will support the jaw, which in turn will reduce the strain on the muscles of the head and neck. The object of this is to maintain an open airway which will provide you a restful, refreshing and recuperative sleep, i.e. not waking up with that morning headache and tension.

One of the appliances is a NTI, used night time only. That comfortably fits the upper or lower front teeth. This appliance allows only the front teeth to touch thereby keeping the temporal, jaw and neck muscles from tightening up.

Then there is the Upper Night orthotic, which serves the same purpose like the NTI appliance but with the additional ability to support the lower jaw at night. This reduces clicking of the jaw joints and keeps your airway open.

For day time purpose, there is the lower day orthotic appliance which supports the jaw joints during the day. This is for the patients that suffers clicking of the jaw joints and whose jaw movement is restricted.

So if you have been to your doctor, or several doctors, for relief of head aches, neck aches or jaw aches and haven’t found relief yet, the solution could be just a phone call away to Berkshire Dental Group. Make your appointment today! What do you have to lose, except another headache?

Look for our special on Invisalign coming soon! Save $700 on Invisalign and even register for a drawing to receive FREE Invisalign! Visit our website for more information.

Who doesn’t like that minty taste of mouthwash products! Many people keep a bottle of mouthwash on hand to freshen up at a moment’s notice. Did you know that mouthwash does much more than just give you fresh breath?

This liquid contains assorted ingredients, each having a role it takes in your mouth as you rinse and spit. As such, there are pros and cons associated with mouthwash, and here we offer information to help you not only evaluate the use of this product, but to understand it better too. After all, the reason you have come to Berkshire Dental Group is ensure that your oral health remains intact, if not better, right?

One of the main rewards linked with the use of mouth wash is to assist in eliminating cavities. Mouthwash removes plaque and food crumbs that stick to your teeth. This helps to prevent tooth decay and can strengthen the enamel on your teeth. The dental staff here Berkshire Dental Group wants to remind you that mouthwash does not replace your toothbrush and toothpaste! However, it can reach parts of your mouth that you miss with your toothbrush and toothpaste and takes only a minute to use.

Mouthwash also helps fight gum disease such as gingivitis. By rinsing with a mouth wash, you get rid of the bacteria left behind by food and drinks, which can accumulate on the gums and tooth sockets causing them to become inflamed or infected. This constitutes where the antibacterial mouthwash products with alcohol or chlorhexidine are effective in preventing periodontal diseases. During your regular visits here at Berkshire Dental Group, we may recommend mouthwash to prevent and soothe canker sores as it detoxifies the area and reduces the bacteria in your mouth.

Two different types of mouthwashes are on the market, each having its own way of providing the results you are looking for. There are patients that we may prescribe additional fluoride treatment here in our office. There are also fluoride mouthwashes that we sometimes recommend to strengthen your teeth with additional fluoride. You may be required to use the mouthwash at a different time than that of brushing you will get extra fluoride during the day.

There is also the antiseptic mouthwashes used mainly by people who suffer from bad breath, gum disease or infection of the mouth. If you have had a tooth extracted, we may instruct to use antiseptic mouthwashes for a short period of time afterwards. These mouthwashes normally contain chlorhexidine which prevents the growth of bacteria.

A third mouthwash is available also, a total care mouthwash. This is useful for controlling tooth decay as well as freshening of your breath.

While mouthwash has positives, it also comes with some negatives that require caution when using. Most mouthwashes will mask bad breath while others just aggravate it, making it worse. Such as mouthwash that is alcohol based will only mask bad breath for a short time. Alcohol based mouthwash also causes dry mouth which in turn breeds the bacteria that causes halitosis, otherwise known as bad breath.

Generally, the people who use most often used mouthwash are those who drink and smoke. Studies have shown that of those people who drink and smoke and use an alcohol based mouthwash have a higher increase in oral cancer. This increase takes place in mouthwashes with the ingredient of ethanol. Ethanol in mouthwash helps nicotine and other substances penetrate the lining of the mouth. It also can bring about cetaldehyde, also known as human carcinogen. There have been studies that indicated mouthwash products can irritate canker sores because of the high alcohol content.

Mouthwashes have been around long before Berkshire Dental Group, it has been around since the Egyptians who began using mouthwashes to preserve good oral hygiene. The manufacturers of mouthwash typically will state the quantity, frequency and duration of usage of their mouthwash on their labels. It is recommended that you follow these instructions unless we give you other instructions. As always, if you are not sure about its safety, give us a call here at Berkshire Dental Group.

Regular dental care and routine oral hygiene are important for all of us. It is even more so for a cancer patient that is undergoing radiation, especially in the areas of the head and neck. Effective dental care and management is needed to lessen or prevent any oral complications of therapy for cancer. As such, your dental team at Berkshire Dental Group should be advised of any cancer treatment you are about to undertake and put in connection with the doctor in charge of your cancer treatment.

It is common that while undergoing cancer treatment that the recovery of the toxins used in radiation require diet modification, tube feeding or both to meet patients’ energy and nutrient demands. While head and neck radiation helps treat cancer, it can also cause other things to happen in your mouth called side effects. Some of these problems could cause you to delay or stop treatment. Berkshire Dental Group recommends in an effort to prevent the possibility of severe dental problems make an appointment with us no less than two weeks before starting your radiation treatment.

While the radiation treatment your Oncologist recommends to kill the cancer cells in your head and neck area, they can also kill the normal cells too. Cancer patients have been known to suffer side effects with their gums and teeth. Problems are prone to happen in the lining of the mouth and the glands that generate saliva as well as with their jaw bones. A cancer patient needs to be aware of the possible side effects in the mouth and how serious they can be and Berkshire Dental Group is here to educate and assist you.

Cancer patients undergoing radiation are more likely to get infections and have trouble with eating, talking and swallowing. If infections get bad enough, it maybe necessary for your Oncologist to cut back your treatments or even stop them altogether. This is why it is so important for your doctor and the staff at Berkshire Dental Group has each others numbers on file. One of the most important things you can do is check your mouth daily while undergoing treatment.

Some side effects include dry mouth, loss of taste, stiff jaw and even changes in your jaw bone. Some of these may go away and some may not. Talk to your doctor and understand the things you may experience and then discuss them with your dentist. Schedule an appointment with us at Berkshire Dental Group at least two weeks prior to starting your radiation.

During your visit here at Berkshire Dental Group, we will check your teeth and gums, take x-rays and address any mouth problems they may see. We will show you exercise that can help any stiffness of the jaw and discuss what type of toothpaste, toothbrush and mouthwash to use during your treatment. Avoiding mouthwash with alcohol content is most important. Rinse your mouth with a combination of salt, baking soda and warm water several times a day to wash out food and beverage left behind. Remove salty, crunchy foods from your diet during treatment as well as spicy foods and alcohol or tobacco.

Yes, you have cancer and this is a serious matter and worrisome. However, you need to maintain your dental health as well so that after you have completed your cancer treatments, you can enjoy the foods and beverages you always have with a healthy mouth!

Chili Bowl Nationals
January 9 – 15, 2012
Expo Square QuikTrip Center
Initially sponsored by the Chili Bowl food company of Bob Berryhill, these Nationals are known simply as The Chili Bowl: racing’s winter answer to football’s Super Bowl. It accommodates over two hundred race rigs, bleachers for thousands of people and an ever-growing trade show.

Michael Wallis: Way Down Yonder in the Indian Nation
January 6, 2012
Performing Arts Center
Wallis is a storyteller who likes nothing better than transporting his audience across time and space. Drawing from his knowledge of the American West, this Tulsan-by-choice will share some fascinating and little-known history in Way Down Yonder in the Indian Nation.

Monster Jam
January 6 – 7, 2012
BOK Center, 200 S Denver Ave, Tulsa
Monster Jam is an incredible family-friendly experience starring the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam monster trucks! These twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to the edge of your seat, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over OR smash through!

Tulsa Symphony: Musical Migrations
January 7, 2012
Performing Arts Center
The third concert of the season, conducted by guest conductor Andrew Grams, features Respighi’s Gli Uccelli (The Birds), inspired by ancient dance and song. Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2 a piece that the composer himself performed at its premiere in 1795 and Schumann’s Rhineland-inspired Symphony No. 3 complete the program.

Waiting for Lefty
January 13 – 15, 2012
Liddy Doenges Theatre, Tulsa Performing Arts Center
One of the most celebrated and significant plays of the modern American theatre. Set in the Depression era and dealing with the cynical exploitation of the working classes, the play became both a symbol of its times and beacon for many soon-to-be-famous playwrights who came under its influence. Conceived by the New York Taxi Strike of February 1934, the playwright, Clifford Odets, used the strike as a way to attack what he saw as the larger issue: that in the middle of the Great Depression, the capitalist structures of the time had remained unaltered.

The Harlem Globetrotters
January 21, 2012
BOK Center, 200 S Denver Ave, Tulsa
You think you know The Globetrotters? Think again because you’ve NEVER seen them like THIS. This year’s team will not only feature your favorite Globetrotters – Big Easy, Flight Time, Special K, Scooter, etc., but also a whole new exciting class of rookies that will have your family talking about this year’s show forever. You’ve seen our rookies on YouTube, in college games and NCAA Slam Dunk contests – for the first time ever, see them live ONLY with The Globetrotters:

The Oak Ridge Boys
January 21, 2012
Osage Event Center, Tulsa

Ladysmith Black Mambazo
January 22, 2012
Performing Arts Center
For over forty years, the voices of Ladysmith Black Mambazo have married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music, resulting in a musical and spiritual alchemy that has touched a worldwide audience representing every corner of the religious, cultural and ethnic landscape.

Jeff Porter & The Claptet
January 22, 2012
Performing Arts Center
Inspired by the techniques and rhythms of African and South American music, Jeff Porter & The Claptets engage children and parents in a global exploration of sound and music.

The Addams Family
January 24 – 29, 2012
Performing Arts Center
The Addams Family is the new musical Broadway’s been dying for “bringing the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch to spooky and spectacular life. Come meet the family. We’ll leave the lights off for you.

Dwight Yoakam
January 27, 2012
Tulsa Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Lady AntebellumJanuary 27, 2012
BOK Center, 200 S Denver Ave

ORU Hosts 3rd Annual Whole Person Indoor Triathlon
January 28 – 29, 2012
ORU Aerobics Center
The sprint triathlon is a fitness distance where participants can have success after just weeks of cardiovascular training. ORU wants to challenge you to put yourself to the test and participate in one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

Miró Quartet
January 29, 2012
Performing Arts Center
Founded in 1995 at the Oberlin Conservatory, the Miró Quartet is one of America’s highest-profile groups on the chamber music scene today.

Berkshire Dental Group recommend that you these following things to alter your ways or quit all together:

Do you chew ice? For many people it is an unconscious habit that will injure the gums as well as crack and break teeth. Having crowns put in place is sometimes required when severe damage is caused. So if you are an ice chewer, Berkshire Dental Group suggests that you find something else to crunch on such as apples, baby carrots or a sugarless gum instead. If you have a constant urge for chewing on ice, this can also be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia, so a check up with your regular doctor maybe in order. Regardless the cause, you need to not chew ice! I

Your teeth aren’t a pair of scissors or a knife. They are strong but using them to cut through string, pull tags off clothing or open packages can be damaging to them. The plastic string that hold price tags on – pulling those off with your teeth can leave a divot on a tooth and the next think you know you have an appointment with Berkshire Dental Group to repair cracked and fractured teeth later.

Toothpicks can be a great substitute for dental floss if used properly. However, if you are determined and just keep at it picking a piece of food, you could damage your gums. Worse yet, add to the problem and break a piece of the toothpick off between your teeth, adding to the problem. Here at Berkshire Dental Group we recommend the use of rounded toothpicks, use them with care and do not chew on them!

Would you pick up just anything and put it in your mouth without knowing where it’s been? Use this same rule about chewing on pens or pencils too. Chewing on writing instruments is a habit for many people when they are concentrating. This also can lead to fractured teeth and extensive dental repairs. So if you have a need to chew when concentrating, Berkshire Dental Group team would prefer you find a sugarless gum instead!

Was your first visit to the dentist as a child an emergency? You were in pain and ever since, you relate the dentist as a painful experience and now you won’t go until your in pain again, right? That can create a lifelong fear and will affect anyone. A traumatic early childhood dental experience is not the best way to start your dental care. The result can be detrimental, not only by setting the possible stage for more severe dental problems, but also by escalating the negative emotions these people already have around dental issues. It is encouraged at Berkshire Dental Group to start a child’s regular visits to the dentist by their first birthday and begin teaching them proper techniques in caring for their teeth.

You may be confused on how to select a dentist though. Your insurance company most likely has a referral list or ask family, friends and co-workers for recommendations. Each dental office has different treatment plans and you need to ask questions. Do they set appointment to introduce the child to the staff, the chair and the equipment before their first actual dental appointment? Or is the introduction is made at the first actual appointment? The dentist you select may offer videos for you and your child to watch together and then ask the dental hygienist question.

While the dental chair is not a play ground, they may give your child ‘a ride’ in the dental chair and let them handle the mirror and the explorer, showing them how to count their teeth. You want the dental staff to take the time to make your child feel at ease and comfortable before they ever start work. Such as the staff at Berkshire Dental Group, we will show each tool to your child and explain its purpose.

In the old days, dental school taught not to let parents in the examining room with their child. Today though, many parents insist on being with their child every step of the way. As you search for the right dentist, as if they allow the parent to be in the examining room before and during any procedure. We want both the parent and the child to be at ease at Berkshire Dental Group and will work with you and your child the best we can.

Some dentist use restraints on children such as a papoose. Restraining a child can produce a lifetime of dental fears for a child and you need to know the policy of the dentist you select. If determined necessary to restrain your child, again ask if you are allowed to be present. Your presence in the room can give the child reassurance and comfort that you haven’t deserted them and everything will be okay.

You want child’s first visit to be a positive as well as each visit afterward. It is Berkshire Dental Group goal that your child will be excited for their next appointment, not be afraid and dread their visits. As you teach them that the policeman, the fireman and their pediatrician are their friends and there to help them, you want your child to know the dentist is their friend too!

As the holidays have already started, that means the end of the year is rolling in fast too. Time flies right by while we’re having fun with parties, shopping, entertaining and more. So many things to do and get done and one of the biggest is your Flexible Spending Account at work. With some exceptions maybe, you have to spend that money you’ve been contributing to all year by the end of December.

So why not make an appointment at Berkshire Dental Group today for yourself and your family and make sure you not only make use of that money but you can also get a good start for next year with a good dental team? Our dental team here at Berkshire Dental Group is all that more! Lead by two of the best dentist you’ll find, Dr. Mark Hodge and Dr. Bob Mongrain, you will know immediately you have the best in the Broken Arrow and Tulsa area.

Get a good finish to 2011 with a cleaning, x-ray and consultation that will give you a great start to 2012. With proper dental hygiene and start regular visits with us at Berkshire Dental Group, we can help you get that beautiful, healthy smile and keep it going all year long!

For a bonus, by making that appointment today with us, your family will be eligible for a new SoniCare toothbrush too! This wonderful tool is valued at $125 and we are giving one to every new family that has a consultation and cleaning with us at Berkshire Dental Group. Not only will you make good use of that money you’ve contributed to a FSA all year, but you get a free gift too! How much better deal can you ask for?

The holidays can be hectic and fast paced. Bedtimes get out of whack, eating and drinking get heavier and richer. However, simply because it is the holiday season is no reason to slack on proper dental and oral hygiene. Our staff at Berkshire Dental Group says to go ahead and enjoy the holiday season with all the festivities, but don’t neglect your gums and teeth!

With all the parties and snacking, you will be exposing your teeth to more sugar and cavity-causing bacterial acids than normal without even realizing it. Then with any out-of-town travel and overnight stays away from home, your daily brushing and flossing regiment can be interrupted if you aren’t conscious and aware. As such, Berkshire Dental Group would like to give you some tips and advise to keep that from happening.

We have found that any drug store, grocery store or big box store have a section of travel size hygiene product. So you don’t have to leave home without a toothbrush, toothpaste or floss now! Whenever you will be traveling during the holidays, a quick visit to one of the stores can help you pack the essentials that keep you in the routine of good dental hygiene. At the very least, Berkshire Dental Group recommends that you at least take a moment to go to the restroom and rinse your mouth with plain water, it’s better than nothing at all!

You may be worried about gaining weight during the holidays and will make every attempt not to over-indulge in sweet eats or drinks. Well at Berkshire Dental Group we want you to be aware that not only do these sweets cause weight gain, but this is where tooth decay gets it start too. Instead of your usual piña colada, mojito, or daiquiri , order a club soda with lime. If you feel you need an alcoholic drink, order a dry red or white wine instead.

First of all, don’t delay any dental work until after the holidays have passed. While it isn’t something you look forward to and it may be tempting to delay root canals or fillings, that can only run the chance of making dental issues worse. Not to mention, unnecessary toothaches, discomfort and pain during the holidays. While everyone else is eating, drinking and being merry, you’ll be miserable. Take care of your dental needs now and you’ll be ready to start decking the halls and eating the goodies!

But just in case something does happen, give us a call here at Berkshire Dental Group and ask us what our plans are for holiday hours. Many dental offices are closed throughout various times during the holidays, so calling ahead and getting that information is just a phone call away. Every dentist has some emergency dental contact phone numbers and locations during these times, so give us a call as the holiday approach for our recommendation. We know that you can’t predict a crown breaking during the holidays or a filling falling out.