Tooth loss and decay are often associated with aging and the elderly tend to have more tooth loss and decay than the rest of the population. This doesn’t mean that there is a causal connection between poor teeth and age. Tooth loss and decay are the effects of poor habits over a long period of time. For instance, if you eat a cup of sugar every day for 20 years without experiencing any conspicuous effects, you may think nothing is wrong. Just because you don’t see the effects doesn’t mean they’re not there.

For this reason, tooth decay is more common in the elderly even though tooth decay is not caused by old age. Our enamel is tough, so it takes many years of bad oral hygiene and eating habits to affect our teeth. Eventually, enamel does wear away or become brittle, making it easy for decay to take over. In addition, many medications that elderly people take cause saliva production to be much less than in people of other age groups.

This delayed response should be of no surprise to anyone. Our body works this way in response to many external stimuli. Eating an ice cream cone doesn’t make you fat right away, just like going to the gym once doesn’t make you healthy right away. Our body, like our character, is the result of what we consistently do.
Of course, sugary diets and a lackluster effort at oral hygiene are the main causes of tooth decay, but other factors can contribute as well. A struggling immune system, increased systemic diseases, and prescription medications can negatively affect the body’s ability to naturally fight decay. We need healthy gums to have healthy teeth!

Bad breath is known in the dental world as halitosis. This condition affects everyone at some point. Thankfully, no matter how many first impressions may have been ruined with bad breath, there are simple steps to drastically reduce halitosis, if not completely eliminate it.

Symptoms

You know that you have bad breath if you can clear a 75 maximum occupancy room with a hearty “hello.” Before this happens, you can check your breath by cupping your hand over your mouth and nose and exhaling from the back of your throat. This is where most bad breath originates. If this exhale causes you to lose a little bit of respect for yourself, then it’s time to do something about it. Before we find a solution, let’s learn more about halitosis.

Causes

Halitosis has multiple causes, which come to no surprise to anyone who’s been on the receiving end of morning breath after it’s mixed with a cup of coffee!
The morning time is a trigger for most people to experience bad breath. The flow of saliva nearly stops while we sleep, which causes a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Brushing away the bacteria in the morning is helpful. Remember to brush your tongue!

Certain foods can make our mouths smell. Think onions! Some foods, like garlic, are absorbed into our blood stream and exhaled through our lungs. All the toothpaste in the world can’t cover this smell. Engaging in some activity to make yourself sweat might help speed along the process.
When your body burns fat, ketones are produced which are released through your breath. These ketones usually have an sticky sweet odor. Staying hydrated and making smart dieting choices will help avoid the ketac smell.

Treatment

The best thing you can do to prevent halitosis is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes flossing and brushing your teeth and tongue. Paying clear attention to the very back of the tongue can help eliminate some of the more stubborn bacteria which may be hiding out there. It’s also important to take note of what foods give you the worst breath. Hopefully the combination of all of these tips will help prevent your bad breath.

Just because your baby is going to lose his or her baby teeth doesn’t mean that they’re unimportant. Baby teeth are place holders for adult teeth, so if a baby tooth comes out too early due to improper care, then the adult tooth that fills in the space will invariably be crooked or misaligned. For this reason, it is extremely important to care for baby teeth in the same fashion as caring for adult teeth. We need to be as diligent about baby tooth decay as we are about adult tooth decay.

Symptoms

Tooth decay can appear as soon as the first baby tooth comes into the mouth. The initial stages of baby tooth decay occur in the same way as the initial stages of adult tooth decay. The tooth may appear yellow or darker than normal. The child may complain of discomfort when chewing or biting on food. The latter stages and symptoms of decay are much more obvious. The majority of tooth decay in infants and toddlers is caused by a baby bottle. This is why baby tooth decay is often referred to as “baby bottle tooth decay.” The other of the infant can transfer bacteria from her mouth to that of the infant. Also, the baby may be drinking too much fruit juice or sweetened milk, both of which cause and encourage decay. Pacifiers that are dipped in honey are also culprits in baby tooth decay.

Prevention

Though baby bottle tooth decay is scary, it is completely avoidable and preventable. Just incorporate the following steps into your baby’s oral hygiene routine to ensure a solid foundation for healthy teeth, gums and a dazzling smile.

Improve your oral health if you’re the mother or primary caregiver for the infant. Mothers and caregivers often wipe off the nipple of bottles with their own saliva. This is fine so long as the mother or caregiver has great oral hygiene. It is completely possible to spread bacteria from the mother or caregiver to the infant via the nipple on the bottle.
After each feeding, wipe the baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth. After teething, gently brush the child’s teeth with an infant sized toothbrush and warm water. It is important not to use fluoridated toothpaste when brushing a toddlers teeth until he or she understands how to spit out the toothpaste.

Avoid giving your child fruit juices or any other sugary drink. If the infant or toddler does get to drink juice, make sure to mix it with at least half water.

Treatment

The best treatment for baby bottle tooth decay, as with any disease, is prevention. Make an appointment with the Dental Center within six months of seeing the first baby tooth erupt in the mouth! This simple “happy” visit can more than pay for itself when you child effortlessly grown into a healthy smile.

Even though most people only associate family dentists with taking care of families, and even though the term “family dentist” contains the qualifier “family,” these dental practitioners are in fact for everyone! Truth be told, the term “family dentist” is something of a misnomer. A family dentist is a dentist for everyone, even if you don’t have little ones running amok. All other types of dentists specialize in one age group or specific type of treatment.

It’s easy to think that you don’t need to go to the dentist if you’re taking good care of your teeth. There are two things very wrong with this line of reasoning. Most likely, you probably don’t take as good of care of your teeth as you think and a dentist or dental professional can clean your teeth much better than you ever could. Your teeth don’t need to be super cleaned every day, but every six months or so will make a world of difference. Think about your car – sure, you wash it, keep it clean and put gas in it. But you still need to take it to qualified professional for maintenance like oil changes and fluid flushes. You need to treat your teeth the same way.

When you’re looking for a dentist, really you’re looking for qualities that you would want in a friend. If he or she looks you in the eye and at least pretends like he/she is interested in what you have to say, then at least the dentist will pretend to be interested in your teeth. Or, for a short cut, just as your prospective dentist if he or she is good at golf. If your dentist replies with a hearty “Yes” and a big smile, then chances are he or she is probably not a good dentist!

Fractured teeth are quite common, especially as we age. There are several types of fractures that affect the teeth, and treatment options vary depending on the condition of the fracture. From small cracks or fissures, to actual split teeth with root damage, your dentist can address and correct your fractured teeth. Don’t wait to have your fractured teeth examined – the longer a fractured tooth is ignored, the greater the long term health impact can be.
There are several types of fractures, and we can treat them all. The most minor fracture is a craze line, or minor crack, which is simply a surface crack affecting the enamel of the tooth. These don’t need any treatment, but if they bother you cosmetically you can consider polishing, or dental veneers.
Other cracked tooth damage can be quite significant, involving the tooth as a whole. These cracks often affect the surface and even the nerve of the tooth- and can be treated with typical dental filling materials such as those used in filling cavities. The pulp may be damaged as well, which may require a root canal.
Minor chips on the teeth are quite common, and most don’t require treatment for the architecture of the tooth. Many minor chips can be polished, or treated with a bit of filling material to address the appearance of the tooth.
The most dangerous types of fractured teeth involve seriously broken teeth, and teeth that are split. In these cases, most patients experience significant pain and tooth sensitivity. Treatments include root canals, followed by crowns. Severe vertical breaks may require the removal of the tooth, and a dental implant to restore your smile.
It’s important to visit your dentist for any type of tooth pain in order for a correct diagnosis.

Porcelain dental veneers are one of the most versatile, low-pain, and quick methods of cosmetic dentistry. Dental veneers can address almost every cosmetic issue you may have about your teeth- from fixing the appearance of crooked teeth, improving discolored teeth, and even fixing spaces between teeth.
Most veneers are made of porcelain for several reasons. Porcelain is a material that’s most like your natural teeth- so when you get your veneers installed, you most likely won’t notice the difference between the veneers and your own teeth! Porcelain is a very strong, yet translucent material that is resistant to stains. Just think about the fact that porcelain has been used in teacups for centuries because of its delicate appearance and resistance to tea and coffee stains, and you can see why it’s the most popular material for dental veneers.
Your dental veneers will be made to match your natural teeth as much as possible. Ask your dentist about bleaching your teeth before ordering your veneers’ color, before the procedure- so your existing smile and your new veneers will be the shade you desire.
Not only can veneers help cosmetically, they’ll also help improve strength and functionality for your teeth. They are particularly helpful for teeth with worn enamel or minimal damage. And dental veneers generally involve minimal pain and discomfort, with little to no side effects or recovery. You care for them just like your regular teeth- brushing, flossing, and keeping your regular dental check-ups.
When you consider all of the benefits dental veneers offer, and all of the cosmetic and physical issues they can address, you’re probably interested in talking to Dr. Gilmer about this option. After the veneers are placed, you‘ll be walking out of the dentist’s office with a brand new smile!

If you’re missing a tooth, due to an accident, an extraction, or gum disease, you know it’s a cause for concern. Not only is a missing tooth, especially in the front of the mouth, unsightly- it can affect the alignment of your existing teeth and even cause problems in chewing.
Luckily, there’s an answer in dental implants. You can replace a single tooth with a properly placed implant, which will preserve the appearance of your existing teeth and restore your smile.
What is a dental implant, exactly? It’s simply a titanium screw, placed in the bone in between the existing teeth. This “screw” acts just like your existing tooth roots- anchoring the new toot in place. It will be several weeks while the implant bonds to your bone – but after that, your dentist will make a dental crown that fits onto the implant- and you can enjoy your new smile.
Is the surgery painful? Actually, most patients report less discomfort than a normal cavity filling. Local anesthesia takes care of pain during surgery, and pain medication can be prescribed for post-op soreness.
Your dentist is the best resource for finding out if a dental implant is right for you. There are factors to consider, including the condition of the existing bone and surrounding teeth, which may impact the effectiveness of the implant. Bone grafts or braces may be required before an implant can be placed.
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants has advantages for almost all patients: improving appearance, oral health, chewing and speaking normally, and improved self-esteem. Talk to Dr. Gilmer today to find out your options for dental implants.

Your dental health is one of the most important aspects of your overall physical health. Taking care of your teeth and gums involves daily brushing and flossing as well as six month checkups with your trusted dental professional. With this maintenance program, most dental problems can be avoided. Even with perfect care, your still may experience one or more of the top five common dental care issues.

The number one dental care issue is tooth decay. Although most tooth decay occurs in children, adults are also at risk. The best way to avoid tooth decay is by brushing and flossing regularly. Along with poor oral hygiene, food and beverages containing sugars and starches can contribute to tooth decay. Maintaining proper oral care after these types of food and beverages will help keep decay at bay. Routine dental visits will also help to prevent small dental problems from developing into larger issues.

As we age, gum disease becomes more common. Most often, an excess of plaque can be attributed to this dental condition. When left on the teeth and around the gumline, plaque turns into tartar, which causes inflammation. Untreated, this inflammation leads to a condition called periodontitis. Periodontitis is a gum disease which causes gums to recede and bone to pull away from the teeth. The best way to prevent this unnecessary disease is to have regular checkups every six months.

Toothaches are a common dental health issue. There are many reasons for toothaches: nerve damage can cause severe toothaches, as can cavities, grinding and clenching your teeth and even gum disease. All of these conditions are easily treatable. It’s vital for you to visit Dr Gilmer immediately when you’re experiencing any abnormal dental symptoms. Dr Gilmer will be able to accurately diagnose and treat the reason for your dental discomfort.

The fourth most common dental health issue concerns overly sensitive teeth. Over time, brushing too aggressively, grinding and clenching your teeth or excessive bleaching can cause your teeth to become more sensitive than normal. Additionally, gum recession can cause your teeth to feel more sensitive than normal. Dr Gilmer will be able to recommend the appropriate types of toothpastes and rinses to help ease your sensitivity.

The fifth most common dental health issue is acid erosion. This dental condition occurs when the enamel on your teeth has literally been eroded as a result of coming in contact with an excessive amount of acid. Eating highly acidic food like oranges, lemons or limes can cause acid erosion. As we age, erosion can occur from tooth decay or gum disease. Symptoms of acid erosion include general sensitivity, a loss of enamel, or even discolored spots on the surface of the tooth. Be sure to ask Dr Gilmer for treatment options.

As you can see, these five dental care issues are all easily treatable, and in some cases completely avoidable. Regular dental checkups and preventative maintenance are key to prolonging optimal dental health.

If you are unsatisfied with the appearance of your smile, cosmetic dentistry may be the solution. There are many reasons to consider cosmetic dentistry. You may want to improve your appearance if you’re seeking a job, looking for a mate, or just want to feel more confident in professional and social situations. Cosmetic dentistry can also contribute to your overall dental health.

Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way. Not only can cosmetic dentistry help to improve the appearance of your teeth by whitening and brightening your smile, but it can also help to straighten and even out teeth, fix decaying, cracked or chipped teeth and evening improve your gum line!

The number one reason people consider cosmetic dentistry is to whiten their teeth. There are several over the counter methods available for teeth whitening, some of which may actually work for you. However, it’s best to discuss these treatment options with Dr Gilmer before beginning any whitening regimen. Together, you and Dr Gilmer can determine what’s best for your particular condition. The Dental Center at Easton has access to new material and techniques that can be performed in our office in as little as one to two visits.

Are your teeth chipped, broken or jagged? Do you refrain from smiling, laughing or showing your teeth in social settings? If needed, cosmetic dentistry can improve the shape, form and color of your teeth by bonding the unsightly areas. If you have dark spots on your teeth, Dr Gilmer may be able to erase those spots with micro-abrasion scrubs. Discussing all available options with the staff at the Dental Center will determine which type of treatment is best for you.

Cosmetic dentistry can be an affordable and practical way to restore your smile, create a more youthful appearance and give you the confidence to succeed.

Your dental health is one of the most important aspects of your overall physical well being. Finding the right dentists is an essential element in maintaining your health over your lifetime. Whether you’re relocating, your dentist is retiring, or you’re not comfortable with your current dentist, finding the right provider take a bit of research – but it’s well worth it.

Ask yourself a few of these standard questions in considering a new dental health professional:

What are the office hours?
Is the office near public transit, or is parking available?
What insurances are accepted?
How long has the dentist been in practice?

Try to find testimonials for you prospective new dentist – either through personal referrals or online. Angie’s List and Google reviews often offer a comprehensive opinion of the dental practice in question.

Once you’ve determined which dentist to choose, call the office to schedule an appointment. Your first visit is an opportunity to get comfortable with the dentist and staff. Use this time to ask appropriate questions so that you can make informed decisions.

You may want to ask your dentist specific questions about your particular dental situation. If you are very sensitive during cleanings, or require additional anesthesia in certain situations, your first visit would be a good time to discuss these concerns. Just like people, some dentists are more amenable than others in providing additional care. Also inform your new dentist of any specific dental concerns, previous unusual dental experiences or any other irregularities with your dental history.

Be sure to discuss the charges for regular checkups and xrays with the office staff. Most offices will provide pretreatment estimates for your services at no charge. When you have thorough knowledge of what services your new dentist offers, and the potential costs to you, you can make an informed decision.