Tooth Whitening Boosts Self-Esteem

May 28th, 2010
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Gleaming white teeth used to be a sign of wealth, privilege, or celebrity.  Today, tooth whitening is a common practice for people in all walks of life.  Our tooth whitening services are in high demand.

Your physical appearance says a lot about you.  You know the saying, “You only have once to make a first impression.”  Whether you are applying for a job, speaking in public, or just meeting people in general, your teeth are on display.  White teeth communicate a message that you practice good hygiene, you care about yourself, and often help you convey a healthy, vibrant and more youthful appearance.

As you age, if left untreated, your teeth will start to darken and yellow.  If you drink coffee or tea, or you smoke, your teeth can stain more quickly.  Some of the staining can be controlled through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, gut some darkening is almost inevitable.

The lack of good dental hygiene can lead to problems like cavities, bad breath, gum disease and other dental issues.  Excessive plaque often appears yellow.  All of these concerns can contribute to weakening the teeth, irritating the gums, and could lead to premature tooth loss.

If your teeth are unsightly, most people try to hide them by not smiling, not looking directly at people, not talking, or in extreme cases, not going out in public at all.  You become self-conscious and withdrawn.  Other people will be turned off, not just because of your bad-looking teeth, but your efforts to hide them make you less engaging.

White teeth can make you look more credible and confident.  Especially if your job has to do with dealing and meeting with people, such as a salesperson, consultant, marriage counselor, executive officer in your company, financial adviser, or inspirational speaker.  In those types of roles, having yellow teeth can negatively affect your image and credibility. People see someone with dark, yellowing teeth and think, ”How can I rely on this person when he or she cannot even take care of his or her own teeth?”

Sure, inner beauty is more important than outer beauty. That is true. However, this does not mean that we can neglect our physical appearance. It is also not an excuse to look shabby or practice poor hygiene. It is never all right to have that kind of attitude that as long as you are kind-hearted, it does not matter if you have the worse teeth in this world.  Like it or not, appearance matters.

Having white teeth can have an incredible effect on your confidence, and how you look and feel about yourself.  Having white teeth boosts your self-esteem.  Getting a bright white smile is not  difficult with all the different procedures available today. We offer several different tooth whitening procedures at affordable prices.  We are here to help you have a set of nice and shiny white teeth that make you feel healthy and self-confident.

Preventing Gingivitis

May 18th, 2010
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

The most common form of dental disease we see in our New Albany Ohio dentist office is gingivitis.  Gingivitis is a Periodontal (gum) disease that results in inflammation or infection of the gums.  If left untreated, gingivitis can begin to destroy the tissue that supports the teeth, the periodontal ligaments and even the tooth sockets.

Most gingivitis is caused by plaque deposits on the teeth.  Plaque is materials such as bacteria, mucus and food debris which collects together to form a sticky coating on the exposed portions of the teeth.  If it is not removed, it can mineralize and harden into tartar that becomes tightly adhered to the tooth.  The bacteria and other substances then begin to irritate the surrounding gums.

The symptoms of gingivitis are somewhat non-specific.  The gums may become swollen, or bright red, or sometimes even purplish. If the gums are tender or painful to the touch, it may be a sign that gingivitis is present.  One of the most common telltale signs is bleeding gums when brushing or especially when flossing.

If you already have gingivitis, the good news is that there are many treatments available.  The first goal has to be to reduce any inflammation and prevent infection. The teeth must be cleaned thoroughly by the dentist or dental hygienist. This may involve the use of various instruments or devices to loosen and remove deposits from the teeth. A dental hygienist or dentist will also look for signs of periodontitis using X-rays or periodontal probing instruments, as well as other methods.

If the gingivitis is not responsive to treatment, referral to a periodontist (a specialist in diseases of the gingiva and bone around teeth and dental implants) for further treatment may be necessary.

Good consistent oral hygiene is the best prevention against gingivitis.  Brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing regularly will go a long way toward prevention.  For people who are prone to gingivitis, brushing and flossing may be recommended after every meal and at bedtime.  Plus, there are many antiseptic mouthwashes available that help to kill the germs and bacteria that form the plaque.  Special toothpastes or even prescription medications can be used if an individual is particularly prone to infections. Consult your New Albany Ohio dentist or  dental hygienist for specific instructions on proper brushing and flossing techniques to prevent or alleviate gingivitis.

Increasing your intake of calcium has also been shown to reduce the occurrence of gingivitis and other periodontal diseases.  The recommended daily dietary allowance is 1,000 milligrams, and most adults have less than half of that each day. 

Professional teeth cleaning in addition to brushing and flossing may be recommended twice per year or more frequently for severe cases. Antibacterial mouth rinses or other aids may be recommended in addition to frequent brushing and flossing.

Periodontal Disease is a dental disorder that results from progression of gingivitis, involving inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth. This gradually causes the destruction of tooth support and if left untreated will lead to tooth loss.  Studies have also shown that poor dental health can lead to infections in the bloodstream, which can lead to heart issues and even cardiac events.

If your gums are bleeding, call and make an appointment with our New Albany Ohio dental office.  Your health is too important to ignore.

Sensitivity and Tooth Whitening

May 4th, 2010
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Tooth whitening is becoming one of the more common procedures we perform routinely. Even though we pride ourselves at being prepared to be your emergency dentist in Columbus, Ohio, we enjoy the different aspects of our dental practice.

One of the most common concerns patients have when considering tooth whitening is the issue of sensitivity. While using over-the-counter products at home, many patients have experienced discomfort or increased sensitivity when trying to whiten or bleach their teeth.

Sensitivity that arises as part of a tooth whitening procedure is usually caused when gas is released by the bleaching process. If a bleaching solution is left in contact directly with the gums, especially if a person has receding gums or periodontal disease, the bleaching solution can actually chemically burn the gums. Ouch! Sometimes the bleaching solutions are absorbed into the tooth surface itself. This can inflame the tooth root, causing sensitivity.

Before beginning any tooth whitening process, you should have a thorough dental check-up. Different tooth whitening procedures are available. The common bleaching solution with a custom-fit tray is not recommended for persons who have receding gums, periodontal gum disease, leaky fillings, or other dental concerns. Laser-whitening may be better tolerated.

One of your best courses of action to avoid sensitivity issues is to have your tooth whitening procedure administered at your dentist’s office. Although the solutions used at the office are often stronger than what you take home, the dental staff can better control where it is applied and for how longer, lessening the chance for irritation and sensitivity. They have access to several desensitizing agents such as sodium nitrate, amorphous calcium phosphate, or a neutral fluoride, which can often be incorporated or alternated with some professional bleaching solutions. Your dental professionals can better advise you on your options.

Most tooth whitening processes take a few days to a few weeks to complete. If having it done at the dental office is not practical, ask your dentist about applying the solution for less time but over a longer period of time at home. It will be a slower whitening process, but it may save you from some pain and irritation.

The good news is that most sensitivity will fade in a few days after the whitening process is over. For most people, the pain is slight and the reward of having a bright, white smile is worth it. But if you have any doubts or concerns, consult with your dentist prior to beginning any tooth whitening process. We don’t want you looking for an emergency dentist in Columbus Ohio because you were too aggressive with the do-it-yourself bleaching solution.