Frequencies of Dental Issues Occurring Amongst Patients

Sep 29th, 2016
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Every individual’s mouth is filled with bacteria. If regular brushing and regular visits to the dentist were ignored, the bacteria in your mouth will cause serious issues that dentists encounter on a daily basis. Some of these problems are very preventable and most times, do not require a dentist to fix.

Here are some of the most frequent dental issues that patients experience and how to prevent them:

Chipped Teeth

Chipped teeth occur when teeth experience extreme physical trauma. Fractures can be caused from eating hard foods, teeth grinding, playing a contact sport or activity, and more. Depending on how much of the tooth has been lost, you may experience pain in the tooth’s pulp and increased sensitivity. Rough edges may even occur when you run your tongue against the chipped edge. A dentist would be required to fix this fracture by putting a dental cap or crown over the fractured tooth—and in serious cases a dental implant.

To prevent chipped teeth, limit yourself from eating hard foods, wear a mouth guard when playing sports, rigorous activities, or even when you go to bed.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism, often occurs when you go to bed. Teeth grinding can lead to very serious problems such as fracturing, loosening, and loss of teeth.

To prevent your teeth from grinding, buy an over-the-counter mouth guard, or have your dentist fit you with a custom-made mouth guard. If your stress is causing your Bruxism; attend a stress and counseling program, start exercising, learn stress relieving techniques, and if you are aware of your clinching, train yourself not to clench.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the infection of the gums, or the Gingiva, caused by plaque. Plaque is a substance that is a biofilm of food and bacteria that accumulates over time. If dental plaque constantly builds up, gums may become swollen, red, bleed easily, and you may even experience bad breath.

Brushing your teeth for two to three minutes twice a day, eating healthy foods, avoiding acidic foods, going to your regular checkups, avoiding many forms of tobacco, and using mouth wash daily can prevent gingivitis from building up.

Cavities

According to the CDC, one in four adults have an untreated cavity, and nearly every adult will experience tooth decay at some point in their lives. Depending on the extent of the tooth decay, a dentist may either suggest a filling, a crown or in extreme cases, a root canal.

Preventing cavities from appearing is just like preventing Gingivitis, brush your teeth for two to three minutes a day, eat healthy foods, avoid acidic foods, visit your dentist regularly, avoid tobacco, and use mouth wash daily. Following these preventative measures can dramatically lower your risk for cavities and costly visits to the dentist.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is highly advised that you see a dental professional. Although these minor dental problems may not seem serious at first, as time progresses, these could become severe.

At The Dental Center at Easton Town Center, Dr. Glimer and our caring staff understand your dental concerns. We pride ourselves on providing the best care and attention you need to keep your smile healthy. If you have any questions regarding your oral health, make an appointment with us today!

The Perfect Road Map For Your Child’s Oral Health

Sep 15th, 2016
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Kid Roadmap

On July 3rd, 1806, two years into their journey to chart the uncharted west of America, pioneer explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark reached a challenge of epic proportion – the Rocky Mountains. What next, they wondered? Without a map, they were forced to do what explorers do – explore, and hope for the best. So, that got us thinking. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a handy map you could use to chart your own dental health? With that in mind, and in honor of our explorers, we at The Dental Center at Easton wanted to share with you a few mile markers you can use to stay on top of your child’s health today, next year, and for years to come!

 

6 to 24 months

When you’re a new parent, life is a whirlwind, and the dental care of your newborn may not be top of mind when you look in their mouths and see no teeth! Here are some things to keep in mind:

Schedule your regular visit: As soon as that first tooth comes in, you’ll want to give us a call at (614) 414-0111 to schedule your regular visit so we can review your next steps and the steps for your child. Also, be aware the ADA recommends fluoridated toothpaste now for all children under the age of three. Don’t wait!

Ask us about:

  • Home hygiene basics: Things like, tips and tricks on brushing and other care. There’s nothing better than having our hygienists give brushing tutorials – they’re experts!
  • Preventative dentistry: The possible need for fluoride supplements
  • Dietary strategies: Achieving a balanced diet early in life for good oral health later
  • Feeding practice awareness: Bottle, breastfeeding, and no-spill training cups
  • Non-nutritive oral habits: Thumb sucking, pacifiers
  • Making Dental Visits Normal: Even from a young age, your child should be very comfortable visiting the dentists. He or she should build that regular habit while young to keep a strong sense of normalcy.

 

2 to 12 years old

Ah, the little ones are growing up. Teeth are coming in at all sorts of crazy angles, and you’re going crazy from the rise in obligations. Here’s a quick list of what to consider during this time frame:

  • Preventative dentistry: Pit and fissure sealants can do wonders for keeping your child’s dental bills down, and their teeth in their head until they’re ready to fall out naturally. Ask us about them. They’re affordable AND useful. And, super-fast, you’ll be in and out in no time.
  • Orthodontic Consultation: Visiting an orthodontist for an early consultation is best done around your child’s seventh birthday. With today’s technology, early intervention can reduce the cost and duration of braces when your child gets older.

 

The Teen Years

The years “everything” happens! As children start to come into their own, new habits and desires begin to unfold as well. You’ll have to address every imaginable concern during these years, from piercings, to calls for whitening, braces, and the need to refer yourself away from your pediatric dentist and to a general dentist for continuing oral care. So, speak with us about:

  • Cosmetic Dentistry: What solutions are advisable now, and what things should be avoided.
  • Teen social pressures: Smoking, alcohol, intraoral/perioral piercings and the like. Believe it or not, we can help a lot with this. Does your teen have a favorite Dental Center hygienist? We might be able to arrange for that person to help when your teen comes in so they can address these concerns with an intermediary they trust. Give us a call at (614) 414-0111 to see how we can help!
  • Orthodontics: Options for minimizing appearance and health problems later in life.
  • Home hygiene tips: Brushing, flossing, choosing the right mouthwash.
  • Craniofacial injury prevention: With your children’s possible participation in sports, you’ll want to get them a mouthguard. Hands down it’ll be one of your best investments in a healthy mouth. And we make great ones here at The Dental Center!
  • Positive Reinforcement: Your teen hears lots of feedback from every direction, but it can be very helpful to hear the benefits of good oral health from a different voice then they hear everything else. We will work hard to reinforce this necessary message with you to your teen!

Staying on top of your child’s oral health isn’t as hard as you think, and if you keep this schedule handy, you’ll be ahead of most of your neighbor’s kids when it comes to a healthy mouth and body. Come to think of it … why not share it with them as well? They’ll thank you for the help.