Tips on Preventing Gingivitis

Oct 5th, 2023
Easton Dentists Oct 5th, 2023

The most common form of dental disease we see at our dental clinic near New Albany Ohio 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.

bad breath solutions in Columbus Ohio
How can I prevent bad breath?

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.

Effective and consistent oral hygiene practices are crucial for preventing gingivitis. In order to reduce the risk, we suggest that you brush your teeth a minimum of twice daily and maintain a regular flossing routine. Individuals with a heightened susceptibility to gingivitis may benefit from more frequent brushing and flossing, such as after every meal and before bedtime. Additionally, there is a wide range of antiseptic mouthwashes available that can effectively combat the germs and bacteria responsible for plaque formation. For those more susceptible to infections, specialized toothpaste or prescription medications may be considered. It is essential to consult with your dental healthcare provider in New Albany, Ohio, for personalized guidance 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.

Signs, Symptoms, And Treatment of Gingivitis

Jun 24th, 2023
Easton Dentists Jul 13th, 2023

Are you experiencing a bacterial infection and you’re not sure what it is? You may be showing symptoms associated with gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums normally caused by bacteria. The primary culprit of gingivitis is plaque, however smoking, changes in your hormones, irregular flossing and brushing, or a history of dental diseases in the family may all be contributing factors.


Signs And Symptoms Of Gingivitis


Many sufferers of gingivitis may not realize they have gingivitis for quite some time, as the symptoms are usually mild. Left unchecked gingivitis may turn into periodontitis, or gum disease, and lead to more oral issues in the future. Common signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:

  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Bleeding gums, specifically after brushing
  • Receding gums
  • Pain associated with chewing
  • Persisting, irregular smelling breath
  • An irregular build-up of plaque


Treatment Of Gingivitis

After scheduling an appointment with your dentist, he will determine how far along the gingivitis is as well as dental insurance coverage (check with Easton Dentist for company plans). Your dentist will then deep clean your teeth by scaling (removing plaque and tartar from your gums), using lasers to remove plaque, or root planning (smoothing out rough areas and removing infected areas of your teeth). Catching gingivitis early is a surefire way to prevent gum disease.

After Treatment
After your dentist has administered the appropriate treatment, be sure to continue brushing and flossing regularly, as well as using a disinfectant mouthwash to prevent bacteria from building up in the future.

Regular brushing and flossing are essential to keeping great oral hygiene. If you have one or more of the symptoms described and feel you may be suffering from gingivitis, call Dr. Gilmer (your local Columbus Ohio dentist) at (614) 414-0111 to schedule an appointment.

Is Smoking Detrimental To The Health Of Your Teeth?

May 25th, 2023
Easton Dentists Jul 13th, 2023

By now, it is no secret that smoking can lead to serious health problems such as lung and throat cancer, but did you know that tobacco use can also have a huge impact on your oral health? Using tobacco of any kind, whether it be chewing, cigarettes, or smoking from a pipe, can create nearly irreversible effects on your oral health.

Some common problems associated with smoking and your oral health include bone loss, gum disease, plaque and tartar buildup, halitosis, and the notorious discoloration, “yellowing” of the teeth. These issues may result in the need for dental insurance, or asking about company plans. These are just some of the many effects smoking has on your teeth.


Gum Disease

Smoking effects the gums by inhibiting the regular functions of the gum tissues, as well as affects the bone attachment and soft tissues in the mouth. Over time the blood flow responsible for healing will become impaired and the mouth will become more amenable to infections. All of these issues combined makes smokers more susceptible to periodontal disease, or “gum disease.”


Oral Cancer

It is estimated that 35,000 patients will be diagnosed with some form of oral cancer in the United States. The odds of developing cancer is stacked against tobacco users, with an estimated 90% of oral cancer patients having been regular tobacco users (whether from pipes, cigarettes, cigars, or other smoking apparatuses.) In fact, statistics from the American Cancer Society show that smokers are 6 times more likely to develop cancer of the tongue, mouth, lips, or throat, than that of a non-smoker.


Issues with Dental Procedures

Not only does smoking make your teeth look bad, it also effects your recovery from dental procedures. This happens because of the weakened healing capabilities, causing an extended recovery time post-surgery. Persistent smoking can also lead to repeated tooth decay and complete loss of teeth.


Smokeless Tobacco

Those hoping to curb these oral health issues by using smokeless tobacco should know that they are still at risk. Smokeless tobacco products contain many chemicals that affect the esophagus, mouth, and throat, and may cause receding of the gums.

Protect your mouth against disease and unwanted issues by maintaining good oral health, brushing and flossing daily, having regular dental checkups, and conquering the habit of tobacco use.

If you feel that smoking may have damaged your teeth beyond repair, call Easton Dental Center in Columbus OH. Maybe it is not as bad as you think?

Halitosis Stinks: Try These Bad Breath Remedies

May 21st, 2022
Easton Dentists Jun 13th, 2022

Halitosis, also known more commonly as bad breath, is an embarrassing problem nobody wants to admit they have. Studies have shown you are not alone, about 25-30% of the population throughout the entire world has the same problem as you. However, there are plenty of bad breath cures out there so that you don’t have to feel ashamed any longer. With these bad breath remedies, you can have fresh breath all day long:

Bacteria Build-Up

In most cases, halitosis is caused by harmful bacteria inside the mouth. The odor-causing bacteria loves to hide at the back of your tongue where ordinary brushing won’t reach. One of the best bad breath remedies is using a tongue scraper every time you brush your teeth is an ideal way to get rid of noxious bacteria. If you don’t already, you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, more preferably after every meal. Also, be sure and consider your diet. Bad bacteria thrive on white sugar and white flour products, while fresh vegetables and fruit will improve your health overall and your breath.

Got Water?

The more dehydrated you are, the worse your breath smells as your mouth needs saliva to stay fresh. Make sure you are drinking the recommended amount of water for your body size an additional bonus, keeping your mouth moist and wet will flush any left behind food particles, which is what bad bacteria thrive on.

Got Gum?

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals helps stimulate the flow of saliva, which helps clean away any remaining food particles, and leaves your mouth constantly hydrated and smelling sweet.

Your Stomach Can Make Your Breath Stinky

While they may not seem related, stomach issues are another cause of bad breath. Acid reflux is a prime offender by causing a bitter, metallic taste and creating bad breath. If you have sour or bitter breath, you should schedule a checkup with your family doctor.  If you have these health issues, treating them is essential to curing your bad breath as it gets to the source rather than just masking the symptoms.

See a dentist!

Finally, if bad breath persists even after making these changes and implementing these suggestions, one should see their dentist. Your dentist will check for more serious conditions that could be causing the problem and recommend a treatment plan tailored to you.

Having a healthy mouth is the most important factor in having fresh breath. At The Dental Center at Easton, we understand that even though bad breath can be embarrassing, it is completely treatable. Contact The Dental Center today to schedule your exam.

Common Dental Problems Dentists Face

Aug 4th, 2021
Easton Dentists Oct 2nd, 2021

Every day, Dentists, such as yours in Columbus Ohio, face some common dental problems, some more common than others. At first, some of these problems may not be serious. If ignored and not addressed, eventually, they can lead to serious problems.

Here are some of the common problems that dentists face daily:

Bad Breath

Bad breath, also technically known as Halitosis, is a common dental problem that many individuals have. Bad breath can be caused by dry mouth, cavities, gum disease, bacteria on the tongue, and even oral cancers.

Even though a majority of individuals use mouthwash to stop bad breath, mouthwash may just be masking the underlying problem. In rare cases, there may be a serious concern that needs to be addressed.

Cavities

There are different forms of tooth decay, but the most common form of decay that dentists face are cavities.

Cavities occur when a sticky and hard substance called Plaque produce acids that erode the tooth enamel. Plaque is formed by a combination of bacteria, sugar and starches. Depending on how advanced the cavity has spread, in most cases, a filling would be a proper procedure to fix a cavity. However, in more serious cases, a root canal would be the proper course of treatment.

Preventing cavities and tooth decay is relatively easy: brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, go to your regular checkups and eat healthy by avoiding foods that are heavy in starches and sugars.

Gum Disease

Gingivitis and Periodontitis are infections of the gums and the soft tissue of the mouth. These infections are also one of the main causes of all tooth decay among adults.

On the surface, these infections may not be serious, but gum disease is strongly linked to heart disease and stroke.

To prevent gum diseases, it is critical to brush at least twice a day and floss.

Unattractive Smile

Although unattractive smiles are not considered a medical dental problem, they may be considered a problem to people who are unhappy with their smile. Unattractive smiles are a reason why individuals seek treatment to correct these problems.

A smile is important to an individual’s self-esteem. Fortunately, with advancements and techniques in dental sciences, virtually everyone can have a smile that they can be happy with. Through teeth whitening, dental implants, dental bridges, dental partials, or any other cosmetic work, your dentist can achieve your perfect smile.
If you believe that you have any of these common dental problems, it is highly advised that you see a dentist. 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, an experienced board certified dentist, deeply cares and understands your dental concerns. Our staff wants you to know that we are highly trained and that we pride ourselves on providing the best care and attention you need to keep your smile healthy. If you believe you have any concerns above or questions regarding your oral health, make an appointment with us today!

Kiss in the New Year With Sweet Breath

Dec 31st, 2019
Easton Dentists Jan 2nd, 2020

3-2-1…Happy New Year! Most people enjoy ringing in the new year with a kiss from someone special, but the number one deal-breaker when it comes to kissing is bad breath. Unfortunately, some people with bad breath aren’t even aware there’s a problem. Dr Brad Gilmer in Columbus Ohio can help you determine if your breath problems are caused by an oral problem and then develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.

Pay attention to what you order for dinner. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to bad breath. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.

If you don’t brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor.

Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth.

Tobacco products cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.

Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.

Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take.

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth.

Dr. Gilmer & staff wish you a happy new year and great dental health throughout 2020!

Tips on How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

Aug 9th, 2019
Easton Dentists Aug 30th, 2019

Bad breath, also known in the dental world as halitosis, is a condition that affects everyone at some point in their life. Thankfully, no matter how many first impressions may have been ruined with bad breath, we will share with you a few simple steps to drastically reduce halitosis, if not completely eliminate it.

Symptoms

You know that you have bad breath if you can clear a large 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, where most bad breath originates. If this exhale causes you to lose a offends yourself, then it’s time to do something about it, before it offends your family and friends. Before we find a solution, let’s learn more about halitosis.

Causes

There can be multiple causes for Halitosis, which is no surprise to anyone who’s been on the receiving end of morning breath after it’s mixed with a cup of coffee!

For most people, morning is often the time most people experience bad breath. When the flow of saliva nearly stops while we sleep, a buildup of bacteria in the mouth can be the end result. Brushing away the bacteria in the morning is helpful. brushing your tongue can works wonders also!

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.

Should you have any other questions about oral hygiene, don’t be afraid to bring them up the next time you visit our dental center in Columbus Ohio – The Dental Center at Easton.

Electrical or Manual Toothbrush: Which is Better?

Oct 26th, 2018
Easton Dentists Oct 26th, 2018

This is one of our most frequently asked questions! Our answer? It’s not the brush that matters, it’s who’s doing the brushing.

Let’s break that down. The goal of tooth brushing is to remove plaque from your teeth on a consistent (daily!) basis, so that we prevent the buildup of tartar which leads to tooth decay. A manual toothbrush is a great and inexpensive tool that helps us do just that. Make sure to brush two minutes per day, twice a day. Gently brush ALL surfaces and make sure to reach those back molars.

For some people, it can be difficult to brush properly with a manual toothbrush. Those with some form of motor disability or arthritis may benefit from using an electric toothbrush. An electric brush can also be helpful for kids or anyone with braces.
The same tooth brushing rules apply – two times per day, two minutes at a time. One advantage of an electric toothbrush is that some have a built-in timer. If you’re one of those quick brushers who has a hard time making it to two minutes, consider using a timed electric brush.

At your next dental visit, ask us whether we think you would do better with a manual or electric brush! And, as always, don’t forget to floss!

How Does Smoking Impact Dental Health?

Oct 11th, 2018
Easton Dentists Nov 12th, 2018

The use of tobacco products is the leading preventable cause of disease and early death in the United States.

Smoking has been linked to a myriad of dental health problems. The most well-known are bad breath and tooth discoloration. On a more serious note, smoking can be linked to a higher risk of gum disease, loss of bone mass in the jaw, and oral cancer.

And yet, approximately 42 million Americans still smoke cigarettes!

Every year, the American Cancer Society’s celebrates the Annual Great American Smokeout – one day each year that is set aside to encourage people to make the pledge to quit smoking.  Easton Dental strongly encourages people to quit smoking and thus promote better dental health. Why?

Because…

A person that smokes has twice the risk for gum disease as a non-smoker. The American Academy of Periodontology makes the assertion that the use of tobacco is one of the greatest risk factors in both the origin and progression of gum disease.

Not only does smoking increase likelihood of gum disease, but has also been discovered to make the treatment of gum disease not as effective.

A list of serious health conditions due to tobacco use includes heart attack, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.  Gum disease has been found to also be a leading cause of tooth loss, along with being linked to complications during pregnancy.  At least 75% of cancers of the mouth, lips, tongue and throat are found in people that use an excessive amount of tobacco.

But all is not lost. It has been found that the effects of smoking begin to reverse themselves almost immediately once a smoker quits this harmful habit.  According to the American Dental Association, even after many years of heavy tobacco use, reducing the amount a person smokes or quitting all together is very beneficial.  This action can greatly reduce the health risks, even so far as reducing the likelihood of gum disease to the point as if that person had never smoked!

A life without the cigarettes can lead to: Better breath, whiter teeth, healthier gums, and overall better health. Who would not want that?

How to Detect a Cavity

Apr 21st, 2018
Easton Dentists May 1st, 2018

It is important to have your cavities treated as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration. During your regular checkups, your dentist will alert you to any cavities that he or she sees. Between checkups, however, it is important for you to pay attention to signs of cavities. Below, we’ve outlined a few key symptoms to watch out for.

1. Bad Breath or Bad Taste

If your breath seems to have gotten much worse recently and the scent isn’t going away, even when you brush your teeth and tongue regularly, you could have a cavity. Bad breath is sometimes a sign of cavities because the bacteria that causes cavities can also cause bad breath. In addition to bad breath, this bacteria can also cause a bad taste in your mouth that no amount of mouthwash can rinse away.

2. Tooth Pain

This is usually the most obvious symptom of a cavity. The decay of your tooth that is caused by cavities can lead to serious pain. If you experience any tooth pain, see your dentist right away, because this could mean your cavity has been left untreated for a long time.

3. Dark Spots and Holes

If your cavity is left untreated for a long time, you will be able to see it. It may appear as a dark spot on your tooth or as a hole you can see or feel with your tongue. If you can see or feel your cavity, you need to visit your dentist right away.

4. Pus

This is the most serious symptom of a cavity as it means that you have an abscess. Abscesses are serious medical issues that can cause fevers, pain, and swollen glands. If there’s any possibility you have an abscess, see your dentist right away so you can get the antibiotics you need to kill the bacteria.

If you have any of the symptoms we mentioned above, see your dentist as soon as you can. The best way to keep a cavity from becoming something more serious is to treat it early. If you believe you may have an abscess, call us immediately to schedule an emergency visit.