Reasons You May Have A Dry Mouth

Jan 29th, 2018
Easton Dentists Jan 29th, 2018

We all know drinking enough water is good for our health. And when you’re feeling parched, there’s nothing better than a tall drink of ice-cold water to dampen that dry mouth of yours.

But what do you do when you find yourself constantly needing to wet your whistle?

There are numerous reasons you could be suffering from dry mouth. Below are the top five.

Physiologic
Sometimes having a dry mouth is just a normal part of life. Temporary anxiety, open-mouthed
breathing, mild dehydration, menopause, pregnancy, and decreased saliva due to sleep are all
normal causes of dry mouth.

Prescription medication
Sixty-three percent of the top 200 most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S. are known to cause dry mouth. And the higher the number of medications a person takes, the higher the chance of dry mouth. That’s why as we age, we tend to experience more instances of dry mouth. It’s not necessarily age-related, but our consumption of medication may cause this side effect.

Habitual use of alcohol and tobacco
Use of any of these products will dry out the oral cavity.
Please drink in moderation, and make sure to up your water intake when you imbibe. As for tobacco, we always recommend quitting as soon as possible.

Chronic Disease
Diabetes, Sjogren’s disease, Sarcoidosis, Hepatitic C can all cause dry mouth.

Psychogenic or Idiopathic
When symptoms are present without an identifiable cause (idiopathic), or because of psychological causes (psychogenic), they can be difficult to diagnose.

If you find yourself with a persistent, unidentifiable case of dry mouth, you should make an appointment. Call us at 614-414-0111 or request an appointment online.

Figuring out which one is causing your dry mouth is so important because a dry mouth has a big effect on your dental health. Saliva is so important for swishing away bacteria.

The dryer the mouth, the more prone you are to cavities, bad breath, and gingivitis. We recommend visiting us at 4030 Easton Station, Suite 250, Columbus, OH 43219 or your doctor for a consultation on why you may be experiencing a dry mouth.

The Why, When, How and Where of Tongue Scraping

Mar 3rd, 2017
Easton Dentists Mar 3rd, 2017

Imagine it’s still winter…not hard to do in Ohio since it changes so quickly… you’re standing at the door, ready to brave the cold. You’re layered-up with three shirts and a sweatshirt, your heavy winter coat, and two layers of socks underneath your waterproof winter boots. Then you’ve got those awesome jeans with the flannel on the inside, your comfy hat, scarf, and gloves. You’re set! But wait. As you step toward the door, you suddenly realize you have an itch … and it’s deep down … buried beneath all those layers. And, try as you may, every attempt to reach that bugger-of-an-itch fails. Defeated, you realize the only relief you’re ever gonna’ get is to remove each one of those layers. Where are we going with this?!

The Tongue

We’re going inside your mouth, of course, to your tongue – this is a dental article, after all! Because whether you know it or not, like you in the wintertime, your tongue is also “all covered up” – buried beneath layers of bacteria, fungi, and food residue that can inhibit your ability to taste, let alone cause your tongue to appear various shades of yellow, white, or green! Remove the bacteria, though, and your food will once again directly interact with those taste buds, and return to its natural hue. So how does one do that? With a tongue scraper, of course!

WHAT is a tongue scraper?

A tongue scraper is a U-shaped device designed to “scrape” the top layer of scum from your tongue. They have been in use since ancient times, and have been made of everything from wood to whalebone. Nowadays, they are made of more hygienic material, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, designs and colors.

WHY use a tongue scraper?

The residue on your tongue includes things like the cavity-inducing Streptococcus mutans bacterium, fungi, rotting food (that’s not good), and what’s referred to as “volatile sulfur compounds.” In other words, sulfur – that “rotting egg smell.” Talk about ew! So, as you can see, there are several reasons why you’d want to get rid of this gunk in your mouth. Let’s tackle them one by one:

  • Reduce bad breath: ‘nuff said! We have had many patients thank us so much for this little tip because it dramatically improves their overall life! Get a little closer…
  • Reduce your risk of periodontal disease and cavities: Bad bacteria contribute to plaque and tartar on teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities. Bacteria build-up can also lead to inflammation of gum tissue (gingivitis). If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which means a more expensive dental visit (plus other unwanted consequences!). Speaking of avoiding an expensive dental visit, when was the last time you came in to see us? Come see us now if it’s been awhile, by calling in at 614-414-0111.
  • Make room for good bacteria: see our article here on probiotics for your mouth.
  • Prevent heart disease? While the debate is still up in the air, many studies suggest there could be a correlation between gum disease and heart disease.

HOW does one use a tongue scraper?

In general, make sure to rinse your tongue scraper before and after use. Apply the tongue scraper to the back of your tongue and drag it forward. Then, rinse and repeat. Make sure to get the sides of your tongue as well, not just the center!

Make sure not to press too hard or you can cause yourself to bleed. And, if you’re wondering if you should scrape your tongue while recovering from a dental procedure, that’s a good question … ask your dentist for the best advice particular to your situation. Still not sure how this thing really works? The next time you’re in ask Julie, Kate, or Lindsay for a quick tutorial!

WHERE do I buy one?

Your first choice is, believe it or not, us! We may even have a sample we could provide to you at no cost. Tongue scrapers are relatively inexpensive, and can also be found at any local drugstore. It doesn’t matter the material, color, or brand – just find the one you like and get scraping!

What’s Up with All that Poking at My Gums During Cleaning?

Feb 22nd, 2017
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Poking on my gums

Have you ever wondered why your hygienist starts rattling off a series of numbers in the middle of your cleaning? 2, 2, 3, 2, 4, 5! What’s going on there? What your hygienist is doing is checking the depth of gum tissue pockets that surround your tooth. It’s a proactive way to identify your risk for gum disease, and when done regularly, can help catch it early. Dental probing is a pretty interesting exercise in dentistry, can save you from surgery and extractions, and here’s why.

Dental Probing Catches Problems Early

One reason to visit the dentist regularly is to identify problems in your mouth that you are completely oblivious to. Subtle changes in the health of our gum tissue can be missed by the naked eye, and some people – even those who visit a dentist regularly – can be prone to an excess buildup of plaque and tartar that can result in gingivitis and periodontal disease. Thankfully, your dental team can catch these changes early through the use of X-rays and the practice of dental probing.

The reason for probing is straightforward. As periodontal disease progresses, the visible markers of the disease (plaque and tartar) migrate down along the side of the tooth into the natural “pocket” between the ridge of the gumline and the tooth’s enamel. This inflames the gum tissue and widens this naturally slim gap between the tooth and gum. As this gap becomes wider, even more bacteria are allowed access to the sensitive tissue fibers along the root’s outer surface, causing more damage. This process may result in bone loss, and the need to extract a tooth. This is why probing is so important. We regularly have new patients come see us that have good looking teeth, but they have ignored gum care for so long that they lose those good teeth because the bone can no longer support the teeth. We want to prevent that from happening!

How Does Dental Probing Work?

“Probing” is quite simple and is accomplished by using a dental “probe” to measure the depth of a tooth’s pocket. The probe acts like a ruler, and has markings along its side measured out in millimeters. To measure the depth of your tooth’s pocket, your hygienist gently places the probe into this pocket and makes note of the depth. Those numbers you hear are the millimeter depths of your pocket. Six measurements are taken per tooth, three along the outside, and three along the inside of each tooth. A depth of three millimeters or under without any bleeding is generally accepted as healthy. Above that number, we will suggest more thorough gum therapy, including scaling and root planing, or something even more comprehensive if the number is above a five and nearing ten. We are so committed to setting you up right, that we set aside extra time to make sure you understand your treatment!

So, as you can see, maintaining pocket health is critical, and proper brushing and flossing can help clear away plaque and prevent the tartar buildup that expands a pocket. Your dentist also plays a critical role in ensuring you’re staying ahead of gum disease, so be sure to keep your regular appointments – particularly if you have been identified as having periodontitis (gum disease) and recommended for more frequent, thorough gum therapy. With a good routine and frequent visits to the dentist the only numbers you’ll be hearing moving forward should be 1, 2 and 3! Keep up the good work.

The Benefits Of Flossing

May 26th, 2016
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

When you visit the dentist, there’s one dental care question you’re sure to be asked; “Are you flossing?” Many patients sheepishly admit they’re falling short while others fib and ensure their hygienist that they floss religiously. The truth is, your dental hygienist will most likely be able to tell if you are being honest about your flossing habits or not.

Many individuals are guilty of skipping out on flossing. As your oral health expert, we don’t want you to feel guilty; we want you to understand the benefits of flossing so that you will take up the habit out of your own free will. Being informed of how flossing helps your oral health is the first step in wanting to start the practice.

So what exactly are the benefits of flossing? Let’s look at the main and most obvious gains you get when you decide to floss your teeth every day.

 

  • A cleaner mouth– Brushing is great, but it will only get you so far. Toothbrushes are designed to help you physically clean the surface of your teeth but they cannot adequately reach between teeth. Flossing allows you to remove left over food debris, bacteria, and plaque buildup that your toothbrush cannot reach, leaving you with a cleaner feeling mouth.

 

  • Healthier teeth and gums– Flossing helps rid your mouth of plaque, food particles, and bacteria that can cause gum infections, cavities, and tooth decay. Removing plaque on a daily basis by practicing flossing prevents the plaque from turning into tartar. Tartar is difficult to remove and will lead to issues such as gingivitis and cavities. Flossing is one more step you can take in keeping your mouth healthy.

 

  • A whiter smile– Plaque buildup is not only detrimental to your oral health, it also affects the appearance of your teeth. When plaque builds up, it attracts stains and makes your teeth appear discolored. Whether from the food you eat or the drinks you drink, too much plaque can mean a dull, stained smile. Flossing helps remove plaque and keeps your smile looking brighter, longer.

 

  • Fresher breath– When bacteria reside in the mouth, they cause bad breath. Plaque and food particles are a breeding ground for the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria can be reduced with flossing by ridding your teeth of plaque buildup and leftover food debris. If you struggle with bad breath, flossing can help you move towards fresher breath.

Flossing might be a tedious habit to develop but once you get in the practice of flossing, you will reap the benefits. Not only will flossing keep your mouth healthy, it will also save you money in dental treatments that can be avoided by practicing good oral hygiene.

At Easton Dentists, we want you to know that we have your best interest in mind. If you have questions about flossing or would like to be shown the proper technique, ask one of our dental professionals at your next appointment. Contact us today to schedule your next visit!

What To Do For Dry Mouth

Mar 24th, 2016
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

If you ask any dental clinic Columbus Ohio doctor about dry mouth, the answer always comes down to saliva production. Complaints of a dry mouth are not uncommon among patients that come to Easton Dentists, or any dentist for that matter. We hear this concern quite a bit and would like to address the issue so that you can get on with your life without having to worry about the effects of dry mouth.

dental clinic columbus ohioFirst of all, how do you know if you have a dry mouth? If you do have dry mouth, you probably don’t need this question answered. However, some common symptoms include a dry, sticky feeling in the mouth, frequent thirst or feeling the need to constantly wet your mouth, sores in the mouth, cracked lips and sides of the mouth, and bad breathe.

Unfortunately, dry mouth leads to more than an uncomfortable feeling or bad breathe. People who have dry mouth and do not take measures to correct the issue are more likely to experience dental problems such as gingivitis, tooth decay, and even oral infections.

Saliva plays an important role in both your oral and overall health, so not having enough of it can be problematic. A few ways that saliva keeps our bodies and teeth healthy include:

-Helping to moisten and cleanse our mouths after eating and in between meals

-Promoting digestion (there are enzymes found in saliva that break down food before it moves to the stomach)

-Preventing infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth

When patients do not have enough saliva production, there are many factors that might be causing the issue. Some factors you can control, such as the lifestyle choices listed below. Other factors such as disease and infection require you to work with your doctor to address the root cause and make adjustments where necessary.

Dental Clinic Columbus Ohio & Lifestyle Factors

-Consuming too much alcohol or caffeine

-Smoking

-Chewing tobacco

-Breathing through your mouth

Certain medications are also known to cause dry mouth. Medications used to treat depression, anxiety, allergies, and common colds are among the worst offenders. If you suspect that a medication might be contributing to your dry mouth, talk to your doctor about alternatives.

If you have a dry mouth and it is not caused by disease or medication, what can you do? We give our patients the following list of suggestions when talking about treatment for dry mouth. Try implementing some of these habits and see if your dry mouth doesn’t improve.

What You Can Do

-Use a fluoride toothpaste

-Rinse with fluoride instead of an alcohol based products

-Make a habit of breathing through your nose

-Chew on sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free mints

-Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially between meals

-Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco

If you implement these changes, your issues with dry mouth should resolve fairly quickly. If you continue to struggle with dry mouth and have already talked to your doctor concerning your overall health, schedule an appointment with a dental clinic Columbus Ohio provider such as Easton Dentist. Our staff will be happy to examine your mouth and provide additional advice on how you can cope with dry mouth.

Contact us todayto schedule an appointment!

Tartar: How Does Tartar Effect Teeth And Gums And How Can We Control It

Aug 22nd, 2015
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Tartar is probably a word you’ve heard many times before, often associated with plaque, but what is it? The more you know about tartar buildup, the better you’ll be able to prevent it in the future. Put simply, tartar is a hardened version of plaque found within the mouth.

Plaque forms due to a mix of various foods and proteins, and slowly begins to form a visible buildup on your teeth. Plaque can crawl its way into the crevices of your teeth, inside your gum line, and even in hard-to-reach areas, making it all the more difficult to get rid of. When a buildup of tartar occurs it will give plaque a larger surface area to appear upon, and will make surface stains more visible to the naked eye. Tartar stains are usually considered to be brown or yellow in color.

The Effects Of Tartar
Tartar forms due to the ever-present existence of bacteria within the mouth. Those with calcified tartar on their teeth put their oral health at risk for cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. Gum disease in its various stages may cause irreversible damage to your teeth and overall oral health and may even result in complete removal of your teeth. While this is an extreme case of tartar buildup, it shows the importance of taking care of any mild oral health issues before they get out of hand.

How To Get Rid Of Tartar Buildup
Even with vigorous brushing, only a dental hygienist or dentist will be able to completely remove the hard buildup brought on by tartar and plaque. The process used by dentists to remove a buildup of tartar is often called scaling, wherein your dental professional will use special tools to remove the tartar starting at the gum line.

How To Prevent A Tartar Buildup
There are many ways to control an unhealthy buildup of plaque and tartar, all of which mean maintaining good oral hygiene. To prevent tartar buildup be sure to brush your teeth twice daily using a tartar fighting toothpaste. You should also be flossing daily, making sure to get into all of the hard to reach spots within your mouth. Another tip is to replace your toothbrush every 3 months to lessen the amount of bacteria growing on your bristles.

The final way you can ensure your mouth stays fresh and clean from plaque and tartar buildup is to arrange your dental insurance and company plans to allow for regular dental cleanings twice a year. Help keep your teeth their healthiest by scheduling a dental checkup with Easton Dentists today at (614) 414-0111.

Three Things You Can Do About Bad Breath

May 16th, 2014
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

You only have one chance to make a first impression. Don’t let bad breath be any part of someone’s first interaction with you. Follow these three tips and you will always be confident that your breath is fresh.

  1. Keep your mouth moist. A dry mouth has a lack of saliva, which can lead to tooth decay and bad breath. Drinking plenty of water is the best way to ensure that your mouth has the appropriate amount of moisture. Using sugarless candy or chewing sugarless gum can also help keep the mouth moist, and fight bad breath.
  2. Stick to fresh-smelling foods. Potent and spicy foods, such as garlic and onion, are major causes of bad breath.  These foods can even make their way into your bloodstream, and ultimately make any bad breath even worse.
  3. Choose gum. It is a common myth that after-dinner mints help ward off bad breath. The sugar in mints actually promotes the growth of bacteria that causes bad breath. Chewing sugarless gum will increase your mouth’s production of saliva, which will help prevent bad breath.

Having a healthy mouth is the most important factor in having fresh breath. A healthy mouth starts with having regular dental examinations. Contact The Dental Center today to schedule your exam.

How to Check for Bad Breath in a Pinch

Feb 18th, 2014
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Everyone fears having bad breath in that important interview or on a date with someone special. A quick way to self-check for bad breath is by licking your wrist, waiting 10 seconds then smelling the spot you licked.

The most prevalent causes of bad breath are odor-omitting bacteria living on the back of the tongue, below the gumline, and in the pockets created by gum disease between teeth and the gums. The bacteria that grow on your tongue produce malodorous compounds and fatty acids that produce a foul smell. Gum disease can also produce an oppressive odor.

There are several options to prevent bad breath. Cleaning your tongue at least twice a day will help prevent odor-causing bacteria from building up. Flossing is also essential in keeping breath smelling great. Flossing removes trapped food particles from between your teeth that cause odor. A dry mouth is more likely to omit an odor; chewing sugar-free gum will help to keep your mouth moist. It may seem obvious, but brushing your teeth at lease twice a day will help keep your mouth clean and fresh.

Having a healthy mouth is of the utmost importance and the key to keeping breath smelling great. Regular cleanings and appointments with your dentist will keep your mouth in good health! The dental experts at The Dental Center can help you achieve optimal dental health.