7 Dental Concerns for Those Over The Age of 50

Jul 13th, 2023

When they say “age is all in your head,” they’re probably right. But then again, your teeth ARE in your head — so you likely can’t escape having to pay a little more attention to them after the age of 50. Although some oral health concerns are seen as common as we age, if you adopt a proactive mindset and educate yourself, these concerns do not have to be common for you. Anticipating and recognizing changes in your mouth can help you be on top of your health in this area — so let’s take a look at the main ones you have to watch out for.

Dry Mouth:

The most common oral health concern you’re likely to experience as you age is dry mouth. In the medical world, dry mouth goes by the name xerostomia, and can be brought on by a number of contributing factors, including the over-consumption of drying beverages like coffee and alcohol, as well as the frequent consumption of salty foods. Another big offender is the medication we take over a lifetime to treat various illness. And the list isn’t a short one – there are over 400 medications that can contribute to xerostomia, including medications for high blood pressure and depression. We have been able to help many patients find relief and prevent them from greater harm.

Ill-fitting Dentures:

First off, it’s important to note that the need for dentures is not a must as we age. Today, healthier living and better access to dental care has reduced the percentage of seniors wearing dentures to 27% from nearly 50% just a few decades ago. That said, should dentures be a part of your life, or that of a loved one, wearing properly-fitting dentures is critical. Sometimes, all that’s needed is a denture reline. Give Easton Dental Center in Columbus Ohio a call at (614) 414-0111 and we can see if that will help. Dentures that cause pain or shift in the mouth tend to alter a person’s eating habits, which can lead to nutrition deficits if healthy, but hard-to-chew, foods are avoided. Ill-fitting dentures can also cause thrush.

Physical Obstacles to Good Oral Care:

As we age, we sometimes find ourselves having to contend with physical ailments that limit our desire to maintain good oral care. Arthritis, vision loss, or injuries are a few of the most common. To combat these concerns, using a floss pick to get between teeth can be helpful, and the regular use of oral rinses can assist in dislodging difficult-to-remove food debris, while adding to the overall health of one’s mouth and gum tissue. Here’s how to choose the best mouth rinse for your needs!

Naturally Receding Gums:

The old expression “long in the tooth” isn’t just a quaint idiom about how one accumulates wisdom with age – it also refers to how our teeth appear to “lengthen” as we age. In other words, it’s a fancy way of saying our gums are receding. While some degree of gum recession is indeed natural as we get up in years, this predisposes us to cavities along the root structure of the tooth where enamel doesn’t exist. So, as one ages, flossing, brushing and rinses are more important than ever.

Gum Disease:

Natural gum recession is one thing, and a part of “growing up,” if you will. Gum disease, however, is preventable. So, if it’s been longer than six months since you’ve seen us, please do give us a call at (614) 414-0111. Each of the above items in this list can contribute to gum disease, and good oral care can prevent it. Failing to do so can lead to a need for dentures at its most extreme, and pain and swollen gums at its least. We’d prefer you experience neither concern!

Tooth Loss:

If a tooth is lost due to trauma or decay, and not replaced with an implant or other prosthetic, it can have serious complications for the health of the jawbone. Teeth can shift out of place and fall out, and bone tissue can be resorbed back into the body. Not a good thing.

Loss of Insurance Coverage:

Retirees without dental coverage can sometimes cover the expense of dental care on their own; sometimes they cannot. But a lack of funds to take care of one’s teeth can be devastating to the health of our mouths, and our overall health. So we need to plan for two things: a care routine that allows us to take care of our teeth as much as humanly possible and some sort of financial backup plan for when problems do arise. We help dozens of patients a week to discover what the plan that best fits their needs!

Posted in Cavity Prevention, Columbus Dentist, Dental Benefits, Dental Care, Dental Insurance, Dental Issues, Oral Care, Oral Hygiene | No Comments »

Why Is The Condition of Your Tooth Enamel Important?

May 25th, 2023

Enamel, which is the hard mineral-rich outer layer of your teeth, is the number one defense against tooth decay. Unfortunately over time, enamel can be eroded by acid, which is found in food, drinks, and bacterial plaque. As enamel erodes, your teeth become more susceptible to tooth decay. When acid levels rise, calcium in enamel becomes soft which is called de-mineralization. Your mouth can counteract this process with salvia. Saliva has the ability to neutralize acid and the calcium within saliva helps bind to your teeth to help replace the lost enamel. This is a process known as re-mineralization.

If there is too much acid in your mouth, saliva is not able to neutralize the effects. Drinks that contain high citric acid such as soda and sports drinks can be very damaging to enamel. Not only are these drinks high in acid, they also have a high buffering capacity that slows down the neutralizing effect of saliva. Although brushing your teeth after drinking highly acidic beverages seems like a way to protect enamel, it can actually have a counter effect if done to promptly. Acid found in food or drink softens the enamel and if you brush your teeth too quickly, the brushing can essentially brush away some of your enamel.

There are several methods in maintaining a healthy pH balance in your mouth. The most effective way is to limit the amount of acidic food or drinks you consume. If you decide to drink acidic drinks, use a straw in efforts to reduce the amount of time the acid is in contact with your teeth. Also try and drink these during your mealtime. The final step is to wait at least 30 to 60 minutes after drinking or eating something acidic before brushing your teeth. Because tooth enamel is the main component in maintaining healthy teeth, keeping your enamel strong is the best way to keep your teeth from decay.

To ensure your tooth enamel is intact with proper dental care consult The Dental Center at Easton today!

Posted in Cavity Prevention, Dental Facts, Oral Care, Oral Hygiene | No Comments »

Energy Drinks and Your Youngster’s Teeth. Should You Worry?

Jul 14th, 2022

The hard clack of cleats echo about as your “little” sports hero rushes to get out of the house … soon to be late for practice. Armed with all they’ll need for a day in the sun, their equipment bag is packed and slung awkwardly over one shoulder, bursting at the seams with untold numbers of pads and dirty gear. And after making a final beeline through the kitchen to raid your refrigerator of a 64oz bottle or two of rainbow-colored sustenance, they’re off for what will no doubt be another grueling practice session. You’re proud of your kids – they’re growing up. And yet you wonder as you stare at the door that just shut behind them. Are those technicolored drinks they’re drinking every day hurting them?

The truth, unfortunately, is yes. While they may keep your children energized and awake for the next few hours, the bad news is, they’re secretly eating away at their teeth – and fast.

Why Are Energy Drinks Such a Threat to Teeth?

The crux of the problem is the double-whammy that comes from an exceedingly high sugar content(in the ones that still contain sugar) and citric acid pH that can be as low as 2.9. Now, we understand pH can be a tricky thing to understand, so to help put that number in perspective, a bit, consider this: battery acid has a pH of 0.0 (so, a lower number means a higher acid content). Stomach acid (which we can imagine as being quite acidic, at least!) has a pH that fluctuates between 1.0 and 3.0. A lemon, in contrast, comes in at around 2.0, a grapefruit at 3.0, and tomato juice at 4.0.

The real distinction though is in knowing that with each increase in numerical value, the acid intensity increases 10-fold. So, in the example above, a lemon ends up being 10 times more acidic than a grapefruit, and 100 times more acidic than tomato juice – a sensation you can certainly taste if you bite into one! In contrast, milk and water have a pH of 7.0, so, it’s easy to see the difference in the numbers – they’re huge.

The Science

What all this means to your child’s teeth is the real question, though, and precisely what researchers at Southern Illinois University set out to discover in 2012. The results, which surprised even the research team, showed considerable damage to tooth enamel after only five days of steady consumption. Five days.

To determine the effect of these drinks on our teeth, the research team looked at 22 popular sports and energy drinks, and exposed artificial tooth enamel to the beverages for 15 minutes at a time, four times daily. This schedule was chosen because it mirrors the consumption habits of many users who drink these beverages every few hours – a particularly common habit among those who consume sports drinks, particularly when your kids are involved in sports. After each 15-minute exposure, the enamel was then placed into an artificial saliva solution for two hours to mimic what would happen once consumption stopped. After only five days on this schedule, the enamel showed a 1.5% loss with sports drinks, and a shocking 3% loss with energy drinks.

We have seen to many patients in their younger years already suffering from extensive enamel loss. One case was especially heartbreaking because the patient thought they were doing a great job simply by staying away from soda. The result: it gave that patient more perceived freedom to consume these sports drinks at a higher rate because they were “better” than soda.

The Critics

While critics in the beverage industry suggest the time used to expose the enamel to the drinks may have been excessive, it’s widely known that snacking, as well as regular sipping of any beverage other than water, creates acidic activity in the mouth that promotes tooth decay. Of course, adults also need to be careful, and if you’re the weekend warrior type, or are pulling shifts and consuming these beverages throughout the day, the time of exposure might actually not be long enough. The sweet spot is in the middle ground, and that’s basically the advice we’re going to offer today.

There is no doubt that these beverages are not good for our teeth. They’re also not good for our stomach, and esophagus if one is prone to acid reflux.

The Middle Ground — It’s about being Informed

We’re not asking you to force your kids to give up their sports beverages and energy drinks. However, it is wise to know the risks and to understand how you can help your kids combat some of their side effects. Here are two quick tips that will help if they can’t shake the habit:

Have them keep water nearby so they sip on it to dilute the acid covering their teeth. This also increases saliva production to help protect tooth enamel.
Suggest that they don’t brush immediately after consuming such beverages. Why? Because in the thirty minutes to an hour after consumption, tooth enamel will be slightly softer, and brushing in this window of time literally ends up spreading the acid around to other parts of the teeth. Not good. If brushing is desired, save it for an hour or so after.

Lastly, here is the breakdown of the most caustic to least caustic drinks as found by the researchers. Remember, the lower the number, the more harmful to your teeth!

Sports Drinks:

Filtered Ionozed Alkaline H2O – pH: 10.0
Water – pH: 7.o
Odwalla Carrot juice – pH: 6.2
Odwalla Vanilla Monster – pH: 5.8
Unflavored Pedialyte – pH: 5.4
Vita coco – pH: 5.2
Aquafina,Dasani, Smart water – pH: 4.0
GU2O – pH: 4.29
Powerade – pH: 3.89
Accelerade – pH: 3.86
Gatorade Endurance – pH: 3.22
Monster – pH: 2.7

Energy Drinks:

Red Bull – pH: 3.3
AMP Energy – pH: 2.7
Monster Energy – pH: 2.7
Full Throttle – pH: 1.45
Rock Star – pH: 1.5

P.S. Don’t forget your annual checkup at Easton Dental and a mouthguard!!

Posted in Cavity Prevention, Columbus Dentist, Pediatric Dentistry | No Comments »

Holiday Treats That Can Lead to Unhealthy Teeth

Dec 18th, 2021

Christmas is almost here which means sugary treats are everywhere. Although it’s hard to turn down that delicious holiday cookie grandma just baked, we want to remind you about the effects sweets can have on your oral health. Here are four of the most common treats we suggest to eat and drink in moderation during the holiday season:

Holiday Cookies – It’s enticing to grab one of those delicious holiday cookies that always seem to be available and laying around. Before you reach for the second or third, it’s important to remember the amount of sugar each cookie contains and the amount of damage it can have on your teeth.

Holiday Drinks – There are a number of seasonal beverages like hot chocolate, eggnog, and warm apple ciders that are perfect for the holidays and make you feel warm inside. Whenever you decide to drink one of these sugary drinks, try to keep it to only one cup or a small serving. After you’ve finished, make sure to drink a glass of water afterward to help wash out some of the sugar residue and protect your teeth.

Candy Canes – This minty treat can cause a couple of negative effects on your teeth. The prolonged amount of time these take to dissolve in your mouth leaves sugars lingering. Also the hard and sticky structure makes it temping to bite, which could crack a tooth.

Caramels – Caramels are sticky treats that you find yourself chewing forever. Even after you’ve finished, there always seems to be some lingering caramel left in your teeth. The amount of sugar that is in a caramel treat can negatively affect your oral health.

All of these holiday temptations have a main ingredient, sugar. We all know that sugar is bad for oral health because it mixes with bacteria on your teeth and will produce acid that erodes tooth enamel. When you are enjoying these holiday sweets, just remember to keep your teeth in mind and try to take counter actions. Make sure you are bushing twice daily and flossing regularly. Also after your indulging, try to squeeze in an extra brush to remove the lingering sugar to keep your smile vibrant. Everyone here at Easton Dentists wishes you all a happy and healthy holiday!

Posted in Cavity Prevention, Dental Care, Oral Care | No Comments »

Trick or Treat!

Oct 10th, 2021

It is that time of the year when stores are setting out treats and costumes, so it’s a guarantee you’re already thinking about the mountains of candy that come with true start of the Halloween season. Protecting your teeth during this time of year is critical, so here are a few tips and tricks to prepare you and your family for Candypalooza 2014.

Brush!

This is something you may already do multiple times during the day. If you don’t, you really should. Brushing your teeth after consuming gooey and sticky foods and candy will help cut down on the build up that hides on your gums during the day. The trick is to wait 30 minutes after eating that candy to brush. The acidity from the candy can soften your enamel and if you don’t allow adequate time, you may find yourself brushing your enamel away.

Floss!

Flossing your teeth after eating those delicious chocolate bars will get the remaining candy out of those places your brush can’t reach. This will help prevent gum disease and gingivitis.

Use Mouthwash!

Grab that mouthwash and swish a rinse. It will add to that freshly brushed sensation and move build up right out.

Give out fruits and veggies instead of candy!

While it might not seem as much fun to hand out fruit instead of candy, it’s infinitely better for the little trick-or-treaters tromping around your neighborhood hoarding the sugary stuff. Buying pre-packaged apple slices or carrots will run your costs a smidge higher but parents are certain to thank you for not adding to their child’s imminent sugar rush.

Your Columbus dentist wants your smile to sparkle this holiday season and adhering to the usual standards will surely keep you smiling.

Posted in Cavity Prevention, Dental Care, Healthy Halloween | No Comments »

Halloween Candy – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Oct 1st, 2021

We understand, it’s Halloween, and you are surrounded by candy. You want to eat all the candy. But let’s try to keep our health and smiles in mind when we go digging into those pumpkin baskets for the sugar and the chocolate. To have your cake and eat it too, it’s best to pace yourself and skip over some of the worst options.

THE GOOD

Dark Chocolate – Chocolate does contain a lot of sugar but many studies show that the antioxidants in dark chocolate are actually good for the heart and may lower blood pressure. As long as you’re eating it in moderation.

Sugar-free Lollipops and hard candies – These yummy snacks actually stimulate saliva which prevents dry mouth. Dry mouth allows plaque to build up which can lead to an increased risk of cavities.

Sugar-free gum – In addition to increasing saliva, gum can dislodge food particles from teeth which can help prevent cavities.

THE BAD

Sugary Snacks – Halloween favorites like candy corn contain a huge amount of sugar which leads to tooth decay.

Chewy Sweets – Gummy candies are delicious but the remains gets stuck in your teeth and are a serious source of tooth decay.

Sticky Sweets – Dried fruits may seem like a healthy choice to hand out for Halloween but as with chewy sweets, these fruits stick to your teeth and make it very hard for saliva to wash remains away. Fresh fruits are the way to go if you’re going with the alternative route.

THE UGLY

Sour Candies – Did you guess this one? Sour candies tend to be on the most overlooked candies on the danger list. These candies have high levels of acid which can break down tooth enamel very quickly. That immediate response your mouth has to produce a lot of saliva is a good thing – saliva restores the natural balance of acid in your mouth.

This Halloween, remember that moderation is key. Enjoy those sweets but make sure you’re taking good care of your teeth all year. Schedule your cleaning appointment with Easton Dentist in Columbus today and we’ll make sure you stay on track.

Posted in Candy, Cavity Prevention, Healthy Halloween | No Comments »

Common Dental Problems Dentists Face

Aug 4th, 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!

Posted in Bad Breath, Cavity Prevention, Columbus Dentist, Dental Care, Dental Issues | No Comments »

5 Teeth Care Tips for Families

Mar 13th, 2021

As one of the best family dental practices in Columbus, we’ve seen hundreds of diverse families comprising of all ages and combinations. Good dental care impacts every member of the family and requires a cohesive routine and commitment to the health of your teeth in order to build long-lasting health benefits for years to come. In an effort to help you and your family initiate healthy practices at home, here are 5 tips we think you’ll find valuable.

1. Start Children Early

There’s a lot your children are learning from you during their early ages. Toddlers are learning to walk and use the bathroom, while the older kids, if we’re lucky, are learning self-hygiene and how to pick up after themselves. The earlier you start your children on healthy dental habits such as brushing and flossing or paying attention to diet, the more likely they are to take those habits into the later years and then into adulthood.

2. Brush twice a day and floss daily

As you develop these standard practices for the kids, make sure to set a good example. Everyone in the home should brush in the morning and evening. Flossing is unpopular and tedious but a very important part of preventing cavities and tooth decay.

3. Eat Smart

The teeth are there for one reason and one reason alone; to chew your food. Therefore one of the most obvious and important factors to control in the quest for optimal dental hygiene is what goes in the mouth. Sugars and salts are particularly bad for health and for the teeth. A well-balanced diet of whole foods that include grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats is an excellent life habit for every family member, regardless of age or overall health.

4. Rinse after meals

Mealtime is when the teeth are exposed to the food and particles that settle into the enamel and get lodged between the molars. It’s important to rinse the mouth with clean water after eating, especially if your dinner beverage is anything other than plain water. This step is a supplement to proper brushing and flossing.

5. Regular Check-ups

Most families only consider a dental visit when something goes wrong but regular check-ups for all family members can ensure long-term health and stability of the teeth and allows us to catch problem cavities or decay early on so proper treatment can be administered. Might we suggest that today may be a good day to schedule an appointment at the Dental Center at Easton today?

Posted in Cavity Prevention, Columbus Emergency Dental, Dental Care | No Comments »

Dental Hygiene And Cavity Prevention

Dec 5th, 2020

Good dental hygiene is an important part of cavity prevention. If you want to reduce the risk of cavities, you should brush and floss every time you eat. However, dental hygiene and cavity prevention also require regular visits to the dentist.

One way your dentist can help prevent cavities is by professionally cleaning your teeth. A professional cleaning will remove the buildup of plaque and tartar that cannot be removed with your toothbrush. It will also clean the areas between your teeth so residue and bacteria cannot harm your teeth.

Education is the second source of cavity prevention. When you have regular visits, your dentist can advise you of the products that are right for you. As dental floss, toothpaste, and toothbrushes are not all alike, your dentist’s advice can help you prevent cavities.

A routine examination is an opportunity for your dentist to notice problems. If he finds an issue that can affect the health of your teeth, he will recommend an appropriate solution.

As dental care is easier and more effective than ever before, it is in your best interest to choose a dentist and make an appointment. Contact the dentists of the Dental Center at Easton today to get started!

Posted in Cavity Prevention, Dental Care, Oral Hygiene | No Comments »

How To Maintain Good Dental Care Habits

Nov 26th, 2020

Maintaining good dental hygiene will is one of the most critical parts of your overall health plan. Keeping good dental care throughout your life is how you ensure that your teeth are clean and free of debris, bad breath is not a constant issue, and that gums are pink and do not bleed or hurt when one is brushing or flossing.

As part of your dental care plan, be sure to schedule a visit with your dental hygienist or dentist. Regular visits can help you learn about keeping your teeth clean, prevent oral health problems before they begin, and help identify areas that may require special attention when brushing or flossing.

A regularly scheduled dental cleaning, and semi-annual oral exams, can make sure your mouth stays healthy and happy all year long. A regular examination can help you prevent bad breath, cavities, and even gum disease. By scheduling regular dental cleanings and exams, you are in the best place to detect and treat dental issues before they become major problems.

If you haven’t met with a dentist in a while, now is a good time to get started. Contact the dentists of The Dental Center at Easton today to schedule your appointment, and get back on track with good dental care!

Posted in Cavity Prevention, Dental Care, Tips | No Comments »

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