Hollywood Teeth Are Too White

Jul 21st, 2020
Easton Dentists Aug 3rd, 2020

When going to the movies we see actors with perfect hair, skin, bodies, and teeth, appearing to remain untouched by time. However, it sometimes seems that their teeth are too white. In Mathew McConaughey’s role in Dallas Buyer’s Club, he was thin and weathered. Despite this, his teeth were the textbook definition of pearly whites. This seems to be an oversight on Hollywood’s part. McConaughey reportedly lost a significant amount of weight to accurately convey the character’s illness. Isn’t this taking things too far to alter an actor’s teeth too?

The Silver Screen is not meant to show viewers examples of “regular” people. However, it is arguable that actors need to look like them when that is whom they’re supposed to be playing. The fact is that the majority of us do not have a perfect, stark-white smile, but this is what makes us unique. The fact that one’s teeth aren’t opulent white means they’ve lived a little and enjoyed life. As long as you practice good normal dental hygiene, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of red wine. Our dentists are trained in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening, to help you get a brighter smile. However, it can sometimes be a lifestyle change that makes long-term differences in the color of your teeth. Give up smoking or excessive coffee if you want whiter teeth.

Contact us today to set up an appointment for teeth whitening!

A Whiter Smile Is Possible!

Jan 13th, 2020
Easton Dentists Feb 1st, 2020

Most people would not mind whiter teeth.  As you can guess, the staff at The Dental Center at Easton think whiter teeth are great!.  Whiter teeth can have a possitive impact on your appearance, making you look healthier and encourage more self-confidence during social engagements. Sound good to you?

Though there are a number of toothpastes on the market that claim to whiten and brighten your smile better than others, the truth is that virtually every brand of toothpaste contains an abrasive formula that helps to scrub away stains.  Some brands are more abrasive than others, making them slightly more effective at removing light stains on the surface of your teeth but none of them can do the job fully.

Unfortunately, even the toughest toothpaste will be unable to remove the deep stains that tend to accumulate as we age.  Beverages such as coffee and tea, habits such as smoking, and darkly pigmented foods like berries can darken the teeth over the course of years.  Some of our patients even have tooth discoloration as the result of a childhood illness or a tetracycline medication that was administered while the enamel was still forming.  You will need to find some other solution for complete satisfaction.

One solution considered to brighten smiles and eliminate these tough stains, many people have considered a professional bleaching product.  For most patients, bleaching works particularly well for teeth that are yellowish in tone.  Teeth that are brownish in tone also tend to respond well to whitening solutions as well.  Grayish teeth are typically more difficult to brighten, but specially formulated whitening products can dramatically improve their appearance.  Essentially, no matter the degree of tooth discoloration, there are ways to at least make your teeth a little whiter and brighter.

Dental restorations on the front teeth such as bonding or tooth-colored fillings cannot be whitened with bleaching material.  The shade of these artificial materials won’t respond to bleaching.  However, they can be replaced to match the shade of your new, whiter smile.

While it is difficult to predict the final result of your teeth whitening treatment, there is a whitening option that is just right for you.  Fortunately, The Dental Center at Easton has the trained professionals that can determine which treatment will yield the best results.  Give us a call today to learn how you can get your teeth whiter.

Does Teeth Whitening Damage Teeth?

Sep 3rd, 2018
Easton Dentists Oct 3rd, 2018

There is a common misconception that teeth are supposed to be as white as a sheet of paper. The reality is that tooth enamel can be a number of different shades that actually produce an off-white, almost yellowish color. Over time, the natural color of our teeth can start to become darker. Whether that change is from genetics, aging, or from the use of certain medicines, there are multiple factors that can create an unwanted appearance of dark yellow looking teeth or pesky stains. Teeth whitening is a procedure that uses safe chemical treatment to brighten the tooth and change its natural exterior to appear white. There are a handful of ways that you can achieve this look, including the use of abrasive toothpastes and over the counter whitening agents. In most cases, professional bleaching tends to be more beneficial and longer lasting.

What Whitening Can Manage: Discoloration happens to even the healthiest of teeth, but there are ways to reverse it. Having your teeth professionally bleached may help conserve your overall oral condition by removing unhealthy stains almost immediately. Discoloration from coffee, tea, and pigmented foods can sometimes lead to other oral issues, such as tooth decay and enamel breakdown. Having your teeth whitened every now and then might be a positive step toward managing such stains. The process is fast and easy, making it more appealing for those who are looking for quick fix.

The mental effect that teeth whitening has on patients can also help promote healthier habits. Having a brighter looking smile may boost confidence levels, resulting in higher determination to want to take care of your teeth. Being proud of the color of your teeth might just be the ticket to necessary cleaning and maintenance. Keep in mind that before committing to a bleaching treatment or any other kind of whitening procedure, you should consult with your dentist to be sure that it is the right practice for you. What it Cannot Manage: Another common misjudgment that some patients make is assuming that teeth whitening can replace the daily practice of personal oral hygiene. Whitening is certainly not a substitute for healthy habits such as routine cleanings, brushing, flossing or the avoidance of certain food and drink. That’s not to mention that even whitening doesn’t last forever. It takes appropriate maintenance and upkeep in order to hold those sparkling results for longer than a few months. The only way that you can ensure long-term whitening is by following the basic oral health guidelines. Avoiding smoking, coffee, tea, wine, and other acidic food and drink to help prevent staining and darkening. By taking good care of your teeth at all times, you may not need another treatment for another 12 months.

Again, it is important to consult with your dentist to confirm that your oral history won’t affect the results of teeth whitening. For example, those who suffer from tooth decay and receding gums might be extremely sensitive to the treatment, causing unnecessary nerve and gum pain. Also, whitening will not cure cavities or tooth decay. In fact, it’s highly recommended that all cavities and areas of decay are treated beforehand. Bleaching veneers or teeth that have porcelain or ceramic crowns can also result in an unsuccessful process.

It’s crucial to understand that while teeth whitening can be very useful toward improving the brightness of your smile, it can also cause some unwanted symptoms if used incorrectly. That’s why the guidance of a professional can help you reap the full benefits of teeth whitening in the safest way possible. It’s no secret that creating a whiter smile can be a favorable change to your overall health. If you are struggling with tough stains on your teeth or discoloration, it might be worth your time to learn more about how teeth whitening can help manage your teeth!

Does Whitening Damage Teeth?

Oct 30th, 2017
Easton Dentists Nov 6th, 2017

The answer to this question is, unfortunately, not a simple “yes” or “no.” It’s more of an “it depends.” The reason this question is so hard to answer is two-fold. The first issue is that every person’s dental health is different and, as such, something that will damage one person’s teeth will not damage another’s. The other issue is that there is a huge range of whitening products available and each one will affect teeth differently.

Individuals with unhealthy teeth or gums are generally advised against whitening their teeth. There is no one, precise qualification for when a person’s oral health is or is not well-suited to whitening, but, generally speaking, individuals with extremely sensitive teeth, gum disease, worn enamel, acid erosion, cavities, or gum recession should not whiten their teeth unless they have been cleared by a trusted dentist. If you have these conditions, you should be advised that attempting to whiten your teeth may worsen your symptoms or, in the case of cavities, cause extreme pain. For these reasons, it is absolutely vital that you visit your dentist before deciding to undergo any sort of whitening treatment.

If your dentist has cleared you for whitening, you may be asking yourself which treatment is right for you. This is a decision that should be made under the guidance of your dentist. If, however, you opt for at-home treatments, there are a few in particular that you should be wary of. One such treatment is whitening strips that you apply to your own teeth. These strips are difficult to apply correctly and tend to whiten the flat parts of a user’s teeth well, while neglecting the rounded or crooked parts of their teeth. This can result in an unsightly contrast between the shades of different parts of your teeth. In addition, at-home remedies can cause real damage to your teeth. For example, sucking on lemons is a fairly common at-home solution for yellowing teeth. Although this seems like a natural and safe solution since, after all, you’re just sucking on a fruit; the acidity of the lemon can cause significant damage to the enamel of your teeth. In addition, even relatively safe whitening treatments can cause serious damage to your teeth if they are overused.

The safest way to avoid damaging your teeth when whitening them is to have a trusted dentist perform the whitening procedure for you. At The Dental Center at Easton, we’ll help you to get the white teeth you want as safely as possible.

Teeth Whitening Resolution?

Jan 31st, 2017
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

New Year and resolutions go hand in hand. These resolutions are promises people make to themselves to get rid of a particular bad habit or develop a specific good habit. However, most resolutions don’t stand the test of time as they’re unreasonable or difficult to start with. Therefore, it’s important to take up a resolution that adds value and is also easy to implement. Teeth whitening can be one such New Year resolution. If you believe a fresh, white smile is what you need, the following teeth whitening treatments shall help you.

1. Tray and Gel

A tray-and-gel setup is a potent teeth whitening method that you need to work on with a dentist. The gel contains 10 to 15 percent hydrogen peroxide, which is the primary constituent of every teeth whitening product on the market. The dentist will custom fit the mold with your mouth and give you the whitening gel and tray for use at home. The tray makes sure the gel is applied evenly, ensuring some extremely impressive results.

2. Whitening Treatment Course

Another popular teeth whitening treatment option dentists provide is a series of treatments that last 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll require multiple sessions before you could notice results. This treatment is more expensive and more effective than the previous method as the hydrogen peroxide content here is 35 percent.

Foods to Avoid

There is a negative correlation between certain foods and whiter teeth. Some foods cause the teeth to lose their pearly white hue and are called “staining foods”. They are dark soups, dark chocolate, beets, dark marinades, tomato and soy sauces, blueberries, and dark beverages (coffee, wine, colored juices, etc.). Generally, Indian and Spanish cuisine could darken teeth thanks to their higher use of curry and tomato sauces.

It’s hard to imagine not eating these aforementioned food items forever, but you can certainly keep the consumption and frequency as low as possible. Also, these foods are strictly not recommended right after a teeth whitening session.

Conclusion

You may try at-home teeth whitening remedies, but remember they won’t be as effective or safe as in-office teeth whitening treatments since some foods are acidic and may cause tooth sensitivity issues. Needless to say, it’s not wise to experiment with your already vulnerable teeth.

Should you like to schedule an appointment for teeth whitening at The Dental Center please call 614-414-0111.

What is TMD?

Jul 7th, 2016
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Maybe you’ve heard the term TMD before, but weren’t quite sure what it stood for. TMD stands for Temporomandibular Disorder, a common disorder among many individuals that affects the joint connecting the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull.

When a person suffers from TMD, the hinge that connects the upper and lower jaw isn’t working properly and the area becomes inflamed. The inflammation causes a variety of uncomfortable symptoms that usually trigger the individual to seek medical attention.

Typical symptoms that point to TMD include:

  • Popping or clicking sound when moving your jaw
  • Jaw getting stuck or feeling as if it is stuck
  • Headaches that can mimic a migraine in severity
  • Earache and ear pain
  • Pain and/or pressure behind the eyes
  • Tenderness of jaw muscles
  • Neck stiffness resulting from tight muscles
  • A change in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together
  • Jaw pain that is caused by yawning or opening the mouth wide

If you have TMD, it is likely that you will experience one or more of these symptoms. While there is no test to diagnose TMD, symptoms such as those listed above are a good indication of the disorder. However, before you self-diagnose, it is best to seek advice from your medical or dental care provider.

Just as there is no test to diagnose TMD, there is also no cure for the disorder. But that doesn’t mean that sufferers won’t be able to find relief. There are ways to manage and reduce symptoms associated with TMD and to make your life more comfortable.

Treatment options for those who have Temporomandibular Disorder include:

  • Applying moist heat or ice to the jaw area in order to reduce pain and swelling
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medicine
  • Having your doctor prescribe muscle relaxants to control muscle spasms and prevent jaw locking
  • Wearing a night guard to reduce added pressure from clenching or grinding
  • Resting your jaw from chewing by eating a soft food diet for a few days
  • Eliminating sources of stress in your life and practicing relaxation techniques

Work with your doctor or dentist to find the right treatment options for you. A combination of treatments might be the best route to take. For individuals who do not respond to the treatments above, surgery is a last resort to help address and correct the problem.

If you’ve been suffering from jaw pain or any of the other symptoms listed above, contact Easton Dentists today and schedule a consultation with one of our caring and experienced dentists. We want to help you alleviate your discomfort and get back to living pain free. Schedule today!

Why Teeth Yellow and What You Can Do About It

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

One of the most common aesthetic complaints that patients have regarding their smile is the color of their teeth. We are used to seeing celebrities and TV actors with perfect, pearly white smiles and come to expect that our own smiles should look the same way. It makes sense then that patients feel frustrated by the yellowing of their teeth and wonder what they can do to fix it.

What Causes Teeth To Yellow

The truth is that we will all experience yellowing teeth as part of the natural aging process. Some people experience it more than others, but none the less, it’s not an uncommon condition. As we age, the outer protective layer of our teeth, the enamel, thins and becomes more translucent. The inner, living layer of our teeth, the dentin, also diminishes with time and has a tendency to yellow with age. Both the thinning of enamel and the shrinking and yellowing of the dentin are what cause teeth to appear yellow as we get older.

What You Can Do To Prevent Yellow Teeth

As we discussed above, there are two layers of the teeth: enamel and dentin. Your teeth’s enamel can become discolored and stained; this is called extrinsic discoloration, while intrinsic discoloration is related to aging dentin. Preventing yellow teeth needs to be addressed both extrinsically and intrinsically.

Addressing the discoloration of tooth enamel is fairly easy. Here are a few things you can do to prevent your enamel from becoming stained and yellow in color:

-Stop smoking

-Cut back or eliminate acidic and dark colored beverages (coffee, soda, wine, tea)

-Maintain a good oral health routine, including flossing to remove plaque build up

-Drink water after eating brightly colored fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, etc.

-Use OTC whitening products

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for correcting discoloration of dentin. This living tissue is prone to the aging process. You can, however, take steps to prevent premature aging. Here’s how:

-Treat bruxism (teeth grinding) which can cause your enamel and dentin to wear and age at an accelerated rate

-Protect teeth from trauma by wearing a mouth guard when playing sports

-Nourish your body with a healthy diet and manage stress

If you are concerned with the color of your teeth, have your dentist determine if the discoloration is intrinsic or extrinsic. There are many whitening solutions that can help address extrinsic discoloration and restore a brighter smile. In the case that your discoloration is caused by intrinsic factors, don’t despair. Take steps now to make sure it doesn’t become worse and that you aren’t doing anything to cause premature aging of your teeth.

Do you want to have a brighter and whiter smile? Contact Easton Dentists today and schedule a consultation to see how we can help you get the smile you deserve!

 

 

What Is Tooth Enamel?

Mar 4th, 2016
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

You may have heard your dentist talk about tooth enamel but do you know what he/she was referring to? We’re going to discuss the important role that tooth enamel plays in your dental health so you can understand how to better take care of your teeth.

dental clinic columbus ohioWhat is Enamel? For starters, tooth enamel can be defined as the highly-mineralized, hard protective outer covering of the teeth. When you look at your teeth in the mirror, what you are seeing is tooth enamel.

Enamel protects the teeth from a variety of factors such as the force of mastication (chewing), and the varying temperatures of the foods and beverages we eat and drink.

Serving as an insulator to the nerves in the teeth, enamel helps us enjoy eating and drinking different foods without pain.

What happens when tooth enamel is damaged? Unfortunately, tooth enamel has no living cells which means that once it is damaged it cannot be repaired.

This is why it is so important to understand the role enamel plays in your oral health and to take steps to maintain the enamel that you do have. If you’re concerned about your dental health, contact our Ohio urgent dental care office.

Steps to Protect Your Tooth Enamel

Even though tooth enamel cannot be regrown or repaired without the use of bonding or a crown, you can take certain steps and modify your behavior in ways that will help you to keep the enamel you do have strong and functioning properly.

  • Avoid drinking high acid, sugary drinks.
  • We hate to break it to you, but we are specifically talking about soda (regular and diet) and fruit juice. Both of these beverages contain highly acidic and sugary ingredients which are the biggest culprits for eating away at healthy tooth enamel. Sports drinks and energy drinks should be avoided for the same reasons.
  • Consume citrus or other acidic foods in moderation. Although citrus foods such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit are good for you, they still contain high levels of acid which is an enemy of enamel. If you choose to eat these foods, do so in moderation. You can also try eating these foods first and following with other less acidic foods to help cut down on the acid leftover in your mouth.
  • Chew sugarless gum after eating. Saliva helps protect your enamel by coating the teeth and moving acid and other particles of food out of the mouth and into the stomach. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production and helps this process even further.
  • Address health concerns. Remember, health problems such as acid reflux, gastrointestinal disorders, and other issues may be causing trouble for your oral health. Get these issues addressed as soon as possible to help protect your enamel from being exposed to excess acid.
  • Be careful what you chew. Once enamel is chipped or cracked, it cannot be restored. For this reason it is important that you do not chomp on hard items such as hard candy or ice.

Our dental clinic Columbus Ohio staff care of your tooth enamel care. It may not sound like a high priority but it is something that you should take seriously. It isn’t until your enamel becomes damaged that you will notice the nasty side effects, so take every precaution to protect your enamel while you can.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity or pain, that may be a sign that you have damaged tooth enamel that needs to be addressed by a dentist.

Contact The Dental Center at Easton Town Center today at 614-414-0111. We can set up a consultation with Dr. Gilmer to inspect your tooth enamel.

How To Properly Brush Your Teeth

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

Brushing your teeth is part of your everyday routine (at least we hope) and probably doesn’t seem like a difficult task.

dentist columbus ohioYou might think that you know how to properly brush your teeth but have you ever been taught the appropriate technique? After all, proper brushing and flossing can help prevent bad breath, cavities, and other dental issues that can cost you money down the road.

We have outlined the steps you need to take to make sure you’re getting the most benefit from brushing your teeth:

  1. First, choose a soft bristled tooth brush that fits your mouth. The head of your brush should be small enough that you can reach all areas of your mouth easily.
  2. Set a timer for two minutes or simply watch the clock to make sure you are spending at least a full two minutes brushing your teeth.
  3. Place your tooth brush at a 45 degree angle to your gums and move the brush in a back & forth motion, using short strokes.
  4. Brush the outer surfaces of your top teeth, then the outer surfaces of your bottom teeth.
  5. Brush the inner surfaces of your top teeth, then the inner surfaces of your bottom teeth.
  6. Brush the chewing surfaces of your top teeth, then the chewing surfaces of your bottom teeth.
  7. Tilt your tooth brush vertically to brush behind your front teeth and then do the same to brush behind your bottom teeth. Brush your tongue to remove any bacteria that can cause bad breath.

Our dentist Columbus Ohio offices can help you improve your brushing techniques. Simply get in touch with us and we’ll help you make an appointment.

If you follow these steps, you should easily be able to effectively clean all of your teeth. Remember to floss your teeth at least once a day in addition to brushing. Flossing teeth helps remove hard-to-reach food particles and plaque that builds up in between your teeth and can cause tooth decay and other oral problems.

Here at The Dental Center we recommend flossing your teeth in the evening following your brushing routine and after you’re done eating for the day. In order to make sure your tooth brush is effective, replace your brush every 3-4 months or before if there are visible signs of wear such as bent bristles.

We also recommend that you replace your tooth brush following an illness like the flu or a cold, as bacteria can get on your toothbrush and possibly cause reinfection.

Finally, in order to maintain a healthy mouth and teeth, visit your dentist for a routine cleaning every 6 months. Routine cleanings are important for removing built up plaque and checking for oral issues like cavities, gum disease, and other problems that can pop up between dental visits.

To schedule your next cleaning, contact our dentist Columbus office today!