Dental Facts Archives « Columbus Dentist Columbus Dentist

Fillings: What Are They & Some Types

Aug 21st, 2023

Dental problems can occur despite your diligent oral care efforts, prompting the need for professional intervention from your dentist, such as Dr. Gilmer serving the New Albany Ohio area. Should you experience pain or discomfort due to a cavity, your dentist will likely recommend a dental restoration procedure, where they will utilize specific materials to repair and renew teeth affected by tooth decay.

Be sure to keep an open dialogue with your dentist about the type of filling you want, and which tooth requires the most immediate attention, should you only be able to do one at a time. Your dentist will be happy to assist you with any dental insurance issues you may run into.

During The Visit:

During your appointment your dentist will assess the damage to your tooth and decide how best to proceed. The procedure should take relatively little time, though it will require a freezing anesthetic. After the anesthetic is applied, your dentist will then begin removing unwanted decay from your tooth with a small drill. Once the hole has been made and all traces of cavity have been removed your dentist will begin filling and sealing the hole with a dental filling.

What Is A Filling:

Dental fillings are a versatile material widely utilized by dentists to skillfully restore teeth affected by decay. Various filling materials are available, and your dentist will carefully select the most suitable option for your specific needs. These filling choices encompass:

• Amalgam fillings, often referred to as “silver” fillings, have been a traditional choice for cavity repair for many years. However, their noticeable dark color can make filled cavities easily discernible within the oral cavity.

• Ceramic or porcelain fillings, also known as inlays, provide an excellent solution for concealing the appearance of a tooth filling. These pearly-white inlays are bonded to the teeth, creating a seamless visual transition from one tooth to another.

• Composite resins are an ideal choice for individuals seeking fillings that match the natural color of their teeth. While they offer aesthetic benefits, it’s important to note that composite resins may not be as durable as some other filling materials and are susceptible to staining.

• Glass or acrylic fillings are designed to release fluoride periodically and should primarily be used in low-impact areas of the mouth, such as the front teeth. They are commonly employed to repair chipped or broken teeth within the smile.

• Gold fillings are a durable option for individuals seeking a long-lasting solution. Gold fillings can endure for up to 15 years. Although many appreciate their longevity and unique appearance, it’s worth noting that gold fillings can be more expensive than alternative filling materials.

Keep decay causing cavities at bay by maintaining a regular oral health regiment, brushing twice daily and flossing regularly. To schedule a dental appointment for a filling or checkup, or to figure out if you qualify for company plans dental insurance, contact The Dental Center at Easton Town Center at (614) 414-0111.

Posted in Columbus Dentist, Dental Facts, Dental Fillings, Dental Procedures | 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 »

What Are The Best Foods To Eat To Keep a Healthy Mouth?

Sep 15th, 2022

What Are The Best Foods To Eat To Keep a Healthy Mouth?

food for a healthy mouth

Preventative health measures for a healthy mouth can start with your diet. Depending on the foods and snacks you eat can keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Calcium For Healthy Teeth

Two of the best products for healthy teeth are milk and cheese. While they both provide calcium, they provide additional benefits. The calcium in milk is absorbed faster because milk contains Vitamin D. Calcium-rich cheese destroys bacteria in your mouth.

Chewy Vegetables For Healthy Gums And Teeth

When you chew fresh vegetables, it will keep your teeth strong and your gums healthy. Carrots, onions, and celery provide important nutrition while keeping your mouth healthy. They reduce the bacteria in your mouth by increasing saliva. Carrots also contain beta-carotene for strong teeth.

Apples For A Healthy Mouth

When it comes to dental health, all fruits are not equal. You can have the healthiest mouth if you choose apples instead of citrus fruits. Citrus fruits are acidic and can harm your tooth enamel.

Strawberries For White Teeth

You can eat strawberries for natural teeth whitening. With their nutritional benefits, strawberries can be an inexpensive alternative to over-the-counter whitening products.

Healthy Foods With Protein Contain Phosphorus

Some of the most common protein-rich foods provide phosphorus for healthy teeth. Eggs, fish, and meat contribute to strong, healthy tooth enamel.

Healthy Foods With Magnesium

Magnesium is also important for healthy tooth enamel. Some popular foods that are high in magnesium include bananas, spinach, and whole grains.

Shiitake Mushrooms For Dental Health

When you are looking for a different snack for yourself or your children, or want to add something special to a recipe, consider the dental health benefits of shiitake mushrooms. Not only will they destroy harmful bacteria in your mouth, but they are also a natural way to stop plaque from building up on your teeth. You will be less likely to develop cavities when you include mushrooms in your diet.

Here at The Dental Center at Easton in Columbus OH, we recommend maintaining a balanced diet, and include some of these products every day. You can enjoy good nutrition, delicious food, and dental health.

For more information on preventative health measures and more information on some more of the best foods to eat to keep a healthy mouth, contact our Columbus office today and schedule your next cleaning!

Posted in Dental Benefits, Dental Facts, Healthy Food | No Comments »

Myths about Root Canals

Jul 7th, 2020

When talking about dentistry, some people are still a little afraid of having someone poking around in their mouth with sharp objects. And as they see after a few appointments, there’s nothing to worry about. The root canal is one of the most feared dental procedures, and the same applies to it. There are a few big myths and misunderstandings about endodontic therapy (root canals).

A root canal is not a painful procedure.
Contrary to popular belief, a root canal is among the least painful procedures you can have done at a Columbus area dentist’s office! The myth about it being painful has stuck around for quite a long time. The last time root canals were painful was before the use of anesthetic to numb the area. The painful part most people think of is when they realize that they need a root canal; when their tooth is throbbing with pain from an infection.

An extraction is not a good alternative to a root canal.
The best teeth are your teeth. They already fit, your body makes them pretty strong, and they’re pretty hard to get out of your jaw anyway. It’s always best to keep your original teeth whenever possible. Extracting a tooth exposes more areas to infection and disease. In addition, the teeth around the gap will often be used as a bridge to hold an artificial, replacement tooth in place.

Root canals do not lead to other infections throughout the body.
Incorrect research was done circa 1910 about bacteria entering the bloodstream through a root canal. Every report has either refuted or been unable to replicate the original researcher’s findings. Natural bacteria live in your mouth no matter how often you brush your teeth, and these have no negative effect on you. In fact, your body is programmed to kill bacteria in your bloodstream.

Consider these myths debunked. Feeling a little more comfortable with root canals? Call The Dental Center at Easton to speak to a qualified professional about endodontic therapy.

Posted in Dental Advances, Dental Facts, Dental Procedures, Root Canal | No Comments »

XYLITOL: CAN A SUGAR BE GOOD FOR YOUR TEETH?

Apr 3rd, 2019

It is a safe bet that most people have never heard of xylitol. Since it is a sugar alcohol, it has a low glycemic index, diabetics can consume it safely.
Through its use as a nasal spray to clear the sinuses of bacteria, its oral benefits were discovered by accident .

When bacteria consume its five-carbon sugar, it kills the bacterium in the process. In the last several years, its use in dentistry has increased due to its ability to decrease the presence of cavity-causing, acid-releasing Strep mutans and other harmful bacteria.

With the simple action of putting xylitol in your mouth and swishing it around a bit cuts plaque (which is made up of bacteria) levels by 50%. And there are many ways to utilize xylitol for your teeth:

Mints/gum/candy
1. 100% xylitol spry is effective. Can be found at Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Fresh Thyme, online, or at your favorite your favorite dental office. It is great tasting with no unpleasant aftertaste.

Your kids will love it.

Toothpaste/gel/rinse
1. Carifree is a product that has revolutionized our ability to alter the tough, sticky “biofilm” of bacteria that lives permanently on the teeth. Carifree has xylitol, as well as a pH neutralizer, fluoride, and calcium nanophosphate to remineralize teeth. Studies have shown a significant reduction in decay with Carifree products. However, for a more natural product xylitol can be used alone.
2. Spry toothpastes and rinses are great tasting – especially the wintergreen! – and pastes come with or without fluoride. Their kids’ gel is great, very few ingredients, no fluoride, xylitol, and safe to use until your kiddo can spit all their toothpaste out and rinse well to avoid any swallowing of fluoride.
Granulated xylitol
1. This is the most economical way to buy xylitol – around $7 or so per pound. It has a cooling sensation on your tongue, and no aftertaste. My husband has used it daily in his coffee for five years, and I bake banana bread and cookies with it regularly. In its granulated form, you can just place a half teaspoonful or so on your tongue and use your tongue to rub it on all of your tooth surfaces, then spit it out.

“Strive for five” is the catchy phrase we use to note that we get a cariogenic or decay-reducing effect from xylitol when it is used at least three, but optimally five times per day. Xylitol is a game-changer

Posted in Dental Benefits, Dental Facts, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Why Are Implants Becoming More Popular?

Feb 25th, 2019

Almost everyday now you encounter advertising for dental implants. Why has implants taken the world of dentistry by storm?

Since their introduction into the market over thirty years ago, implants have zoomed ahead of more conventional tooth replacements to become the top choice among both implant dentists and patients. What makes these modern dental devices so popular?

Resemblance to natural teeth. Dental implants can more accurately emulate both the appearance and function of natural teeth. Just as teeth have two main components—the roots beneath the gum surface and the visible crown, implants have a similar in design. Implants have a root replacement by utilizing a titanium metal post that is embedded in the jawbone. Then a life-like porcelain crown or even another form of restoration is permanently attached.

Durability. Due to implant materials and unique designs, a long-term success rate are achieved after the ten year span in the 95-plus percentile. This longevity is primarily achieved due to the use of titanium as the primary metal in the implant post. Since bone has an affinity for titanium, it will successfully grow and adhere to the post over time, creating well-anchored hold. With proper maintenance and care implants, it is reasonable to expect them to last for decades, making them a wise, cost-effective decision on the consumers part.

Added stability for other restorations. While a good many people think of implants as a single tooth replacements, technological advancements have created a much broader reach. For instance, with a few strategically-placed implants a removable denture can be supported, giving this traditional restoration much more security and stability. Better yet, bone loss can be stopped, one of the main drawbacks of conventional dentures. Also, implants can support a fixed bridge, getting rid of the need to permanently alter adjacent teeth that are often used to support a conventional bridge.

With continuing dental advancements, implants are becoming increasingly useful restorative dental work. Depending on your individual tooth-loss case, you can ask your Easton cosmetic dentist if implants would be the smartest choice to put the form and function back in your smile for many years to come.

Posted in Dental Benefits, Dental Facts, Dental Implants | No Comments »

How Stress Affects Oral Health

Dec 21st, 2018

Most of our patients know a thing or two about stress. Whether you’re dealing with chronic stress, or a brief stressful life circumstance, we all encounter it from time to time. Most people associate stress with heart attacks or ulcers, but do you know how stress can affect your oral health?

Stress may negatively affect your oral health in indirect ways.

For starters, stress can cause folks to reach for coping strategies that aren’t so good for your teeth (or the rest of your body).

Junk food, sweets, cigarettes, or alcohol are just a few examples. When these substances interact with your teeth, they can do a lot of damage in the way of gum disease and tooth decay.

Secondly, when we are stressed, we tend to stop making positive health behaviors a priority. Let’s say you’re in the hospital after a car accident; your brushing and flossing routine will not be forefront on your mind.

Even a minor bout of stress from a tough day can have us reaching for our cozy bed and some relieve instead of taking the time to brush first.

And of course, keeping up with routine dental visits may fall completely off our priority list while under stress. This can prevent us from finding the early signs of decay and can cause more pain and stress later on.

How does stress affect our mouths directly?

Well, lots of folks grind their teeth as a physical way to deal with stress. You may be doing it without even realizing it! Ask a partner or someone who knows you well to tell you if you have this habit. Many of our patients benefit from wearing a mouth guard at night to protect against the damage of grinding their teeth. It protects wear and tear damage and alleviates muscle tension from the forces exerted when tightly clenching your jaw.

Also, when we are stressed we have higher levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, that put our body in a “flight or fight” state. This causes our blood pressure and blood sugar to increase, and our digestive and immune function to decrease. When our immune system isn’t functioning as it should, this can make periodontal disease more likely. It can also slow down the healing of other oral issues or injuries we may have.

What can you do about it?

The best thing you can do to prevent the stress of oral health issues is to maintain good dental hygiene and visit us regularly for routine visits. We want what’s best for you — and that includes a healthy mouth for a lifetime! Schedule an appointment today!

Posted in Columbus Dentist, Dental Care, Dental Facts, Dental Issues, Dentist Columbus Ohio, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, TMJ | No Comments »

Should I Brush Before Flossing?

Nov 16th, 2018

The age-old question – should you floss before you brush or after? If you asked any one of our team members, you just might get a different answer on this one!

Before you report them for not knowing their stuff, each response can be right! As long as you’re doing a thorough job, we don’t care when you floss!

The Case for Flossing Before Brushing

Theoretically, flossing first dislodges the gunk between your teeth, letting the fluoride in your toothpaste reach those crevices better.

Also, behavioral scientists say since most people don’t like to floss, it’s better to get the least-pleasant half of your dental routine out of the way first – you’ll be less likely to skip it. Once you have a minty, fresh mouth from brushing, you might be less inclined to feel the need to floss afterward.

The Case for Flossing After Brushing

Some say flossing last is better because it clears your mouth from extra food and debris that could otherwise be carried by the floss into the very spaces you’re trying to clean out.

Plus, it might be more pleasant to put those flossing hands into a clean mouth versus an unbrushed one.

Bottom Line

Floss when it works for you. But make it a habit! Choose the same time every day, floss once a day, and floss thoroughly.

And don’t forget to use the right flossing method: for each new set of teeth, use a new section of floss, and hug each side of the tooth by dragging the floss upward in the shape of a “C.”

Want us to show you how? Just ask!

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

How Apples are Good for Your Teeth

Oct 5th, 2018

People have been asserting that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” since the 19 th century. While it may not necessarily be true that those who eat apples never have to see a doctor, apples certainly have great health benefits for our bodies! Did you know they can even be good for our teeth? Let’s take a look at what the research says …

It’s widely thought that chewing a crisp, fresh apple can help brush away plaque on our teeth. We’re not too sure on this one, as some studies show a higher plaque content on teeth after eating an apple. At the same time, there is evidence to suggest some polyphenols in apples can lower the ability of cavity-causing bacteria to adhere to teeth. Further, some studies have shown that the antioxidants in apples can help prevent periodontal disease.

Apples even contain a (very) small amount of fluoride. This is worth noting, as fluoride is so important in helping prevent cavities.

Lastly, the act of chewing an apple stimulates saliva production. Saliva helps wash away food debris and bacteria. Remember, though, apples contain sugar and acid so it’s best not to go overboard with them.

You can even swish with water after eating one to wash away some of the sugar left behind. As the science continues to look into how apples affect our teeth, one thing we know is true: regular dental visits, along with daily tooth brushing and flossing, is your best defense against tooth decay! Schedule an appointment today!

Posted in Cavity Prevention, Dental Benefits, Dental Care, Dental Facts, Healthy Food, Healthy foods, Oral Care, Oral Hygiene, Periodontics, Teeth Cleaning | No Comments »

Effects of Soda on Your Teeth

Jul 23rd, 2018

Ever seen those videos where someone puts a baby tooth in a glass of soda and watches it decay? Well, the effect of soda in an actual mouth is a bit different.

You have your saliva to help wash away the sugar, you eat other things throughout the day, and brush at least twice a day to remove debris or plaque. Nevertheless, soda is not something we recommend you consume more often than a once-in-awhile treat. Here’s why:

1. Sugar

Soda has an extremely high sugar content. The bacteria that cause tooth decay feed off of sugar and excrete acid, which is what causes tooth decay. The more sugar our teeth have to interact with, the more prone to decay they will be.

2. Acid

Think diet soda is a better alternative? Even though it contains zero sugar, it can still contain acids such as phosphoric acid or citric acid. Acid eats away at a tooth’s enamel and leaves it prone to decay.

3. Colors

Caramel color, Yellow 5, etc. Any type of artificial coloring can cause tooth-staining. If you prefer your teeth sparkling white, it’s best to stay away from soda.

Alternatives!

Instead of soda, we recommend spicing up your daily beverages with other alternatives. How about some sparkling water or plain water infused with fresh fruit?

When you do drink soda, make sure to rinse with water afterwards. And, as always, keep up with regular brushing and flossing to protect those precious teeth!

Posted in Cavity Prevention, Columbus Cosmetic Dentist, Columbus Dentist, Dental Care, Dental Facts, Dental Fillings, Dental Issues, Dentist Columbus Ohio, Healthy Food | No Comments »

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