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How to Have a Brilliant Smile in Your Christmas Photos

Dec 20th, 2022

You’ve just returned home from a great holiday party, and smiling as you walk by the hallway mirror, you see it – a big green blob is stuck on your front tooth. Why didn’t anyone tell you?

To help you avoid embarrassing dental disasters during this holiday season, here are some tips to help your smile shine as brightly as the Christmas tree.

Alleviate some of the discoloration of “red wine mouth” by eating a bit of cheese or even drinking water between sips of wine. You should also avoid alternating between white wine with red, which is a definite stain maker.
Since acids in wine temporarily dissolve a microlayer of tooth, wine drinkers should avoid brushing their teeth immediately after drinking. Since teeth remain in this weakened state for about 20 to 30 minutes, rinsing with water instead of brushing right away will help protect the teeth.
To avoid getting food stuck in teeth at holiday gatherings, avoid broccoli, spinach, and other “stringy” foods that often lodge themselves between teeth. Sugary sweets are an obvious no-no, but if you must indulge, chocolate is a better option than caramels or lollipops. You may want to carry toothpicks or dental floss in your pocket to use when you visit the restroom.
Try to avoid chewing hard nuts, hard candy, and unpopped kernels because they make your teeth particularly vulnerable to cracking since they tend to weaken enamel
Need a cold beverage? Don’t forget that many people habitually chew on ice, which can cause gum injuries and, most frequently, cracked or broken teeth. In addition, never open containers with your teeth because that can put tremendous pressure on teeth and may result in cracking or even breaking teeth, preventing you from having a brilliant smile.

If you feel that your teeth did look their best in your Christmas photos, there is still time to set an appointment at the Dental Center at Easton (in Columbus, Ohio) to fix whatever bothered you in time for those New Year’s photos!

Tags: emergency dentist, stained teeth, tooth discoloration

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Secrets To A Healthier Smile

Jun 12th, 2022

You are probably aware of the popular saying, ‘you’re never fully dressed without a smile.’ It’s true! There’s not a single person out there who doesn’t want a bright, beautiful smile.

What’s the secret to a secret to healthier smile?

The first thing you need to do is get to the dentist. Most dental plans cover a standard, twice a year teeth cleaning, but many people should see their local dentist more often. In fact, the American Dental Association encourages adults to see their dentist every 90 days for a checkup and quick cleaning. This will ensure your teeth and gums are in optimal health. Frequent visits will also help stop any cavities dead in their tracks.

If you tend to hide your smile due to some alignment imperfections, consider checking out a clear straightening system like Invisalign. Invisalign is a wildly popular, efficient method for correcting minor tooth imperfections. Typically, users are supplied with a pair of clear, computer-generated trays. The user then wears the trays for 24 hours per day and switches to slightly different trays about every two weeks. The best part is often people have no idea the user is even wearing clear braces.

But adults aren’t the only patients who should be concerned with oral health. How can you ensure your kids have a healthier smile?

Your Child’s Dentist

We know your kid’s first visit to the dentist can be stressful, however, the professionals at Easton Dentists work with children each and every day and will ensure your little one is comfortable and relaxed.

Need some tips? Make sure you talk to your child about where they are going and what is going to happen. Prizes are also a great way to advertise the dentist as a fun and exciting place. Consider offering your child stickers, crayons, finger puppets, or key chains after a successful visit.

Posted in Dentist Columbus Ohio, Oral Care, Tips | 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 »

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Apr 9th, 2021

Someone dies every hour of every day of every year of oral and oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the mouth and throat). This disease used to predominately affect people over the age of 50 who were heavy drinkers and smokers. More recently, these diseases are detected more frequently in younger people who neither smoke nor drink.

Early detection is key with cancers of the mouth and throat, through oral cancer examinations. A regular exam, performed by your dentist regularly, such as Dr. Gilmer in Columbus, can catch signs of oral cancer before it’s too late. Catching and treating cancer early can ultimately lead to a complete recovery. In addition to regular exams, part of early detection includes contacting your dentist if you have any of the following symptoms that persist for longer than 2 weeks:

A lingering sore or irritation
Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or lips
Difficulty speaking, chewing or swallowing
Difficulty moving your jaw
Red or white patches in your mouth
A change in your bite when your mouth is closed

April is the perfect time to take action in preventing oral cancer. Contact the dentists at The Dental Center today to schedule an appointment for an oral cancer examination. Remember – early detection can save your life!

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Save Money with Regular Dental Checkups

Mar 9th, 2021

Do you put off going to the dentist because of the expense? Maybe you think that you can get by skipping regular dental exams to save some money. However, by skipping regular dental checkups you are putting yourself at risk of seeing bigger bills than the cost of a routine appointment.

People who don’t receive regular dental exams often end up going to the emergency room for oral problems. Did you know that the emergency room is unequipped to solve underlying dental health problems and the visit there usually costs 10 times more than seeing a dentist to address the same problem? Seeking routine care can prevent the need to seek emergency dental care after the damage is done, at a much lower cost.

Additionally, oral care has a substantial impact on your overall health. By neglecting regular dental checkups, you are not only putting your oral health at risk but also your overall health and wellbeing. Many diseases can be diagnosed and treated early during regular and routine oral care. Astronomical hospital bills for diseases that could have been prevented can be avoided with an annual dental exam.

Don’t let yourself get stuck with a sky-high hospital bill because you didn’t get regular dental checkups. Call The Dental Center today to schedule your appointment!

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Diet And Dental Health

Jan 22nd, 2021

A person’s dental health starts with good nutrition and dietary habits. What you eat and drink can affect not only your weight and overall health but also your dental health. Taking good care of your teeth and involves more than just brushing and flossing your teeth every day.

It goes without saying that eating sugary foods and drinking dark beverages can damage your teeth, but there’s plenty to understand about diet and dental health. Certain foods can accelerate the level of decay, leading to bad breath (halitosis), caries (cavities), and other dental problems. On the other hand, other foods can improve your oral health by helping to limit decay over time.

Which foods to eat

When choosing a diet that will promote both dental and overall health, bear in mind that there are plenty of foods out there that can help you achieve your goal. For the best results, you will need to take note of foods that will help you avoid a host of dental issues while also helping you to increase your energy and manage your weight.

Research has established that foods such as almonds, leafy greens, cheese, poultry, fruits, vegetables, cheese, eggs, and fish can help you fight cavities, reduce the risk of or effectively manage gum disease, and embrace an overall healthier lifestyle. Beverages you should incorporate into your diet include water, milk, and plain yogurt.

Foods to avoid

It’s also critical to understand some of the foods you need to avoid or limit in order to improve your overall dental health. For healthier teeth and gums, it pays to limit or avoid sugary, processed foods and foods that are high in sugar or sugar substitutes.

For good dental health, always remember to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and visit your Columbus Ohio dentist regularly. Regular dental care can help prevent oral problems and detect those that occur in the early stages, while they’re easily treatable.

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Choosing the Best Toothbrush

Nov 15th, 2020

We all have had this moment. There we are, standing in the dental aisle and staring. What kind of toothbrush should I get? I like these little rubber things but do I need a soft or medium bristle? Do I really want to pay that much for something that scrubs my teeth? It’s inevitable. We close our eyes, play a quick game of eeny meeny miny moe, and grab a brush.

No one likes that feeling. Here at Easton Dentist, we want to alleviate your dental care struggles and have come up with a few tips and tricks for picking that new toothbrush.

Manual vs. Electric

This particular argument comes down to your preference. If using a toothbrush that whistles, while it works, reminding you to brush your teeth every day, go for it! The same goes for the toothbrushes with chunky handles – kids and adults with arthritis find these handles easier to grip. Studies show that the best way to brush your teeth is using a back and forth or rotary motion on the tooth itself.

Soft vs. Hard Bristles

Survey says: Medium! When brushing your teeth, you should be careful not to brush too hard as it can erode the enamel. The same is true for the bristles on your brush. Some people prefer the harder bristle brushes, saying that they give more of a clean feeling. Be careful, though, as this can also erode that enamel as well as damage your gums and root surface. If your brush is too soft, then you’re not going to get the job done. For most people, that soft bristle brush is going to be the winning choice. For extra protection, check that the bristles on your brush have rounded tips.

Ok, but what about all those shapes on that brush? Do I need those?

Besides needing to use a toothbrush, there isn’t any particular kind of toothbrush you should get. Toothbrushes that are being manufactured now are being crafted with longer bristles to help get those hard to reach places. Just be aware of the size of the head of the brush; your brush should maneuver around your mouth easily. For adults, that size is about a half inch wide and one inch tall.

Still lost? Ask the experts! Look for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval. Brushes with this seal have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that the safety and quality of your toothbrush.

Schedule your next appointment with Easton Dentists in Columbus Ohio and we’ll be happy to guide you on your road to success.

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

PSA for the Kids

Oct 28th, 2020

The majority of dental experts agree that it’s good practice to brush your teeth at least twice daily. As Elmo from the popular kid’s show Sesame Street says, “brush you teeth every day and every night.”. Elmo may not be a “dental expert”, but he offers kids great dental advice in his song “Brushy Brush”. The song is a perfect way to teach kids the importance of brushing their teeth.

Watch it here.

“Brushy Brush” is about a minute and a half long, so it may be useful to play it to remind kids to brush their teeth. Having kids brush for the duration of the song helps them to make sure they get each and every tooth. Elmo give kids reminders to brush up and down and all around each tooth, and encourages them not to neglect the teeth in the back. He also reminds kids not to swallow toothpaste even though it tastes good and to spit excess toothpaste in the sink.

Teaching kids good dental habits can be difficult, but with Elmo to help, it’s fun and rewarding. Getting toothbrushes for kids with their favorite characters on them adds to the fun of brushing. Flavored toothpaste also makes kids want to brush (you have to spit it out though!). There are many ways to create a fun routine for kids that will keep their smiles bright and healthy.

Healthy dental habits will keep kids’ teeth in great shape for years to come and will make dentist trips quick and painless. Elmo will help you teach good dental habits at home, and The Dental Center is here for regular checkups and any emergencies that may arise. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for everyone in the family… and don’t forget to brush your teeth every day and every night!

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

Electrical or Manual Toothbrush: Which is Better?

Oct 26th, 2018

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

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

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

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

Posted in Bad Breath, Braces, Columbus Dentist, Dental Advances, Dental Care, Gum Disease, Oral Care, Oral Hygiene | 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 »

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