Archive for the ‘Oral Care’ Category
Thursday, January 10th, 2013
Welcome to the first dental health quiz from the Dental Center at Easton Town Center! We’ve provided a few questions to test your dental mental acuity. Read through, pick your answers, and check them beneath.
Good luck!
1) What is the recommendation from the American Dental Association for brushing and flossing?
a) Once a day
b) Twice a day
c) Once a week
d) Three times a day
2) At what age should a child be seen by a dentist?
a) When the first baby tooth comes in
b) Before the start of kindergarten
c) When the child has discomfort
d) Before second grade
3) What do tree branches, wild boar hair and nylon have in common?
a) They all have been made into toothbrushes at one time or another
b) Dentists have used these items for filling materials
c) All can be found in a modern dental office
d) Nothing
4) Which is healthier for your teeth – chocolate, raisins, chewing gum, or hard candy?
a) Chocolate
b) Raisins
c) Chewing gum
d) Hard Candy
5) In one appointment, on one patient, what is the most teeth Dr. Gilmer has extracted?
a) Four
b) Eight
c) Twenty Eight
d) Sixteen
Correct Answers:
1) D: Brushing and flossing after every meal is imperative to preventing cavities and other dental conditions
2) A: Familiarizing a child with our office makes the child more comfortable over time
3) A: People have been concerned about their dental hygiene since Egyptian times. Ancient tombs contained small tree branches with ends frayed into soft fibers. In the 15th century, the Chinese made toothbrushes from the neck hairs of the Siberian wild boar. The present day nylon toothbrush was invented in 1937.
4) A: Sticky foods, such as raisins, and heavily sugared foods can stick to teeth and cause more decay.
5) C: Dr. Gilmer once extracted an entire mouthful of teeth!
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Thursday, December 27th, 2012
Though there are relatively simple techniques for curing nightly teeth grinding, it is estimated that at least 10% of Americans still suffer from it for various reasons. It’s possible they don’t know the risks of teeth grinding. It’s possible they just can’t find the solution to their teeth grinding problems. It’s even possible they have no idea they’re doing it.
Fixing teeth grinding is crucial to your overall dental health. If done for extended periods of time, teeth grinding can lead to cracked teeth, receding gums, a misaligned jaw, shoulder and neck pain, and even headaches.
Teeth grinding can be attributed to several different factors. In some cases, people grind their teeth because they did it as a child and never outgrew the habit. Other people may grind their teeth as some sort of stress induced tic. For others still, teeth grinding may be a symptom of a larger, more deeply rooted psychiatric issue.
However, there is also support that teeth grinding may just be the result of poor muscle control or overeating before bed. No matter the cause of teeth grinding, the important thing is to stop it as soon as possible to reduce the risk of bigger complications down the line.
After you’ve learned of your teeth grinding, it is in your best interest to take care of the issue immediately. Luckily, there are a few simple measures from your Columbus dentists to take to ensure the health and longevity of your teeth.
- To address the immediate concerns of teeth grinding, find and wear some kind of protective nightguard. This will prevent your teeth from grinding against each other during the night. However, there may still exist some underlying issues that a nightguard will not cure.
- If teeth grinding is caused by a more deeply rooted psychological issue, it may be in your best interest to engage in some stress management techniques. Your local dentist can provide you with tips and tricks to help alleviate these persistent problems. By addressing the problem, you give yourself a better chance at permanently fixing the issue.
- If your teeth grinding seems to be caused by some type of muscular issue, medications are available to help. Getting a prescription for some type of muscle relaxer should contribute to curing any teeth grinding issues.
Trying one or all of these solutions may be the cure you and your teeth need. Remember though, it is important to consult your Columbus, Ohio dentist before trying any of these measures. If you have more questions about teeth grinding, give us a call!
Tags: causes for grinding teeth, Columbus Ohio dentist, how to stop teeth grinding
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Friday, October 26th, 2012
Halloween is a fun time of year and we want to keep it that way. Yes, we’re dentists but we’re also regular people who love candy, too! The key to keeping your teeth healthy this Halloween is not to avoid candy , but following these tips and reminders! Happy Halloween!
- Always maintain healthy dental habits no matter the time of year. It’s easy to focus on teeth during Halloween but the truth is, if you take care of your teeth year round, they will be strong enough to get through October with no problems.
- Eat healthy when you can. We don’t expect you to skip out on candy entirely but it’s probably best if your meals consist of something besides chocolate. Nuts make a filling substitute when you’re looking for a quick snack.
- Brush your teeth in the morning and before you go to bed. This is simply a good habit to get into. Not only will brushing your teeth be good for them, it will have you looking and feeling fresh throughout the day and night.
- Floss when you brush. You may remember flossing being a hassle in the past. You would have to get just the right amount of string and then try to squeeze your fingers in your mouth to get your back teeth. The hassle is gone with dental flossers that are about the length of a toothpick.
- Ration out your candy. Bad things happen when you eat all your candy at once. First of all, it’s bad for your teeth. Second of all, if you eat it all at once, you won’t have any candy later! If you eat a few pieces of candy a day, your teeth and your sweet tooth will be happier.
- Brush your teeth right after eating candy. Like we said, we don’t want you to stop eating candy; we just want to help you be responsible when you do it. If you brush after a chocolate bar, the sugars won’t have time to really damage your teeth.
- Maintain your regularly scheduled appointments with your dentist. Your dentist knows your teeth almost as well as you do so he or she will be able to keep your teeth and your dental health up to par. When you see your dentist frequently, you will be able to take care of issues before they become real problems.
If you don’t have a dentist, give us a call at The Dental Center at Easton Town Center and we’ll get your teeth in shape for a Happy Halloween.
Tags: columbus dentist, prevent tooth cavity
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Wednesday, July 18th, 2012
Yes, you read it right! A new confection exists that combats tooth decay. Thanks to the research and development of oral biologist Dr. Israel Kleinberg of New York’s Stony Brook University, there is an inexpensive dental product exclusively licensed to Ortek Therapeutics Inc., called BASICMints®, that keep pearly whites cavity-free for adults and children.
This innovative “dental candy” is made with Cavistat, an all-natural product that imitates the positive effects of saliva. Cavistat contains arginine, an amino acid that neutralizes sugar-generated acid by metabolizing bacteria. It is a well-known fact among family dental professionals that saliva plays an essential role in fighting cavities by balancing the pH levels in the mouth. By combining an amino acid with the calcium in Cavistat, a protective layer forms to the teeth preventing enamel destruction.
Unfortunately, candy, processed foods, and sodas are widely consumed in today’s society. These products are normally saturated in tooth-decaying, cavity-causing sugars. However, based on Dr. Kleinberg’s research, children who ate two of the BASICMints® twice a day, during a two-year period, had 68% fewer molar cavities than the children who did not. “The number of cavities, we think, ultimately is going to get to almost zero,” Dr. Kleinberg predicted. The soft mints dissolve into the biting surfaces of the back teeth when chewed. As providers of family dental services, we’ve noted the back teeth are where 90% of cavities occur.
So, in a gist, BASICMints®:
● Nourishes healthy biofilms
● Sustains the structure to dental enamel
● Supports an ideal pH environment
● Supplies essential saliva-based nutrients for people who experience chronic dry mouth
● Adds support to daily dental hygiene
Although BASICMints® will have both parents and children smiling ear-to-ear, it should never be relied upon as the only source of preventative dental care. It is highly recommended that adults and children continue good oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, and rinsing) to prevent cavities, along with regular check-ups by your local dentist. And if you’re in the Columbus area, contact us for affordable, quality family dental services.
Be sure to stay tuned for more innovative news and information shared by The Dental Center at Easton Town Center as it pertains to improving your dental and oral hygiene habits and practices.
Tags: cavities, dental care, oral care, tooth brushing, tooth decay, tooth loss
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Monday, July 2nd, 2012
Since baby teeth begin to form before birth, it should be no surprise that a child’s dental care really begins during the mother’s pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time when the mother makes important choices (or not) to eat balanced, nutritious meals and ingest the necessary amount of the essential vitamins and minerals to support a healthy pregnancy. Furthermore, pregnant women should have a thorough dental exam and have any cavities or gum disease addressed and treated, as well.
Infant teeth first appear through the gums at or around the age of six months. This is also the awkward, clumsy stage of development when infants are learning to crawl, sit, stand, or take steps. As we provide emergency dental services at Easton Dental, the most common infant dental injuries we see happen as a result of a fall or impact, resulting in a direct blow to the teeth.
In many cases, the teeth become loose or displaced, as the bones in which the teeth roots are anchored are still soft and elastic. A study conducted by researchers at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio suggests that within a 10-year span an estimated 45,398 children under the age of three required emergency room treatment due to accidents involving baby bottles, pacifiers and sippy cups. These are injuries that are preventable.
Below are guidelines that we suggest to promote infant oral health and prevent dental injuries:
● Do not put your infant or small child to bed with a bottle of milk, formula, juice, or other product that contains sugar. The sugar and acids in these liquids can cause tooth decay. Do not prop the bottle up in your baby’s mouth. Remove the bottle as soon as your baby has finished feeding or is asleep.
● Use lidless cups by 12 months of age to prevent dental injuries from falls and impacts, and limit the use of the pacifier after the age of six months to prevent infections.
● If your child sucks his or her fingers or thumb, help your child to stop. If the child can’t stop, contact your dentist.
● Experts recommend that dental care for children start at 12 months of age and continue with routine visits every 6 months afterwards.
For more information or to schedule an emergency dental appointment for your child or infant, contact the friendly, professional staff at The Dental Center at Easton Town Center today! We provide family dental services to patients throughout the Central Ohio area – call for directions today.
Tags: dental care, infant teeth, oral care, tooth breakage, tooth loss
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Wednesday, June 13th, 2012
Sometimes, visiting your dentist on a regular basis and treating a cavity the traditional way just isn’t enough for some researchers.
As we now know, tooth decay affects our physical, mental and social well being. Caused by acids secreted by bacteria in our mouth, tooth decay (cavity) is almost always been treated by removing the decayed area on the tooth and refilling the area with a substance such as gold, silver amalgam, composite, or ceramic. Because of recent scientific development and research at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, we can add one more material to that list—Nanotech!
Researchers using nanotechology (the study of manipulating matter on an atomic and molecular scale) at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry have created a dental filling that can do much more than the traditional dental filling materials used in the past. The new material consists of tiny, nano-size particles of silver and calcium, along with an antibacterial primer and antibacterial adhesive.
Professor Xu, who directs the school’s Division of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, explains, “The reason we want to get the antibacterial agents also into primers and adhesives is that these are the first things that cover the internal surfaces of the tooth cavity and flow into tiny dental tubules inside the tooth.” Simply put, the nanotech filling material not only treats cavities, but it also kills the harmful bacteria that exists in the mouth, in addition to cultivating growth to the tooth structure that is often lost to bacterial decay.
What’s even better is researchers expect the nanotech dental fillings will last longer than the traditional dental filling substances that typically last five to 10 years. However, the exact lifespan of nanotech fillings has not yet be determined and patents are currently pending.
The professionals at The Dental Center at Easton Town Center are consistently following progressive advancements in the field of dentistry and oral health. They actively engage in passing on vital information, promoting the necessity for optimum dental health, to their patients and public, alike. If you’ve delayed a trip to a dentist in your area, now’s the time to make an appointment to remove that tooth decay. We’re accepting new patients now!
Tags: cavities, cavity, dental emergency, dental surgery, emergency dentist, fillings, oral care, oral hygiene
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Friday, June 1st, 2012
It’s pretty safe to say that dry mouth (also known as Xerostomia) has been around as long as humans have existed. However, dry mouth shouldn’t be overlooked. It can lead to severe problems including chronic bad breath, deep cavities and other dental issues that could require a trip to your local dentist.
When you are asleep, the jaw relaxes and opens. Therefore, the salivary glands can’t replace the saliva in the mouth as quickly as it evaporates. In addition, your brain knows you are not alert and that you will not be eating, therefore it produces less saliva. This leads to the tongue and palate drying out very quickly. So while you are sleeping, bacteria is breeding and wreaking havoc in every space and crevice in your mouth. This leads to bad morning breath and the layer of scum you feel on your teeth. This is why is it is very important to brush, floss, and rinse your mouth out in the mornings. Remember the following saying: Dry mouth at night: bacteria’s delight. Dry mouth at morning: halitosis! Take warning!
Dry mouth can also be caused by the effects of medication, diseases/infections, dehydration, radiation therapy, or from the surgical removal of the salivary glands. Although dry mouth is, in and of itself, a symptom, it often occurs along with other symptoms, such as:
● Frequent thirst
● Burning or tingling sensation, especially on the tongue
● Red, raw tongue
● Sores in mouth or at corners of lips
● Difficulty swallowing
● Problems with taste
● Sore throat and hoarseness
● Bad breath
● Problems with speech
● Dry nasal passages
● Dry, cracked lips
● Increase in dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease
● Difficulty wearing dentures
● Repeated yeast infections in the mouth
Only your dentist or physician can truly evaluate dry mouth thoroughly and effectively. If you feel have the symptoms referenced above, do not wait to discuss them with dentist in your local area. Dental decay can develop quickly in a dry mouth that is otherwise healthy. If you currently do not have a dentist, the professionals at The Dental Center at Easton Town Center are more than happy to assess and evaluate your situation. Contact them today to set up an appointment to review your dental needs – but if you feel it’s a dental emergency, we also have urgent dental services if your dry mouth has been going on too long!
Tags: cavities, dental checkups, dry mouth, oral care, oral hygiene
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Wednesday, May 16th, 2012
Even for those who regularly visit their local dentist, bad breath (halitosis) is a condition most encounter at one point in time. It is characterized by unpleasant breath odor. The cause of bad breath could be something as simple as types of food we eat, dry mouth, common cold, or upset stomach. Most often, however, it is caused by inadequate dental hygiene.
Here’s the dirt on halitosis. The odor is born from food particles and dead cells in the mouth that attract bacteria—bacteria that go to town in environments that have little to no oxygen (such as back of the tongue and gum pockets). These gangs of bacteria emit the noticeable odor consisting of sulfur compounds.
Let’s face it, bad breath certainly causes a person to be uncomfortable and embarrassed when around other people. The good news is that there are simple home remedies, along with regular visits to your local dentist, which eliminate the problem of bad breath.
Below are a few simple suggestions:
● Improve your daily dental hygiene routine by brushing at least twice a day and flossing.
● If you are a tea drinker, researchers have found that green and black tea stop the growth of bacteria responsible for bad breath.
● Use a mouthwash that contains no alcohol (dries the mouth), but does contain zinc ions and/or essential oils. Zinc has been found to neutralize sulfur compounds and essential oils (tea tree, peppermint, and lemon) help to reduce bad breath.
● Purchase a tongue scraper from the drug store. By gently scraping your tongue, you’ll remove dead cells, food particles, and bacteria. Thoroughly rinse afterward. If you cannot find a tongue scraper, use a toothbrush to clean your tongue or consult with your family dentist as a resource.
● Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This will keep your mouth moist and eliminate dry mouth.
● Snack on crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery. Crunchy foods help to remove bacteria, food, and plaque from teeth.
● Rub fluoride toothpaste on your teeth. Let it remain for 30 minutes, then rinse. The fluoride adheres to the enamel of your teeth longer than typical brushing, thus giving you added protection.
● Chew on the natural herbs licorice root, parsley, rosemary, or tarragon for 60 seconds.
● Avoid indulging in alcohol, coffee, fried foods, milk, spicy foods, and sugar, as they are found to worsen bad breath. And you dentist will be happy because many of these products are bad for your teeth.
In normal circumstances, bad breath can be eliminated with simple home remedies. However, before relying on home remedies to eliminate bad breath, it is very important to visit a dentist in your area at least every six months to have your teeth examined and cleaned. If you do not have a local dentist, The Dental Center at Easton Town Center would certainly welcome you as a new patient.
Tags: bad breath, brushing, checkup, dental checkups, dental health, floss, flossing, fresh breath, halitosis, oral care, oral hygiene, regular checkups, tooth brush
Posted in Columbus Emergency Dental, Dental Benefits, dental issues, Dental Procedures, emergency dentist, Oral Care, Oral Hygiene, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Friday, May 4th, 2012
The well-known daily drill of brushing and flossing twice a day is fine and dandy, as your dentist will tell you, but massaging your chompers after lunch adds to the protection against tooth decay. In fact, the University of Gothenburg (Sweden) researchers have found that by massaging high-fluoride toothpaste on your teeth in between your morning and bedtime brushing routine, you can increase protection against tooth decay by approximately 400 percent.
This is terrific news, seeing that dentists have been noticing a significant rise of cavities and tooth decay among young children. We, at The Dental Center at Easton Town Center, recommend the massaging regimen to all our patients. Rubbing toothpaste on your teeth allows fluoride to remain on the surface longer than just brushing. It is almost like brushing your teeth for a third time. However, it should never be a replacement for daily brushing and flossing. Your local dentist will remind you this routine is still needed for adequate plaque removal.
Below are three easy steps to the dental massaging technique that provide your teeth and gums added protection.
1. Massage high-fluoride toothpaste on the surface of your teeth and gums after lunch or in the afternoon.
2. Let sit for 30 minutes or so.
3. Rinse with water and voila!
Check with a family dentist in your area before implementing the dental massaging method on children. Children have different requirements when it comes to fluoride and too much can cause dental problems, such as developing fluorosis (a disturbance of dental enamel from overexposure to fluoride).
However, for adults, especially those who are dealing with dental issues or poor oral hygiene, the massage method is definitely something to consider. In addition to brushing and flossing twice a day, and seeing your dentist every six months, massaging your chompers will help keep them cavity-free and you’ll avoid dental emergencies down the road.
Tags: dental checkups, dental emergency, dental health, emergency dentist, family dentist, oral care, oral hygiene, tooth brushing, tooth decay, tooth loss, tooth loss dentist
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Thursday, April 26th, 2012
We’ve spent many years in the Columbus area providing comprehensive and emergency dental services to our clients. And one question we always hear from our patients is, “What are other ways, besides brushing and flossing that I can improve my dental health?”
Often when one thinks of licorice, the vision of red or black chewy rope candy comes to mind. Licorice candy certainly is not something dentists or doctors encourage their patients to indulge in, but dried licorice root is! Licorice root is a natural herb that promotes good dental health and comes in many forms, such as sticks, loose tea, powder, and liquid extract. Its sweet menthol flavor makes it a tasty supplement to the basic daily ritual of brushing, flossing and rinsing.
The benefits of using licorice root are numerous.
• Freshens breath
• Remedies sore throats
• Prevents oral infections
• Inhibits the growth of plaque and tartar
• Soothes digestive issues
• Decreases inflammation
• Enhances the immune system
This is a great thing to know, especially since the World Health Organization reports that “tooth decay affects more than one-fourth of U.S. children aged 2-5 years and half of those aged 12-15 years.” Those are high percentages, as is this startling statistic: “one-fourth of U.S. adults aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth.”
If you are thinking about adding licorice root to your daily dental regimen, talk with your doctor or local dentist first. As with any herbal supplement, there are slight risks for adverse reactions with medications and complications in certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and pregnancy. Most often than not, though, licorice root can be used safely in moderation.
Certainly, licorice root seems to be a wonderful supplement that promotes good dental health and hygiene, but it should never be a replacement for brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups. It is definitely something to sink your teeth into! Teeth and gums are two personal assets worth tending to and improving for a lifetime of eating and smiles!
Live in Central Ohio? Schedule your appointment today with The Dental Center at Easton Town Center!
Tags: dental checkups, dental emergency, dental health, emergency dentist, flossing, fresh breath, halitosis, oral cancer, oral care, oral hygiene, severe tooth pain, tooth brushing, tooth loss dentist
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