Oral Hygiene Archives « Columbus Dentist Columbus Dentist

The Do’s And Don’ts: Your Toothbrush

Jun 13th, 2022

Practice better hygiene by taking better care of your toothbrush! Here are a couple of important toothbrush Do’s and Don’ts:

Do: Change it Every Three Months.

Once the bristles on your toothbrush start to soften and fray, it’s time to replace them because they will no longer clean your teeth thoroughly. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra toothbrush in your medicine cabinet so you won’t have to take the time out of your day to go buy a new one each time. Children’s toothbrushes should be replaced every two months on average. After each time you brush, be sure to store your toothbrush upright to allow the bristles to dry quickly, and it should always be kept away from the sink or toilet to avoid contamination. When you travel, make sure your toothbrush is completely dry before packing it.

Don’t: Leave Your Toothbrush Exposed to Germs

One of the easiest ways to avoid contamination is to let it completely dry because bacteria can’t grow or survive on dry bristles. Don’t place a wet toothbrush in a closed container because harmful germs can get trapped in that enclosed space. Don’t allow different toothbrushes to touch, which can also increase the chances of contamination. Sharing toothbrushes with anyone else is never a good idea, and the best way to clean each one is to rinse thoroughly in cold water. Don’t clean your toothbrush by placing it in a hot dishwasher because it can damage the bristles, and also don’t soak it in mouthwash or any similar type of disinfectant. While it may seem like a good way to kill bacteria, mouthwash can increase the chances of introducing harsh chemicals to your mouth. It’s also important to use proper brushing techniques in a gentle circular motion over each of your teeth, particularly if you have more sensitive gums. Finally, don’t forget to pick up a new pack of dental floss each time you replace your toothbrush.

Ask Your Dentist

Ask your dentist, such as Dr. Gilmer Serving Westerville Ohio, if your toothbrushing habits are getting the job done, or what can be done to improve your dental hygiene habits!

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

Halitosis Stinks: Try These Bad Breath Remedies

May 21st, 2022

Halitosis, also known more commonly as bad breath, is an embarrassing problem nobody wants to admit they have. Studies have shown you are not alone, about 25-30% of the population throughout the entire world has the same problem as you. However, there are plenty of bad breath cures out there so that you don’t have to feel ashamed any longer. With these bad breath remedies, you can have fresh breath all day long:

Bacteria Build-Up

In most cases, halitosis is caused by harmful bacteria inside the mouth. The odor-causing bacteria loves to hide at the back of your tongue where ordinary brushing won’t reach. One of the best bad breath remedies is using a tongue scraper every time you brush your teeth is an ideal way to get rid of noxious bacteria. If you don’t already, you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, more preferably after every meal. Also, be sure and consider your diet. Bad bacteria thrive on white sugar and white flour products, while fresh vegetables and fruit will improve your health overall and your breath.

Got Water?

The more dehydrated you are, the worse your breath smells as your mouth needs saliva to stay fresh. Make sure you are drinking the recommended amount of water for your body size an additional bonus, keeping your mouth moist and wet will flush any left behind food particles, which is what bad bacteria thrive on.

Got Gum?

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals helps stimulate the flow of saliva, which helps clean away any remaining food particles, and leaves your mouth constantly hydrated and smelling sweet.

Your Stomach Can Make Your Breath Stinky

While they may not seem related, stomach issues are another cause of bad breath. Acid reflux is a prime offender by causing a bitter, metallic taste and creating bad breath. If you have sour or bitter breath, you should schedule a checkup with your family doctor. If you have these health issues, treating them is essential to curing your bad breath as it gets to the source rather than just masking the symptoms.

See a dentist!

Finally, if bad breath persists even after making these changes and implementing these suggestions, one should see their dentist. Your dentist will check for more serious conditions that could be causing the problem and recommend a treatment plan tailored to you.

Having a healthy mouth is the most important factor in having fresh breath. At The Dental Center at Easton, we understand that even though bad breath can be embarrassing, it is completely treatable. Contact The Dental Center today to schedule your exam.

Posted in Bad Breath, Oral Hygiene, Tips | No Comments »

Americans Only Use 10% of the Floss They Should

Dec 21st, 2020

Shampoo, soap, and toothpaste are all toiletries that you probably buy on a regular basis. When was the last time you bought dental floss? If you are following your dentist’s recommendations, you should be purchasing at least two 55-yard packages of floss per year. However, the majority of Americans do not purchase nearly that amount! In fact, the average person uses only 18 yards of floss per year – 10% of the amount of needed when flossing daily and correctly.

How Important Is Flossing?

Flossing is just as important as brushing in the process of ensuring good dental hygiene. Many people think that if they brush their teeth at least twice a day that is enough to keep their mouth healthy, but that just isn’t the case. No matter how thoroughly you brush, your toothbrush simply can’t reach the crevasses deep between your teeth. A dentist or dental hygienist can show you the proper way to floss and different types of flossing products to make the process as quick and easy as possible for you to do every day.

Call The Dental Center to make an appointment and learn the correct way to floss to keep your mouth healthy and beautiful!

Posted in Gum Disease, Oral Hygiene, Teeth Cleaning | 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 »

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 »

Foods That Encourage Good Dental Health

Oct 21st, 2020

As we all know, our diet has a significant impact on our health. But did you know that there are several foods that are particularly beneficial to encouraging good dental health?

1. Salt: We are usually told that sodium is not good for us. However, it can be used as a natural remedy to treat gum inflammation. Add salt to warm water and swish it around in your mouth to reduce inflammation by osmosis, and also to kill some bacteria.

2. Cranberries: These tart berries aren’t just for Thanksgiving! This fruit provides 13.3mg of vitamin C in a 1 cup serving, which is important for collagen synthesis. Studies show that cranberries may also prevent bacteria from using adhesion molecules to hold onto your teeth. Cranberries also disrupt the formation of glucan (sugar polymers in plaque). Experts believe this discovery could be revolutionary for the future of dental care.

3. Honey: This sweet, natural syrup contains hydrogen peroxide, which has antibacterial components. Manuka honey from New Zealand contains the greatest concentration of antibacterial properties. A 2010 study compared the effects of this honey to that of xylitol chewing gum and found that Manuka honey reduced plaque better than xylitol!

Regular dental examinations are an important part of good dental care. Call The Dental Center today to make your appointment!

Posted in Diet, Healthy foods, Oral Hygiene | No Comments »

Better Brushing Fixes

Sep 7th, 2020

If you’re already brushing your teeth at least twice a day, you’re in great shape in terms of practicing good dental hygiene. But did you know there a couple of simple steps that you can add to your daily brushing routine to boost the health of your teeth even more? These two tips are so simple that they will easily fit into your daily brushing regimen!

1. Next time you brush your teeth, start in a different place. If you typically start on the lower left-hand side of your mouth, try starting on the upper right-hand side.

2. Start in a different place every single time that you brush your teeth. When you start brushing in a different spot each time, it prevents any area from being neglected. Areas of the mouth that are neglected tend to develop bacteria that can build up and produce acid that eats away at your teeth.

Next time you go to brush, remember the easiest way to a healthier mouth is to start brushing somewhere different each time. Contact The Dental Center today to make an appointment and get professional advice on maintaining great dental health!

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

Kiss in the New Year With Sweet Breath

Dec 31st, 2019

3-2-1…Happy New Year! Most people enjoy ringing in the new year with a kiss from someone special, but the number one deal-breaker when it comes to kissing is bad breath. Unfortunately, some people with bad breath aren’t even aware there’s a problem. Dr Brad Gilmer in Columbus Ohio can help you determine if your breath problems are caused by an oral problem and then develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.

Pay attention to what you order for dinner. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to bad breath. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.

If you don’t brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor.

Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth.

Tobacco products cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.

Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment.

Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take.

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth.

Dr. Gilmer & staff wish you a happy new year and great dental health throughout 2020!

Tags: emergency dentist, oral care, oral hygiene

Posted in Bad Breath, Candy, Dental Care, Oral Hygiene | No Comments »

Tips on How to Get Rid of Bad Breath

Aug 9th, 2019

Bad breath, also known in the dental world as halitosis, is a condition that affects everyone at some point in their life. Thankfully, no matter how many first impressions may have been ruined with bad breath, we will share with you a few simple steps to drastically reduce halitosis, if not completely eliminate it.

Symptoms

You know that you have bad breath if you can clear a large room with a hearty “hello.” Before this happens, you can check your breath by cupping your hand over your mouth and nose and exhaling from the back of your throat, where most bad breath originates. If this exhale causes you to lose a offends yourself, then it’s time to do something about it, before it offends your family and friends. Before we find a solution, let’s learn more about halitosis.

Causes

There can be multiple causes for Halitosis, which is no surprise to anyone who’s been on the receiving end of morning breath after it’s mixed with a cup of coffee!

For most people, morning is often the time most people experience bad breath. When the flow of saliva nearly stops while we sleep, a buildup of bacteria in the mouth can be the end result. Brushing away the bacteria in the morning is helpful. brushing your tongue can works wonders also!

Certain foods can make our mouths smell. Think onions! Some foods, like garlic, are absorbed into our blood stream and exhaled through our lungs. All the toothpaste in the world can’t cover this smell. Engaging in some activity to make yourself sweat might help speed along the process.
When your body burns fat, ketones are produced which are released through your breath. These ketones usually have an sticky sweet odor. Staying hydrated and making smart dieting choices will help avoid the ketac smell.

Treatment

The best thing you can do to prevent halitosis is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes flossing and brushing your teeth and tongue. Paying clear attention to the very back of the tongue can help eliminate some of the more stubborn bacteria which may be hiding out there. It’s also important to take note of what foods give you the worst breath. Hopefully the combination of all of these tips will help prevent your bad breath.

Should you have any other questions about oral hygiene, don’t be afraid to bring them up the next time you visit our dental center in Columbus Ohio – The Dental Center at Easton.

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

Teaching Your Child Proper Dental Care

Mar 1st, 2019

Teaching your child proper dental care in their younger years is an investment in their health that will pay off in their latter years. Start by setting an example; taking good care of your own teeth sends a message that oral health is something to be valued.

To help your child protect their teeth and gums, teach them to these simple habits:

Brushing twice a day to remove plaque-the sticky film on teeth that’s the main cause of tooth decay.
Flossing daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line, before it can harden into tartar. Once tartar has formed, it can only be removed by a professional cleaning.
Eat a well-balanced diet that limits starchy or sugary foods, which produce plaque acids that cause tooth decay.
Use dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste.
Take your child to the dentist for regular checkups.

Supervising your children until they get the hang of these steps may be a good idea:

Use a pea-sized dab of toothpaste. Teach your child not to swallow the toothpaste.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, brush the inside surface of each tooth first, where plaque may accumulate most. Brush gently back and forth.
Clean the outer surfaces of each tooth. Angle the brush along the outer gumline. Gently brush back and forth.
Brush the chewing surface of each tooth. Gently brush back and forth.
Use the tip of the brush to clean behind each front tooth, both top and bottom.
Don’t forget to brush the tongue.

Tags: oral care, oral hygiene, pediatric dentistry

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