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What Smiling Says About You and Why You Should Do More of It

Dec 23rd, 2022

You might’ve guessed that smiling can make you happier … but did you know it also helps you live longer? It’s true!

Smiling also helps with attraction and happiness in more ways than you may have imagined. Looking for a romantic partner, or a new job this year? Then, get ready to flash those pearly whites! If you feel they are not their brightest, call upon Dr. Gilmer in Columbus Ohio for their teeth whitening service!

More than a century ago, philosopher Charles Darwin and scientist William James suggested we might be able to adjust our mood simply by assuming the facial expressions representative of our goal. The first step to happiness is to start smiling!

Ever since Darwin and James proposed their theories, scientists have researched and discovered some interesting side effects to smiling along the way.

Smiling makes you more attractive: Research suggests we’re more attracted to people who smile than those who do not. While scientists aren’t exactly in agreement as to why this may be, there’s a perception that a smiling person makes others around them relaxed and happy. Basically, your smile is contagious … and therefore welcoming.
Smiles boost the immune system: It’s all about the neuropeptides, they say. Smiling (and also laughing) release these neuropeptides which help reduce stress. The result is less taxation on your immune system so you can remain healthy to combat any illness or stress that may come your way.
Smiling enhances your mood: Smile-science has a bit of a “chicken or the egg dilemma.” Does a smile make you happy, or do you smile because you’re happy? We can assume the latter is true, but what about the former? Recall those neuropeptides we mentioned earlier? Well, according to Psychology Today, when we smile, “feel good neurotransmitters dopamine, endorphins and serotonin are all released.” Your body relaxes, while your heart rate and blood pressure lower. This flood of feeling then places us in a better mood. Not bad for just crinkling up the corners of the mouth!

And, what about helping you live longer? Well, if the above three reasons aren’t enough for you, it seems, that, yes … smiling more can help you live a longer life. And the proof appears to be in the research. In 2010, a team of researchers aimed with an odd source material (The Sporting News Baseball Register), examined historical photographs of baseball players – tracking smile and life statistics throughout their lifetimes. From 1952 onward, these intrepid scientists crunched the numbers (and smiles), and discovered that, yes indeed, smiling did help these chaps live longer, healthier lives. They also remained married longer. Pretty neat, huh? You can check out a bit of the story on this fascinating study at Pacific Standard Magazine.

So, to wrap things up … we’ll leave you with this nugget of wisdom from cinema’s happiest of happy characters, Buddy, played by Will Ferrell in the feel-good Christmas film, Elf.
“I just like to smile! Smiling’s my favorite. Go forth and smile!”

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Teeth Cleaning, Teeth Whitening | No Comments »

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 »

Oral Care Does Not Retire When You Do

Feb 6th, 2021

Many retirees may feel that, in their senior years, they do not have to worry about taking care of their dental health. The truth is that at an older age, the contrary is true, and it is more important than ever to keep up with healthy dental habits.

Engaging in proper dental care is one of the most important things that anyone can do for your health – even if you’re retired! Not only is dental care crucial to enjoying good a wide variety of positive health benefits, but it can also save you money on treatment procedures for problems that may arise from poor dental habits. The general health of our mouth and teeth is linked to our overall sense of well-being in a variety of ways. To begin with, having strong teeth allows us to properly chew food, which is essential in managing our nutritional intake and ensuring that our bodies stay strong. Research shows that teeth that are not regularly flossed can have a very negative effect on our respiratory health as well.

Additionally, poor dental health may have an adverse effect on speech and self-esteem. This can cause more than just health problems – poor health care can result in a harder time communicating, leading to social anxiety and other important issues as we age.

No matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to schedule a dental checkup. Contact Easton Dental in Columbus Ohio today to schedule your appointment, and we’ll make a plan to keep your teeth in top shape well into retirement!

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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 »

Schedule a Teeth Cleaning!

Aug 10th, 2020

Regular brushing and flossing can go a long way in preventing tooth and mouth diseases, but it’s easy to miss spots even if you’re a conscientious brusher. Scheduling periodic appointments with your dentist in the Columbus area for teeth cleaning is another tool in your arsenal to protect your teeth.

The dental experts at The Dental Center at Easton Town Center are here to provide you with the best preventative teeth cleaning available in Columbus, Ohio. Dental hygienists and dentists get the plaque that brushing misses, and clean your teeth from the build-up of tartar. If left untreated, these build-ups could lead to cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. In addition to cleaning your teeth, our dental experts are trained to keep an eye out for signs of disease or oral disorders. WE want to make sure that your smile lasts a lifetime and will be disease-free and clean.

We need to eat several times per day, so your teeth are almost constantly being used. Teeth also have a bearing on your communication with those around you because they affect speech and facial expressions. With all this use, it’s important that your teeth are not only brushed and flossed regularly but also looked over by a professional at least every six months. In addition to preventing disease and making sure your teeth stay functional, teeth cleanings keep your teeth looking great by preventing discoloration and plaque build-up. With regularly scheduled cleanings, you’ll have a smile that you want to show off!

The Dental Center is conveniently located just off of I-270 at Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio; so going to the dentist won’t be a chore. Do your best to prevent oral disease by getting your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Contact The Dental Center today to schedule a cleaning!

Posted in Cavity Prevention, Columbus Dentist, Teeth Cleaning, Tips | 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 »

The Difference Between Plaque and Tartar

Jun 7th, 2016

plaque buildup before and after You may have heard mention of the terms plaque and tartar when discussing dental care. You may have even heard the terms used interchangeably and because of that, you assumed that they were the same thing. The truth is that there is a difference between these terms and what they mean for your oral health. Let’s take a look.

What is Plaque?

Plaque is the sticky, colorless residue that builds up on your teeth and around the gum line. This sticky substance is constantly forming on your teeth and is made up of food particles, saliva, and sugar. When plaque builds up it will contribute to the grimy or gritty feeling you get on your teeth in between brushing. Even after brushing and flossing, plaque will begin to form on your teeth within hours.

What is Tartar?

Tartar, also known as Calculus, is simply built up plaque that has hardened over time. It is typically yellow in color and very hard and porous. When plaque has not been properly removed from the teeth, it turns into this stubborn, hard to remove substance. The only way to remove tartar is to visit your dentist and have him/her remove it for you using dental instruments. Tartar that is untreated puts you at higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

How Can I Prevent Plaque and Tartar?

The best way to protect your mouth, teeth, and gums is to brush twice daily and floss at least once a day. Brushing will remove plaque on the surface of the teeth; however, floss is needed to remove plaque buildup between the teeth and around the gum line. You should also visit your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings every six months.

If you have tooth crowding and find that even with brushing and flossing you still have a significant amount of plaque buildup between dental cleanings, you should consider visiting an orthodontist. Crooked or crowded teeth can make keeping your teeth plaque-free even more challenging. An orthodontist will be able to recommend a plan of action to straighten and fix the crowding of your teeth.

Follow these tips to prevent plaque from turning into tartar. If you’re due for a professional teeth cleaning, contact us today to schedule your appointment. Whether you have plaque or tartar, the best step you can take in preventing tooth decay and gum disease is to have your teeth cleaned and begin practicing good oral hygiene. Let Easton Dental clinic help restore your mouth to a clean, beautiful smile!

Posted in Cavity Prevention, Dental Care, Dental Facts, Gum Disease, Oral Care, Oral Hygiene, Teeth Cleaning | No Comments »

The Benefits Of Flossing

May 26th, 2016

When you visit the dentist, there’s one dental care question you’re sure to be asked; “Are you flossing?” Many patients sheepishly admit they’re falling short while others fib and ensure their hygienist that they floss religiously. The truth is, your dental hygienist will most likely be able to tell if you are being honest about your flossing habits or not.

Many individuals are guilty of skipping out on flossing. As your oral health expert, we don’t want you to feel guilty; we want you to understand the benefits of flossing so that you will take up the habit out of your own free will. Being informed of how flossing helps your oral health is the first step in wanting to start the practice.

So what exactly are the benefits of flossing? Let’s look at the main and most obvious gains you get when you decide to floss your teeth every day.

A cleaner mouth– Brushing is great, but it will only get you so far. Toothbrushes are designed to help you physically clean the surface of your teeth but they cannot adequately reach between teeth. Flossing allows you to remove left over food debris, bacteria, and plaque buildup that your toothbrush cannot reach, leaving you with a cleaner feeling mouth.

Healthier teeth and gums– Flossing helps rid your mouth of plaque, food particles, and bacteria that can cause gum infections, cavities, and tooth decay. Removing plaque on a daily basis by practicing flossing prevents the plaque from turning into tartar. Tartar is difficult to remove and will lead to issues such as gingivitis and cavities. Flossing is one more step you can take in keeping your mouth healthy.

A whiter smile– Plaque buildup is not only detrimental to your oral health, it also affects the appearance of your teeth. When plaque builds up, it attracts stains and makes your teeth appear discolored. Whether from the food you eat or the drinks you drink, too much plaque can mean a dull, stained smile. Flossing helps remove plaque and keeps your smile looking brighter, longer.

Fresher breath– When bacteria reside in the mouth, they cause bad breath. Plaque and food particles are a breeding ground for the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria can be reduced with flossing by ridding your teeth of plaque buildup and leftover food debris. If you struggle with bad breath, flossing can help you move towards fresher breath.

Flossing might be a tedious habit to develop but once you get in the practice of flossing, you will reap the benefits. Not only will flossing keep your mouth healthy, it will also save you money in dental treatments that can be avoided by practicing good oral hygiene.

At Easton Dentists, we want you to know that we have your best interest in mind. If you have questions about flossing or would like to be shown the proper technique, ask one of our dental professionals at your next appointment. Contact us today to schedule your next visit!

Posted in Bad Breath, Cavity Prevention, Columbus Dentist, Dental Care, Gum Disease, Oral Care, Oral Hygiene, Teeth Cleaning, Teeth Whitening | No Comments »

Should I Get an Electronic Toothbrush or a Manual Toothbrush?

Mar 9th, 2016

If you walk into your Columbus dentist office, you will probably see a model electronic toothbrush display somewhere during your visit.

columbus dentist Maybe you’ve been considering using an electronic toothbrush but want to know if it’s the right choice for you. Let’s look at some of the benefits of both the electronic toothbrush, as well as the manual toothbrush and then you can decide for yourself which is better.

The Manual Toothbrush

The manual toothbrush model has been around for decades. There really isn’t much to it besides the obvious handle and bristles. Some of the benefits of using a manual toothbrush include:
More control over exerted pressure- with a manual brush, you are more easily able to monitor how much pressure you are applying when brushing your teeth. Remember that brushing your teeth should not require a lot of exertion and the pressure you apply should be fairly light.
Brushing too hard can lead to the breakdown of tooth enamel and lead to sensitive teeth. Convenient size- manual brushes are small and easy to store. Due to their slender handle, most brushes will fit in any toothbrush case for travel. You don’t have to worry about how to store your brush, as most holders for the bathroom easily accommodate a manual brush.
Inexpensive- not only are manual brushes less expensive to purchase, they are also less expensive to maintain. You do not need to worry about buying a charging station or batteries with a manual brush. In fact, most dentist offices provide you with a free brush at each six month cleaning appointment!
Lots of styles- manual brushes come in a wide variety of colors and styles. You can choose the type of bristle and head size you want for a more customized approach to brushing.

The Electronic Toothbrush

Electronic toothbrushes starting to gain popularity in the 1990’s and have become mainstream since. With electronic brushes, the bristles rotate and perform the cleaning motion for you. Some benefits of electronic brushes include:

Smaller head- the head size of most electronic brushes is smaller than that of a standard manual brush. The smaller head size helps you more easily reach difficult or awkward areas of the mouth.
Does the work for you- like we mentioned above, the electronic toothbrush performs the majority of the movement for you. The oscillating bristles allow you to move the brush from tooth to tooth without having to perform much movement on your end.
Work better for some people- electronic brushes are more suited for some individuals than others. In particular, children or those who have motor issues. Children tend to do better with electronic brushes because they make brushing fun. Individuals who have a difficult time moving a brush around in their mouth due to motor issues or arthritis also do better with electronic brushes.

Now that you know the benefits of each, the choice is yours! Remember however, manual brushes work just as well as electronic brushes so long as you are brushing for the recommended amount of time (2-3 minutes) and are using proper brushing technique.

If you have more questions about the difference in brushes, just ask us! Call our Columbus dentist office (614) 414-0111 or simply ask a member of the staff next time you’re in. We are always happy to answer your questions and want you to be able to make the best decision based on your needs.

Posted in Columbus Cosmetic Dentist, Columbus Dentist, Dentist Columbus Ohio, Teeth Cleaning | No Comments »

What Is Tooth Enamel?

Mar 4th, 2016

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.

What 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.

Posted in Columbus Dentist, Columbus Emergency Dental, Columbus Ohio Teeth Whitening, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentist Columbus Ohio, Pediatric Dentist Columbus Ohio, Teeth Cleaning | No Comments »

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