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Signs, Symptoms, And Treatment of Gingivitis

Jun 24th, 2023

Are you experiencing a bacterial infection and you’re not sure what it is? You may be showing symptoms associated with gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums normally caused by bacteria. The primary culprit of gingivitis is plaque, however smoking, changes in your hormones, irregular flossing and brushing, or a history of dental diseases in the family may all be contributing factors.

Signs And Symptoms Of Gingivitis

Many sufferers of gingivitis may not realize they have gingivitis for quite some time, as the symptoms are usually mild. Left unchecked gingivitis may turn into periodontitis, or gum disease, and lead to more oral issues in the future. Common signs and symptoms of gingivitis include:

• Swollen or tender gums
• Bleeding gums, specifically after brushing
• Receding gums
• Pain associated with chewing
• Persisting, irregular smelling breath
• An irregular build-up of plaque

Treatment Of Gingivitis

After scheduling an appointment with your dentist, he will determine how far along the gingivitis is as well as dental insurance coverage (check with Easton Dentist for company plans). Your dentist will then deep clean your teeth by scaling (removing plaque and tartar from your gums), using lasers to remove plaque, or root planning (smoothing out rough areas and removing infected areas of your teeth). Catching gingivitis early is a surefire way to prevent gum disease.

After Treatment
After your dentist has administered the appropriate treatment, be sure to continue brushing and flossing regularly, as well as using a disinfectant mouthwash to prevent bacteria from building up in the future.

Regular brushing and flossing are essential to keeping great oral hygiene. If you have one or more of the symptoms described and feel you may be suffering from gingivitis, call Dr. Gilmer (your local Columbus Ohio dentist) at (614) 414-0111 to schedule an appointment.

Posted in Bad Breath, Dental Issues, Gum Disease | No Comments »

Is Smoking Detrimental To The Health Of Your Teeth?

May 25th, 2023

By now, it is no secret that smoking can lead to serious health problems such as lung and throat cancer, but did you know that tobacco use can also have a huge impact on your oral health? Using tobacco of any kind, whether it be chewing, cigarettes, or smoking from a pipe, can create nearly irreversible effects on your oral health.

Some common problems associated with smoking and your oral health include bone loss, gum disease, plaque and tartar buildup, halitosis, and the notorious discoloration, “yellowing” of the teeth. These issues may result in the need for dental insurance, or asking about company plans. These are just some of the many effects smoking has on your teeth.

Gum Disease

Smoking effects the gums by inhibiting the regular functions of the gum tissues, as well as affects the bone attachment and soft tissues in the mouth. Over time the blood flow responsible for healing will become impaired and the mouth will become more amenable to infections. All of these issues combined makes smokers more susceptible to periodontal disease, or “gum disease.”

Oral Cancer

It is estimated that 35,000 patients will be diagnosed with some form of oral cancer in the United States. The odds of developing cancer is stacked against tobacco users, with an estimated 90% of oral cancer patients having been regular tobacco users (whether from pipes, cigarettes, cigars, or other smoking apparatuses.) In fact, statistics from the American Cancer Society show that smokers are 6 times more likely to develop cancer of the tongue, mouth, lips, or throat, than that of a non-smoker.

Issues with Dental Procedures

Not only does smoking make your teeth look bad, it also effects your recovery from dental procedures. This happens because of the weakened healing capabilities, causing an extended recovery time post-surgery. Persistent smoking can also lead to repeated tooth decay and complete loss of teeth.

Smokeless Tobacco

Those hoping to curb these oral health issues by using smokeless tobacco should know that they are still at risk. Smokeless tobacco products contain many chemicals that affect the esophagus, mouth, and throat, and may cause receding of the gums.

Protect your mouth against disease and unwanted issues by maintaining good oral health, brushing and flossing daily, having regular dental checkups, and conquering the habit of tobacco use.

If you feel that smoking may have damaged your teeth beyond repair, call Easton Dental Center in Columbus OH. Maybe it is not as bad as you think?

Posted in Bad Breath, Dental Benefits, Dental Care, Gum Disease | 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 »

Employer Dental Benefits: Why They Are Still Important

Apr 19th, 2023

If you are employed and your company offers dental benefits, you should take advantage of them. Dental benefits provided by employers are often comprehensive and cost-effective. They can include a range of services from preventive care, such as routine checkups and cleanings, to more complex procedures like orthodontic treatment or oral surgery.

Why do employers provide dental benefits?

Employers have the advantage of numbers when it comes to obtaining the best dental benefits plans. Insurance companies offer large corporations excellent rates on their policies because they know they will be covering a large group of employees. This allows employers to offer better overall dental plans to their employees than they could find on their own.

Dentists who join dental networks agree to offer discounted benefits to those on the plan. This discount can be as much as thirty-five percent. Additionally, dentists are monitored to ensure that patients receive quality care.

Many employers split the cost of the dental plan with their employees, making dental insurance benefits affordable. In fact, dental benefits provided by employers are typically better than individual dental insurance policies for the same or less cost than an individual dental policy. When an employee visits the dentist, a portion of all bills will be paid by the insurance company, with a co-payment due from the insured patient. This is better than a dental discount program, which simply offers discounted dental care.

Employer dental benefits in the era of COVID-19

COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of dental benefits, as oral health is closely linked to overall health. Delaying dental visits or treatments can lead to serious oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Moreover, some oral health conditions, such as periodontitis, have been linked to increased risk of COVID-19 complications.

Many dental offices have implemented new safety measures to protect patients during the pandemic, such as air filtration systems, enhanced personal protective equipment, and social distancing measures. Some employers have even expanded their dental benefits to cover additional cleanings and preventive care to help employees maintain good oral health during these uncertain times.

In conclusion, if your employer offers dental benefits, take advantage of them. These benefits are often comprehensive, cost-effective, and can help you maintain good oral health. Additionally, they may even provide extra protection during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Call The Dental Center @ Easton Town Center in Columbus Ohio to find out what part of you visit would be covered by you current dental plan or suggestions as to how you can get your next visit covered.

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Adults Getting Braces: It’s More Common Than You Think!

Mar 14th, 2023

When you think of braces, you probably think of pre-teens with a mouthful of metal, but, surprisingly, many adults get braces, too. Why?

There are a lot of people that did not get braces when they were young because either their parents couldn’t afford them, or their teeth could not be straightened out with the techniques of 40 years ago. Now they are having problems with their teeth and gums, get indigestion all the time or they are just unhappy with their smile.

There are others that had orthodontic treatment when they were young, but they did not wear their retainers until they stopped growing (little known fact: you should wear your retainer until you are 24). The result is that their teeth are now a little bit crooked. Now they are unhappy with their smile so they get adult braces too.

As much as 25 percent of the orthodontic treatment being done is being done on adult patients. Most adults get orthodontic treatment because they realize that taking care of your smile is part of taking care of yourself.

What do you think about someone who has an awful smile – does it make them look old and haggard? At the end of an orthodontic treatment, people’s smiles end up looking fabulous. Adult braces can do this very thing for you! When you hear the word “braces,” you might think of adolescents with mouths full of metal. However, did you know that an increasing number of adults are also getting orthodontic treatment? But why is that?

Many adults today never had the opportunity to have braces as kids due to financial constraints or limited orthodontic options available back then. As a result, they may experience problems with their teeth and gums, indigestion or simply feel unhappy with their smile.

Others may have had braces earlier in life but didn’t wear their retainers as recommended until they stopped growing (a lesser-known fact is that retainers should be worn until around the age of 24). Consequently, their teeth may have shifted slightly, leading to an uneven smile. As a result, these adults may also choose to undergo orthodontic treatment.

It may be hard to believe, but up to 25% of all orthodontic treatments are performed on adult patients. Many adults choose to undergo orthodontic treatment because they realize that taking care of their smile is an essential part of self-care.

Your smile is a crucial facial feature, and it’s worth taking care of. Are you satisfied with your smile right now? Does it look as good as it did when you were younger? Studies show that people with attractive smiles are more likely to be seen as attractive in general, and an unattractive smile can make people appear older and less attractive. With orthodontic treatment, however, you can transform your smile into something fabulous.

Getting braces as an adult is becoming increasingly popular. Whether you missed out on orthodontic treatment earlier in life or your teeth have shifted with age, there’s no need to live with a smile you’re not happy with. Orthodontic treatment can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted and boost your self-confidence.

Don’t be afraid to call The Dental Center @ Easton Town Center in Columbus Ohio on advice on what you should do next!

Tags: braces, orthodontia, retainer

Posted in Braces, Dental Procedures | No Comments »

Can Eating Disorders Damage Your Teeth?

Feb 23rd, 2023

It’s widely known that adopting unhealthy eating habits in an attempt to prevent weight gain is not recommended. In the United States, there is a growing awareness of the prevalence of eating disorders, and their incidence continues to rise. Research indicates that approximately 0.5-2.0% of adolescents and young adult women may experience various forms of anorexia nervosa or bulimia. These disorders can have harmful effects on physical health, including: digestive issues, cardiac complications, nutritional deficiencies, and dental problems.

Rampant decay

Anorexics and bulimics are prone to widespread cavities over a short period of time. Those who binge on high-calorie, high-carb foods, and then purge run the greatest risk of decay. The sugar in the foods set up an acid-attack on the enamel, while the act of purging bathes the teeth in hydrochloric acid from the stomach, contributing to decay, as well as eroding teeth and fillings. A chronic bulimic will need numerous fillings on a regular basis and will have eroded enamel on the tongue-side of the teeth.

Soft tissue damage

Due to repeated vomiting, anorexics and bulimics may have severely swollen tonsils or soft palate. Some people may suffer a swelling and redness of the tongue and the palate may have lacerations from fingernails used to induce vomiting.

Care

First and foremost, if you suffer from an eating disorder, seek professional help immediately. Eating disorders can have fatal consequences. Secondly, let your dental hygienist know about your eating disorder in order to insure proper treatment.

Anorexics and bulimics MUST use scrupulous homecare in order to keep their teeth. Extra brushing, flossing, and possible at-home fluoride treatments may be necessary, plus you may also require additional cleaning visits throughout the year.

If you have further concerns about eating disorders damaging teeth, schedule an appointment at The Dental Center at Easton Town Center (in Columbus OH) to get the answers you need!

Tags: cosmetic dentistry, eating disorders, emergency dentist

Posted in Dental Care, Dental Issues | No Comments »

When Should You Call an Emergency Dentist?

Feb 5th, 2023

Emergency dental services are needed for a wide variety of reasons. Here’s a list of common dental emergencies that should send you seeking an emergency dentist.

Knocked Out Tooth – Any sort of blow to the face or jaw that completely knocks out a tooth or multiple teeth is cause for an emergency dentist. If possible, save the tooth and hold it in place in the socket. If that’s not possible, gently rinse off the knocked out tooth without removing any attached tissue and then put the tooth in a glass of milk. Treatment for a knocked out tooth should not wait until morning. The sooner you get to an emergency dentist, the greater the likelihood that the tooth might be able to be re-attached.

Broken Tooth – If you are involved in an accident where a tooth is broken, try to save any pieces of the broken tooth that you can and rinse your mouth out with warm water. Again, put the broken pieces in some milk if possible. To decrease the swelling and pain, apply a cold compress to the area. Get to your emergency dentist as soon as possible.

Dental Abscess — If you notice a painful, pimple-like swelling on your gums, rinse with warm salt water and immediately contact an emergency dentist. Dental abscesses can lead to serious infections if not treated promptly.

Broken Jaw — Apply a cold compress to limit swelling and go immediately to a hospital emergency room or to an emergency dental clinic. If you suspect your jaw is broken, do not wait to seek help.

Object Stuck in Teeth — Carefully try to dislodge the object with dental floss. Do not try to use a sharp instrument. If you’re unable to dislodge the object with dental floss, contact your dentist.

Severe Toothache — Rinse your mouth out with warm water. Then use dental floss to make sure there isn’t any food or other debris causing the pain. If the pain is severe and persists more than a few hours, seek emergency dental care.

Lost Dental Filling or Dental Crown — For dental fillings, cover the area with a piece of sugarless gum or over-the-counter dental cement. If a dental crown has come loose, try to put it back in place with dental cement. If that doesn’t work, bring it with you to the dentist.

Here at The Dental Center, we are the emergency dentist in Columbus Ohio for the northeastern side of Franklin County. We are open extended hours to be available for most emergencies. If you find yourself in one of these situations, please call or come to our offices. We are here to help you.

Tags: broken tooth, dental emergency, emergency dentist, knocked out tooth, severe tooth pain

Posted in Columbus Emergency Dental, Dental Issues, Emergency Dentist | No Comments »

How To Choose The Right Dental Plan For You

Jan 22nd, 2023

Here are some useful tips for choosing the right dental plan for you:

1. If you presently have a regular dental provider, ask her/him for a recommendation. If you are seeing a favorite dentist that you’d love to keep visiting, check with that dental professional about what plans she/he belongs to. Dental professionals also are great resources to learn what plans you should avoid.

2. Select a dental insurer that has experience and great reputation. If you are unfamiliar with a certain dental insurance provider, call the Better Business Bureau in your area or additional consumer protection agency.

3. Coverage Comparison. Compare all plans you are considering within these areas:

Yearly maximum: It’s the maximum quantity the plan pays for services within a given year for coverage (adult). $1,000 is standard for the majority of plans, although some might provide less and some might provide more.

Deductible: It’s the quantity you’ll pay prior to the benefits of the plan kicking in. Usually, the deductible resets every year.

What is covered, and at which level: Many dental plans categorize dental procedures in 1 of 3 categories: preventive and diagnostic, major restorative, and basic restorative, and assign a payment percentage for all categories. However, plans may vary as far as what category a service is thought to be: for example, root canals, might be within the basic restorative services classification of one plan, and within the major restorative services classification of an additional one. The difference within the quantity paid by the plan might be several hundred dollars. Prior to purchasing a dental insurance plan, think about which services you’ve needed in the past as one way of predicting which kinds of services you’ll require in the future.

Coverage for kids: The ACA (Affordable Care Act) involves coverage for kid’s dental care.

What isn’t covered: Some kinds of services aren’t covered whatsoever – for example, corrective orthodontics often isn’t covered within individual dental plans. A few procedures, like teeth whitening, might be excluded. Waiting periods might be imposed for a few services. Once again, prior to purchasing a dental insurance plan, think about which services you’ve needed in the past as one method of predicting which kinds of services you’ll require in the future.

4. Review networks. A few dental plans will require that you to obtain all services from a dentist inside their network. Many plans permit you to visit any dentist you want, yet there’ll be advantages if you visit a dentist participating in the plan’s network. Therefore, if you already possess a regular dentist, see if she/he is a network provider for the plan you are considering. Plus, if you do not have a dentist, search the plan’s provider network to see how many network providers are within your locality.

To discuss your dental insurance company plans contact Easton Dentist (Serving Columbus, Gahanna, Westerville, and New Albany areas) at (614) 414-0111.

Posted in Dental Insurance, Dental Plan Acceptance, Payment Plans | No Comments »

What Are Some Recommendations Dentists Make For Sensitive Teeth?

Jan 17th, 2023

Have you ever gulped down an icy drink and felt more than just a little bit of “brain freeze”? If you feel severe or sharp pains in your mouth when you sip a hot drink? If you have a predisposition for oral pain due to flossing, brushing your teeth, or with food temperatures, you are likely suffering from tooth sensitivity.

It is estimated that over 40 million Americans are affected by tooth sensitivity, making it a prevalent concern within the dental patient community. Coping with tooth hypersensitivity can be challenging. However, individuals experiencing this issue should take comfort in the fact that effective treatments are available. Furthermore, numerous dental insurance plans cover procedures related to the management of sensitive teeth. We recommend consulting our insurance offerings to identify a plan that aligns with your specific requirements.

Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity
Where can this issue arise? Within a typical, well-maintained oral cavity, a protective layer of enamel shields the teeth. When this barrier is compromised, the tooth’s nerve can become more vulnerable to temperature sensitivity, leading to uncomfortable sensations in the gum area. Potential triggers for tooth sensitivity encompass the deterioration of dental fillings or enamel, the exposure of tooth roots, the presence of gum-related issues, the development of cavities, or the occurrence of tooth fractures.

Treating Sensitive Teeth
• Sensitive toothpaste. Oftentimes regular toothpaste contains ingredients that are simply too harsh for sensitive teeth. Many dentists recommend alternative options, such as Sensodyne® toothpaste or Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, which both contain a mild ingredient list specifically designed for sensitive teeth.

• Use a precision toothbrush. Many precision brushes are designed with sensitive mouths in mind. The design of this brush lets you get into hard to reach areas of the mouth without causing irritation.

• A tooth inlay or crown. If your sensitivity is coming from a broken or flawed dental insert, steps can be taken by your dentist to correct the problem and get you back to sipping your hot-tea, problem free.

• Fluoride gel. Using a fluoride gel will reduce sensitivity in your teeth by strengthening tooth enamel over time.

Other options for correcting sensitive teeth is a surgical gum graft, or having a root canal performed. As always, one of the best ways to keep your mouth in tip-top shape is to visit your dentist regularly. Help keep your teeth their healthiest by scheduling a dental checkup with Easton Dentists. Call us today at (614) 414-0111.

Posted in Cavity Prevention, Oral Hygiene, Root Canal | No Comments »

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 »

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