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

Mar 14th, 2023
Easton Dentists Apr 20th, 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!

Can Eating Disorders Damage Your Teeth?

Feb 23rd, 2023
Easton Dentists Oct 5th, 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!

When Should You Call an Emergency Dentist?

Feb 5th, 2023
Easton Dentists Oct 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.

How To Choose The Right Dental Plan For You

Jan 22nd, 2023
Easton Dentists Oct 5th, 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.

What Are Some Recommendations Dentists Make For Sensitive Teeth?

Jan 17th, 2023
Easton Dentists Oct 5th, 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.

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

Dec 23rd, 2022
Easton Dentists Dec 27th, 2022

Smiles, Dentist Columbus, OH

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!”

Are There Dental Careers Available, Outside of Being a Dentist 

Nov 11th, 2022
Easton Dentists Nov 17th, 2022

You bet they are!  Dental careers are often desired because of their patient interaction, well-paid salary, and work-life balance, but there is a substantially high demand for dental professionals that don’t involve the extensive education of becoming a dentist or related doctor. Positions, such as dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental lab technicians, and administrative assistants are also great ways to make a living in the dental field. With flexible hours and lower educational costs than dentists, the accredited training programs for such positions might be worth your time.   

Dental Assistants
Dental assistants are considered one of the 25 fastest-growing occupations in the United States, providing a variety of tasks that help support the dental team on a daily basis. The responsibilities of a dental assistant often range from taking patient x-rays and sterilizing equipment, to recordkeeping and scheduling appointments. In some cases, dental assistants are also trained to take impressions of patients’ teeth for braces and retainers. Although the tasks of a dental assistant range from office to office, they often have many different opportunities for gainful employment and career advancement. Becoming a dental assistant is a great way to get into the dental care field without the expense of obtaining a degree. However, most states require the completion of an accredited program of one to two years in order to receive the proper credentials. Dental assistants, on average, tend to average around $40,000 a year as a mid-level career.  

Dental Lab Technician  

Becoming a dental laboratory technician is another great way to work with a dental team without a degree. Dental lab technicians help produce dental and orthodontic products, such as bridges, retainers, braces, crowns, dentures and more. While there are many courses that can help prepare you for the responsibilities that come with being a lab technician, most of the training can be done on the job. Although the salary depends on the practice, the average dental lab technician makes about $35,000-$60,000 a year. 

Dental Hygienist

A Dental Hygienist spends the majority of their day working directly with the patients under the supervision of a dentist. Averaging a salary of $74,000, Dental Hygienist are professionals with experience in cleaning tooth deposits, removing tough stains, and examining patients for signs of disease. Dental Hygienists are also trained in administering local anesthetics and providing preventative education for long term dental care. Dental Hygienists must acquire an Associate’s Degree to be considered for the role in a dental practice.  

Administration

Every healthcare office requires administrative support in order to operate smoothly. Someone with a friendly face to greet patients, answer phones, and schedule appointments is the ideal candidate to create a welcoming atmosphere and outstanding patient care. The demand for Administrative Assistants, Front Desk Coordinators, and Office Managers is extremely high with no education needed to pursue. The average income for an administrative role on the dental care team typically ranges from $30,000-$40,000 a year.  

 On a doctorate level, becoming a general dentist isn’t the only line of professional that is available. Orthodontists, Periodontists, and Oral Surgeons name a few who specialize in dental health and help improve the quality of life for thousands of patients.  

Orthodontist

Orthodontists are specialists who help with the alignment and positioning of the teeth. After a long journey of education and schooling, Orthodontists are constantly staying up-to-date with the most advanced straightening techniques and appliances. If becoming an Orthodontist is a career that interests you, it requires up to 12 years of schooling and advanced specialty education. Although the road to becoming an Orthodontist is a long one, this dental career is projected to grow faster than most careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, the employment of Orthodontists is predicted to see a growth of 11% by 2023.

Oral Surgeons

Oral surgeons, also known as Maxillofacial Surgeons, specialize in reconstructing the teeth, jaw, and facial bones, that can’t otherwise be treated through orthodontics. They often perform surgery and other procedures on the oral regions to treat diseases, injuries, and defects. The steps to become an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon include a four-year education, four years of dental school, and the completion of a hospital-based residency program.

Periodontist

A Periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the care of inflammation and disease of gums, the alveolar bone, and the periodontal ligament. To become a periodontist, one has to complete dental school and obtain a postdoctoral certificate, which often takes more than three years to receive.  

The dental field has many different careers that are available. Depending on the degree of education in which you prefer, every dental position has the advantage of helping patients achieve healthier smiles.
 

 

Happy Healthy Halloween! Smart Ways To Combine Dental Health With Halloween

Oct 25th, 2022
Easton Dentists Nov 17th, 2022

halloween candy can cause tooth decay

Halloween is nearly upon us, and this means a fun time for the kids. They will eat lots of candy and probably stockpile sweets for the winter. This is perfectly normal behavior for kids. The only problem is that sweets and candy may not translate to healthy teeth and a bright smile. Now we cannot ban candy during the Halloween season because we want to enforce strict standards of dental hygiene. However, we can give the kids tips on dental care so that candy will not lead to cavities. Below are some smart ways to ensure that our kids maintain a Healthy Halloween.

Communicate with the kids

Children are not magicians so they cannot know what they have not been taught. Parents should explain the connection between sweets and cavities to the kids. Just teach the kids to brush their teeth immediately after eating candies and they will get the message.

Limit the sweets

After trick or treat night, limit how much candy your children consume for the night. Why?

  1. Sugary Snacks – Halloween favorites like candy corn contain a huge amount of sugar which leads to tooth decay.
  2. Chewy Sweets – Gummy candies are delicious but the remains get stuck in teeth and are a serious source of tooth decay.
  3. Sticky Sweets – Dried fruits may seem like a healthy choice to hand out for Halloween but as with chewy sweets, these fruits stick to your teeth and make it very hard for saliva to wash remains away.  Fresh fruits are the way to go if you’re going with the alternative route.
  4. Sour Candy – This may come as a little surprise to you, however, sour candy contains acid which erodes tooth enamel and helps foster tooth decay.

Show them a video or invite your dentist over

A picture is worth a thousand words and a movie is more effective than a lecture. Show the kids an interesting movie on proper dental care because this will make the right impression on them. In fact, this is a smart move because it will make Halloween a wonderful experience for the kids.

This is the perfect time to invite your family dentist to give an informal lecture to the kids. Make this a part of the Halloween festivities and it will have the right impact. Your family dentist or his representative should lecture the kids on proper dental hygiene, effective brushing techniques, and flossing the teeth. For best results, the dental expert should join the kids in eating candy.

Healthy dental habits will keep kids’ teeth in great shape for years to come and will make dentist trips quick and painless.

This Halloween, remember that moderation is key.  Enjoy those sweets but make sure you’re taking good care of your teeth all year.  Schedule your cleaning appointment with Easton Dentist today and we’ll make sure you stay on track. The Dental Center is here for regular checkups and any emergencies that may arise. Contact Easton Dental today to schedule an appointment for everyone in the family.

What Are The Best Foods To Eat To Keep a Healthy Mouth?

Sep 15th, 2022
Easton Dentists Nov 18th, 2022

What Are The Best Foods To Eat To Keep a Healthy Mouth?

food for a healthy mouth

Preventative health measures for a healthy mouth can start with your diet. Depending on the foods and snacks you eat can keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Calcium For Healthy Teeth

Two of the best products for healthy teeth are milk and cheese. While they both provide calcium, they provide additional benefits. The calcium in milk is absorbed faster because milk contains Vitamin D. Calcium-rich cheese destroys bacteria in your mouth.

Chewy Vegetables For Healthy Gums And Teeth

When you chew fresh vegetables, it will keep your teeth strong and your gums healthy. Carrots, onions, and celery provide important nutrition while keeping your mouth healthy. They reduce the bacteria in your mouth by increasing saliva. Carrots also contain beta-carotene for strong teeth.

Apples For A Healthy Mouth

When it comes to dental health, all fruits are not equal. You can have the healthiest mouth if you choose apples instead of citrus fruits. Citrus fruits are acidic and can harm your tooth enamel.

Strawberries For White Teeth

You can eat strawberries for natural teeth whitening. With their nutritional benefits, strawberries can be an inexpensive alternative to over-the-counter whitening products.

Healthy Foods With Protein Contain Phosphorus

Some of the most common protein-rich foods provide phosphorus for healthy teeth. Eggs, fish, and meat contribute to strong, healthy tooth enamel.

Healthy Foods With Magnesium

Magnesium is also important for healthy tooth enamel. Some popular foods that are high in magnesium include bananas, spinach, and whole grains.

Shiitake Mushrooms For Dental Health

When you are looking for a different snack for yourself or your children, or want to add something special to a recipe, consider the dental health benefits of shiitake mushrooms. Not only will they destroy harmful bacteria in your mouth, but they are also a natural way to stop plaque from building up on your teeth. You will be less likely to develop cavities when you include mushrooms in your diet.

Here at The Dental Center at Easton in Columbus OH, we recommend maintaining a balanced diet, and include some of these products every day. You can enjoy good nutrition, delicious food, and dental health.

For more information on preventative health measures and more information on some more of the best foods to eat to keep a healthy mouth, contact our Columbus office today and schedule your next cleaning!

Tips For Eating With Dentures

Aug 20th, 2022
Easton Dentists Nov 18th, 2022

Dentures, like bifocals or wrinkles, are often seen as an inevitable part of the aging process, and eating with dentures can be a challenge for many people at first. The following tips can help to make the transition to wearing dentures easier.

The easiest way to feel comfortable eating with your dentures is to start off with a liquid diet, including soup, apple juice, purees, broth, scrambled eggs, and cooked cereal until you are ready to move on to more solid foods. However, at first, you should cut any solid food into smaller and more manageable pieces. Your dentures should be more stable and therefore more comfortable if you try to distribute food evenly on both sides of your mouth when chewing.

You may find that some foods taste different at first when eating with dentures, although this should improve over time. Your dentures mean that you won’t be able to accurately tell if food or liquid is extremely hot, so be extra careful with hot foods. You should also make a point of not holding the liquid in your mouth longer than necessary before swallowing it; this can actually loosen your dentures. Try to take small bites, chew slowly, and not gulp your food down.

Although you should be able to eat just about anything while wearing dentures, be careful when eating crusty bread, cereals, chewing gum, peanut butter, foods with small seeds, and sticky or hard candy. In general, try to avoid foods that are extremely sticky or chewy, or very hard, although denture adhesive can be useful for eating certain foods. Over 40 million Americans of all ages wear dentures, and if you are just joining them, it is important to understand that your life as you know it isn’t over – it may just take a little adjusting to.

For more dental advice, feel free to call The Dental Center at Easton in Columbus Ohio.