New Massaging Method Could Quadruple Protection Against Tooth Decay

May 4th, 2012
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

The well-known daily drill of brushing and flossing twice a day is fine and dandy, as your dentist will tell you, but massaging your chompers after lunch adds to the protection against tooth decay. In fact, the University of Gothenburg (Sweden) researchers have found that by massaging high-fluoride toothpaste on your teeth in between your morning and bedtime brushing routine, you can increase protection against tooth decay by approximately 400 percent.

This is terrific news, seeing that dentists have been noticing a significant rise of cavities and tooth decay among young children. We, at The Dental Center at Easton Town Center, recommend the massaging regimen to all our patients. Rubbing toothpaste on your teeth allows fluoride to remain on the surface longer than just brushing. It is almost like brushing your teeth for a third time. However, it should never be a replacement for daily brushing and flossing. Your local dentist will remind you this routine is still needed for adequate plaque removal.

Below are three easy steps to the dental massaging technique that provide your teeth and gums added protection.

1. Massage high-fluoride toothpaste on the surface of your teeth and gums after lunch or in the afternoon.
2. Let sit for 30 minutes or so.
3. Rinse with water and voila!

Check with a family dentist in your area before implementing the dental massaging method on children. Children have different requirements when it comes to fluoride and too much can cause dental problems, such as developing fluorosis (a disturbance of dental enamel from overexposure to fluoride).

However, for adults, especially those who are dealing with dental issues or poor oral hygiene, the massage method is definitely something to consider. In addition to brushing and flossing twice a day, and seeing your dentist every six months, massaging your chompers will help keep them cavity-free and you’ll avoid dental emergencies down the road.

Ways to Promote Good Dental Health: Sink Your Teeth Into This—Licorice

Apr 26th, 2012
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

We’ve spent many years in the Columbus area providing comprehensive and emergency dental services to our clients. And one question we always hear from our patients is, “What are other ways, besides brushing and flossing that I can improve my dental health?”

Often when one thinks of licorice, the vision of red or black chewy rope candy comes to mind. Licorice candy certainly is not something dentists or doctors encourage their patients to indulge in, but dried licorice root is! Licorice root is a natural herb that promotes good dental health and comes in many forms, such as sticks, loose tea, powder, and liquid extract. Its sweet menthol flavor makes it a tasty supplement to the basic daily ritual of brushing, flossing and rinsing.

The benefits of using licorice root are numerous.

• Freshens breath
• Remedies sore throats
• Prevents oral infections
• Inhibits the growth of plaque and tartar
• Soothes digestive issues
• Decreases inflammation
• Enhances the immune system

This is a great thing to know, especially since the World Health Organization reports that “tooth decay affects more than one-fourth of U.S. children aged 2-5 years and half of those aged 12-15 years.” Those are high percentages, as is this startling statistic: “one-fourth of U.S. adults aged 65 or older have lost all of their teeth.”

If you are thinking about adding licorice root to your daily dental regimen, talk with your doctor or local dentist first. As with any herbal supplement, there are slight risks for adverse reactions with medications and complications in certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and pregnancy. Most often than not, though, licorice root can be used safely in moderation.

Certainly, licorice root seems to be a wonderful supplement that promotes good dental health and hygiene, but it should never be a replacement for brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups. It is definitely something to sink your teeth into! Teeth and gums are two personal assets worth tending to and improving for a lifetime of eating and smiles!

Live in Central Ohio? Schedule your appointment today with The Dental Center at Easton Town Center!

Tooth loss is not a natural part of aging

Aug 9th, 2011
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Tooth loss and decay are often associated with aging and the elderly tend to have more tooth loss and decay than the rest of the population. This doesn’t mean that there is a causal connection between poor teeth and age. Tooth loss and decay are the effects of poor habits over a long period of time. For instance, if you eat a cup of sugar every day for 20 years without experiencing any conspicuous effects, you may think nothing is wrong. Just because you don’t see the effects doesn’t mean they’re not there.

For this reason, tooth decay is more common in the elderly even though tooth decay is not caused by old age. Our enamel is tough, so it takes many years of bad oral hygiene and eating habits to affect our teeth. Eventually, enamel does wear away or become brittle, making it easy for decay to take over. In addition, many medications that elderly people take cause saliva production to be much less than in people of other age groups.

This delayed response should be of no surprise to anyone. Our body works this way in response to many external stimuli. Eating an ice cream cone doesn’t make you fat right away, just like going to the gym once doesn’t make you healthy right away. Our body, like our character, is the result of what we consistently do.
Of course, sugary diets and a lackluster effort at oral hygiene are the main causes of tooth decay, but other factors can contribute as well. A struggling immune system, increased systemic diseases, and prescription medications can negatively affect the body’s ability to naturally fight decay. We need healthy gums to have healthy teeth!