Every individual’s mouth is filled with bacteria. If regular brushing and regular visits to the dentist were ignored, the bacteria in your mouth will cause serious issues that dentists encounter on a daily basis. Some of these problems are very preventable and most times, do not require a dentist to fix.

Here are some of the most frequent dental issues that patients experience and how to prevent them:

Chipped Teeth

Chipped teeth occur when teeth experience extreme physical trauma. Fractures can be caused from eating hard foods, teeth grinding, playing a contact sport or activity, and more. Depending on how much of the tooth has been lost, you may experience pain in the tooth’s pulp and increased sensitivity. Rough edges may even occur when you run your tongue against the chipped edge. A dentist would be required to fix this fracture by putting a dental cap or crown over the fractured tooth—and in serious cases a dental implant.

To prevent chipped teeth, limit yourself from eating hard foods, wear a mouth guard when playing sports, rigorous activities, or even when you go to bed.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, also known as Bruxism, often occurs when you go to bed. Teeth grinding can lead to very serious problems such as fracturing, loosening, and loss of teeth.

To prevent your teeth from grinding, buy an over-the-counter mouth guard, or have your dentist fit you with a custom-made mouth guard. If your stress is causing your Bruxism; attend a stress and counseling program, start exercising, learn stress relieving techniques, and if you are aware of your clinching, train yourself not to clench.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the infection of the gums, or the Gingiva, caused by plaque. Plaque is a substance that is a biofilm of food and bacteria that accumulates over time. If dental plaque constantly builds up, gums may become swollen, red, bleed easily, and you may even experience bad breath.

Brushing your teeth for two to three minutes twice a day, eating healthy foods, avoiding acidic foods, going to your regular checkups, avoiding many forms of tobacco, and using mouth wash daily can prevent gingivitis from building up.

Cavities

According to the CDC, one in four adults have an untreated cavity, and nearly every adult will experience tooth decay at some point in their lives. Depending on the extent of the tooth decay, a dentist may either suggest a filling, a crown or in extreme cases, a root canal.

Preventing cavities from appearing is just like preventing Gingivitis, brush your teeth for two to three minutes a day, eat healthy foods, avoid acidic foods, visit your dentist regularly, avoid tobacco, and use mouth wash daily. Following these preventative measures can dramatically lower your risk for cavities and costly visits to the dentist.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is highly advised that you see a dental professional. Although these minor dental problems may not seem serious at first, as time progresses, these could become severe.

At The Dental Center at Easton Town Center, Dr. Glimer and our caring staff understand your dental concerns. We pride ourselves on providing the best care and attention you need to keep your smile healthy. If you have any questions regarding your oral health, make an appointment with us today!

On July 3^rd, 1806, two years into their journey to chart the uncharted west of America, pioneer explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark reached a challenge of epic proportion – the Rocky Mountains. What next, they wondered? Without a map, they were forced to do what explorers do – explore, and hope for the best. So, that got us thinking. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a handy map you could use to chart your own dental health? With that in mind, and in honor of our explorers, we at The Dental Center at Easton wanted to share with you a few mile markers you can use to stay on top of your child’s health today, next year, and for years to come!

6 to 24 months

When you’re a new parent, life is a whirlwind, and the dental care of your newborn may not be top of mind when you look in their mouths and see no teeth! Here are some things to keep in mind:

Schedule your regular visit: As soon as that first tooth comes in, you’ll want to give us a call at (614) 414-0111 to schedule your regular visit so we can review your next steps and the steps for your child. Also, be aware the ADA recommends fluoridated toothpaste now for all children under the age of three. Don’t wait!

Ask us about:

• Home hygiene basics: Things like, tips and tricks on brushing and other care. There’s nothing better than having our hygienists give brushing tutorials – they’re experts!
• Preventative dentistry: The possible need for fluoride supplements
• Dietary strategies: Achieving a balanced diet early in life for good oral health later
• Feeding practice awareness: Bottle, breastfeeding, and no-spill training cups
• Non-nutritive oral habits: Thumb sucking, pacifiers
• Making Dental Visits Normal: Even from a young age, your child should be very comfortable visiting the dentists. He or she should build that regular habit while young to keep a strong sense of normalcy.

2 to 12 years old

Ah, the little ones are growing up. Teeth are coming in at all sorts of crazy angles, and you’re going crazy from the rise in obligations. Here’s a quick list of what to consider during this time frame:

• Preventative dentistry: Pit and fissure sealants can do wonders for keeping your child’s dental bills down, and their teeth in their head until they’re ready to fall out naturally. Ask us about them. They’re affordable AND useful. And, super-fast, you’ll be in and out in no time.
• Orthodontic Consultation: Visiting an orthodontist for an early consultation is best done around your child’s seventh birthday. With today’s technology, early intervention can reduce the cost and duration of braces when your child gets older.

The Teen Years

The years “everything” happens! As children start to come into their own, new habits and desires begin to unfold as well. You’ll have to address every imaginable concern during these years, from piercings, to calls for whitening, braces, and the need to refer yourself away from your pediatric dentist and to a general dentist for continuing oral care. So, speak with us about:

• Cosmetic Dentistry: What solutions are advisable now, and what things should be avoided.
• Teen social pressures: Smoking, alcohol, intraoral/perioral piercings and the like. Believe it or not, we can help a lot with this. Does your teen have a favorite Dental Center hygienist? We might be able to arrange for that person to help when your teen comes in so they can address these concerns with an intermediary they trust. Give us a call at (614) 414-0111 to see how we can help!
• Orthodontics: Options for minimizing appearance and health problems later in life.
• Home hygiene tips: Brushing, flossing, choosing the right mouthwash.
• Craniofacial injury prevention: With your children’s possible participation in sports, you’ll want to get them a mouthguard. Hands down it’ll be one of your best investments in a healthy mouth. And we make great ones here at The Dental Center!
• Positive Reinforcement: Your teen hears lots of feedback from every direction, but it can be very helpful to hear the benefits of good oral health from a different voice then they hear everything else. We will work hard to reinforce this necessary message with you to your teen!

Staying on top of your child’s oral health isn’t as hard as you think, and if you keep this schedule handy, you’ll be ahead of most of your neighbor’s kids when it comes to a healthy mouth and body. Come to think of it … why not share it with them as well? They’ll thank you for the help.

Whether you call them cold sores or fever blisters, if you’re among the more than 40% of Americans who regularly experience this inflammatory viral nuisance, you know they’re anything but a joy to deal with. You’ve also probably heard of countless ways to deal with them, from over-the-counter remedies to treatment options that span generations. So what really works?

Well, quite honestly what “works” when it comes to cold-sores, is management.  And, specifically, preventing, treating and eliminating the transmission of this most annoying of viruses. Here is how you do it:

Cold Sore Prevention

The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is certainly true when it comes to cold sores, so knowing what causes them to surface is key. The number one and number two reasons are a weakened immune system, and exposure to rapidly changing weather. You know what we say here in Ohio: If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes and it will change! So we know about rapidly changing weather! To tackle the weather, always keep your preferred brand of lip moisturizer with sunscreen on hand, or grab one of our exciting flavors here at your next visit, to protect your lips from weather’s effect on your lips. And, to boost your immune system, be sure to get enough sleep and find ways to combat stress in your life. Also, as with most things in life, what’s good for our waistlines is good for our immune system. Here are some good dietary suggestions for cold sore sufferers:

1. Eat Raw, Alkalizing Foods: Fruits and vegetables are super-good for you. Eat as many of them as you enjoy.
2. Beef-up On Cruciferous Vegetables: Clinical studies are beginning to suggest that veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and kale are of great benefit to cold-sore sufferers. If you don’t naturally like eating some of these, then have some fun exploring new spices until you find the one that helps you eat more of these great veggies.
3. Avoid Arginine: Cold-sores need the amino acid arginine to grow, so if you can limit the excess intake of this amino acid, you may be able to keep frequent outbreaks at bay. Nuts, chocolate, oats, and some protein shakes are high in arginine, and can be major cold-sore triggers. Even if you can’t give it up cold-turkey (C’mon, we need our chocolate!), even reducing the amount can make a huge difference!

By merely eating well and getting regular rest, you can help yourself avoid several outbreaks a year.

Cold Sore Treatment and Remedies

Preventing a cold sore from appearing is indeed your best medicine, and if you pay attention to what your body tells you, it is possible to dramatically reduce outbreaks. When a cold-sore does gift you with its presence, though, here are a few things you can do to minimize its pain, size and duration.

1. Ice It! At the first sign of tingling, get thee to an ice cube, wrap it in a paper-towel, and place it on your lip where you feel the cold-sore coming on. Often two back-to-back applications of an ice cube until it melts can dramatically reduce the pain and swelling that accompanies the sore. This is definitely worth the up-front hassle, especially if you have a big day coming in the near future. You don’t wamt the extra burden or discomfort when you should be focusing on what really matters.
2. Slather It? Not Now, But Later. Cold sores love warm, moist environments, and this is precisely the environment you present to a cold-sore when you slather it in cream for days on end.  You’re best to let it dry out to the point where it is no longer painful, and then begin applying cream or lip balm to minimize splitting. As the cold sore resolves itself, it’s best to keep your lips moist to prevent bleeding, which also aids in the healing at this stage.

Eliminate Transmission of Cold Sores

Avoid sharing food, utensils, towels, toothbrushes (always a good idea to avoid), or any other item that could come in contact with your mouth. Also, be sure to avoid touching the cold sore and then later touching your eyes or genital area.  In fact, your best course of action is to avoid touching your mouth at all during an outbreak, and not again until after the scab has dropped off completely, AND healed over. This can take some weeks, as you know. Kissing, and other aspects of intimacy that involve your mouth should be avoided entirely. Wash your hands often – this cannot be stressed enough to avoid spreading the virus.

Having a cold sore is not the end of the world. Nine out of ten of all people get at least one cold sore in their life, so there is no need to hide in the closet. Understand your triggers, find a solution that works, don’t spread the virus, and stay healthy!

Many people today track their food and liquid intake in an effort to lose weight and be healthier, but how many people actually consider how those same factors affect the health of their teeth? After all, the teeth are the first part of the body to come in contact with any food or beverage that you consume. Before a food can enter into your digestive system, it first has to pass through your mouth. So why not consider the implications that food and drinks have on your teeth?

If you’re wondering about foods that affect your oral health, check out this past article. Today, however, we’re going to look at the 5 worst drinks for your teeth. What makes a drink less than ideal for oral health are its sugar content, acidity level, and staining probabilities. Let’s take a look at the five worst offenders.

Coffee

Since so many people begin their day with a cup or more of coffee, you’re probably disappointed to see this on the list. It’s not the caffeine that makes this liquid an offender, rather the major issue with coffee is its staining power. The dark brown color of coffee is notorious for turning teeth yellow over time. If you’re someone who takes their coffee with cream and sugar, that doesn’t help either. Adding sugar to an already acidic drink only makes it worse for your teeth.

Tea

Much like coffee, the big problem with tea is its dark color. Black teas and other dark blends can cause the same staining issues as coffee, turning your pearly whites a shade of yellow. If you’re going to enjoy tea, try lighter blends to avoid staining your teeth and try not to add sugar so you don’t contribute to tooth decay and cavities.

Alcohol

Whether your beverage of choice is beer, wine, or liquor, it doesn’t really matter; all three are offenders for oral health. Beer is highly acidic, wine is acidic and stains teeth, and liquor is acidic and potentially too sugary when mixed with sodas or juices. No matter how you enjoy your alcohol, you’re going to expose your teeth to acid, sugar, or staining agents.

Soda

Soda is one of the worst offenders on the list because it combines high acidity, loads of sugar, and sometimes a dark color that causes staining all in one beverage. If you want to increase your risk of tooth decay, cavities, and yellowing teeth, simply continue drinking soda.

Energy & Sports Drinks

If you think that reaching for an energy drink or sports drink is a better option, think again. These beverages, whether in powder form or canned are just as bad as soda. High acidity and sugar levels harm your teeth and offer little benefit to your body in general.

You might be wondering what you’re supposed to drink to keep your teeth healthy. To be completely truthful, as boring as it sounds, water is your best option. Water is typically pH balanced for the body, meaning it isn’t too acidic or too alkaline, it does not contain any sugar, and its clear color means you won’t have to worry about staining.

We realize however that you are probably going to indulge in your favorite beverages from time to time. Here are a few tips that you can use to minimize the damage done to your teeth:

-Drink these beverages through a straw. This helps transport the liquid to the back of your mouth and avoids direct contact with your teeth.

-Sip water in between drinks of these beverages or follow up the beverage with a glass of water to wash away lingering acid and sugar.

-Brush and floss at least 2x a day to remove built up sugar and plaque that lead to tooth decay and cavities.

If you’ve already suffered the effects of consuming too many of these drinks, Easton Dentist is here to help correct any damage that’s been done. Whether you need professional teeth whitening, cavity repair, or simply a good cleaning, we can help you restore your healthy smile. Contact us today to set up an appointment!

Maybe you’ve heard the term TMD before, but weren’t quite sure what it stood for. TMD stands for Temporomandibular Disorder, a common disorder among many individuals that affects the joint connecting the jaw to the temporal bones of the skull.

When a person suffers from TMD, the hinge that connects the upper and lower jaw isn’t working properly and the area becomes inflamed. The inflammation causes a variety of uncomfortable symptoms that usually trigger the individual to seek medical attention.

Typical symptoms that point to TMD include:

• Popping or clicking sound when moving your jaw
• Jaw getting stuck or feeling as if it is stuck
• Headaches that can mimic a migraine in severity
• Earache and ear pain
• Pain and/or pressure behind the eyes
• Tenderness of jaw muscles
• Neck stiffness resulting from tight muscles
• A change in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together
• Jaw pain that is caused by yawning or opening the mouth wide

If you have TMD, it is likely that you will experience one or more of these symptoms. While there is no test to diagnose TMD, symptoms such as those listed above are a good indication of the disorder. However, before you self-diagnose, it is best to seek advice from your medical or dental care provider.

Just as there is no test to diagnose TMD, there is also no cure for the disorder. But that doesn’t mean that sufferers won’t be able to find relief. There are ways to manage and reduce symptoms associated with TMD and to make your life more comfortable.

Treatment options for those who have Temporomandibular Disorder include:

• Applying moist heat or ice to the jaw area in order to reduce pain and swelling
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medicine
• Having your doctor prescribe muscle relaxants to control muscle spasms and prevent jaw locking
• Wearing a night guard to reduce added pressure from clenching or grinding
• Resting your jaw from chewing by eating a soft food diet for a few days
• Eliminating sources of stress in your life and practicing relaxation techniques

Work with your doctor or dentist to find the right treatment options for you. A combination of treatments might be the best route to take. For individuals who do not respond to the treatments above, surgery is a last resort to help address and correct the problem.

If you’ve been suffering from jaw pain or any of the other symptoms listed above, contact Easton Dentists today and schedule a consultation with one of our caring and experienced dentists. We want to help you alleviate your discomfort and get back to living pain free. Schedule today!

One of the most common aesthetic complaints that patients have regarding their smile is the color of their teeth. We are used to seeing celebrities and TV actors with perfect, pearly white smiles and come to expect that our own smiles should look the same way. It makes sense then that patients feel frustrated by the yellowing of their teeth and wonder what they can do to fix it.

What Causes Teeth To Yellow

The truth is that we will all experience yellowing teeth as part of the natural aging process. Some people experience it more than others, but none the less, it’s not an uncommon condition. As we age, the outer protective layer of our teeth, the enamel, thins and becomes more translucent. The inner, living layer of our teeth, the dentin, also diminishes with time and has a tendency to yellow with age. Both the thinning of enamel and the shrinking and yellowing of the dentin are what cause teeth to appear yellow as we get older.

What You Can Do To Prevent Yellow Teeth

As we discussed above, there are two layers of the teeth: enamel and dentin. Your teeth’s enamel can become discolored and stained; this is called extrinsic discoloration, while intrinsic discoloration is related to aging dentin. Preventing yellow teeth needs to be addressed both extrinsically and intrinsically.

Addressing the discoloration of tooth enamel is fairly easy. Here are a few things you can do to prevent your enamel from becoming stained and yellow in color:

-Stop smoking

-Cut back or eliminate acidic and dark colored beverages (coffee, soda, wine, tea)

-Maintain a good oral health routine, including flossing to remove plaque build up

-Drink water after eating brightly colored fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, etc.

-Use OTC whitening products

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for correcting discoloration of dentin. This living tissue is prone to the aging process. You can, however, take steps to prevent premature aging. Here’s how:

-Treat bruxism (teeth grinding) which can cause your enamel and dentin to wear and age at an accelerated rate

-Protect teeth from trauma by wearing a mouth guard when playing sports

-Nourish your body with a healthy diet and manage stress

If you are concerned with the color of your teeth, have your dentist determine if the discoloration is intrinsic or extrinsic. There are many whitening solutions that can help address extrinsic discoloration and restore a brighter smile. In the case that your discoloration is caused by intrinsic factors, don’t despair. Take steps now to make sure it doesn’t become worse and that you aren’t doing anything to cause premature aging of your teeth.

Do you want to have a brighter and whiter smile? Contact Easton Dentists today and schedule a consultation to see how we can help you get the smile you deserve!

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!

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!

You may have heard this funny sounding word or saw it listed in the ingredients of a pack of gum you recently bought. In fact, with nutritionist pushing for consumers to read food labels and for food manufacturers to be more transparent, you’re probably beginning to notice all kinds of ingredients that you may have never heard of before. Xylitol sounds anything but familiar, so what is it and more importantly, is it good for you?

What is xylitol?

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, much like sorbitol, mannitol, or erythritol. It is derived from the carbohydrate xylose and occurs naturally in some fruits and vegetables. When produced for commercial purposes, xylitol is extracted from one of two sources; corn cobs or birch wood.

What is xylitol used for?

Since xylitol is naturally sweet and contains 1/3 fewer calories than sugar, it is often used as a sugar substitute in chewing gums, mints, and other items such as “sugar-free” candies. Xylitol is also found in some oral care products such as tooth paste and mouth rinse.

Is xylitol good for me?

There are mixed results as to whether xylitol is beneficial to humans beyond the recommended serving of 6-10 grams per day. However, in small doses xylitol has shown to help prevent tooth decay and cavities because it does not convert to acid in the mouth like sugar does.

Although xylitol has proven to benefit human’s oral health when consumed in small doses, any amount of xylitol is toxic to dogs. If your dog eats any amount of xylitol, you should take them to the vet immediately for treatment.

How can xylitol benefit my oral health?

Xylitol has shown to increase salivary flow, helping keep the mouth hydrated and washing away harmful acids that break down tooth enamel. It is also useful in helping prevent plaque buildup which in turn helps prevent cavities.

Should I add xylitol to my diet?

Before you add anything new to your diet or oral health care routine, it’s best to talk to your doctor and/or dentist to learn their recommendation. While xylitol does show some promising oral health benefits, work with your doctor and dentist to determine if it is the right option for you.

If you have dental care concerns about cavities or tooth decay, having regular cleanings and exams with a professional dentist is the first step to improving your oral health. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

If you went to the dentist as a child, you probably remember the fluoride treatments that the hygienist gave towards the end of your appointment. You may have questioned why you weren’t allowed to eat anything for the next thirty minutes but it’s doubtful that you questioned the role that fluoride plays in your dental health. Now as an adult you may be wondering what fluoride is and how it helps keep our mouths healthy.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in some foods and in most cases, is also found in your city water.

What Role Does Fluoride Play in Dental Health?

The outermost layer of our teeth, our enamel, is made up of tiny crystals that are fortified with minerals such as calcium, fluoride, and phosphate. The foods that we eat, particularly sugar and grains, can cause acid to be produced as it breaks down the food. Those acids can then affect our enamel, causing mineral loss, also referred to as demineralization.

When tooth enamel suffers from demineralization, it leaves your teeth more prone to bacteria build up and tooth decay. Through our diet and through dental treatments and fluoride enhanced products, we are able to supplement lost fluoride and aid in the remineralization of our tooth enamel. Strong, healthy tooth enamel is the first line of defense against tooth decay and also tooth sensitivity.

Who Can Benefit From Fluoride?

It was once believed that only children with developing teeth and bones could benefit from topical fluoride treatments. Today, however, it has been shown that fluoride aids adults in the remineralization process and is beneficial for their oral health as well.

Do I Need More Fluoride?

Most over the counter toothpastes and mouth rinses are fortified with fluoride and provide sufficient supplementation for adults. To gain the most benefit, try brushing with fluoride toothpaste or using a fluoride mouth rinse 1-2x a day.

Be careful with children, especially those under the age of 6, as they do not require the same amount of fluoride as adults. Use only a small amount of fluoride toothpaste for young children and monitor their exposure to fluoride in other sources to keep exposure at a safe and beneficial level.

At Easton Dentists, we believe that preventative care, which includes regular dental checkups, is one of the most important factors in maintaining your oral health. If you’re ready to schedule a visit at our Columbus Dental Center, contact us today. We’re here to help you move towards greater oral health!