The Dental Center At Easton Town Center

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) is a disorder that affects the temporomandibular joint, jaw muscles, and even nerves on one or both sides of the head.  Pain in the jaw, face, head, and neck are indicators that you suffer from TMD.  If you suffer from TMD, here are a few tips and tricks to help ease your pain.

1. Jaw Exercises

Gentle and slow exercises may help improve your jaw mobility and promote healing.  Your dentist or physical therapist can help evaluate your condition and based on that evaluation a series of exercises can be suggested.

2. Relax Facial Muscles

Make a concentrated effort to relax your jaw muscles and keep your teeth apart.  This will relieve the stress on your facial muscles.

3. Relaxation Techniques

Meditation, massage, and yoga can be instrumental in relaxing muscles tightened by stress.

4. Over-the-Counter Analgesics

The short-term use of over-the-counter pain medication and anti-inflammatory’s, like ibuprofen, can provide temporary relief.  In some cases, your dentist can prescribe stronger medications.

5. 8 Soft Diet

Blended or soft foods allow the jaw to relax temporarily.  Avoid hard, chewy or crunchy foods.  You should also avoid stretching your jaw to bite into food like apples.

6. Moist Heat

Wrap a hot water bottle or heat pack in a warm, moist towel for temporary relief and to improve function.  As with anything that is heated, be careful that you don’t burn yourself.

7. Ice

As with the above, ice can bring temporary relief by numbing your jaw.  When using ice, you should never place it directly on your skin; instead, wrap it in a clean cloth and you should not use it for more than 10-15 minutes at a time.

8. Side Sleeping

Using a pillow for support between your shoulder and neck, side sleeping is another way you can relax your jaw.

Here at The Dental Center at Easton, our goal is to keep you healthy.  If you or someone you know is suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, call us for an appointment and we’ll help get you on the fast track to healing.

Someone dies every hour of every day of every year of oral and oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the mouth and throat).  This disease used to predominately affect people over the age of 50 who were heavy drinkers and smokers. More recently, these diseases are detected more frequently in younger people who neither smoke nor drink.

Early detection is key with cancers of the mouth and throat, through oral cancer examinations. A regular exam, performed by your dentist regularly, such as Dr. Gilmer in Columbus,  can catch signs of oral cancer before it’s too late.  Catching and treating cancer early can ultimately lead to a complete recovery. In addition to regular exams, part of early detection includes contacting your dentist if you have any of the following symptoms that persist for longer than 2 weeks:

• A lingering sore or irritation
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or lips
• Difficulty speaking, chewing or swallowing
• Difficulty moving your jaw
• Red or white patches in your mouth
• A change in your bite when your mouth is closed

April is the perfect time to take action in preventing oral cancer. Contact the dentists at The Dental Center today to schedule an appointment for an oral cancer examination. Remember – early detection can save your life!

As one of the best family dental practices in Columbus, we’ve seen hundreds of diverse families comprising of all ages and combinations.   Good dental care impacts every member of the family and requires a cohesive routine and commitment to the health of your teeth in order to build long-lasting health benefits for years to come.   In an effort to help you and your family initiate healthy practices at home, here are 5 tips we think you’ll find valuable.
  

1. Start Children Early

There’s a lot your children are learning from you during their early ages.   Toddlers are learning to walk and use the bathroom, while the older kids, if we’re lucky, are learning self-hygiene and how to pick up after themselves.   The earlier you start your children on healthy dental habits such as brushing and flossing or paying attention to diet, the more likely they are to take those habits into the later years and then into adulthood.
  

2. Brush twice a day and floss daily

As you develop these standard practices for the kids, make sure to set a good example.  Everyone in the home should brush in the morning and evening.  Flossing is unpopular and tedious but a very important part of preventing cavities and tooth decay.
  

3. Eat Smart

The teeth are there for one reason and one reason alone; to chew your food.  Therefore one of the most obvious and important factors to control in the quest for optimal dental hygiene is what goes in the mouth.  Sugars and salts are particularly bad for health and for the teeth.   A well-balanced diet of whole foods that include grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats is an excellent life habit for every family member, regardless of age or overall health.
  

4. Rinse after meals

Mealtime is when the teeth are exposed to the food and particles that settle into the enamel and get lodged between the molars.   It’s important to rinse the mouth with clean water after eating, especially if your dinner beverage is anything other than plain water.   This step is a supplement to proper brushing and flossing.
  

5.  Regular Check-ups

Most families only consider a dental visit when something goes wrong but regular check-ups for all family members can ensure long-term health and stability of the teeth and allows us to catch problem cavities or decay early on so proper treatment can be administered.  Might we suggest that today may be a good day to schedule an appointment at the Dental Center at Easton today?

Do you put off going to the dentist because of the expense? Maybe you think that you can get by skipping regular dental exams to save some money. However, by skipping regular dental checkups you are putting yourself at risk of seeing bigger bills than the cost of a routine appointment.

People who don’t receive regular dental exams often end up going to the emergency room for oral problems.  Did you know that the emergency room is unequipped to solve underlying dental health problems and the visit there usually costs 10 times more than seeing a dentist to address the same problem?  Seeking routine care can prevent the need to seek emergency dental care after the damage is done, at a much lower cost.

Additionally, oral care has a substantial impact on your overall health. By neglecting regular dental checkups, you are not only putting your oral health at risk but also your overall health and wellbeing. Many diseases can be diagnosed and treated early during regular and routine oral care. Astronomical hospital bills for diseases that could have been prevented can be avoided with an annual dental exam.

Don’t let yourself get stuck with a sky-high hospital bill because you didn’t get regular dental checkups. Call The Dental Center today to schedule your appointment!

Good dental hygiene habits are developed at a young age. This makes it so important to teach your child early on the importance of brushing and flossing. Your child’s oral health is also a huge part of their overall health and well-being. The best way to approach dental care with your child is by making it fun.

Toddlers and preschoolers think it is great fun to choose their own toothbrushes and toothpaste! One way to get them excited is to take your child to a drugstore and allow them to choose a toothbrush featuring a favorite cartoon character or a favorite color. Just make sure that the brush is American Dental Association approved. There are many fluoride toothpastes made especially for kids that your child can choose too.

For older children (starting at around four or five), try introducing flossing as a fun alternative to. Regular floss can be a challenge for children, so try starting out with a dental flosser. These come in a variety of colors, so they are not only easier for children but also fun!

Children should begin taking advantage of our pediatric dentistry services every six months when they are around one year old. Contact The Dental Center today to make an appointment and get your child started on a lifetime of good oral health!

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

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

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

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

A person’s dental health starts with good nutrition and dietary habits. What you eat and drink can affect not only your weight and overall health but also your dental health. Taking good care of your teeth and involves more than just brushing and flossing your teeth every day.

It goes without saying that eating sugary foods and drinking dark beverages can damage your teeth, but there’s plenty to understand about diet and dental health. Certain foods can accelerate the level of decay, leading to bad breath (halitosis), caries (cavities), and other dental problems. On the other hand, other foods can improve your oral health by helping to limit decay over time.

Which foods to eat

When choosing a diet that will promote both dental and overall health, bear in mind that there are plenty of foods out there that can help you achieve your goal. For the best results, you will need to take note of foods that will help you avoid a host of dental issues while also helping you to increase your energy and manage your weight.

Research has established that foods such as almonds, leafy greens, cheese, poultry, fruits, vegetables, cheese, eggs, and fish can help you fight cavities, reduce the risk of or effectively manage gum disease, and embrace an overall healthier lifestyle. Beverages you should incorporate into your diet include water, milk, and plain yogurt.

Foods to avoid

It’s also critical to understand some of the foods you need to avoid or limit in order to improve your overall dental health. For healthier teeth and gums, it pays to limit or avoid sugary, processed foods and foods that are high in sugar or sugar substitutes.

For good dental health, always remember to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and visit your Columbus Ohio dentist regularly. Regular dental care can help prevent oral problems and detect those that occur in the early stages, while they’re easily treatable.

A crown is a prosthetic device that can be cemented onto a surrounding implant or natural tooth structure. The primary function of a crown is to cover an implant, a damaged tooth or a tooth that has recently undergone root canal therapy. Also referred to as caps, dental crowns have both functional and aesthetic benefits. When used to cover severely damaged teeth or teeth in which the tooth pulp has been removed, crowns can both protect and preserve the underlying tooth structure. When used to cover weak, chipped or stain teeth, they can also brighten, balance and enhance the smile. Following is everything you need to know about the different types of dental crowns that are currently available, along with tips for choosing the best crown type for you.

Understanding The Benefits Of Dental Crowns

When placed by a competent dentist and properly maintained, dental crowns can last for a very long time. Crowns have been used by many dental providers to create a solid and well-balanced occlusion or bite, improve the shape, size and alignment of the teeth and protect them after root canal therapy, impact injuries and other forms of stress or harm. At their best, they’re attractive, difficult to distinguish from the surrounding natural teeth, and capable of performing or enhancing the function of a weakened tooth.

There are four, basic crown types that patients and their providers can choose from. Each of the four types of dental crowns have their own benefits and drawbacks. Moreover, certain crown types may be better suited to some individuals and circumstances than others. A reputable and competent dentist will be able to help you find the best crown type for your budget, your needs, and your oral health and cosmetic goals.

Types of Dental Crowns

 

Ceramic Crowns:

Comprised of durable, porcelain-based material, ceramic crowns are commonly used in the restoration of the front teeth. Dentists and patients prefer ceramic caps in this location given their ability to seamlessly blend with the color and overall appearance of natural tooth structures.

 

Crowns made from porcelain fused to metal:

Crowns made from porcelain fused to metal are considered significantly stronger than ceramic crowns and as a result, somewhat superior as well. This, however, is primarily true in terms of their overall durability. In terms of aesthetics, they are not the first choice when looking for a cap that will blend inconspicuously with the front teeth. Connected to a metal underlay, porcelain-fused metal cap bond better with the natural teeth than do ceramic caps.

 

Layered zirconia crowns:

Layered zirconia crowns are hailed for having greater flexural and overall strength than all-ceramic caps. They also provide optimal aesthetic benefits given that they are unlikely to develop problems with gingival graying or black lines. These are often recommended in instances in which metal cores, tooth discoloration, and implant abutments must be concealed.

 

Gold alloys:

Gold alloy crowns are comprised of a mixture of copper, gold, and other, lesser metals. Not only do these crowns bond firmly to the natural teeth, but they do not cause any significant wear and tear to these underlying structures in the process. Given their noticeable color, these are typically used at the back of the mouth where they are unlikely to be seen. The primary drawback of gold alloy improvements is that these procedures are rarely covered in part or in full by most basic, dental health plans and the materials used can be significantly more costly than those use in ceramic, base metal alloys or porcelain fused to metal caps.

 

Base metal alloy crowns:

Base metal alloy crowns are comprised of corrosion-resistant, non-noble metals. These make very strong crowns. For many consumers, this option is the most cost-effective solution to a damaged tooth or one that has recently had the tooth pulp removed. Crown placement procedures that involve base metal alloy caps are often fully covered by dental insurance plans. One of the greatest benefits in using these types of dental crowns, however, lies in the fact that they require the least amount of healthy tooth for placement. Thus, they are ideal for use in instances in which much of the natural tooth structure has chipped or actually broken off.

At Easton Dentists, Dr. Glimer and our experienced team in Columbus Ohio know what is best for your teeth, especially if a crown is involved. If you have any questions or are ready to schedule your next visit to, contact our office, and our team will be happy to assist you in any way we can!

Shampoo, soap, and toothpaste are all toiletries that you probably buy on a regular basis. When was the last time you bought dental floss? If you are following your dentist’s recommendations, you should be purchasing at least two 55-yard packages of floss per year. However, the majority of Americans do not purchase nearly that amount! In fact, the average person uses only 18 yards of floss per year – 10% of the amount of needed when flossing daily and correctly.

How Important Is Flossing?

Flossing is just as important as brushing in the process of ensuring good dental hygiene. Many people think that if they brush their teeth at least twice a day that is enough to keep their mouth healthy, but that just isn’t the case. No matter how thoroughly you brush, your toothbrush simply can’t reach the crevasses deep between your teeth. A dentist or dental hygienist can show you the proper way to floss and different types of flossing products to make the process as quick and easy as possible for you to do every day.

Call The Dental Center to make an appointment and learn the correct way to floss to keep your mouth healthy and beautiful!

Good dental hygiene is an important part of cavity prevention.  If you want to reduce the risk of cavities, you should brush and floss every time you eat.  However, dental hygiene and cavity prevention also require regular visits to the dentist.

One way your dentist can help prevent cavities is by professionally cleaning your teeth.  A professional cleaning will remove the buildup of plaque and tartar that cannot be removed with your toothbrush.  It will also clean the areas between your teeth so residue and bacteria cannot harm your teeth.

Education is the second source of cavity prevention.  When you have regular visits, your dentist can advise you of the products that are right for you.  As dental floss, toothpaste, and toothbrushes are not all alike, your dentist’s advice can help you prevent cavities.

A routine examination is an opportunity for your dentist to notice problems.  If he finds an issue that can affect the health of your teeth, he will recommend an appropriate solution.

As dental care is easier and more effective than ever before, it is in your best interest to choose a dentist and make an appointment.  Contact the dentists of the Dental Center at Easton today to get started!