The Benefits Of Flossing

May 26th, 2016
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

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!

Cosmetic Dentistry: Teeth Whitening And Its Powerful Effects

Jun 29th, 2015
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Looking to get your pearly whites their whitest? Whether you have a career in front of the camera or are simply trying to achieve a whiter smile, cosmetic teeth whitening is a sure way to get your teeth shining their brightest.

Teeth whitening is a safe form of bleaching performed inside the mouth. The bleach is applied to your tooth’s enamel and stained teeth will appear brighter and cleaner. This is great for those who partake in practices that tend to stain your teeth, such as drinking coffee or cola, smoking cigarettes, and drinking red wine. This powerful whitening effect can last anywhere up to a year, to as little as a month long (depending on your intake of foods or beverages that often stain teeth)

Whitening your teeth can have a powerful effect leading to a brighter smile, however it may also cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. It’s important to speak to your dentist before undergoing a whitening procedure to discuss long-term and side-effects associated with whitening your teeth. Results vary dependent on the color of your teeth. Yellow and brown teeth respond very well to whitening practices, whereas grey stained teeth may not show as bright of a result.

Easton Dentist will be able to answer any questions or concerns you have regarding your cosmetic whitening procedure. For a bright, white new smile call Easton Dentist at (614) 414-0111 to schedule an appointment for cosmetic teeth whitening. You will not regret your results.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Apr 23rd, 2013
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Because of their rise in popularity, people from all walks of life are becoming more and more interested in porcelain veneers.  It makes sense, too.  Porcelain veneers can very easily seem like the most simple and effective method for restoring a beautiful smile.

Like most anything else in life, there can certainly be downsides.  Getting porcelain veneers can be a somewhat painful process because a layer of your natural enamel must be removed.  Additionally, getting porcelain veneers is an irreversible treatment which means that you can never go back to just having your original teeth after you’ve had veneers applied.  However, most people find that the benefits greatly outweigh the disadvantages.

  • Each set of porcelain veneers is unique to the patient.  Though it takes significantly more time, your dentist will specially craft your porcelain veneers to ensure that they are the perfect match for your smile.
  • After porcelain veneers are applied, it is virtually impossible to distinguish them from your natural teeth.  A smile of porcelain veneers will look just as happy and healthy as any other smile.
  • Porcelain veneers have some advantages over normal teeth in that they resist stains from coffee and tea.  They can do this because, even though they look just like normal teeth, they are made from high tech materials.
  • Because they are made to enhance teeth, porcelain veneers can be maintained just as any other tooth would be.  They still require typical brushing and flossing though they may need different whitening techniques than other teeth.
  • A porcelain veneer wouldn’t be effective if it was fragile so they are designed to be as strong and sturdy as any other tooth in your mouth.  They will bite and chew like any other tooth, just don’t expect them to be indestructible.

While there are downsides to veneers, many people find they help much more than they hurt.  A set of veneers, when cared for properly, will last a lifetime.  To learn more about how veneers can help you, give us a call today!

How Teeth Can Make You Look Older

Apr 9th, 2013
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Your teeth are supposed to be and should be your ally.  They should be the white, bright representation of how you feel on the inside.  Ideally, they should be as cheerful and inviting as your own personality.  However, as we age, our teeth can easily show unwarranted signs of aging that we may not ourselves feel.        

            Even with very attentive care, our teeth can show wear and tear that not only makes them look older; they make us feel older whenever we smile.  Unfortunately, teeth can show age in many different ways.

  • Dark teeth.  From daily use, your teeth will naturally become darker with age.  This yellow tint has the unwanted effect of making you look much older and much unhealthier than you actually are.
  • Stained dental work.  If you’ve had work done many years ago, there is a good chance that it may not be holding up as well as you’d like.  Because it is not structured like your natural teeth, traditional toothpastes and whiteners may not work as well on your dental work.
  • Gum Recession.  If you’ve never heard the phrase “long in the tooth,” it means something is getting older.  The look of being long in the tooth can be exacerbated very easily by gum recession, making you look much older much quicker.
  • Worn teeth.  No matter how well you take care of your teeth, there may be no way to avoid wearing them down.  From regular chewing to teeth grinding, your teeth can easily be worn down over the years.

This all sounds like your teeth stand no chance but, in reality, any damage done to your teeth can be fixed by a great dentist.  By setting up an appointment with The Dental Center at Easton (in Columbus Ohio), you can reverse the look of aging teeth today!

5 Reasons to Smile!

Feb 26th, 2013
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

In Columbus Ohio, we talk all the time about what you can do to help improve your smile with things like teeth whitening, veneers, and dental implants.  However, did you know that there are good reasons to smile that go beyond just being happy?

It’s true.  The simple act of smiling can be quite beneficial to your overall health and it’s even been proven in scientific testing.  The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry performed an independent study to determine exactly how much smiling can help a person.  The results are astounding and they should give you reason to smile!

 

  1. Smiling is proven to make you more attractive.  That attraction can manifest in many different ways, though.  A good smile can be seen by different people as a sign being successful, trustworthy, outgoing, likeable, honest, and even more intelligent.  These perceptions are triggered in the subconscious mind.  Beyond that, attractive people have been proven to have the opportunity to earn 12%-27% more income and have more options in dating and marriage.  All this from having a great smile!
  2. Smiling can make you happier.  It may seem like a strange concept but if you begin smiling, your mood will improve.  A smile tells your brain that you are in a good mood and so it will make you start feeling better.  This little trick is a great way to stay bright and cheery.
  3. Smiling is an integral part in any society.  While handshakes and other gestures vary with differing cultures, smiling is a universal sign of happiness.  It is one of the few expressions recognized without question all over the world.  This fact really does put a new spin on the idea that when you smile, the world smiles with you!
  4. Smiling helps to ensure a positive impression.  You never know when you’ll happen upon someone who might be important to your life.  If you turned the corner and bumped into your crush or your idol, wouldn’t you rather be smiling?  This is especially true of first impressions.  The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that 88% of people claim they would remember someone with an attractive smile.
  5. Smiling is easy!  The best part about smiling is that it can only take a few muscles to do.  Smiling will benefit you exponentially but it can be done by anyone at any time.

Unfortunately, only about half of all Americans are pleased with their smile.  With affordable and simple solutions to nearly any smile predicament, the experts here at The Dental Center at Easton (in Columbus, OH) are more than happy to help you smile more!  Give us a call today and start smiling!

Finding the Right Teeth Whitening System for You

Jul 12th, 2010
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

What are you looking for when it comes to teeth whitening? Do you want the popular laser teeth whitening? Or do you want whiter teeth in one hour?  Over the past couple of years, we have seen a boom in the teeth whitening market.  In fact, teeth whitening is so popular that people commonly refer to well-known teeth whitening systems like Zoom or Britesmile as laser teeth whitening. 

 

This is actually inaccurate – both systems actually fall into a category called light activated tooth whitening as there is no actual laser that whitens the teeth. Both systems work very well, so why is one system better than another? 

 

Britesmile was the biggest player in the market when they first hit the market and they spent millions of marketing dollars to build audience recognition through many sources of media.  Many dentists jumped on board and were certified to offer this incredible whitening system. Soon after a company called Discus Dental started to become well known with their competitive system called Zoom, which became very popular due to its exposure on hit TV shows like “Extreme Makeover” and “the Swan.” 

 

Because Britesmile and Zoom both work well, how do you determine which to use for your whitening session?  Individual dentists set the price they charge for teeth whitening sessions. What determines the difference in pricing are whether or not they include take home whitening kits for touch ups, whether they require a paid first visit to assess your teeth, and how many uses of carbamide peroxide gel are included with the take home kits. 

 

Teeth whitening is a relatively simple procedure that is performed by the practice’s hygienist, who is certified in administering the system.  Whether you’re seeking laser teeth whitening or  light activated tooth whitening, your dentist can help determine the best system to give you a dazzling smile.

Say "I Do" to Your Dentist

Feb 8th, 2010
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

While Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, so too is wedding season. Many a bride has dreamed of this day – wearing an elaborate white gown and staring into the eyes of their beloved. However, many of those dreams have been turned into a nightmare – gaps, discolored teeth, and uneven smiles have caused many brides to panic.

Relax. The wedding of your dreams doesn’t have to be a nightmare. From new whitening techniques to restorative dental work, the smile of your dreams is within your reach come your wedding day.

A whiter smile is the top request of brides.  There are many tiers of tooth whitening available today, but know that the darker your teeth, the more help they need. Over-the-counter whitening strips are a good option if your teeth are already white. But if you have significant discoloration, or discoloration on the sides of the teeth, these strips likely will not be sufficient. The next step is usually take-home whitening trays or laser whitening, which may be a better option for significant whitening that needs to be done in a short period of time.

Restoring broken, chipped, cracked or stained teeth is another common request. Bonding can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained or have spaces between them. With bonding, tooth-colored materials are applied, or bonded, to the tooth surface. This simple, non-invasive conservative procedure can also close spaces.

Veneers are another popular choice. These thin, custom-made shells cover the front side of teeth, and can be used to treat spaces between teeth and teeth that are chipped or worn, permanently stained, poorly shaped or slightly crooked. Crowns may be needed if porcelain veneers won’t do the trick.

Cosmetic dentists can correct minor defects in the shape and appearance of a tooth through a process referred to as tooth contouring or tooth reshaping, which is, essentially like filing your nails.

Regardless of what procedure you choose, make sure your dentist is skilled in cosmetic dentistry.

Should You be Worried About Discolored Baby Teeth?

Dec 14th, 2009
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Baby teeth, which are also called primary teeth, are typically off-white or ivory. As a young child’s teeth start to come in, many parents are alarmed to realize that their child’s teeth are not white. Discolored baby teeth can be caused by many reasons, including:

  • Inadequate brushing. If baby teeth aren’t brushed properly, plaque may form on the teeth — which can lead to tooth discoloration.
  • Medication use. Infant medications containing iron, such as supplemental vitamins, may cause dark stains on baby teeth. Taking the antibiotic tetracycline during pregnancy can cause discolored baby teeth, too.
  • Tooth or gum injury. Trauma to baby teeth or gums may give baby teeth a pink or gray hue.
  • Weak enamel. A genetic problem with enamel formation may lead to discolored baby teeth.
  • Excessive fluoride. Excessive fluoride, or fluorosis, may cause bright white spots or streaks on the teeth.
  • Newborn jaundice. A baby who develops jaundice after birth may have baby teeth with a green tint.
  • Serious illness. A widespread infection during infancy may result in discolored baby teeth. Conditions such as newborn hepatitis and some types of heart disease can have the same effect.

If the discoloration is caused by inadequate brushing, more thorough brushing is likely to help. Use water and a small, soft-bristled toothbrush or the fingertip variety designed for infants. A child does not need to use toothpaste until he or she learns to spit, usually about age 2 or 3.

If your child drinks from a bottle, remember that sipping milk or juice throughout the day or while falling asleep may lead to tooth decay. Don’t let your child carry a bottle during the day, and don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle, unless it contains a small amount of plain water.

In other cases, treatment options may include bleaching the discolored teeth or simply watching the teeth for signs of other problems. Discuss your concerns about your son’s baby teeth with his doctor. He or she may offer a referral to a pediatric dentist.

Is Tooth Whitening for You?

Nov 9th, 2009
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

The hot topic in the dental world these days is tooth whitening. The long and the short of it is that teeth whitening works. Virtually everyone who opts for this cosmetic treatment will see moderate to substantial improvement in the brightness and whiteness of their smile.

Typically, age, eating habits, smoking, tooth grinding, and trauma are associated with tooth discoloration. The majority of patients say that tooth whitening not only improves their appearance, but also their outlook – they say they feel like they look younger and more polished.

Bleaching versus Whitening

According to the FDA, the term “bleaching” is used only when the teeth can be whitened beyond their natural color. This applies strictly to products that contain bleach – typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

Meanwhile, “whitening,” restores a tooth’s surface color by removing dirt and debris. So any product that cleans (like a toothpaste) is considered a whitener. Of course, the term whitening sounds better than bleaching, so it is more frequently used – even when describing products that contain bleach.

Significant color change in a short period of time is the major benefit of in-office whitening. This involves the carefully controlled use of a relatively high-concentration peroxide gel, applied to the teeth by the dentist or trained technician after the gums have been protected with a paint-on rubber dam. Generally, the peroxide remains on the teeth for several 15 to 20 minute intervals that add up to an hour (at most).

Those with particularly stubborn staining may be advised to return for one or more additional bleaching sessions, or may be asked to continue with a home-use whitening system.

In-office teeth whitening cost: $650 per visit is the national average.