During the holidays, especially Halloween, eating healthy is a challenge for everyone, but one aspect of health that is often forgotten amidst the holiday bustle is oral health. High sugar and carbohydrate foods combine with bacteria in the mouth to form acidic, tooth decaying, gum irritating plaque. There are very few holiday favorites that don’t fall into the category sugar or complex carbohydrates. As your kids gather bags of Halloween candy, take a look at the contents of their trick-or-treating loot, and help them make good choices for their oral health this Halloween.
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Tips from your Children’s Dentist: The Lesser Evils of Halloween Candy
October 26, 2015
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Implant Retained Denture Procedure: What to Expect
September 25, 2015
If you’re planning to replace your missing teeth with implant supported dentures, congratulations. You’ve made an excellent choice in tooth replacement. Implant retained dentures are far more secure than those that merely sit on top of your gums, and that means there’s no need to worry about them slipping around or falling out at inopportune moments. And, because dental implants also replace the tooth’s root, your jawbone maintains the stimulation it needs to stay healthy — which means you’re at less risk for more tooth loss later on.
It’s best to know what’s involved with the dental implant procedure. Read on to learn what you can expect during the entire process.
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TOOTHBRUSH REPLACEMENT
January 18, 2015
Toothbrushes eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Numerous studies show that, after three months of normal wear and tear, the nylon bristles in toothbrushes are a good deal less effective at removing plaque from tooth surfaces and gums than new ones. To be effective, bristles must be able to make their way into the crevices that harbor the bacteria that are constantly forming to pose a threat to tooth enamel and gums. In addition to replacing toothbrushes, it is also important to allow them to air dry after use since wet bristles are breeding grounds for unhealthy bacteria and fungi. Be sure to replace toothbrushes after a bout with a common cold to reduce the risk of reinfection.
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ROOT CAUSE AND EFFECT
January 6, 2015
In the event that tooth decay penetrates the tooth’s crown and pierces the root chamber, the root becomes infected with all the attendant pain. At this point, the patient has the choice of having the tooth extracted or undergoing “root canal treatment.” Extraction is a quick fix that poses two drawbacks. The first is that the gap left behind must be filled. The second is that, when teeth are extracted, the supporting bone under the gum shrinks. Thus, as a general rule, it is best to keep the roots of natural teeth as long as possible. A tooth with an infected root can usually be saved with root canal treatment, after which an artificial crown can be set in place.
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ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL
December 21, 2014
When the gap left by missing teeth is bordered by healthy teeth, a “partial denture” provides an affordable solution. This type of prosthetic usually consists of replacement teeth attached to gum-colored plastic bases, which connect to surrounding teeth with either metal clasps or devices known as “precision attachments.” These are generally more esthetic than metal clasps and are nearly invisible. As is the case with complete dentures, partial dentures are removable. Patients receive thorough instruction on how partial dentures should be inserted and removed. They should fit easily into place and never be forced. Over time, it may be necessary to adjust the fit of partial dentures, which can be accomplished during a regular office visit.
The importance of an attractive smile should not be underestimated. Everyone deserves to look beautiful. Your personal satisfaction with your oral health and appearance is important. At DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN, we are a highly qualified and experienced team of professionals – and we’re here to help you make the most of your smile. Please call 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment. We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin, where we are proud of our staff – a staff dedicated to helping you look and feel better. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.
P.S. It is important to clean dentures daily since they are susceptible to becoming coated with plaque, which poses a threat to gums and remaining natural teeth.
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REBUILDING TOOTH ENAMEL
November 23, 2014
If you experience tooth sensitivity and/or eat a lot of sugar and simple carbohydrates, you may want to consider using tooth products that help reduce (or even reverse) early decay by virtue of a process called “remineralization.” This involves delivering extra doses of calcium and phosphate to replace minerals lost in the ongoing battle against bacteria and acids. To maintain the mineral building blocks that are essential to tooth strength, saliva containing calcium and phosphate helps replenish minerals dissolved by acidic plaque or food. This balance may be upset when more minerals are lost than gained and teeth become vulnerable to decay. While fluoride greatly helps saliva’s natural remineralization, toothpastes that deliver calcium phosphate may speed up the process.
If you have questions about tooth sensitivity, or any other dental concerns, we invite you to call 614.792.1800. At DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN, we provide quality, personal dental care in a comfortable, immaculate and professional environment at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin. From preventive and routine care to elective cosmetic procedures, our staff will make you feel comfortable during your visit. Our emphasis is on prevention. Preventing dental disease is less costly and more rewarding than correcting problems after they occur. Let us help you bring out that natural smile. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.
P.S. The remineralizing properties of new toothpastes could be of great benefit to adults suffering from dry mouth.
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TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS
November 9, 2014
While dental amalgam has proven itself to be an effective and relatively inexpensive material for filling cavities caused by tooth decay over the past 150 years, it is not the most pleasing aesthetic choice. Amalgam’s silver color stands in stark contrast to natural tooth color when placed in visible tooth surfaces. For this reason, patients are likely to prefer composite-resin tooth-colored fillings, which can so closely approximate their natural tooth color as to be virtually unnoticeable. Composite resins may be somewhat less durable than amalgam fillings, and they may cost more, but patients’ concerns over cosmetics have made them an increasingly popular choice. As far as dentists are concerned, the best filling is no dental filling. Prevention is preferred.
As mentioned in today’s column, the use of amalgam is declining. There is an abundance of innovative technologies and devices available to continually help us improve the quality and comfort of care we deliver. At DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN, we stress preventive dentistry for the entire family. Be sure to regularly brush, floss, and have professional cleanings. When was the last time you had a dental checkup? Please call 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment. Smiles are our business. We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.
P.S. Composite resin material, which is composed of a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture, can be used to reshape disfigured teeth.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF DENTAL CARE FOR DIABETICS
October 26, 2014
While daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist are important for everyone, people with diabetes face a particular challenge since poorly controlled blood sugars raise the risk of a number of oral health problems. Uncontrolled diabetes impairs white blood cells, the body’s main defense against bacterial infections that can occur in the mouth. As diabetics’ ability to fight bacterial infections is reduced, they face a higher risk of developing gum inflammation (gingivitis and periodontitis). Other potential oral problems related to diabetes include dry mouth (which can lead to soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay) and fungal infections (thrush) that arise from antibiotic use. Diabetics who smoke face an even higher risk of developing thrush and periodontal disease.
As discussed in today’s column, to the traditional issues considered specific to diabetics you can now add oral health. Regular brushing and flossing can be very beneficial to reducing plaque and bacteria from the mouth of a diabetic. We will know better how to help you achieve proper oral health if we know more about your diabetic health. We recommended seeking the professional dental advice DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN has to offer. Please call us at 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment. We’re located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.
P.S. Because diabetes causes blood vessels to thicken, diabetics who do not properly control their blood sugar levels may not heal quickly after oral surgery or other dental procedures. ARCHIVES
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FUSING METAL TO BONE
October 12, 2014
The aspect of dental implants that makes them so durable and effective, “osseointegration,” occurs when bone cells attach themselves directly to the titanium surface of the dental implant. This phenomenon was discovered quite by accident over 50 years ago by a Swedish surgeon who was conducting research into the healing patterns of bone tissue. He found that, when pure titanium comes in contact with living bone tissue, they form a permanent biological adhesion. Dentists were quick to make use of this phenomenon for dental implantation. Today, this innovation stands at the center of tooth-implant technology that utilizes titanium implants to serve as the rooted foundation for the attachment of prosthetic teeth that feel and look like natural teeth.
It’s obvious that our smile, or more specific our teeth, are important to us in many ways. New advances in cosmetic dentistry, such as implants, have everyone smiling. Let us help you increase your sense of self-esteem. For complete dental care, come see us at DISTINCTIVE SMILES OF DUBLIN, located at 5142 Blazer Parkway, Dublin. Let us help you make the most of your smile. As your dental professionals we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality dental care, in a relaxing and comfortable environment. Call 614.792.1800 to schedule an appointment. Creating Healthy Beautiful Smiles.
P.S. Dental implants are composed of the titanium implant (which is inserted directly into the bone), the abutment (which connects the implant device to the prosthetic tooth), and the overlying crown or denture.
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