Most of us do it twice a day. Many of us do it at least once. You guessed it! Brush our teeth. And maybe floss. We all know how to do it, and that’s a good thing. But there’s more to a good oral hygiene regimen, regardless of how often you do it.
What is a Good Oral Hygiene Regimen?
There are four fundamental tasks for basic oral health, and you may already do them. Still, we can all use a refresher course on how to do those tasks as well as we can.
Step #1: Brushing When? Preferably twice a day – when you wake up and when you go to bed. If you can’t do this, brush at least once every 24 hours. If you have breakfast prior to your first-of-the-day brush, wait to brush for 45-60 minutes, particularly if breakfast included orange juice or grapefruit. Acidic foods like these can loosen tooth enamel and brushing may damage your teeth.
Why? The #1 reason is to prevent cavities. Brushing removes plaque (a coating of bacteria) on your teeth which, if left to settle in, causes tooth decay. Just as important is that brushing also stimulates your gums. Gum disease does more than ruin your teeth. It can lead to major health problems, including stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.
How? Position your brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and gums and brush up and down on the front and back, and back and forth across the top. Brush for a minimum of two minutes. (You can buy electric toothbrushes that beep every 30 seconds, so you can brush each quarter of your teeth for the same length of time.) The American Dental Association recommends using a soft-bristled brush and an ADA-approved toothpaste.
Step #2: Flossing When?Before you brush. And at least once a day. Whatever is in your mouth when you fall asleep has all night to do its damage, so flossing just before bedtime is the optimal time.
Why? Flossing loosens up the bits of food that are too small to see. The ones stuck between your teeth and under your gums. Flossing loosens plaque as well, and that will help your brushing do a better job.
How? You can use dental floss wrapped around your fingers or one of the easy-to-use floss picks (a plastic holder with a piece of floss attached). Slip the floss between your teeth and guide it gently up and down along the side of each tooth and down into the space between tooth and gum. Don’t forget those molars in the back!
Step #3: Rinsing When? Every time you do Steps #1 and #2, also rinse with mouthwash. Pick a flavor you like (brand doesn’t matter) so you’ll be more likely to do it regularly.
Why? For the same reason you usually drink something after eating. Flossing and brushing are most important, but even done well, they can miss some things. Rinsing flushes out the last few bits of toothpaste and food. Not to mention that mouthwash makes your mouth feel – and taste – totally refreshed!
How? It’s simple! Fill the cap of the bottle with mouthwash and move the liquid around in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Be sure to keep your lips closed while rinsing, so the mouthwash can do its job.
Step #4: Scraping When? You needn’t do this after every time you floss, brush, and rinse, but it’s a good idea to make scraping your tongue a regular part of your routine. And it only takes a minute!
Why? Food, bacteria, and dead cells collect on your tongue when you eat or drink. And all that debris can dull your taste buds and lead to tooth decay. While it may seem that brushing would be effective for your tongue as well as your teeth, it isn’t. In fact, one study found that using a tongue scraper can significantly reduce the number of bacteria known to cause bad breath and tooth decay.
How? Use a tongue scraper. They’re designed specifically to clean the tongue. After flossing, brushing, and rinsing, look in the mirror and stick out your tongue. Lay the rounded edge of the scraper across the back of your tongue (or start in the middle if the back activates your gag reflex). Pull the scraper gently along your tongue from the back to the tip. Never push the scraper from the tip to the back! One or two scrapes should do the job.
How Can I Tell If my Hygiene Routine Is Working?
The first indication will be almost immediate – your mouth will feel fresh, clean, and healthy. Over time, you’ll notice other conditions – and the lack of some – that demonstrate your success.
Your breath will smell fresh and your teeth will feel clean even when you first wake up
Your gums will look pink and healthy, and they won’t bleed when you floss and brush
Your mouth will flinch less when you eat or drink something hot or cold
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Here are a few extra guidelines for taking the best care of your mouth:
Eat plenty of crunchy vegetables and fruit
Limit food and drinks that are sugary or acidic
Drink plenty of water, and never chew ice
Keep your toothbrush clean and get a new one often
Don’t use tobacco
Of course, some problems and conditions can’t be seen in your bathroom mirror. So, it’s important to see us at least twice a year for a checkup and a thorough cleaning. We encourage you to contact us or make an appointment online. Your mouth will thank you!
Are you unhappy with your smile? Do you have a chipped tooth or excessive discoloration that stops you from wanting to show your smile to the world? Life is too short to live with a smile that you are not proud of and ready to show off. At Lifetime Dental Health, we are committed to helping you create the smile that you have always wanted, which is why we offer these cosmetic dentistry options:
Teeth Whitening
One of the biggest things our patients want in terms of cosmetic dentistry is a whiter smile. Your smile is the very first thing that people notice about you and a white, shiny smile can help you make a lasting first impression. As we age, our teeth naturally lose their white luster. Additionally, what we eat and drink, as well as habits like tobacco use, can lead to yellow teeth.
To help reverse this discoloration and get your smile to shine again, we offer a couple different teeth whitening treatments. At our practice, we offer in-office whitening treatments that can make your smile look shades whiter with just one visit. We also offer at-home whitening kits with custom bite trays that are filled with a bleaching agent and are used for 3-6 weeks.
However, teeth whitening is not for everyone. If you suffer from gum disease or severely eroded enamel, you may not be a good candidate for this treatment. If you want to learn more about teeth whitening or want our expert opinion on which whitening option is best for you, schedule an appointment to come see us today.
Clear Aligners
Crooked teeth can be annoying, unsightly, and bad for your bite and jaw. Unfortunately, traditional braces can be distracting, uncomfortable, and inconvenient. If you want a straight, perfect smile without the hassle of metal braces, you may be a good candidate for clear aligners. Clear aligners are custom-made for your mouth and gradually shift your teeth over time, correcting your smile. They are almost undetectable, and will not detract from your smile while you are undergoing treatment.
Clear aligners are worn for most of the day, but they can be removed when you eat or drink. This means that you can still enjoy all of your favorite snacks without having to worry about foods that are too chewy, hard, or sticky like you would with traditional braces. If you want to learn more about teeth straightening with clear aligners, contact our office today! We can schedule a consultation and formulate a treatment plan to help make your smile straight and beautiful in no time.
Veneers
If you are unhappy with the size, shape, spacing, or color of a specific tooth, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin ceramic shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They are crafted and color-matched to look like your other teeth. When properly cared for, veneers can last for years and correct a wide array of cosmetic defects.
To prepare your teeth for veneers, we will remove a very small amount of dental enamel from the tooth. We will then use a permanent bonding agent to bond the appliance to your teeth. Veneers are resistant to staining and will help keep your teeth beautiful for years to come. If you are unhappy with the look of one or more of your teeth, ask us about porcelain veneers!
We want you to love your smile, and at Lifetime Dental Health we are here to give you the care you need to make that possible. Come see us today so that we can give you our recommendations for cosmetic dental care! If you want to learn more about any of the options listed above or simply want to set up a consultation, give us a call at (614)-333-9498.
When it comes to dental care for you and your family, it is important to find a provider that you can trust. Your dental health can greatly affect your overall well-being, and a good oral care provider can help keep you healthy and happy for years to come. Follow these tips to find the right dentist for you and your family:
Talk to your Insurance Provider
The first step in finding a family dentist is looking for a professional that is accepted by your insurance plan. Contact your insurance provider to get a list of dental care professionals that are in-network with them. This will stop you from falling in love with a dentist or practice that your insurance doesn’t cover and can save you money in the long run.
Visit the Practice
One of the most important aspects of family dental care is building your children’s relationships with their dentist. A positive introduction to the dentist, good oral hygiene education, and a welcoming environment can set your child up to have good oral health habits for life. To make sure that your children will feel safe and welcome, pay a visit to any prospective practices before becoming official patients. Getting a feel for the environment and meeting the staff will help you decide if the practice is a good fit for your family. When you visit, ask the staff about any dental health programs they have for children.
Ask Around
Your friends and family know you better than anyone, so ask for recommendations. A lot of people have great, long-lasting relationships with their family dentist, and will happily give you recommendations. Seek out referrals from families, specifically with young children, to make sure that your potential new dentist is good with kids.
Look at Online Reviews
One of the best ways to see if people are happy with their dentist is through online reviews. Reviews allow you to read honest feedback about the patients’ experiences. If you see a bad review, make sure to note how the practice responded to the disgruntled patient. This will give you an accurate idea about the level of customer service that the office provides.
Research the Dentist
The more you know about your dental providers, the more confidence you will have in your care. Look up the dentists, where they studied, where they have practiced, any additional certifications they have and continued education courses in which they participate. Many dental websites will also have a “Meet the Dentist” page that will allow you to know more about your dentist on a personal level.
Look up their Services
Along with a certified, welcoming dentist, you want someone that meets all of your dental care needs. The last thing that you want is to have to go to other practices for additional services. Look for a family dentist that offers cosmetic, restorative, and preventative dentistry. Look for dentists with extensive and informative websites that give a thorough description of available services.
Come Visit Lifetime Dental Health
If you are searching for a family dentist in the Columbus area, come see us at Lifetime Dental Health. We offer a welcoming, warm office environment and will do anything we can to make you feel right at home. At our practice, we are committed to continuing our education and staying up-to-date on the latest dental advancements and technologies so that we can give our patients the best care possible. We strive to make as many resources available to you as possible and are committed to helping educate you about your dental health options. Give us a call at (614)-333-9498 to learn more about us today!
Services of cosmetic dentistry have revolutionized the concept of a beautiful and bright smile over time. Now, we see unlimited options for people to preserve their beautiful smiles. One of the many procedures is dental crowning. If you accidentally broke a tooth and are now concerned about it, we might have a solution for you.
What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are also called dental caps. They serve as the covering around the teeth to restore them and improve their appearance. They are aimed to strengthen the tooth and keep the tooth in its place and shape. Furthermore, it is ensured that they perform their functions as efficiently as the original teeth did. Dental crowns are prosthetic devices and cover the damaged tooth or dental implants.
How do dental crowns work?
Dental crowns are perfect for chipped or damaged teeth. The crown essentially is a cap that mimics the actual tooth. By having this cap on top of the original tooth which had been damaged, the imperfection can be hidden. With the crown sitting on top of the original tooth, it seems the tooth is perfectly shaped.
The crown is created to match the tooth it is supposed to cover. It is fixed in a way that the natural tooth will not be visible at all. So, the crown reaches till the gum line and perfectly encases the original tooth underneath.
Sometimes crowns are added on top of teeth that have undergone filling. This is particularly the case with children as there is a higher chance that the filling will come out. With a crown on top, the filling is safe and protected and remains intact.
What materials are dental crowns made of?
Dental crowns are made up of a variety of materials. Every patient has different requirements and preferences, so the patient and doctor work together to determine what material will be used. Most common materials used in the manufacture of dental crowns are metal alloys and resins. Metal alloy crowns are made typically of gold blended with silver, copper, palladium, and titanium
Metal crowns are sometimes fused with porcelain material. A thin layer of porcelain covers the metal alloy. Porcelain layer merges with the tooth. These are ideal when the dentist intends to match the color of your dental crown with the rest of the teeth.
Metal-free crowns are also available now for those patients where metal alloys are contraindicated. They are formed of materials like zirconia, porcelain, alumina, and silica. They are mostly inert materials, and a minimum number of allergic reactions has been reported with the use of metal-free crowns.
How do they improve the smile?
Dental crowns are great to hide the imperfections you may have in your teeth. These include chipped or broken teeth and even cavities. With a custom-made tooth covering, which suits the shape of your actual tooth entirely and is totally flaw-free, you can get the smile of your dreams.
Having a set of perfectly shaped and spaced pearly whites give you a perfect smile. Teeth generally undergo wear and tear over the course of your life. They may become worn down. With dental crowns covering the years of damage, your smile appears perfect. It is not just your smile. Crowns add and restore the structure to your mouth, meaning you don’t need to flash your teeth to know that your smile has improved.
The impact is so subtle and natural that it gives the person getting the crowns a healthy appearance without much effort. It is like getting a facelift without actually going under the knife.Lifetime Dental can help you restore that beautiful smile with their same-day dental crown procedure.
How long my dental crowns can last?
The longevity of dental crowns depends upon many subjective factors. The average lifespan of dental crowns is from 10 years to 20 years. However, the patient’s general condition, oral hygiene routine, and material used in the composition of crowns are some factors that can affect the lifespan of the dental crowns. To ensure longevity, it is advised to have a regular and good oral hygiene.
When and how are dental crowns removed?
In some conditions, removal of dental crowns becomes necessary. Some of the reasons for which crown removal becomes necessary are:
Broken and decayed crowns
To treat the underneath tooth
Removal of necrotic tooth pulp
Different methods are conservative, semi-conservative, or destructive for the removal of dental caps. Ultrasonic removal is one of the popular techniques of dental crown removal. Forceps and crown retractors are used conventionally. Temporary crowns are easily removable, whereas the removal of permanent crowns needs expert hands and experience.
Are there any complications associated with dental crowns and how are they managed?
Crowns are usually not associated with any complications or problems. But there may be mild to moderate discomfort in the initial days. After a few days, this resolves by itself as the patient gets accustomed to the dental caps while eating, drinking, smiling, etc. Some patients may complain of sensitivity after the installation of dental crowns. Patients usually suffer from heat and cold sensitivity. In these circumstances, it is advised to use toothpaste which works against sensitivity. If the problem persists, call your dentist for your concern. Chipping or loosening of a crown can also happen if the crown is not fit properly. Allergic reaction to the crown material has also been noticed in some patients, and they must get their crowns removed in severe cases.
Are you considering getting Dental Crowns? Call or visit our practice today!
Children need healthy dental check-ups as much as adults do. Oral hygiene must be taught and practiced with children regularly and at an early age to prevent the many dental issues that can arise. Doctors suggest that healthy brushing habits must begin at age 2 or as soon as the teeth have grown in.
However, oral hygiene doesn’t only mean brushing and flossing. Regular dental checkups are equally important. Dentists examine oral health and give professional cleaning whenever needed.
What is the ideal time for a child’s first visit to the dentist?
Teething is a very exciting time for both parents and the child himself. Usually, children start teething at six months of age. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, it is ideal to take your child to the dentist at one year of age. This is because most children start teething within the first year of life, making them eligible for their first visit to the dentist. It is good to develop early oral hygiene routine and address early teeth problems in kids like bottle feeding tooth decay, prolonged thumb sucking, etc.
Should I make any preparations for my child’s first visit?
Children are unpredictable. It is good to make little preparations before you take your little one to the dentist for the first time. On setting up an appointment, you can discuss your queries with your baby’s dentist to avoid surprises. This will help bring your expectations to a realistic level and makes the actual visit smooth and uneventful. You will have to provide birth and medical history record of the baby on the first visit. We recommend morning appointments or when your child is active and fresh. Keep excitement on your face so that your child doesn’t suffer anxiety.Lifetime dental can help you to have elaborated idea of your child’s first visit.
What should be my expectations on the first visit?
The first visit of a child generally aims to make him familiar with the environment at the clinic. Children at this age exhibit stronger anxiety and tend to be reluctant at the new place. Pediatric dentists make acquaintance with kids at their first visit mostly.
If the baby gets comfortable with his doctor, his preliminary examination begins with looking at the oral cavity, teeth, gums, jaws, palate and general oral anatomy. Gentle cleaning and polishing may also be considered depending upon the age and response of the child. Dental X-rays are done to know any bony defect, cysts or tooth deformity.
The second visit can be scheduled at this time, and it is dependent on the outcome of the first visit. If the first visit is complete and uneventful, the next appointment is usually after six months.
How can I take care of my child’s oral health?
Parents play a vital role in the oral hygiene of their babies and their dental hygiene routine for the rest of their lives. If parents introduce dental cleaning and brushing in early life, it positively affects their routine. Finger brushes with soft bristles are available and easily used by babies. It is an excellent way to introduce the oral care routine to the baby initially. Kids love it and have fun with too. Proper nutrition and feeding habits also have an important part to play in the oral hygiene of kids. Bottle feeding is sometimes harmful to developing jawline and palate. It is recommended that mothers try to breastfeed their babies initially and then feed through specially designed bottles, or cups.
Is it necessary to have a child’s dental X-ray on the first visit?
Pediatric dentists suggest dental x-rays in case a child suffers from congenital defects of jaw and palate; have a history of chronic thumb sucking or bottle feeding. He can also consider x-rays in case of teething problems and other related complaints by the mother. If there is no history or risk factor, X-rays are not needed on the very first visit.
What are the risks associated with a delayed or missed visit to the dentist?
It is believed that oral hygiene begins not just before tooth eruption; it begins before birth. However, when the first tooth appears, it is time for the first visit. If parents neglect the first visit to a dentist, they run the risk of making their baby prone to poor oral hygiene and poor general health as a result. Many congenital problems can be overlooked, and a lot of bad oral habits continue for life without intervention by a pediatric dentist in time. You are putting your child’s health at risk by delaying or missing his dental visits.
What if your child shows teeth at birth?
Natal teeth are very rare. They appear in 1/1000 births. It can be quite shocking for the parents to see their baby born with a tooth or two. They are usually present in the gum line and associated with some medical conditions or syndromes– for example, Sotos syndrome and Pierre Robin syndrome. So, you must visit your child’s dentist whenever you notice teeth before age in your child.
Can I take my toddler for the first visit if I missed in the first year of life?
As soon as you realize, you must take your child to the dentist and get his examination done. A toddler sometimes proves to be a bit difficult to handle at first visit. But you can always prepare your baby before you plan a visit. Toddlers can communicate better, so you can counsel him for dental examination and x-ray if needed. But, missing a dental visit is not a good choice. Visit as soon as you feel the need. It is not too late at this age, but once the bad oral hygiene habits develop, they are difficult to curb. And that will do no good to them.
Your child’s teeth are as important to us as your child is to you. If you want to know more about Pediatric Dental Health, feel free to Visit us or Call us Today!
Dentistry has come on the board with solutions to all dental issues and ensures a beautiful smile with many different procedures, one of them is the dental implant. The implants will replace any broken teeth as well as part of the root. The procedure sounds like something you might be interested in, so keep reading.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are known in medical language as endosseous implants. They are prosthetic support to the bones of the jaw for a further dental prosthesis. It means dental implants are placed for anchoring the dental prosthesis in the right place. Implants are made of titanium, a transition metal of low density and high tensile strength. Titanium can make organic bonding with the surrounding tissues and makes implants a part of body tissue. After this, actual prosthesis takes place very easily.
Dental implantation is based on titanium’s low density which allows osteoblasts to migrate along with supporting connective tissue and making it a part of the implanted area. This process is called osseointegration. It does not result in scarring or granulation or rupture of any soft tissue or ligament and forms a bed for the dentist for the future successful prosthesis.
Evolution of Dental Implants
Dentistry has evolved mainly because of the improvement in clinical designs and structure of dental implants. Innovations have made it possible for the dentists to place other dental prosthetics with better outcome and good prognosis. New implants are more capable of stabilizing immediate prosthetics by screwing into the alveolar bone through a fresh socket making prosthesis more stable. Moreover, dental implants have been formulated in a good neck design which helps surrounding soft tissue to mold and heal properly. Also, the esthetic area is approached easily as a result of a sleek neck of newly designed dental implants. And today, in the era of electronic advancement, digital implants are being researched and devised.
If you are planning to visit your dentist for the prosthesis and are concerned about the pros and cons of dental implants, we are here to help you to get all the queries answered more meticulously.
What are the indications of a Dental Implant?
Losing a tooth is the simplest indication for a dental implant because no one wants their jawbones either upper or lower to deform over time due to space created by a lost tooth. For children, dental implants are used in some developmental disorders of teeth, for example, Hypodontia or Anodontia where dental implants are used to fill the spaces and improve the oral health of the child. Patients having full arch dentures may be considered for dental implants to prevent recurrent gingivitis and periodontitis. It is also used as a series of palatal and mandibular reconstruction in patients of head and neck cancer.
How is a Dental Implant placed?
It is a surgical procedure done under anesthesia. It is mostly done as an outpatient surgery in which titanium implants replace roots of one or more teeth. Soft tissue is removed or reflected, and after making an incision on the crest of the bone, pilot holes are made by drilling, and an implant is placed replacing the affected tissue.
What are the risks and complications of Dental Implants?
Patients with any systemic disease might be at risk during the surgical procedures, but this is not an absolute contraindication for dental implants. However, the process of healing and the outcome of the dental implant can be affected if the disease is uncontrolled post-surgery. There are some surgical risks in which local tissue can be damaged leading to bleeding, necrosis, injury to alveolar nerve and sinuses is possible, but this depends highly upon the expertise of the surgeon. The patient may suffer recurrent sinusitis in such cases. If a proper antibiotic cover is not provided post-surgery, there are high chances of infection in the oral cavity. If the implant is not done correctly, there may be cosmetic effects like missing papillae, high smile line, etc. Always select the best dental experts so that you can be highly satisfied with your dental implants.
How long does it take for Dental Implants to heal?
This highly depends upon the body’s biological process. Children and young adults show quick healing and integration of the implant than the elderly or those with some connective tissue disorders. It is also enhanced if the patient’s general health is good and bone density is satisfactory. Supporting bisphosphonates and calcium supplements may be given to speed up the healing and recovery process. Once osseointegration is complete, and the abutment is in place which usually takes about three to four months, teeth prosthesis can be considered with a good prognosis.
Are Dental Implants too costly for me?
Dental implants are not too costly. However, it depends upon a person’s affordability. Some clinics offer very reasonable dental implants. Visit our website for more details.
What care do I need to after an implant?
Regular cleaning and brushing are one of the most effective for maintenance of dental implants. Dental floss should be done very carefully because there are chances of bleeding gums in new implants.
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Planning a Dental Prosthesis? Head over to Lifetime Dental Health!
There are four fundamental tasks for basic oral health, and you may already do them. Still, we can all use a refresher course on how to do those tasks as well as we can.
