Dental News

Aging and Dental Health (Geriatrics)

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

As you age, there are many experiences you can leave in the past. Regular visits to the dentist is not one of them. Geriatrics health includes professional oral care.

Special Problems For Seniors

Dry mouth is a common problem for seniors. While it can develop naturally, it can be worse if you take certain medications. The discomfort and bad breath are bothersome, but dry mouth can also lead to dental issues. You may have old dental work that needs to be repaired or replaced. One example is a filling. A routine visit is the time to bring these issues to your dentist’s attention.

Your Natural Teeth

If you have retained your natural teeth, home dental care and visits to the dentist can prevent tooth loss and gum disease. If you are missing a tooth, an implant can keep your other teeth healthy and improve your appearance.

Cosmetic dentistry can improve your teeth, too. Aging, diet, and oral hygiene practices can cause teeth to become dull, stained, or discolored. When you want the brightest smile, you can ask your dentist about teeth whitening.

If You Wear Dentures

Denture-wearers need to visit the dentist, too. Even if your dentures are in perfect condition, they may need to be replaced. They may not fit as well as they did in the past, and may not be as effective. Loose dentures can be uncomfortable, and eating can be difficult. A simple exam can help your dentist know if you need new dentures.

Whether you have a full set of natural teeth, dental work, or dentures, geriatrics health includes home oral care and visiting the dentist on a regular basis. You can decrease your risk of serious oral health problems, and have better general health during your older years. You do not have to leave oral health behind as you age.

Share

Key Ingredients To Everyday Oral Hygiene

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

Flossing more than just something that a person does to be extra clean; it is a necessity in appropriating oral care. Oral hygiene is compromised when a person fails to floss daily. Not only is oral hygiene compromised, but also the patient breaches overall dental health. Fortunately, dental patients can avoid decay and poor dental health by taking careful attention to these flossing and dental tips:
Floss Before Brushing

Many specialists and consumers relentlessly debate about what time to floss. The theory behind flossing before brushing the teeth is one of strategy. By flossing first, the patient is removing debris from between the teeth and shifting into the mouth so that the person can remove it with a toothbrush.
Floss After Main Meals

A person should floss after all main meals no matter how many meals he or she eats. It keeps the person from growing decay-causing bacteria in between the teeth.
Choose a Floss With Thick Texture

A patient should choose thick dental floss instead of thin floss because its quality is much batter. The consumer can truly reach in between the teeth and pull out a large object without having issues.
Choose a Minty Product

Spearmint and peppermint are two products that can work wonders for the mouth. They can prevent foul breath, and they can provide a person with a strengthened immunity to deterioration.
Try Innovative Products Such as Floss Picks

Dental floss is not always the easiest product to use. That is why consumers have to try several items and decide what is best for them. Dental floss picks are helpful because they allow the user to maneuver and really get in between the teeth without too much hassle.
Schedule Regular Appointments With a Reliable Dentist

Finally, a dental patient should always contact the dentist and keep up with regular oral care appointments. Twice per year is the recommended number of times a patient should visit. Dana R. Walters DDS. is a specialist who proudly provides some of the most reliable services in the locale. A patient or prospect can set a date by calling 614-721-1975 and scheduling an appointment.

Share

Dental Care and Self-Confidence

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

Whenever you brush and floss, choose healthy foods, and have your teeth cleaned at the dentist’s office, you are taking steps toward dental health and self-confidence. There is more you can do to improve your teeth, and be confident in your appearance.

Dental Care Tips: Cosmetic Dentistry

You have more self-confidence when your teeth look their best. There are numerous cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help you reach this goal.

One example is obtaining dental implants. Although missing teeth can affect your oral health and your ability to eat, it also affects your appearance. A dental implant is a simple device that results in a nicer smile. Whether you need one implant or multiple implants, you can talk and smile with confidence. It will be easy and fun to smile when your smile is not spoiled by missing teeth.

Teeth whitening is a second example. Whether your teeth are no longer white and bright due to your diet, aging, or oral care habits, you do not need to live with the embarrassment of stained, dull teeth. Ask your dentist about professional teeth whitening, and your teeth will be attractive again.

Dental braces can be the ideal option for crooked teeth. Even if your teeth are not misaligned enough to affect your bite or your oral health, teeth that are not perfectly straight can affect the way you feel about yourself.

Cosmetic Dentistry Is For Everyone

These are only a few popular examples of cosmetic dentistry procedures that can improve your appearance and your self-confidence. You can accomplish much more at your next dental visit than a basic cleaning and exam.

Cosmetic dentistry is no longer considered a sign of vanity, or only for individuals in certain age groups. You can discuss procedures with your dentist, regardless of your gender or age. It will boost your confidence when you know you look your best.

Share

How Improving Your Diet Can Improve Your Oral Health

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

A healthy diet is important for many reasons. While you may not have associated your diet with dental care, there are a number of ways improving your diet can improve your oral health.
Nutrition For Oral Health:

Nutrition does not only affect your body, it affects your oral health as well. Your gums and teeth need a variety of vitamins and minerals every day. It is not enough to have a calcium-rich diet for strong, healthy teeth. As an example, Vitamin C is essential for healthy gums. When you choose a balanced diet packed with nutrition, you will have better oral health.

If you need to snack between meals, choose slices or sticks of raw, fresh vegetables. You can enjoy snacks that are good for you. Raw vegetables are fun to chew, and they are good for your oral health.
Avoiding Harmful Products:

There are foods and beverages you should limit, or not consume at all. Avoiding candy and other sweets is only the beginning. You will have healthier gums and teeth if you also avoid foods that stick to your teeth, and acidic products that harm tooth enamel.

You can make healthy choices for beverages, too. When you want excellent oral health, do not drink carbonated beverages. Between the sugar and the acidic effects, remove soda pop from your diet. As coffee is acidic, you should avoid drinking it whenever possible. Even fruit juice can be too acidic for your teeth.

Instead, enjoy a fresh, cold glass of milk. A second option is water. Water provides many health benefits, and will also keep your mouth fresh and clean.
Everything you eat and drink affects your teeth and gums. You can avoid products that are harmful, and make healthier choices. You can enjoy good food and oral health at the same time.

Share

Cold Sores and Canker Sores

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

There are many things that affect your mouth. Many times, a person will experience painful bumps around the lip or gum area. These are cold sores or canker sores. Even though a person may think that they are the same, the are quite different and are caused by different things. Treatments vary as well.

What are Canker Sores?

Canker sores appear as white ovals inside of your mouth. Although they may be painful, they are usually harmless and will go away in a few days. They are not contagious.

Canker sores are caused by autoimmune problems. They tend to occur when your body is run down. Also, they may be caused by a food allergy, nutritional deficiency, hormonal changes, or eating something that caused trauma in your mouth.

These sores tend to heal by themselves. However, to speed recovery, try rinsing with saltwater. This heightens blood flow to the area and lowers inflammation. To avoid extra pain, try to stay away from spicy or acidic foods as well.

What are Cold Sores?

The root of cold sores is a virus, which is spread through kissing, sharing utensils, or touching something that contains the virus. Even though it may lie dormant, it remains in the body permanently. An outbreak may be triggered by a number of things, including exposure to sunlight or wind, stress, hormonal changes, suppressed immunity, or a viral infection.

Typically, a cold sore will go away within two weeks. However, to minimize the discomfort, there are prescription creams available. Applying ice packs may temporarily reduce pain as well. If you are a woman, you should avoid covering the sore with makeup. This may irritate the wound and dampen the healing process.

For ultimate dental care tips, consult with Dr. Dana Walters. He will be able to explain how to distinguish and treat both types of sores and other oral problems.

Share

The Importance of Oral Hygiene

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

Oral hygiene is an important part of everyday life. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth will benefit your teeth and overall health. Many people do not realize that flossing helps prevent the development of diseases like cancer. Removing bacteria from the mouth will keep your breath smelling fresh as well. Here is a closer look at the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

Effects on Personal Health:

Brushing and flossing will prevent many negative health conditions. When bacteria is allowed to thrive in the mouth, you immune system is constantly at war. This raises your blood pressure and leaves your body vulnerable to other problems. Chronic gum disease makes diabetes difficult to control as well. Infection can cause insulin resistance, which disrupts your control of blood sugar.

The mouth is a moist environment that is ideal for bacteria. Also, it provide a tunnel to you stomach and to your bloodstream. Maintaining proper oral hygiene will limit the spread of bacteria and keep you healthier.

Ways to Maintain Positive Oral Hygiene:

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice each day with a soft toothbrush. You should use gentle strokes throughout your mouth so that all debris can be removed. Brushing helps to scrape away plaque buildup that can lead to cavities.

Drinking plenty of water is good for your oral hygiene as well. This increases you saliva production, which acts as a natural disinfectant. Keeping items out of your mouth will prevent the spread of bacteria as well.

Upholding positive oral hygiene is a key part to unlocking better overall health. For more tips or to learn more simple ways to pack the most punch within your oral hygiene routine, consult with Dr. Dana Walters. He is always wiling to take time and discus ways to improve your smile and well being.

Share

When Is A Root Canal Necessary?

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

Many people suffer from small cavities. However, there are times when a regular filling will not solve the problem of decay. If the pulp of a tooth becomes infected, a person will begin to experience a toothache that will require action. Most times, a root canal procedure will be necessary to save the tooth.

What Causes a Tooth’s Pulp to Become Infected?

The American Dental Association has listed a few reasons why a tooth’s pulp may become infected.

  • Deep Cavity. When decay has gotten severe, it penetrates deep within the layers of a tooth. As this occurs, the nerves in the pulp become negatively affected.
  • Repeated Dental Procedure. When a tooth continuously needs to be drilled, it may damage a tremendous amount of structure and cause sensitivity. When pulp becomes exposed on a repeat basis, it can lead to infection.
  • Cracked Tooth. When a tooth develops a crack, the interior is left susceptible to outside elements. Food and other debris can become caught, which can lead to bacteria buildup that leads to an infection.
  • Tooth Injury. When a tooth becomes injured, it is possible for the nerves to become damaged. This can lead to pain and infection.

When is a Root Canal Necessary?

A dentist will determine whether or not a root canal will be a viable solution for you tooth problems. Many times, multiple issues will signal the need for this type of procedure.

  • Heat/Cold Sensitivity
  • Pain When Chewing
  • Severe Ache
  • Pus in the gums surrounding the tooth
  • Pain that radiates from the mouth to the ear

If you have a toothache and question whether a root canal procedure may be necessary, consult with Dr. Dana Walters. He is always available to help with your oral problems and offer tips that improve your dental care.

Share

Why To Consider Dental Care A Lifelong Priority

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

Home dental care, a healthy diet, and regular visits to the dentist, are not limited to children and young adults. The benefits show why dental care should be a lifelong priority.

Dental Care and Your Oral Health. You do not want to lose your natural teeth. The simplest way to avoid tooth loss is by making dental care a part of your daily life. You will decrease your risk of cavities, and may keep your natural teeth for life.

Dental care affects your gums, too. While tooth loss can be troublesome, gum disease can be worse. You may never need treatment for periodontal disease if you take care of your gums every day.

Dental Care and Your Overall Health. When you fail to brush and floss regularly, it can be harmful to your overall health. The bacteria in your mouth does not stay in your mouth. It can enter your bloodstream, and move throughout your entire body.

Bacteria in your bloodstream can cause serious health problems. Heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis are only two examples. A simple way to reduce your risk of health problems is by prioritizing your dental care.

Dental Care and Self-Confidence. While your dental health and overall health are your main concerns, you should not dismiss the effects of oral health on your self-confidence, mood, and self-esteem. When you know you look your best, you naturally feel good about yourself.

You will not hide your teeth when you talk, and you will smile more often. Whether you are a teen or a senior citizen, oral health improves your quality of life.

Dental care should begin when a child has his first tooth. It should continue to be a priority throughout your golden years. While your oral health needs change at different stages in life, it is important every day, every year, and every decade.

 

Share

Healthy Tips For A Beautiful Smile

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

Your smile says a lot about your personality. When your smile is genuine, people know you are friendly, interested, and approachable. Your smile also shows you have confidence. When your teeth are in excellent condition, smiling will be easy and natural.
Dental Tips For A Beautiful Smile

Daily dental care at home and regular visits to the dentist will improve your oral health, but there is more you can do to make your smile bright and beautiful. First, choose the foods you eat with your dental health in mind. Avoid sticky and acidic products as well as sweets.

Second, give up habits that harm your teeth. If you smoke cigarettes or drink too many caffeinated beverages, cut down or quit. These habits can stain your teeth. If you bite your fingernails or other objects, give up the habit. Your teeth will be healthier if you do not bite or chew objects that do not belong in your mouth.

Third, ask your dentist about teeth whitening. While whitening toothpastes only remove surface stains, professional whitening provides better results.
Consider Dental Care A Lifelong Priority

Dental tips are only useful if you practice them consistently and conscientiously. You cannot skip dental appointments, binge on sweets, or make excuses for not brushing every day if you want healthy teeth and a nice smile.

Dental care is health care. If you want the best results, you can never afford to neglect it. You may need to make some changes in your daily schedule or your lifestyle, but the results will definitely be worth the effort.

When your teeth and gums are healthy, you will take every opportunity to smile. Your smile will be healthy and beautiful, and you will be more confident with your appearance. You can enjoy life much more, and show it every time you smile.

Share

Never Make Excuses For Dental Visits

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

Some people do not place routine dental visits on their list of priorities. If this describes you, it is time to make some changes. There can be many complications when you make excuses for avoiding the dentist.
What Will You Gain From A Routine Dental Visit?

You are not experiencing any problems with your teeth or gums. You may believe this means your oral health is excellent, and a dental visit would be a waste of time. This is not a valid excuse.

Even if you show no signs of oral health problems, it does not mean they do not exist. One of the most important benefits of a dental visit is a thorough examination. When your dentist performs an exam, dental problems may be detected that you have not yet noticed. The earliest stage of gum disease, small cavities, and other issues may be found when they are much easier to treat.

Professional cleaning is a second benefit. Daily home dental care is not nearly as effective as having your teeth cleaned at the dentist’s office. When you want your teeth to be completely free of plaque, tartar, and bacteria, it can only be accomplished by your dentist.
Tips To Avoid Excuses

When you make an appointment, your dentist will advise you on how often you need routine visits. For most people, visits should be scheduled twice each year. Your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have oral health issues or certain types of dental work.

Mark your dental appointments on your calendar at home. Keep a list of questions you want to ask your dentist. Make routine visits a priority, the same as any type of health care service.

No matter how busy you are, you can find time to keep your appointments. It is the way to maintain dental health.

Share