Flossing

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): What Causes It?

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

It is not always possible to determine the cause of bruxism, but there are some common causes to consider if you are experiencing this issue.

Teeth Grinding and Stress

If you are experiencing stress, it can show when you grind your teeth during sleep. Your fears, worries, or anxiety can lead to teeth grinding.

Bruxism and Personality

Some people are naturally competitive, aggressive, or angry. Others may have suppressed frustration. These issues can lead to teeth grinding.

Teeth Grinding and Medical Problems

Some medical problems can increase bruxism. It can be a side effect of Parkinson’s disease or Huntington’s disease. Individuals who have earaches, and young children who are teething, can be prone to grinding their teeth. Grinding can also be a side effect of some medications.

Bruxism and Dental Health

A person who has missing or crooked teeth, or a misaligned bite, is more likely to grind his teeth during sleep than a person with ideal dental health.

Bruxism is harmful to dental health, too. Consistent grinding can wear down tooth enamel, increasing the risk of tooth decay. If grinding is extreme, it can even cause teeth to become loose.

What To Do About Teeth Grinding

Someone in your family has informed you that you grind your teeth, or you have noticed some of the symptoms. There are many symptoms, including a sore jaw, dull headaches, earaches, and facial pain. If you know or think you are grinding your teeth at night, consult with your dentist.

In most cases, the simplest solution is a mouth guard. All you need to do is insert this comfortable device before you go to bed at night. You can have a full night of restful sleep, and protect your teeth at the same time. It is an easy way to prevent the problems that come from teeth grinding.

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Tips For Properly Flossing

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

Besides brushing, flossing must be part of your everyday dental care routine. However, it is only effective at keeping your mouth healthy if it is done correctly. It is essential to learn some essential flossing tips so that your teeth and gums remain as healthy as possible.

The Correct Way to Floss:

The American Dental Association recommends flossing after meals and at bedtime. Using the correct technique is vital to remove trapped food and debris from the mouth. When plaque is not allowed to build, tooth decay and gum disease can be prevented. Here is the best method for flossing.

  • Begin with approximately 18 inch of dental floss. It should be wound around your middle fingers.
  • As the floss is held tight, it should be slid in between each tooth. It is imperative to use a gentle touch so that gums are not injured.
  • To remove all of the debris, the floss should be wrapped around the bottom of every tooth and below the gumline.
  • As you progress, use clean parts of the floss.

Different Types of Floss:

Choosing floss is like selecting a toothbrush. It is an important tool in your oral care routine. Nylon is the most common material for dental floss. It comes waxed or unwaxed. Also, it may be purchased in a number of flavors. If your teeth are very close together, regular floss may shred and break. In this case, simple filament floss is a smart alternative that will be easier to slide into these types of spaces.

If you are interested in learning how to properly floss your teeth or other ways to keep your mouth healthy, consult with the dental experts at the office of Dr. Dana Walters. The entire staff is willing to help you care for your teeth and ensure a beautiful smile.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Tips To Keep Teeth and Gums Healthy

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

You can smile with confidence when your teeth and gums are healthy. Some dental tips can help you achieve and maintain oral health.

Improve Your Diet. There are some products you should avoid for healthy gums and teeth. Some of the most common examples include sugary products, sticky foods, and acidic foods and beverages.

For healthy teeth and gums, fresh crunchy vegetables make excellent snacks. Make sure your diet contains plenty of calcium from dairy products and other calcium-rich foods.

Take Care of Your Dental Health. Visit your dentist at least twice each year for a thorough examination and professional cleaning. Contact your dentist immediately if you experience any dental emergency.

Never skip your home oral care routines. You should floss, brush, and use a good mouthwash at least twice each day.

More Dental Tips For Healthy Gums And Teeth:

If you participate in any sport or other physical activity, talk to your dentist about a mouth guard. A mouth guard can prevent serious injuries to your teeth and gums.

A mouth guard is also useful if you grind your teeth. Grinding can wear down tooth enamel, and can increase your risk of temporomandibular joint disorder.

Whether you use a mouth guard for sports or to prevent grinding, it is easy to use and comfortable to wear when you choose one that fits properly. You can enjoy your favorite sports, and have restful sleep every night, when you wear an appropriate mouth guard.

These dental tips can help you avoid many unnecessary problems. It will be easier for you to enjoy your life when you have healthy teeth and gums. You will be less likely to develop oral health problems, and you will always look your best. Every time you talk and smile, you can do so with complete confidence.

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Oral Problems During Pregnancy

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

Many women experience oral problems during pregnancy. When you are aware of both the facts and myths, you can prepare to take care of your oral health.

Pregnancy Myths:

One of the most common myths is women always lose a tooth each time they are pregnant. A second myth is an unborn child’s need for calcium takes calcium from the mother’s teeth. These are only old-fashioned myths, and neither are true.

Pregnancy Facts:

When you are pregnant, your hormones increase. This affects the way your body responds to the plaque on your teeth. When the plaque increases, it increases your risk of tooth decay and tooth loss.

Pregnancy and Dental Care:

These changes do not have to mean losing your teeth. You can take steps to keep your teeth healthy during your pregnancy.

First, visit your dentist for an examination and cleaning. The best time to do this is before you become pregnant. It is also the ideal time to have dental work completed. However, if you learn you are pregnant and have not seen the dentist, you can still have your teeth cleaned and examined.

Second, home dental care is important during pregnancy. Do not forget to brush and floss at least twice each day.

Third, a healthy diet is essential for your child, and it also promotes oral health. Avoid junk foods and sugary products. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. While your baby will not take calcium from your teeth, your baby needs calcium to grow properly and you need it for healthy teeth and bones.
You do not need to experience oral problems during pregnancy. These tips can keep your teeth healthy while you wait for your child to be born. You can welcome your baby into the world, and have excellent oral health, too.

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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.

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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.

 

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What Will You Gain From A Routine Dental Visit?

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

Although many people cringe at the thought of going to the dentist, it is vital to make regular annual appointments. Since patients gain many advantages from dental visits, the American Dental Association recommends that individuals should receive professional checkups twice a year. Here are some of the positives that come from routine office examinations.

Uncover Small Problems Early. During routine dental visits, your dental provider will perform thorough exams of your mouth. Even though you may not be experiencing pain, it is possible that a problem exists. Your dentist may find a small cavity that can be simply fixed before a larger issue begins. Receiving a filling is much easier and less expensive than requiring a root canal in the future.

Check for Other Oral Issues. During routine dental visits, your dentist will examine all parts of your mouth. Although most people only think this professional looks at your teeth, he or she also is concerned with your gums, tongue, and other oral areas. Many times, your dental provider will screen you for oral cancer, which can save your life.

Receive a Better Clean. Even when a person brushes and flosses daily, it is impossible to remove everything. With time, plaque accumulates and hardens into tartar. This is extremely difficult to remove at home. During an office visit, a dental hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning that removes this type of material from your teeth. A fluoride treatment may be applied as well. This will keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

To learn more oral tips and to uncover what you will gain from routine dental visits, speak to your dentist. Dr. Dana Walters is always available to discuss ways to improve your oral health so that your smile looks great and your overall health is maximized. To schedule an appointment, call the office today.

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