Dental Care Hilliard Ohio Archives - Upper Arlington

November Oral Health Guidelines

Posted on November 13, 2014November 13, 2014 by Dr. Dana Walters

It is very beneficial to get in to the habit of thinking about oral health at the beginning of each month. Reflect on the advice that your dentist gave you at your last check up, and if it’s been longer than six months, it’s time to make an appointment soon. Schedule a check up with your dentist for an examination, a professional cleaning, and advice. Your dentist can determine if you have any oral health issues that need to be addressed. He can treat a problem before it can worsen. Your dentist can recommend the oral care products that are appropriate for you.

While dental visits are an essential part of oral health, they cannot replace home oral care. For healthy gums and teeth, you must be conscientious about daily care.

Remember that it’s best to brush and floss after every meal, snack, and beverage. You should avoid beverages and foods that are harmful to your teeth. While sticky, sugary products can result in plaque on the teeth, there are other products that can erode tooth enamel. Tea, coffee, juice, and energy drinks should only be used in moderation.

You must also contact your dentist if you notice something unusual. A toothache can be a sign of a more serious problem. If a tooth or dental device breaks, it is a dental emergency that must be corrected immediately.

This November, remember to think of your oral health, identify any issues that you may be experiencing, and follow your dentist’s oral health guidelines. Being conscious of your oral health and needs is pivotal to excellent oral health for life.

Teeth Grinding and Your Oral Health

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Dr. Dana Walters

Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding is a common problem that affects about 20% of the population. It is the grinding of both the top and bottom teeth in a sideways motion. While most of us do grind our teeth occasionally when anxious, when grinding occurs on a regular basis, it becomes the condition “bruxism”.

Teeth grinding presents a very real risk to your oral health . It can wear the front teeth down, break fillings, cause headaches, and lead to gum recession. Gum recession caused by bruxism is due to the extra pressure that is put on the gum line. If left unchecked, bruxism can eventually cause the affected teeth to loosen and fall out.

The most common cause for bruxism is stress in daily life. Oftentimes relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and exercise can help. Teeth grinding can, however, be a symptom of other disorders such as an abnormal bite or temporomandibular dysfunction. In children teeth grinding can be caused by oral irritation, allergies, or teeth that need to be realigned.

If you are affected by teeth grinding it is important that you seek attention from a dental professional as it can cause longterm problems if left unchecked. At Dr. Walters DDS we can help diagnose teeth grinding as well as offer guidance and assistance to prevent future oral health issues. Please contact our Hilliard and Upper Arlington, Ohio office today if you believe you may have an issue with teeth grinding.

Dental Care: Manual Vs. Electric Toothbrushes

Posted on June 10, 2014June 12, 2014 by Dr. Dana Walters

Which is better, a manual or electric toothbrush? This is a very common question, especially in recent years. Some people even claim that it provides better dental care, but, which is really better? Here are the advantages of both:

Manual toothbrushes make it easier for you to feel how much pressure you are using when brushing. This is especially helpful to protect your tooth enamel, as heavy brushing can damage it. Manual toothbrushes also provide more control, and if you are brushing correctly, can be more thorough. One final advantage is that they are more affordable, costing much less than an electric toothbrush.

Electric toothbrushes are outfitted with a variety of features to simulate the control of a manual toothbrush, and clean teeth well. However, it takes a little more effort on the brusher’s part to effectively clean the hard to reach areas. There are specific cases where an electric toothbrush is recommended. For instance, older people who have less dexterity in their hands due to joint pain, or limited mobility in arms and shoulders, would likely benefit from using an electric toothbrush.

Both electric and manual toothbrushes can effectively clean your teeth, the real difference is the person doing the brushing! Remember that Dana Walters D.D.S. in Hilliard and Upper Arlington, Ohio is here to provide on selecting the right toothbrush, and all around dental care, for you and the whole family.