prevention tips Archives - Upper Arlington

Prevention Tips For An Abscessed Tooth

Posted on July 29, 2016August 2, 2016 by Dr. Dana Walters

An abscessed tooth can be painful. If left untreated, the bacteria can be harmful to your dental health and your overall health. The wisest approach is to start with prevention tips so an abscess does not occur.
What Causes An Abscessed Tooth?

When you know the most common causes, it can be easier to prevent an abscess. Tooth decay and oral trauma are the main causes of abscessed teeth. Both of these issues can be prevented.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Teeth:

Home oral care and routine dental visits can prevent tooth decay. If you have developed a cavity, it should be treated promptly. This will prevent further decay, and the tooth’s pulp will not be affected.

Oral injuries can often be prevented, too. As oral injuries that involve cracks in the teeth can eventually cause an abscess, take appropriate measures to protect your teeth from injury.

First, wear a mouth guard recommended by your dentist whenever you participate in activities. This tip is also important for your children. You should also discuss mouth guards with your dentist if anyone in your family grinds their teeth at night.

Second, see your dentist immediately if you have an accident that affects your mouth. Slip-and-fall accidents and car accidents can damage your teeth.
If You Have an Abscessed Tooth:

An abscessed tooth will not heal on its own. If you do not seek treatment, it will worsen. If you have noticed fluid, or a bad taste in your mouth, consult with your dentist.

When you are treated for an abscessed tooth, you do not want to repeat the experience. Your priorities should be home dental care, protecting your teeth from injury, and regular visits to the dentist.
You do not need to lose your teeth because of an abscess. You also do not want to undermine your general health. Prevention can keep your teeth and your body healthy.

5 Tips To Prevent Dry Mouth

Posted on June 24, 2016June 29, 2016 by Dr. Dana Walters

Dry mouth is uncomfortable, embarrassing, and can increase your risk of tooth loss. Whether you are experiencing dry mouth due to aging or medication you are taking, prevention tips can be part of your overall oral care. You can take simple steps to relieve this issue, and have better oral health.
1. Eliminate products that contribute to dry mouth. This is the ideal time to stop smoking. As tobacco dries your mouth, decide that you do not need it. If you use a mouthwash containing alcohol, switch to a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol. You can have a clean, fresh mouth without the complications of an alcohol-based mouthwash.
2. As caffeine can cause dry mouth, limit beverages that contain caffeine. For the best results, switch to decaffeinated coffee and tea. Caffeinated soda pop should definitely not be in your diet. Consider giving up soda pop altogether.
3. If you drink alcohol, choose a healthier beverage. Drink milk or fruit juice instead. When you drink alcohol, your gums become irritated and dry. It is a product you do not need, and it is harmful to your oral health.
4. Use products that increase saliva. Hard candies and gum are two examples. The options that are best for your overall oral health are sugar-free products. They will increase natural saliva, and they will not harm your teeth. It is an easy way to enjoy a treat, and it can eliminate dry mouth.
5. Drink plenty of water. There is no beverage that provides so many health benefits as pure, fresh water. It is refreshing and delicious, and it is good for your oral health. When you enjoy glasses of cool water throughout the day, it will decrease dry mouth.
These 5 prevention tips should solve the problem of dry mouth. You can avoid discomfort, bad breath, and unnecessary damage to your oral health.

However, if dry mouth persists after taking these steps, consult with your dentist. You may have an oral issue that has not been detected. Your dentist can offer further advice on how to relieve dry mouth. You can be comfortable, and have better oral health.

Skin Cancer Can Affect More Than Just Skin

Posted on March 4, 2016March 7, 2016 by Dr. Dana Walters

Skin cancer is an extremely common condition in the United States, but it is curable with early detection. Although it may not be your first instinct, visiting your dentist can be a smart way to prevent this disease. Besides providing oral care, a dentist can play a vital role in cancer prevention.

Common Types of Skin Cancer

Melanoma is one of the most common and serious forms of skin cancer. Scientific research has shown long-term sun exposure is one of the biggest factors that causes this disease. However, melanoma can strike other parts of the body. For example, it can manifest in the heart or mouth as well. This is why visiting the dentist can have a positive effect on your overall health.

Why Visiting the Dentist is Important

Since early detection is key for treatment, scheduling regular dental visits is vital. When you arrange a checkup, your dentist will examine your teeth and other parts of your mouth. The American Dental Association explains that regular visits to your dentist improve the chances that suspicious changes in your overall health will be found early so that treatment can begin quickly.

Symptoms of Oral or Skin Cancer

The signs and symptoms of oral cancer are commonly confused with other ailments. For instance, difficulty swallowing, problems chewing, and frequent sore throats may be signs of a regular cold, but they may also signal the beginning of oral cancer. White or red patches may be present in the mouth as well. Also, skin pigmentation changes may be symptoms of cancer that can occur anywhere around your neck, head, and facial areas.

When To Be Screened

Every time you visit your dentist, this professional should examine your mouth for abnormalities or tissue changes. This expert knows how to identify cancerous lesions at early stages, which can save your life. He or she may use a unique lighting device as a tool to aid detection as well.

Besides monitoring your dental health, your dentist can help uphold your overall health. At your regular checkups, your dentist will examine your teeth and screen your mouth for other oral issues. Dr. Dana Walters cares about his patients’ teeth but also cares about their overall health. He will be your oral care partner who screens your mouth and surrounding areas for cancer. Thanks to his diligence, you may be able to live a longer life.

Tips To Avoid Tooth Decay

Posted on November 5, 2015November 20, 2015 by Dr. Dana Walters

Tooth decay can destroy your smile. It may affect the outer enamel or penetrate deeper into the center dentin of a tooth. Without proper dental care, it may lead to tooth loss. To avoid these problems and maintain solid oral health, there are certain prevention tips that will keep decay to a minimum.

Brush and Floss Each Day. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is the best way to remove debris from the mouth. Flossing penetrates between teeth and the gum line, which eliminates trapped food particles. These practices lower the likelihood of developing plaque buildup and cavities.

Maintain a Balanced Diet. For maximum overall health, it is wise to eat a balanced diet. Consuming too many sweets and carbohydrates often leads to weight gain and tooth decay. These items stick to teeth and inhibit bacteria growth. When you eat an over abundance of sugar, bacteria turns to acid. This acid combines with food debris and saliva and forms plaque, which accumulates on teeth and causes cavities.

Supplements and Sealants. According to the American Dental Association, fluoride supplements and dental sealants are effective ways to prevent cavities. Fluoride strengthens enamel so that it holds up against decay. Also, sealants are dental treatments that can be applied to your molars. These protective plastic coatings are brushed onto the chewing surfaces of your back teeth. These are common points where decay strikes, especially when they contain deep grooves. Application is painless and can drastically lower the chances of developing cavities.

Schedule Regular Dental Visits. Regular visits to your dentist are key parts of tooth decay prevention. At your dentist’s office, you will receive a professional examination and cleaning that removes stubborn debris and tartar. Also, it may be possible to receive fluoride treatments that guard enamel and keep teeth strong. Taking these steps will help avoid harmful cavities.

Each day, it is essential to follow a solid oral care regimen. It is never fun facing the pain and ugliness of tooth decay. Your dentist will be able to explain more prevention tips so that you keep your smile looking its best.