5points advanced dentistry Archives - 5 Points Advanced Dentistry

5 Points Advanced Dentistry Blog

Tips to Keep Your Smile Healthy and White

One of the first things most people notice about a person is their smile. A beautiful smile leaves a lasting impression and builds self-confidence. Although having an attractive smile is important, it is more important to have a healthy one.

How do I know if I am brushing my teeth properly?

 

Brushing twice a day reduces plaque, a sticky bacterial substance, that covers the surface of the teeth. Two minutes is the optimum amount of time to brush your teeth. Set the timer when you brush in the morning and at night.

 

The method you use to brush your teeth is just as important as how long you clean them for. The right way to brush your teeth is to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, point it at the gum line, and brush each tooth about 10 times in a tiny circular motion.

 

Brushing too hard, however, can irritate gums and damage your teeth. Horizontal scrubbing can lead to gum recession and abrasion of tooth root surfaces. To avoid this, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and gently massage your teeth and gums.

 

Is flossing really that important?

 

Flossing is another excellent way to keep your mouth clean because it can remove plaque from certain areas that are too difficult to reach by brushing alone.

However, just like brushing, there is a right and wrong way to floss. When flossing, keep the string against the tooth, which will cause friction and loosen the food particles that are caught between your teeth. For best results, it is a 

good idea to floss before you brush and after meals. Developing a good dental regime is a proven way to maintain healthy gums, prevent tooth decay, and eschew bad breath.

 

Since I already practice good oral hygiene, do I still need to see the dentist every year?

 

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the frequency for which you see a dentist can vary from person to person depending on age and health, but the standard for dental visits is generally every 6 months. Children should start seeing a dentist as soon as they receive their first tooth. For those with oral health problems and illnesses such as diabetes or an autoimmune disease, a dentist may schedule visits more often than once or twice a year.

 

It is estimated that about 20 percent of Americans suffer from some level of dental phobia or anxiety. If you fall into this category, you are not alone. But don’t let your fears prevent you from going to the dentist. Regular dental visits are crucial in the detection and prevention of oral problems such as gum disease, tooth decay or loss, and oral cancer.

 

Are there certain foods I should avoid?

 

Some foods are more harmful to your teeth and gums than others. Here are some tips on foods to limit, or avoid altogether:

 

Too Much Sugar

 

A diet high in sugar can expedite tooth decay, so cut down on your sugar intake. Soda, when consumed in excess, can erode the enamel, or protective shield on your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay. If you are an avid soda drinker, you should probably switch to water.

 

Sticky or Crunchy

 

Another food to be mindful of is dried fruits. Although there can be nutritional benefits to this fun snack, foods like this can get stuck in between your teeth and if left there, can cause bacteria to build up. After eating dried fruits, be sure to floss and rinse your mouth immediately afterward. The same goes for crunchy food like nuts and potato chips, which have a habit of getting stuck in between your teeth and gums as well.

 

Highly Acidic

 

Although citrus fruits and juices can be a good natural source of vitamin C, they are full of acid that can break down the enamel on your teeth. Be mindful of juices like grapefruit and lemon and how much you consume.

 

Causes Discoloration

 

Stains to your teeth caused by coffee and red wine can leave lasting effects and are hard to get rid of without extensive whitening treatment. Also, when you add copious amounts of cream and sugar to your daily cup of brew, all that sugar is not good for teeth. It is recommended not to drink more than 4 cups of coffee a day. So be mindful of how much coffee you drink and the additives that you put in your coffee. After your second or third cup, you may want to switch to black.

 

What habits and behaviors affect my teeth and gums?

 

Don’t smoke. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes or using any kind of tobacco products is dangerous and negatively impacts your gums and teeth. If you do smoke, stop immediately. If you don’t smoke, now is not a good time to start.

 

Limit alcohol intake. Drinking excessively can lead to irreversible damage. Research shows that alcohol abuse is linked to gum disease. The more you drink, the more at risk you are and if you already have gum disease, drinking heavily will exacerbate the disease.

 

Stress less. Teeth grinding can wear your teeth down over time. If you have problems with grinding your teeth due to stress, see Dr. Imm about taking preventative measures. A mouth guard can protect against this.

 

Don’t bite, don’t chew. Chewing on ice, pencils, or using teeth to open things can irritate the tissue in your teeth that can cause cracks and chips.

 

It can be a challenge to keep your smile pearly and white. Continue to practice good oral hygiene and schedule regular dental appointments. If you live near Columbus, Ohio, and are nervous about seeing a dentist, come to 5 Points Advanced Dentistry, where you will be greeted by a team of friendly and knowledgeable professionals that you can trust with your oral health.

 

 

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month? Oral cancer can occur in any part of your mouth, including the tongue, throat, roof of the mouth, gums, and even the lips.

Dentist Working on Patient

Early detection is the most crucial part of combating this disease. Oral cancer is more common than you might think, but the good news is that it is often curable when discovered and treated during the beginning stages.

What are oral cancer warning signs that I need to be aware of?

  • Pain in one or both of your ears that doesn’t impact your hearing.
  • Mouth ulcers, sores such as a white lump or red patches that don’t heal.
  • Numbness or pain in your mouth or on your tongue.
  • Enlarged throat lymph nodes and continuous sore throat, constant feeling of a lump in your throat.
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking

How does someone get oral cancer?

Oral cancer occurs when the healthy cells in your mouth mutate and change into abnormal cells that can start to form tumors.

Like any cancer, the prognosis for most oral cancers is good with early detection. However, when the mouth cancer goes undetected for an extended period, it can metastasize, spreading to other parts of the body, and become more dangerous.

Certain risk factors increase the chance of getting oral cancer. The biggest risk factors are using tobacco in any form, alcohol abuse, increased sun exposure without proper protection, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that usually occurs in genital areas but can also be contracted to areas of the mouth and throat. Some instances of oropharyngeal HPV can lead to oral cancer.

Other factors that can increase the chance of getting oral cancer are a poor diet that is low on fruits and vegetables, chronic mouth irritation, and genetic conditions such as Franconia anemia, which results in decreased production of blood cells.

Why is oral cancer so dangerous?

Oral cancer is a serious condition, but it doesn’t have to be fatal. When diagnosed and treated early, the chances of survival are high. It can be treated through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. A medical professional can discuss with you the best course of treatment.

It is dangerous to ignore any of the symptoms mentioned above without discussing it with your dentist. Furthermore, oral cancer is difficult for a patient to detect, especially if they are not experiencing any symptoms. Whereas dentists are trained at identifying the warning signs and can interpret what they mean.

How can seeing a dentist help?

By going to the dentist every 6 months, you give a trained professionals the opportunity to check your mouth for ulcers or sores.

Regular trips to your dentist are not only instrumental in the detection of oral cancer but are also helpful in its prevention. A small spot in your mouth or under the tongue may go unnoticed, especially if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms, but Dr. Imm will specifically check for anything unusual during his screening for oral cancer as a part of your regular dental exam.

Good oral health and hygiene can go a long way toward starving off harmful bacteria that can lead to other complications and illnesses. For example, frequent gum abscess, swelling, and bone loss can be an indication of diabetes. If a patient has never been tested, they will never know that they have it. But a dentist can tell a lot about your overall health, simply by looking at the inside of your mouth.

What can I do to reduce my chances of getting oral cancer?

Keep away from cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes and stop using tobacco products altogether. Tobacco exposes your mouth to dangerous chemicals called carcinogens that increase the risk of developing cancer.

If you drink alcohol, limit your consumption to one or two glasses per day. One glass is equal to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.

Prolonged exposure to the sun leaves your lips vulnerable to the risk of oral cancer.
When applying sunscreen, people tend to forget to include their lips and face. It is important when spending time in the sun to protect your lips by wearing a hat that provides shade to your face and using sunscreen and lip balm with UV protection of at least SPF 15.

How can I make sure I am doing everything to keep my teeth and gums healthy?Dental Mirror

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss and use mouthwash daily, and see a dentist regularly.

Practicing good oral hygiene not only maintains a clean and fresh mouth, but it can also assist with the prevention of illnesses including periodontitis, or gum disease, diabetes, heart disease, and oral cancer.

The skilled professionals at 5Points Advanced Dentistry are trained to recognize the early signs of oral cancer. If you believe you, or someone you know, is experiencing any symptoms, don’t delay. Call and make an appointment today. 5Points Advanced Dentistry is located in Upper Arlington, Ohio right outside of Columbus.

Come Visit Us

3380 Tremont Rd
Upper Arlington, OH 43221

Give us a call at 614.451.5435 today!

Schedule Your Visit Online