July 20th, 2011 amogell
It turns out that some of the things we do every day are causing damage to our teeth. Here are a few that you might not be aware of:
- Using sports drinks to re-charge after a workout. Sports drinks have become extremely popular but they aren’t great for your teeth. The drinks are typically full of sugars which act as food for oral bacteria. On top of that, the pH levels in many of these drinks can cause your tooth enamel to wear away. The combination leaves you with teeth that are open to decay and a well-fed army of bacteria ready to go to work on them!
- Drinking wine. Even though we have been told that a glass a day is good for your heart, it isn’t so good for your pearly whites. This goes beyond the issues of stains from red wine. It seems that the acidity in wine, both white and red, can also erode your tooth enamel. To avoid this don’t swish the wine around in your mouth — take small sips and rinse your mouth with water after drinking.
- Going on a diet. Losing a few pounds is good for your health, going on a very restrictive diet might deprive you of vitamins and minerals you need for your healthy smile. Poor nutrition can also affect your immune system leaving you susceptible to infections such as periodontal disease. Proper nutrition and exercise are the keys to losing weight, crash diets are never the answer.
- Drinking bottled water. Bottled water typically does not contain fluoride like many municipal water systems do. Fluoride is controversial for some but it has been safely added to water supplies for many years and has drastically cut the rate of cavities in children and adults in this country. This substance helps remineralize the teeth making them stronger and resistant to decay.
- Adding lemon or lime to your water. Many trendy diet books suggest adding a squeeze of lemon juice to your water to promote weight loss. It really just makes the water taste a little better so you’ll drink more of it. While drinking lots of water is fine, the added acids from the citrus juice are bathing your teeth and weakening your dental enamel all day long. Keep drinking water, just make it plain tap water.
So what can you do to protect your teeth if you don’t want to give up your glass of wine or sports drinks? Most people think they should brush their teeth immediately – DON”T! Your enamel has been softened by the acids and scrubbing at it with a brush will only make matters worse. Rinse your mouth with plain water or better yet, chew a piece of sugar-free gum. The xylitol found in sugar-free gum actually inhibits oral bacteria and increases your saliva flow which will begin to remineralize your teeth. Follow up with a good brushing and flossing about an hour later.
If your habits have left you with a smile that is not as healthy and bright as it once was you have many options for restoring your smile. Cosmetic dentistry can reshape, rebuild and restore your naturally beautiful smile. Please contact StoneRidge Dental Care at 614-476-6696 to schedule your consultation.
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February 22nd, 2011 amogell
Smoking is bad for your heart and lungs – we all know that, but did you also know that smoking affects your teeth and gums?
The ugly yellow nicotine stains on their teeth are usually the first dental side effect that smokers think of. But more worrisome is the effect that smoking has on your gums and other oral tissues.
When your dentist performs a complete oral examination one of the things he/she is looking for is signs of oral cancers. Smoking doesn’t just cause lung cancer, it can also contribute to oral cancer formation. Many people switch to smokeless tobacco products to avoid damaging their lungs but chewing tobacco is even worse when it comes to oral cancer formation.
Smokers are six times more likely to have severe gum destruction when compared to non-smokers. Treating gum disease is more difficult when the patient smokes because smoking reduces our ability to heal. Treating gum disease in patients who smoke is a big challenge for dentists.
Recent research has also shown that smokers have lower levels of the good kind of oral bacteria and much higher levels of the bad or disease related types of bacteria, especially the types that are linked to severe periodontal disease.
The best thing to do – quit using any type of tobacco product! Tobacco is highly addictive but their are numerous treatments that can help you stay on track. If you do use tobacco products it is important to let your dentist know. You may be scheduled for more frequent dental hygiene appointments to help keep your gums healthy. If you smoke and already have developed periodontal disease it is important to work with your dentist and hygienist to manage your disease.
Please contact the office of Dr. Mark Levy at 614-476-6696 to arrange your dental examination appointment including oral cancer screening. Conveniently located in Gahanna, Ohio we look forward to addressing your oral health care needs and giving you the beautiful smile you have always dreamed of.
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February 18th, 2011 amogell
David Letterman, Condaleeza Rice and model Lauren Hutton have always worn the gaps between their two front teeth with pride – but most people want the gap gone. The gap is known as a diastema and can be corrected by several methods.
One way to close the gap is by using dental braces. For those who are seeking immediate gratification, the advanced technology used in cosmetic dentistry offers a solution. Depending upon the width of the gap your dentist may choose cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers to give you a beautiful, gap-free smile.
The outcome of these procedures? Freedom to smile without worry. The increased confidence and self-esteem among patients who have cosmetic procedures is astounding. Browse through our photo gallery to see for yourself.
If you are unhappy with the gaps in your smile please contact Columbus area cosmetic dentist Dr. Mark Levy today at 614-476-6696 to discuss your treatment options.
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February 1st, 2011 amogell
Fear of dentists is a popular topic for TV comedians. If you suffer from dental anxiety, however, you know that it is no laughing matter. Some studies suggest that up to 75% of the population experiences some type of anxiety over dental visits. For most patients this is merely mild anxiety but some people delay or avoid dental treatment for years.
Putting off needed dental care only leads to higher expenses and even more treatment needed down the road. This is because existing problems only continue to get worse over time. Modern dental practices are much different than the places that our grandparent’s visited and many treatment options are available.
Sedation dentistry, also called relaxation dentistry, allows dentists to give patients with dental fears much needed treatment without the patient experiencing the anxiety that usually comes with their dental care. Depending upon the needs of the patient there are various types of sedation available ranging from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to oral sedation. The vast majority of patients are able to receive all their needed care using a mild oral sedative that allows them to completely relax. Sedation dentistry allows years of dental neglect to be repaired in just one visit.
If you experience fear or apprehension when visiting the dentist please contact Dr. Mark Levy today at 7614-476-6696 to discuss your options for sedation dentistry. Conveniently located in Gahanna, Ohio for all your cosmetic and restorative dental needs.
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January 10th, 2011 amogell
For the first time in almost 50 years the federal government will reduce the recommended levels for fluoride in water supplies. While fluoride in drinking water is credited with slashing the rates of tooth decay it seems that some kids are getting too much.
About 40% of adolescents have spots or streaks on their teeth because of too much fluoride. It is not enough to cause harm and the effect is generally considered cosmetic. This condition, called bluorosis, appears to have grown much more common since the 1980′s. The upside has been that tooth decay among teens in the US has dropped from 90% having at least one cavity to 60%. In Britain, only about 10% of the population has fluoridated water and in recent years the UK has tried to add fluoride to communities with the worst dental health.
Fluoride is now added to toothpastes, mouth rinses and in many cases children are also given fluoride supplements which can lead to too much fluoride for some.
Fluoride remains controversial and this latest announcement will surely cause another round of arguments about fluoride in municipal water supplies.
Even if you don’t have cavities you may be unhappy with your smile because of discoloration or misshapen or missing teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can give you the smile you have always dreamed of! Please contact StoneRidge Dental Care, conveniently located in Gahanna, Ohio, at 614-476-6696 to schedule your consultation today.
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December 30th, 2010 amogell
Do you make New Year’s Resolutions each year? How many times have you actually kept one of your resolutions? Most of us don’t last long with resolutions because they tend to involve meeting pretty big goals that we have set for ourselves:Lose 20 pounds
- Work out 5 days per week
- Quit smoking
- Stop nagging my spouse
- Lose 20 pounds
Here is a New Year’s resolution that will improve your overall health (including your heart health), save you money in the long run and help improve your appearance:
Brush after every meal, floss once a day and visit the dentist at least twice per year for professional cleanings and checkups.
This should be a simple resolution to keep because most of us already stick to parts of it – usually the tooth brushing part. But how can taking better care of your oral health make you healthier overall and won’t visiting the dentist actually cost more money? Let me explain…
Brushing and flossing regularly prevent the bacteria in your mouth from setting up housekeeping in your gums. Once bacteria have found a home in your mouth gum disease is the next step. Studies have shown that oral bacteria travels throughout the body and has been linked to heart disease, stroke and pre-term births. Oral bacteria is also linked to diabetes. Since gum disease is easily preventable, keeping oral bacteria in check by brushing and flossing should be resolution number one.
It should be obvious that preventing gum disease will save you health care dollars but why is the regular visit to the dentist and hygienist so important?
Your dental hygienist can point out areas that you may be missing when brushing and flossing at home. The deep cleaning also clears out plaque that you cannot remove at home and a part of your examination includes screening for oral cancers (especially important for smokers and smokeless-tobacco users). Early detection of problems can save lives. Your dental hygienist can also polish away many stains on your teeth that make your smile look dingy and aged.
A sparking clean, healthy smile announces to the world that you are vibrant, energetic and youthful – no matter what your age! Want your smile to look even more dazzling? Dental bleaching can remove years from your appearance and return the white, bright smile you once had.
Please contact Mark Levy, DDS at 614-476-6696 to schedule your appointment. Start the New Year with a resolution that you know you can keep – a resolution for a healthy, beautiful smile!
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December 6th, 2010 amogell
Do you crunch on the ice in your soft drinks? Can’t wait to get to the center of that Tootsie Pop so you bite instead of lick? Both are common ways that people chip their teeth. Other people grind or clench teeth, many times at night so they don’t even realize they are doing it until their dentist sees damage. Simply exposing teeth to heat and cold can lead to chips, cracks, and breaks in your teeth.
Tiny chips are usually not a bother. But large chips and cracks in teeth or in fillings can lead to pain or permanent tooth damage. If you recognized yourself in this list of bad habits – it is time to stop. No more ice munching, no more crunching hard candy or cough drops. Protecting your teeth from damage will save you discomfort and hours in the dental chair repairing problem teeth.
Once a tooth has been damaged the treatment required to restore that tooth will vary depending upon the type of crack or chip, how bad the crack or chip is and where it is located in your mouth. For some simple repairs dental bonding or tooth contouring may be all that is needed. Porcelain veneers or crowns are usually needed to fix badly damaged teeth. Old, cracked mercury silver fillings are always replaced using modern dental restoration materials that do not contain mercury.
In the Columbus, Ohio area please contact StoneRidge Dental Care today at 614-476-6696 to schedule your appointment. Cracked or broken teeth will not heal themselves and the problems will only get worse over time. Call today to discuss your options for repairing damaged teeth.
Posted in cosmetic, Mercury Free, Teeth Grinding | No Comments »
December 2nd, 2010 amogell
Yet another reason to get those old mercury amalgam fillings out of your mouth. The November issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease states that inorganic mercury, the type found in dental amalgams, likely is a contributing cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
A systematic review of 106 studies found that the symptoms and features of Alzheimer’s disease were reproduced, or occurred more quickly, when mercury was introduced. Forty of the studies tested memory in individuals exposed to mercury and thirty-two of them found significant memory problems following exposure.
The study authors noted that the evidence against mercury was “strongly suggestive” but added that some links between inorganic mercury and Alzheimer’s were missing. “The situation is similar to the early 1970′s regarding smoking: enough experimental evidence existed, but human studies were inconclusive at the time and were under attack by groups with a vested interest” said lead researcher Dr. Harald Walach.
Dr. Walach called for “the removal of mercury from public and ecological circuits and replacing it wherever possible by less toxic alternatives. “ He added, “To wait until irrefutable evidence has accumulated is not the best options in view of what we already know about the toxicity of mercury. The removal of inorganic mercury from ecological cycles might prove to be the easiest and most effective public health measure to contribute to the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.”
StoneRidge Dental Care is mercury-free and we can help you and your family become mercury-free as well. Please contact us today at 614-476-6696 to discuss your treatment options. for replacing mercury fillings with safer, non-toxic and more attractive restorations.
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November 18th, 2010 amogell
Many people think they they will never need a cosmetic dentist, after all cosmetic dentistry is just for “Hollywood types”. This idea couldn’t be further from the truth. For example, one of your front teeth is broken accidentally. Repairing this tooth will require placing a crown (or a cap as some people call them). All dentists are trained to prepare and place dental crowns. Placing a crown in the front of the mouth that matches the surrounding teeth and has the same translucent, vibrant appearance as the adjoining “real” teeth requires extensive training beyond what is taught during a dental education.
A good example is the following photo. This patient had cosmetic dentistry performed by a general dentist that did not have higher level training and, when compared to the same smile made over by a cosmetic dentist I think the difference is obvious.
Many people have a family dentist that they trust, and the family dentist thinks that he or she can do cosmetic dentistry. The truth is that doing cosmetic dentistry well requires much specialized study. Thus, his or her attempts often need to be re-done by a true cosmetic dentist. The first dentist is probably well-intentioned and also is probably reluctant to refer the patient to an expert cosmetic dentist for fear of permanently losing that patient.
If you love your current dentist – that’s wonderful. We all hope that our patients are loyal and like coming to the office. However, if you are in the market for cosmetic dentistry – whether for an entire smile makeover like the photo above or just repairing one broken tooth so that it brings your smile back to its original beauty you need to check the cosmetic dental training and experience of your dentist.
Please contact StoneRidge Dental Care at 614-476-6696 to schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation. A radiant, beautiful smile can be yours!
Posted in cosmetic, Oral Heath Care | 1 Comment »
November 9th, 2010 amogell
The California city of Costa Mesa has become the first American municipality to pass a resolution calling for banning the use of dental amalgam. The silver colored filling material is controversial because about half of it is mercury, a known neurotoxin. The resolution passed by the city council calls on federal and state agencies to ban amalgam, for dentists in Costa Mesa to voluntarily switch to non-toxic alternatives and for the other 33 cities in Orange County to adopt similar measures.
California already has declared the mercury in amalgam to be a reproductive toxin and the Dental Board of California requires dentists to distribute a fact sheet to each patient disclosing amalgam’s risks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will hold hearings at the end of 2010 to consider banning amalgam for children and pregnant women and the E.P.A. announced in October that it would require dentists to install technology to catch waste mercury before it goes down the drain and into the water supply.
Costa Mesa City Council Member Gary Monahan said that dentists and their staff members will benefit because without mercury vapors, dental offices will be a much safer workplace environment. He also noted that consumers have been deceived by the term “silver fillings” and explained that a 2006 poll showed that over 80% of California residents would pay more to get non-mercury fillings but only 40% of them knew that amalgam’s main component was mercury.
StoneRidge Dental Care is proud to be a mercury-free environment. Our commitment to the total health of our patients means that we offer only mercury-free dentistry. Removal of old mercury amalgam fillings and replacement with new composite filling material will reduce exposure to mercury and reduce further damage to teeth from old, cracked amalgams.
In the Columbus, Ohio area please contact my office at 614-476-6696 today for more information about mercury dental amalgams and their effects on the environment and your health.
Posted in cosmetic, Mercury Free, Oral Heath Care | 2 Comments »
