Jon Frankel Dentistry

Category Archive: Dental Floss

Diabetes and the Dentist? 5 Connections and 5 Tips

Nov 15 2023

November 14th is National Diabetes Day. Patients know they need to monitor their blood sugar with diet and medication but what about dental care. Is there a connection?

Five Connections Between Diabetes and Dental Health

Dry Mouth

A reduction of saliva because of diabetes can lead to dry mouth. Dental patients with dry mouth are at a higher risk of decay.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a cause of tooth loss. Swollen, bleeding gums, and bone loss are symptoms of gum disease. Those with diabetes are susceptible to periodontitis partially due to elevated sugar levels and bacterial growth.

Infection

The immune system can be weakened by diabetes. Those with diabetes can be more susceptible to oral infections.

Slower Healing Time

Delayed healing time may mean dental patients take longer to recover from treatment. It may also increase the risk of infection.

Blood Sugar Complications

Uncontrolled diabetes may increase the glucose in saliva creating an ideal environment for bacterial biofilm or dental plaque formation. Bacterial plaque is associated with dental decay and gum disease.

What to do!

Regular Dental Check Ups

See your dentist every three months for cleanings and checkups. Brush and floss daily. Keep your dentist informed regarding your diabetes.

Be Aware

Keep an eye out for signs of dental disease such as red swollen gums, bleeding, or tooth

discomfort.

Stay in Charge

Visit your healthcare provider at regular intervals and keep your blood sugar at the levels recommended.

Drink Water

Stay hydrated to keep dry mouth under control.

Do not Smoke

Smoking can exacerbate disease and quitting will improve dental and overall health.
Struggling with Tooth Sensitivity?

Jul 02 2023

Tooth sensitivity can be a frustrating and uncomfortable dental issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Sharp, sudden pain that accompanies the consumption of hot or cold foods and beverages can put a damper on daily life. While there are various causes behind tooth sensitivity, it’s important to address any underlying problems rather than simply endure the discomfort. Let’s dive deeper into tooth sensitivity and how to help!

Tooth sensitivity can be a result of many factors such as:

Tooth enamel erosion: The protective layer of enamel can wear down over time due to aggressive brushing, acidic foods, or acid reflux. As the enamel thins, the underlying dentin becomes exposed, leading to sensitivity.

Dental cavities: Cavities compromise the integrity of the tooth structure, causing sensitivity when the nerve endings are exposed to stimuli.

Gum recession: Receding gums expose the tooth roots, which lack the protective enamel covering. The roots contain tiny tubules that connect to nerve endings, making them more susceptible to sensitivity.

Of course we recommend speaking with your dental care provider to find any underlying health concerns but if you can’t get into the office soon enough here are some tips to help:

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and adopting a gentle brushing technique can prevent further enamel erosion and gum recession.

Use desensitizing toothpaste: Specialized toothpaste for sensitive teeth contains compounds that help block nerve sensations and provide relief. Regular use can help reduce sensitivity over time.

Avoid acidic and sugary foods: Acidic foods and beverages, as well as excessive sugar consumption, can contribute to enamel erosion and tooth decay. Limiting their intake can protect your teeth from further damage.

Wear a mouthguard at night: If tooth sensitivity is caused by teeth grinding or clenching, wearing a mouthguard at night can help minimize the pressure on your teeth and prevent enamel wear.

It’s important to note that these are all temporary fixes, it’s crucial to schedule regular dental visits with our team at Frankel Dentistry to address the underlying causes of tooth sensitivity! A dental professional can identify any dental issues, such as cavities, gum disease, or enamel erosion, and develop a personalized treatment plan. Routine dental cleanings and examinations are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing further complications! We’d be happy to take a look at your smile!

Call today to schedule or visit us online!

Toledo:419-474-9611 Maumee: 419-893-0221

www.jonfrankeldentistry.com
Your Pet’s Dental Health Matters!

Feb 08 2023

Taking care of your pet’s oral health is an important part of their overall well-being. A healthy mouth, promotes a healthy body! Just like humans, pets can suffer from a variety of dental issues, including plaque, tartar, and periodontal disease, if their oral health isn’t properly maintained.

First, let’s talk about why pet oral health is so important. Not only can poor oral health lead to bad breath, but it can also create a number of other problems for your pet. For instance, bacteria can easily enter the bloodstream through the gums and cause infections in other organs. This can lead to a variety of illnesses and can even be life-threatening. That’s why it’s so important to practice good oral hygiene for your pet.

Let’s talk about how to keep your pet’s mouth clean and healthy. One of the best ways to do this is by brushing your pet’s teeth regularly. You can purchase special pet toothbrushes and toothpaste at most pet stores. It’s also important to feed your pet a healthy, balanced diet and give them plenty of chew toys. This will help remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup.

Finally, it’s also important to take your pet to the vet for regular checkups. While Frankel Dentistry does not care for animals, your vet can check your pet’s teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy and can provide advice on the best way to maintain your pet’s oral hygiene! Let’s help your best friend have a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles!

We’ve said it time and time again but a healthy mouth promotes a healthy body! The same goes for the pets you love! Good oral hygiene is an important part of your pet’s overall health and well-being.
Back to School with Smile Friendly Snacks

Aug 22 2022
Back to school season is finally here! Frankel Dentistry wants to help your little ones start the year with a healthy, happy smile. Taking care of your smile goes beyond just cleaning your teeth and regular dental visits, it’s important to watch what you’re putting into your body!

Here are some healthy back to school snacks to help promote dental health!
- Apples, Celery, and Carrots! Did you know crunchy fruit and vegetables can help clean your teeth by removing plaque from the enamel? Not only do they clean your teeth but also provide you with vitamins and minerals to support your body.
Some of our favorite classic snacks include apple slices or celery with peanut butter. Carrots and other crunchy vegetables always pair great with hummus.
- Milk, cheese, and yogurt. Dairy products are a great source of calcium, which helps repair enamel and strengthen bones which support your teeth. Cheese and yogurt are also rich in vitamin D and phosphate which create lower acid levels and reduce the risk of tooth decay.
- Nuts and seeds! Almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds and more are a great source of healthy fats, vitamin D, folic acid and not to mention one of the best sources of protein.
- Thinking about what to drink? Water.
Encourage your little ones to drink more water daily! Water helps hydrate your organs and muscle, balance pH levels in the mouth, and increase saliva production which means less tooth decay and stronger tooth enamel.
Growing our team one smile at a time.

Jul 05 2022

July is filled with dozens of reasons to smile. This month we smile because Frankel Dentistry is welcoming a new doctor. We are overjoyed to present Dr. Erin Waples D.D.S!

Erin Waples, DDS.

An Ohio native and former Ohio State Buckeye! Dr. Waples was born and raised in the small village of Mogadore in Northeastern Ohio. She grew up loving soccer, track, and the great outdoors, spending dozens of weekends camping and hiking with her family.

She attended the University of Akron where she studied Biomedical Engineering. She knew she wanted a fulfilling, impactful career while still being able to maintain a work life balance. Post graduation she began shadowing different career fields and discovered her passion for dentistry. “There is something so special about working with your hands, touching the lives of patients, and creating long lasting relationships and friendships.”

A young Erin Waples pursued her dental degree at THE Ohio State University. She spent her time in Columbus playing intramural soccer, attending Buckeye games with friends, and serving the community through the Delta Sigma Delta organization.

Dr. Waples is special to us because she is special to someone here! While at THE Ohio State University she met her fiance, fellow Frankel and Puhl dentist, Dr. Westmeyer. Dr. Westmeyer is also an OSU alumni and has been a part of our Maumee team since 2019. These two are avid adventurers! They enjoy camping, hiking, snow sports, and exploring national parks and new destinations! In October 2021 Dr. Westmeyer popped the question and now they patiently plan and await their big day. In the meantime these two are thrilled and grateful to serve the NWO community through their passions.

Frankel Dentistry is thrilled to have Dr. Waples a part our team. We cannot wait to Change Lives a Smile at a Time with her.
Men’s Health Matters!

Jun 20 2022
June is Men’s Health Awareness Month and Frankel Dentistry is spreading awareness and encouraging healthy habits. Did you know over 350,000 men die every year from heart disease? And only 3 out 5 have regular physicals. Believe it or not, your oral health is connected to your health! This is why we always say a Healthy Mouth Promotes a Healthy Body! Oral health is often overlooked but did you know there are currently 3.6 billion individuals struggling with oral diseases?

Your mouth is typically a good indicator of your overall well-being. Individuals with periodontal disease have the same risk factors as those with heart disease. Diseases such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and Alzthemiers can all be connected to oral health. Frankel Dentistry wants to see you live a healthy, happy life with smiles to share for years to come. How can you make sure you’re practicing a healthy lifestyle?

Here are some heart healthy habits to help encourage a healthy lifestyle!
1. A healthy diet.
Limit your fat and sodium consumption! Highly fat foods are known to increase your risk of heart disease or stroke. This is because fatty foods increase cholesterol which lead to high blood pressure, build up in the blood, clogged arteries, and more.

A heart healthy diet includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and limit processed foods.
1. Exercise!
30 minutes a few days a week is all you need! Cardio exercises such as walking, running, cycling, or exercise classes all help strengthen your heart. Find a form of exercise you love and will look forward to!
1. DENTAL CARE
As you know a healthy mouth promotes a healthy body! Studies have shown bacteria in the mouth creates plaque which can move into the bloodstream and increase your risk for diabetes, stroke, and more. Remember to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, floss regularly, and schedule your recare appointments!
1. Quality rest.
Quality sleep is essential to your health and well-being. Sleep allows your heart to rest as well as improve blood pressure and heart rate. We recommend a 7-8 hours of quality rest a night.
Toledo Dentist tells all. Looking to Save Money? Try Flossing!

Aug 01 2017
Looking to Save Money? Try Flossing!

Many people fear going to the dentist because they assume they will be hit with a heavy bill due to dental work. In reality, going to the dentist regularly can save you money! It is important to put your health first – especially your oral health. It’s important to maintain healthy oral hygiene tips at home not only to achieve a healthy smile, but it also helps keep your dental expenses down.

Dr. Frankel and Team Share 5 Money Saving Tips:
1. Floss! Floss is very inexpensive (roughly around $2) and is much less expensive than a filling.
2. Purchase new toothbrushes at least every quarter — stock up when there is a good sale! If you are using an old toothbrush, you are subjecting yourself to more germs and not getting a good quality brush due to the worn down bristles.

3. Drink water…water is the healthiest beverage for your entire body – especially your mouth.

4. Come in for your regular, professional cleanings and exams. Regular cleanings help you avoid future problems or help detect potential issues before they become expensive to repair.

5. Look into a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – you can pay for your bills with pre-tax dollars.

If your job offers you dental insurance, you are very fortunate to have group coverage. If you are looking for insurance coverage or have questions about billing, please contact our office – we are happy to go over any questions you may have!
One is Today’s Number

Feb 23 2016

Today is Single-Tasking day

Single what day? Single-tasking day is a day where you take one task and give it 100% of

your focus!

According to mentalfloss.com February 23, 2016 is “Single-Tasking Day.”

Floss is all there is. Try 100% flossing.

A far cry from what some call “single’s awareness day” (Feb. 14), single task day is for

all of you multi-taskers out there. While we all tend to juggle making dinner, doing

homework, checking social media, ordering from Amazon, and chatting with the family

all at one time, today is the day to make the madness stop!

It may seem like a weird and silly holiday- and we totally agree(d). Until we stopped and

really thought about how often we only give things a percentage of our focus and decided

that today, together as an office, we are going to focus on one thing.

One thing at a time.
Fight These 5 Aging Problems With Dr. Frankel

Jun 23 2015
Age is one factor that we can’t fight, although we really, really try. Truth be told, with all the other age defying tricks out there to help keep our youthful appearance, our smiles should not be one that we neglect.

Here are 5 areas where teeth can tell our age.
- Tooth decay. Yes, we warn our children and grandchildren about too much sugar and cavities. But just because we are older doesn’t mean we are immune to tooth decay. It is important to still brush for two minutes twice a day, floss daily, and visit Dr. Frankel for an exam every six months. A clean, healthy, white smile is also a nice trick to help keep you looking young and vibrant.
- Dry mouth. As we age and are prescribed different medications, we may start to experience dry mouth. Saliva is important part of protecting our teeth from decay, therefore, a dry mouth could be detrimental toward our oral health. Make sure you are staying properly hydrated, and sip and swish water whenever you notice your mouth may be dry.
- Too crowding. Pre-teens are not the only ones who experience tooth crowding. As we age our teeth move and shift. This may cause our teeth to crowd. Crowded teeth give bacteria many places to hide, where our tooth brushes and floss may not reach effectively. This breeding ground for bacteria may lead to tooth decay or worse, gum disease.
- Gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontal disease effect nearly half of American adults, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, which left untreated can affect the gum tissue and lead to tooth loss. The Frankel Dentistry team has a practicing Periodontist on staff, who will be able to treat patients with gum disease. Although gum disease cannot be reversed, there are plenty of ways to manage it, keeping your gums and teeth healthy.
- Oral Cancer. 43,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with oral cancer and nearly 8,000 will die from it (Oral Cancer Foundation). It is best to catch oral cancer in the earliest stages. While at Frankel Dentistry we will do a comprehensive exam, including an oral cancer screening, which will help ensure that your mouth is healthy and cancer free.
Travel Tips for The Summer- Brought to You By Doctor Frankel

May 20 2015

It’s Memorial Day weekend. The kickoff to summer. Kids are off of school and many of us plan our summer vacations. Here are a few tips to help with your packing before you travel.

1.) Check-It!

It is time to get a 6 month check-up, get it before you travel to ensure that your mouth, teeth and gums are healthy and that you have a beautiful Frankel Smile in all those pictures that you take. Also, by getting your routine check-up you ensure that your mouth is healthy and that small problem are taken care of before they become big issues. It is also a great time to ask Dr. Frankel about how to avoid travelers breath or if you have any mouth sensitivity while traveling at a high altitude.

2.) Pack- It!

Don’t forget to pack your oral hygiene care. Your list should include: toothpaste, toothbrush (manual or electric- if electric don’t forget your charger), dental floss, mouth rinse, sugar free gum, plastic baggie (you don’t want your toothpaste exploding all over your clothes), disposable toothbrushes if you are traveling to a place where the water is not safe, and a toothbrush cap. **Special note about those caps- Yes, they protect your bristles, but they also breed bacteria. Be sure to take the cap off your toothbrush once you arrive at your destination.

3.) Swish-It!

Caught somewhere without your toothbrush? Swish your mouth with water.

4.) Share-It!

Pack healthy snacks to share with your family while traveling. Bring fruits, veggies, nuts instead of candy bars and soda.

5.) Know-It!

Dental emergencies happen. Have a plan in case something occurs. Many times it is as simple as asking your hotel concierge for a recommendation in case of an emergency. This video is great for special tips in case of an emergency. Be sure to click it and watch!

Jon Frankel Dentistry

Category Archive: Dental Floss

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