Jon Frankel Dentistry

Category Archive: Dental Disease

  1. Diabetes and the Dentist? 5 Connections and 5 Tips

    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.

  2. Struggling with Tooth Sensitivity?

    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.

    six tips on how to help sensitive teeth.

    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

  3. Your Pet’s Dental Health Matters!

    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.

  4. February is Children’s Dental Health Month!

    Dental health is an important topic for parents to consider when it comes to their children. Taking care of a child’s oral health can start even before they have their first tooth. It’s important to introduce healthy habits early on to ensure that children have strong, healthy teeth and gums and a lifetime of healthy smiles.

    First and foremost, it’s important to schedule regular dental visits for your child. These visits should start when the first tooth appears and continue throughout their life. During the visits, the dentist will be able to provide advice on oral care, assess the condition of the teeth and gums, and offer preventive treatments such as fluoride applications. Frankel Dentistry offers look and learn appointments to help your child acclimate to the dental office environment while also ensuring their oral health is on the right track.

    At home, parents should help their children develop good brushing habits. Ideally, children should brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-containing toothpaste. Parents should help children aged two and under brush their teeth, and should supervise brushing for children up to the age of six.

    In addition to brushing, children should also floss their teeth every day. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from in between teeth, which helps prevent the buildup of cavities and gum disease. It’s important to teach children the proper way to floss, as incorrect technique can do more harm than good.

    Finally, it’s important to limit the amount of sugary snacks and drinks that children consume. Sugary foods and drinks can increase the risk of cavities, so it’s best to limit their intake. Replace sugary snacks with healthy alternatives such as fruits, vegetables, and plain yogurt.

    By following these tips, parents can help ensure that their children have healthy teeth and gums for life. Let’s summarize! Regular visits to the dentist, good brushing habits, flossing, and limiting sugary snacks and drinks are all important components of a good dental health routine.

  5. Back to School with Smile Friendly Snacks

    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.

     

  6. Struggling with Tooth Sensitivity?

    How often do you feel oral pain after enjoying a bite of your summer sundae on a nice July night? Or struggle to enjoy a nice hot cup of soup? You could be struggling with tooth sensitivity. 

    What is tooth sensitivity?

    Tooth sensitivity is pain or discomfort as a response to hot and cold stimuli. This can be anything from hot foods to cold air.

    What causes tooth sensitivity?

    Let’s look at the anatomy of a tooth. The strong outer layer of a tooth is called enamel. The more enamel is worn down the more sensitive the tooth becomes. 

    There are many factors which could contribute to tooth sensitivity such as:

    -brushing too hard

    -Acidic foods

    -Teeth grinding

    -Tooth decay

    -Gastrointestinal issues such as GERD

    How to care for sensitive teeth?

    First and foremost visit a dentist for a full exam. A cleaning and professional exam can help detect any deeper issues which could be causing your sensitivity or any other oral health concerns. Your dentist may recommend fluoride treatments to help protect and rebuild your enamel. They may also recommend alcohol- free mouthwash and a toothpaste specialized for sensitive teeth. Specialized products often have desensitizing ingredients to help block discomfort and limited irritating ingredients. 

    Maintaining a strong, consistent oral health care routine at home can do wonders for your oral health. Invest in products which can help rebuild and protect enamel. Practice a healthy diet and try limiting acidic foods. Frankel Dentistry wants to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health care. Visit us on our other online platforms to learn more about your oral health.

    Facebook: Frankel Dentistry 

    Instagram: Frankel Dentistry

    Linkedin: Frankel Dentistry

  7. Quit It Today: May 31 is World No Tobacco Day

    Quit It Today: 
    May 31 is World No Tobacco Day
    In honor of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, Frankel Dentistry is committed to education their patients on the negative effects of tobacco. Tobacco use includes: chewing tobacco, cigars and cigarettes.
    How Does Tobacco affect your oral health:
    1) Mouth Cancer in addition to Lung and Throat Cancer may be developed from smoking
    2) Teeth Staining from the tar and nicotine
    3) Gum disease and tooth loss from the increased dental plaque
    The best thing you can do is to never start any type of tobacco habit. If you are a tobacco user, it’s not too late to quit.

    Quitting can be very difficult, but there are so many sources and resources to support your decision. To learn more about how to quit, please visit the World Health Organization.

  8. Dental Facts from Toledo Ohio – Dental Disease

                     Smile Headquarters

    What is are the most common forms of dental disease?

    Many patients are eager to learn about dental health and prevention of dental disease but have no idea what to ask. Here are a few of the most common forms of dental disease.

    Expectant Mom’s often get pregnancy gingivitis. What is it?

    Morning sickness can make it difficult to brush and floss. The hormonal changes make the gum tissue hypersensitive to the bacterial biofilm. The gums swell and bleed. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Healthy gums do not bleed.

    What is periodontal disease?

    Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue. If left unattended the gums will stop bleeding but the tissue and bone surrounding the teeth start to melt away. This is periodontal disease. It is a chronic infection. The teeth can become loose.

    We hear a lot about cavities. What causes dental decay or cavities?

    When biofilm lays against the tooth surface leaches away the hard surface. Creamer in coffee, soft drinks (diet or sugary), sports drinks and energy drinks make matter worse by eroding the tooth surface.  At first the tooth may look chalky. Decay is like dry rot on wood.

     

    What is the best way to prevent dental disease?

    It is simple. Care in your diet, brush, floss and visit your dentist regularly.

  9. Beyond X-rays, finding Dental Decay in Toledo, Ohio

     

     

     

     

    Diagnodent

     

    Dr. Frankel prefers to correct small dental issues before they become big dental problems. Diagnodent, a diagnostic tool detects tooth decay early.  Unlike the traditional ways of decay detection including dental instruments called probes Diagnodent uses a laser like luminous light to detect decay at an early stage.

     

    • Detecting early decay means smaller restorations and preserving more natural tooth structure
    • Fluoridated water has made the outer surface of the tooth stronger which is a good thing…except when looking for decay in the natural deep grooves and fissures in teeth where it forms.
    • It is a challenge to find the earliest stages of decay without the new technology Diagnodent allows.
    • Early detection means smaller fillings and healthier teeth.

     

    Modern technology, healthier teeth and highly trained, caring Personnel…Dr. Frankel offers gentle, effective high tech dentistry.