Jon Frankel Dentistry

Category Archive: Dental Patient Care

  1. 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.

  2. Wearing down your smile by grinding your teeth throughout the night? Unbearable migraines as a result from uncontrollable clenching?
    Our Maumee office, Frankel and Puhl Dentistry could have a solution for you! Dr. Amber Puhl, DDS is now administering Botox to help treat TMJ and bruxism.

    Not sure what TMJ is? Let us break it down for you.

    The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. You have one joint on each side of your jaw. TMJ disorders, a type of temporomandibular disorder or TMD, can cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. Over 80% of patients suffer from some sort of TMJ disorder.
    Woman suffering from jaw pain and aches from TMJ.

    What causes TMJ?

    TMJ can be the result of a number of factors. Arthritis, jaw injury, teeth clenching and/or grinding all contribute to TMJ development. During early signs of teeth grinding and clenching we recommend visiting your dentist regarding night guards to protect your enamel and your jaw.

    Signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders may include:

    • Pain or tenderness of your jaw
    • Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints
    • Aching pain in and around your ear
    • Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
    • Aching facial pain
    • Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth
    Dr. Puhl and Dr. Frankel smiling

    Dr. Amber Puhl, DDS and Dr. Jon Frankel, DDS

    Botox Can Help!

    You have undoubtedly heard of Botox injections used to enhance lips, cheeks, or to smooth out wrinkles across the forehead or around the eyes. But you may not be familiar with Botox treatment for TMJ. When the Botox is injected into the temporalis and masseter muscles, it limits muscle function and relieves facial pain, headaches, and swelling associated with TMJ.

    Always Better! Frankel and Puhl Dentistry is adding Botox as a treatment option for patients who suffer from TMJ disorders. Continuing to learn and grow to best serve our patients is very important to us. After training and continued education with the American Academy of Facial Esthetics,  our very own Dr. Amber Puhl, DDS will be offering botox treatment!

    Struggling with tension headaches and jaw pain from TMJ? Botox could be your answer. Visit us online or call today to schedule an appointment.

  3. 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.

     

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

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    Linkedin: Frankel Dentistry

  6. 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? 

    Father and Son smiling and laughing. Baby is waving. Healthy, bright smile. University of Toledo representative. University of Toledo gear.

    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.

    er wearing small business owned merchandise. Toledo family. Toledo Father
  7. On May 31st we celebrated National Smile Day! As a dental practice we love any reason to share smiles. One of our Core Values is gratitude, so needless to say it’s easy for us to find reasons for us to smile. Our patients make us smile, our teams make us smile, our careers make us smile. Sharing a smile with someone can mean more than you know!

    In order to express our gratitude for the ones who make us smile, we gifted glass mugs to our patients on Friday to show our appreciation!

    As we celebrated National Smile Day a patient mentioned how smiling wasn’t always the norm, in fact it was “frowned upon”. We decided to do our research!

    In early 1600s portraits you often see individuals emotionless and lacking a positive expression. This is because people suffer tooth rot and decay from poor diet and high sugars. As dentistry developed the smile slowly became more popular. In the early 1700’s French began to show their teeth in portraits, this was quickly rejected by priests and reformists insisting smiling and laughter showed lack of self control or good manners. In the 1800s dentistry emerged, as dentistry developed so did an attitude of authenticity. By the 1950’s smiling in portraits became the norm and has developed into the smile we love to share today!

    Gratitude, encouragement, and TECHNOLOGY!

    A look and learn with NEW tech!

    Tired of those sticky, gunky impressions? So are we!

    Frankel Dentistry is excited to introduce the latest technological addition to our practice THE Itero Scanner an intraoral scanner which captures 6000 digital images in under a minute. This means we can have a full digital mold of your mouth in minutes. Popular for restorative  and orthodontic dentistry, the Itero helps us quickly and accurately identify your clinical needs, intracaries, crowns, veneers, and develop an action plan. 

  8. May is Family Wellness Month AND Mental Health Month.

    Your physical health is just as important as your mental health! This month we are sharing healthy habits to encourage a healthier lifestyle for you and your family!

    1. Get outside! A little summer sunshine can go a long way. Chances are you’ve spent the winter tucked away and Vitamin D deprived. Take a family walk or bike ride in the evening, visit a new park or trail, walk the dog daily, and be sure to take in the sunshine and fresh air.
    Toledo local organization Miles for Smiles walk. Mom and children walking as a form of exercise.
    1. Try a healthy new recipe. Pick a night to cook a healthy meal with your family. This is a great way to spend quality time together while still being productive. This is also an opportunity to teach children the importance of a balanced diet and trying new foods.
    1. Practice mindfulness. This is an opportunity to help your children understand the importance of mental health. Simply reflect on the day you’ve had or situations which have left your little ones with certain emotions. Help them discover “why” they feel the emotions they do. Also, try a five minute meditation or positive affirmations. Encourage your children to highlight their favorite things about themselves to promote self esteem!
    1. Find a self care routine. Help your loved ones find a way they love to care for themselves, this could be taking time for a skin care routine, workout routine, an oral care routine, or nighttime cooldown routine. This is time for you all to relax yet still be productive towards your health.
    Oral care is self care. Three different forms of self care that can help you take care of your mind and body.
Oral care routine, skin care routine, mental care routine.
    1. Practice oral health! A healthy mouth promotes a healthy body. Teaching your kids healthy oral habits at a young age can help ensure a beautiful, life lasting smile. Brush, floss, rinse, visit Dr. Frankel and repeat!
    2. Connect with one another. Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. It never hurts to remind your family how much they mean to you and the impact they’ve made on your life.
    Family photo for Dental office in Toledo at the Wildwood Metroparks. A team of moms and their kids.
  9. Did you know 69% of American adults are missing at least one tooth? Losing an adult tooth can be devastating, not only does it affect your mental health but your physical health as well. Missing teeth can lead to gum disease, bone loss, and more missing teeth. 

    Looking for a solution?

    Dental implants and implant supported dentures are the best and most permanent way to replace missing teeth. Frankel Dentistry offers partial and full dentures, placed with a titanium root which can be just as strong as your original teeth. This helps prevent bone loss and build confidence in your smile.

    The beauty of implant supported dentures at Frankel Dentistry, is the procedure is done in house. We take a 3D scan that allows us to place the implant virtually, in the perfect spot. Once the dental image of the implant is created we can create a guide. The guide allows the implant supported dentures to be quickly and precisely placed.

    Within three to four months, the implant or implants will fuse to the bone, and the implant crown, tooth, or dentures can be placed.

    Don’t believe us? Meet Alan.

    Alan is a kind, friendly Toledo native who loves family, conversation, and Cafe Donuts. We sat down with Alan, listened to his concerns, weighed out his options and the final result? A beautiful, brand new smile.

    Alan shares how appearances have such an impact on your well-being. While he is still the same kind soul he was before his smile makeover, he finds himself easily accepted by new friends, presented with new opportunities and confidence in his smile. Find your smile again at Frankel Dentistry.

    https://youtu.be/_fQm9fIwNBQ
  10. Tis the season!

    Giving Tuesday is a newer holiday that originated in 2012 to encourage people to do good.

    This holiday falls on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Giving Tuesday is the kick off for the giving season!

    As you know, Frankel Dentistry loves spirit days. Meaningful spirit days are even more remarkable! This year our office participated in CrazZzy Sock Day to kick off our gifting season. Giving back to the community is especially magical during the holidays. All December we will be collecting new, unused socks to be donated to a local non-profit here in Northwest Ohio! 

    Hannah’s Socks is a non-profit organization whose mission is to donate socks to the less fortunate in homeless and domestic violence shelters. Did you know that socks and undergarments are the most needed, yet least donated items? Together we can make a difference.

    We have been changing lives a smile at a time since 1946. We want to continue to serve through beautiful smiles and warm toes! Supporting local and giving back to those in need has always been important to us. We are grateful to come together and serve all in our community in a variety of ways.

    You can learn more about the Hannahs Socks mission at https://www.hannahssocks.org/