Jon Frankel Dentistry

Category Archive: Healthy Heart

  1. Healthy Aging Month! Caring For Your Smile With Frankel Dentistry.

    As we journey through life, our oral health needs evolve, particularly as we age. At Frankel Dentistry, we believe that a beautiful smile is timeless and achievable at any age. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping our senior patients maintain their oral health and address common dental issues that may arise. In this blog, we’ll share valuable tips on caring for your smile as you age, and we encourage you to share this information with your older loved ones.

    1. Maintain Regular Dental Check-ups:

    Regular dental check-ups are just as crucial in your later years as they are when you’re younger. These appointments allow us to detect and address dental issues early, preventing more extensive problems down the road. Dental cleanings also help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

    2. Be Mindful of Gum Health:

    September is also Gum Care Month! Gum Health can help you can for your overall well being. Gum disease becomes more common as we age. It’s essential to watch for signs like bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can help prevent and manage gum disease.

    National Gum Care Month Poster

    3. Stay Hydrated:

    Dry mouth is a common issue for seniors, often caused by medications. Saliva helps protect your teeth, so stay hydrated and consider using sugar-free lozenges or mouthwashes designed to combat dry mouth.

    4. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Habits:

    Continue to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Don’t forget to floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth.

    5. Consider Dental Implants:

    If you have missing teeth, dental implants are a fantastic solution. They look and function like natural teeth and can significantly improve your smile and chewing ability.

    6. Address Tooth Sensitivity:

    Tooth sensitivity can become more pronounced with age. If you experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, speak with your dentist. There are solutions available to alleviate discomfort.

    7. Watch for Oral Cancer:

    Oral cancer risk increases with age. Pay attention to any unusual sores, lumps, or changes in your mouth, lips, or throat. Regular dental check-ups include oral cancer screenings for early detection.

    8. Eat a Balanced Diet:

    A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products is essential for overall health and your smile. Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can harm your teeth.

    9. Don’t Neglect Denture Care:

    If you wear dentures, clean them daily and soak them overnight. Regular check-ups can ensure your dentures fit well and function properly.

    10. Stay Informed:

    Stay informed about changes in your dental insurance, as your needs may change with age. Our team can help you navigate any adjustments to your coverage.

    Senior woman talking to her dentist about dental implants.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  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. Always Better! It’s Self-Improvement Month!

    September is here! Can you believe how fast the 2022 year has gone by? As we start to enter the fall season, we want to remind you to not only visit the dentist to ensure optimal oral health but to continue to work on your self-improvement. September is Self Improvement month and it’s the perfect time to revisit your personal goals and take steps to be who you aspire to be! 

     

    This month, all our Frankel Dentistry team members are sharing their personal goals for the year! #AlwaysBetter! We are excited to get a jump start on positive, healthy habits that will help us create the lives we want to live! Here are just a few to help inspire you!

    A member of our finance team, Jerica, just purchased a home and has prioritized remodeling the space into something she adores!

    Brilliant and career driven, our new doctor Dr. Dhaliwal, hopes to become implant certified to allow her to change the lives of even more patients!

    Smiles in the front hope to start helping smiles in the back! Our front desk extraordinaire, Yasmeen, is taking steps to become a dental assistant and become part of our clinical team! 

    Happy and Healthy! It seems as though prioritizing and devising a healthcare plan is our most common goal. Dozens of us like Lisa, Megan, Hava, Dr. Frankel, Ashley, Brittany, and more are workin’ on their fitness!

    Little actions lead to big actions! Your self improvement goal can be big or small. Alexa wants to keep her car clean, Joellen wants to stop biting her nails, and Kylee wants to drink more water!

     

    With an #AlwaysBetter attitude, our Frankel Dentistry team is excited to work towards bettering ourselves to help better others! Little actions, little words, a little bit of love and encouragement are all things that combine to achieve a greater goal!

     

    What are some of your personal goals for September or even for the rest of the year?

    Four best girl friends smiling and laughing together beautiful teeth happy healthy smiles

    Jerica, Brittany, Elena, and Tara

  6. Growing our team one smile at a time.

    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.

  7. Men’s Health Matters!

    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

  8. Fridays with Frankel Dentistry

    Sweet summer sun, smiles, and sangria! On Friday April 29th Frankel Dentistry and Frankel and Puhl Dentistry met in one of their favorite places to celebrate a quarter of growth and ownership mindsets! Majestic Oaks is a locally owned winery who offers delicious, fresh beers, wines, and sangrias! Our teams first visited Majestic Oak last summer and immediately fell in love with the atmosphere, beauty, and sangria flights!

    This year Drs. Frankel and Puhl treated us to another beautiful day at the winery to spend time out of office with the ones we love to change lives with. This was a chance to meet the newest doctors to join our practice, and fresh, fun front and clinical employees!

    Find a workplace you love! Both the Toledo and Maumee offices are home to dozens of friendships. As we continue to grow and intermix with one another we build even more relationships and friendships through our careers and passion. Changing lives is even more meaningful when you work with people you love. We are grateful to come together and creating lasting memories like these. 

    As a 100% employee owned practice, taking time to build culture and meet our fellow owners is important to us. We all  work together as a team not only to create positive experiences for patients and serve our community, but to build our practice! 

    A special thank you to the amazing Toledo local photographer Kurt Nielson for taking the time to come out and capture the friendship behind Changing Lives, Majestic Oak Winery for allowing our practice to take over your beautiful grounds, and Lulu Fare for amazing snacks and sweets. 

    Always Better. Serve All. Gratitude. Encouragement. Trust. Owner Mindset!

    Frankel Dentistry and Frankel and Puhl Dentistry- Majestic Oak 2022

  9. Dental Office Gives Heart

    February is American Heart Month. The dentists, healthcare providers, and staff at Frankel Dentistry have seen the correlation between a healthy mouth and a healthy body.

    Patients are advised to brush and floss daily, see their dentist regularly, take care of small dental issues before they become big problems.

    Visits are made easy with two locations, evening and Saturday hours, online scheduling, and more.

    Patients are surprised with unannounced patient appreciation days. This year heart-shaped stress relief balls were gifted for Valentine’s Day.

    Does your dentist give you presents?

    Frankel Dentistry is 100% employee-owned. It shows. The two locations are abuzz with heartfelt caring and smiles. They truly are changing lives a smile at a time.

  10. Toledo, you’re the best.

    The Toledo Blade held their first ever Reader’s Choice Awards. This year Toledo Blade Readers voted Frankel Dentistry as Best Dentist! We are honored and grateful to serve our Toledo community through excellent, quality dental care. Our doctors, healthcare providers, and staff consistently strive to create a positive experience for every patient. From the minute you step in our door to the second you leave we want to ensure you feel safe and welcomed. Our patients are what motivate us to be the best. Our team is guided by our core values, “Serve All” and “Always Better” and everyday we highlight the importance of gratitude, encouragement, and togetherness. These values lead us to create gold standard, genuine dental care for our community. Thank you The Blade and thank you Toledo, we are grateful to serve you!