Dentist in Mentor vs Grinding

The battle of bruxism, or teeth grinding, is something your cosmetic dentists in Mentor OH at Erieview Dental take part in every day. We help our patients overcome this, oftentimes, subconscious clenching or chronic grinding that experts feel is tied to stress specifically the best ways we know how. More often than not, bruxing can occur while sleeping, making a patient not even know they are really committing the act. With that in mind, today we have arranged a list of some of the signs and symptoms that can be associated with grinding:

-Substantial tooth wear or cracks in the teeth.

-Loose teeth or sensitive teeth.

-Newly formed popping or clicking sounds when you move the jaw.

-Severe jaw or facial pain.

-Chronic headaches.

And while this list is not 100% complete, these will be some of the “red flags” you should consider when self-diagnosing your potential bruxism. Left untreated, this condition can lead to decay, disease, tooth loss, structural damage and more. Your Mentor OH dentists suggest taking a look at occlusal night guards, mouth guards that you wear while you sleep, behavioral cognitive therapy and stress management classes to resolve your issue before turning to something like surgery to correct the problem.

For more information on the damage bruxism can do, or if you fear you may be grinding your teeth while you sleep, contact your Mentor cosmetic dentists at Erieview Dental today at (440) 357-1222.

Dental Fossils

Dentist in Mentor OH Provides Historic Information about Our Ancestors’ Teeth

We’ve come a long way in terms of evolution, but have you ever wondered how our teeth have progressed, as well? Our smiles have gone through a lot and still do to this day, even with all of the advances in technology that is at our disposal. Your dentist in Mentor OH wants to share some history about the way our teeth have molded to how they look now.

The most common fossils of our ancestors, also known as hominin, are mostly teeth since they’re the hardest part of the human body. This provides a lot of helpful information of the time period that they’re from, their diet and more. As humans continued to evolve, the teeth actually shrink. It’s most noticeable in the teeth in the back, which are your wisdom teeth. Nowadays, because of the work done to wisdom teeth over a period of time, most wisdom teeth are extremely small and in some cases, not even developed. But with hominins, their wisdom teeth were about two to four times larger than that.

The reason that modern human’s teeth have shrunk is because of the professional work that has been done over the years, molding smiles in the future.

There are also other speculations and ideas for the shift, literally and figuratively, in our teeth. Click here to read more about what researchers and scientists have to say about these fossils.

Make sure you’re always taking care of your smile by visiting your dentist in Mentor OH! Contact our office today to schedule an appointment by calling (440) 357-1222.

The Guide to Mouth Rinsing

Mentor OH General Dentist on Rinsing The Right Way

On a daily basis, your top providers of general dentistry in Mentor OH at Erieview Dental help patients in establishing a proper at-home oral health regimen. As dental professionals, we always recommend and see the benefit of, twice daily brushing for at least two minutes per session and daily flossing for most patients.

Once we make this recommendation, however, most patients will ask about mouthwash. And while mouth washing is not 100% needed in every patient’s regimen, it does have some great benefits. Not only does mouthwash help your breath smell nice and fresh after a meal or a smoke, but it can help destroy bacteria that lead to gum disease, reduce your risk for tooth decay, eliminate tartar build up and even help whiten the teeth.

But how does one choose a mouthwash with all the options out there? Or how do you know what ingredients in mouthwash are beneficial to you? When it comes to action- how long should you be swishing? And ultimately- do you actually really NEED to mouthwash?

While we acknowledge that every patient is a unique case, we found a WebMD page that answered a great number of these questions in a similar fashion to how we would. You can review that mouthwash guide here: Click Here.

For any more questions concerning your oral health and/or mouth washing, schedule an appointment with your top dentists in Mentor OH by calling (440) 357-1222.

National Nutrition Month

Dentist in Mentor OH on March (Nutrition) Madness!

While it may be a little too late to qualify for a “New Year’s Resolution” diet- your dentist in Mentor OH at Erieview Dental wants you to know it is never too late to change the way you eat! This coming March marks another National Nutrition Month, where the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics try to make everyday people more aware of what they eat and drink on a daily basis. We wanted to do our part today to let you know how your nutrition can impact your oral health in particular.

It is safe to say that most people aren’t thinking about oral health as soon as they eat something. They may consider how it tastes…smells…what it will do to their waistline and a whole load of other thoughts before the damage it can do to a smile. Even the small things, or supposedly healthy ones, such as “diet” products or a little lemon, can slide under the radar completely.

Items high in acid content (like those above) or especially sugary ones can lead to all sorts of dental detriments. Cavities, gum disease, lost teeth- you name it, and it is possible from your diet alone. Without being overly pessimistic, there are a whole group of things that can do your oral health good too.

Yes, milk, albeit a cliché- can do your mouth good. It, along with whole grain and wheat foods and more, contain vitamins and nutrients that not only improve your overall health- but the health of your mouth too. Many fruits and vegetables can also deliver mouth-saving blasts of vitamins and nutrients that ward off bacteria, whiten your smile and keep you healthy.

As with many things in the world of food and drink, there is a fine line between just enough and too much. The world won’t end if you have a soda every once and a while, but if you have a few a day, your mouth and body may not be thanking you for it in due time. Being aware of the difference between these two realities and knowing what it is you put in your body is the main National Nutrition Month- and we hope you stay vigilant of your diet not only through March but year-round as well.

For more information on National Nutrition Month as it relates to your oral health, call the office of your dentist in Mentor today at (440) 357-1222 to schedule an appointment!

Stop Smoking - Save Your Smile

Dentist in Mentor OH On Saving Your Smile

It seems that for years, health professionals like our dentist in Mentor have played a dual role in the world of smoking. On one hand, we warn patients about all the hazards that such a habit can present and strongly advise against it. On the other hand, we are there to pick up the pieces when a smoking habit has led to staining, tooth loss, and even oral cancers or more.

Why more patients don’t quit smoking sooner is ultimately beyond us. However, one theory we have revolves around seeing results. Most of the more substantial damage that comes from smoking happens over the course of a few years, not a few individual cigarettes. While you won’t typically have any health issues like cancer, heart or lung complications for quite some time…you can see damage to your mouth immediately. Below we have provided a few examples of how quitting smoking can improve your oral health. For even more examples and detailed information- you can head to the following article here.

Whiter Teeth- from smoke numero uno, tar, nicotine and other ingredients can start to yellow your smile. After a while, these stains can turn from just surface stains to being deeper rooted, but by quitting early and making an appointment with our Mentor OH dentist- there is still hope for a nice, white smile.

Fresher Breath- smoking is one of the most common causes of chronic bad breath. Smokers even know how unpleasant the smell can be to others, so use gum or mints to cover it up after. Overall, if you quit smoking, you will see a major improvement in the scent of your breath rather immediately.

For more information on how quitting smoking can help improve your oral health, click the above link and call our dentist in Mentor OH at Erieview Dental today at (440) 357-1222.

Bye-Bye Microbeads

After a cosmetic dental procedure with your Mentor OH cosmetic dentist at Erieview Dental, you may be wondering what the best means of keeping your teeth nice and white may be. For many patients, this results in a healthy diet and lots of water drinking, coupled with the ultimate at-home solution: teeth brushing.

Twice daily brushing not only helps eliminate plaque, bacteria and disease from ruining the mouth- but can also keep them LOOKING good as well. Many patients will make their toothpaste of choice one of the whitening variety to help boost the brightness of their smile as well.

Most whitening toothpastes come either with, or without, little plastic beads inside of them that help scrape away the surface stains on the teeth. Your Mentor OH cosmetic dentist is here to tell you today that if you are one of the patients using these pastes, you won’t be for much longer.

After years of studies performed, it has been determined that the plastic microbeads in these products are too harmful to the environment to allow them to continue. When these beads get flushed down the drain, they don’t properly biodegrade- resulting in toxins in our water supply and in the animals that reside in that water supply as well.

For more information on the studies leading to this ban, as well as what manufacturers plan to do following it- you can Click Here.

But wait! Don’t go rushing out to the store to buy a new paste yet! Make sure you consult you cosmetic dentist in Mentor OH at your next appointment to see what paste may be the best buy for you!

You can schedule that appointment with Erieview Dental today by calling (440) 357-1222.

Transform with Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic procedures have been one of the most beneficial parts of dentistry for years, allowing patients to have the smile that they’ve always wanted instead of feeling like they need to hide their smile. But many patients believe that they’re unable to achieve their perfect smile, either because of expenses or that they’re not sure what procedure would best suit them.

This is what your dentist is for! We provide several cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, dental veneers, Invisalign in Painesville and more that allow patients to start their journey to a healthy, strong smile.

Click here to view a slideshow of before and after photos of various cosmetic procedures!

You Don't Have to Floss all Your Teeth, Only the Ones You Want to Keep!

People do not like to floss their teeth and a new Harris Poll conducted on behalf of the American Academy of Periodontology confirmed that statement.  Findings from the poll:

• More than 1/4 of patients are dishonest with their dentist about how often they floss their teeth

• More than 1/3 of Americans would rather do an unpleasant activity than floss their teeth such as do dishes or clean a toilet!

Start flossing now because:

• There is an intimate connection between oral health and overall health

• More than 1/3 of people meeting someone they are attracted to say a smile is the first thing they notice 

• It is fun!

Let us know if we can help you floss with confidence.

Erieview Dental 440.357.1222

Facts and Myths about Oral Health

Oral health is vital to our overall health.  Therefore, it is important that we understand the myths vs. facts about our teeth in order to keep everything working properly.

After each statement see if you can guess if it is a MYTH or FACT.

Hard toothbrushes are better than soft toothbrushes.

MYTH

Using a toothbrush with hard bristles can cause a great deal of unnecessary wear on your gum tissues.  Using a soft toothbrush the right way is the better option.

If your toothbrush bristles are fraying it’s time for a new one.

FACT

Frayed bristles can harm the gums and be less effective in cleaning the teeth

Fluoride in our water is the #1 most cost effective way to prevent tooth decay.

FACT

Fluoride not only helps prevent cavities and slows the growth of decay, but it can also reverse decay in its early stages.

Only use a whitening toothpaste.

MYTH

We find those patients that use a great deal of the whitening toothpastes can have more tooth sensitivity.  Stick with a basic toothpaste that has the American Dental Association seal of approval.

Baby teeth are not important because you have another set coming.

MYTH

Baby teeth serve an important function of helping growing children chew food as well as create the needed space for the permanent tooth ready to erupt.

Putting an aspirin next to a tooth that has a toothache can help. 

MYTH

Aspirin placed on the gums next to the tooth can actually burn the gum tissue.

Brushing is bad for bleeding gums. 

MYTH

When your gums are bleeding it is a sign that plaque and food debris is hiding along your gum line.  The only way to start the healing process is to remove these irritants with good brushing and flossing.

It is ok to drink diet soda because it does not have sugar. 

MYTH

Diet sodas are very acidic and can erode the enamel of your teeth.  This weakened enamel now puts the tooth at more risk for decay.

Smoking cigarettes only discolor the teeth.

MYTH

Smokers have more tooth decay, gum problems and potential for more oral cancer than non-smokers.

Smokeless tobacco is safer than smoking because fumes are not inhaled. 

MYTH

Chewing tobacco puts you at greater risk for oral cancers.

One in five children aged six to eleven suffers from tooth decay in their permanent teeth

FACT

Establishing a dental home for your child is a great first step towards a healthy mouth.

A child should wear a mouth protector while participating in any activity with a risk of falls, collisions or contact with hard surfaces or equipment.

FACT

A properly fitted mouth guard not only protects the teeth but may help reduce the force of blows that cause other injuries.

A healthy mouth is attractive and can help with a positive self-image.

FACT

It is easier to smile than frown.  Scientists have discovered that the body has to work harder and use more muscles to frown than smile.

Read our latest article on choosing the right family dental practice

Erieview Dental was featured in  Today's Family Magazine helping  Lake/Geauga families choose the right family dentist.

Read the article here:

 http://www.todaysfamilymagazine.com/data/TFLC_current.pdf

February is National Children's Health Month

Each February The American Dental Association sponsors  National Children's Dental Health Month in order to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.  Parents and children are encouraged to brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day.

Visit the link below for a fun interactive website to share with your children about the importance of taking great care of their teeth.

http://2min2x.org/