You Didn’t Inherit Soft Teeth

IT’S TRUE THAT EVERY ASPECT OF OUR HEALTH IS AFFECTED TO SOME DEGREE BY OUR GENES. And yes, some people just seem to be more predisposed to getting cavities. But it’s probably not a matter of “soft” versus “hard” teeth.

“I Do Everything Right And I Still Get Cavities”

Does this sound like you? If so, you’re the rare exception—and although it isn’t typical, we understand. That’s why it’s SO important that you pay particular attention to the basics.

You Probably ARE Inheriting Your Oral Bacteria

There’s good bacteria and bad bacteria. That unique mix, in your unique mouth, and how your mouth reacts to that mix may be what you’re really inheriting from grandpa. This video talks about oral bacteria mix or imbalance:

BY THE WAY… If you watched the video above, Josh says, “All you have to do is brush.” Hey Josh… We have one criticism of your video. You need to floss too! When you skip flossing, you’re missing up to 35% of your tooth’s surface area!

You May Have Inherited A Tendency Toward Dry Mouth

Are you a mouth breather? Was everyone who attended last summer’s family reunion a mouth breather too? Our saliva is a critical primary defense against tooth decay. Dry mouth may be a problem you need to be aware of and treat.

You May Be Inheriting A Few Eating Habits

Some of us emulate our parents when it comes to the way we eat. That may include a tendency to snack a lot, an affinity for soft drinks, etc., which may be detrimental to our dental health.

You’ve Probably Inherited An Oral Hygiene Mindset

How faithfully do you brush and floss? How consistently do you schedule regular dental checkups? Do you avoid (or even fear) dentists? How aware are you of the connection between your oral health and whole body health? Often, these things are priorities/attitudes passed by parents to children (consciously and sub-consciously).

We Can Help You Troubleshoot

As you know, we love talking about this stuff. So if you’re unsure why you’re more cavity prone than you should be, let’s visit. We can help figure it out and suggest solutions to keep your mouth healthy.

Before We Go… Just For Fun…

As Always, Thanks For The Trust You Place In Our Relationship!

9 Dental-Related Fun Facts

INDEED… DENTISTRY IS SERIOUS business. But that doesn’t mean we have to take ourselves TOO seriously all the time, right?

9 Dental-Related Fun Facts

1. A typical elephant’s molar weighs nearly nine pounds.
2. In 1994, a West Virginia prison inmate braided dental floss into a rope to escape!
3. The first toothbrush with animal hair bristles was made in China in 1498.
4. A snail’s mouth is no larger than the head of a pin, but can have 25,000 teeth inside!
5. Some of the world’s most choked on objects are toothpicks! Be cautious when picking your teeth or holding one in your mouth.
6. Like cows, humans actually chew side to side—not just up and down.
7. In North America, over 3 million miles of dental floss are purchased each year… Enough to circle Earth 120 times!
8. When you skip flossing, you’re missing 35% of your teeth’s surface area!
9. The first modern(ish) braces were constructed in France in 1728. They were made from metal and string.

Some Interesting Animal Teeth Trivia

Thanks for trusting us to keep your mouth and teeth healthy!

We know it’s a big responsibility and we take it very seriously. Any time you have questions about your oral health, let’s visit.

4 Helpful Tips For Tooth Sensitivity

A SIP OF COFFEE, A SPOONFUL OF ICE CREAM… you never thought that these simple pleasures could cause pain! But when you have sensitive teeth, your favorite foods and beverages can turn against you. Even sour foods and cold weather can drive you crazy!

Sensitive teeth are a common problem. Here are four great tips for easing the discomfort:

#1: Check Your Brushing Technique

Sometimes the problem is that you’re actually TOO enthusiastic with your routine care. If you’re brushing too much or too hard, it can contribute to receding gums. When gums recede, sensitive areas of your teeth are exposed. Always brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush gently in a circular motion without sawing back-and-forth.

#2: Minimize Acidic Foods & Drinks

One major culprit in an over-acidic diet is soft drinks—but sports/energy drinks, fruit juices, and sour candies can also contribute. Acid erodes your tooth enamel.

Detailed Info About The Causes Of Tooth Sensitivity

#3: Consider Changing Your Toothpaste

Do you use a whitening toothpaste? Check the usage instructions. Whitening toothpastes can be more abrasive which can contribute to sensitivity. If your teeth are hurting, try a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth instead.

#4: Come Visit With Us!

If you’re experiencing continued sensitivity, we should take a look. Receding gums can be a sign of gum disease. Sensitivity could also indicate a cavity, or be a warning that you’re grinding your teeth at night. To be sure it’s not a serious problem it may be necessary for us to take a look.

Thanks for your trust in our practice. We appreciate you!

If you have questions about tooth sensitivity, please ask below! We love to hear from you. Or message us directly on our Facebook page.

4 Ways To Avoid Cracking A Tooth

THE HEALTHY ENAMEL THAT COVERS YOUR TEETH is the hardest substance in your body… It’s even harder than your bones! That’s great news when you consider the amount of pressure our jaw muscles exert on our teeth.

However, your teeth can still be cracked and chipped. Here are four “don’ts” for avoiding a cracked tooth.

#1: Don’t Chew On Ice

High powered blenders have special blades and settings for crushing ice. So imagine what chewing on ice can do to your teeth! Some people do it out of habit—and others do it when they’re nervous or bored. Just stop! It can chip or crack teeth.

#2: Don’t Chew Hard Sweets

Hard candy isn’t good for your oral health anyway. Besides the high sugar content, and the long periods of time the sugar sits on your teeth, hard candy can also crack your teeth. Jawbreakers, suckers, and frozen candy bars are common culprits. If you enjoy these occasionally, consider licking them instead to avoid damage.

#3: Don’t Bite Down On Unpopped Popcorn Kernels

We know that they’re difficult to avoid! When you’re enthralled in a movie, the last thing on your mind is the popcorn you’re enjoying. Just try to be aware of those pesky unpopped kernels!

#4: Don’t Use Teeth As Tools

They’re not bottle openers. They’re not scissors. They’re not pliers. You get the idea.

Contact Us Immediately If You Crack A Tooth

Together, we’ll figure out the best course of action.

Thanks for the trust you place in us. We appreciate having you as our valued patient!

Back To School Time? Don’t Forget Dental Checkups

TOOTH DECAY IS THE #1 CHRONIC DISEASE IN CHILDREN. It’s estimated that 40% of children have some form of tooth decay before they even reach kindergarten. Alarming, isn’t it? But SO much of the problem is preventable through routine hygiene appointments.

What Should You Expect From The Checkup?

During your kids dental checkup, Dr. Sadineni Dublin Ohio Dentist will review your kids dental and medical history, examine your kid’s teeth, jaws, and oral tissue, clean and polish your kid’s teeth and then apply a fluoride solution.

Make a dental check up part of your kid’s preparations for a new school year. Oral health is an important part of overall physical health.

We Love Seeing Our Young Patients

Dr. Sadineni and her staff are proud to offer dental treatment to patients of all ages, especially children. The best way to prevent dental problems in later life is childhood treatment. Pediatric dentistry requires a gentle hand and a friendly, fun approach to dental health.

Dr. Sadineni pediatric dentist will gently examine the child’s teeth and gums. She also may take digital X-rays to be certain that your child’s teeth are growing properly.

Dr. Sadineni can determine if orthodontic care is required and help you to choose a financing option that will bring a smile to you and your child.

Add Dental Checkups To Your Back-To-School Checklist

Don’t wait until there’s a problem—even if your child isn’t complaining about discomfort. Tooth pain doesn’t usually exist until decay reaches the tooth’s pulp. At that point, it’s probably advanced and may require more extensive treatment. Good preventive treatment happens BEFORE there’s pain.

Help Set Your Child’s Great Oral Health Habits Now!

When you take an active role in your child’s oral health, you do a lot more than care for his or her teeth. You help your child develop habits that will positively shape overall health for life… Habits that will likely be passed down to your posterity as well.

Some great tips for kids in keeping their mouths fresh and clean during the school year are:

1. Always brush your teeth after lunch- make it a point to keep a toothbrush in your desk or in your backpack.
2. Floss twice daily- especially before bed so that food does not have a chance to damage your teeth during the night.
3. Encourage your children to eat regular, nutritious meals and avoid frequent in-between meal snacking.
4. Use a fluoride toothpaste to help keep teeth strong.

To schedule your child’s back-to-school examination, call now to request an appointment.

Have a great school year!

Our Tribute To Some Of The First Women In Dentistry

TODAY THERE ARE AS MANY WOMEN AS THERE ARE MEN in dental schools. But 150 years ago it was very different. We admire and honor those women who paved the way.

Unofficially, Women In Dentistry Go Back A Long Way

Although a dental education wasn’t available to women until fairly recently, women have been practicing dentistry for a long time. This ranged from neighborhood women using traditional remedies, to women like Emeline Roberts Jones and Amalia Assur.

Amalia Assur learned dentistry in her family’s business… Her father was a dentist, and so was her brother. In Sweden, the Royal Board of Health granted her special permission to independently practice dentistry in 1852.

Around the same time in America, Emeline Roberts Jones was married to a dentist and served as his assistant for years. When her husband died in 1864, Emeline continued serving their patients. Later, she was awarded an honorary membership into the Connecticut Dental Society.

Lucy Hobbes Taylor Was The First Woman To Receive A Dentistry Degree

Lucy Hobbes Taylor earned her dental degree in 1866, but her road there was long and hard. She was initially denied entrance to medical school based on gender. Looking for a warmer welcome into dentistry, she started studying under the dean at the Ohio College of Dental Surgery. She applied for the college in 1861 and was denied.

Lucy persisted in apprenticing under several prestigious dentists, then boldly opened her own practice. After successfully treating patients for years and being admitted to the Iowa State Dental Society, she was finally accepted to the Ohio College of Dental Surgery in November, 1865. Because of her experience, she was only required to take one course before she was awarded her D.D.S. in 1866.

A Short Video Tribute From The University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Many Others Made A Difference

Other women struggled through societal restrictions, bureaucracy, and disadvantage to contribute to the field of dentistry. These include Ida Gray Nelson Rollins, the first African American dentist, and Grace Rogers Spalding, who co-founded the American Academy of Periodontology and helped spearhead the preventative dentistry and gum care movement.

Thanks for your trust in our dental practice!

We appreciate having you as our valued patient. If you have comments about these great women, we’d love to hear them in the comments section below. And, you can always reach out to us on our Facebook page!

Lucy Beaman Hobbs Taylor photo courtesy of the Kansas Historical Society
Emeline Roberts Jones photo courtesy of The New Haven Museum & Historical Society

Six Important Toothbrush Care Tips

OUR TOOTHBRUSHES fend off plaque and bacteria, help keep our teeth sparkling, and leave our mouths feeling squeaky clean! But how squeaky clean is your TOOTHBRUSH?

Toothbrush DON’Ts

Don’t Store Your Toothbrush In A Closed, Dark Space

A moist, enclosed environment (like a container or cupboard) is not a good place to keep your toothbrush. Bacteria thrive in dark, wet conditions without circulation.

Don’t Share Your Toothbrush (Gross)

When you share your toothbrush you share bacteria, including bacteria that can cause dental decay and periodontal disease.

Don’t Keep Your Toothbrush Near The Toilet

Put your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible—at least six feet is a good rule of thumb. Because of “airborne particles”, always flush with the lid down. Enough said.

Toothbrush DOs

Replace Your Toothbrush

Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or when the bristles get frayed. This not only ensures that it cleans your teeth better, but it eliminates the bacteria buildup issue. If you’ve been sick or are recovering from a cold, consider changing your toothbrush.

Rinse Your Toothbrush After Using It

Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with water after each use. Rinsing it washes out debris and bacteria left behind. You can also deep clean it by swishing it around in mouthwash.

Keep Your Toothbrush Dry

Store your toothbrush upright in the open air. This allows it to dry out and not develop mold.

Care For Your Toothbrush And It Will Care For You

Keeping your toothbrush clean will help both your overall health and your oral health. Where do you keep YOUR toothbrush? Let us know in a comment below. We love to hear from you!

Thanks for your trust in our practice!

Men 33% Less Likely Than Women To Seek Preventive Dental Care: Whats Up, Dude?

YES, YOU’RE PRETTY TOUGH… You kill it at work, you’re a remarkable significant other, you’re training for your next triathlon, and you volunteer at the soup kitchen on weekends. But guess what? You’re no match for gum disease, tooth decay, or oral cancer without a little assistance.

Men’s Oral Health Risks Are Higher

Medications

Do you take medication for a heart condition, or to regulate blood pressure? Because this is more common in men than women, men are more likely to suffer dry-mouth side effects—and dry mouth increases gum disease and cavity risk.

Tobacco and/or Alcohol Consumption

Men tend to consume more alcohol than women, which greatly increases oral cancer risk.

Routine Oral Hygiene

Men are less likely than women to brush twice a day. Score: Men 66%, Women 86%. C’mon guys…

Regular Checkups

According to a 2011 study, women are almost twice as likely as men to have received a regular dental check-up in the past year.

Your Oral Health Is Connected To Your Body Health

Consider these facts:

• Some studies have linked periodontal disease to heart problems, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes.
• Men with periodontal disease are 49% more likely to get kidney cancer, and 54% more likely to get pancreatic cancer.
• Gum inflammation is connected to prostate inflammation which affects many men as they age.
• Oral cancer kills one person every hour, and the majority of those are men. Screenings during regular check-ups is the best preventive strategy.

This Isn’t JUST About Your Health!

In your professional life, a confident smile helps establish authority and supports memorable business connections. In your personal life, it can open doors in amazing ways. Most importantly, you should feel confident about your healthy, functional, engaging smile.

No More Neglecting Your Oral Health, Guys

Now that you’re convinced how important this topic is, pass the information along to your buddies. And thanks for being our valued patient. We’re interested, and we care about you.

Lasers Help Comfortably Treat Gum Disease

THE CDC RECENTLY RELEASED a report stating that nearly half of American adults have some form of gum disease. And 70% of Americans over the age of 65 have gum disease. Here at Dublin Metro Dental, we’re dedicated to controlling and eradicating gum disease in our patients.

Gum disease is an inflammatory disease that affects gum tissue and the bones that support our teeth. Gum disease has also been found, in some studies, to increase the likelihood of several serious diseases including heart disease, diabetes and respiratory disease.

Modern Laser Therapy Is Amazing For Treating Gum Disease, Among Other Things

We use dental laser for following procedures:

Tooth decay

Lasers are used to remove decay within a tooth and prepare the surrounding enamel for receipt of the filling. Lasers are also used to “cure” or harden a filling.

Gum disease

Lasers are used to reshape gums and remove bacteria during root canal procedures.

Biopsy or lesion removal

Lasers can be used to remove a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) so that it can be examined for cancer. Lasers are also used to remove lesions in the mouth and relieve the pain of canker sores.

Teeth whitening

Lasers are used to speed up in-office teeth whitening procedures. A peroxide bleaching solution, applied to the tooth surface, is “activated” by laser energy, which speeds up the whitening process.

How Laser Therapy Works For Gum Disease

Laser therapy can be used in several different ways:

• It can be used to remove the diseased tissue from around and between teeth.
• When someone has gum disease, there is a buildup of tartar and minerals around the roots of the teeth. Lasers may be used to remove this buildup and help clean out the gum pockets.
• Lasers can be used in conjunction with traditional methods such as scaling to remove the diseased gum and bacteria from around teeth.

What Are The Advantages Of Laser Therapy?

• Less bleeding, swelling and discomfort
• Only local anesthesia is used, which means you can drive yourself home from treatment.
• Reduced anxiety in patients uncomfortable with the use of the dental drill.
• More of the healthy tooth preserved during cavity removal
• Your mouth will heal more quickly. There is no cutting or stitches involved.
• Some lasers have been found to quicken/promote the regeneration process of the gums and affected bones.

Let’s Visit

Call us for a consultation. Let’s visit about how we can help you take care of gum disease. Even if your gums are healthy, do you know or care for someone who could benefit from this information? Pass it along!

Thanks for your trust in our team’s care!

4 Surprising Foods That Can Contribute To Bad Breath

DO YOU HAVE AN IMPORTANT MEETING OR INTERVIEW TODAY? Or perhaps a big date? Worrying about bad breath can mess with your confidence. Don’t mess with your confidence. You know the “usual” foods to avoid like garlic and onions. But there are a few others we don’t often think about… Read on!

Bad-Breath Culprits That May Surprise You

Acidic Foods

Foods containing lots of citric acid, like lemons, pickles, and grapefruit can turn your breath from bad to worse. Citric acid fuels the bacteria in your mouth, increasing sulfuric compound production.

Alcohol & Foods That Dry Your Mouth

Dry mouth is one of the MOST COMMON CAUSES of bad breath. That’s because saliva helps clean our mouths and manage the bacteria. Alcohol is a drying agent. Foods, drinks and mouthwashes that contain alcohol may add to your problem.

High Protein Foods

When protein is metabolized it produces ammonia and ketones—both of which can fuel bad breath. This doesn’t mean cutting out all the protein—just use moderation.

Sugar (Yep!)

Sugar is one of bad-breath-bacteria’s favorite foods! When you eat lots of sugary mints, candies or drinks you can increase the amount of bacteria in your mouth. If you do need a mint or gum, choose sugar-free options. Gum sweetened with xylitol has been found to actually fight plaque and bad breath.

Taking Care Of Your Oral Health Helps Take Care Of Your Breath

Remember that one of the best ways to combat bad breath is to keep up with your daily oral hygiene. Make sure you brush, floss, and schedule regular visits for cleanings and check-ups.

If you are concerned your bad breath may be a result of something more serious, give us a call! We can help.

Thanks for the trust you place in us.