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Fluoride is one of the most talked-about ingredients in dental care — and one of the most misunderstood. Some people swear by it, while others worry it might be harmful. So, is fluoride a friend or foe to your teeth? Let’s look at the science and clear up the confusion. 🦷 What Is Fluoride? Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil, and many foods. Dentists have used it for decades because it strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. When applied topically (like in toothpaste or fluoride treatments), it helps your teeth remineralize — reversing early signs of decay before cavities form. 💪 The Benefits of Fluoride ✅ Prevents tooth decay by rebuilding weakened enamel ✅ Protects against acid erosion caused by bacteria ✅ Safe and effective when used as recommended ✅ Reduces cavities in both children and adults 🤔 Common Fluoride Myths (Debunked) Myth #1: “Fluoride is toxic.” ➡️ Fact: At proper levels, fluoride is completely safe and endorsed by major dental and health organizations. Myth #2: “I don’t need fluoride if I brush well.” ➡️ Fact: Even great brushers can benefit — fluoride adds an extra layer of protection against decay. Myth #3: “Bottled water has enough fluoride.” ➡️ Fact: Most bottled water doesn’t contain added fluoride. Tap water in many areas is fluoridated for optimal dental protection. 💧 Should You Use Fluoride Toothpaste? Yes — most people should use fluoride toothpaste twice a day. For children, use a pea-sized amount and supervise brushing. If you have a high risk of cavities, your dentist may also recommend professional fluoride treatments. 🌟 The Bottom Line Fluoride is your smile’s best friend when used properly. It’s a safe, proven way to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities — one of the easiest steps you can take for lifelong oral health. At all of our offices, we offer fluoride treatments as part of our preventive care plans to help keep your teeth strong and healthy. 📞 Call us today!

Many people still believe that getting older automatically means getting dentures — but that’s an outdated myth. Thanks to modern dentistry and better oral health habits, most adults can keep their natural teeth for life. Let’s explore why dentures aren’t inevitable and how you can protect your smile as you age. 🪥 1. Preventive Dental Care Is Better Than Ever Today’s dentistry is focused on preventing tooth loss, not just fixing it. Regular dental cleanings, check-ups, and fluoride treatments help stop problems like tooth decay and gum disease before they lead to extractions. With consistent preventive care, your natural teeth can stay strong well into your senior years. 🧼 2. Good Oral Hygiene Helps Teeth Last a Lifetime Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are simple habits that make a big difference. People are now more aware of the importance of daily oral hygiene — and that’s one of the main reasons fewer seniors need full dentures compared to past generations. 🥗 3. A Healthy Lifestyle = A Healthy Smile Smoking, poor diet, and certain health conditions (like diabetes) increase the risk of gum disease and tooth loss. By making healthy lifestyle choices — such as eating nutritious foods, quitting smoking, and managing medical conditions — you protect both your body and your teeth. 👩‍⚕️ 4. Early Treatment Saves Teeth Small dental problems can quickly turn into big ones if left untreated. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to catch issues early, such as cavities or gum inflammation, before they become serious. Early care helps you avoid extractions and keeps your natural teeth where they belong — in your mouth. 🦷 5. Modern Alternatives to Dentures Even if tooth loss does occur, dentures are not your only option. Today’s dentistry offers several alternatives: Dental implants that look and function like real teeth Fixed bridges to replace one or more missing teeth Partial dentures that fit comfortably and blend naturally These options provide stability, comfort, and confidence without the need for full dentures. 💬 The Truth About Aging and Dentures Getting older doesn’t mean losing your teeth. With regular dental visits, proper home care, and healthy habits, your natural teeth can last a lifetime. Dentures are a helpful solution for some patients — but they’re no longer the rule. 🌟 Tips to Keep Your Smile for Life Brush and floss daily Visit your dentist at least twice a year Eat a balanced, low-sugar diet Quit smoking and limit alcohol Manage chronic health conditions Ready to Protect Your Smile? At all of our offices: Delaware Smile Center, North Orange Smile Center and Sunbury Smile Center, we’re passionate about helping patients of all ages maintain strong, healthy, natural smiles. Schedule your dental check-up today — and keep your teeth for a lifetime, not just for now. 📞 Call us today!

Know the Warning Signs of Dental Implant Failure A dental implant is a sensitive procedure that no one should take lightly. The operation is a safe and reliable way of bringing back your smile. If an implant is successful, it can last for more than 30 years with proper oral care and hygiene. Still, dental implants fail on rare occasions. Causes of Implant Failure There are several causes of dental implant failure. It is advisable to know about them to reduce the risk. They may stem from allergies or genetics, and the rest from bad habits or an amalgamation of all. However, the failure of dental implants may come from four main reasons. They include poor oral hygiene, early or late implant rejection, and the limitations of old implants. Each of these causes can result in implant failure. Some signs to look out for include: Difficulty Biting and Chewing A dental implant procedure should make chewing or biting comfortable. If there is any issue doing these, it is a warning that your implants may be failing. Like pain chewing or biting using ordinary teeth, this is a sign of cavities. Loose or Shifting Implants Professional dental implants feel normal in your mouth. They should never feel like something foreign. If the implants do not settle well on your gums, they may wobble when you eat, talk or touch them. Loose implants are easily among the most verifiable signs that something is wrong. Shifting or loose implants can cause more medical issues in your mouth. This sign is not a result of a successful procedure. In severe cases of shifting implants, your dentist will have to remove them to avoid more damage. You must immediately set an appointment with your dentist at the first sign of this condition. If you do not seek medical help, this can result in far-reaching consequences. It can severely damage your gums and mandibles that may go on to altering your smile. With this change in appearance, you may develop low self-esteem that eventually affects your daily life. Irritation of the Gums After a dental implant procedure, it is normal to experience pain, minor bleeding, bruising, and swelling of the gums. All these should dissipate within a few days. But if it does not, it should worry you. If your gums seem red and extremely puffy, it is a sign of infection. The infection can spread to your whole mouth without medical intervention. In severe circumstances, the contamination may move to your blood. An infection of this scale is hard to treat once it spreads. It also comes with intense pain, along with gum inflammation. Continuous Pain and Discomfort Pain while healing from the procedure is natural, though it may also be a sign of failure in dental implants. However, there is a way of telling the difference between the two. Healing pain lasts only for a few days after the procedure. It is not intense and responds well to prescription painkillers. Pain from a dental implant failure, on the other hand, is excruciating. It stems from throbbing waves that cause discomfort. The pain goes on longer than the other. To learn more about the warning signs of dental failure or book a visit, call Smile Center at (740) 417-9565 to reach our office in Delaware, Ohio.

Getting dental implants is a big step, and it’s essential that you feel fully prepared. This means finding the right implant dentist to carry out the work and finding out as much information as possible ahead of your procedure. It can all feel a little overwhelming, so to help, we’ve put together a list of questions that you should ask at your dental implant consultation appointment.

5 Ways COVID-19 Can Affect Your Mouth, Teeth, and Gums Your oral health has a strong connection to your general physical health. Recently, experts have been researching the effects of COVID-19 on the health of the mouth. According to studies, there is a connection between the two. Approximately two in every 10 patients with COVID-19 experience some form of oral health issue. This can be in the form of loss of taste or dry mouth. Here are five ways that COVID-19 can affect your oral health. Dry Mouth and COVID-19 Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when you do not have enough saliva to moisten your mouth. It makes it difficult to swallow food, wash away food particles, and break down food. It may be an early sign of COVID-19. A study in The Lancet noted it was the most common oral symptom reported by patients with the condition. However, experts have no conclusive reasons for this occurrence. They suggest the xerostomia may be due to the infection and damaging of the salivary glands by the SARS-Cov-2 virus. It could also be a side effect of the COVID-19 treatment or improper oral hygiene. Cracked Teeth and COVID-19 There has been a 53 percent increase in cracked and chipped teeth since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. According to the American Dental Association, teeth grinding has also increased by 59 percent. Experts attribute this rise to heightened anxiety levels during the pandemic. They also suggest it is because of poor posture in work-from-home environments. They suggest poor posture and anxiety can cause people to grind their teeth and clench their jaws. These are involuntary actions caused by increased stress. Oral Ulcers and COVID-19 Like other viral infections, COVID-19 will impair your immune system, making you susceptible to other ailments. Some patients recovering from the condition have oral ulcers. In some, the ulcers appear thrush-like, while in others, they are vague. According to experts, ulcers may appear as white patches on the mouth, gums, or tongue roof. The symptoms are: Discomfort while drinking or eating Dull pain A burning sensation Red or white bumps in your mouth If they do not resolve independently in two weeks, you should consult your doctor. It could be a sign of another secondary infection. Taste and COVID-19 After getting COVID-19, many patients report impacts on their sense of smell and taste. Fortunately, nearly half of the patients experience a complete resolution or diminished signs after a month. However, the American Medical Association reported the persistence or worsening of the signs in about 12 percent of the patients after one month. They suggest it is because of the damage to the sustentacular cells that cover the taste buds. Access to Oral Healthcare and COVID-19 Oral health is an integral part of your overall health. For this reason, access to oral healthcare is essential. However, the coronavirus pandemic limited access to dental practices except in the case of emergencies. This affects your dental health and your overall health. For more on the effects of COVID-19 on oral health or to book a visit call Smile Center at (740) 417-9565 to reach our office in Delaware, Ohio.

Can Tooth Sensitivity Go Away? Sensitive teeth can be frustrating. They can hinder you from enjoying the meals and drinks that you love. You can stop having your sweet desserts due to sugar sensitivity. Sensitivity to cold will make you avoid drinking your favorite cold beverages and ice cream on a hot sunny day. If you wince after tasting hot soup or a hot meal, all you may want is to find a solution to your problem. One of the biggest concerns people with tooth sensitivity have is whether it can go away. After all, there is nothing enjoyable about it if it hinders you from enjoying your meals. Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity Experiencing pain when eating or drinking foods and drinks that are cold. Unpleasant reactions when eating or drinking meals and drinks that are cold. Tooth sensitivity to sweets or acidic foods and drinks. Experiencing pain while flossing or brushing. Tooth sensitivity when exposed to different temperatures. Causes of Tooth Sensitivity The cause of tooth sensitivity is when the covering that protects the dentine is no more. That covering that protects your dentine is called the enamel. When it wears off, your nerve endings become exposed. You can also experience tooth sensitivity when the cementum protecting the tooth roots and your gums becomes eroded. The protective layers of your teeth can wear off and expose your teeth to being vulnerable. Various factors can increase the risk of your enamel eroding. Some include brushing the teeth very hard, using whitening products regularly, and gum disease. Teeth grinding, eating high sugar or acidic diet, and routine dental procedures increase the risk for tooth sensitivity. When to Expect Your Sensitive Teeth to Go Away Your tooth sensitivity goes away when you have a dental procedure such as extraction or placing veneers or dental crown. You can also get brief mild sensitivity from teeth whitening procedures. Your dentist may inform you about expecting teeth sensitivity that will not last after your procedure. When Your Tooth Sensitivity Cannot Go Away Teeth sensitivity that results from your teeth's enamel wearing away is likely to be a permanent issue if it remains untreated. You can prevent this by avoiding the risk factors that can cause harm to your enamel. It is ideal to seek professional help to treat your sensitivity problem so that it does not get worse. You do not have to endure your pain. Schedule a dental appointment to understand the cause and how to tackle it. It is possible to have a healthy and painless smile. Prevention The use of home remedies can help relieve your symptoms temporarily. However, there are ways you can prevent your teeth from becoming more damaged. One way is by keeping your teeth and mouth clean by maintaining proper dental and oral hygiene. You can also prevent abrasions and irritation by using a brush with softer bristles. Protect your teeth by limiting the number of acidic meals and drinks you consume to prevent your tooth enamel from dissolving. See your dentist regularly for checkups. If you grind your teeth at night, it is ideal that you wear a night guard. For more on tooth sensitivity, visit Smile Center Ohio at our office in Delaware or Sunbury, Ohio. You can also call 740-417-9565 or 740-965-2451 to book an appointment today.

Different problems can cause tooth sensitivity. Activities such as brushing, drinking, and eating can be unbearable most times. Fortunately, some tips can help reduce the pain from sensitive teeth. Some of these tips can work for you in the comfort of your home. To learn more, consider the following solutions.

You may have heard about dental implants if you have suffered from tooth loss. They are a form of restorative dentistry that your dentist surgically places into your jawbone. The replacement teeth get mounted onto it once the implant posts are in position.

Know How to Prevent Gum Disease The health of your mouth means more than the brightness of your smile or the straightness of your teeth. It is also about your gums. Even if you have the pearliest whites and are cavity-free, that does not make you immune to gum disease. Unfortunately, this disease is usually painless. So, most people do not even realize their gums have a problem. What Is Gum Disease? Gum disease develops when plaque accumulates along and under the gumline. When this film-like, sticky substance filled with bacteria builds up, it can cause infections that harm the bone and gum. That often leads to tooth decay, gingivitis, and gum disease. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and causes the gums to become: Swollen Inflamed Red Tender Prone to bleeding Fortunately, these symptoms are reversible since the tissue and bone holding the teeth are still in place and unimpacted. Gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, an advanced gum disease stage. Periodontitis affects the bone that holds the teeth in place and can ruin the tissues, bones, and gums connected to your teeth. Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease, resulting from destroying the bone and fibers supporting your teeth. It can affect your bite, and you may need to have your teeth removed. Signs and symptoms of advanced periodontitis include: Gums that easily bleed Consistently bad breath or taste Gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth Swollen, tender, or red gums Loose or separating permanent teeth Prevention of Gum Disease Fortunately, you can do several things to keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease. Some of these include: Floss Dental professionals recommend flossing teeth at least once a day. Doing so will help remove food particles and plaque beyond your toothbrush's reach. It does not matter when you floss your teeth. Do it in the morning, after lunch, or before you go to bed. Brush Twice a Day Brushing your teeth properly after every meal or at least twice a day would be best. That will remove plaque and food particles trapped between your gums and teeth. Do not forget to give your tongue a scrubbing since it can harbor harmful bacteria. Quit Smoking Smoking is harmful to your health, including the health of your gums. Dental professionals strongly associate smoking with the onset of gum disease. Smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight gum infection. According to the CDC, it makes it more difficult for your gums to heal and recover from damage. Get Regular Dental Cleanings Dental professionals can detect early symptoms of gum disease. That is why you should get regular dental checkups and cleanings. That way, your dentist will address the problem before it is too late. The only way to remove tartar is through professional dental cleaning. It will also remove any plaque or food particles you missed when flossing or brushing. Use Fluoride Toothpaste Many toothpaste brands claim to whiten teeth, freshen breath, and prevent gingivitis. How do you know which of the many brands is best for healthy gums? Choose toothpaste containing fluoride and the ADA seal of acceptance to be safe. The color and flavor are up to you. If the problem persists, get medical reinforcements and seek medical advice. For more on gum disease, call Smile Center Ohio at our office in Delaware or Sunbury, Ohio. Call 740-306-0099, 740-417-9565, or 740-965-2451.