Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 3 of 3)

Don’t replace fillings just because they’re old 












When you have a cavity, the dentist removes it and puts in a filling. These fillings can last for many years, but some people get silver fillings removed because they don’t like the color. However, the process of removing a filling can weaken the tooth. Additionally, insurance may not cover the removal. 

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500
HagenDDS.com

Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 1 of 3)

Use toothpaste with fluoride for infants and children 












For children younger than 3 years, you should begin brushing a child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Consider sealants to prevent decay or treat beginning cavities on the back teeth 












Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material applied by a dentist to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500
HagenDDS.com

Stress & Oral Health

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Stress and your Oral Health!

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500
HagenDDS.com

How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?

Learn what the American Dental Association's answer is to the question: "How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?".

 

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500HagenDDS.com

To Floss or Not to Floss..

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about flossing and if it is good or not! Kind of reminds me of coffee, some studies say is good for you and others say it isn't.

Our dental office believes that flossing is beneficial to a person's general oral health. Our staff is trained to address the issues of proper flossing to our patients on an individual need basis. We promote many different tools used to effectively and safely clean between the teeth.

If you are concerned with the recent news reports, please give our office a call to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to review your concerns and make sure you are properly caring for your teeth.

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500HagenDDS.com

Oral Care During the Holidays: Sugar-Free Countdown to Christmas

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Sher Warkentin

Maintaining good oral care during the holidays can be tough with the bombardment of sugary sweets all season. Counting down to Christmas with an advent calendar is a fun activity for your kids, but if they are filled with chocolate and sweets, it won't be so great for their teeth. Check out these simple sugar-free ideas to fill your countdown instead.

Holiday Activity Fun
Fill your child's countdown with special moments that they will cherish all year round. For each day of the month come up with a fun holiday activity that you can do together as a family. Some ideas include: watching a holiday movie, going ice skating, building a snowman and looking at Christmas lights. Write down the activity on a slip of paper and tuck one note into each day of your advent calendar.

A Puzzling Treat
Give your child a fun challenge with a customized puzzle. Draw a picture or write a special message on a blank puzzle. Break the pieces apart and place one puzzle piece in each day of your advent calendar. Every day your child can add the pieces together until they have a completed puzzle revealing a special holiday message or fun activity to do together.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Sugar-Free Trinkets
• Story-A-Day

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500HagenDDS.com

3 Things All Athletes Should Do for Their Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Dentist Dr. Thomas Long has seen firsthand what can happen when “the puck stops here.” In addition to seeing everyday athletes in his private practice, Dr. Long (a former college hockey player himself) is the team dentist for the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes.

No matter what sport or skill level, Dr. Long says athletes need to take care of their teeth both on and off the field. “Most athletes are careful about what they eat and their workout routine. Part of that routine should include taking care of your mouth and teeth every single day,” he says. "It would be a shame to miss practice or a game because you are in the dentist's office receiving treatment or recovering from a dental surgical procedure.”

Here, Dr. Long shares his playbook for a healthy mouth. 

• Make a Mouthguard Part of Your Uniform
• Sideline Sugary Sports Drinks
• Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat

To read the entire article, including more detailed information on the three steps listed in Dr. Long's playbook for a health mouth, please visit MouthHealthy.org.

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500HagenDDS.com

Girl's Sports Mouth Injuries

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about mouth injuries due to sports.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500
HagenDDS.com 

How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?

Learn what the American Dental Association's answer is to the question: "How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?".

 

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500
HagenDDS.com 

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 1 : 4 Signs You May Have a Problem

Diabetes puts you at risk for dental problems. It impairs the ability to fight bacteria in your mouth. Having high blood sugar encourages bacteria to grow and contributes to gum disease. You may have gum disease if you have:

• Gums that are red, sore, bleeding, or swollen, or that pull away from your teeth
• Loose teeth
• Chronic bad breath
• An irregular bite or dentures that don't fit well

The above article is from: WebMD.com

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500
HagenDDS.com 

Scaling And Root Planing: Professional Plaque Removal

Perhaps you’ve been neglecting a good oral health routine. Or, you’ve done your best, but you’ve developed plaque and tartar buildup. A regular routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing is an important part of regular plaque removal for everyone. But if you have risk factors that have caused a buildup of plaque on your teeth and gums to harden into tartar, your dentist or dental hygienist may suggest scaling or root planing your teeth to remove the buildup. If left untreated, severe tartar buildup along and under the gum line can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, which may increase the risk of gum disease.

Scaling and root planing are common nonsurgical techniques that may prevent the need for more serious procedures, such as periodontal surgery or a root canal.

Here’s what to expect if your dentist or dental hygienist recommends these techniques:

• You won’t feel it. You’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the area.
• Scaling: Your dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the areas both above and below the gum line.
• Root Planing: Your dentist or dental hygienist uses special tools to smooth rough spots on the tooth roots. This process not only removes bacteria and helps reduce plaque buildup, but it provides a smooth surface for gums to reattach to the teeth.

After a scaling and root planing procedure, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions and maintain an oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. If your gums are sensitive after the procedure, try a spongy floss, such as Oral-BÆ Ultra FlossÆ, to help prevent painful flossing.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500
HagenDDS.com 

Girl's Sports Mouth Injuries

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about mouth injuries due to sports.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500
HagenDDS.com 

What are the Stages of Gum Disease?

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and the bacteria infect not only your gums and teeth, but eventually the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. This can cause them to become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.
There are three stages of gum disease:

• Gingivitis: this is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. You may notice some bleeding during brushing and flossing. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.
• Periodontitis: at this stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may begin to form a pocket below the gumline, which traps food and plaque. Proper dental treatment and improved home care can usually help prevent further damage.
• Advanced Periodontitis: in this final stage of gum disease, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen. This can affect your bite and, if aggressive treatment can't save them, teeth may need to be removed.

Read the rest of the article at Colgate.com to learn more about how to know if you have gum disease and how gum disease is treated. 

 

The above article is from: Colgate.com

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500
HagenDDS.com 

Dental Care for Youth

Choosing Your Child’s Dentist is as Important as Choosing Their Pediatrician
We emphasize the importance of instilling good dental hygiene habits at an early age. Children are more prone to cavities, as they do not always brush well. We encourage parents to be a part of their children’s daily dental care for better cleaning and consistent daily care.

As children eat more often throughout the day, this extends the exposure of acid to their teeth. Every time you eat, acid is produced in the breakdown of food. As acid builds up and bacteria form, cavities will result. If a tooth is not clean to begin with, additional acid from contact with food and drink will increase the rate of cavity development.

With a healthy diet, improved hygiene habits, and an application of fluoride varnish that will mineralize teeth, the chances of decay can be lessened.

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen II, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500
HagenDDS.com    

Good Food for Dental Health: Water

Water Rules
Water, especially fluoridated water, is the best beverage for maintaining your oral health. That's because fluoride helps to make teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that can cause cavities. As of 2012, nearly 75 percent of the U.S. population had access to fluoridated water, so drinking water from your own kitchen sink can help prevent dental problems. 

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500
HagenDDS.com  

Oral Warning Signs Can Indicate Serious Medical Conditions

Regular dental exams not only help to decrease a patient's risk of oral diseases, such as cavities and periodontal (gum) disease, but they may also help to diagnose other, sometimes life-threatening, medical conditions.

 

Dentists are able to assess a patient's overall oral health and may recognize symptoms of serious diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and eating disorders, which often manifest as signs and symptoms inside of the mouth. Click here to learn more.

Above article from KnowYourTeeth.com

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500
HagenDDS.com  

What is a Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a flexible appliance that is worn in athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma. The dental profession unanimously supports the use of mouthguards in a variety of sports activities.

Why should I wear a mouthguard?

A mouthguard can prevent serious injuries such as broken teeth, jaw fractures, cerebral hemorrhage and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Mouthguards are effective in moving soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances. They may also reduce the severity and incidence of concussions.

In what sports should I wear a mouthguard?

Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard. Players who participate in basketball, softball, football, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating and martial arts, as well as recreational sports such as skateboarding and bicycling, should wear mouthguards while competing.

Why don't kids wear mouthguards?

Parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports in which the child participates. Some, though not all, schools reinforce the health advantage of mouthguards for their contact sports. Cost may be another consideration, although mouthguards come in a variety of price ranges.

What are the different types of mouthguards?

Stock mouthguard: The lowest cost option is a ready-made, stock item, which offers the least protection because the fit adjustment is limited. It may interfere with speech and breathing because this mouthguard requires that the jaw be closed to hold it in place. A stock mouthguard is not considered acceptable as a facial protective device.

Mouth-formed mouthguard: There are two types of mouth-formed mouthguards. The first is a shell-liner mouthguard that is made with an acrylic material that is poured into an outer shell, where it forms a lining. When placed in an athlete's mouth, the protector's lining material molds to the teeth and is allowed to set. Another type is a thermoplastic, or "boil-and-bite," mouthguard. This mouthguard is softened in hot water and then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth by using finger, tongue and sometimes biting pressure.

Custom-made mouthguard: The best choice is a mouthguard custom-made by your dentist. It offers the best protection, fit and comfort level because it is made from a cast to fit your teeth.

How should I care for a mouthguard?

• Clean your mouthguard by washing it with soap and cool (not hot) water. 
•  Before storing, soak your mouthguard in mouthwash. 
• Keep your mouthguard in a well-ventilated, plastic storage box when not in use. Make sure the box has several holes so the mouthguard will dry. 
• Heat is bad for a mouthguard, so don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile. 
• Don't bend your mouthguard when storing. 
• Don't handle or wear someone else's mouthguard. 
• Call your dentist if there are any problems.

Above article by: KnowYourTeeth.com

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500
HagenDDS.com  

Preventive Dental Care

The Primary Cause of Lost Teeth
It is important to know that most tooth loss is not due to decay, but gum disease. This infection can be completely unnoticed until it reaches the advanced stages, when gum surgery is necessary. If you have the symptoms of bleeding gums from brushing or flossing, or loose teeth, you can reverse the problem with nonsurgical methods if treated in the early stages.


Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke
Medical research has identified a link between gum infections and life-threatening conditions like stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Dentists now consider gum disease a more serious matter than simply losing your teeth. The American Dental Association has announced that 80% of all Americans have some stage of gum disease, and dentists consider this percentage and condition an epidemic.

As the bacteria in the gums travel throughout the bloodstream, it can have a harmful effect on vital organs. The American Academy of Periodontology reports, “studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.”


But There Is Good News
Gum surgery can almost always control and reverse an advanced condition of gum disease. This is necessary when the infection is at a severe level. In milder cases, nonsurgical methods are used. Together with better daily hygiene, it can stop the spread of the infection to heal the gums to a healthy state. Both procedures are generally covered by most dental insurance plans.

What’s So Bad about Losing a Tooth?
Is it a big deal to lose a tooth? More than you may think. Eventually, other teeth will start to loosen or shift and move. This can affect how you chew and how many nutrients you absorb from your food. If healthier natural foods become difficult to chew, you may start to eat softer foods that have a higher calorie content, resulting in weight gain. Missing teeth can change the appearance of your face and give you a sunken look without the support of all your teeth. Your speech may also become hard to understand, and that can be embarrassing.

We recommend replacing missing teeth with dental implants for as many teeth as you have missing. They give full functionality for eating and speaking and look so good, you will be smiling with a gorgeous smile again.

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500
HagenDDS.com   

Oral Hygiene Care for Adults

The Importance of Hygiene Visits
Having your teeth cleaned by our professional hygienist on a regular basis helps to keep your teeth free of cavities and your gums free of bacteria, and lessen the risk of serious health conditions. Regular brushing will clean most areas of the teeth. But there are hard-to-reach places that are often neglected, allowing plaque and tartar to form on the surface of teeth and below the gumline. If this is not removed, it can lead to serious problems with your teeth and life-threatening conditions with your heart, diabetes, and stroke. We recommend regular cleanings to keep serious problems from developing and to help keep your natural teeth for a lifetime. 

Hagen Dental
Dr. Lawrence Hagen, DDS
4998 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238
(513) 251-5500
HagenDDS.com