Dental Info

Many people are familiar with Botox when it comes to cosmetic facial treatments to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It’s one of the most popular procedures in the aesthetic field. However, many dentists are now starting to offer this treatment in their dental offices as well. Its muscle-relaxing properties are known to help support many dental conditions and treatments already offered at your local dentist’s office. Read on to learn more about Botox, and to get answers to some of the most common questions asked about this popular dental procedure. All You Need to Know about Botox for Dental Treatments Botulinum toxin, or Botox, is an injection that comes from a neurotoxic protein. Although many people know it for its cosmetic use, it’s also being used more and more for therapeutic purposes . It can support dentists in both oral and maxillofacial procedures. Botox injections inhibit the release of acetylcholine. When injected into the muscle, Botox attaches to nerve endings and bloc...

Dental implants can change the look of a smile that has been compromised due to missing teeth or from damage or decay. For those who suffer from insecurity or an inability to eat or speak normally, replacing teeth with dental implants is a life-changer. Whether a patient is missing one tooth or multiple teeth, the Lifetime Dental Health team can make a difference by discussing the option of dental implants and getting the ball rolling towards a better looking and functioning smile. For those who are curious about what dental implants are all about or are ready to make a change for the better and get started with this solution, here is more information to get you better informed about the process. We have been replacing teeth with dental implants for a long time, and patients have been extremely satisfied with the stunning results. Natural looking and comfortable, dental implants are a real game changer for those seeking repair and renewal. Will anyone notice my dental implants? Den...

Are you unhappy with your smile? Do you have a chipped tooth or excessive discoloration that stops you from wanting to show your smile to the world? Life is too short to live with a smile that you are not proud of and ready to show off. At Lifetime Dental Health, we are committed to helping you create the smile that you have always wanted, which is why we offer these cosmetic dentistry options: Teeth Whitening One of the biggest things our patients want in terms of cosmetic dentistry is a whiter smile. Your smile is the very first thing that people notice about you and a white, shiny smile can help you make a lasting first impression. As we age, our teeth with naturally lose their white luster. Additionally, what we eat and drink, as well as habits like tobacco use, can lead to yellow teeth. To help reverse this discoloration and get your smile to shine again, we offer a couple different teeth whitening treatments. At our practice, we offer in-office whitening treatments that can ma...

Your smile is more powerful than you may know. Scientists have studied many aspects of smiling, such as how it affects your brain, your health, and your overall experience of life. Even the situation you’re in and the people around you are influenced by your smile. The findings may surprise you. Or, if you’re someone who smiles often, they may just confirm what you already know. Dr. Barry and Dr. Love in Columbus love a good smile and want to help you smile more—to let us convince you to smile more and to maintain that smile with a healthy dental routine , keep reading! Smiling & Your Health The physical act of a smile can benefit both your mental health and your physical health. Experiencing an emotion connects all the parts of yourself: body, mind, and spirit, so the physical act of smiling can improve your overall experience of life. Studies show that smiling makes your brain function better to fight stress and to prevent stress from building in the first place. Smiling a...

We’ve all got our reasons. Money. Time. The fear of pain. Juggling insurance. Facing one more reminder that we really should be flossing more. Any of these might cause us to avoid and put off regular visits to the dentist. Has it been so long since your last dental appointment that you’re not even sure how to find a dentist you can trust? Or perhaps you know and love your dentist but you dread the idea of trying to catch up on life with the hygienist while your mouth is being propped open by a tiny plastic jack. (Yes, we think about that too!) Columbus dentists, Dr. Barry and Dr. Love , are happy to help you prioritize your dental health, which is why we go to great lengths to remove any barrier that might keep you from stepping through our doors. Sedation options , flexible payment plans, plentiful office hours, and a skilled dental team can help you achieve your best smile. Our relaxed office is comfortable from the waiting room to the dentist chair. Lifetime Dental Health is comp...

Essential oils are time-tested treasures gaining new popularity among fans everywhere. These potent liquids are fun and fresh ingredients that you can customize for almost any oral hygiene need.  As with any DIY dental treatment, do your research and be cautious. Not all oils are safe to ingest, and some may hurt you if applied directly to your skin. Essential oils are distilled from plants and usually sold singularly with one ingredient per bottle, although you can also find oil blend products. Like other supplements, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate their safety or efficacy. Using Essential Oils for Oral Health Those in the natural health field are concerned that dangerous chemicals in conventional health products may hinder natural bodily functions, especially the endocrine system. The attraction to using essential oils in dentistry is that they may not pose such a risk to the body. Cinnamon, peppermint, spearmint, myrrh, clove, and tea tree essential oils a...

It’s common to see people wearing mouth guards in Columbus for protection during all kinds of sports, such as football, basketball, and boxing – but did you know that lots of folks wear mouth guards at night for their dental health? People who grind their teeth (bruxism) and people with sleep apnea can get relief from their symptoms simply by wearing a specially-designed mouth guard at night. Dr. Barry and Dr. Love have helped many Columbus residents improve their quality of life with nightguards. Our team at Lifetime Dental Health invite you to come visit us today to find out more. Nightguards for Bruxism Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a very common condition. Everyone grinds their teeth at some point, but some Columbus folks do it so much (especially during the night) that it causes severe damage to their teeth, headaches, jaw aches, TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) issues and more. The problem is that most bruxism sufferers don’t know that they are actually clenching and g...

For many Columbus residents, one thing stands in the way of a healthy, beautiful smile – fear of the dentist!  Even routine cleanings can be scary for folks with dental phobia. However, at Lifetime Dental Health we have made it our business to offer you the most comfortable dental experience possible, which is why Dr. Barry and Dr. Love offer  sedation dentistry services . There’s a lot of misinformation floating around, so here are the facts about sedation dentistry. What is sedation dentistry? For millions of Americans, even the thought of visiting the dentist is terrifying. As a result, many people avoid dentists altogether and miss out on a healthy, happy smile. Sedation dentistry is the answer to dental anxiety, aimed at relaxing patients for a comfortable, enjoyable experience. Who is it for? Sedation dentistry is generally intended for Columbus residents whose fear of the dentist might prevent them getting the dental care they need. If you suffer from dental anxiet...

When you’re suddenly struck with a toothache, floating ideas of home remedies may quickly come to mind. Whether you heard it from your great-aunt or saw it on Pinterest, at-home treatments are everywhere. Columbus dentist, Dr. Barry and Dr. Love can explain more about how to care for a toothache and when to come in for a visit. Common causes of toothaches are infections, cavities , damaged enamel, a cracked tooth or an exposed root – all good reasons to get yourself to the dentist! Home remedies for a toothache may work for immediate relief, but they’re not likely to last long, and they may not be completely safe. If you like using household ingredients for personal care, you may look into your own pantry for something to relieve the pain, but do your research prior to use–and before things get too out of hand, call your dentist to prevent worse pain or problems. What Are Common Home Remedies for a Toothache? The best-case scenario is some pain relief with a simple ingredient or...

What is oil pulling? Claiming to achieve everything from whiter teeth and healthier gums to decreased body aches and pains, oil pulling is the latest trend in DIY detox therapies. Newly popular among celebrities and lovers of natural health and wellness, oil pulling is a dental hygiene practice that actually dates back centuries through the Indian medical tradition Ayurveda. Simply put, oil pulling uses common plant-based oils (coconut is a favorite) in place of store-bought mouthwash. Users swish, or “pull” one tablespoon of oil in their mouth for 10-20 minutes every day. The volume of oil usually doubles in size due to the collection of saliva and toxins from the mouth during this process. Users are strongly warned to spit out the oil because it contains the microorganisms which pulling aims to extract. Oil is believed to draw toxins out of the mouth by sticking to their outer, fatty layer. Since oral hygiene is linked to health in all parts of the body, it’s believed that the be...

As specialists in facial anatomy and esthetics, an increasing number of dentists are taking their skills into the world of Botox®. Often associated just with appearances, Botox® can be equally as therapeutic as cosmetic. Botox® is a purified protein that irons out wrinkles by attaching to a muscle and preventing it from contracting. (Muscle contracting away from skin is what causes wrinkles). This has thus far been its most popular use in cosmetic facial treatments. What most patients don’t know is this same function can relax other muscles in the jaw and face for pain relief or support of orthodontics . Botox® is applied via injection; a method in which dentists are already skilled. The effect of Botox® lasts three to four months, which means it needs to be refreshed and reapplied for continued results. Being an injection, Botox® is minimally invasive and a more conservative, more affordable alternative to surgery. For example, in the case of a high lip line, Botox® may be an attr...

You did it! You got the consultation, booked the appointment, and you actually showed up on the big day. You saw the dentist and now all that has left you hungry! The question is: what can you eat after having dental work done? You need some soft food recipes! For some of us, it’s nostalgic to remember having a frozen treat after the dentist when we were kids. Depending on how extensive your dental work is—you will need to be cautious of what you consume in the days following major dental work -and milkshakes will only get you so far. Many foods can be troublesome after dental surgery or extensive dental work. Ask Dr. Barry and Dr. Love for their recommendations about specific foods and for how long you should avoid them. Lifetime Dental Health in Columbus can be an especially helpful resource for patients navigating what to eat after dental restoration services. Here are some soft food recipes that will treat your mouth and your body well. Breakfast For a warm breakfast, oatmeal...

So, you’re missing a tooth—or a few! An apple a day will not take care of this one, unfortunately. It’s time to consider dentures or dental implants. A variety of personal and practical factors will determine which solution is best for your new smile. Don’t feel lost among all the pros and cons of choosing a tooth-replacement plan. Lifetime Dental Health in Columbus is an experienced practice you can trust to help guide you on your journey from missing teeth toward a complete, natural, and healthy smile. Not your grandma’s dentures Thankfully, time and technology have greatly improved the denture experience for our patients. Today, dentures look and feel more natural than ever before. Dentures are a whole set of false teeth held into your gums with secure bonding glue. This can be an affordable option if you need to replace multiple teeth. For added stability, functionality, and peace of mind, dentures can also be secured with dental implants. Added security with dental implants ...

Oral hygiene is the foundation of good dental health. Brushing and flossing regularly is the best way to keep your Columbus smile healthy and clean. Consider this your personal tutorial on the art of dental hygiene, instructed by Dr. Barry, Dr. Love, and the expert hygienists at Lifetime Dental Health .   Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss, and Mouthwash Before we talk technique, we need to make sure you have the right tools for the job. You’re going to need a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and floss. Pick whatever floss is most comfortable for you and any toothpaste that you like, provided it has fluoride. Mouthwash is not required, but some Columbus residents really like the extra health boost you get from a good swish and gargle. How do you pick a good toothbrush? Here are the basics: Always go with soft bristles. Medium or hard bristles can damage enamel. Choose a brush that fits your mouth. The head of the brush should be small enough to reach all the way behind your ba...

In today’s calorie-obsessed culture, it can be hard to hear the truth among all the other health-conscious noise. Columbus residents are frequently misinformed and misled about the health benefits of trends such as cleanses, sugar alternatives, diets, organic vs. nonorganic, and a myriad of other common topics. Today Dr. Barry & Dr. Love would like to clear up any misconceptions about dental health and diet soda. If you have any questions please call us at Lifetime Dental Care . Are Diet Sodas Healthy? The short answer: no. Originally conceived as low-calorie alternatives to one of America’s first commercial legacies, diet sodas have become extremely popular amidst our country’s never-ending battle to lose weight. There’s only one small problem – diet sodas are only marginally better than regular soda. Compared to water, diet soda has zero nutritional value and contains many ingredients that are harmful outside of moderation. Diet Soda & Dental Health Diet soft drinks are ...

According to the American Dental Association,  at least 13% of all injuries to the mouth occur during sports activities. While helmets, shoulder pads, shin guards, and the like do a great job of protecting most of the body, Dr. Barry and Dr. Love would like to make sure that every athlete knows how to keep their teeth safe from harm. No Columbus parent should have to worry about their child’s teeth during games, so at Lifetime Dental Health we would like to talk about how to take sports safety to the next level. Mouth Guards and Sports Safety In Columbus, we live for a good game. Our athletes train hard to win, so it’s not hard to imagine why they don’t shy away from contact. However, that doesn’t mean that your family has to suffer the consequences of a sports-related oral injury. Mouth guards are the key to oral safety in sports. When to Get a Mouth Guard Let’s say your child has decided to sign up for a high school team, or maybe you’ve joined a local sports league. Now yo...

Although you may think your general health and your dental health are two completely separate categories, they are much more connected than the average person would suspect. Just as the information you provide to your doctor helps them keep your health in good shape, Dr. Barry and Dr. Love depend on your input for optimum dental health. They need to see the big picture in order to help you keep your teeth vital. Most Columbus residents might not think to inform their dentist about their general physical health, but would be surprised at the potential impact that information can have on their oral care. In short: keeping your health history updated with your Lifetime Dental team may help save your teeth! The Lifetime Dental Health team like to go above and beyond for our Columbus patients, but we need your participation to make sure you get the quality dental care you deserve. Here are a few reasons why. Diabetes & Dental Health 750,000 Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every...

We all remember losing our teeth as children and being delighted to find money from the tooth fairy under our pillow, but it’s just not as fun as an adult. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have an average of 25 permanent teeth remaining, which is three shy of a full set (minus wisdom teeth). Dr. Barry & Dr. Love want everyone in Columbus to know that replacing a missing tooth is important to your dental health. Read on for more information and please give Lifetime Dental Health a call with any questions or concerns. Missing Teeth and Dental Health When people lose teeth in movies it’s usually from something high-impact and exciting, like getting kicked in the face. However, the leading cause of tooth loss is actually gum disease. If you are a Columbus adult who has lost a tooth in the back of your mouth, you might be inclined to ignore it if it doesn’t affect your smile. Unfortunately, missing teeth ...

Originally created for people that can’t consume regular sugars, alternative and artificial sweeteners have become extremely popular in Columbus in all kinds of different products. From chewing gum to diet soda, Dr. Barry & Dr. Love want you to know which of these options are best for your dental and general health, so here are the facts about a few of the most common sweeteners. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Lifetime Dental Health . The Big Five Sugar Substitutes The benefits of natural and artificial sugar-free sweeteners were first recognized as a safe option for diabetics, but have since exploded in popularity because food, beverage, candy, and snack companies have discovered that it is easier to sell fewer calories. In addition, Columbus residents with a sweet tooth know that artificial sweeteners are notorious for their ability to ruin your portion control. All of the following substances are considered sugar-free and inhibit tooth decay because bact...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the fluoridation of drinking water is ranked among the ten greatest public health achievements of 20 th century America. However, a quick search of the internet tells us that fluoride is actually toxic if ingested in large enough quantities. So which is it? Do the health benefits outweigh the negatives of fluoride in toothpaste and drinking water? We at Lifetime Dental Health know that Columbus folks care a great deal about their health, so we’ve put this article together to examine the facts and help you come to your own decision. As always, we are happy to answer any questions you might have, so feel free to give us a call! Why Use Fluoride in the First Place? In order to understand the controversy, we must first understand what led to putting fluoride in toothpaste and water. Even today, dental caries (tooth decay) is considered the most prevalent chronic disease in children and adults. With that in mind, it’s not har...