Check back each month to see the topic for our blog!
April 1, 2017
Diabetes and Oral Health – Understanding the risks
Nearly thirty million people, ten percent of the population, have been diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes impacts one’s ability to process sugar, and many struggle to keep blood glucose levels under control. Experts have found that diabetics have an increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease, as well as an increased risk of tooth loss. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bone that may lead to tooth loss. Studies have shown that poorly controlled blood glucose levels contribute to this increased risk. Studies have also shown that diabetics may have a harder time controlling blood glucose levels if they suffer from periodontal (gum) disease. An additional risk for diabetics is dry mouth, untreated this can lead to ulcers of the mouth, infections or ulcers in the mouth and lead to tooth decay. Following good oral health practices including brushing twice, a day and flossing can help to manage the risks. It is important that you let your dentist know about your diabetes so they can look for issues before they become a serious problem. Here at Gentle Family Dental Care, we are proud to partner with our patients to achieve excellent oral health for all. For more information on how diabetes can impact oral health visit this link:http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/oral-health-problems-and-diabetes
March 1, 2017
No Insurance? No Problem, with our Care Plus In-House Savings Plan!
Nearly forty percent of American’s have no dental insurance coverage.
A serious crisis, as recent studies have shown those without dental insurance tend to avoid treatment for both preventative care and don’t seek treatment until there is a painful, critical issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as more than twenty-seven percent of adults have untreated cavities and over twenty percent of children ages two to five and over fifty percent of children six to eleven have at least one cavity. While proper dental care at home is an important part of your dental health plan, it must go hand in hand with regular visits to your dentist. Small issues caught early can grow into problems that require extensive treatment and expense. At Gentle Family Dental Care we recognized that there needed to be an option for our patients that did not have dental insurance. We are proud to offer our Care Plus In-House Savings Plan, an alternative for those without dental insurance. Our Care Plus In-House Savings Plan offers savings for preventative care and savings for when more treatment is needed, for all members of the family if you choose to enroll them. Here is how it works: First Family Member $250 Annually Additional Family Memberships are $150 Annually Per Person (Family members must all live in the same household) Coverage begins when the membership has been paid in full and is in effect for the duration of the year. You will be notified when you are due for renewal. Payment for services will be due at appointment and cannot be combined with any other discounts offered by Gentle Family Dental Care. This savings plan is for Gentle Family Dental Care only. Plan includes: Two Regular Cleanings Per Year X-Rays Fluoride Exams 20% discounts on all other services offered at our office Call us today for more information and take the first important step to better dental health!
February 1, 2017
A Lifetime of Great Oral Health, Begins with Your Child’s First Tooth
Every February the American Dental Academy celebrates National Children’s Dental Health Month, to focus on the importance of oral care for our children. Good oral health habits begin with the first tooth and before and helping your child to develop positive habits can reinforce a lifetime of great oral health! It is critical that the foundation of proper care begins with the first tooth! Begin with cleaning the tooth with a soft damp cloth; once more teeth arrive you may switch to a soft brush. Toothpaste (with Fluoride) can be used beginning at about age two. However, your dentist may recommend starting earlier. The ADA guidelines recommend that your child has their first dental appointment by age one or when they get that first tooth, whichever comes first. Until your child can properly handle a toothbrush, parents will be in charge. Make sure that you use no more than a pea-size amount of toothpaste and teach your child to spit out the toothpaste after you are done brushing. Flossing is important as well and typically begins once your child has two teeth touching. You may choose to reinforce this habit by brushing and flossing your teeth at the same time you brush and floss your child’s, a great teachable moment and way to begin and end each day! Gentle Family Dental Care is your partner in creating these lifelong habits for your child. Be certain to schedule your child’s dental appointments as recommended; we strive to create a wonderful, welcoming environment to ensure that your child will have a positive experience each and every time they visit us!
January 1, 2017
New Year, New You!
If you are making goals for the new year today, you certainly have plenty of company! Making your New Year’s resolution is the easy part of this annual tradition, experts tell us that a mere 8% of us will be successful at these goals. There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of achieving the goals you set:
- Set realistic goals. Too many times, in our excitement for new beginnings we reach for the stars with our goal setting. Lose 50 pounds, stop eating sugar, get a promotion are just a few of the lofty goals American’s set each year. The problem with setting unrealistic goals is that they are often doomed to failure. For an increased chance of success try breaking down big goals in to smaller pieces. For instance take a goal to lose 50 pounds and break it in to smaller portions, say 5 pounds per month for a year. This will give you a greater chance of success and you can celebrate your wins monthly!
- Set a “theme” for your goals. Focus, focus, focus…for success! If weight loss is your goal set supporting goals, i.e. commit to eating 3 servings of fruits and veggies daily, drink 8 ounces of water a day, eat sugar sparingly. These supporting and realistic goals will all contribute to a positive outcome. If better dental health is a goal resolve to brush your teeth twice a day, floss and make and keep your appointments for cleaning and dental care.
- Don’t set too many goals. Finally, when making those vows for improvement in the new year commit to a few important goals, do not make a list of twenty! The fewer goals you make the more committed you may be to the ones that you set. When we have too many goals, although they may all be positive, it may be too easy for some people to lose focus.
Experts tell us that in order to make something a habit we need to adopt the behavior for a minimum of three weeks straight. While this doesn’t sound like a lot of time it is nearly 1/12th of the year. Concentrate on your new, healthy habits and don’t give up if you slip. Those who are successful at lifestyle changes know all to well that you need to forgive yourself for the occasional misstep!
December 1, 2016
KEEP YOUR SMILE HEALTHY THIS HOLIDAY
Tis, the season for indulgence, cookies, candy and a host of other sweets, awaits us at every turn. Of course, excess sweets can mean trouble for your teeth, however enjoying the decadence of the season in moderation may not need to spell trouble. Here are some tips to help keep your teeth and your smile this holiday. 1. CONTINUE YOUR ORAL HEALTH ROUTINES. The holidays also keeps us busier than usual, but it is important to continue to follow good oral health routines. Brushing twice a day and flossing every day will help to keep cavities at bay. In addition, if your regularly scheduled dental check-up is this month, be sure and keep the appointment and not postpone until the new year. 2. DON’T USE YOUR TEETH AS A TOOL. Believe it or not, there are those who use their teeth instead of a nutcracker to indulge in another one of the season’s favorites, nuts! Hard candy is another no-no when it comes to chewing, be sure and enjoy these sweet treats the way it was intended and resist the urge to bite down and risk a broken tooth! 3. WATER, WATER, WATER. It is easy to get dehydrated when running here and there to make the families holiday a magical one. A dry mouth is bad for both teeth and gums. Drinking water between meals also helps to keep your mouth happy and assists in washing away food particles between brushing. 4. DON’T IGNORE ANY DENTAL ISSUES NOW. If you do end up with a problem, this month call your dentist immediately. While it may be tempting to put off a toothache or bleeding gums to next month when you have more time, delaying treatment may lead to more damage to your mouth and a more extensive, and more expensive fix. All of us here at Gentle Family Dental Care want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season, complete with lots of reasons to smile!
November 1, 2016
GIVE BACK FOR GREAT HOLIDAY!
Gentle Family Dental Care is proud to once again be working with Life Care Alliance to collect non-perishable food and cleaning supplies. Last year’s effort was a big success thanks to the generosity of our patients, something that did not surprise us, we knew our patients were the absolute best! At Gentle Family Dental Care we feel being part of the community and giving back to our community is extremely important, for us, our staff, and our patients.
Life Care Alliance, located not far from our office, a wonderful non-profit and charter member of the United Way, help so many in need in our community. They provide Meals on Wheels, Groceries-To-Go food pantry, Senior Dining Center, Wellness Centers and Columbus Cancer Center support, to name just a few of the critical services they provide. A comprehensive list can be found by visiting: http://www.lifecarealliance.org/programs.html.
Most of us know the holidays as a happy, joyous, exciting time. However; for many this time of the year brings extra stress. Those with financial difficulties and health issues may find themselves feeling even worse. Life Care Alliance, and all of the businesses and people that come together, making sure that everyone has support for the holidays can make a difference. Sometimes just knowing that there are so many people that care for you can be uplifting for someone who is struggling during the holidays. The “giving” at the holidays is truly where the magic lies, and the “giving” to those you don’t know and may never know, holds special meaning, only those who have given can understand.
We are excited to see what this year brings for our drive. We look forward to seeing more patients than usual come thru the door as they drop off their donations too! We will also be entering everyone who drops off a donation into our FB contest to win $100 VISA GIFT CARD.
Please see our Facebook Page for details.
October 1, 2016
REMEMBER THE DAILY 4, BRUSH, FLOSS RINSE AND CHEW
October is National Dental Hygiene Month and this month we are taking it back to the basics of oral hygiene. With the holidays around the corner, it is an important time to keep up with healthy habits of a clean mouth. The American Dental Hygienists Association stresses the importance of the Daily 4: brush, floss, rinse and chew. The magic number for brushing is 2. You should brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Make sure to floss to clean the spots between your teeth where your brush may miss. Since your teeth alone account for less than half of your mouth, make sure to use an antimicrobial mouth rinse to keep the rest of your mouth clean. Finally, chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks will increase the amount of saliva and help remove any small food particles that may still be around your mouth. At Gentle Family Dental Care, we believe that the Daily 4, combined with keeping up with your regular dental check-ups will keep your smile looking and feeling great!
September 1, 2016
THE ALZHEIMER’S, PERIODONTAL DISEASE CONNECTION
September is World’s Alzheimer’s Month, this horrible disease, often called the long goodbye devastates families. It is estimated that there are approximately 5.4 million American’s suffering with the disease. One wouldn’t think that your mouth would have anything to do with a disease that impacts the brain but recent research is proving otherwise. One study found an increased risk of getting Alzheimer’s in those who had periodontal disease and another found increased cognitive decline in patients in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s disease. While scientist are still determining the exact reason for this, a recent study done at the University of Central Lancashire in England lead by Drs. John Crean and Sim K. Singhrao made a huge discovery by studying brain tissue samples of those with and without Alzheimer’s. They found gum disease bacteria, lipopolysaccharides, on the tissues of four Alzheimer’s patient tissue samples and none on the samples of those subjects without Alzheimer’s. These bacteria, from gum disease, can travel throughout the body through actions like chewing and eating. The doctors hypothesize that once these bacteria entered the brain the body sent a natural immune response. As the body tried to fight these bacteria in the brain tissue, the immune response also killed functioning brain cells causing a change in the brain. These brain changes are very typical in Alzheimer’s disease and are what cause confusion or memory loss. Maintaining a healthy dental routine including tooth brushing, flossing, and regular visits to your dentist will combat periodontal disease and prevent these bacteria from being prevalent in your body. Keeping up your dental routine will not only prevent this potential link to a serious disease, but it will keep you clear from a long list of other serious diseases linked to periodontal disease.
August 1, 2016
PACK YOUR WAY TO A CAVITY FREE CHECK-UP
Did you know that cavities are the number one reason for children to miss school? By the second grade, more than half of children will have at least one cavity. A healthy diet can be a key component to preventing cavities, and limiting the amount sugar in your child’s diet can go a long way in prevention.
Teaching your child how to eat healthily and helping them to develop the ability to make positive choices will follow them throughout their lifetime. Beginning when they are young is the key. Parents often find this easier when children are home, but once school begins and they are out of sight, the challenge begins.
Part of the secret to packing a healthy lunch is a balance of food groups, the trick to getting your kids to eat it can be an entirely different story. Children can be picky, that we know, but involving them in the food selection can be your secret weapon to getting them to enjoy a nutritious lunch! Food companies spend millions marketing to kids, but you still have the upper hand! Spend some time with your children doing your own marketing! Let them pick some fun napkins, forks, and food containers. Now let your kids help pack their lunch!
Looking for more ideas? Let them color the brown paper bags the week before. Need some inspiration for what goes inside? Cookie cutters make great cut outs to keep sandwiches interesting, or create your own Lunchables, minus the preservatives!
Not only will you be spending time bonding with your child you will be instilling healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime, and go a long way to prevent cavities too!
July 1, 2016
THE BENEFITS OF BACK TO SCHOOL APPOINTMENTS
It is hard to believe, but school will be starting for most next month. While you are busy scheduling Back To School appointment for haircuts and physicals, don’t forget to call and schedule your child’s dental checkup. Experts point to many reasons for this being one of the most critical times of the year to add this to your calendar including the fact that over 50 million school hours are missed by children each year. Pediatric dental disease is the most common chronic health condition among children, five times more common than asthma and seven times more than hay fever. Early visits to the dentist along with preventative care and regular brushing and flossing can help to prevent cavities and other issues. Scheduling a visit for your child before the school bell rings allows them an appointment before the hustle and bustle of the year begins. Without as many conflicts this will hopefully, allow the visit to be more relaxed than during the school year when homework, sporting, and club events all compete for time. It is also our hope that the visit may be a little less hectic for mom and dad. We truly value the time we spend with each child and the relationships we form. Of course, we equally appreciate those we have with their parents, each being critical components to ensuring a healthy outcome for our patients. We encourage you to call Gentle Family Dental Care today at Gentle Family Dental Care Phone Number 614-272-0011 as appointments fill up quickly this time of year.
June 1, 2016
KEEPING DAD HEALTHY
June is National Men’s Month and a perfect time to make sure the men in our lives are taking the necessary time to take of their health. Recent studies have shown that men are less likely to visit the doctor for annual exams and live their lives in general sicker than women do. The same goes for men when it comes to the dentist. Men are not as proactive when it comes to their oral health either, not visiting the dentist for regular checkups as often as women do. Unfortunately, they pay the price for this; men suffer at higher rates for periodontal disease than women. Periodontal disease, which is an inflammation and infection of the gums may result in losing teeth if not treated. Many studies have linked periodontal disease to an increased risk of stroke and heart and heart disease, and other diseases are being studied. This is just one of many reasons that regular visits to your dentist is critical to maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can monitor you, catch many conditions while in the early stages and easy to treat. The regular cleanings also remove plaque that you cannot remove even with regular brushing. We know our Dad’s aren’t always receptive to being questioned about their health, but with a little nudging, studies have also shown that Dad’s can be moved to get on board with new healthy routines and habits. In fact, one study showed that men make great patients when it comes to following doctor’s orders, with a little prompting from family. So make this the year to show Dad just how much you love him and set him on the path to wellness.
May 1, 2016
FAMILY FIRST
Family is the foundation at Gentle Family Dental Care, which is why we are celebrating Mother’s all month long! We have been privileged to treat entire families, giving us the opportunity to know our patients in a unique way. Our patients, in turn, are part of our Gentle Family Dental Care family. When your dentist is “all in the family” so to speak, it can reassure children and reinforce the importance of good dental hygiene. Children often form habits watching their parents at an early age. Setting an example with your good oral hygiene is no exception. Even before your child begins developing teeth, having them watch you brush and floss will spark their interest, and prepare them for when their first tooth arrives.
The average age for that first tooth to erupt is anywhere between 6 and 12 months, but the American Dental Association recommends cleaning your babies mouth within the first week or so after birth with a clean gentle wash cloth or gauze. The first few years are important as we establish our children’s oral health habits, mouthhealthy.org/babies-and-kids/healthy-habits ...but it doesn’t end there.
In fact, that is just the beginning, there are many stages ahead, the arrival of baby teeth, the loss of baby teeth, and the final arrival of their permanent beautiful smile. From there we have sports mouth guards, cavity concerns and more! health/life-stages/childrens-oral-care-your-childs-oral-health. Rest assured Gentle Family Dental Care will be there for all stages of your families dentals needs.
April 1, 2016
ORAL CANCER – UNDERSTAND THE SYMPTOMS AND RISK FACTORS
The American Dental Association reports there will be over 40,000 people diagnosed with oral and throat cancer in the United States this year, and early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment. It is important to know the symptoms and risk factors. Symptoms include: Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth Unexplained bleeding in the mouth Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or change in voice Ear pain A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together Dramatic weight loss Risk factors include Smoking . Cigarette, cigar, or pipe smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop oral cancers. Smokeless tobacco users. Users of dip, snuff, or chewing tobacco products are 50 times more likely to develop cancers of the cheek, gums, and lining of the lips. Excessive consumption of alcohol. Oral cancers are about six times more common in drinkers than in nondrinkers. Family history of cancer. Excessive sun exposure, especially at a young age. Human papillomavirus (HPV). Certain HPV strains are etiologic risk factors for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) In addition to understanding your risk factors and knowing the symptoms it is also important to visit your dentist regularly, and to report and symptoms or changes to your health care professional. Oral cancers treated early have excellent 5 year survival rates, however studies report that only 31% of oral cancers are found in the early stages. It is important to discuss your risk factors with your dentist and health care professional, it just may be a lifesaving conversation.
March 1, 2016
CHEW ON THIS FOR GREAT DENTAL HEALTH!
It is expected that when we follow a healthy diet it is good for our bodies, but the impact of good nutrition plays a huge role in our dental health as well. Even before we are born nutrition is key to the formation of our baby teeth, which won’t erupt until months after birth. What we eat as children is also extremely important, to both preserve the health of baby teeth and gums and to prepare the incoming adult teeth. Sadly, according to the CDC, 42% of children will have at least one cavity and 90% of adults over 40 have had tooth decay in their lifetime in one or more of their permanent teeth. The good news is that with good oral hygiene and diet most cavities are preventable. So you ask what should I include in my diet to enhance my oral health? Below are a few suggestions on what to include from the American Dental Academy. http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/food-tips/ A good overall approach is to include nutrient rich foods and avoid those foods that don’t have much to offer in the way of nutrition. Fresh fruits and vegetables – not only are these packed full of vitamins and minerals but they also can help clean plaque and bacteria off your teeth. Calcium rich food – Did you know that broccoli and spinach are good sources of calcium? Of course milk and cheese. Aged cheese actually stimulates the production of saliva, our body’s way of cleaning our teeth by washing away food, plaque and bacteria. Water – Experts tell us to drink 8 glasses a day. Experts will also advise this is a better choice over even fruit juice, have a glass of water and an apple, they may say. Water may also keep us from choosing a sugary option instead. http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/nutrition/good-foods-slideshowMost Lean meat and protein, whole grains, eggs, fish and many other foods contribute vitamins and minerals that promote good health: http://www.dentistry.net/dental-nutrition/food-strenthen-teeth/. This being a limited list, experts recommend that we eat a balanced diet. *It is important to consult your healthcare professional before you begin a new diet.
February 1, 2016
READY, SET, REWARD! MOTIVATE YOUR CHILDREN TO A LIFETIME OF ORAL HEALTH!
We understand that motivating children to follow healthy dental habits can be difficult at best. This becomes more challenging as they become older, and have outside influences and busier schedules and begin to exert their independence. There are steps you can take as parents and care takers to increase the odds that good dental health behavior becomes routine.
All in the Family. Whether it is Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister or everyone, children want to do what everyone else in the family is doing! Brushing and flossing is no different. Set a good example for them by allowing them to join in on your dental hygiene routines. If they have an older sibling encourage them to be a “teacher” too!
Educate. It is always easier to comply with something when we understand how we benefit. Children are no different. Take time to explain the importance of brushing, flossing, seeing the dentist and eating healthy! There are several websites with videos and educational materials that do a great job of this. Check out: http://2min2x.org and http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/ for inspiration!
Set Goals. Children like to achieve! (Don’t we all) Experts tell us that we have to do a new routine for a minimum of 60 days to have it become a “habit”. Long time, huh? Of course that would be way too long to keep a child’s attention, or most adults for that matter! Begin by setting smaller goals, perhaps one week at a time. You can visit here: for a brushing chart and mark off each day you accomplish your goal! Set a different small treat at the end of each week, a trip to the museum, library, create a craft, let them bake a healthy treat. When they have completed a month’s worth of goals have a “super” treat, maybe a movie or visit to a water park? Decide on the perks ahead of time so you can use them ahead of time to motivate!
January 1, 2016
It is the time of year when many of us take stock of our lives, habits we would like to change and new routines we would like to make habits. So goes the New Year’s resolutions of millions of American’s, in fact it is estimated that nearly half of us have New Year’s resolutions although only 8% of us find we are able to keep them.
Scientists have learned some interesting facts over the yeas and discovered there are things we all can do to increase our chances of succeeding. We have outlined a few of these steps to take to improve your chances of success below:
- Set realistic goals. Many of us who start the New Year with changes in mind and, a fresh year ahead go overboard when deciding what we want to change. For instance, keep goals smaller and once accomplished add another set of goals. Saying you want to lose 70lbs can be daunting to say the least. Try setting goals of 20 lbs at a time and you are more likely to achieve them.
- Include a buddy with similar goals to increase your odds. It is harder to cheat or quit when we have someone to keep us accountable. Having someone to share your successes and failures with is comforting and can be encouraging too. If you aren’t able to find a friend or family member to share you may want to try an online source of encouragement. Overeaters Anonymous, for example, has online meetings, visit: OA online meeting information.
- If you have a misstep don’t give up. All of us will have good days and bad along the road, don’t let a slip cause you to lose your way. If your goal was to give up ice cream and you have a bowl, just limit it to one, don’t have the attitude that you already slipped and decide to eat the entire carton of ice cream. Rather, celebrate that you only had one bowl and stopped, and maybe reset your goal to be more realistic and limit that bowl of ice cream to once a week. Small accomplishments will send you down the path of bigger accomplishments.
Keeping these recommendations in mind will improve your chances of succeeding and having something to really celebrate at the end of the year, personal growth!
November 1, 2015
Gentle Family Dental Care is proud to be a part of the city of Columbus. Our team is extremely proud of not only providing great dental care to Columbus, but to be able to contribute to the city in a variety of other ways.
This Holiday season, for instance, we are excited to give back to some of the less fortunate in our city. Throughout November, we’ll be collecting non-perishable food items to give to one of our neighbors, Lifecare Alliance.
Lifecare Alliance is a wonderful organization that provides many services to the needy around Franklin County, as well as Marion and Madison Counties. With programs like Meals-On-Wheels, they reach out to senior citizens who need assistance with having regular, full meals. All of the donations we collect will help them in assisting their patients in the comfort of their own homes. Please consider partnering with us as we collect these donations!
We enjoy being a part of Columbus, and are always looking for ways that we can provide service outside of our dental office. All three of our dentists are active in helping local schools and other organizations provide proper oral and dental healthcare to kids. Dr. Shaver, Dr. Aust and Dr. Meers also help other charitable groups provide dental care to those who cannot afford it.
Everyone should be happy with their smile, and everyone should have a reason to smile. These are two things that we really believe at Gentle Family Dental Care, and the reasons we strive to provide superior dental care inside our office, while also making it a priority to give back to the families outside our office every day.
October 1, 2015
Anything you need to know about the services we provide are right there in our name. We strive to be Columbus‘s best dentistry, offering you safe and reliable dental care at an affordable price. Our dentists and staff are dedicated to making sure you’re comfortable, and leaver here with a brighter, healthier smile.
Dr. Shaver, Dr. Aust and Dr. Meers have trained for years to hone their skills, and all 3 of these dentists look forward to bringing a smile to each patient as they leave. Along with the rest of their dedicated staff at Gentle Family Dental Care, patient comfort and satisfaction is of the utmost importance to them.
We offer a variety of dental services, ranging anywhere from fillings, crowns, or veneers all the way to more extensive treatments such as implants, bridges, and Invisalign. Whatever you may need to get your smile exactly where you want it, we will work with you every step of the way.
If your family is looking for a dentist in the Columbus area, or you are located in a nearby neighborhood like Grandview, Hilliard, Dublin, Grove City or Upper Arlington, our office is conveniently located near I-70 and State Route 3. We offer flexible office hours to allow you and your children to be able to schedule appointments at a time that works for you. We are open several days a week either before or after the typical “9-5” schedule, to accommodate for those who may not be able to get time off during their work day.
There are many dentists in Columbus, and choosing the right one may not be easy. Here at Gentle Family Dental Care, though, it’s easy to see why so many of our patients stay with us for years. In a caring environment like ours, you know you and your family will be our number one priority, where some of Columbus‘s top dentists will work hard so you leave satisfied with your smile.
September 1, 2015
There’s one question your dentist probably asks each time you go in that may be hard to answer truthfully: Do you floss every day? We know it’s easy to see it as an annoyance or a hassle each evening, as you’re tired and ready to get to bed. But we’re here to tell you just how important it is!
September is Gum Health Month, and the easiest way to improve your Gum Health is to practice good flossing habits. Gum disease is one of the most common diseases around in our county, affecting almost half the population. Most people who have some form of gum disease may not even know that they have it.
Gingivitis is the earliest and most common form. It develops as plaque and other germs build up between the teeth and along the gums. Some of the symptoms include swollen or bleeding gums, and bad breath. Most often, you’ll notice blood when you floss or brush your teeth. This can be a warning sign that you have the early stages of gingivitis. Read more about it here.
If you think you may have some of the symptoms, it’s important to examine your oral health practices! Are you brushing twice a day? Do you floss every day? These are the easiest steps to get your gums and teeth in the best shape!
Just as important, make sure you’re seeing your dentist twice a year. They’ll be able to better examine your gum health, and help you prevent something like gingivitis from progressing to the more advanced stages of Periodontal (Gum) Disease. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a dentist, now is the best time to schedule an appointment! Give us a call at Gentle Family Dental Care, where we have a variety of open office hours to fit your busy schedule, and friendly staff that will be here to care for you.
August 1, 2015
Announcing Wednesday Hours Now Extended to 7:00 PM!
Gentle Family Dental Care is committed to providing their patients with the highest level of care possible. You see, at GFDC we consider our patients to be part of family, we don’t just say that, we deliver. That is why we have added another day with late hours to our schedule, to accommodate you, because at GFDC it really is all about you. With this additional day we are now open Tuesday and Wednesday until 7:00 PM and one Saturday a month, making sure that there is a time that can accommodate everyone.
The American Dental Association recommends having dental check-ups every six months however some patients may need them more often. Having regular exams and cleanings not only prevents problems with tooth decay and gum disease but can also identify issues early when they are easier, and less expensive to treat. Of course there are times when problems arise between these check-ups, and we need to call our dentist – bleeding gums, teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold, pain or swelling in your mouth, face or neck and difficulty chewing are just a few. More symptoms can be found here: The American Dental Association. It is important that you contact your dentist or healthcare provider when you experience any symptoms or unusual conditions for an accurate diagnosis.
We care about the health of your and your family’s teeth, because you are like family to us. We understand how difficult it can be to find time to fit an appointment into your busy weekly schedule, and we want to make sure you have every opportunity possible to make it in. It can be easy to find excuses avoid the dentist’s office, and we don’t want limited office hours to be the reason your teeth and overall oral health suffer. So take advantage of our new office hours, and make sure to schedule a check-up if it’s been more than 6 months since your last visit!