Oral Health

Hello, friends of Endres Gateway Dentistry! In today’s article, we are talking about nutrition. There is nothing that impacts your smile as much as your eating habits. Develop good eating habits and your dentist will smile down on you too.

1. Rinse after eating

Rinse your mouth with a drink of water or brush your teeth after meals. People who snack all day long subject their teeth to sugars and food debris. Planned meals with brushing in between keeps your oral health on top.

2. Avoid sugary gum

Sugar free gum doesn’t leave sugar to break down on your teeth and jeopardize your hard earned healthy gums. If you are gum chewer, do your smile a favor and go sugarless.

3. Avoid sticky foods

Sticky foods have a habit of clinging to your teeth, which puts you at risk of decay. Toffee, gummy candy, fruit snacks, even excessive dried fruit can be concerning for smiles. Brushing doesn’t always eliminate the obstinate particles, so remember to floss after eating sticky items.

4. Consume nutritious foods

A balanced diet with a variety of vitamins and minerals can keep the immune system strong and able to combat infection.

5. Say ‘cheese!’

Cheese contains calcium and protects teeth from acid that weakens tooth enamel. (It’s important not to go overboard as cheese is high in fat.)

6. Avoid acidic foods

Acid will eat away enamel over time: lemons, red wine, soda pop. Limit direct, constant, consistent exposure. All things in moderation.

If you have concerns about enamel damage that’s already taken place on your teeth or need help with crooked, chipped, or missing teeth, call Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati today and  513-914-4918.

We’ll answer your questions about cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and sedation dentistry. Make an appointment today to discuss your dental goals.

Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry: 513-914-4918

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

9380 Montgomery Rd, Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242

Our teeth work hard and are constantly under assault. It’s no wonder that nature encases them with an armor of enamel—the hardest substance in the body. Sadly, enamel erosion is extremely widespread, though largely preventable. Enamel’s chief enemies are acidic foods and beverages. Other factors that can weaken enamel or wear it away include:

• Medications
• Tooth grinding
• Acid reflux
• Gastrointestinal conditions
• Chewing ice or other hard substances
• Eating disorders

At Endres Gateway Dentistry, we educate our patients about how to keep their enamel strong and halt continued erosion.

Here are five quick facts about enamel erosion:

1. Enamel is unlike many other tissues in the body; once it has been eroded, it can’t be regenerated.

2. According to the NIH, 41% of adolescents already have enamel erosion.

3. Vigorous brushing can damage enamel.

4. Diet sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks are just as detrimental as sugared sodas.

5. Dry mouth can weaken enamel because it results in less saliva which helps keep enamel healthy and strong.

If you have already experienced enamel erosion, it’s vital to prevent further erosion. There are several dental procedures that can protect the teeth that have been compromised. Call our office at 513-914-4918 to schedule an examination. Dr. Endres and our friendly, knowledgeable staff will work with you to find the treatment plan that works best.

Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry: 513-914-4918

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

9380 Montgomery Rd, Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242

When we think of diet and oral health, we usually think about the damage sweet drinks can cause to teeth. While it’s true that these dangerous sugars cause increased acidity in the mouth and lead to tooth decay, soda and sugary-fruit drinks are only part of the problem.

The typical American diet tends to be high in calories and low in nutrition. If your body is lacking in vital nutrients, the tissues in your mouth may have trouble resisting infection. These detrimental infections can lead to gum disease. Our practice is committed to providing you with regular care and preventing diet-related dental health problems.

A few years ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled the MyPlate graphic to illustrate a healthy diet. Half of our meals should be composed of fruits and vegetables and the rest should be equally divided between lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.

In general, these guidelines should be followed, but it’s important to remember that your dietary needs change throughout your life.  Call us at 513-914-4918 to schedule a check-up with Dr. Endres and find out if your diet is affecting your dental health. When you eat a balanced diet and feel your best, you’ll want to look your best, so be sure to ask our friendly staff about cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as smile makeovers and same-day restorations.

Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry: 513-914-4918

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

9380 Montgomery Rd, Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242

At Endres Gateway Dentistry, our passion is helping Cincinnati patients achieve and maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Doctor Eleanor Endres’s considerable experience, advanced skills, and exacting standards ensure the ultimate in patient satisfaction.

Because each Cincinnati man, woman, and child has unique dental needs, we develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses each patient’s challenges and goals.

Some Cincinnati dentistry patients come in twice-yearly for an examination, cleaning, oral cancer screening, and fluoride treatment. We work with them to maintain their oral health and prevent common dental problems such as cavities and gum disease.

Many Cincinnati smile makeover patients take advantage of modern cosmetic dental procedures to achieve the smile they deserve. If you are unhappy with your smile, contact us today at 513-914-4918. We offer a broad range of cosmetic dental procedures including dental bonding, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, teeth whitening, and tooth-colored filling replacement. We also offer sedation dentistry options for Cincinnati folks who become anxious during dental treatment. You can take comfort in the fact that we are dedicated to the highest standard of safety and sterility at our practice.

If you are looking for a family dentist or cosmetic dental specialist in the Cincinnati area, call Endres Gateway Dentistry at 513-914-4918. We invite you to visit our comfortable Cincinnati dental office and friendly staff.

Oral Health Is the Gateway to Healthy Living

Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry:

513-914-4918

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

9380 Montgomery Rd Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242

If you live in the Cincinnati area and are considering puncturing your lip or tongue, this post is for you. Please consider the following:

Infection
Your mouth is full of bacteria. Any opening in the tissue carries the risk of infection. The germs from your tongue and mouth can easily get into your bloodstream. Cincinnati dentists and doctors are continually treating extreme infections caused by oral piercings. Oral infections can be a real problem, and should be a major consideration before getting an oral piercing.

Tooth Damage
It should come as no surprise that having a piece of metal bang around in your mouth can easily impair tooth enamel. Though tooth enamel is amazingly strong, once it’s chipped or cracked, it can only be restored with artificial material. Fortunately, Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati offers many tooth restoration options such as crowns and fillings, but our advice is to avoid the problem if you can.

Prolonged Bleeding and Swelling
The blood vessels in the tongue are often damaged when the tongue is pierced, causing prolonged bleeding and possible build-up of scar tissue. In some extreme cases, the tongue swells up enough to block the airway.

Gum Recession
A number of periodontal disease studies have shown that wearing oral jewelry is linked to periodontal disease which can cause tooth loss. Periodontal disease can cause gum recession which exposes the root of your teeth, potentially causing hypersensitivity and pain. Again, our advice is to avoid the problem right from the start.

These are just a few of the dangers or oral piercings. Eleanor Endres at Endres Gateway Dentistry can give you more vital specifics about the risks of oral piercings. If you already have deterioration, call 513-914-4918 to schedule a consultation.

Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry:

513-914-4918

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

9380 Montgomery Rd Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242

Though thin and partially translucent, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body and has the important job of preserving teeth from constant use and the continual assault of chemicals in food and drink. Enamel also preserves tooth nerves from hot and cold food and beverages. That’s why enamel loss often causes tooth sensitivity.

Cuts heal. Bruises fade. Broken bones mend. The body’s ability to heal itself is truly wondrous. But tooth enamel is different. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

The team at Endres Gateway Dentistry encourages our patients to protect their tooth enamel for a lifetime of dental health.

This may seem counter-intuitive, but sometimes it is better NOT to brush immediately after eating. Specifically, after eating acidic items. The acid weakens the enamel which can be further weakened by brushing. Waiting 60 minutes will allow the acid to dilute. Rinsing immediately after eating acidic foods is beneficial, however, because it washes away some food particles and speeds up the dilution of the acid.

Some people don’t realize that dry mouth can cause or exacerbate enamel erosion. The calcium and phosphate in saliva preserves your enamel. When there is little saliva, the enamel is left unprotected. Chewing stimulates saliva production but constant snacking is not the answer for dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum and sipping water regularly can stimulate saliva production between meals without increasing the risk of or upping your calorie intake.

In addition, tooth grinding wears enamel away. If you are one of the many Cincinnati residents who grinds their teeth at night, it’s critical to get a mouthguard ASAP. People who grind their teeth are at a high risk for enamel erosion and the dental caries that can follow. Athletes should also preserve their teeth on the playing field with a mouthguard. For more information, speak with Doctor Eleanor Endres at Endres Gateway Dentistry about custom mouthguards.

If you sip soda, tea, or coffee all day, we suggest you switch to water to halt any enamel erosion that has already taken place. It may be a hard change to make – but if you are successful – your teeth will thank you for it.

Using teeth as tools can impair enamel, as well. Take a moment to fetch scissors before tearing a package or ripping duct tape with your teeth. Do you really want to take a chance on chipping a tooth just to open a package of lunchmeat?

Chewing ice and hard candy can also damage enamel. If you simply must have sugar, soft candy is best as long as it is not left to sit on teeth for long period of time. If your molars are packed with gummy candy, it can lead to cavities which erode enamel just as effectively as chipping it with hard candy. Many of the old-school hard candies we enjoyed as kids now come in soft versions. Enjoy them sparingly because constant sugar is bad for teeth. Period.

If you have already experienced enamel erosion or other dental troubles, Doctor Eleanor Endres can help you safeguard what is left. To schedule a comprehensive examination, contact Endres Gateway Dentistry in Cincinnati at 513-914-4918!

Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry:

513-914-4918

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

9380 Montgomery Rd Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242

Some of the most popular dental topics discussed in Montgomery and Cincinnati relate to cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening, veneers, and dental implants. However, the desire to avoid cavities is still the main reason Blue Ash and Kenwood residents visit their dentists, so today the Cincinnati dental blog is going to highlight the 5 things you need to know about cavities.

1. Cavities can also be called caries or tooth decay. When a tooth is permanently damaged in the hard surface, tiny openings occur. These little holes are cavities.

2. Factors that contribute to tooth decay are:

Frequent eating
Consuming sugary beverages
Oral bacteria
Poor dental hygiene

3. Cavities may get so bad that you will see pits or holes in your teeth, but symptoms may be more subtle, such as sensitivity, pain when biting, or a toothache. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call your Montgomery, Blue Ash, or Kenwood dentist today for an appointment.

4. Cavities are more common among children, but that doesn’t mean adults don’t have to take precautions.

5. Avoiding cavities is simple. Be sure to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, eat right and avoid snacking, and have regular visits with your dentist.

If you are in the market for quality dental care in the Cincinnati area, give Endres Gateway Dentistry a call. We have been treating dental patients in and around Cincinnati since 2007. We can also answer any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as gum contouring and smile makeovers.

Contact Endres Gateway Dentistry:

513-914-4918

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

9380 Montgomery Rd Ste 204
Cincinnati, Ohio
45242