Ask Dr. Kitzmiller: Which toothbrush should my child use?

Dr. Timothy Kitzmiller will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for children's smaller mouths and hands. Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Frayed bristles can harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, do not use fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, you do need to gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

Mr. Bean goes to the dentist!

How about a treat today? Here's a little classic dental humor for you to enjoy, from the bumbling yet lovable British spy, Mr. Bean. We loved it, and know you'll get a laugh as well. Enjoy "Mr. Bean Goes to the Dentist”!If you have any other video suggestions you think we should share with other patients, please let us know!



Need to make your next appointment with Dr. Kitzmiller? Give our office a call and we'll get you scheduled for a visit.

Gummy Tummy

At the office of Timothy Kitzmiller DDS we know the rumors going around—mostly among young people—that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing!

-Dr. Kitzmiller and team

Enjoy a Cavity-Free Valentine’s Day!

Today is a day where we take the time to express our appreciation to our loved ones. As we all know, it is also a day filled with delicious sugary treats. Our team at the office of Timothy Kitzmiller DDS thought we’d take a moment to provide some tips to make sure that today doesn’t also become the day you develop a cavity.

Here they are:

Floss: After you have indulged in chocolate and other sweets, remember that these foods can easily find their way between your teeth. Flossing at least once a day will help prevent cavities as well as gum disease.

Drinking sugary drinks with a Straw: Coffee could be a common Valentine’s Day gift this year and many coffee drinks contain syrups that are high in sugar. Using a straw when drinking these and other sugary drinks, is a great way to avoid cavities.

Snack wisely: We know that this will be especially hard today, but when you have the option, choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.

Schedule Regular Checkups: Last, but definitely not least, it’s always important to consistently schedule regular checkups with Dr. Timothy Kitzmiller (approximately every 6 months). During your checkup, the doctor will be able to check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, and treat oral health problems early.

We hope you find these tips useful.

-Happy Valentine’s Day from Dr. Kitzmiller and team!!

Gum and Heart Disease - Are they connected?

Did you know February is American Heart Month? It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Dr. Timothy Kitzmiller. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to the office of Timothy Kitzmiller DDS. In observance of Heart Month, Dr. Kitzmiller says it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment with Dr. Kitzmiller, please give us a call today.

National Children’s Dental Health Month is here!

For the past 61 Februaries, the American Dental Association, or ADA, has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. National Children's Dental Health Month began as a one-day event in 1941 in a Cleveland clinic. In 1981, however, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Each February, Dr. Timothy Kitzmiller and thousands of dental professionals focus on the preventive oral care of America's children. Dr. Kitzmiller and our staff want you to remember developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Has your child visited the office of Dr. Kitzmiller the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!

The Importance of Regular Checkups

If you’re brushing and flossing on a regular basis, we think that’s fantastic! But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit the office of Timothy Kitzmiller DDS every six months, in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day. Because your dental health is important to us, we'd like to remind you that it's time for your examination.

Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. During your visit Dr. Kitzmiller can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt

• Detect cavities and early signs of decay

• Treat oral health problems early

During an oral exam we will usually check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to our office in the last six months (or as recommended), call us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

Understanding Cavities with Dr. Kitzmiller

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the office of Dr. Timothy Kitzmiller DDS, is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by Dr. Kitzmiller, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

We hope this helps! If you have any other questions or need to schedule your next appointment, give us a call.

How to Freshen Bad Breath

Dr. Timothy J. Kitzmiller, your greater Cincinnati dentist, recognizes that many of our patients are concerned about bad breath, or halitosis. While some cases of bad breath are persistent (chronic bad breath), generally bad breath is transient, and can be prevented.

We recently came across this helpful video about bad breath and thought it was worth sharing with our patients. The video explains what might cause bad breath and some ways that it can be avoided. In most instances, bad breath can be prevented by practicing common oral hygiene techniques that you have probably heard us emphasize during a visit to Dr. Timothy J. Kitzmiller's office, such as brushing and flossing daily. We encourage you to watch this video for additional tips on how to keep bad breath at bay. Enjoy!

Moooooove over gum disease!

Dr. Kitzmiller wants to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call.

Toothbrush Trivia with Dr. Kitzmiller

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush and toothpaste:

• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day
• Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

September is National Gum Care Month

Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be difficult to recognize. Many people do not recognize the warning signs- bleeding and swollen gums, as a precursor to gum disease. This month a national campaign is underway to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and our team at Dr. Kitzmiller's office wanted to do our part to help spread the word!

Early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as the heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease. These can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with our office as soon as possible. We can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.

Dr. Kitzmiller asks: How are you spending your summer?

It’s summer here at Timothy J. Kitzmiller, DDS in Milford, OH, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hitting America’s open roads or just having fun in the backyard, Dr. Kitzmiller and our team want to hear all about it! Leave a comment on our Facebook fan page and tell us about your summer!

We also encourage you to post any photos from your adventures to our Facebook wall!

Happy travels,

-From Timothy J. Kitzmiller, DDS

Dr. Kitzmiller & Team Wishing You a Happy Fourth Of July

This Sunday, Dr. Kitzmiller and team will celebrate America's 234th birthday. For most people, Independence Day is a time to celebrate, as well as commemorate, the anniversary of the signing of America's Declaration of Independence. It's also a time for most Americans to pay homage to all our soldiers - past and present - who lost their lives in battle - and those soldiers who continue to place themselves in danger every day so that Americans everywhere may celebrate our freedom.

Today, we thought we'd ask: what are your Fourth of July weekend plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? Hitting the great American open road with family?

We invite you to post your responses on our Facebook page! Please feel free to post photos as well!

Whatever you end up doing over Independence Day weekend, our entire staff hope you have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend!

Dr. Kitzmiller and team, supporting National Smile Month

Now that we’re in June, Dr. Kitzmiller & team thought we’d tell you June is National Smile Month, and a good time to remind all our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to see Dr. Kitzmiller.

Below are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks
* Visit us regularly (every 6 months)!

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call. We hope you enjoyed the long holiday weekend!

Treatment for Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Oral Appliance Therapy in Cincinnati

This patient describes the life changing benefits of a oral sleep appliance for treating snoring and sleep apnea. Call the Cincinnati dental practice of Dr. Timothy Kitzmiller, that specializes in dental sleep medicine. Call our office in Milford, OH today 513-334-0217, or visit our web site!

Did you know February is Heart Month? From Dr. Kitzmiller

February is Heart Month, and it's a great time to take notice of your heart's health, Dr. Kitzmiller says. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office regularly can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to Timothy J. Kitzmiller DDS. In observance of Heart Month, Dr. Kitzmiller says it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment with Dr. Kitzmiller, please give us a call today.

Timothy J. Kitzmiller DDS, keeping you safe during the snow storm

With more snow showers expected in our region during the next couple days, Dr. Kitzmiller and our team thought it would be a good time to remind you, our valued patients, to be safe when you're out and about. Here are a few helpful tips to get through the snow storm.

*Winterize your vehicle
*Drive, accelerate, and brake slowly
*Pack an emergency road kit and learn common emergency signs
*Make sure you install tire chains
*Learn how to fix a flat tire and jump start a car
*Stay safe!

If you don't feel safe going out, you can always reschedule your appointment. At Timothy J. Kitzmiller DDS, our patients' well-being is our primary concern, and that includes keeping you safe during this storm! If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call!

Ask Dr. Kitzmiller: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Dr. Kitzmiller and our team work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. And here's our answer: We take pride in providing exceptional care to our patients. Dr. Kitzmiller and our team have undergone extensive training in all aspects of dentistry, so we create fabulous smiles that increase attractiveness and boost self-esteem. Our team will treat you with sensitivity and care for an out-of-this-world experience!

At the dental office of Dr. Timothy Kitzmiller, we go well beyond caring for teeth—we address the whole person: We will make your goals our goals. Our entire team will work with you to chart a course to a beautiful smile, optimal oral health, and a healthy night's sleep. We know that our success hinges on your complete satisfaction, so we'll do all we can to ensure that you are more than pleased with your treatment results.

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment or have other questions, give us a call. Dr. Kitzmiller can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from treatment.

Enjoy the rest of your week!