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Ways Our Dental Health Affects Our Overall Health

Do you pay close enough attention to your mouth? Things happening with your dental health, including the soft and hard tissues in your mouth, could signal there’s something deeper happening with your body. Alternatively, if you leave problems like gum disease left untreated, it could cause problems in other areas of your health. Here is what you should know. 

Oral Health

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion defines oral health as “the health of the teeth, the mouth, and the surrounding craniofacial (skull and face) structures.” Oral health not only affects your mouth, though. If problems are left untreated, it can also cause problems throughout your entire body. 

Common Dental Health Problems 

The most common dental health problems according to Verywell Health are:

Bad breath

Formally known as halitosis, bad breath can be caused by a number of other conditions, like many of the ones listed below. If you have persistent bad breath, take it as a sign that something deeper is wrong. 

Tooth decay

These are cavities. Cavities happen when plaque builds up on the teeth and attaches itself to sugars and starches of the foods and drinks you consume. You are susceptible to cavities no matter your age. If left untreated, they can cause more pain than just sensitivity. 

Gum disease

Also known as periodontal disease, this is when your gums have an infection. Infection can happen if good oral hygiene isn’t practiced. Gingivitis is the beginning stages of gum disease, which can be turned around. This is why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly, floss daily, and brush twice a day as well. 

Oral cancer

If found in the early stages, oral cancer can be cured. The risk factors include using alcohol and drugs, like tobacco, and more. Symptoms of oral cancer can be sores and lumps in the mouth, change of bite, or difficulty moving the tongue or jaw. 

Mouth sores

In most cases, mouth sores will go away on their own within a couple of weeks. The most common sore is a canker sore, but sores can also be caused by fever blisters or cold sores that come from the Herpes simplex virus. 

Erosion

This happens when the tooth’s structure is attacked. Thankfully, tooth erosion can be easily prevented with good dental hygiene.  

Tooth sensitivity

When the teeth become sensitive it’s most likely due to an underlying problem. It can cause pain when trying to drink or eat hot or cold things.

Dental emergencies

Emergency trips to the dentists unfortunately happen, but in most cases can be prevented by taking care of your teeth and visiting the dentist regularly. However, sometimes trauma or injury happens which can cause dislocated jaw, deep wounds, and more. 

While dental problems can be treated, if you don’t act fast they can cause deeper problems for your overall health. 

Overall Health Problems 

Your oral health can affect your overall health in a number of ways. Alternatively, your overall health can play a part in your oral health as well. 

For example, you can be more susceptible to gum disease if you have underlying conditions like diabetes, HIV, or others that affect your body’s immunity. Gum disease also has links to cardiovascular disease and other heart problems. 

Seeing the Dentist to Prevent Problems 

The best defense in preventing oral health problems is by practicing good oral hygiene, which means seeing the dentist often. It’s easier to prevent problems in some cases rather than treat them, which is what a dentist is trained to do. The dentist can see parts of your mouth that you aren’t able to see with your own eyes, which means they can catch problems early that you might not be able to notice until it’s causing you pain. 

It’s recommended to see your dentist every six months so they can help you stop gum disease, clean plaque and tartar off your teeth, and deep clean your mouth.

We can’t do everything on our own, which is true in regards to our mouths as well. Though we can brush and floss each day, we can’t fully catch and treat problems just from doing that alone. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

Dental problems that are left untreated can carry problems throughout your entire body. If you want to take action and prevent oral health problems from taking over your health, make an appointment with Dr. Ania today. Dr. Ania’s experience, expertise, and commitment to your overall health will make sure you get the best care possible. It’s her top priority to make sure your oral health is optimal. Call today for an appointment: (303)-872-9940. 

Posted: April 9, 2020 By: Comment: 0
what-can-you-do-for-sleep-apnea

What Can You Do for Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can cause many problems, which is why you need to know if you have it. If your breathing is irregular during sleep, you could have sleep apnea. Dentists like Dr. Ania can help you diagnose your condition by detecting whether or not you have trouble breathing while you sleep. 

What is Sleep Apnea? 

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects a person’s breathing. When breathing is affected during sleep, it can affect the quality of rest and the body’s functionality while awake. There are three common types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and complex. 

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form and happens when breathing pauses during sleep due to relaxed throat muscles. While we sleep, our throats remain open enough to allow airflow. However, some people have smaller throats than others, so when it relaxes the tissues close up enough that the airway becomes blocked. This is apnea.

Central sleep apnea happens when the brain doesn’t send the appropriate signs to muscles, affecting how breathing happens. Complex sleep apnea is the combination of both OSA and central sleep apnea.

What are Risk Factors?

Some people are more at risk for sleep apnea than others. MedlinePlus lists the common risk factors of developing OSA are:

  • An upper jaw that is longer than the lower jaw
  • Having the roof of your mouth shaped in a way that could cause it to shut more easily
  • Large necks or collar sizes: bigger than 17 inches in men and 16 inches in women
  • Tongues that are large in size that can block the airway
  • Being overweight
  • Large tonsils and adenoids 

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The symptoms can be similar no matter the type you have. Common signs of obstructive, central, and complex sleep apnea can be:

  • Loud or aggressive snoring
  • Having breathing stop while you sleep, most noticed by another person
  • Gasping for air while sleeping
  • Dry mouth in the morning 
  • Headaches upon waking
  • Excessive daytime tiredness and fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability 

Sleep Apnea Treatments 

Sleep apnea can be a dangerous condition if left untreated. Dental sleep medicine is an arm of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating breathing disorders that happen while sleeping. Dental sleep medicine partners the expertise of dentists with that of sleep doctors to help patients get the best possible treatment for their condition. 

In most cases, a continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP) machine is used to help patients that suffer from this. The machine fits over the nose and mouth and blows air into the airway. Due to this, your airway will stay open while you sleep. However, if you find that this treatment isn’t the best for you personally, there are other options. 

Alternative Treatment Options

If you are seeking alternative treatment options to the CPAP machine, this is when working with a dentist is beneficial. Oral appliance therapy can help treat mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea. An oral appliance is similar to a mouthguard. This device helps keep your jaw in a forward position while you sleep, therefore keeping the airway open. These are custom-fit to the individual’s mouth, which means it can be more comfortable and tolerable than a CPAP machine. 

Other benefits of oral appliance therapy include that it’s:

  • Easily portable, so you can travel place to place with it easily
  • No electricity is required, so you can sleep anywhere
  • Long-term and long-lasting
  • Easy to clean 

How to Get Started

If you believe you have OSA, the first step is to make an appointment. Next, a sleep study will more than likely be done to track how you sleep. The sleep study will look at your overall sleep by tracking eye movements, muscle activity and heart rate, airflow, and blood oxygen levels.  

If Dr. Ania and you decide an oral appliance is the best treatment for your condition, getting it made is a quick and easy process. First, impressions of your teeth will be made. Next, the impressions are sent to a lab where they will custom make your device. Then, you’ll come back in for a follow-up appointment to check the fit of your device. Dr. Ania will then adjust it if needed for optimal comfort. 

Learn More with Dr. Ania

If you think you have sleep apnea and are showing signs like snoring or difficulty breathing while sleeping, make an appointment with Dr. Ania. She practices dental sleep medicine and is conveniently located here in Boulder, Colorado. Sleep longer and better with Dr. Ania’s help. Call for an appointment today: (303)-872-9940. 

 

Posted: April 6, 2020 By: Comment: 0
tongue-scraping-fad-or-helpful

Tongue Scraping: Fad or Helpful?

You brush and floss everyday, but is there another way to get your mouth even cleaner? It could be possible with tongue scraping. 

You’ve probably seen tongue scraping taking over the pages of all your favorite influencers. Is it safe? Is it just a fad? Can it really be helpful? We’re here to dive into your questions and tell you just how this could become your favorite part of your dental routine. Why? Because it can help with a number of things including: preventing bad breath, improving taste, increasing health, and more. 

What is Tongue Scraping? 

Tongue scraping is a way to remove debris from the tongue. Over time, bacteria and more can make their home on your tongue. When this adds up, it can cause bad breath and other oral health issues. 

What are the Benefits of Tongue Scraping?

Healthline details the benefits of tongue scraping, saying that it:

  • Can improve your sense of taste: if it’s been a while since you’ve had a deep-cleaned tongue, you may not notice how it’s affecting your taste buds. Many people notice that by tongue scraping they become more sensitive to sweet, bitter, salty, and other tastes. 
  • Will improve the appearance of your tongue: if you stick your tongue out right now, what do you see? If you see a white buildup on your tongue, that is excess particles that haven’t been scrubbed away. Tongue scraping can help remove this buildup and prevent it as well. 
  • Can remove bacteria: it’s been proven that using a tongue scraper twice a day for a week can keep bacteria on the tongue. These bacterias can cause bad breath and tooth decay. 
  • Improves your overall health: removing bacteria from your mouth can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral conditions. 
  • Reduces bad breath: it’s been found that scraping was more effective than brushing in some cases at removing odor-causing bacteria that rests on the tongue.

How to Tongue Scrape

Say “ahh!” To begin this process, stand in front of a mirror with your mouth open and tongue out. Then, gently use the tongue scraper, working from the back of the tongue to the front. After each scrape, gently rinse the debris off with warm water. Once you’ve reached the desire cleanliness you’re looking for, wash the tongue scraper with warm soapy water and store. 

Risks of Tongue Scraping

The biggest risk of this is irritating your gag reflex, which could induce vomiting. If you have a sensitive gag reflex, don’t start scraping from the back of your tongue. Instead, start from the middle. As you get used to the process, slowly work your starting point back to get the most of your tongue without gagging. 

Another risk is the potential of cutting your tongue with the scraper. To protect yourself from cuts, gently scrape. Do not apply much force. You should also inspect your scraper to make sure there are no sharp edges that could potentially harm you during the process. 

Tongue Scraping vs. Brushing

The American Dental Association says that tongue scraping isn’t a necessary step. Brushing your teeth twice daily should not be replaced by tongue scraping. If you want to begin scraping, you have to continue brushing and flossing as well. All of these partnered together will help you maintain a happy and healthy mouth. 

To incorporate it into your oral health care routine, try this process:

  1. Brush your teeth for two minutes. While you’re brushing your teeth, you can gently scrub your tongue with the back of the toothbrush head to try and clean the tongue up a bit that way. 
  2. Once you’re done brushing, floss. Make sure you floss between every tooth to remove all debris that could be stuck in between teeth.
  3. After your mouth is clean from brushing and flossing, tongue scrape with the process we mentioned above. 

If you follow this method, you’ll have a sparkling clean mouth. Tongue scraping is a great addition to your dental care routine, but it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for brushing or flossing. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

Dr. Ania wants to make sure every part of your mouth is healthy – from your tongue to your gums. If you notice your tongue has discoloration or other problems after trying to clean your tongue, request an appointment with Dr. Ania. She will go over all your concerns with you. In addition, she can tell you how to supplement your oral healthcare routine even further. If you have more questions about tongue scraping, give Dr. Ania a call at: (303)-872-9940. 

 

Posted: March 26, 2020 By: Comment: 0
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Options for Pain Relief After Dental Care

If you’re scared to go to the dentist because of the pain you might feel, don’t be! We have many options to help ease your discomfort. After a dental procedure you have options to help relieve any pain that you’re feeling. It’s not uncommon to have some pain and swelling after a dental procedure. If you want to have a smooth recovery after surgery, read up on these tips on pain relief before you come in. These suggestions will help prevent or treat pain before it gets uncontrollable once you’re home. 

Pain Relief

People that have sensitive mouths often will feel acute pain with their treatments. Some of the procedures patients could feel pain in are:

  • Root canals where a tooth that is decaying can be saved
  • Cavity fillings where the dentist will remove decay within a tooth and fill it in
  • Dental implants which are used to replace tooth roots by bonding with your bone
  • Crowns that are prosthetic restorations to repair damaged teeth to look normal again
  • Tooth extractions to remove decayed teeth or wisdom teeth

Thankfully, in modern healthcare and dentistry, there are plenty of options to provide you relief from the pain. The most common are nonopioid analgesics and opioids.

Non-opioid Analgesics

These pain relievers involve over-the-counter medications like:

  • NSAIDs: ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, aspirin. These work by reducing inflammation at the source.
  • Acetaminophen: this works by blocking the transmission of pain signaling within the central nervous system.

Since NSAIDs and acetaminophen work differently within the body, many patients find that taking them in combination with one another can be even more effective in reducing mild-to-moderate pain, according to the American Dental Association. This is because the pain will be blocked at both ends of the nociceptive pathway. Your dentist will be able to go over how often you should take each before your procedure.

Side Effects of Non-opioid Analgesics

Non-opioids can have some side effects if taken for too long. When NSAIDs are used for long periods of time, it can cause gastrointestinal (GI) upset which brings along nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, and even bleeding.

Acetaminophen can cause liver toxicity, which is why it’s important to limit alcoholic beverages when taking it. It can also cause headache, and GI upset.

Opioids

Sometimes opioids are prescribed to treat pain after a dental procedure. The opioid drugs most often prescribed are oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine. These medicines alter the body’s nervous system response to pain.

Side Effects of Opioids

Opioids come with much more severe side effects than their non-opioid counterparts. The most common side effects of opioids are:

  • Sedation
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Constipation
  • Respiratory depression

In addition to those risks, opioids can be addictive. It is easy for patients to abuse opioids, which is why taking them just as the dentist prescribes is important. In 2018, more than 67,000 people died from drug overdoses. Of that, 70% involved a prescription.

Anesthetics

In dentistry, the use of local anesthesia is also common. Local anesthesia helps to numb the mouth where the procedure is taking place. In addition with sedation sometimes, this can help relax the patient during the procedure. Local anesthesia doesn’t last for long periods of time, which is why it’s primarily used for patients who are having minor procedures. When local anesthesia is used, patients can typically go home on the same day. General anesthetics cause you to lose consciousness, and aren’t as commonly used in dentistry as local.

Local anesthetics stop pain by preventing nerves from signaling signs of pain to your brain. When it’s applied, you won’t be able to feel any pain but you will be able to feel the dentist during the procedure.

Side Effects of Anesthetics

The side effects that accompany anesthetics are temporary, and can include:

  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Twitching
  • Prolonged numbness or tingling

Most everyone will need a dental procedure at some point in their lives. If you find that you need a cleaning, fillers, implants, or any other procedure, we want to make you as comfortable as possible. Using these methods above and partnering them with other relaxation techniques, you can rest assured knowing that you’re in the best possible hands.

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

Dr. Ania will go over all of your questions and concerns about pain relief after a dental procedure. Dr. Ania’s expertise and passion makes her committed to your well-being. Along with medication if needed, Dr. Ania also offers relaxation therapy, personal music, and a selection of movies to make sure you are as comfortable as possible. If you’re ready to make an appointment, contact us!

Posted: March 19, 2020 By: Comment: 0
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At Home Remedies for Dry Mouth

When the mouth isn’t producing enough saliva, it can make things uncomfortable. Dry mouth makes you feel like your tongue is sticking to everything it touches, you can’t talk or eat normally, and your lips can be chapped and begin to crack. Not to mention, it can also cause bad breath. Sometimes, it can be caused just by everyday stress and anxiety, however sometimes it’s your body’s way of telling you something deeper is wrong. Keep reading to learn more about dry mouth, and how you can try to treat it at home!

What is Dry Mouth?

Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, can drive you crazy if left untreated. If you’re not making enough saliva, your mouth will feel perpetually dry. Fortunately, there are many at home tips to prevent this from happening like staying hydrated, trying mouthwash, and other over the counter products. 

What Does Dry Mouth Feel Like?

When salvia production is decreased the mouth becomes sticky. It can be mild or severe, but it can cause complications if not taken care of. If you think you are suffering from this, see if you have any of these common symptoms:

  • Dryness that often makes the mouth feel sticky 
  • Thick saliva 
  • Bad breath
  • Inability to chew, speak, or swallow easily
  • Sore throat or hoarseness 
  • Dry tongue
  • Altered sense of taste
  • Problems with dentures 

What Causes This? 

A dry mouth can be the result of a number of different things. Healthline details the most common causes of this to be:

  • Dehydration can cause this because there’s not enough fluid in your body to develop salvia properly 
  • Stress and anxiety make the body more prone to acid reflux and similar symptoms, leading to having this feeling
  • Smoking and using tobacco products and things of the like can increase dryness
  • Taking antidepressants, antihistamines, or diuretics affects how the saliva is produced, but in most cases it will return to normal when medication is stopped
  • Breathing through your mouth like when snoring can remove moisture from the mouth
  • Radiation or chemotherapy can sometimes change the amount of saliva produced. Radiation can also damage the salivary glands when used on your head and/or neck. Depending on the dosages, this could be temporary or a permanent side effect
  • Autoimmune disorders like Sjogren’s Syndrome can affect the glands that make saliva
  • Food poisoning can cause dehydration, which in turn causes a moisture-less mouth
  • As we grow older, our body changes how it processes medications and more. This can mean being more susceptible to experiencing this side effect

At Home Remedies 

When your mouth is dry, you can try some at home remedies to see if that helps relieve the irritation. Mayo Clinic provides the top remedies to help your dry mouth: 

  • Try chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate the flow of saliva 
  • Limit caffeine because caffeine has been linked to causing dry mouth
  • Don’t use alcohol-based mouthwashes which are notorious for drying out the mouth
  • Quit smoking and chewing tobacco
  • Drink water regularly throughout the day to keep hydrated 
  • Use over-the-counter saliva substitutes such as mouth moisturizing sprays to help boost the moisture in your mouth
  • Use a mouthwash specifically made for dry mouth
  • Be weary that over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can elevate dry mouth symptoms
  • Trying to breath through the nose and not your mouth
  • Bring a humidifier into your room while you sleep

If you have a dry mouth, it could be the side effect of a deeper problem. This is why it’s important to check in with your dentist so you can get to the bottom of cause. Other tips to remedy this at home include limiting sugary and acidic food and beverages, use fluoride toothpaste and rinses, and make an appointment to see the dentist at least twice a year. 

Dry Mouth Complications 

If left untreated, this can sometimes cause further complications which can be severe. Complications include increased plaque, tooth decay, mouth sores, yeast infection in your mouth, sores, cracked lips, and poor nutrition from not being able to intake adequate nutrition through eating. 

Make an Appointment 

Your oral health is important. If you are suffering from a dry mouth and can’t find adequate relief through these at home remedies, request an appointment today. Dr. Ania and her team will look for the underlying cause to develop the best treatment plan for you and your symptoms. During your exam, Dr. Ania will go over all your symptoms with you so she can get you better quickly. To schedule your exam for dry mouth, call Dr. Ania’s office at (303)-872-9940. 

Posted: March 11, 2020 By: Comment: 0
soft-food-recipes-for-after-dental-procedures

Soft Food Recipes For After Dental Procedures

Unfortunately, necessary dental work can affect our ability to eat for a couple days after. When you’re hungry after a dental procedure but can’t have a crunch just yet, try these five soft food recipes. Not only are they hearty and will keep you full, but they’re easy to chew and eat. 

Soft Food Recipes to Make

1. Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup

This recipe is a comfort soft food classic brought to you by Six Sisters Stuff. The best part? It’s mainly all just thrown into a crockpot. Minimal preparation when you’re not feeling well is always a bonus. All you’ll need for the recipe are:

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 an onion, diced

12 oz (1 can) evaporated milk

4 cups chicken broth

2 cups broccoli florets 

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup Parmesan 

How to: 

  • Melt butter in skillet and sauté onion until tender 
  • Add onions, milk, chicken broth, salt and pepper to the slow cooker and mix to combine
  • Cover and cook on low for 4 hours
  • Add cheese cubes to slow cooker, stir while it melts
  • Add cheddar and Parmesan and let melt
  • Turn off slow cooker, server warm

Tip: if your mouth is extra sensitive, be sure you cut the broccoli into very fine, small pieces to prevent having to chew too much. 

2. 5-Minute Super Berry Smoothie Bowl 

Smoothies are a great soft food to pack in the vitamins and nutrients, and the fact that it’s cold could be soothing to your healing mouth. All you need is 5 minutes of your time – and 5 ingredients! Try this recipe from Ahead of Thyme:

1 cup milk of choice

1 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries 

Ripe banana (1 full banana)

1/3 cup fresh spinach, loosely packed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

2 tablespoons flax or chia seeds (optional) 

How to:

  • Add all ingredients to a blender
  • Blend
  • Pour in bowl and serve immediately 

See, soft food can be easy!

Tip: You can also add toppings like sliced strawberries, sliced banana, or granola. However, if you still can’t easily we suggest forgoing the toppings. 

3. 10 Minute Fried Rice

This simple egg fried rice is a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again, even when your mouth doesn’t hurt. This recipe from Homemade Hooplas is easy and tasty: 

1 cup water

1 cup minute rice

2 tablespoons soy sauce, low sodium

Vegetable oil 1 tablespoon

Fresh or frozen vegetables – 1 cup 

1 Large egg

Minced garlic, 1 tablespoon 

Salt and pepper to taste

How to:

  • Put a small saucepan on medium heat, bringing water and soy sauce to a boil. When a boil is reached, pour in uncooked rice and cook to package directions 
  • While cooking rice, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add vegetable oil, garlic, vegetables, salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes or until garlic is aromatic and golden in color
  • Crack egg into the skillet and scramble into your vegetable and garlic mixture. Cook until the egg is cooked, about 2-3 minutes. 
  • Pour the finished rice into the skillet, stir everything together and cook for 2-3 more minutes
  • Immediately serve

4. Vegan Butter Garlic Noodles 

This simple pasta dish from This Savory Vegan will fill your mouth full of flavors, without the post-surgery pain. Get cooking with:

8 oz spaghetti

3 tablespoons vegan butter, divided

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, plus more for garnish

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons olive oil

6 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes 

How to:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add pasta and cook to package directions
  • While pasta cooks, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and garlic powder to pan, sauté for 2 minutes. Add parsley and cook until breadcrumbs are browned. Put mixture off heat into a bowl
  • Place the pan back on heat and melt the remaining butter. Add olive oil, then garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also red pepper flakes here if you’d like. Sauté for 3-5 minutes
  • Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the cooked pasta
  • Add the cooked pasta to the garlic butter mixture and toss to combine. Slowly add reserved pasta water until you reach the consistency you want
  • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the pasta, top with additional parsley 

Tip: if you think your mouth will be too sensitive for breadcrumbs, just skip step 2! 

Soft Cinnamon Cookies

We’re finishing off our list with this delicious sweet option from Pastry & Beyond. Try this dessert to satisfy that sweet tooth in the days following dental procedures. Here’s what you need:

2 cups all-purpose flour

Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons 

Baking powder – 2 teaspoons 

3/4 cup unsalted butter

1 cup minus 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

1 large egg

Vanilla – 1 teaspoon

How to: 

  • Mix flour, cinnamon, and baking powder in a bowl. Set aside
  • Melt butter in a small saucepan until it’s halfway melted, then remove from heat and continue to stir until thoroughly melted. Let cool
  • Place sugar in a big bowl and add melted butter. Stir with whisk until combined, about 15 seconds
  • Add in the egg and whisk until combined
  • Add in vanilla 
  • Then, add flour mixture in small batches to sugar bowl and mix until totally combined
  • Cover the bowl and let sit in fridge for 10-15 minutes
  • Remove dough and make balls, this recipe makes about 1.5 dozen
  • Bake at 350 for 9 minutes, they should look puffy and soft. If needed, you can press down with a spoon to give them a traditional cookie shape. Let them sit on cooling baking sheet for 15 minutes until they firm up 

Make an Appointment

If you are suffering from serious pain of any kind, from a procedure or something unknown, let Dr. Ania have a look. Make an appointment today by calling (303)-872-9940. 

 

Posted: March 5, 2020 By: Comment: 0
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Why You Should Protect Your Teeth With Mouthguards

Our teeth are meant to last a lifetime, but when we face injury or trauma to our mouths sometimes that’s not the case. That’s why we recommend you take preventative measures to keep your teeth safe when you’re doing things like playing rough contact sports or if you grind your teeth at night – which means mouthguards.

Protecting your teeth is important. Whether it’s during an athletic event or while you’re sleeping, you should take the appropriate steps to make sure you’re guarding your teeth at all costs. Let’s look at two scenarios and how they could’ve been prevented:

  • Scenario 1: You’re playing a sport and having fun, but before you know it a ball hits you right in the mouth and chips a tooth. What could you have done to prevent this? One word: mouthguard! These important devices can help prevent chipped or broken teeth and can also help keep teeth from getting knocked out. 
  • Scenario 2: You’ve started getting jaw and tooth pain while you’re sleeping. You realize you’ve been grinding your teeth down, losing some of your tooth structure and even affecting your gums. How could this have been stopped? By using a night guard! 

Mouthguards

If you’re an athlete, you need to look into getting a mouthguard. Mouthguards for athletes are essential in making sure the integrity of the mouth in maintained throughout their practices and games. More than 5 million teeth are injured each year due to sports injuries and trauma. In some of these cases, it was directly attributed to not wearing a mouthguard.

A mouthguard will help protect your smile. It will help prevent your teeth from injuries, like something that were to happen during sports. These guards help protect your entire mouth – from your gums, lips, teeth, and everything in between. You have more than one option when it comes to getting a mouthguard, so it’s important to do your research and know what would be best for you or your children.

There are several different types of mouthguards that you can choose from, these include:

  • Stock mouth protectors – this is the least expensive choice. These can be worn by anyone, and can be found in your local drugstore. However, we don’t recommend these as they are a one-size-fits-all and don’t provide much protection because of it’s ill-fitting nature.
  • Boil and bite protectors – this option is similar to stock mouth protectors. Rather than finding these in drugstores, you’ll have to stop by your nearest sporting good shop. Boil and bite protectors will be fitted to your mouth by you placing it in hot water (boiling) and then biting it to have it fit your teeth. They’re better than stock protectors in most cases, but this still isn’t the best option.
  • Custom-fitted protectors – also known as the agility guard, this is our #1 pick! When you come to see us for a mouthguard, Dr. Ania will take a mold of your teeth to form a completely custom mouthguard for you. This will fit your teeth perfectly and provide you with maximum protection you’re looking for. Your mouth will be protected, and the best part? It’s the same agility guard that some of the top athletes in the world use. Wouldn’t you want to use what the pros use? You can with Dr. Ania!

Night Guards

If you wake up with pain in your jaw or face, it could be because you’re grinding your teeth at night. This is a very common thing that affects millions of Americans. When you clench your teeth at night, you’re putting so much pressure on your teeth that results in sore jaw muscles, tooth pain and damage, and more. According to sleepfoundation.org, it’s estimated that 8% of adults grind their teeth at night.

Much like with the agility guard for athletes, we can custom-make you a night guard to sleep with that will help protect your teeth when you grind them together. We will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a lab. You’ll receive a night guard to begin wearing at night. It’s thickness will help protect your teeth from the pressure and force placed on them by grinding your teeth.

Guard Your Smile With Dr. Ania

If you want to help your teeth out with investing in a mouthguard for sports or for sleep, call us. Getting a custom-fitted mouthguard will help protect your smile from injury caused from a rough sports game or just too much clenching while you sleep. Make an appointment with Dr. Ania today to be on guard: (303)-872-9940.

Posted: February 25, 2020 By: Comment: 0
dental lasers

How Dental Lasers Can Make Treatments Safer and More Bearable

You brush and floss everyday, but is that enough? Unfortunately, solely brushing and flossing isn’t going to get your mouth as clean as it needs to be. A major advancement in the dental field is the use of dental lasers. Lasers have found itself to be a technique in dentistry that improves results, and makes treatments more comfortable for the patient. Did we mention it can also make the procedures safer? It has all kinds of benefits! So, how does a laser work and what is it used for? Let’s go over it.

What Are Lasers and How Do They Work?

Lasers in dentistry have been around since the mid ‘90s to treat various dental problems. Lasers deliver energy by using light. WebMD states that when lasers are used in surgical or dental procedures, it acts as a cutting instrument or a vaporizer of the tissue that it comes in contact with. However, when a laser is used in teeth-whitening procedures, it acts like a heat source and enhances the effects of the bleaching agents. 

Laser Teeth Cleaning

Brushing and flossing are a major part of cavity prevention, but cleaning the surfaces of your teeth is only one piece of what helps keep your mouth as clean as it needs to be, which is one reason why it’s important to see your dentist 2x a year for optimal health! 

Traditional teeth cleanings use scalers and other metal tools to remove plaque and tartar stuck on the teeth. More modern though is the use of dental lasers for cleanings. Using a laser for a cleaning also helps remove buildup on the patient’s teeth and gums. Lasers also provide a more in-depth cleaning, since they can be used on soft tissue, like the gums, as where metal tools can’t be. 

Not only can lasers get you that deep clean mouth you’re wanting, but they can also help in a number of different dental office procedures. 

Lasers vs. Dental Drills

If you compare the laser to dental drills, you’ll see that lasers do have some benefits, like:

  • Causing less pain which reduces need for anesthesia
  • Reduces anxiety in patients who are frightened by thought of using drill 
  • Lowers bleeding and swelling risk during work done on the soft tissues of the mouth
  • Can help maintain more healthy tooth during the removal of cavities 

Types of Lasers 

Lasers are still not considered a mainstream technique within the field of dentistry, but there are several different types of lasers on the market that dentists use everyday. Colgate breaks the types of lasers down by soft tissue vs. hard tissue lasers. 

Soft Tissue Lasers

Most commonly lasers are used in procedures that affect gums and the other soft tissues of the mouth. Lasers have the capability of cutting soft tissue which makes them useful in procedures where dentists need to manipulate the gums. 

Dr. Ania often uses dental lasers in her practice to provide a speedy and less painful treatment for certain procedures, and for treatment that may not have been possible in the past.

Hard Tissue Lasers 

These lasers work on the teeth. Hard tissue lasers are able to remove tooth decay, prepare cavities for filling, and even prepare tooth for a root canal. Lasers for hard tissue procedures can minimize the need for sedation, but it can also result in longer treatment time.

What Can Dental Lasers Treat?

Dr. Ania can use dental lasers to treat cold sores with low intensity dental lasers that reduce irritation and minimize healing time. These lasers are also used to detect and treat cavities, enhance a smile by reshaping the patients gums, eliminate benign tumors, whiten teeth and more. Other uses of the laser in dentistry include:

  • Deep cleaning of gingival pockets
  • Removal of diseased tissue
  • Sterilization of root canals 
  • Reshaping the gums 
  • Dental implant exposure
  • Teeth whitening 

What Can’t Dental Lasers Do?

There is no cure-all for anything, and unfortunately there are some things that lasers can’t help with. These include:

  • Teeth that already have fillings 
  • Common dental procedures like cavity fillings located between teeth or those that need a crown. 
  • Lasers can’t remove crowns or silver fillings 
  • Lasers may not fully remove the patient’s need for anesthesia

In addition, laser treatments can be more pricey when compared to the traditional dental drill.  

Elevate Your Cleanings With Dr. Ania 

Overall, the benefits of laser dentistry over handheld tools include precision, less pain, quick healing, and minimal bleeding and swelling. If you’re ready to elevate your trip to the dentist, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ania today to see just what lasers an do for you. Call us – (303)-872-9940. 

Posted: February 10, 2020 By: Comment: 0
porcelain veneers

Instant Orthodontics: Porcelain Veneers

We live in a world that thrives on instant gratification, but instant orthodontics? It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? The good thing is that it’s true, and is made possible by porcelain veneers.

 

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin tooth-colored shells designed to cover the front of your teeth. These are perfect for correcting stained, chipped, and even crooked teeth. Healthline states that veneers aren’t the same as implants or crowns, as veneers only over the front surface of the tooth. Are you interested in the possibility of porcelain veneers? Here are five things they could be used for: 

  • They instantly brighten your smile: veneers cover lifelong stains caused from food and drink or other causes to give you the pearly whites you long for. It can also help if the stains have been caused by medications you’ve taken or other dental procedures like a root canal.
  • Veneers can fix the shape of your teeth and give you the smile shape you’re looking for. 
  • Current technology makes them life-like. Veneers won’t look fake, instead they’ll look like teeth you have had your entire life, just without the big flaws.
  • You can get them to cover up chipped teeth that have happened from playing sports or other accidents. This will help your teeth look smooth and cohesive.
  • Crooked teeth? They can give you the straight smile you desire. Veneers can be used to fix teeth that are uneven or misaligned. They can also help close gaps between your teeth. 


The Procedure

Once you and your dentist have decided that porcelain veneers are the best treatment option for you, you can then start the process! To prepare your teeth for veneers, their surface will need to be reshaped to best fit the veneer. Then, the dentist will make a model of your tooth which is then sent to a dental laboratory. At the lab, they’ll make your veneers. The making of veneers can take anywhere from two weeks to a month to get them back to your dentist. 

The next step is the bonding. Before being permanently placed on your tooth, the veneer will be temporarily placed for the dentist to look at the shape and color. Then, they will trim as needed. They also have the ability to adjust the color while they’re doing this. Once they’re ready, your teeth receiving the veneers will be polished and etched. When a tooth is etched, it’s roughened to allow for a stronger bonding process, according to WebMD. A cement is applied to the veneer and then placed on your tooth. Once on, the dentist will use a light beam that activates the cement and allows it to dry quickly. 

To end the process, excess cement will be removed and your teeth will be evaluated to see if you require any additional adjustments.

 

Disadvantages of Veneers

With every dental procedure there can be risks and other things to make note of. Some disadvantages or veneers include:

  • The procedure is irreversible 
  • They are on the more expensive side
  • If they chip or crack themselves they usually can’t be fixed
  • Once in place, you can’t fix the color of them
  • Individuals with gum disease or other mouth problems, like teeth grinding, might not be a good candidate for veneers 
  • They can still suffer from decay and harm from chewing hard objects

 

How Long Do They Last?

Veneers can last anywhere from 7 to 15 years, depending on how well you take care of them. After this time, you will probably need to have them replaced to keep your smile glowing and healthy.

 

How Do You Take Care of Them?

The good news is that porcelain veneers don’t require any special care! However, it’s only important that you continue to practice oral hygiene skills like:

  • Brushing them at least twice a day or after every meal for optimal cleanliness
  • Floss at least once a day to ensure you’re getting all food particles out 


It is important to keep your veneers thoroughly cleaned. Though they’re hard to stain, your dentist might suggest you stay away from food and drinks that can stain your teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene will help the longevity of your veneers. In addition, it will also help prevent gum disease and other problems that arise from poor dental cleaning habits. 

If you grind your teeth, it’s important to let your dentist know when you’re getting veneers. The pressure placed on your teeth from the grinding could be damaging to your veneers. If this is a problem you have and you don’t already use a night guard to protect your teeth, this is something you’ll need to help protect your new porcelain veneers.

Dr. Ania and Veneers

Practicing dentistry since 1994, Dr. Ania is skilled and knows how to make you more confident with your smile. If you are interested in the potential of getting veneers, schedule an appointment now to come meet with Dr. Ania to see if you’re a good candidate. Call: 303-872-9940. 

 

Posted: February 3, 2020 By: Comment: 0

How to Brush Better in 2020

You may have excellent oral hygiene habits, and yet, you can still get oral health issues due to how you are brushing your teeth. There are specific guidelines for brushing your teeth properly so you can avoid tooth decay and gum disease. Find out what the American Dental Association and countless other health organizations recommend to have healthy teeth!

 

Brushing Your Teeth: Why It’s Important

Did you know that you should be brushing your teeth every day, several times a day? Many people don’t! In fact, in just one study of millennials, researchers found that only 3 in 10 millennials are brushing their teeth once a day. That’s not even the minimum recommendation to brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes at a time with quality toothpaste!

 

When you don’t brush your teeth enough, or you don’t do it properly, you leave yourself open to oral health diseases. This is all because of the plaque your mouth makes when you eat and drink. When you eat, sugars in all your foods and drinks will also mix with some mouth bacteria to create plaque. This is a sticky, clear, acidic substance that sticks to the teeth instead of getting washed down the throat.

 

When plaque isn’t taken off the teeth with proper brushing, it sits there, especially along the gum line. Because plaque is acidic, it will break up minerals in the teeth, creating dead spaces that can be hard to see until they are large. Those dead spaces are cavities, and they are parts of your teeth you can’t get back. Only a dentist can remove the decay and refill the area with dental material. Plaque will also irritate the gums, causing them to pull farther away from the teeth. This will lead to gum disease, bleeding gums, swollen gums, tooth loss and more. That’s why you want to arm yourself with proper brushing habits so you avoid all of these issues!

 

Tips for Better Brushing in 2020

Want to brush your teeth better this year? Want to avoid tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and other oral health issues? Follow these guidelines:

  • Brush your teeth every single day, at least twice a day, for 2 minutes at a time. Brush after every meal to reduce your risk for oral health diseases even more.
  • Brush your teeth before bed each night so you don’t have acidic plaque weakening and breaking up your teeth all throughout the night. This will help with bad breath in the morning as well.
  • Always store your toothbrush in a ventilated container, such as a toothbrush holder with holes in it, or an attachable head for the toothbrush. You don’t want your toothbrush open to bathroom air where germs are so common. You also don’t want your toothbrush wet inside a Ziploc bag or other container that doesn’t breathe at all, or germs and bacteria will grow.
  • Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or whenever the bristles start to become frayed. This will ensure the toothbrush does proper cleaning whenever you use it.

 

 

Process to Brush Better

Here are 6 steps for proper toothbrushing this year:

  1. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush and wet the bristles so proper foaming of the toothpaste happens.
  2. Aim the toothbrush as a 45-degree angle towards the gum line when brushing.
  3. Use a gentle, circular motion on every tooth surface to dislodge food and plaque.
  4. Repeat on the inside surfaces as well.
  5. Use a light back and forth motion on the chewing surfaces, especially the molars, where food can become trapped in cracks and crevices.
  6. Spit out toothpaste after brushing. (There is no need to rinse. A little bit of fluoridated toothpaste in your mouth will continue to protect you against tooth decay).

 

Products and More

When brushing your teeth, use ADA-approved toothpaste. This means that a toothpaste product has been tested by the ADA and has been found to be effective in reducing your risk for tooth decay and oral health diseases. Always look for this seal when you are buying oral health care products at any location. Products that don’t have this seal aren’t tested for effectiveness, and they may not even be tested for safety.

 

For example, many dollar store brands of toothpastes, toothbrushes, and oral health care items come from different states and different countries. Those other locations may not have guidelines for product standards and may contain chemicals that will damage your teeth. That is why you want to use only ADA-approved products, which will include all major, trusted brands.

 

When choosing a proper toothbrush, check the toothbrush container for bristle softness. It will say “hard”, “medium”, or “soft” at the top of the label. We recommend that you choose toothbrushes with “soft” bristles, as more hard bristles can take enamel off of teeth that are more sensitive. It can also help you avoid gum recession because the bristles aren’t so harsh on the gum line.

 

You want to choose a toothpaste that also contains fluoride. This is a naturally-occurring mineral that has been shown to act as a shield for the teeth against bacteria and plaque. It’s already included in U.S. public water sources, but you can get extra defense if fluoride is in your toothpaste.

 

Schedule a Dental Visit

No oral health care routine is complete without properly having your teeth cleaned by a dentist. The ADA recommends visiting the dentist every 6 months for comprehensive dental exams and dental cleanings. These cleanings will be deep-cleanings by dental professionals that can help remove tartar, calcium, plaque, stains, and more from the teeth. We will also use this time to check the teeth and gums for signs of disease, sores, infections, and abnormalities. These exams and dental cleanings are the best ways to find cavities and other problems so that they can be fixed quickly without too much dental work. To schedule your dental cleaning and exam today, call Dr. Ania’s office at 303-443-0998!

Posted: January 29, 2020 By: Comment: 0

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