Oral Health Over 55

Older woman brushing her teeth

Did you know that your mouth changes as you age? You may encounter oral health problems after age 55 that you didn’t previously have. Studies show that tooth decay and especially gum disease are very common in people over 55. You’ve had your teeth for longer, those teeth tend to shift and go crooked, and oral health problems are easier to get. Find out what to expect after age 55 and what you can do about it!

 

Oral Hygiene Is a Must

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day to remove decay-causing plaque. They also recommend flossing at least once a day, if not more, to further prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay is also known as ‘cavities” and it’s something that over 90% of people get. The National Institutes of Health states that tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease among children and adults.

 

The age group that’s hit the hardest is people over age 55. Children also have a high prevalence for tooth decay, but it’s usually heaviest in the baby teeth that will fall out. However, the older you get, the longer you have your teeth. Oral health can change over time and can get worse as a person’s teeth age. Years of wear and tear and exposure to plaque can cause frequent problems with tooth decay and oral health diseases. This is why it’s so important to follow a strict oral hygiene routine.

 

Brush your teeth every single day and floss them too. Brush with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste after every meal to help your teeth last as long as possible. Sometimes, people don’t learn these basic recommendations until later in life, which leads to many oral health conditions.

 

Dental hygienist helping an older man with his dental work

Oral Health Changes Over 55

Did you know that your oral health can change after age 55 even though you are spectacular with oral hygiene practices? Your teeth are incredibly durable, as they are made up of about 96% of solid mineral. However, even the toughest materials like the teeth can break down over time. If you have had dental work done for past cavities, don’t expect the work to last forever.

 

After 10-20 years, fillings, custom teeth, veneers and more will have to be remade as you age. Keep seeing the dentist throughout those years, as tooth decay can develop under the surface of an old filling. There are other points you want to be aware of such as dry mouth, which is common in people over age 55. The teeth shift with age, they become worn and may turn gray or yellow, and your risk for gum disease increases.

 

Avoiding Gum Disease Problems

Gum disease is one of the biggest problems you want to be aware of. This disease is painless, so you want to watch for the telltale signs of it. You make plaque from sugars in the foods you eat mixed with mouth bacteria. That plaque coats your teeth and causes decay. It also sits along your gum line, irritating your gums. Your gums want to get away from acidic plaque, so they pull back, which is called “gum recession”.

 

Gums also become more red, swollen and will start to bleed easier, especially when flossing. Look for these signs often and strive to keep the teeth free of plaque so you can avoid gum recession. Mushy gums will prevent you from being able to get dentures or dental implants that can restore your smile.

 

Shifting Teeth As You Age

Many children and teens wear braces, but at least 1/4th of people who straighten their teeth are adults. Even if you’ve had orthodontic treatment, your smile can still become crooked as you age. Wear a retainer throughout the decades or get permanent ones placed behind your teeth. Why?

 

Your mouth experiences a natural shift in its size and shape as you age. That shifting and growth can cause some people’s mouths to become slightly smaller, pushing the teeth into one another. If you notice your teeth turning somewhat or becoming crooked overtime, that is what’s happening. Stop the shift and correct your smile once more through orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign.

 

Dentist showing a patient x-rays of their mouth

Keeping a White Smile

Have you noticed that the elderly tend to have teeth that are more yellow or gray? There are different layers of the teeth and one of those inside layers is called the dentin. It is hard, but somewhat softer than the outer tooth enamel. Your tooth enamel gets wear and tear over the years and will start to thin out. When it thins, the inner dentin starts to show through, making your teeth look yellower or grayish. Teeth whitening at our office can help restore a smile once more if you notice this is happening to your teeth.

 

See the Dentist Often

Dry mouth is another oral health problem, which is usually a side effect of many medications. If you are on medication of any kind and feel like you are thirsty often, see if it is what you’re prescribed! The more dry your mouth is, the less saliva you have. Saliva is vital to oral health over 55 and throughout life because it keeps your mouth bathed in mineral-containing liquid. The minerals get in your saliva when you eat certain foods (like dairy products) and build up your teeth. Saliva also helps wash away food and particles that decay your teeth.

 

You never want dry mouth or you can also expect to start having problems with tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and more. If you don’t know if your medication causes dry mouth, talk to your doctor. If you want to avoid oral health problems, come into our office frequently for exams and cleanings. Seeing the dentist often is vital to keeping great oral health over 55. To schedule your exam, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998!

Posted: May 2, 2018 By: Comment: 0

Basic Dental Products to Boost Your Oral Health

Image of many different types of dental products

With so many dental products on the market today, how do you know which ones to buy? Too many adults suffer from tooth decay, gum disease, missing teeth and dental emergencies due to poor oral hygiene habits. That doesn’t have to be you! We can help you to know what dental products you need to have in your home and on-the-go, plus how to use them properly. With a few minutes each day, you can be on your way to better oral health in no time!

 

Many Notice Your Smile First

A person’s smile is one of the first things people notice about others according to 48% of Americans. The eyes are also a common feature, but there’s nothing like a good smile to make a first impression. What your mouth looks like says a lot about your health. In fact, how well you take care of your teeth and gums is an indication of how well you take care of the rest of your health. If you look in the mirror at this moment, what do you see with your smile? Is it healthy and strong or could it use some work?

 

Some of the best things you can do for your oral health is to follow good oral hygiene practices. The recommendation is to brush the teeth at least twice a day and to floss at least once a day. However, polls show that 49% of men and 57% of women brush their teeth only once a day. Many people that aren’t brushing and flossing often are usually children and people in their young adult years. Only 44% or less of people brush and floss their teeth twice a day. For these simple oral health habits that only take about 2 minutes, there is much room for improvement.

 

toothpaste, floss and electric toothbrush

The Importance of Good Oral Health

Why is brushing and flossing so important? There is a common saying among dental professionals that states: “You don’t have to brush all your teeth…just the ones you want to keep!” Brushing and flossing are the foundations stones in building a lifetime of great oral health. Why? They are the best and simplest methods for removing decay-causing plaque that can make people lose their teeth.

 

When you eat and even drink, your mouth makes plaque. This is a mixture of sugar in the foods you eat combined with bacteria in your mouth. It’s fairly impossible to never eat substances with sugar and also impossible to never have bacteria in your mouth. Therefore, you’re going to make plaque at some point or another, most likely with every meal. That plaque is sticky and acidic and will stick to your teeth like glue. Over time, the acidity will erode away your tooth enamel and cause tooth decay, even though your teeth are the strongest substance in your body.

 

You can’t just wash plaque away by drinking water; you have to physically brush it away. That is why brushing is such an important part of having good oral health. You brush all that acidic plaque away after you eat, and you floss in between the teeth to get the food and plaque that was stuck. Having great dental products is part of having great oral health.

 

What Is the “Seal of Acceptance”?

When choosing toothbrushes, toothpastes and other dental products, how do you decide on what to get? Many people just choose whatever dental products look good or are their favorite color. Or they stick to brands that their parents used. A good place to start if you are trying to pick out your own dental products is to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

 

This is the American Dental Association’s seal that shows that specific dental products have been tested and are effective at helping prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems. This seal began to appear on dental products in 1931 as a way to help consumers choose good products for their teeth. Not every dental product has this seal on it, even though 2 out of 3 consumers prefer to buy only dental products with the ADA’s testing and approval. To get this seal of acceptance, a product must be safe for consumers and must live up to the claims it makes on its packaging. All the dental products that receive the seal have been tested in laboratories for their safety and efficacy.

 

Woman smiling with her hands near her mouth

Extra Tips for Choosing Dental Products

When choosing dental products, test out a few and use the brands you are most comfortable with. Use these tips for choosing:

  • Choose a toothbrush that fits the size of your mouth. Make sure it is comfortable to grip and that it is a soft-bristle brush so it is safe on adult tooth enamel.
  • For children, choose brushes that are smaller and fit their mouth, whether they are an infant or child. Choose only brushes with soft nylon bristles, as hard bristles can damage delicate baby teeth and gums.
  • If you often have tooth decay, invest in an electric toothbrush, as these are better able to remove plaque than non-electric brushes.
  • Choose toothpaste that contains fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel. For children, choose toothpaste that tastes good enough that they will use it. Choosing toothpaste that comes in fun colors or decorative styles will help children want to brush.
  • With mouthwashes, any with the ADA seal will be safe for adults. However, don’t choose any mouthwashes with alcohol in them if children will be using the mouthwash.
  • Any floss with the ADA seal is safe for children and adults. For children learning to floss, choose hand-held flossers until they learn to use string floss properly

 

At our office, we have specific brands we like to use for our patients. Ask us about the brands of dental products we love and why by calling Dr. Ania’s office at 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: April 27, 2018 By: Comment: 0

Remedy Mouth Sores and Infections

Woman with a mouth sore on her lip

Infections and mouth sores can be especially bothersome, especially if your oral health problem is visible to everyone else. However, there are simple treatments you can follow to get rid of problems (such as canker sores) and accelerate healing with cold sores. Find out the top 8 oral health infections and how you can help remedy them as well as mouth sores!

 

Mouth Sores and Infections

Just like there can be many problems with your body as a whole, your mouth can suffer many problems as well. Mouth sores and infections are common in our patients. The most prevalent ones we see include:

  • Dental caries
  • Gum disease
  • Canker sores
  • Gingivitis
  • Thrush
  • Hand, foot and mouth disease
  • Herpangina
  • Oral herpes/cold sores

Some of these conditions are genetic, whereas others can be caught. However, problems such as canker sores simply happen as your body’s response to stress and health problems. With any mouth sore, you want to get them under control or work hard to prevent them in the first place. Many mouth sores and infections can actually be avoided with good oral hygiene. Dental caries (tooth decay), gum disease, oral bacteria and more never have to happen if you brush and floss away the gunk that likes to stick around in your mouth.

 

Tooth Decay Is An Infection

Did you know that tooth decay is the most common mouth infection you can have? Many people don’t even think about this as a mouth infection, but that may be because it’s actually an oral disease. In fact, tooth decay is the most common prevalent disease in children and adults alike according to the National Institutes of Health. That’s even more than cancer, diabetes and any other condition you can think of. If you don’t know what tooth decay is, then think of it by its other name: cavities. That’s right, cavities is an oral disease.

 

When you eat, bacteria in your saliva works to break down your food. However, bad bacteria also combines with sugars in your food and drink to make plaque. Plaque is acidic, sticky and clear, and it sticks to your tooth surface like crazy. You have to physically brush plaque away. Simply drinking won’t cut it. If not, plaque works like an infection. It will erode away your hard tooth enamel, getting inside your tooth. There it will attack your soft, pulpy tooth center where nerves and blood vessels are. Decay sets in, which leads to infections, tooth loss, toothaches, and more. The remedy for this problem? Seeing a dentist to remove the infection. Prevent decay in the first place by brushing and flossing your teeth every single day.

 

Woman having her mouth examined by a dentist

Remedy Canker Sores

One of the most common mouth sores is a canker sore. These come in various sizes and colors, and they can be quite bothersome for many patients. Some patients will luckily have very small canker mouth sores that go away quickly. However, other patients will have canker sores that grow to the size of dimes and are extremely painful. Stress is a common cause of canker sores. If you notice you get more of them when you’ve been under a lot of stress, that’s probably your body’s immune response to try to deal with your stress.

 

Studies show that most canker sores heal on their own within a week. But, who wants to wait a week for mouth sores to go away? You can get prescription medications from a dentist or a doctor to help speed up your healing process. However, there are also natural ways to make these type of mouth sores go away, and the answer is by using salt.

 

Salt is an amazing healing substance that people have used for centuries. Salt can take away the sting of mouth sores and make them go away faster. Simply fill a cup with warm to hot water and dissolve an ample amount of salt into the water. Water will have to be hotter to melt the salt, but you can let it cool a bit before swishing with it. Then, several times a day, swish the salt-water mixture in your mouth (making sure it is warm). Within a day, you should see less pain and your mouth sores getting better.

 

Woman doing a salt water rinse

Helping Other Mouth Sores

Canker sores aren’t the only mouth sores patients get. For thrush, herpangina, hand, foot and mouth disease, and cold sores, you will need medicine to make your mouth sores or infections go away. Always check your child’s mouth for mouth sores and oral problems, especially if they have been sick. Keep their mouth clean and yours to avoid problems in the first place. Gum disease happens only because patients don’t brush and floss their teeth. If you have gum disease or gingivitis, work closely with a dentist to get it under control.

 

Cold sores come from the herpes simplex virus. If you have it, this virus is not one to go away. When you start to feel mouth sores coming on, over-the-counter creams and medications can reduce how bad the sores are and how long they are around. Stress, sunlight, the cold, trauma and oral health problems can cause these to flare up. Use creams to help with pain and irritation and work with us or your medical doctor to control their intensity.

 

Seeing the Dentist

Who better to help you with oral health problems than a dentist? Dentists like Dr. Ania see patient’s mouth all day long, every day. We see mouth sores often and have remedies for them. When patients are healing from tooth extractions or similar oral health procedures, using salt-water rinses is one of the recommendations for patients who want to heal a wound faster. We recommend these because they work. However, patients might get mouth sores from other problems. You might have tons of mouth bacteria that cause you infections, decay, gum problems and more. But we’ve seen it all! If you have mouth sores bothering you, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: April 13, 2018 By: Comment: 0

More Sugar Means More Cavities

picture of dental tools and sugar

If you take a look at the food your child eats throughout the day, you might be surprised that the “healthy” foods you buy have more sugar than you might think. Not only can this damage their health over time, but more sugar means more cavities for your little one. Children should not consume more than 3 teaspoons of added sugar a day. However, children often are eating more than 20 teaspoons of the sweet stuff. It’s no wonder cavities are so prevalent in young children! Find out the facts about sugar, how they cause your child tooth decay, and why you should limit their sugar for better oral health.

 

Sugar Is Everywhere

When people start new diets, they tend to focus on cutting out foods with lots of fat or carbs. However, it’s the sugary foods that kill diets quickly. Sugar is not actually a nutrient you need in your diet. It provides no nutritional value, and actually can severely hurt your nutrition, not to mention your oral health. Studies show that sugar makes your body store extra fat than it otherwise would, and all over your body. A diet rich in sugar leads to chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay and gum disease, to name a few. It affects your cholesterol, the amount of insulin in your blood, how good your skin looks and can even be addictive.

 

There is a reason that so many people crave the sweet stuff, as it can be addictive the more you eat it. Some studies show that it can be just as addictive as street drugs, or even more so. This is because when you or your child eats sugar, your brain releases chemicals from it’s pleasure center, causing you to feel good. Over time, you need more and more sugar to have that feel-good emotion. This is how a person’s diet can go from little sugar to high amounts of sugar over time. You may think you are also getting an energy boost from sugar intake—which can happen—but you are also crashing within a half hour of eating sugar. You don’t want all of these health changes in you or your child from something as simple as sugar. The problems are endless when it comes to sugar, and most people don’t even know! That is why there are health guidelines set for how much sugar a person should be having each day.

 

depiction of tooth decay using cubes of sugar

How Much Is Too Much?

You may think your child is eating healthy, but they may be consuming tons of sugar. Watch out for secret sugary foods such as bread (especially whole wheat bread), yogurt, granola bars, nut butters, milk, pre-packaged foods and more. The American Heart Association and many other health organizations have set sugar guidelines for you and your child. These guidelines help significantly reduce your child’s risk for chronic conditions and can save them from having many cavities that sugar causes.

 

The guidelines for each age group are:

  • Men: No more than 9 teaspoons, which is 36 grams or 150 calories a day.
  • Women: No more than 6 teaspoons, which is 25 grams or 100 calories.
  • Children: Less than 6 teaspoons if you’re under 18 years.
  • Newborns/Toddlers: 0-3 grams, or as little as possible.

Studies show that toddlers and children get between 12 and 20 grams of sugar a day and those between 18 and 25 get 34 grams or more a day.

 

dental hygienist looking at a patient's teeth

More Sugar Means More Cavities

Why is sugar such a concern? Sugar is one of the leading causes of tooth decay and gum disease, which are some of the most prevalent chronic diseases among children and adults. Gum disease affects more than 64.7 million American adults alone, and many more people have tooth decay. When you eat, sugars in your food combine with bacteria in the mouth to form plaque. Your mouth makes this sticky, acidic substance every single time you eat. That means, the more sugar you eat, the more plaque you make. Plaque sits on your teeth because it’s so sticky and erodes your tooth enamel. If it sits there long enough, you will get cracks and open areas of your teeth, where plaque then gets inside your tooth and decays it. That decay is known as “cavities”, and cavities can lead to tooth loss.

 

Plaque also irritates your gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and to bleed easily. The gums try to get away from plaque, so they pull back (or recede). This can eventually lead to tooth loss. This is gum disease. You can significantly reduce your risk for cavities and disease by brushing and flossing your teeth several times a day, and especially after meals. However, not enough people brush and floss during the day—or at all—meaning that millions have cavities.

 

Reduce Sugar to Reduce Cavities

We urge every patient to have a set oral hygiene routine each day. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day, if not more. If you tend to eat a lot of sugar, we urge you to brush 3 or 4 times a day and to come see us for comprehensive exams. Your best option to avoid cavities is to reduce the amount of sugar you eat, while brushing and flossing more often. If you want to know more about how sugar damages your teeth, or if you need help with your oral hygiene, call Dr. Ania’s office anytime at 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: March 22, 2018 By: Comment: 0

Teaching Children to Brush and Floss Their Teeth

Dental hygienist showing a child how to brush her teeth

If you are a first-time parent, knowing how to teach your child about brushing and flossing can be difficult. It can even be difficult to teach your children how to brush and floss even if you are an experienced parent. Everyone—not just children–needs a proper oral hygiene routine to avoid major oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing and flossing can help you avoid even more problems than that. The key is to teach children how to brush and floss when they are young and how to do it correctly. Find out what the oral hygiene guidelines are for toddlers, children, adults, and how to teach them to your children!

 

Teaching Children to Brush Their Teeth

Brushing and flossing are the basics of having great oral health. You can’t only do one and expect to avoid tooth decay and gum problems. You need both, plus visits to the dentist, good nutrition and more. To brush properly, a child needs to brush for about 2 minutes, at least twice a day. You will have to monitor that brushing to make sure it’s not done in 20 seconds instead of 2 minutes. Many parents set a timer or play a song for their children and they have to brush the entire duration of the song. Have them brush their top teeth the first minute and the bottom teeth the second minute.

 

It’s important to teach children that they have to brush all of their teeth every single time they brush. They should brush back and forth, but also change the angle that they brush, so they get the gum line and get food out that is stuck. It helps to also brush in a circle on the back teeth that are bigger. Many people forget to brush their tongue, which is a haven for bacteria. Make sure your child brushes their tongue after brushing their teeth and that they rinse off their toothbrush after every brushing. Kids need about a pea-size amount of toothpaste, but can increase the amount they use as they age. Letting your child pick out their toothbrush can help them to have the desire to brush their teeth. Making charts that help them or reward them if they brush and floss is also helpful.

 

Parents brushing their teeth with their child

Teaching Children to Floss Properly

Flossing is an integral part of having good oral health. Children must brush and floss to avoid cavities. If they only do one, odds are that they will get cavities, which means their teeth will decay. That also means a dentist will have to take out the decay and fix their tooth, which they don’t want. Explain that preventing cavities is much easier than getting a cavity and having to have a dentist fix it. Flossing is easy for adults, but can be difficult for small children. You will have to start flossing your child’s teeth for them as soon as the teeth are too close together for the bristles of a toothbrush to get in between them.

 

Teach children how to wrap the floss around either their pointer or middle fingers. Make sure that they don’t wind the floss too tight around their fingers. Show them how to floss in between all the teeth. We have found that many children do well with the small handheld tooth flossers until they have the dexterity to use floss like adults do. You can get bright, colorful flossers that can help children have the desire to floss.

 

Mother and daughter brushing each other's teeth

Take the Time to Teach

Teaching children how to take care of their oral health takes time. However, it only takes time when they are small. If you take those few minutes every day to teach children how to brush and floss correctly, they will be able to eventually do it by themselves forever after. Not enough children are taught the basics of brushing and flossing and why both of these habits are so important to their health. That is probably the reason that so many adults have tooth decay and gum disease. When taught young and taught correctly, a child is more likely to have better oral hygiene habits and stick to those habits as they grow into an adult.

 

If you have a busy schedule, then monitor your child’s brushing and flossing while you are doing the same thing. You can both benefit from brushing and flossing together morning and night. Children are more likely to do something if they see their parent or guardian doing the same thing as well. Your example is the best asset you can give when teaching children to brush and floss. Remember that you will have to brush and floss your child’s teeth for the first few years and help them when they are toddlers until they learn how to properly brush and floss themselves. If you are struggling with teaching a child how to brush and floss, we can help! Call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998 for all you and your child’s oral hygiene needs.

Posted: March 8, 2018 By: Comment: 0

Prevent Broken Teeth

woman with a tooth problem

Many patients won’t break a tooth during their lifetime. However, many patients will have this type of dental emergency. A cracked or broken tooth can lead to infection, decay and even the loss of a tooth if you don’t seek dental care right away. If you break a tooth, it can also be a sign of internal tooth decay that grew too large. We can help you know what to do at home if you break a tooth and what we can do to save your tooth. Prevent broken teeth with our help and fix your smile through restorative dentistry if you have already cracked or broken a tooth.

 

Habits that Weaken Teeth

Did you know that your tooth enamel is perhaps the strongest tissue in your body? However, inside each tooth is a soft, pulpy center full of nerves and blood vessels that nourish your tooth and make it strong. Even the strongest materials can weaken over time if they are not properly taken care of, and your teeth are no exception. Everyday, your teeth have the potential to weaken from the foods and drinks you consume. If you take a close look at your teeth, you may notice a sticky, clear film on them. This film is plaque, and it is made when the sugars in your food mix with bacteria in your mouth.

 

That film will stick to your teeth like glue and because plaque is acidic, that film will also work to erode and weaken your teeth. The American Dental Association recommends brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, if not after every meal. Not enough people do this though, as studies show that many Americans will only brush their teeth once during the day, if at all. Millions don’t even floss or can’t remember the last time they brushed their teeth. Studies also show that only about 65% of people see the the dentist each year as well. It’s no wonder that tooth decay is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases plaguing children and adults! Tooth decay easily leads to broken teeth, cracks, chips and tooth loss.

 

Toothaches

Not everyone will have a dental emergency during their lifetime. However, many people will, and you want to seek help for these dental emergencies right away if you want to keep your tooth. People who wait to get help generally end up losing their tooth, when that doesn’t have to happen. Even a toothache is considered a dental emergency. A toothache is a sign of severe tooth decay in many cases. This happens if you don’t always brush or floss your teeth to remove plaque from your tooth surface. That allows tooth erosion to happen, and plaque can get inside the tooth, decaying it. This will result in a toothache. However, tooth sensitivity and pain can also simply happen because of changing weather or because you are drinking too hot or too cold of drinks. We can help you know the cause so we can fix it.

 

Dental Emergencies

Here’s what you need to know about these dental emergencies such as broken teeth:

  • Broken Teeth – You need to take action immediately with a broken tooth so you don’t lose it. Rinse the area with warm water and put a cold compress over the facial area to reduce swelling. Call our office immediately and recover any broken tooth fragments for us. Broken teeth will generally lead to lost teeth if you don’t have us look at it and restore it in time before the blood vessels and nerves of the tooth are damaged.
  • Cracked Teeth – A crack is also no joke. Cracks in teeth generally go below the gumline. If this is the case, an infection can start where your nerves and blood vessels lie, and you could lose a tooth.
  • Chipped Tooth – A chip isn’t quite as bad as broken teeth or a cracked tooth. Chips can be fixed through restorative dentistry. If you chip off a filling, you should get it filled again so tooth decay doesn’t happen inside your tooth.
  • Knocked-Out Tooth – Recover the tooth and hold it only by the crown so you don’t damage the root nerves. Rinse, but do not clean or handle it more than necessary. Either reinsert it into your socket and hold it in place with gauze or carry it to our office in a cup containing milk or water. Knocked-out teeth may need to be replaced.

 

chipped front tooth

Prevent Broken Teeth

The best way to prevent broken teeth is to do more for your oral hygiene routine and avoid hard foods and bad oral health habits. You should be brushing and flossing at least twice a day, per the ADA recommendation. Limit the amount of carbonated drinks you drink, as carbonic acid in carbonation erodes your tooth enamel. Avoid citrus drinks and limit citrus fruits as well, which contain citric acid. When you floss, make sure you are using the floss the also scrape the surface of each tooth, removing stuck-on plaque. The more you reduce your risk for tooth decay, the less of a chance you have for broken teeth.

 

You should also visit the dentist at least twice a year if your oral health is in good shape and even more often if you already have problems with tooth decay and gum disease. Only a dentist can find cracks and chips that are hidden as well as tooth decay. Only a dentist can repair broken teeth in time for you to not lose a tooth. However, broken teeth generally cause a lot of pain immediately, so you’ll want to seek dental help anyways. As we mentioned, a cracked tooth is also something you don’t want to wait on, as it can be just as bad as broken teeth. When you have broken teeth or any other dental emergency, call Dr. Ania’s office right away at 303-443-0998 and we’ll do all that we can to restore your smile!

Posted: February 21, 2018 By: Comment: 0

What’s Your Toothache Telling You?

Woman with a toothache

Have you ever had a toothache before? In many cases, a toothache is a sign of tooth decay that is hidden under the surface of your tooth. However, a cavity isn’t the only reason you might have a toothache. You could have a piece of food stuck in your gums or you could have receding gums that are sensitive. Even problems such as the temperature outside or a sinus infection could be causing your tooth pain. Find out why a toothache happens and how you can remedy it!

 

Tooth Decay Is a Major Culprit

Tooth decay is one of the reasons you might have a toothache. When you eat, sugars in foods and drink mix with bacteria in your mouth to form plaque. This sticky, acidic substance coats your teeth and erodes your tooth enamel. It does this by weakening your hard enamel, creating small cracks and fissures that you can’t see. If that plaque gets inside your tooth it spreads decay like wildfire, which will give you a severe cavity and/or infection. You avoid tooth decay by brushing and flossing your teeth several times a day so that plaque never gets the chance to destroy your teeth.

 

toothache

Have You Damaged a Tooth?

There are many other reasons you might have a toothache. A toothache is a sign of damage or sensitivity if it’s not caused by tooth decay. Anything hurting in your mouth is a sign that something is not right and needs to be evaluated. Our patients get toothaches for reasons such as:

Tooth decay. If the decay has reached the pulp of your tooth, you probably have severe damage that is causing you pain. For severe decay, we sometimes have to perform a root canal or a dental extraction.

Injured tooth. If the problem isn’t tooth decay, then we look at the structure of your tooth. If you chew on ice or other hard foods, it’s easy to chip, crack or break a tooth. You can chip some of your tooth right off the top or even break a filling that is already present. Sometimes our patients realize that they have done this as soon as it happens. If you chip a tooth, you will have a slight ache. If you’ve broken or cracked a tooth, that toothache will be more severe. Never wait to get dental help, as infection sets in quickly with broken or cracked teeth.

Winter cold. With changing seasons, we have patients that get a toothache here and there. Cold air hitting the teeth will cause sensitivity in many patients. Running heat directly in your face in a car or other small space can also irritate your teeth. Patients tend to drink more hot beverages in the winter, which can cause tooth sensitivity. Limit these habits or try venting the heat more, as well as drinking warm beverages instead of hot ones.

Gum recession. Plaque and tartar buildup will damage your teeth and irritate your gums. That irritation causes gum recession, which exposes part of your tooth root. This root will be sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages, which can cause you sharp, sudden pains.

Bruxism and TMJ. If you clench or grind your teeth at night, you may wake up with headaches and a toothache in one or more places. We will look to see if you are clenching or grinding or if you need treatment for dysfunction of your temporomandibular joint.

 

Reduce Your Toothache Risk

We mentioned that tooth decay is one of the reasons you might have a toothache. When you eat, sugars in foods and drink mix with bacteria in your mouth to form plaque. This sticky, acidic substance coats your teeth and erodes your tooth enamel. It does this by weakening your hard enamel, creating small cracks and fissures that you can’t see. If that plaque gets inside your tooth it spreads tooth decay like wildfire, which will give you severe tooth decay and/or infection.

 

You avoid tooth decay by brushing and flossing your teeth several times a day so that plaque never gets the chance to destroy your teeth. Keeping your teeth clean will reduce your risk for decay and infection and will remove food that is stuck in your teeth and gums. The cleaner you keep your mouth, the fewer problems you will have, as tooth decay is one of the most common causes of toothaches.

 

woman with a toothache using a ice pack

Remedy a Toothache

A toothache should never be something you commonly get. A healthy mouth is one that is pain-free and clean. When you start to get an ache in one of your teeth, monitor it throughout the day. If it doesn’t go away or gets worse, call our office right away, especially if it’s getting close to a weekend. If your toothache is caused by tooth decay, we want to remove that decay as soon as possible or your aches and pains will get worse.

 

Until you can see us, use a cold compress on your face by applying it to your cheek 15-20 minutes on and 15-20 minutes off. You can also take an over-the-counter painkiller such as Tylenol to help with the pain. However, never touch aspirin or other painkillers straight to your gums or the area that hurts or you could end up with burns or other oral health problems. For help with your toothache or other oral health problem, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998

 

Posted: February 7, 2018 By: Comment: 0

The Advantages of Same-Day Dentistry

appointment for a dental crown

Enjoy the convenience of same-day dentistry with our state-of-the-art dental systems! At our office, we have a cutting-edge dental system that alleviates the need for traditional impressions, temporaries and second appointments. This saves you precious time and elevates your overall dental experience. Two major technological advances makes same-day dentistry crowns a real possibility: digital scanners and in-office milling machines. Find out how these machines help you get in and out of the office in record time!

 

What Does Same-Day Dentistry Mean?

Judging by the title, you will assume that “same-day dentistry” means that you will have a service done that same day. You are correct in this assumption. However, we are talking about dental crowns when we talk about same-day dentistry. A dental crown acts like a cap for your tooth. It covers and protects a tooth that has been damaged by decay and infection. Dental crowns are a great way to improve the appearance of your teeth and preserve tooth enamel, however, the usual process is lengthy. In the past (and still at many dental facilities), receiving a dental crown was time consuming. It takes at least 2 office visits and up to several weeks of waiting for your crown to be made in a lab.

 

Same-day dentistry eliminates the need for two office visits. In the past, we would remove your tooth decay and provide you a temporary crown for your tooth. You then had to wait up to two weeks to get your crown and have it placed. Fortunately, advanced technology now allows a handful of specially-trained dentists to take digital impressions of their patient’s mouths and create a crown in-office the same day. That is why we refer to this as “same-day dentistry”. There’s no waiting several weeks and you get a sturdy, supportive dental crown that will help make your mouth stronger.

 

dental crown model

Same-Day Dentistry Appointment

We know that your time is valuable, especially if you are working. That’s why we have same-day dentistry crowns! When you come in for a dental crown, we will take digital scans of your teeth. This will take an exact impression of your existing bite and will provide us images of how your teeth look. Our digital scanner replaces the need for old-fashioned, gooey impressions we did in the past. Dr. Ania will use that digital image to create a crown that is customized for your mouth’s exact needs.

 

We use our in-house milling machine to create a custom crown while you wait in our office. Dr. Ania does this by sending the digital image to a milling machine that creates the crown, and then places the crown in an oven to crystallize. Once your crown has been made, Dr. Ania takes the time to bond the crown to your tooth and to protect your natural tooth from any elements or further tooth decay. The entire procedure from start to finish takes about 2 hours and there is no need to worry about temporary crowns.

 

dental crown

Why You Need a Dental Crown

Not every patient needs a dental crown. Patients who have had a dental emergency or severe tooth decay are the patients who will need a dental crown. When tooth decay is small, we can easily remove that decay and provide you with a tooth-colored cavity filling. We simply use our drills and other tools to remove the decayed part of your tooth and fill it like new. However, it is possible for tooth decay to spread so fast that it decays a large part of your tooth. In this case, a patient will need a root canal to clear the tooth of decay and any infection that has formed. This leaves your natural tooth in a vulnerable state, where it will be very sensitive and could develop decay again.

 

We never want to simply remove your natural tooth, so we will perform that root canal and then provide a dental crown to cover your natural tooth. We shape your dental crown to look like your real tooth—so much so that no one will ever know the difference. If you’ve got a tooth that has been seriously weakened or damaged, a strong dental crown is a highly-effective and attractive cosmetic dentistry solution.

 

How You Benefit

Same-day dentistry works amazing well for our patient’s schedules. It takes one simple office visit, where you can then return to work or home. If you have had a toothache or oral health problem, don’t wait to come into the office! If your dental work requires a dental crown, we can perform this with a same-day dentistry appointment. To have your free consultation, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: January 12, 2018 By: Comment: 0

Diagnosing and Treating Your TMJ Pain

TMJ pain

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research it is believed that over 10 million Americans are affected by Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJ) and joint pain. If you are having TMJ pain in your jaw or the muscles that control the movement of your jaw, or if you hear a popping or clicking noise when chewing, or opening and closing your jaw, you may have fallen victim as well. Dr. Ania and her friendly team can help diagnose your TMJ pain and prescribe appropriate treatment.

 

Joint Pain

Millions of Americans experience chronic or episodic pain every day. In fact, some studies suggest that around 100 million Americans have chronic pain. This pain comes from many conditions or diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis and more. When you think of pain, you may think of this major conditions. However, joint pain in your face is something that happens to millions of people as well. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that an estimated 10 million Americans have pain from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. This term is usually shortened to “TMJ” or “TMD”.

 

TMJ Pain

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. Saying that you have “TMJ pain” is like saying you have KJ (knee joint) or EJ (elbow joint) pain. TMJ was originally named because of the belief that this disorder largely originated in the joint itself. However, recent knowledge shows that the true cause of joint problems in this area actually originate elsewhere. That is why TMJ is also referred to as “TMD”, which means “temporomandibular disorder”.

 

There are many names for TMJ pain such as “craniomandibular disorders” (CMD), “craniofacial pain disorders” (CPD) and temporomandibular dysfunction. However, TMJ has still been the most-used out of all the terms. So, what is it?

 

jaw pain

Temporomandibular Joint

There are 360 different joints in your body. The temporomandibular joint is located in your head by the temporal bone and the mandible (hence the name “temporomandibular). This is the joint that connects this bone to your mandible. This is also the joint that moves when you eat, chew, speak and more. This joint acts like a sliding hinge when you move and you have one of these joints on each side of your face.

 

There are several reasons you may develop pain in this area. You could have a genetic factor that causes you weakness and pain in this area. You could have arthritis developing in this area, as many joint disorders stem from arthritis complications. However, it is also possible that you have a jaw injury or that you are grinding your teeth at night or clenching your jaw.

 

Diagnosing Your TMJ Pain

We see patients on a daily basis that have pain due to tooth decay or other oral health issues. Although TMJ is not an oral health issue, it is something that we help treat, as it has to do with opening and closing your mouth. You will have symptoms that are quite common among other patients with the same problem. Some of those symptoms include:

  • Tenderness or pain in your jaw
  • Pain in the area of one or both of your temporomandibular joints
  • Pain around your ear but not exactly in your ear
  • Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
  • Locking of your joint, which makes it difficult to open or close your mouth

 

All of these symptoms are not something that you should just live with, as you should not naturally have pain or tenderness in your face or jaw. You body sends your brain signals of pain to tell you that something is amiss. The NIH reports that between 5% and 12% of people have TMJ pain. There are solutions for fixing your TMJ pain today and you can do it by simply coming to Dr. Ania’s office for an evaluation.

 

Relieving Your Pain Today

The many signs and symptoms of TMJ/TMD often lead patients to seek a dental consultation. Many other seek help from a medical doctor, which will generally result in them receiving an anti-inflammatory drug, pain medications or tranquilizers. As a dental office, we believe that TMJ pain should be treated in the most conservative manner possible, and surgery should always be the last resort for this kind of pain. Drugs from a doctor will mask symptoms. However, we want to relieve your TMJ pain for good. We have found that the primary problem can often be traced to a poor occlusion in your bite instead of a problem with the joint itself.

 

Joint problems are frequently related to a misalignment of the teeth, which in turn causes a misaligned joint. Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on the dynamic relationships related to the physiologic range-of-motion and body posture. We look at the bite and alignment of your teeth and examine your teeth to see if you are clenching them or grinding them at night. We also see if alignment is good so that you’re not straining the area where your temporomandibular joint is. For some patients, we can provide mouthguards and bite guards that they can wear at night to help relieve pain and pressure. For others, we can refer you to a proper orthodontist, otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor), oral surgeon or other professional.

 

Get Rid of TMJ Pain

You don’t have to live your life with TMJ pain! Come see us at Dr. Ania’s office for an evaluation and we can either help you in-office or refer you to the specialist that can best serve you. If you have jaw pain, call our office today at 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: December 18, 2017 By: Comment: 0

Composite Fillings Keep Your White Smile Intact

composite fillings

Despite your best efforts, sometimes cavities strike. But, when they do, you do not have to sacrifice the look of your smile with a mouth full of metal. Composite fillings can preserve the natural look and strength of your smile when repair is necessary. Our composite resins are composed of ceramic and plastic compounds that are strong enough to withstand the pressures of chewing, biting and grinding. These tooth-colored fillings are blended to match the exact shade of your tooth for a seamless smile. Composite fillings can repair portions of teeth that are routinely exposed to preserve your shiny, white smile. See what composite fillings can do for you today!

 

Tooth Decay Is a Chronic Problem

Did you know that tooth decay is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases among adults and children? You may know tooth decay by one of its other names: “cavities” or “dental caries”. All of these terms are used interchangeably to describe the decay and erosion of your tooth enamel over time. Most people have tooth decay, or at least have had it fixed in the past. Studies, such as one by the CDC National Center for Health Statistics, found that 91% of U.S. adults had dental caries.

 

Cavities are a chronic problem all over the world. One of the reasons could be that it is a silent killer to your teeth. When you eat, sugars in the foods and drinks you consume mix with bacteria in your mouth. This creates a sticky, acidic substance that coats your teeth. You may see this substance if you look closely at your teeth in a mirror. Plaque coats your teeth and works to erode away your tooth enamel because plaque is acidic in nature. Your teeth may be hard, but over time, that plaque can thin out your enamel and cause openings in the tooth. This is when plaque gets inside your soft tooth center and causes rapid tooth decay.

 

beautiful smile

What Are Composite Fillings?

You may have had a tooth filling in the past that was made of metal. Dentistry continues to advance each year, and metal fillings truly are starting to be a “thing of the past”. This is because composite fillings exist and are much more aesthetically-pleasing for patients. Composite fillings are tooth-colored plastic and glass mixtures that are used to restore decayed teeth. When we remove a cavity, we remove a decayed and destroyed part of your tooth. For your mouth to function properly when chewing, biting, eating, and more, we must fill that area once again.

 

We do this by creating composite fillings for one or more teeth. Generally, we place a layer of composite filling and harden it with a special light. We do this over and over until the space is filled in your tooth. We shape composite fillings to fit the natural look of your teeth and we match the whiteness to the whiteness of your teeth. If you drink foods or drinks that stain the teeth, composite fillings can change color over time. However, we can also place a clear plastic coating over your composite fillings so that they don’t change color. Composite fillings are amazing and much more prefered over metal fillings because they don’t change the look of your mouth. If anything, they make your mouth better because composite fillings make your mouth healthier and that tooth decay has been removed.

 

Maintaining Great Oral Health

How well you take care of your mouth is an indication of how well you take care of the rest of your body. Your mouth is also a window to the rest of your body. You put food and drink through it all day long, you talk with your mouth, and you even make a first impression with your mouth via your smile. You want your health to be in tip-top shape so that your smile stays healthy and is something to remember—in a good way. Composite fillings help your oral health because they bond to your teeth to support your remaining tooth structure. They also help insulate the tooth to prevent sensitivity to temperature changes.

 

The ADA recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day. A good time to fulfill this recommendation is in the morning after eating breakfast and at night before you go to bed. However, you don’t have to just stick to brushing twice a day. Brush as often as you want with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing and flossing are the two best actions you can do to maintain great oral health. Seeing us at least twice a year will also help you to know if you have tooth decay or gum disease and what you can do about them.

 

A Healthy Smile for Life

It’s not hard to achieve a healthy smile. Brush and floss your teeth everyday and visit your dentist often. If you have cavities, make sure to have them treated as soon as possible. We can do this with composite resins so that your teeth continue to look natural and beautiful. If you would like to know more about our composite fillings, or if you need to schedule your exam, call Dr. Ania’s office at 303-443-0998!

Posted: December 15, 2017 By: Comment: 0

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