Improve Your Smile with Cosmetic Bonding

woman with a beautiful smile

Do you find that your smile is good, but not exactly great? There are many people that have great smiles, but ones that could use a bit of work. You don’t want to get extensive work done if you don’t need it, but you do want to get a better smile somehow. You can do this through cosmetic bonding! This is a service that can perfect a smile that only needs minor corrections. Cosmetic bonding can help fill dental cavities, improve stained teeth, repair chips and cracks, and more. Find out what cosmetic bonding can do for your smile and how to get started with your appointment today!

 

Improving Your Smile

Many people feel the desire to improve themselves in some way. It’s normal to want to be your best and to look your best. Unfortunately, how you look says a lot about how people perceive you. The parts of you that people notice first are your eyes and especially your smile. Some think, “is getting a better smile worth it?” Many studies have conducted research to find the answer to this question, and the answer is clear: improving your smile is definitely worth it.

 

Invisalign conducted one such study about appearance, confidence and your smile. Those who chose to receive dental services to get a more beautiful smile were perceived as being much more confident. Patients themselves often felt more confident with better smiles, and did everything with more confidence. Those with better smiles are are perceived as being happier, healthier, and even more trustworthy. When it came to employers, a potential employer was more likely to take an applicant that had a beautiful smile over one that didn’t. When it comes to improving your smile, it’s worth the small amount of time and money it takes to make the effort!

 

close-up of a woman's smile with perfect teeth

Alternatives for a Better Smile

There are various ways to go about getting a better smile through dental services. Some of those options include:

  • Porcelain Veneers: Many people want a perfect, white smile. However, most people have various colors of teeth and different sizes. Porcelain veneers are thin, porcelain shells that we place over your existing teeth that can make your smile even, straight, white and beautiful. This can be done in just 2 office visits.
  • Orthodontics: You can get a better smile through various orthodontic options. For teens and adults, your best option may be Invisalign transparent aligners. These are clear aligner retainers you change out every week. Slowly, your smile will become straighter and healthier.
  • Tooth-Colored Fillings: In the past, patients received metal fillings that contrasted with the white parts of your teeth. Now, most dental offices remove your tooth decay and fill the space with tooth-colored filling material.
  • Dental Cleanings: The best way to have a better smile is through keeping it clean and healthy. Not only should you brush and floss your teeth several times a day, but you should also receive biannual cleanings from your dentist. This can help keep your smile healthy and beautiful throughout life.
  • Dental Implants: The name says it all for this option. If you are missing a tooth, you don’t have to have a hole your smile! You can have a new, durable tooth custom-made to fit your mouth. You can receive a dental implant anywhere a tooth is missing, or a dental bridge if several teeth are missing in a row.
  • Cosmetic Bonding: This is a cosmetic dentistry option that can repair imperfections in your teeth without any extensive dental procedure.

 

A dentist using a blue light to set cosmetic bonding material in a patient's mouth

Cosmetic Bonding

This is the option we want to focus on, and is one that is very affordable for all patients. If you have a smile that is great, but just has a few imperfections here and there, you should consider receiving cosmetic bonding. Cosmetic bonding is one of the least expensive dental services you can get if you are looking to improve the appearance of your teeth. Most people don’t need to get veneers or extensive work done to have a beautiful smile. They may only need a small chip repaired or a tooth lengthened somewhat to fit in with the rest of the teeth. You want to use cosmetic bonding in those situations.

 

Bonding is the process of joining two things. In this case, we join a material to your teeth to improve the aesthetics of your smile. If you have a chip on a front tooth, we create a resin material that’s similar to putty and that blends into your natural tooth shade. We mold it to the area of your tooth missing so your tooth looks complete, and then we harden the cosmetic bonding substance. We can do this to:

  • Repair chipped or cracked teeth
  • Lengthen your teeth or improve your teeth shape
  • Close gaps between the teeth
  • Repair decayed teeth
  • Make teeth more even
  • Cover up discolored parts of your teeth

 

Improve Your Smile On a Dime

Getting a better smile doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank to do it. Cosmetic bonding rarely (if ever) involves dental anesthesia and only takes a few minutes. You can come into our office with a few imperfections and leave feeling like a completely new person. If you want to fix that small chip, gap or other tooth imperfection, give Dr. Ania’s office a call at 303-443-0998!

 

Posted: May 11, 2018 By: Comment: 0

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

Infant Oral Care Made Easy

A mother brushing her small infant's baby teeth

If you are a new parent, it might be difficult to know what to do when your baby’s teeth first come in. Some parents will have a teething baby right from the start, whereas others will have a 1-year-old that still lacks teeth. Baby bottles and breastfeeding can lead to cavities in small infants, so it’s especially important to follow infant oral care recommendations right from the beginning. Find out what those recommendations are and how to take care of your infant’s delicate baby teeth!

 

Your Baby’s Teeth

While a baby grows in the womb, they will form their 20 baby teeth. Those teeth will generally still be in the gums at birth, but will slowly start to pop through the gums as an infant ages. When a tooth comes into the mouth, it’s called an “eruption”. If someone says that “a first infant tooth has erupted”, it means that the first baby tooth has come in.

 

When a child starts to get their teeth, the teething process can be quite painful for your little one. The teeth literally have to break the gums apart in order to come in. No wonder it’s painful for a little baby to get teeth! Most children start to get their first tooth between 4 and 9 months. However, some children get their first few teeth earlier than this, or much later. It’s actually quite normal to have a baby that is over a year old without teeth. It all depends on genetics. If both parents got their teeth early-on, then their child might get teeth early too.

 

When your baby starts the teething process, you can generally expect them to be fussy, up at night, and drooling more often. Some babies refuse to eat or drink much, will gnaw or chew on everything, and some will struggle to sleep. Help your baby through this process with baby pain-relief medicine, cold teething toys, and lots of cuddles.

 

A dentist examining an infant's mouth

Baby Teeth Eruption

Getting teeth is an exciting stage of life for infants. They can start eating a bigger variety of food and they are one step closer to developing speech. These things take time, just as getting all the baby teeth take time. A baby will have 20 total teeth come into the mouth, which is vastly different than an adult’s 32 teeth. Those baby teeth will be smaller and more spaced out. As your child grows, the jaws will also grow. There are wider spaces between the baby teeth to make room for adult teeth that will come in later.

 

Your child will have the teeth come into the mouth in a certain order. First, the bottom 2 teeth, then the top 2, then the next 2 on bottom, and on top. This happens until all 20 come in. However, don’t want for an infant to get all their baby teeth before you start taking care of them! Start off infant oral care as soon as you see the top of that first baby tooth. The baby teeth are very delicate and are extremely susceptible to decay. Use the following infant oral care tips to avoid tooth decay and oral health problems.

 

Infant Oral Care Tips

As soon as your baby has their first tooth (even a tiny tip of a tooth), infant oral care measures need to begin. Start wiping your baby’s mouth after every feeding with a damp cloth. This cleans away sugars from the gums and tooth surface. Continue doing this as they get their teeth. The more teeth they get, it may be easier to start brushing with an infant brush. Do this several times a day, just as you wiped their gums with a cloth. Infant oral care is just as important as adult oral hygiene measures. The recommendation by the ADA is to brush at least twice a day and to floss at least once a day.

 

For an infant, you may want to brush after every meal, as the teeth are more delicate than adult, permanent teeth. Never put a baby down with their bottle to sleep, as long exposure to milk sugars quickly leads to “baby bottle tooth decay”. This is a rapid decay of the baby teeth, and they need those baby teeth for several years. When infants get their tooth fully in their mouth, begin brushing measures. Brush with a rice-sized amount of toothpaste (or smaller if there’s only 1 tooth or so). Wipe an infant’s mouth clean or teach them how to swish water and spit. You will have to brush your child’s teeth day and night for the first few years if you want to avoid tooth decay.

 

Start flossing once your child’s teeth start to be so close together that you can’t pass the toothbrush bristles between the teeth. Use flossers until your child is old enough to learn how to floss properly. As with everything else, you set the example for your child. If you are brushing and flossing, they will see it and will want to brush and floss as well.

 

A mother brushing her infant's teeth

Dental Visits Start Out Early

The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry both advise that dental visits should start within 6 months of an infant getting their first tooth. The first few dental visits for children are very simple are help establish a solid base for your child with the dentist. As all the baby teeth come in, a dentist can see if they are coming in correctly. If not, child orthodontics may be needed to correct bite and alignment issues. These are common issues in children that can be easily corrected with some time with braces. Monitoring infant oral care is the best way for their mouth to stay healthy. That means you take care of their teeth several times a day at home, and we take care of them in our office. If you would like to learn about an infant’s first dental visit, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998!

Posted: April 19, 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

Why Tooth Sensitivity Happens

Woman with a toothache

Have you ever bitten down on food and suddenly felt pain in a tooth? Tooth sensitivity and pain can happen suddenly or it can come on gradually over time. It depends on what is causing your tooth to be sensitive. Grinding teeth and daily habits can wear down your teeth over time, causing sensitivity. However, gum recession and tooth decay are the biggest culprits when it comes to that pain in your tooth. Find out why tooth sensitivity happens and what you can do to combat it!

 

The Makeup of Your Teeth

Your teeth are the hardest substance in your body, even harder than bone. They are made up of about 96% mineral, most of which is calcium and phosphate. Even though the teeth are hard, you can still get problems such as tooth sensitivity when inner layers of the teeth are irritated.

 

The outer layer of your teeth is the hard enamel. This is the hard part of your tooth. Inside that layer is the dentin, which is a bit softer. This is the layer that surrounds your tooth root, as your hard enamel is only on the crown of your teeth, or the part you can see. The dentin is also that yellow inside that tends to start showing through as a person ages. Inside the dentin is the tooth pulp. This is the sensitive tooth center that houses delicate blood vessels and nerves. When you get tooth sensitivity, it’s those nerves that signal to you to you that something is wrong. If you get tooth sensitivity, that means there’s some sort of problem with your teeth that needs to be addressed.

 

woman drinking water that has tooth pain

Problems with the Teeth

Even though your teeth are primarily made up of hard material, they still have a soft center that is very sensitive. Plus, your hard tooth enamel can weaken and erode over time depending on the foods and drinks you consume. If you take care of your teeth, they can maintain their hardness throughout life. However, if you don’t practice good oral hygiene, your teeth can actually become very weak and brittle.

 

When you eat, sugar mixes with mouth bacteria and makes plaque. That plaque is very sticky and acidic in nature, and if it sits on your teeth, it erodes the hard outer enamel. Without proper brushing and flossing, you will start to have small cracks and fissures in your teeth. That’s how plaque and bacteria get in. This leads to many problems with the teeth such as tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay is also known as “cavities” and is a part of a tooth where bacteria and acidic plaque have decayed your enamel. In fact, tooth sensitivity is an indication of hidden tooth decay or internal tooth infection.

 

What Exactly Is Tooth Sensitivity?

No matter how hard your teeth are, they can still become incredibly sensitive. We stated that tooth decay is a major reason you might have tooth sensitivity. When your tooth is getting eaten away by acidic plaque, it’s bound to make your tooth sensitive. You may not feel your tooth sensitivity until a surface cavity has become an internal cavity. This is because of that soft, pulpy center that’s become infected. The infection signals your nerves that something is wrong, and your tooth begins to hurt. If your tooth sensitivity is caused from tooth decay, there is no way to truly get rid of it unless you have a dentist fix it.

 

A dentist will have to go in and remove all of the decayed part of the tooth, plus the infection if there is any. If there is an infection, you may need a root canal, which is a cleaning of the entire tooth root. Tooth sensitivity can also come from a cracked or fractured tooth, old fillings that break, worn or thin tooth enamel and an exposed tooth root. Fillings are not meant to last forever. If you bite down on hard foods and an old filling comes out, you may have slight tooth sensitivity. If you break or fracture a tooth, this is a serious dental problem, as it quickly leads to infection. Call us right away if you know you’ve broken a tooth or if you have a bad toothache. It must be fixed or infection will build up quickly and can even go to your blood stream.

 

Woman having her teeth looked at by a dentist and hygienist

Fix Tooth Sensitivity

An exposed tooth root can also cause tooth sensitivity and is due to gum recession. You get this if you don’t brush and floss enough. Your gums will become irritated and will start to recede. Then, your dentin layer of your tooth becomes exposed, and your tooth will hurt with hot and cold. That includes hot and cold air as well as liquid. You get seasonal tooth sensitivity for this reason. If your teeth are more sensitive in the winter with winter air and being around heaters, use a sensitive toothpaste. We also have liquids that we can coat your teeth with to provide 6-12 months of sensitivity relief for exposed tooth roots.

 

The only real way to know the true cause of your tooth sensitivity is to see the dentist. A dentist can check for cracks, breaks, tooth decay and gum problems. Then, they can provide rapid treatment to fix the problem. Teeth can become sensitive with treatments such as teeth whitening. Reduce that sensitivity by having your whitening done in one session in-office instead of with over-the-counter products. Also, watch your use of acidic foods (citrus and sodas) that weaken teeth and cause decay. Whenever tooth sensitivity strikes, call Dr. Ania’s office right away at 303-443-0998 to get your pain under control!

Posted: April 6, 2018 By: Comment: 0

Improve Your Sleep with Dental Services

person who is in bed and very tired

Do you wake up in the morning with a sore mouth or a headache? Fatigue can cause headaches, but it won’t cause you sore teeth and jaws. The problem is most likely bruxism, or grinding your teeth. Other oral health issues such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems can also disrupt your sleep and your day as well. Many patients only grind their teeth at night and don’t realize that is what is causing their problems. Patients similarly don’t realize they have problems with TMJ or sleep apnea unless they visit a dentist. We have dental services that can help correct these problems, helping you to have a better night’s rest and a brighter day pain-free!

 

Want to Improve Your Sleep?

Many people have trouble sleeping, but they don’t know the cause of their problems. There is generally a cause for bad sleep or for waking up with symptoms such as a headache. A good night’s rest should leave you feeling rested and ready to take on a new day. If you feel sluggish or wake up often with teeth or face pain—especially a headache—there could be more going on during your sleep than you know.

 

Many people have sleep problems that they are unaware of because they happen in the night. Some people grind their teeth, which lead to worn-down teeth, broken teeth, headaches and more. We provide nighttime guards for patients who have problems with grinding, clenching and similar jaw problems. TMJ is another problem which means “temporomandibular joint” disorder. This is the joint that helps your jaws move on a hinge. Dysfunction of this joint can lead to chronic pain in patients. However, a dental device can stop that pain from happening. Bruxism and TMJ are not life-threatening sleep problems. However, sleep apnea is. Millions of people have sleep apnea problems that are contributing to their poor sleep, and many people aren’t diagnosed.

 

man that has jaw pain

Sleep Apnea and Sleep Problems

Sleep apnea can be a serious condition where a person stops breathing during the night while they are sleeping. That is what the “apnea” means: breathing pauses during the night. These pauses in breathing can go on all night long and can cause a person to not be able to reach a deep enough level of sleep to get a good night’s rest. It also causes low blood oxygen levels that can hurt health in countless ways. Many people who snore at night have some level of sleep apnea, which is why they snore. Some people can snore so loud struggling for breath that it disrupts the sleep of their partners or children. Reported symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Loud or continuous snoring
  • Countless pauses in breathing throughout the night, which can be short or long (such as a minute)
  • Restless sleep and excessive daytime fatigue
  • Struggling or gasping for air during the night
  • Frequent bathroom visits during the night
  • Daytime headaches that are worse in the morning
  • Irritability, mood problems, depression and poor concentration

About 5-10% of people have some form of sleep apnea or similar sleeping problem. Many people do not have their sleep problems diagnosed. This can be very damaging to a person’s health. Those who have sleep problems are 6 times more likely to be involved in a serious car accident due to lack of sleep that leads to lack of concentration, slow reaction time and more.

 

Improve Your Sleep with Mouth Appliances

Studies show that a simple dental device can improve your sleep immensely, especially if you suffer from a sleep problem such as sleep apnea. There is even an American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine because sleep problems are so common in millions of Americans. Researchers have found that a person’s airways close off in certain ways while they are sleeping, which causes their breathing and sleep problems. Dental devices—such as the one we custom-make for you at Dr. Ania’s office—positions your mouth in a way that makes it so your airway can’t get cut off. These appliances are like mouth guards that athletes wear and can be similar to an orthodontic retainer.

 

These oral devices keep your jaws in a forward position during the night so your airway stays open. Because we custom-make these dental devices, they will be comfortable for you to wear. These mouth guards will become second nature for you over time. They also fit the shape of your teeth, which can maintain a straight position through the years much like a retainer. You get both a mouthguard for your sleep problems and a retainer for your teeth all in one device! Even after one night of wearing your dental device, you will see that you are more alert and awake during the day and you will feel much more rested. Over time, you will experience better health from better sleep.

person putting a dental device in their mouth

Our Recommendations

Many people are not aware of the impact that poor sleep can have on their health. A lack of sleep significantly raises your health risk for chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart attack, depression, anxiety and more. Severe sleep apnea—where a person stops breathing for long periods of time—can even lead to death in some cases. Many people seek out large breathing machines, surgery and other forms of intervention. However, a less invasive way to remedy sleep problems is with a dental sleep apnea device. Instead of choosing expensive methods to improve your sleep, you can improve your sleep with simple dental services. It’s worth your time to try it out! Call Dr. Ania’s office at 303-443-0998 to learn more about how you can improve your sleep and wake up feeling rested!

 

Posted: April 3, 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

Why Do You Have Bad Breath?

Older man with bad breath talking to a child

Do you have bad breath or think that you might? Many people worry about having bad breath when most people have little to no odor on their breath. However, there are also many others that actually do have bad breath and don’t know it. The odor of your breath can signal the type of underlying cause you have for your breath. Most people can avoid problems with their breath if they stick to an oral hygiene routine and remember to brush their tongue. Others won’t be able to rid themselves of a mouth odor unless they address a specific oral health problem. Find out the reasons you might have bad breath and what you can do to make it go away!

 

What Is Bad Breath?

Bad breath is something that everyone has dealt with at some point or another. Studies show that Americans spend over $10 billion dollars a year on oral hygiene products to keep their mouth clean and their breath smelling fresh. One of those reasons is to keep bad breath under control. Simply eating certain foods such as garlic or onions can give you foul-smelling breath that you yourself can smell. However, that smell will go away if it’s simply from food.

 

Only about 25% of people actually have bad breath that sticks around. This type of bad breath is clinically termed “halitosis” and is generally the result of poor oral hygiene. Bad breath starts in the mouth, and for people who have this as a chronic problem, it is a sign that something is wrong. There are many causes of bad breath. You will have to seek the help of a medical or dental professional to determine the exact cause if you have bad breath that’s not caused by food or oral hygiene problems.

 

Doctor holding a sign that says "halitosis"

What Causes the Smell?

There are many causes of bad breath that include:

  • Tooth Decay – Tooth decay is perhaps the most common cause of bad breath. You know this term by other words such as “cavity” or “dental caries”. When you eat, sugars in your food mix with mouth bacteria to form plaque, a sticky, acidic substance that sticks to teeth. If you don’t brush and floss daily, that plaque will erode your teeth and decay them, causing a foul odor.
  • Gum Disease – This goes hand-in-hand with tooth decay. Plaque sticks to the teeth right at the gumline. If you don’t brush and floss, plaque’s acidic nature will irritate your gums, causing them to be red, swollen and irritated. They may even bleed easier and will start to recede. Gum disease can make bad breath from tooth decay even worse.
  • Poor Oral Hygiene – Tooth decay and gum disease are caused from poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss or see the dentist, you will likely get one or both of these problems, which can become quite chronic.
  • Certain Foods – Garlic, onions, and many different spices will give your breath a different smell. However, if your bad breath is caused from food, it should go away soon after, especially if you brush your teeth and tongue.
  • Tobacco or Alcohol Use – Tobacco products (especially chewing tobacco) will cause countless problems in your body and your mouth is no exception. Alcohol will also give you bad breath and will cause you tooth decay, among many other problems. Avoid both if you want to keep your mouth and body healthy and if you want to avoid bad breath.
  • Medical Conditions – Acid reflux will give many people bad breath because there are acids constantly coming up towards your mouth. Diabetes, liver and kidney diseases, sinus infections, lung or throat problems and more will also give you bad breath. If your bad breath is chronic and you have good hygiene, seek help from a medical professional to determine if a medical condition is causing your bad breath.

 

Family brushing their teeth together

Preventing Common Oral Health Problems

You largely determine if you will have chronic bad breath or not. Choosing to eat foods that are free of garlic, onions and spices can reduce mild smelly breath. Eating healthy can help reduce chronic conditions you have that affect the mouth. However, as we mention, bad breath starts in your mouth. You have to have great oral hygiene habits to avoid tooth decay and gum disease, which are major causes of foul breath. The American Dental Association recommends that every person brush at least twice a day, if not after every meal. Brush for 2 minutes at a time, and then floss your teeth, making sure to scrape the teeth to rid them of plaque.

 

These two habits alone will significantly reduce your risk for smelly breath. Seeing the dentist at least biannually for comprehensive exams and dental cleanings can help to completely clean your mouth. If you have bad breath that doesn’t go away, we will help you determine the cause and treat any tooth decay that is present.

 

Break Free From Bad Breath

You have 1440 minutes in a day. You only have to use 2 minutes a few times a day to keep your mouth clean. That very short amount of time can help you avoid many chronic oral health problems. You would think that it would be so simple for people to take that time, but studies show that many people don’t brush or floss during the day. If that is you, make a resolution to start having great oral health. It will likely help you get rid of bad breath and will make your mouth and the rest of your body cleaner and healthier. If you would like to be seen by a dentist, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998!

Posted: March 12, 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

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