do-children-need-dental-crowns

Do Children Need Dental Crowns? 

Since children go through phases of developing teeth, from the primary to permanent teeth, it can get complicated to understand the dental work that they truly do need. One of the questions parents have is whether or not children need dental crowns.

Sometimes, a child may need dental crowns to protect primary (baby) teeth that are broken or have cavities. Primary teeth are essential to making sure that the adult (permanent) teeth grow in correctly. Here is what a crown is — and why it might be needed to protect your child’s smile. 

Children and Dental Crowns 

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease that affects children. When a child develops a cavity, it’s important to act fast to prevent it from causing tooth loss. Even though it’s a primary tooth, it has a big job in holding the correct space for the adult tooth to take over one day. 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry explains that larger cavities, which are ones often associated with broken-down teeth and infection into the nerve of a tooth, require the strength and protection of a dental crown. This is because larger cavities present a greater risk of:

  • Pain 
  • Tooth loss
  • Serious infection
  • High costs that come along with recurring cavities 

Further, based on a number of different studies, dental crowns are durable. Stainless steel crowns are the restoration of choice where there is extensive decay in primary teeth. They can prolong the life of a tooth when re-treatment would require sedation or general anesthesia with its attendant risks and expense. 

Dangers of Cavities in Children 

If a child has a cavity that goes untreated, it can lead to pain and infection that can cause issues with how they eat, speak, play, and even learn. The CDC explains that children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children with healthy smiles. Staggering statistics of children with cavities include:

  • About 1 in 5 children from the ages of 5 to 11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth. 
  • 1 in 7 adolescents from ages 12 to 19 have at least one untreated decayed tooth.

While this is one of the most common childhood health issues, it is completely preventable.

Preventing Cavities in Children

As parents and caregivers, there is a lot you can do to help set your children up with healthy teeth and gums. The CDC provides tips on what you can do to protect their smiles: 

For babies

Wipe their gums twice a day with a soft, clean cloth in the morning after the first feeding and right before bed. This will help remove bacteria and sugar that can cause cavities. When their first teeth begin to come in, begin brushing twice a day with a soft, small-bristle toothbrush and plain water (no toothpaste). You should take your child into the dentist once they receive their first tooth, or by the time they turn one, whichever comes first. At this appointment, your dentist will give you further tips and talk to you about the benefits of adding in small amounts of fluoride to protect their teeth. Always talk to your dentist before you begin using fluoride on children younger than two years old. 

For children 

Once your child has most of their baby teeth, you should be brushing their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Further, in many communities across the United States, the tap water contains fluoride. Drinking tap water can be beneficial for their teeth. During this stage, talk with your dentist about the use of dental sealants to further protect their teeth. 

You should help your child brush their teeth until they are about six years old. If they can do it alone, make sure you watch them for a while to make sure they are doing it properly. They should be brushing their teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and always spit it out (not swallow it). 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

If you are interested in learning about dental crowns, sealants, or about other dental health options for your children, make an appointment to come see Dr. Ania here in Boulder, Colorado. In our practice, we want to make sure that you and your entire family are set up with a healthy smile for life. Whether you’re a child or an adult, you can trust that you’ll feel comfortable under Dr. Ania’s care. Make an appointment with us today by calling (303)-872-9940.

 

Posted: May 27, 2021 By: Comment: 0
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Porcelain Veneers: Are Instant Orthodontics Too Good To Be True? 

If you have always dreamed of changing your smile quickly, Dr. Ania is here for you. Dr. Ania offers porcelain veneers. Instant orthodontics, also known as porcelain veneers, can quickly change your smile. If you have misshapen or stained teeth, this is a way to easily take your smile back. Read on to learn who best benefits from veneers — and how they can give you a brand new smile almost instantly. 

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers thin, custom shells of tooth-colored materials that are made to cover the front surface of your original teeth. These porcelain shells are bonded to the front of a patient’s natural-born teeth to change their appearance for the color, shape, and size they desire. 

The Best Candidates for Porcelain Veneers

While we refer to this procedure sometimes as ‘instant orthodontics,’ it is not able to correct every dental health issue a patient could have. Patients who have one of the following problems with their smile are likely to be good candidates for porcelain veneers:

  • Discolored teeth due to reasons like: root canal treatment, stains from tetracycline or other medications, excessive fluoride, large resin fillings, and other causes.
  • Teeth that are worn down.
  • Chipped or broken teeth. 
  • Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth (like teeth that have craters or bulges in them). 
  • Teeth with gaps between them (veneers can close the space between the teeth).

The benefits of dental veneers include that they:

  • Provide a natural tooth appearance.
  • Are tolerated well by the gums.
  • Can make your teeth appear whiter.
  • Generally don’t require as much shaping as crowns do, yet they are stronger and tend to look even better. 

The Prep

Veneers aren’t done in only one appointment, however, it doesn’t take too long to redo your smile with this treatment. When you come in for your first appointment, Dr. Ania will discuss with you what will work best for your smile and how many veneers you will actually need. Typically, veneers are not placed on every single tooth in the mouth. Rather, they are only placed on the teeth that show when you smile. 

Then, your dentist will often take X-rays to evaluate the health of your teeth. If there are any signs of decay, gum disease, or other health issues, veneers may not be able to be used on your smile. 

One you have the green light to get the veneers, Dr. Ania will trim down a small part of your tooth before they take an impression of your teeth. This mold will then be sent to a lab and your veneers will be created. 

The Procedure

When your veneers are sent to the lab, we can expect them to come back within two weeks. Once your veneers come in, we will call you to schedule your appointment to come in to have them bonded to your teeth. 

When you come in for the procedure, your dentist will evaluate the fit, shape, and coloration of the veneers to make sure that they are the perfect fit. Once the fit is confirmed, we will clean your teeth before using a grinding tool to create a rough texture on each tooth so the veneer can be easily attached. 

Next, Dr. Ania will use a dental cement to bind the veneer to your tooth. We will finish by using an ultraviolet light to harden this cement quickly. 

How to Care for Veneers 

Caring for veneers begins as soon as you walk out of the dentist office. According to Healthline, porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years depending on how well you care for them. To best care for them, they suggest to take the following precautions:

  • Don’t chew on hard objects like pens, ice, or even your fingernails.
  • Never use your teeth to open packaging of any sort. 
  • Try to not chew using your front teeth. Rather, eat harder foods with your back teeth only. If needed, cut food into small pieces so this is possible. 
  • If you grind or clench your teeth at night, you will need to get a night guard to protect the veneers. 
  • When playing sports, always wear a custom-fit mouthguard to protect your smile — whether you have veneers or not. 

Learn More About Porcelain Veneers with Dr. Ania

If you’re ready to learn what instant orthodontics can do for your smile, we encourage you to make an appointment with Dr. Ania today. Current technology and materials enable us to create veneers that are truly life-like. Call us today at (303)-872-9940. 

 

Posted: May 21, 2021 By: Comment: 0

At-home and professional TMJ disorder treatment options for Boulder, Colorado area patients

Dr. Ania Mohelicki of Boulder, Colorado is a dental professional in the community that works with patients who are dealing with a variety of dental concerns. This includes patients who have been diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder, sometimes referred to as TMJ disorder or TMD. 

What is TMJ disorder/TMD? 

The temporomandibular joint is an important joint in the mouth. This is the jaw joint that connects the upper and lower jaw together. It is responsible for helping patients eat, speak, yawn, and laugh. If the joint becomes problematic, patients often experience a wide range of symptoms that may impact their day-to-day lives. These include: 

  • Pain and discomfort around the joint
  • Popping and locking of the jaw joint
  • Ear pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain
  • Inflammation of the joint and surrounding tissues
  • Clicking of the jaw joint while chewing food
  • Chronic headaches and migraines

What can be done to treat and address the complications associated with TMJ disorder? 

  • At-home options for addressing TMJ disorder – some ways patients can help alleviate concerns of the TMJ joint and TMD include the use of over-the-counter medications for pain and inflammation, heat and cold therapy, and a diet that is comprised of softer foods that don’t irritate already sore joints.
  • Professorial treatment options for TMJ disorder – in some instances, patients often need the assistance of a dental professional to address their pain and discomfort. Professional options for treatment may include pain medication injections, the use of prescription medications for help with inflammation, the use of a night guard or other oral appliance to align the jaw, and in some cases, dental or orthodontic work to address the alignment of the teeth and bite. During an evaluation with Dr. Ania Mohelicki, patients will find out if they can benefit from either at-home lifestyle changes or professional treatment options.

Call Dr. Ania Mohelicki today 

If you are interested in learning more about your temporomandibular joint or are struggling with problems, it is time to connect with Dr. Ania Mohelicki and her team by calling 303-443-0998 and scheduling a visit at 2919 Valmont Road, Suite #106 in Boulder, Colorado.     

Posted: May 15, 2021 By:
why-your-jaw-could-be-causing-your-headaches

TMJ Disorders: Why Your Jaw Could be Causing Your Headaches

Headaches, jaw joint pain or noise, limited mouth-opening, ear congestion, dizziness, clenching or grinding, neck pain, teeth sensitivity or insomnia? All of these symptoms could indicate issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Here is what you need to know about TMJ disorders.

TMJ Disorders and Headaches

When you have a headache, you probably don’t immediately think your jaw is the cause, however, it could be. The TMJ in the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. It’s because of this joint that you’re able to talk, eat, and even laugh each day. This joint enables your jaw to move up and down side to side. Healthline explains that due to the hinge and sliding motions, this joint is more complicated than other joints in the body and can cause a variety of symptoms in the event something is wrong. Headaches are one of those symptoms. 

While it’s not exactly known just why headaches come along with TMJ disorders, it is most likely due to the teeth grinding and clenching. The muscles of the TMJ run along your jaw and cheeks, sometimes these muscles can also be the source of the pain. When the muscles in your jaw tense up, like when you grind your teeth, the pain can spread to other TMJ muscles in your head and result in a headache. 

Signs of TMJ Disorders 

Along with headaches, TMJ disorders can also come with other symptoms. These additional symptoms can include:

  • Pain or tenderness of your jaw
  • Pain in one or both of the temporomandibular joints 
  • Aching pain in and around your ear
  • Difficulty chewing or pain while chewing
  • Aching facial pain
  • Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open and close your mouth 

Further, TMJ disorders can cause a ‘clicking’ sound or grating sensation when you open your mouth or eat. However, if you don’t have pain or limitation of movement associated with the clicking noise, you might not necessarily need treatment for a TMJ disorder. 

What to Know about TMJ Disorders

While the term TMJ is reflective of an early notion that these disorders originated in the joint itself, more recent knowledge has shown that the true cause of joint problems often lies elsewhere. That, combined with the fact that the term TMJ doesn’t describe a disorder, we now use the exclusive term ‘TMD’ which stands for temporomandibular disorder. 

Damage to these joints as a result of accidents or arthritis can be quite obvious. As other pain conditions of the head and neck can be associated with this joint, treatments frequently focus on the joint itself. However, the many signs of symptoms of TMD can often lead the patient to a physician prior to seeking dental consultation. However, seeing the dentist for this pain is usually the best option.

With modern technology, dentists have been able to run further diagnostics to better determine the source of an issue. Joint issues are frequently related to misalignment of the teeth, which can in turn cause a misaligned joint. 

Your bite can be a factor in many types of pain and functional problems because of the inter-relationships of the overall musculoskeletal system. Through new technology, we can evaluate your bite and determine if it is what is leading to your TMJ pain. 

TMD Treatment Options

When you come in for TMJ pain, we will begin by examining the mouth through X-rays, CT scans, or even an MRI. If you do have TMD, the following treatment options could help you:

  • Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. If over the counter medications aren’t enough to relieve your TMJ pain, your doctor or dentist may prescribe stronger pain relievers for a limited time.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants. These medications, though mostly used for depression, can help for pain relief and bruxism (teeth grinding) control in small doses.
  • Muscle relaxants. This type of medicine can be used for a few days to relieve pain caused by muscle spasms. 
  • Mouth guards. Patients with TMD often benefit from wearing a mouth guard to protect their teeth from grinding or clenching. 
  • Physical therapy. Exercises and gentle stretching can help strengthen the jaw muscles along with heat and ice.
  • Botox injections. These can help paralyze the jaw muscles temporarily for pain relief. 
  • Bite correction. Correcting a misaligned bite can help relieve pressure on the jaw and the joint. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania 

If you believe you could be suffering from pain due to TMD, make an appointment with Dr. Ania today. Call us today at (303)-872-9940 to learn how we can best help you and your pain. 

 

Posted: May 12, 2021 By: Comment: 0
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National Dental Care Month: Using Preventative Dentistry to Protect Your Smile 

May is National Dental Care month. One of the best ways to care for your smile is by taking part in preventative dentistry. Preventative dentistry, like national dental care month, is here to help you learn and take the steps necessary to protect the integrity of your smile. 

What is Preventative Dentistry?

Preventative dentistry is a realm of dental care that centers around helping patients maintain good oral health. It is used in conjunction with regular dental checkups and proper at-home dental hygiene to keep your teeth healthy from childhood through the rest of your life. 

Preventative Dentistry at Home

For the most part, preventative dental care starts with how well you care for your smile at home. When you practice good oral health habits at home you reduce your risk for a number of common dental ailments that are easily preventable. The basics of preventative dentistry at home include:

  • Brushing your teeth twice a day, morning and night, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. If you’re not sure what toothpaste to use, your dentist can recommend a brush for you and can also show you proper brushing technique. 
  • Flossing daily to get food that’s stuck between the teeth before it turns to plaque. 
  • Using a mouthwash to rinse out food particles after flossing. 
  • Avoid acidic foods that can harm tooth enamel.
  • Be careful with eating hard food like candies, or food with bones, seeds or pits that could damage or chip teeth.
  • Don’t smoke or use tobacco products. These products can lead to cancer and other dental problems.
  • Use a mouthguard when playing sports. 
  • Wearing a nighttime mouth guard if you grind your teeth at night to reduce gum recession. 

Professional Preventative Dentistry

In addition to the care you take at home, your dentist is your best resource for preventative dentistry. At the dentist office, a number of different procedures can be included within preventative dental care. First, protecting your smile includes getting professional cleanings to help remove plaque and tartar from the teeth that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and further health issues. Additionally, preventative care includes oral exams, X-rays, and cancer screenings, too.  

Preventative Care for Children

Just like adults need preventative dentistry, children do too. In fact, it’s highly recommended for kids. This begins with early exams and cleaning before bacteria can even accumulate to help them maintain healthy dental health for life. In children, preventive care includes:

  • Fluoride treatments: these treatments help strengthen the tooth enamel during the years when children are more susceptible to cavities.
  • Sealants: dental sealants help protect the molars (the back teeth). Sealants are painted onto the top surface of the teeth to prevent decay. When sealants are applied on the molars when they first come in, they can prevent cavities for life, reducing cavities by nearly 80% in the molars. 
  • Orthodontic care: as their adult teeth come in, children may need orthodontics to correct or prevent misalignment. 

Benefits of Preventative Dentistry 

Prioritizing dental care before problems arise can offer a variety of benefits for your oral health. Benefits of preventative care include: 

  • Lowering your risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and more serious dental problems.
  • Helps promote good oral hygiene habits, like brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing.
  • Early identification of dental problems that can help you minimize treatment and cost.
  • Enables your dentist to do a full exam of your mouth, jaw, neck, and more to identify any problems.
  • Helps reduce dental problems related to chronic medical conditions. Diabetes, osteoporosis, certain cancers, and eating disorders can all have an effect on your dental health. For people with these conditions, regular dental care is an important part of protecting their overall health. 

Overall Health

Certain conditions, like high cholesterol and diabetes, along with certain medications can affect dental health. Further, research has found that people with certain oral health problems, like gum disease, are at an increased risk for cardiovascular issues like stroke or heart attack. This is why an important aspect of preventative care is letting your dentist know of your complete health history so that you can be properly monitored and treated. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

We pride ourselves in customizing every aspect of your dental care. From your cleanings to your exam, our team will spend a lot of time educating you about your gum health and how to best maintain a healthy smile for years to come. To make an appointment, contact us here or by calling us at (303)-872-9940. 

 

Posted: May 7, 2021 By: Comment: 0
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Dental Botox: What Does it Do?

For many years, people have known that Botox is beneficial for cosmetic reasons. However, it hasn’t been until recent years that people have begun to discover the wonders it can do for your oral health. Read on to learn more about dental Botox.

With Dr. Ania, you can experience the dental benefits of Botox. Here is what you need to know about the treatment and conditions it could help you with. Now you can gain confidence from the inside out with the help of Botox and dermal filler treatments with Dr. Ania. 

What is Botox?

Botox and dermal fillers are cosmetic injection treatments that can assist with fine lines and wrinkles — but it can even assist with dental care. 

Medical News Today explains that Botox contains purified bacteria that can freeze muscles. When this happens, it minimizes fine lines and wrinkles caused by facial experience. However, it can also help relax the muscles that can contribute to pain caused by muscle tension, clenching, and more. 

It is an FDA-approved purified protein that, when injected into targeted muscles, can temporarily block nerve signals that cause muscle movements. The untreated areas of the face will continue to contract in a normal fashion, leaving your expression unaffected. 

What is Dermal Filler?

Dermal filler contains ingredients that add fullness back into the face that have thinned with age. As we get older, our skin begins to lose collagen filled with hyaluronic acid. Collagen and hyaluronic acid add structure and volume to the face, therefore when we are missing hyaluronic acid the skin can sag and wrinkle. These smooth, injectable gels are made from naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid. Dermal fillers add volume to these deficient areas to restore your face and add a more natural, youthful appearance. 

What Can Botox Help With?

The cosmetic benefits of Botox include treating dynamic wrinkles and expression lines. The most common lines treated by Medical News Today explains are the lines between the eyebrows, horizontal lines on the forehead, and crow’s feet around the eyes. These lines are usually appear due to how we smile, frown, squint, and show other emotions. 

In dentistry, Botox can help with:

  • Headache pain resulting from muscle tension in the head, face, and neck.
  • Headaches resulting from bite issues such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome.
  • Persistent clenching and grinding of the teeth.
  • “Gummy” smiles that are caused by over-retracted upper lips.
  • Upside-down smiles (as it takes more muscles to form compared to smiling).
  • Lip lines and puckered chins. 

Botox and TMJ

Botox is beginning to be used as a treatment for TMJ disorders and the jaw pain that comes along with it. When injected into these facial muscles, it can relieve the tension and pain associated with TMJ pain. The American Academy of Facial Esthetics explains how it works:

Located on each side of the head at the point where the jawbone meets the skull is the temporomandibular joint. This joint is used during talking, eating, and swallowing. If the joint becomes displaced or overworked due to teeth grinding, a person may suffer from uncomfortable symptoms like headaches and sharp jaw pain. Botox can relieve jaw tension by making these muscles unable to engage in the powerful movement of the jaw that most people don’t even realize they’re doing. 

Receiving this treatment is quick, easy, and effective. It is a non-invasive procedure, meaning that there is no downtime and you’re able to resume your normal everyday tasks immediately. Only the areas injected in the face will relax, which means the rest of your face and body will continue functioning as normal. Many patients will begin noticing relief of their symptoms in 1 to 2 days, although some patients may not experience relief for upwards of a week. 

Botox injections typically remain effective for 3-6 months, and then they will need to be reapplied for optimal results. 

Get Botox with Dr. Ania 

Radiate beauty from the inside out with Botox and dermal fillers from Dr. Ania. A meter of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE), Dr. Ania is highly trained in the anatomy of the head, neck, and oral cavity and is the best person to assist you with your Botox needs. In one quick appointment, you could see the esthetic results of Botox which can last up to six months. If you are ready to experience the dental benefits of Botox, call our office today at (303)-872-9940 to schedule an appointment. 

 

Posted: April 29, 2021 By: Comment: 0
what-are-dental-lasers-for

What Are Dental Lasers For? The Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Brushing and flossing are a major part of cavity prevention, but this is only part of what helps you maintain a healthy smile. Laser dentistry is a more modern advancement in dentistry that allows Dr. Ania and our team use diode laser energy to deep clean and remove gum tissue that has been infected with bacteria. These are all the benefits of laser dentistry, and why you should make an appointment for a laser appointment today. 

What is Laser Dentistry?

Sometimes in dentistry, lasers are used to remove or change hard and soft tissues in a number of dental procedures. In this article, we’ll discuss the type of lasers that could be used at your next dentist appointment. 

Soft Tissue Lasers

The use of soft tissue lasers uses pulsed beams of concentrated energy that allows Dr. Ania to enhance your gum health. Soft tissue lasers can treat cold sores, cavities, enhance a smile by reshaping the gums, eliminate benign tumors, whiten teeth, and more. This laser has two main functions: laser decontamination (cleaning) and therapy (vaporization of diseased tissue). Using these in dentistry can prevent bacteria from settling, which means after your bacteria removal, your gums will have a better chance to properly heal because the tissue is not as vulnerable to new bacteria settling in. 

Hard Tissue Lasers

This type is used to cut ‘hard’ tissues in the mouth, like the teeth. Colgate explains that they are primarily used to help remove tooth decay, prepare cavities for filling, prepare a tooth for a root canal and etch the enamel so a filling can bond to it. Hard tissue lasers often help reduce the need for anesthesia and the chance of overheating parts of the tooth like the pulp. However, these lasers may also extend the time needed for treatment due to the precise nature of laser cutting. 

What Can Laser Dentistry Help With? 

Lasers can assist with a number of procedures aimed at both the hard and soft tissues of the mouth.

Common soft tissue procedures include:

  • Treating ‘gummy’ smiles: lasers can help reshape the gum tissue. For instance, this is for patients with a ‘gummy’ smile where the gums are long and cover much of the tooth. 
  • Crown lengthening: this will help reshape both gum tissue and bone for healthier tooth structure. This will help with placing restorations on the teeth. 
  • Treating tongue frenulum attachment: if you have a thick or right fold of skin under the front part of the tongue that anchors to the mouth floor (tongue frenulum) lasers can help. This often helps children whose restricted frenulum causes them to have difficulty eating and have speech issues. 
  • Removing soft tissue folds: lasers can remove soft tissue folds that occur after ill-fitting dentures without pain or sutures. 

Common hard tissue procedures include:

  • Cavity detection: lasers can detect cavities early by finding evidence of tooth decay. 
  • Tooth preparations and dental fillings: with lasers, Dr. Ania will not have to use local anesthesia and traditional drills. Lasers can kill bacteria in a cavity, which is a benefit to the long-term health of a tooth. 
  • Treating tooth sensitivity. If you have a tooth that is sensitive to hot or cold, it can be treated with a laser that seals tubules on the tooth’s root. 

Other laser procedures include: 

  • Viewing tissues: allows the dentist to safely see inside a tooth or gum tissue.
  • Removing benign tumors: they can help remove tumors from the palate, gums, and sides of the lips and cheeks.
  • Treating obstructive sleep apnea: it can reshape the throat and relieve associated breathing problems when sleep apnea is caused by tissue overgrowth in the throat. 
  • TMJ: lasers can reduce pain and inflammation in the joint. 
  • Nerve regeneration: if you have damaged blood vessels, nerves, or scars, lasers can help.
  • Treating cold sores: they can minimize healing time and reduce cold sore pain.
  • Teeth whitening: lasers can speed up the bleaching process during a teeth-whitening procedure. 

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

The benefits of choosing laser dentistry include extreme precision, which will allow Dr. Ania to remove infected tissue without having to affect any of the surrounding gums. Further, lasers have a quick healing time due to their ability to instantaneously seal the blood vessels. They do not typically cause bleeding and patients can often return to their normal activities immediately. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania 

If you’re interested in learning more about laser dentistry and how it could help you with your dental health, make an appointment with Dr. Ania today by calling us at (303)-872-9940.

Posted: April 20, 2021 By: Comment: 0
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Your Diet and Your Teeth

We all know to maintain a healthy weight we need to eat a healthy, nutrient-dense diet. However, eating this type of diet is also important for your teeth. We have all heard the saying, ‘you are what you eat’ and that goes for your dental health too. Here is a list of our favorite nutrient-dense foods that provide amazing health benefits — including benefits for your smile, too! 

The Connection Between Food and Oral Health

There is a direct correlation between the food and drinks we consume and our oral health. Diet and nutrition can affect the health of the tissues within the mouth, and the health of the mouth affects nutrients consumed. The American Dental Association explains that two of the biggest connections between our diets and oral health include:

  • The consumption of sugars has been associated with an increased risk of developing dental caries. 
  • Frequent consumption of acidic food and beverages is associated with an increased risk of erosive tooth wear. 

Foods to Avoid for Dental Health 

When you eat and drink certain foods, like sugar-dense and starchy foods, you are giving the bacteria in your mouth things to thrive on which can lead to decay and gum disease by causing plaque. Plaque is a thin, sticky layer of film that covers all the surfaces of the teeth. When the sugar you eat comes in contact with this, it forms an acid which then attacks the teeth. Over time, repeated attacks can break down the hard enamel and cause tooth decay or an inflammatory response, which can breakdown the gums, bone, and supporting structures of the teeth. The University of Rochester’s Medical Center lists the foods that you should avoid to protect your smile: 

  • Sticky candies and sweets. If you eat sweets, try to eat those that can clear out of the mouth quickly. This means to stay away from candies like lollipops, caramels, and cough drops that have refined sugar. 
  • Starchy foods that can get stuck in the mouth. Soft breads and potato chips can get trapped between the teeth and cause issues. 
  • Carbonated soft drinks. These drinks are the leading source of added sugar among kids and teenagers. Not only are they loaded with sugar, but they also have phosphoric and citric acids that wear away tooth enamel. 
  • Substances that dry out the mouth. These include alcohol and many medicines. When medication is the cause, your dentist can provide a fluoride rinse or gel for brushing your teeth. 

Foods Good for Dental Health

Not that we’ve discussed what to avoid, let’s talk about the foods that will actually benefit your oral — and overall — health. Here are the top picks of foods that you should add into your diet for your smile: 

  • Calcium-rich foods, like low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, or cheese which can strengthen your teeth and bones. Other good sources of calcium are tofu, canned salmon, almonds, and dark green leafy vegetables. 
  • Phosphorus, which is a mineral found in eggs, fish, lean meat, dairy, nuts, and beans which also promote strong teeth. 
  • Vitamin C, which promotes gum health. You can find vitamin C in citrus fruits and tomatoes (though in moderation since these are also acidic), peppers, broccoli, potatoes, and spinach. 

Maintaining Good Dental Health

Though your diet plays a large role in your oral health, so does how you care for and clean your mouth each day. To maintain good oral health, follow these tips: 

  • Smart snacking – try not to snack too often between meals, as the more often you have a snack the more often you are introducing the teeth to acid. 
  • Rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking sugary or acidic items. Don’t brush your teeth within 30 minutes of consuming them, however, as your teeth are already vulnerable and it can make things worse. Rinsing with water can help clean off your teeth and keep them safe until you can brush them. 
  • Brush your teeth twice a day. Each time you brush your teeth, you should be brushing them for two minutes at a time — once in the morning and once at night. 
  • Floss once a day to remove food and bacteria trapped between the teeth. Brushing alone can’t reach all of these small spaces between the teeth, but flossing can. 
  • Use fluoride. Fluoride can help protect your teeth and prevent cavities. 
  • Drink more water. Like we mentioned above, water can help rinse the mouth and clean the teeth when you can’t brush your teeth.
  • See your dentist twice a year — and when issues arise. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

If you’re ready to have a healthy smile, make an appointment to see Dr. Ania to learn more about the foods that are good for your smile and what you can do to properly clean your teeth. Call us now for an appointment: (303)-872-9940. 

 

Posted: April 16, 2021 By: Comment: 0
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What to Know if Your Gums Bleed

Bleeding gums are often a sign of an infection, like gum disease. Some people may notice mild bleeding when they brush or floss their teeth, however, if the bleeding lasts longer than a couple of days, it could be more serious. If your gums bleed, here is when you should see your dentist. 

Why Gums Bleed 

If your gums bleed frequently, it could be due to minor issues like brushing too hard or not flossing properly, however, it could also signal that there is a more serious health condition. WebMD explains that you could experience bleeding gums if you:

  • Have gingivitis, a disease that causes inflammation of the gums
  • Brush too hard or your toothbrush isn’t soft enough 
  • Just started flossing and your gums aren’t used to it yet
  • Take certain medications, like blood thinners 
  • Have inflamed gums because you’re pregnant (pregnancy gingivitis)
  • Have dentures that don’t fit well
  • Faulty dental restorations 

In any event, if you notice your gums bleeding for more than a day or two, it is best to make an appointment to see your dentist. Seeing your dentist can help rule out any serious conditions, or catch issues before they progress to larger issues that can lead to tooth loss.

Understanding Gingivitis 

One of the main reasons you can experience bleeding gums is due to gingivitis. Gingivitis, also known as inflammation of your gums, occurs due to excessive plaque at the gumline. Other signs that you are developing gingivitis include irritated or sensitive gums, and gums that are red and swollen. Along with these symptoms, you’ll notice bleeding when you brush your teeth. While this is a stage of gum disease, it’s the beginning of it and can be reversed through good oral healthcare and help from a dentist like Dr. Ania. 

Periodontitis 

If you don’t reverse gingivitis, it can lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, is a long-term condition that harms the tissue and bone that support your teeth. With this stage of gum disease, your gums can become inflamed and infected and begin to separate from the roots of your teeth. When your gums bleed easily, this is often a sign of periodontal disease. After a while, you can experience tooth loss or separation. Other signs of periodontal disease include bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth, changes in tooth alignment, and red, sensitive gums. 

Treating Gum Disease 

One of the best ways to stop gum disease is through the use of laser dentistry. Laser dentistry allows Dr. Ania to use diode laser energy to deep clean and remove gum tissue that has been infected by bacteria. 

Soft tissue lasers are pulsed beams of concentrated energy that help Dr. Ania’s patients enhance their gums. The laser performs two main functions: laser decontamination (cleaning) and therapy (vaporization of diseased tissue). The first mode is used even on patients that are healthy to reduce bacteria, however, it is most often used on patients with periodontal disease. 

Further, the use of this laser helps in dramatic bacteria reduction and keeps bacteria from settling. This is a benefit known as ‘delayed recolonization,’ which means that after the bacteria is removed, your gums will have a chance to heal because the tissue is not as susceptible to new bacteria settling in. 

Dr. Ania uses lasers for a variety of conditions, such as:

  • Deep cleaning of gingival pockets (laser decontamination)
  • Diseased tissue removal (laser-assisted periodontal therapy) 
  • Sterilization of root canals
  • Gum recontouring (reshaping of the gums for cosmetic purposes)
  • Crown lengthening
  • Dental implant exposure
  • Cold sore treatment
  • Laser tooth whitening 

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Rather than using drills, laser dentistry might be the best option if you are someone who hates the noises of the dentist. Colgate explains that you may now be able to have your procedures done with a dental laser rather than a drill. The benefits, they explain, of laser dentistry are:

  • Less bleeding
  • Reduced pain
  • Faster healing period
  • Less damage to surrounding tissue
  • Reduced chance of infection 

Call Dr. Ania 

If you have bleeding gums, call our office to learn about laser dentistry today. The benefits of choosing laser dentistry also includes extreme precision, which means that Dr. Ania can remove only the diseased tissue without disturbing other areas of the mouth. For quick healing and little-to-no downtime, laser dentistry could be best for you. Please contact our office today to schedule your semi-annual teeth cleaning and see for yourself just how healthy your gums can be. 

 

Posted: April 8, 2021 By: Comment: 0
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Everything Dental Botox Can Help With

The cosmetic benefits of botox are already well known, such as helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles and helping us appear more youthful as we age. However, dental botox is becoming more and more popular because of how it can help with pain caused by TMJ and more. Dr. Ania offers dental botox — here is when it might work for you. 

What is Dental Botox? 

Botox is a drug that is made from a toxin produced by bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This is the same toxin that can cause life-threatening food poisoning known as botulism. However, when used in small doses, it can treat health problems MedlinePlus explains. Health problems that can benefit from Botox include:

  • Temporary smoothing of facial wrinkles, improving appearance
  • Severe underarm sweating
  • Cervical dystonia – a neurological disorder that can cause severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions
  • blepharospasm – uncontrollable blinking
  • Chronic migraine
  • Overactive bladder 

How Does Botox Work?

MedlinePlus further explains how Botox works. These injections work by temporarily weakening or paralyzing certain muscles or blocking certain nerves. These injections can last anywhere from three to twelve months, depending on what you are trying to treat. 

What is Dental Botox? 

Dental Botox is using the same injection as typical botox, but for the use of improving oral health and the appearance of your smile. Patients will get the best results when it is used as part of a comprehensive dental treatment plan. In dentistry, these injections are used to help with a number of different conditions and the symptoms that come along with them. Dental Botox can assist patients who suffer from: 

  • Headache pain resulting from muscle tension in the head, face, or neck
  • TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) pain that often results in headaches and jaw stiffness
  • Persistent clenching and grinding of the teeth
  • “Gummy” smiles caused by over-retracted upper lips
  • Upside-down smile (as it takes more muscles to frown compared to smile)
  • Lip lines and puckered chins 

For patients who suffer from TMJ pain, injections can help relax the muscles and improve your ability to chew and talk in a quick and effective way. However, as the results are not permanent, the results can wear off over the course of a few months and injections will be needed again to continue keeping the issue at bay. 

Is Dental Botox Safe? 

Studies have shown that Botox is a safe, conservative, non-surgical, reversible, and minimally invasive treatment modality to achieve cosmetic results. Further, with proper training, dentists are one of the most qualified doctors to provide the treatment due to their profound knowledge of anesthesia in the oral region, which can make patients more comfortable and at ease. For patients to get the most out of their treatment, it is often recommended that the injection be administered up to three times a year. 

Dr. Ania has been specially trained in total facial esthetics and is a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE).Further, as a dentist, Dr. Ania is highly trained in the entire anatomy of the head, neck, and oral cavity. With Dr. Ania, your treatment will be administered with exceptional accuracy and precision. 

What is Dermal Filler? 

Dermal filler is another type of injection that is made from naturally-occurring hyaluronic acid. These fillers add volume to areas around your face that have lost collagen and hyaluronic acid as a result of aging. In addition to Botox, adding dermal filler into your regimen can restore your face to a natural, youthful appearance. 

Benefits of Botox and Filler

Millions of people are now experiencing the benefits of Botox and Dermal Filler. Not only can these injectables help treat pain like migraines and jaw tightness, but it can also improve your appearance. Having an attractive smile can significantly improve your image and self confidence.  Research shows that self-perceived image of dental esthetics can remarkably affect an individual’s social and psychological well-being. 

Cons of Botox and Filler

The biggest con of these injectables is that they are not permanent and do wear off. Results vary for everyone, and some patients might see results for up to a year while others might need more injections done after three months. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

Millions of people are now experiencing the benefits of Botox and Dermal Filler. If you are someone that doesn’t feel as confident with your smile as you should, come see how dental Botox and filler could help you today. In addition, we can suggest other dental treatments that could help achieve a smile you are proud of and love. Make an appointment with Dr. Ania’s team today to learn more about injections: (303)-872-9940. 

 

Posted: March 30, 2021 By: Comment: 0

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