5-foods-and-drinks-to-avoid-for-dental-health

5 Foods and Drinks to Avoid for Dental Health

Our diet plays a big role in our overall health, including the health of our teeth and gums. While you want to enjoy all your favorite foods and drinks, the key is to do it in moderation to avoid health issues down the road. For your teeth, certain foods and drinks can weaken the enamel or even put you at risk for tooth decay or breaking a tooth. Here are the 5 foods and drinks we recommend avoiding to protect your dental health. 

5 Foods and Drinks to Avoid for Dental Health

We have to eat and drink to live, however what you eat and drink affects more than your overall health — it can affect your dental health, too. Here is a list of 5 foods and drinks that do more harm to your smile than good. We’re not saying avoid these items completely, but enjoy them in moderation and pay careful attention to your chewing as you do. 

1. Ice

While ice seems harmless because it’s only water, it can be detrimental to your oral health. Chewing on the ice from your beverages can cause a tooth to chip or break. Colgate explains that along with that damage, it can also weaken your enamel and make you more prone to sensitivity to hot and cold beverages. When this happens, you are also more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities. Further, any dental work you’ve had done like fillings, crowns, or veneers could also be damaged. If you love ice, they suggest these alternatives:

  • Don’t chew it, but let ice melt in your mouth slowly. 
  • Skip the temptation. Order drinks without ice. 
  • Switch to slush. You can use nugget or slush-like ice that aren’t as hard on your teeth. 
  • Check your iron levels. Iron deficiencies are known to make people crave ice. 
  • Find another crunchy alternative — like carrots or apples. 

2. Sour and sticky candy 

Sour candy is a fun treat on occasion, but they are extremely acidic. When you eat these snacks that make you pucker up, you’re ingesting a large amount of acid, which erodes your enamel and can cause all sorts of teeth issues. Signs of eroded enamel include: 

  • Increased sensitivity to taste, textures, and temperature
  • Cracks and chips in the teeth
  • Discoloration
  • Indentations known as ‘cups’ on the surface of the teeth 

Sticky candy is also bad for your teeth because it’s hard to chew. When sticky candy gets stuck on the teeth, it exposes your teeth for a longer period of time to the sugar, which can lead to cavities. 

3. Soda 

Like sour candy, soda is highly acidic. Along with that, they are also loaded with sugar which can cause it’s own set of problems. When you drink a sweet drink, the sugar will attach itself to the bad bacteria in your mouth and cause excessive plaque — making you more at risk to cavities. 

4. Citrus foods 

While many people love to add lemons to their water or eat oranges and other kinds of citrus fruits, they are bad for our teeth. Just like sour candy and soda, citrus foods are highly acidic. If you want to eat citrus, do so in moderation. A good tip is to rinse your mouth out with plain water afterwards to help remove the remaining acid from your mouth. Wait to brush your teeth for 30 minutes after eating acidic foods or drinking high-acid drinks. Your mouth is already vulnerable to damage due to the acid, so brushing your teeth right away can do more harm than good. 

5. Chips and crunchy foods

Eating crunchy things like chips can make it more likely that you suffer from a broken or chipped tooth. When you eat these types of food, be sure that you are eating them slowly and carefully chewing to try and prevent any damage to the teeth. If you can, try swapping out your crunchy foods for snacks that are a little more smile friendly. 

Keeping a Healthy Smile 

No matter what you eat or drink, you should be practicing good oral hygiene at home. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, floss each day, and use a mouthwash for optimal oral health. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania 

Serving the Boulder, CO community for many years, Dr. Ania has become one of the most respected local dentists in the area. Striving for health and beauty, Dr. Ania is here to make sure you have a smile that looks and feels good. If you are ready to get your smile back on track, make an appointment with our team today. Call us at (303)-872-9940. 

 

Posted: March 25, 2021 By: Comment: 0
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Pros and Cons of Dentures 

As we get older, we are more likely to experience dental health side effects caused by the natural aging process, tooth decay, and gum disease. Without proper care, you are more likely to experience chronic tooth loss. However, treatments can still help you achieve good oral healthcare, like dentures. If you’re interested in learning the pros and cons of this popular dental service, keep reading. 

Tooth Loss

There are two leading types of dental diseases: tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay specifically is a major public health problem, with 90% of adults over the age of 20 experiencing a cavity. 

When tooth decay begins and a cavity forms, the damage is reversible. However, once the decay extends further into the tooth, tooth restoration will have to be considered. In the event decay extends further down the tooth, the bacteria from the decay can hit the pulp of the tooth, putting you at risk for pain, swelling, and tooth loss. 

Good oral health can help prevent tooth loss due to decay and disease. To fight this while your teeth are healthy, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. You should also be flossing once a day, using a mouthwash, and seeing your dentist every six months. 

If you are missing teeth, it can make eating, chewing, and talking difficult. This can lead to a poor quality of life. However, replacing them can help increase this quality of life for decades to come. 

What are Dentures?

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. WebMD explains there are two types of dentures available: complete and partial dentures. 

  • Complete dentures: these are used when all of the teeth are missing. They can be made after the teeth have been removed from your mouth and the gums have healed. A conventional denture is ready for placement about two months after all teeth have been removed. Immediate treatments are made in advance and can be placed as soon as the teeth are removed. 
  • Partial dentures: these are used when the patient still has some teeth remaining. A partial denture or bridge typically consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum-colored base, which can sometimes be attached by a metal framework that holds it in place in the mouth.

No matter the type of denture you need, they both work to accomplish the same goal: to restore your smile and give you a greater quality of life. 

Pros of Dentures

Dentures allow patients to regain control of their oral health. They can help anyone of any age whose oral health has been affected by disease and decay. They are custom-made meaning they will fit each patient perfectly, and they give patients the ability to talk and eat like normal. 

Cons of Dentures

The disadvantages to dentures, OralB explains, are that they take some time to get used to. At first, they could feel loose as your cheek and tongue muscles will need to adjust to them. However, during this time, a denture adhesive can help make sure your dentures fit more naturally to help this adjustment period. If you find that they still aren’t fitting correctly after some time, they can be realigned for a better fit. 

Caring for Dentures

To care for your dentures, you will need to follow a few steps:

  • Handle the dentures with care. To avoid accidentally dropping them and damaging them, stand over a folded towel or over a full sink of water while you are handling them.
  • Brush and rinse dentures daily, but not with toothpaste. Toothpaste is abrasive and can create small scratches where food and plaque can develop. Much like your natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove these things. 
  • Use a denture cleaner. Hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid can be used to clean them. 
  • Take care of them when you’re not wearing them. Dentures need to be kept moist when not being worn so they do not dry out or lose their shape. When network, dentures should be placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water. Your dentist will tell you what method is best for your specific dentures.

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania 

Good oral healthcare starts at the dentist. Dentures can help you restore your smile and give you full function of your mouth back. If you are interested in learning if you are a good candidate for dentures, make an appointment today to come see Dr. Ania by calling our office at (303)-872-9940. 

 

Posted: March 18, 2021 By: Comment: 0
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Same Day Fix: Get a Beautiful Smile with Same Day Crowns 

Same day crowns are perfect for anyone who wants a beautiful smile but doesn’t want a treatment that will take weeks or months of waiting and appointments. Crowns are a great way to improve the appearance of your teeth and preserve tooth enamel, but the traditional methods of making crowns is time consuming. Thankfully, Dr. Ania offers same day crowns — which can restore your smile in about two hours! 

What are Same Day Crowns?

Same day crowns are the best option for patients who want to restore their smile, but don’t want to waste much time. Crowns improve the appearance of teeth and protect your tooth enamel. The old way of producing crowns is time consuming. Fortunately, modern technology now allows specially trained dentists to take digital impressions of patients’ mouths and create the perfect crown in the office, same day. In Boulder, Dr. Ania is one of the only dentists to offer this cutting-edge service. 

Same Day Crowns: The Process

Digital scanners and in-office milling machines make same day crowns possible. First, Dr. Ania will scan your teeth to create an exact impression of the existing bite. This digital scan replaces the need for an old-fashioned impression. From this point, Dr. Ania will use the image to create a digital crown. This image will then be sent to the milling machine to create the crown. Then, it goes to an oven to crystalize as the patient waits. In all, the same day crown process will take about two hours. You won’t have to go through the process of having a temporary crown either — everything is fixed the same day. 

Benefits of Same Day Crowns 

The biggest benefit of this type of crown is that it is all done in one day. However, that is not the only benefit. Other benefits of same day crowns include:

  • Appearance: people will not even be able to notice that your tooth has a crown. These crowns tend to look more natural, and very closely resemble your natural surrounding teeth. 
  • Strength: these kinds of crowns are sturdy and resist abrasion, which means they are more likely to last. 

The biggest con of same day crowns is the lack of availability. Thankfully, Boulder has Dr. Ania that is able to offer same day crowns to the community. 

Caring for Crowns

Most dental crowns last between 5 to 15 years, however, the lifespan is dependent on your lifestyle and how you care for your crown. 

While a crown doesn’t require special care, it is critical to have a good oral hygiene routine. Even if your tooth has a crown, you will still be susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. To prevent these conditions, follow this oral hygiene routine: 

Brush your teeth twice a day

For two minutes each time — once in the morning and again at night. When you brush, use a gentle-bristled toothbrush and move it in small, circular motions to clean all surfaces of your teeth. You should hold the brush at a slight angle, and be careful to not hit the gums directly as it can injure them and cause further issues. 

Floss once a day

If you don’t floss, there could still be food and other debris stuck between your teeth. Your toothbrush bristles can’t fit in these tight spaces, so flossing is an essential part of your dental hygiene routine. This helps remove plaque that is between the teeth, that could otherwise contribute to decay and gum disease. 

Use mouthwash

Another way to improve your oral hygiene routine is to use a mouthwash that can help protect your mouth and kill bad bacteria that can cause mouth odor and other issues. 

Add fluoride

When choosing a toothpaste, find one that has fluoride in it. Further, some communities have fluoride added into the tap water, so you will get the benefits of fluoride just by drinking tap water. Fluoride can help fight tooth decay and cavities and strengthen your tooth enamel. 

Limit sugar and acidic food and drinks

Sugar and acids in food and drinks can buildup with bacteria in the mouth and attack your teeth. This can cause your enamel to weaken, and you will experience symptoms like tooth sensitivity and pain. 

See your dentist every six months

No matter how healthy your smile is, you still need to see your dentist twice a year for an exam and cleaning. 

Doing each of these things can help protect your natural smile — and your new crown. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

If you’re ready to improve your smile with a same day crown, contact our office for an appointment today!  

 

Posted: March 10, 2021 By: Comment: 0
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How Your Smile Impacts Cardiovascular Health

Our bodies are intricate in that many different areas of our bodies affect other areas. When there is an issue with one area, it can have negative effects on another area. For example, did you know that dental issues could impact heart health? That’s right. Unfortunately, if you have issues, like gum disease, it could potentially lead to issues with your cardiovascular health. Today, we’re here to explain the connection and what you can do to protect your smile — and your heart! 

Importance of Gum Health 

When many people think about dental health, they only consider the health of their teeth. However, having healthy teeth starts with having healthy gums. Unhealthy gums typically happen as a result of plaque, which is a sticky film that can buildup on your teeth and is filled with bad bacteria. If you aren’t brushing and flossing daily, the plaque on your teeth isn’t properly being removed. At this point, it can begin to build up and produce acid, which can cause gum irritation, sensitivity, and begin to cause gingivitis, the beginning stages of gum disease. 

Health.com explains that gingivitis is usually reversible by taking better care of your teeth, although, if you don’t improve your oral hygiene habits and see your dentist, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious infection of the gums. 

Signs of Unhealthy Gums

Signs and symptoms that your gums could be infected include: 

  • Bad breath that won’t go away
  • Red, swollen gums 
  • Tender or bleeding gums
  • Painful chewing 
  • Loose teeth
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Receding gums, longer looking teeth 

Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Health

More and more modern studies are showing that people who have bad dental health are being linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing cardiovascular health issues, like heart attack and stroke. 

Cardiovascular Health and Gum Disease: What’s the Connection? 

Studies have explored several different theories of what the link could be. Harvard Health lists those theories to be:

  • The bacteria that infect the gums and cause gingivitis and eventually periodontitis can also travel to the blood vessels in other parts of the body, causing inflammation and damage. This can result in small blood clots, heart attack, and/or stroke. 
  • Rather than bacteria being the main source of the issue, another theory is that the issue is from the body’s immune response. The inflammation can set off a cascade of vascular damage across the body, including the heart and brain. 
  • Instead of there being a direct connection between gum disease and heart health, some researchers believe that the reason they may occur at the same time is due to a third party factor, like smoking, which can increase risk for both issues. Additionally, lack of access to healthcare and lack of exercise can also cause these issues. 

Harvard Health, however, further explains that the connection between poor dental health and overall health isn’t only limited to cardiovascular health. Rather, studies have also shown that gum disease has also been linked to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, pancreatic cancer, and more. 

Maintaining Cardiovascular Health and Gum Health

It is important to make a conscious effort to care for your oral health to ensure that you are doing all you can to prevent gum disease from affecting other parts of your body, like your heart. A good oral hygiene routine should include:

  • Brushing your teeth twice a day – once in the morning and again at night – for at least two minutes each time. When you brush, you need to make sure you are using small, circular motions to thoroughly clean the entire surface of each tooth all the way up to right before the gum line. 
  • Floss daily. When you floss, you’re cleaning the small areas of your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque and food can get stuck between each tooth, and the only way to get rid of it is by using that thin wire of floss. 
  • Using a mouthwash with fluoride. Fluoride is a great way to protect your teeth and oral health. Look for a mouthwash that has the ADA seal of approval to help maintain your oral health. 
  • Visit your dentist at least twice a year. Ideally you should be visiting your dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning and exam. Doing this can help catch signs of gum issues early, and can give you the tools you need to reverse it before it develops into a more complicated issue. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

If you’re ready to protect your teeth and your heart, make an appointment with Dr. Ania today. We pride ourselves in helping you achieve optimal oral health. Not only will we clean your teeth, but we will also spend time educating you on your gum health and how you can maintain a healthy smile. 

 

Posted: March 5, 2021 By: Comment: 0
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Why You Should Protect Your Teeth with an AgilityGuard 

If you play contact sports, you should be wearing an agility guard. An AgilityGuard is a device made to protect your smile in case of injury caused during activity. In this article, we’ll explain how we make the AgilityGuard and provide you with a full list of the benefits. 

What is an AgilityGuard? 

Dr. Ania believes AgilityGuard is the best sports protection mouthguard. The potential to improve athletic performance by using a properly designed mouthguard is not a new idea. For around 40 years, dentists have found increased athletic performance when athletes use a properly fitting mouth guard. Dr. Ania is a qualified Chan-certified dentist that can help you determine whether an AgilityGuard would provide any potential improvement in your athletic performance.

Mouthguards in sports are worn over the teeth to protect them from potential impacts to the face and head. These are one of the most important pieces of equipment for athletes across the board participating in contact sports, like: football, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking, and more. Colgate explains that a mouth guard typically covers the upper teeth, and are designed to protect your smile against broken teeth, cut lips, and other damage to your mouth. 

The AgilityGuard is one that Dr. Ania makes for her active patients who want to protect their mouth while they play sports. Dr. Ania believes that the agility guard is the best sports protection mouthguard there is. In some studies, the right guard can actually help you improve your athletic performance. Your mouth is protected, helping you maintain your focus. The AgilityGuard is also one that even world cup champions use in competitions. Trust what the pros use, and invest in a custom-made guard for your mouth.

AgilityGuard vs. Other Types

In addition to the AgilityGuard, there are other types of mouthguard on the market. Those include:

  • Boil-and-bite: These mouth protectors are made up of a thermoplastic material that you shape at home to fit your teeth. First, you soften the mouthguard by placing it in hot water. Then, you put the softened mouthguard into your mouth and use your fingers to press it onto the molars and front teeth. When in place, you bite down for 20 seconds before you remove the device and run it under cold water. 
  • Stock guards: These are one-size-fits-all mouth guards that come already shaped and ready to wear. However, since they’re not made specifically for your own teeth, they rarely fit as they should. Their bulkiness and poor fit can make breathing difficult. Of all the mouth guard options, stock guards offer the least amount of protection. 

How to Care for Your Mouth Guard

To help your mouth guard last you for a long time, you need to take proper care of it. To care for your mouth guard, follow these tips:

  • Rinse your mouth guard with cold water or a mouthwash before and after each use. You can also clean it with mild soap and a toothbrush. 
  • Clean the mouthguard with cool, soapy, water and rinse it thoroughly.
  • Put the mouth guard in a firm perforated container to store it. The air circulation will help prevent damage. 
  • Protect the mouth guard from high temperatures, like hot water and direct sunlight. 
  • Occasionally inspect your mouthguard for wear and tear. 
  • Bring your mouth guard to your dentist each time you come in for a dental checkup. 

Common Dental Injuries Caused by Sports

A wide range of injuries can happen to the mouth when playing sports. A study published by the US National Library of Medicine lists that common dental injuries in sports include tooth fractures and temporomandibular joint dislocation. More than 5 million teeth are impacted by injury in the United States every year, accruing nearly $500 million in cost of care. The average cost of treating an avulsed tooth over a lifetime is between $5,000 and $20,000. However, by wearing a mouth guard you can prevent most of these painful, costly injuries. 

The study also found that while injuries vary, they can affect the upper lip, maxilla, and the central maxillary incisors 90% of the time. Not only can these injuries affect the way you play the sport as an athlete, but the injury can also affect your day-to-day life as well, limiting how you talk and eat. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania 

If you play sports or are involved in frequent physical activity, invest in a mouth guard today. The AgilityGuard lasts much longer than the store-bought options, and they also fit snug to the shape of your mouth. When it comes to contact sports, make sure you always wear an AgilityGuard to protect your smile. 

If you’ve decided that you need a mouth guard to protect your oral health, don’t hesitate by calling us for an appointment at (303)-872-9940. Guard your smile from the sport you love now! 

 

Posted: February 26, 2021 By: Comment: 0
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What Smoking Does to Your Teeth 

Smoking can have harmful effects on nearly every single part of the body, causing a number of health ailments and even death in some cases. It can cause: cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, COPD, tuberculosis, eye issues, immune issues, and more — like gum disease.

As you can tell, smoking can cause a wide array of overall health issues, including harmful oral conditions. If you smoke, you are putting your smile at risk for staining, decay, and more. This is a full list of what smoking does to your teeth — and why you should end the bad habit before it’s too late. 

Smoking and Your Smile

Smoking is bad for your overall health, but it also can cause an excessive amount of damage to your smile. Common dental health issues caused by smoking can include: 

  • Bad breath 
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Inflammation of the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth
  • Increased buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth
  • Loss of bone within the jaw
  • Increased risk of leukoplakia, white patches inside the mouth
  • Increased risk of developing gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss
  • Delayed healing process following tooth extraction, periodontal treatment, or oral surgery
  • Lower success rate of dental implant procedures
  • Increased risk of developing oral cancer 

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can affect the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. If your gum disease is severe enough, you can lose your teeth. Gum disease is serious, but it can be prevented. Common signs of gum disease include:

  • Swollen or puffy gums 
  • Bright red or purplish gums
  • Tender gums 
  • Bleeding gums
  • Pink-tinged toothbrush after rushing
  • Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing 
  • Bad breath
  • Pus between the teeth and gums
  • Loose teeth or loss of teeth
  • Painful chewing
  • New spaces developing between the teeth
  • Receding gums 
  • A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite 

These are not little issues when it comes to your dental health. Not only can these things affect your smile now, but they can also affect your smile for years to come. Prevent costly dental work and extensive treatments by putting an end to smoking today — for the sake of your smile! 

Smoking and Gum Disease 

The CDC explains that gum disease and smoking can be related. Smoking can weaken your body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off infection within the body — including the mouth. Once you have gum issues, smoking can also make it harder for your gums to heal. If you are a smoker, they explain that could mean:

  • You have twice the risk for gum disease compared to a nonsmoker.
  • The more cigarettes you smoke, the greater risk for gum disease. 
  • Greater risk for gum disease depending on how long you have been a smoker. 
  • Treatments for gum disease may not work as well for people who smoke. 

Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease is preventable as long as you are taking proper care of your smile. Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the best ways to ensure you have a healthy smile. If you’re not sure what an all-encompassing dental health routine looks like, Dr. Ania and our team can help walk you through it at your next appointment. A few brief tips to follow include: 

  • Brush your teeth after meals to remove food, debris, and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. 
  • Floss at least once a day to remove food and plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line that your toothbrush can’t reach. 
  • Use a mouthwash to help reduce plaque and remove remaining food particles that might have been missed when brushing and flossing.
  • Know your risk. Your age, diet, genetics, and being a smoker can all increase your risk of developing gum disease. 
  • See your dentist at least once every six months. This can help you catch any dental issues that are beginning, and prevent more intensive dental issues from developing. 

Call Dr. Ania 

One of the best fights against gum disease is getting help early on — and quitting smoking. Dr. Ania is trained to notice the early signs of gum disease and will thoroughly look over your teeth and gums to determine the best course of action for your time. With the right dental care, your dentist can help stop your gum disease from progressing. However, you have to help yourself first by putting a stop to smoking. For dental health help, make an appointment today by calling us at (303)-872-9940. 

 

Posted: February 17, 2021 By: Comment: 0
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Do’s and Don’ts of Keeping Your Gums Healthy 

Your gums are an essential part of your oral health. How you care for your teeth when you brush and floss has a direct affect on your gums. If you aren’t sure how to properly care for these soft tissues of the mouth, here are the basic do’s and don’ts. 

The Importance of Gum Health 

Many people don’t realize it, but gum health can be directly correlated to health throughout the entire body. The effects of gum disease can range from mild to severe. In fact, over the years, people with gum disease have been found to have a higher likelihood for developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, pregnancy complications, and even dementia. 

Signs of Gum Disease

The American Dental Association lists the signs of gum disease to be:

  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Red, swollen, tender gums
  • Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  • Persistent bad breath or bad taste
  • Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
  • Change in the the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • Any change in how your partial dentures fit 

Further, the ADA lists the factors that could put you at a higher risk of developing gum disease. Those risks are:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Genetics
  • Crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean
  • Pregnancy
  • Diabetes
  • Medications like steroids, some seizure medication, cancer therapies, oral contraceptives, and more 

How to Care For Your Gums 

Taking good care of your gums starts at home. For optimal gum health, you should be: 

Brushing your teeth twice a day: you should brush your teeth once in the morning and once again before bed. This process should take two minutes each time, and you should be taking the time to thoroughly clean every part of each tooth. 

Flossing each day: food and other particles can get lodged between the teeth in those tight spaces that a toothbrush cannot reach. To properly clean these areas, you need to floss between the teeth each day. 

See the dentist: you should be visiting your dentist for a checkup every six months, even if you believe you are not having any dental health issues. The key to keeping up with gum health is having your gums inspected and thoroughly cleaned by your dentist twice a year. They will be able to catch any plaque that is beginning to turn into a deeper issue. 

What Not to Do 

Taking care of your gums needs to be a gentle situation. While you might be thinking some of the things you do are good for your gums, they could actually be harming them. Here are things you shouldn’t do when you want to take good care of your gums: 

Do not use a hard-bristled toothbrush: you should be using soft bristled brushes unless otherwise directed. Soft bristles are able to bend and gently clean under the gumline, while hard bristles will be more harsh and actually cause harm to your gums. 

Don’t let the floss hit your gums: when you floss, it can be easy to try and move quickly not paying attention to how gently you’re flossing. However, if you floss too hard and let it hit your gums once it glides between the teeth, you could be bruising and injuring your gums. 

Consequences of Gum Disease

If you notice you have signs of gum disease but don’t seek help from a dentist, you could be risking complications and extensive, expensive treatments in the future. As we briefly mentioned above, gum disease can increase your risk at developing other health issues. 

When you have gum disease, it means your gums are inflamed. Inflammation is a normal response the body has to infection or injury, so if you have gum disease, your gums can become inflamed and bleed. As this inflammation builds up in your blood, WebMD explains, it can make other health conditions worse or contribute to new conditions. Studies have shown that it can make patients more likely to have heart disease or diabetes, while other studies have also shown that it can raise a pregnant woman’s risk of premature delivery. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

Here at Dr. Ania’s, we pride ourselves in customizing every aspect of your care, including your cleanings. Our hygienist will spend a lot of time educating you about your gum health and how to best maintain a healthy mouth. If you have noticed new bleeding gums, or gums that are dark red or swollen, make an appointment now before it becomes a larger issue. 

Posted: February 11, 2021 By: Comment: 0
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National Children’s Dental Health Month: Ways to Protect Your Children’s Teeth

This February is National Children’s Dental Health Month according to the American Dental Association. This month-long national health month brings together dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the importance of dental health in children. Here at Dr. Ania’s we prioritize dental health in children and want to teach you how you can best protect your children’s dental health. 

Common Dental Health Issues for Children 

Even if dental issues don’t run throughout your family, your child can still be at risk for oral health issues without proper dental care. In children, cavities are one of the most common, preventable, chronic diseases of childhood in the United States. The CDC explains that untreated cavities can cause pain and infection, which can then cause further issues with eating, speaking, playing, and even learning. In fact, children who have poor oral health often miss more school and have lower grades than children who don’t. The CDC lists of the following stats:

  • About 1 of 5 (20%) chidden from the ages of 5 to 11 have at least one untreated decayed tooth.
  • 1 out of 7 (13%) of adolescents from the ages of 12 to 19 have at least one untreated decayed tooth.

The good news, however, is that cavities can be prevented, specifically through the use of fluoride. Fluoride varnish can help prevent about one-third of cavities in the primary teeth. Additionally, if you live in a community that has fluoridated tap water, your child is less likely to have cavities than those who don’t live in an area with fluoride added to the tap water. If your child needs additional protection from cavities, dental sealants can help prevent cavities for years, preventing up to 80% of cavities. 

What Parents Can Do For Children’s Dental Health

If you’re a new parent, it can be confusing to know what all you are supposed to do, especially when it comes to your child’s dental health. However, Dr. Ania is here to walk you through whatever your concerns are to make sure you are confident in caring for your child’s smile. 

As a parent, you know you don’t want your child to get a cavity, but you might not know what exactly you need to do to help prevent them from happening. KidsHealth from Nemours offers an easy list to explain what you can do while your child is young to protect their smile:

  • Even before your baby gets their first tooth, run a clean, damp washcloth over the gums to clean off any potential bacteria.
  • When your baby gets teeth, brush them with an infant toothbrush. Use water and a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice). The ADA recommends using a fluoride toothpaste that carries their seal of acceptance. Regardless of the type of toothpaste you are using, keep it to the same amount because you still want to minimize any toothpaste that is swallowed.
  • Begin flossing your child’s teeth when they have two baby teeth that touch.
  • When your child turns two, help them learn to spit while brushing. Avoid giving your child water to swish and spit because this can make swallowing toothpaste more likely.
  • At the age of three, your child should begin using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, preferably with fluoride.
  • Be sure to always supervise kids younger than 8 while brushing, as they’re likely to swallow toothpaste which can be dangerous. 

Tooth Decay

Babies are at risk like children and teens are for getting tooth decay. To prevent this, Nemours recommends, do not put your baby to sleep with a bottle as it can cause baby bottle tooth decay. When this happens, their teeth can become discolored, decayed, and might need to be pulled early, which can affect their smile well into adulthood. 

Overall, to protect your child’s teeth, make sure that you are teaching them good dental hygiene habits from a young age, making sure they get an adequate amount of fluoride to protect their enamel, and limit their access to sugary and acidic foods. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

We are as passionate as you are about making sure your child has a healthy smile from the time they are born until you are sending them off to college and beyond. Our caring team is here to walk with you through every step of life to make sure that we are preventing and caring for oral health issues before they develop into more serious concerns. If you believe your child is ready for an appointment, there is no better time than National Children’s Dental Health month to make one! Call us today for your appointment at (303)-872-9940. 

 

Posted: February 3, 2021 By: Comment: 0
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Straighten Your Teeth with Our Two-Step Orthodontic Process

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a specialized process that combines teeth straightening and physical, facial changes. The purpose of doing this in two steps is to optimize the opportunity giving you your ideal look that will remain stable throughout your entire life. 

Signs Orthodontic Treatment is Needed

Most people know that braces are used to straighten the teeth, however, braces can be used for far more than just lining teeth up. Braces are most commonly used for children and teens, however, in recent years, it has become a popular treatment for adults as well. 

The signs that you or a loved one might need braces varies from person to person. OralB explains that signs you could benefit from orthodontic treatment include:

  • Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
  • Adult teeth came in late or delayed
  • Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
  • Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
  • Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
  • Missing or extra teeth
  • An overbite or underbite
  • Jaw shifting or making sounds, which could signify a developmental issue with teeth and jawline 
  • Incorrect jaw position
  • A disorder of the jaw joint 
  • Constantly biting the sides of your cheek or hitting the roof of your mouth
  • Having a difficult time chewing food
  • Only breathing through your mouth on a regular basis 

Early Childhood Signs Orthodontics is Needed

Some children can present signs at a young age that signify they may need early orthodontic treatment. Those signs in children include:

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth (children typically lose teeth beginning around age 5 and should have all of their permanent teeth by the time they are 13 years old)
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Your child continues to suck their thumb after turning 5
  • Speech impediments
  • Protruding teeth
  • Shifting of the jaw when they open or close their mouth
  • Crowded front teeth

Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment 

Phase One

This is the early treatment phase that typically begins around ages eight or nine. The goal of this specific phase is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all of the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. In many cases, children show early signs of jaw issues as they grow. In that case, that is something phase one will work to correct. 

Planning treatment from a young age can help save your child time, money, and unnecessary pain later in life. Receiving early treatment as a child could help prevent the removal of permanent teeth as an adult, or the need for painful surgical procedures to realign the jaw. 

Resting Period

After phase one, there will be a resting period before phase two officially begins. During this break, a child’s remaining permanent teeth are left alone as they begin to erupt. Additionally, during this rest phase, we will monitor progress. Teeth are not yet in their final positions at this point. There could be selective removal of baby teeth may be in the best interest of enhancing eruption during this resting phase. Henceforth, periodic appointments for observation are typically needed on a six-month basis. 

Phase Two

The second phase starts once your child has all of their permanent teeth. At this point, braces are typically required for an average of two years. This phase usually begins around age 11 and the main goal is to make sure that each tooth has a specific location in the mouth where it can sit in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. Once they are in the proper location, the teeth will work together properly, giving you a perfect smile. To accomplish this, usually upper and lower braces are needed. 

Adults and Braces

Braces aren’t just for young children and teens anymore. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says that 1 in 3 orthodontic patients are over the age of 18. In the last year, the number of adults seeing an orthodontist is at an all time high. Why is this? AAO explains that orthodontic treatment is just as effective for adults as it is for children and it provides adults with more than just a beautiful smile — it provides you with better dental health, too. 

For many grown adults, however, the idea of having metal braces isn’t appealing, which is why Dr. Ania is proud to offer Invisalign for adults. Dr. Ania can straighten your smile using custom fit clear trays that will gradually shift your teeth into place. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

Whether you need an appointment to learn more about orthodontics or your child does — we’re here for your entire family. Call us today to make an appointment and get on your way to a happy and healthy smile: (303)-872-9940. 

 

Posted: January 28, 2021 By: Comment: 0
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How to Fight Tooth Sensitivity at Home

Having sensitive teeth means you might have to avoid your favorite foods and drinks. When you have tooth sensitivity, you are more likely to experience pain when you eat hot or cold foods and drinks, even sweet ones too. If you find yourself fighting sensitivity, here is what you can do at home to beat the pain. 

What is Tooth Sensitivity? 

Tooth sensitivity is a common dental health issue that happens when discomfort or pain in teeth when encountering different substances and temperatures. Live Science explains that the pain is sharp, and often sudden, but is usually temporary. They explain that the most common symptom is a sudden, sharp flash of pain when the teeth become exposed to air, cold, sweet, acidic, or hot foods. 

When the teeth are healthy, the enamel protects the inner layer of the tooth, which is known as the dentin and the tooth roots are protected by gums. However, when the enamel wears down or when the gums recede, the dentin and roots are exposed which can cause sensitive teeth. Healthline details the most common triggers of tooth sensitivity to be:

  • Hot food and drinks
  • Cold food and drinks
  • Chilly air 
  • Sweet food and drinks
  • Acidic food and drinks
  • Cold water 
  • Brushing or flossing 
  • Alcohol-based mouth rinses 

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity 

Tooth sensitivity can happen as a result of a few different causes. While some people might be more genetically prone to sensitive teeth, others might bring on their tooth sensitivity all on their own. Healthline details what can wear down the tooth’s enamel and cause sensitivity:

  • Brushing your teeth too hard
  • Using a hard-bristled toothbrush 
  • Grinding your teeth at night
  • Regularly eating or drinking acidic foods and beverages 

Alternatively, other conditions can cause tooth sensitivity. They explain that gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) can cause acid to come up from the stomach and can wear down teeth over time. Additionally, conditions that cause frequent vomiting can also wear down the enamel. 

Another reason a person might experience sensitivity is if they are currently experiencing gum recession, tooth decay, or have a broken or chipped tooth. When a tooth becomes exposed at the root or the enamel wears down, sensitivity can happen. When these conditions happen, you will most likely only experience the sensitivity near one tooth, not throughout your whole mouth. 

If you get dental work done, like receive a filling, get a crown, or undergo a teeth whitening treatment, you might also experience tooth sensitivity. This typically goes away in a couple of days. 

Treating Sensitivity at Home 

If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, you can usually treat the uncomfortable symptoms at home. Try these tips next time you feel a little sensitivity coming on:

Switch to a sensitive toothpaste 

If you’re feeling a little sensitivity on your teeth, start by trading out your usual toothpaste for one that is formulated specifically for sensitive teeth. This type of toothpaste works by helping coat your tooth and desensitizing the exposed parts of the nerve. Further, most of these toothpastes include fluoride, which helps toughen the enamel. 

Use clove oil

Clove oil is a popular remedy to treating tooth pain. Colgate explains that clove oil works to relieve pain and reduce swelling. It works because it contains eugenol, which is considered a natural anesthetic, serving as a temporary pain reliever. To use clove oil, soak a few drops of clove oil into a cotton ball, then gently rub the cotton ball over the tender area of the mouth. 

Rinse with salt water

Colgate further explains that rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help control plaque on the teeth and prevent oral disease. All you have to do for this is mix a teaspoon or two of salt into a cup of warm water and then swish around in your mouth for a few seconds before spitting it out 

See Dr. Ania 

If you have tooth sensitivity that doesn’t go away when you try these at-home remedies, it could signal that there is a deeper issue causing your pain that needs to be addressed. Dr. Ania will examine your mouth to determine the cause and provide you with a treatment plan that will help work to relieve your sensitivity. Dentists can prescribe you with a desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride gel, or provide you with treatments like a crown or root canal to heal your injured tooth. 

To get rid of tooth sensitivity, make an appointment with Dr. Ania today by calling our office at (303)-872-9940. 

 

Posted: January 21, 2021 By: Comment: 0

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