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National Blood Pressure Month: How it’s Linked to Dental Care

May is National Blood Pressure Month. Did you know that your blood pressure (BP) and dental work go hand-in-hand? Dentists take your blood pressure to know the appropriate amounts of medicine and anesthetics to prescribe, but your blood pressure is also linked to your dental care in more ways. Here’s how. 

Explaining Blood Pressure

Your arteries carry blood away from the heart through the arteries. While it’s going through the arteries, it presses against them. BP is the measurement of just how hard, or not, the blood is pushing against them. 

Different Blood Pressure Readings

When your BP is taken, you will see two numbers on your reading:

  1. Systolic, the top number: this tells you how much pressure your blood is placing on the artery walls as the heart beats. 
  2. Diastolic, the bottom number: this tells you how much pressure your blood places against the artery walls while the heart is resting in between beats. 

Your BP will fall in one of five ranges. The American Heart Association explains those ranges:

Normal

A normal BP means the systolic is less than 120 and the diastolic is less than 80. Getting a reading in this range is the best you can get. This means that you are more than likely heart healthy, and live a healthy lifestyle (though that isn’t always the case). 

Elevated

An elevated BP reading is when your systolic number is from 121-129 and the diastolic is less than 80. This reading signals that your blood pressure is higher than what is normal, and you should take precautions to bring it back down to prevent high blood pressure. 

Hypertension Stage 1

If your BP falls within this stage, it means you consistently fall between the numbers 130-139 systolic and 80-89 diastolic. It’s within this stage that doctors will begin talking to you about lifestyle changes, BP medication, and more to help reduce your risk of cardiovascular problems, like a heart attack or stroke. 

Hypertension Stage 2

A BP reading in this category means you need medical attention. This is when your reading is higher than 180 systolic and 120 diastolic. If you take your reading at home and notice this number, the American Heart Association recommends waiting five minutes, and then testing again. If it’s still this high, seek immediate medical attention. Pay attention for signs like chest pain, trouble breathing, back pain, numbness, weakness, changes in vision, or difficulty speaking. 

Blood Pressure and Dental Care

If you’ve ever had dental work done, then you most likely had your BP taken. This is important for a number of different reasons. 

First off, it’s not abnormal for patients to become stressed before dental work, which can elevate BP. If you already have BP issues, this could lead to serious health problems happening during your dental work like a stroke. If we check your numbers and notice it is alarmingly high, we will consider postponing your dental work until it is under control.

Next, your BP range is important for sedation. Oftentimes in dentistry, we use local anesthesia to help our patients feel comfortable during procedures. However, it’s important to note that many anesthetics contain epinephrine, which constricts blood vessels. In turn, this can cause a higher reading. We use your BP reading as a guide to base the appropriate dosage you can have to keep you safe throughout the entirety of your procedure. 

All this to say, your blood pressure can help warn us of any underlying issues with your health that could cause problems while you’re having dental work done. Another bonus is, if you’ve been feeling fine and haven’t been to your primary care physician recently, this is a good time to check up on your blood pressure. Most people see their dentists about twice a year, which means twice a year you are staying up to date on where your BP range currently is. 

More BP and Dental Facts

In a study published by Science Daily, poor oral health has been linked to interfering with blood pressure control in those who have hypertension. They say that those with gum disease appear to have worse blood pressure readings as well. Your oral health plays a vital role in your overall health, so be sure to take care of it!

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

If you struggle with your blood pressure and have dental issues, Dr. Ania can help you. Make an appointment today to talk with her and her team about your concerns. Don’t forgo dental work because you’re scared or worried, there are steps we can take to help make you as comfortable as possible during your appointment. 

 

Posted: May 6, 2020 By: Comment: 0
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Soda vs. Teeth: Who Wins?

DoFor your teeth specifically, the sugar and acid from soft drinks can cause serious harm if you’re not taking the proper precautions. 

According to a study, over half of American adults drink soda each day. That’s a lot of people enjoying these sweet beverages! Do you know the kind of effects soda can have on your teeth? They’re not always good. Keep reading to learn what your daily beverage could be doing your teeth! 

The Negative Effects of Soda 

One of the main problems with soda is the excessive amount of sugar. Not only is this bad for your teeth, but it’s also bad for your overall health. Sugar, in large amounts, is not only high in calories, but it doesn’t leave you feeling satiated. Due to this, most people who drink soda are more likely to put on weight and have health problems associated with that. Healthline details other common problems associated with soda are:

  • Excessive sugar turns into fat in the liver
  • Sugar drastically increases belly fat 
  • It can cause insulin resistance
  • It’s one of the leading causes of type 2 diabetes 
  • Has no other health value, no vitamins, just sugar 
  • Leptin resistance, which can cause obesity 
  • It’s addictive 
  • Can increase risk for heart disease 
  • Increased risk of cancer 
  • Dental health problems

Soft Drinks and Teeth

Our teeth and oral health do not respond well to sugar. However, it’s not the sugar that directly causes the problem. When we eat or drink sugary things, the bacteria found in the mouth clings to the sugar. This bacteria thrives on sugar, which results in it working to destroy your tooth enamel.

Most soda contains different kinds of acids – phosphoric and citric. No matter which you consume, these aren’t good for your teeth. The acid breaks down the teeth’s enamel, which puts you at a higher risk for cavities, tooth decay, and more. 

Cavities are the result of a bacterial infection that happens due to the acids. Acid causes holes to develop within the teeth. Once cavities progress, you’ll begin experiencing painful symptoms, like:

  • Toothaches
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
  • Seeing holes on the teeth
  • Staining on tooth
  • Trouble chewing 

If you don’t seek treatment for cavities, they can cause serious problems. If left untreated, cavities can cause infections to develop. This could result in losing the tooth completely. 

Not only are cavities a concern of drinking soda, but dark beverages like soda also put you at risk for teeth staining and more. 

Enjoying Soda and Protecting Your Teeth

If you’re not ready to give up your daily dose of soda, there are ways you can work to keep your mouth clean, but you have to be vigilant about the process. To best protect your oral health, limit your soda intake to one per day, use a straw, rinse with water after drinking, and most importantly – wait before you brush.

This sounds counterintuitive, but if you brush right after consuming a soft drink, your mouth is already sensitive due to the acid from the drink. A good rule of thumb is to let your mouth rest for at least half an hour before brushing the bacteria away. 

Teeth are made to last a lifetime, and while you should be able to enjoy the things you love, doing so in moderation will help protect your health. 

Cavity Prevention

The best way to prevent cavities is to develop a proper dental hygiene routine. We recommend doing the following at home:

  • Using a fluoride toothpaste 
  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day 
  • Flossing each day 
  • Using mouthwash 
  • Cleaning your tongue

However, one of the best ways to prevent cavities from progressing is to keep your regular dental checkups. Seeing your dentist every six months can help stop problems before they begin. Unfortunately, we can’t see every part of our mouth. Due to this, we can miss those beginning warning signs of tooth decay and other problems. Your dentist is trained to notice these and is able to see all parts of your mouth. If you see your dentist regularly, you’re less likely to experience severe dental health issues. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

Dr. Ania’s main priority is your overall health. If you want to get your dental health back on track, make an appointment with Dr. Ania today. She will work with you to treat any issues you have, and give you advice on what your specific dental hygiene routine should look like. Call today to learn more: (303)-872-9940. 

Posted: April 30, 2020 By: Comment: 0
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Do Wisdom Teeth Have to be Removed?

Wisdom teeth come in later in life, and they can make quite the entrance. If you think your wisdom teeth are the source of your pain, keep reading!

What is the Purpose of Wisdom Teeth?

The teeth that come in later in life, known as wisdom teeth, are a third set of molars. The purpose of these teeth are to allow you to be able to break food down. Most adults will get three sets of molars on both sides of the mouth, on both rows of teeth. Centuries ago, these teeth were essential to help people chew down roots, leaves, meat, and nuts, according to Healthline. However, in our world today, we can cut and break things down with different utensils. Due to this, wisdom teeth aren’t as necessary as they once were. 

Signs You Might Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Most people will have their wisdom teeth come in by the time they turn 20 years old, however it can be much sooner or later than that age. When these teeth begin to erupt, it’s normal to feel some pain associated with it. Wisdom teeth can also cause problems if left in. You might need your wisdom teeth removed if you notice that they’re shifting orthodontic work you’ve had done, are causing mouth and jaw pain, or causing infection. They might also need to be removed if they’re impacted, meaning they haven’t erupted, or if they only emerge slightly. 

If you continue to see your dentist regularly, they’ll be able to determine if and when it will be best to have your wisdom teeth removed. 

Do Wisdom Teeth Always Have to be Removed?

Some people will never have to have their wisdom teeth removed because they don’t ever have problems. Mayo Clinic explains that wisdom teeth can be left in the mouth if they are:

  • Healthy
  • Fully grown in
  • Positioned correctly for your bite
  • Can easily be cleaned 

The Procedure

Having your wisdom teeth removed is a little more of an intense and lengthy procedure than having a typical adult tooth pulled. If you need them removed, then the dentist or dental surgeon will go over the process in full with you. In most cases, you’ll be offered a sedation mechanic to make you more relaxed during the procedure. Once it takes effect, the dentist will then make a small incision in the gum to expose the tooth. Then, the dentist will remove the bone and divide the tooth into sections so it can be easily removed in pieces. Once the tooth is removed, the dentist will stitch up the wound if needed, and then place gauze to help control the bleeding. 

After Removal 

In most cases, you can head home soon after the procedure is complete. Once you head home, you’ll need to monitor the bleeding and manage the pain. It’s normal to have some swelling and bruising for a couple of days after the procedure. Due to this, you won’t be able to eat a normal diet again for a few days. It’s also important to not drink alcohol, caffeine, or fizzy drinks for a full day. When consuming beverages for the days following the surgery, do not use a straw. Sucking a drink through a straw can dislodge blood clots from the socket, causing more bleeding and the painful condition called dry socket. 

Dry Sockets

A dry socket happens when the blood clot that was formed in the socket disappears, whether from being dislodged or other reasons. If there’s no clot there, the tender area where the tooth was removed becomes exposed to air, foods, and drinks. This can cause severe pain and sometimes infection. You’ll know you have a dry socket if you can see a dry opening in the socket rather than a blood clot, unpleasant breath and taste in mouth, and severe radiating pain. 

Your dentist might treat the dry socket by prescribing antibiotics for infection, applying a medicated paste or gauze, or having you rinse with warm salt water multiple times a day. If you think you have a dry socket, call your dentist right away. 

Call Dr. Ania 

If you are having severe tooth pain and think you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, let Dr. Ania have a look. With Dr. Ania’s experience and expertise, she’ll be able to tell you what the best course of action is for your condition. With the goal of making you as comfortable as possible during your visit, Dr. Ania and her team will work to give you a pleasant experience each time you walk in the door. To make an appointment, click here. 

 

Posted: April 23, 2020 By: Comment: 0
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Can You Heal Bleeding Gums at Home?

Are your gums tender and sore? Do they bleed after you floss or brush? This can be a symptom of gum disease, which is better to prevent rather than treat. However, if you do have mild bleeding, there are some at-home remedies to help bring the inflammation down and get the bleeding to stop. If you’re wanting to try and work on your bleeding gums at home, try these tips.

Why Do Gums Bleed?

Bleeding gums can be scary and painful, so if you have bleeding gums it’s important to know what’s causing them. There can be several different causes of bleeding gums. WebMD lists the common causes of bleeding gums to be: 

  • Gingivitis: this is a common form of gum disease that causes inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis happens when there is plaque buildup on the teeth that isn’t properly cleaned. In most cases, gingivitis is mild, but it can progress if not treated early. If gum disease progresses too far, it can be hard to stop, causing infection, loose teeth, and other health problems. 
  • Brushing too hard: if you’re using too much force, or bristles that are too hard, it can cause your gums to bleed. Though you’re removing bacteria located near the gum line, it’s important to not brush too hard near your gums. Your gums are a soft tissue and can be damaged easily, so it’s best to practice gentle dental hygiene near the gums. 
  • New to flossing: like we mentioned with brushing too hard, the gums can be sensitive and easily damaged. If it’s been a while since you’ve flossed, it can irritate the gums. However, as long as you’re flossing gently, the bleeding should subside once your gums get used to the cleaning technique. 
  • Medications: certain medications like seizure medicines and other immunosuppressants can cause gum sensitivity. Due to this, the gums are more likely to bleed and become red and swollen. 
  • Pregnancy: a common side effect of pregnancy is swollen and tender gums. This is due to hormonal changes, which makes the gums more susceptible to infection and gum disease.  
  • Dentures: like natural teeth, plaque can buildup on dentures which can cause gum disease if not cleaned properly. Additionally, ill-fitting dentures can also cause sore and bleeding gums. 

Treating Bleeding Gums at Home

If you have mildly bleeding gums and would like to treat them at home, follow these tips from Medical News Today:

  • Try and haul the bleeding by using gauze. It works the same way as it does when you apply gauze to a scraped knee or other body part. If you need to stop the bleeding, they recommend holding a clean, damp gauze to the affected part of the gum. 
  • Use cold therapy. Applying ice or a cold compress against swollen gums can help inflammation go down. If you try this, put the ice on the swollen area for 10 minutes, and then leave off for at least 10 minutes. Repeat as needed. 
  • Consider using antibacterial mouthwashes. These mouthwashes not only help treat bleeding gums, but it can also prevent it from happening again. The mouthwash works by killing bacteria to help bring the swelling down. 
  • Try a salt water rinse. Salt water helps remove bacteria from the mouth, which can increase healing time. They recommend making your own salt water rinse, and using it several times a day. If you want to make your own rinse, add about half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm, not hot, water. 
  • Incorporate turmeric in your routine. Known for its antibacterial effects, turmeric can help improve bleeding gums. This holistic approach involves making turmeric paste and applying it to the gums. Be sure to rinse well after though, to prevent it from staining your teeth. 
  • Focus on your dental hygiene. While you’re brushing your teeth each day, make sure that you’re using the right toothbrush. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently near the gumline. 
  • Floss each day. Flossing is an important part of your dental routine. Gently floss each day. It’s normal to see bleeding when you first start this, however, if you keep this up in your routine the bleeding should stop in a few days. 
  • Don’t smoke. Smoking is one of the leading causes of gum disease. Not only can it affect your mouth, but smoking also harms your immune system, which makes it harder for your body to fight plaque and bacteria on the gums. 
  • Try oil pulling. Oil pulling involves using coconut oil. You put the oil in your mouth and swish for up to 20 minutes before spitting it out. This can improve your gums, but it can also offer teeth whitening benefits. 
  • Reduce your sugar intake. Sugar and processed foods can cause gum disease, which is why it’s important to limit your intake. Instead, try adding more crunchy veggies into your diet. Vegetables like celery and carrots can help keep your teeth clean. Additionally, also try eating more leafy greens, which are a great way to add more nutrients into your diet. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

If you try these at-home remedies but find that you still have bleeding gums, make an appointment with Dr. Ania. She will help diagnose the cause of the bleeding and develop a treatment plan that will help get your mouth back to normal again. Call today: (303)-872-9940 to contact our office. 

 

Posted: April 16, 2020 By: Comment: 0
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Ways Our Dental Health Affects Our Overall Health

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

Oral Health

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

Common Dental Health Problems 

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

Bad breath

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

Tooth decay

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

Gum disease

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

Oral cancer

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

Mouth sores

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

Erosion

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

Tooth sensitivity

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

Dental emergencies

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

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

Overall Health Problems 

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

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

Seeing the Dentist to Prevent Problems 

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

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

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

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

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

Posted: April 9, 2020 By: Comment: 0
tongue-scraping-fad-or-helpful

Tongue Scraping: Fad or Helpful?

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

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

What is Tongue Scraping? 

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

What are the Benefits of Tongue Scraping?

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

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

How to Tongue Scrape

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

Risks of Tongue Scraping

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

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

Tongue Scraping vs. Brushing

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

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

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

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

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

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

 

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

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

Pain Relief

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

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

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

Non-opioid Analgesics

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

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

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

Side Effects of Non-opioid Analgesics

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

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

Opioids

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

Side Effects of Opioids

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

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

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

Anesthetics

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

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

Side Effects of Anesthetics

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

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

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

Make an Appointment with Dr. Ania

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

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

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

What is Dry Mouth?

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

What Does Dry Mouth Feel Like?

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

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

What Causes This? 

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

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

At Home Remedies 

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

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

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

Dry Mouth Complications 

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

Make an Appointment 

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

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

Soft Food Recipes For After Dental Procedures

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

Soft Food Recipes to Make

1. Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup

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

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 an onion, diced

12 oz (1 can) evaporated milk

4 cups chicken broth

2 cups broccoli florets 

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup Parmesan 

How to: 

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

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

2. 5-Minute Super Berry Smoothie Bowl 

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

1 cup milk of choice

1 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries 

Ripe banana (1 full banana)

1/3 cup fresh spinach, loosely packed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

2 tablespoons flax or chia seeds (optional) 

How to:

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

See, soft food can be easy!

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

3. 10 Minute Fried Rice

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

1 cup water

1 cup minute rice

2 tablespoons soy sauce, low sodium

Vegetable oil 1 tablespoon

Fresh or frozen vegetables – 1 cup 

1 Large egg

Minced garlic, 1 tablespoon 

Salt and pepper to taste

How to:

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

4. Vegan Butter Garlic Noodles 

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

8 oz spaghetti

3 tablespoons vegan butter, divided

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

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

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons olive oil

6 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes 

How to:

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

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

Soft Cinnamon Cookies

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

2 cups all-purpose flour

Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons 

Baking powder – 2 teaspoons 

3/4 cup unsalted butter

1 cup minus 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

1 large egg

Vanilla – 1 teaspoon

How to: 

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

Make an Appointment

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

 

Posted: March 5, 2020 By: Comment: 0

Tooth Sensitivity: 1 in 8 Americans Have It

Tooth sensitivity, also called “dentin hypersensitivity”, strikes millions of Americans each year. 1 in 8 Americans have tooth sensitivity, sometimes daily. It’s a condition more common among young people, especially women. While it’s not life-threatening, chronic ache of sensitive teeth can put a serious damper on the quality of a person’s life. Here are some common reasons why our patients get tooth sensitivity and some tips to help prevent and curb that sensitivity!

 

Tooth Decay: A Common Cause

Most often, tooth sensitivity is caused by a cavity. 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. When it comes on suddenly and gets worse over a few days, it’s likely an infection from decay. Call our office right away when this happens.

 

Other Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Don’t panic about a cavity if you’re suddenly having tooth sensitivity, as other common causes happen all the time to our patients. Here are some other reasons why you get tooth sensitivity:

  • Winter cold. With changing seasons, we have patients that get a toothache here and there. Cold air hitting the teeth will cause sensitivity for many that can be sudden. Running heat directly in your face in a car or other small space can also irritate your teeth. Patients tend to drink more hot beverages in the winter, which can cause tooth sensitivity as well. You may have a slight bit of gum recession, so some of your tooth along the gum line is exposed to changes in temperature. This can cause aching tooth sensitivity or sudden tooth Limit these habits or try venting the heat more, as well as drinking warm beverages instead of hot ones.
  • Gum recession. Plaque and tartar buildup will damage your teeth and irritate your gums. That irritation causes gum recession, which exposes part of your tooth root. This root will be sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages, which can cause you sharp, sudden pains, as we mentioned.
  • Bruxism and TMJ. If you clench or grind your teeth at night, you may wake up with headaches and a toothache in one or more places. We will look to see if you are clenching or grinding or if you need treatment for dysfunction of your temporomandibular joint.
  • Tooth injury. A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth will cause tooth sensitivity that is constant, or when it is touched. Come into our office right away if you injure a tooth so that you avoid infection.

 

Desensitizing Teeth: Some Tips

Everyone gets tooth sensitivity for different reasons. However, there should be some method of pain-relief that will work for you. Our patients generally find relief through:

  1. Desensitizing toothpaste. There are several brands of toothpaste for sensitive teeth available on the market today. Try brands such as Sensodyne and others that are prescribed for sensitive teeth. Depending on your oral health history, we may want you to use specific brands, or a prescription strength sensitivity toothpaste. Check with our office and see what brands we love and if you need a prescription.
  2. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Many patients don’t realize that there are differences between toothbrushes besides their colors and shapes. However, bristles come in different variations of hardness. Most patients won’t want to brush their teeth with “hard” toothbrushes because the bristles can be too abrasive for the enamel. We recommend that you use “soft” bristled toothbrushes for sensitive teeth, and this will be printed somewhere near the top of your toothbrush container label. This will limit gum irritation, recession, and tooth sensitivity when brushing.
  3. Avoid highly acidic foods. Acids and sugars will erode tooth enamel much faster than most other types of foods and drinks. Acids are found in citric fruits and drinks, as preservatives, and in sodas and sparkling waters. Your mouth also produces acidic plaque when you eat sugar, so be aware of this. Limit your sugar and acidic food consumption to limit your tooth sensitivity and gum recession.
  4. Use a fluoridated mouthwash daily. Want stronger teeth? Drink water! Public water sources in the U.S. are enhanced with fluoride, which is a naturally-occurring mineral that acts as a shield for the teeth. You can buy toothpastes, mouthwashes, gels, and rinses that have fluoride added. Use these products, then wait 30 minutes before eating and drinking.
  5. Avoid teeth grinding. If you know you grind your teeth, call our office for a retainer consultation. Grinding or clenching the jaw at night will wear down and weaken your teeth, causing tooth sensitivity.

 

Schedule Your Consultation

If you notice sudden tooth sensitivity that is severe, don’t hesitate to call the office. Tooth sensitivity from decay can lead to infection fast. When sensitivity simply comes and goes, try out our desensitizing methods for relief. If you’re still finding yourself with pain and aches from tooth sensitivity, call Dr. Ania’s office today at 303-443-0998 to get your pain under control!

Posted: January 24, 2020 By: Comment: 0

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