Did you know you should start taking your child to the dentist by the time they turn one? As soon as they have teeth, those teeth need to be well cared for.
Your kid’s first dentist appointment Holistic Dentist in Durango, COwill most likely be short with little to no treatment and provides your child the opportunity to become comfortable with the dentist. This gives the dentist and the parents a chance to see how the child will respond to this new environment.
Dental visits can be frightening for young children (and even adults!), but with preparation, your child’s first dentist appointment should be a breeze. Learn more about how to prepare for your kid’s first dental appointment, or learn more about our pediatric dentistry services.
Practice Brushing
Have your child practice tooth brushing and get them used to having objects like a brush or cleaning tool in their mouth.
Take Them To Your Appointment
It may be helpful for your child to have a familiarity with the dentist, so take them to your dentist appointment if you can. Show them how fun a trip to the dentist can be!
Talk To Them
Before their visit, use positive language to talk to your child about what to expect and remind them that their first visit won’t involve any procedures.
Bring Comforting Toys
Feel free to bring along toys and other distractions to comfort your child in the waiting room and the dentist’s chair.
Stay Calm
Yes, we’re talking to you Mom or Dad! You may not realize how noticeable your own stress and anxiety is to your child. Stay relaxed and remember that an experienced family dentist will know how to handle any behavior that your child throws their way.
Plan a Reward
It’s a good idea to plan a trip to a park or another fun experience for your kid after their first visit to the dentist. Let them know that they have something to look forward to after their appointment.
Remember that your child has not had a bad experience with the dentist yet, so it could be a very exciting, not frightening, experience for them!
At our family dentistry, we make a point of creating a comforting environment to put your child at ease. With over 30 years of experience treating children, our dentists know what to expect and how to make your child’s first visit to the dentist as enjoyable as possible.
Closeup of dentist tools and mouth open with beautiful teeth
Why is Good Oral Hygiene Important?
The effects of poor oral hygiene range from tooth decay and cavities to gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss. Fortunately, proper oral hygiene, including cleaning teeth correctly and regularly, can prevent most of these problems. In case of any emergency you can visit at Holistic Dentist in Durango, CO for better oral hygiene.
If you don’t clean your teeth well every day, you’re putting yourself at risk for tooth decay. Early signs of decay include pain when you bite and feelings of sensitivity or pain in your teeth. When the carbohydrates in the food and drinks that you consume aren’t cleaned from the teeth regularly, they provide fuel for cavity-causing bacteria. These bacteria can start forming plaque on teeth within 20 minutes of eating, so if you’re a frequent snacker, you may want to clean your teeth more often than twice a day. The truth is, bacteria are almost always present in the mouth, and frequent cleaning––and limiting sugary foods––may help prevent decay
Cleaning teeth also helps prevent cavity-causing bacteria from progressing to gingivitis, or gum disease.
If you develop tooth decay and gum disease as a result of poor oral hygiene, you may be dealing with bills for anything from fillings or crowns to more costly and complicated procedures such as root canals or oral surgery to extract damaged teeth and place dental implants.
How Much Does Dental Cost?
Dental treatment costs can vary. The cost of basic oral hygiene and preventive teeth cleaning is low. A toothbrush should be replaced every three months or when it appears worn, but that’s just a few dollars. The same goes for dental floss, whether you prefer specialized floss or standard floss. By comparison, the cost of a root canal will depend on the location of the tooth and how many canals are in the tooth that needs the root canal treatment.
Go to Dental Cleanings and Appointments
Also, don’t forget that most dental plans cover at least one, and sometimes two, checkups and cleanings per year at little or no cost to you. It’s better to make and keep those appointments, even if you don’t think you have problems with your teeth or oral hygiene, in order to identify and manage potential problems before costly care is required. Remember that your dentist is your partner in oral health, and be sure to keep him or her informed about medications you take and changes in your overall health so your oral hygiene can be tailored accordingly to maximize your health benefits. Some types of medications (including anti-depressants and some heart medications) increase your risk for gingivitis, so be sure to let your dental professional know if you start taking any new medication, even if you don’t think it will affect your oral health.
A Recommended Dental Care Routine
Keep your teeth clean and cavity-free by following a regular dental care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. And visit your dental professional at least once a year for a professional cleaning and assessment to catch any problems before they become serious. Your dentist or dental hygienist might also recommend a particular type of toothbrush, dental floss or oral rinse to help you get the most out of your daily dental care routine.
Additionally, there are lifestyle choices that will help keep your teeth clean and gums healthy.
Nutrition Tips
Following a proper and nutritious diet not only helps keep your body healthy, but your mouth as well. Nutrition plays an important role in the health and cleanliness of your teeth, gums and mouth.
Limit Soda, Coffee and Alcohol
Although these beverages contain a high level of phosphorous, which is a necessary mineral for a healthy mouth, too much phosphorous can deplete the body’s level of calcium. This causes dental hygiene problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Beverages containing additives such as corn syrup and food dye can make pearly white teeth appear dull and discolored. Therefore, it is best to choose beverages like milk, which helps strengthen teeth and build stronger enamel, giving you a healthy, beautiful smile.
Drink Tap Water When Possible
If bottled water is your main source of drinking water, you could be missing the decay-preventive benefits of fluoride.
Monitor Your Low – Carb Lifestyle
Despite their popularity, low- carb diets can cause bad breath. A balanced, dental-healthy diet can help reduce tooth decay.
Increase Your Calcium Intake
After age 20, both men and women lose more bone mass than they form so it is important to restore lost calcium with a daily supplement and by eating fruits and vegetables high in calcium, such as dark leafy greens. These foods will also help to lower the acid buildup in the saliva that can lead to breakdown of tooth enamel.
Take a Daily Dose of Vitamins C and D
These vitamins help support the absorption of healthy mouth minerals such as calcium and phosphorous, which support the bone and gum tissue, keeping it healthy. This is an easy way to maintain dental hygiene and fight gum disease.
Put Out the Cigarette
Smoking cigarettes is one of the greatest contributors to the aging mouth. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 22 million women in the United States smoke cigarettes. In addition to staining teeth, smoking interrupts calcium absorption in the body and can also cause potentially life-threatening diseases such as oral cancer. So, stop smoking and enjoy the health benefits as well as a healthy, beautiful smile.
Dental Implant Cost, Benefits & Other Frequently Asked Questions
Dental Implants Overview
Dental implants are a popular teeth-replacement option for a very good reason. These artificial teeth, not only are designed to be long term, but they also look beautiful and function just like natural teeth. So, if you lost a tooth in an accident or you have a tooth that is beyond repair, it is a usual scenario for your dentist to recommend getting an implant to restore your smile.
However, how much a dental implant is going to cost you? What are the benefits of the dental implant procedure? And, most importantly, are they safe?
To educate you on such topics, we decided to answer the most frequently asked questions in regard to the cost and procedure of getting dental implants in hopes of helping you always make smart decisions.
What Types of Dental Implants Are There?
You can find two sorts of dental implants: subperiosteal, zygomatic, and endosteal. The latter is the most widespread type. It can hold one or more artificial teeth and a surgeon embeds it into the jawbone. These types of implants are the safest, however, they require a healthy jawbone to fuse to.
When it comes to subperiosteal implants, a surgeon affixes them over the jawbone. This option is usually chosen by the dental surgeon when people don’t have much height in their jawbone or if the patient doesn’t want to go through intensive oral surgery.
The least common type of dental implants is the zygomatic implants. They should only be done when there isn’t enough jawbone because the technique includes placing the implant on the person’s cheekbone instead of the jawbone.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
When it comes to the cost, people normally assume that the dental implant cost estimate is a lot higher than it actually is. For example, dental implant cost per tooth is almost the same as replacing it with a regular fixed bridge, yet people think the price difference is enormous.
Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?
Since getting implants is still considered a cosmetic procedure, most medical and dental insurance companies do not cover the cost. Our solution to this problem can be found in our offer of medicare dental implants and dental plans that cover implants. Additionally, our Tampa clinic provides the visitors with consultation and a second opinion free of charge, so if you would like to get free medical advice and explore your options about getting quality yet affordable dental implants, get in touch with us today.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
*Image is to demonstrate the results dental implant can produce.
There are many benefits of undergoing a dental implant procedure. Some of the most crucial advantages include:
Convenience – Unlike removable dentures, these replacement teeth eliminate the embarrassing moment of dentures removal. Dental implants are among the most convenient teeth-replacement options that exist.
Improved appearance and self-esteem – Because implants are designed to look and feel like natural teeth, a beautiful smile is guaranteed and with that an improved confidence as well as appearance.
Enhanced speech – For the people without teeth or with poor-fitting dentures, speaking can be hard. Since they stay in place, implants enhance the ability to speak without worrying that the dentures might slip.
Easier eating and greater comfort – Easy tasks, such as speaking and eating is challenging when a person does not have teeth or have removable, temporary teeth. Because implants feel like natural teeth, chewing becomes easier and more comfortable allowing the patients to eat their favorite food without pain.
Durability – Implants, unlike other teeth-replacement options, are made to last for a very long time. With good care, a pair of dental implants can even last a lifetime.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Being used for half a century, dental implants are both, highly effective and safe. This, however, does not mean complications can not occur. After all, dental implant treatment is a medical procedure that requires well-trained and knowledgeable dentists to ensure skillful handling or any issues and minimize complications.
What Is the Success Rate of Dental Implants?
Although as mentioned dental implants are designed to last for many years, the experience varies from individual to individual. Due to the diversity of habits different people possess, they may not be a successful option for one person as it would be to another. However, for an individual with great dental health and good hygiene habits, implants are predictably successful with a 90-95% success rate.
Does It Hurt to Get Dental Implants?
Along with the helpful instructions for home care as well as the sedation techniques available nowadays, the majority of patients report that getting dental implants is not as painful as they expected it to be. In this sense, we would like to inform you that feeling some sort of pain or discomfort afterward is completely normal because getting implants is a medical procedure that involves quite a few unpleasant processes. This pain, however, is not severe at all and typically lasts only for a short period of time.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Anyone who is missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, an upper or lower row of teeth, or all of their teeth, is an ideal candidate. These replacement teeth are a smart and excellent long-term solution even for children who have lost their permanent teeth in an accident or because of an injury.
Depending on the number of missing teeth, you may be a perfect candidate for a single dental implant or a full mouth dental implants. For your specific needs, we advise you to talk with one of our prosthodontists in order to come to the best and most affordable resolution for your particular problem.
How To Find a Dental Implant Dentist Near You
At Holistic Dentistry in Durango, CO the best dental implant is possible. Both of our practices are conveniently located and offer a safe, clean, and modern environment. Before undergoing the dental implant procedure, our dentists review your health history and discuss your habits that may affect the recommended care’s success, so that that you are informed about the risks as well as the benefits involved and to provide the safest implant procedure possible.
Dental veneers, also known as dental porcelain laminates or porcelain veneers, are casings of materials that are tooth-colored, custom made, wafer-thin, and designed to cover the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. The veneers are usually made from resin composite materials or porcelain and they change the length, size, shape or color of the teeth.
Veneers are used to treat different types of cosmetic concerns like smaller, discolored, broken or chipped teeth. Veneers are typically applied to the top front eight teeth. In the case of a chipped or broken tooth, some people may only get one veneer, but many get up to eight to get an even smile.
Types
There are two main types of veneer: porcelain and composite.
Ceramic Dental Veeners
Composite Veneers
The visual appearance of composites can be less satisfying, but they are significantly cheaper than porcelain. They also have a shorter life span, and after a while, they start to become unsightly and stain or chip away. When a patient wants to fix a tooth that is too small or too short, composites are the ideal solution because the treatment is reversible. You can fit the composite without removing any of the enamel from the tooth.
Porcelain/Ceramic Veneers
On the other hand, veneers that are made from porcelain or ceramic material are far more durable and have a longer life stan. Because the material is translucent, they have a very close resemblance to natural teeth and porcelain is also stain resistant. The biggest downside for porcelain is that it costs at least double the price of composite. Also, with veneers, you are committing to a lifetime of teeth covering due to the fact that once the enamel is removed your teeth can’t be uncovered again.
Benefits
Dental veneers solve the following problems:
Wear and tear. Our teeth begin to wear down naturally as we age, and they are more likely to have an uneven appearance, chips and cracks. Veneers can make your teeth get their natural appearance back.
Genetics. Some people genetically have spaces between their teeth that get wider as they age.
Worn enamel. As a result of drinking coffee, tea, soft drinks, smoking or taking certain types of medications your tooth enamel can become worn and veneers are a perfect way to correct that.
Discoloration. Sometimes teeth whitening cannot fully correct stubborn tooth discoloration, and in these cases, veneers are a simple solution.
Tone selection
If you’re having problems with discolored, chipped, or misshapen teeth, veneers provide a very natural finish. The color of the veneers can be selected to make your teeth appear whiter or to match their existing color. The veneers finish imitates the qualities of natural teeth, which will help you achieve a natural-looking and bright smile.
Dental Veneers Process
After the dentist at Holistic Dentistry in Durango, CO creates your mold it usually takes about one to two weeks for him to get your veneers back from the lab. You can schedule an appointment to have them placed once they are delivered. To make sure they are the perfect fit, your dentist will evaluate the coloration, shape and fit of the veneers.
Next, your dentist will clean your teeth in order to keep bacteria from getting trapped under the veneers. He will create a rough texture on each tooth where a veneer should be placed by using a grinding tool. To bind the veneer to the tooth he will then use dental cement.
Lastly, to harden the cement quickly, he will use ultraviolet light and after that, you are good to go. If a local anesthetic isn’t used (which adds an extra thirty minutes), this appointment usually lasts for about two hours.
COVID-19: Looking After Yourself Through Better Oral Hygiene
We are all familiar that personal hygiene can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the epidemic curve. Keeping good personal hygiene has never been more important given the current situation we are all in.
During a panel discussion on March 23 hosted by the Straits Times on the importance of personal hygiene in the Coronavirus outbreak, Water Resources Minister Masagos Zufikli, who is the head of the new SG Clean task force, said that our first defense is personal hygiene, not just against the Corona Virus, but against other breakouts that we cannot predict yet.
There are a lot of things we don’t know about the Coronavirus, but what we do know is that it spreads through droplets produced by an infected person that sneezes or coughs. Other individuals can get contaminated when they touch a surface with virus particles on it and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. The way the virus is transmitted is the reason why you need to pay attention to personal hygiene.
Wash Your Hands
Although you have surely heard this a million times already, the best weapon in the fight between the virus and humans is hand hygiene. You should start by getting your hands wet with running water, and then apply enough soap to cover them. Then, scrub all the surfaces of your hands, including the spaces under your nails, between your fingers, and the back of your hands. You should do this at least 20 seconds. After you rinse them thoroughly with water and then dry them with a single-use towel or a clean cloth.
An easy way to time washing your hands is by singing the happy birthday song two times in a row. When it comes to using hand sanitizer, you should use one that contains at least 60% alcohol and do the same procedure as washing your hands with soap, at least for 20 seconds.
Make sure to wash your hands:
Before and after eating
Before and after taking care of a sick person
After sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose
After visiting public spaces like places of washing, markets, or using public transportation
After touching surfaces outside your house
Generally, you should always wash your hands when they are visibly dirty, after touching pets, changing babies diapers, after handling garbage, before and after eating and after using the toilet.
Do Not Share a Toothbrush
You should never share a toothbrush with anybody, no matter how close they are to you, if you are related or if they are people you live with. Other than exposing your gums and teeth to new bacteria that might not play nicely with the bacteria that your body already knows, sharing a toothbrush is also how this virus can be caught from other people. Besides not sharing a toothbrush, you should make sure that the toothbrush you have is kept apart from the other toothbrushes in your household so their heads don’t accidentally touch.
Another thing to watch out for is where you keep your toothbrush. If you keep your toothbrush near the toilet, some of the water might spray out of the toilet land on your toothbrush every time someone flushes. According to research, the virus can also be spread through fecal matter. You should make sure that your toothbrush is far away from the toilet, or even better, close the lid when you flush.
Clean Your Bathroom on A Regular Basis
The place where many of our towels, flannels, toothbrushes and other intimate items are stored in our bathroom. This is the place we also go to when we want to get clean. For the reasons mentioned above, it is important that all the surfaces in our bathrooms are cleaned constantly with a cleaning product that is bleach-based.
Visit the Dentist
You should keep your regular visits to the Holistic Dentist Durango, CO. It is best to check if your appointment is still on by phoning the dentist’s office ahead because this is a period of great uncertainty. Your appointment might be canceled or delayed for the safety of both the patients and the staff. The more routine procedures are usually delayed for some time in the near future, but the more emergency treatments are probably still available.
Don’t Forget About the Basics
In addition to visiting your dentist when possible, you shouldn’t forget about your oral health routine in order to keep a healthy mouth. You should brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride, clean the spaces between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes, avoid sugary foods and drinks as much as you can and drink plenty of water and consider using mouthwash. You should practice spitting instead of rinsing because rinsing will wash off the fluoride toothpaste that needs to protect the teeth during the day.
5 Tricks to Maintain Good Oral Care without Going Broke
According to research done by the American Dental Association, a person pays $666 a year in dental expenses and that a lot of people are skipping out on it because of the cost. Even with benefits, you may have big out of pocket expenses or not enough money to cover the services that you need.
The emergency fund you have built can all be spent on one trip to the dentist, and if you have a tight budget finding the funds to pay for the dentist can seem impossible. People who have dental coverage can struggle to pay pricy procedures like oral surgery and root canals because after retirement Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental care.
However, avoiding dental care because you don’t have the money to afford can cause bigger dental issues and cost more in the long run. Your overall health is dependent on good oral health. The following are a few tips that can make the costs of dental care more controllable.
See A New Dentist
To attract new patients, many dental offices offer special discounts, like free cleaning and exams and even credits on more advanced procedures. This is also helpful if you want a second opinion on an expensive procedure your dentist recommends. You should request the treatment plan and see a new dentist, have them look at the plan and get a more accurate proposition.
At Modern Day Smiles, we offer a new patient special for $59 which includes X-rays, an exam and cleaning. The special is for new patients only, and does not include periodontal therapy, and is not valid with insurance or any other offers.
Sign Up for a Dental Savings Plan
You pay an annual fee for a dental savings plan that you have chosen, and then you get a discount on most dental services from 10 to 60 percent. Some plans even include medical services like vision care, prescriptions, and cosmetic dental procedure. Many providers offer family plans for under $200 a year, an $80 to $150 for individuals. Before deciding to purchase a dental make, make sure you have access to providers and what the dental plan covers.
Use Dental Hygiene Clinics or Local Dental Schools
A wide range of services is offered by many state and local health departments, taxpayer-funded community health clinics and dental schools. The services can include root canals, crowns, extracting teeth, filling cavities, cleaning, and even emergency care. Some of them have low fixed prices, like for example $15 for X-rays, while others base the fees on how much you can afford.
These clinics can be on a first come first serve basis, and some of them might have some income restrictions. To find more low-cost dental care in your area, you should contact your local health department or search online in your local area.
Practice Preventive Dental Care
The cheapest and the best medicine is prevention. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Brushing will keep your gums and teeth healthy, and flossing will prevent plaque and cavities as its result. Not brushing your teeth can lead to issues that can be very costly, so having a good and consistent oral routine is key to keeping your mouth procedure-free and healthy.
Having regular check-ups at the dentist are also important, and although it may cost you some money and time, you will see that your efforts are worthy when you skip out on the bills for crowns, root canals, and fillings.
You should keep an eye for the symptoms before something minor turns serious. You should make an appointment at the dentist if you notice:
Constant sensitivity to cold, hot or sweet drinks and foods
Swelling that can be an indicator of an infection
Bleeding while brushing your teeth
Pain when eating or chewing
Bad Breath which could also signal an infection
Skip Out on What Isn’t Necessary
You should ask about your visit and the fees before your exam, and see if you can do it without a certain service. For instance, the American Dental Association advises that adults and teens can wait up to 3 years between X-rays – which shows cavities between teeth – if they take good care of their gums and teeth. Many people pay for X-rays every 12 months.
What’s important to keep in mind that you may need X-rays as often as every 6 months in case you are likely to get cavities or have tooth decay. Skipping out on them could mean getting an expensive crown or root canal later, so you should be well informed about your teeth and the condition they are in before making this decision.
Watch out for the Fillings Scam
One of the most common scams in the dental industry is the diagnosis of nonexistent cavities. You shouldn’t let your dentist pressure into getting multiple fillings done right away if you don’t have any evidence of the problem and pain. This is where a second opinion from a dentist can be useful.
There are ways to minimize out of pocket dental costs and maximize the insurance benefits. To reduce the amount of expensive dental treatment good advice is to focus on preventative care you can also rely on Holistic Dentist Durango, CO to get more information regarding this concept. You shouldn’t make an assumption that dental costs are the same everywhere, but instead, ask for cash discounts and make comparisons that will result in smaller rental bills.
Sensitive Teeth Tips to Help Put Your Sensitivity Behind You
If acidic, sweet, cold or hot drinks and foods make your teeth painful or sensitive, then you may have tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity is a result of the enamel that protects our teeth getting thinner, thus exposing the dentin. The dentin is a material that contains microscopic tubules packed with many small nerve endings. The dentin is protected by a layer of cementum and it expands down to the root of your tooth. When the dentin loses the enamel, it exposes the nerve to the sugary, sticky, cold and hot drinks and foods.
In the United States, at least 40 million adults suffer from sensitive teeth according to a study done by the Academy of General Dentistry. Tooth sensitivity is most common in people that are age between 40 and 40, although it can also affect people who are older than 70 and in their early teens.
People who have sensitive teeth may experience discomfort when being in contact with alcohol-based mouth rinses, cold air, when brushing or flossing and when like we previously mentioned, consuming sweet, acidic, and hot or cold foods and beverages.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Due to having thinner enamel, some people have naturally more sensitive teeth than other people do. In other cases, the tooth enamel can be worn down from grinding your teeth at night, regularly drinking or eating acidic foods and beverages, dental treatments or cleanings, using a hard toothbrush, or brushing your teeth too hard.
Sometimes, conditions like gastroesophageal reflux can cause tooth sensitivity. Gastroesophageal reflux, also known as GERD, can wear down teeth over time because of the acid that comes up from the esophagus and stomach. The cause of teeth sensitivity can also be gum recession which leaves parts of the tooth unprotected and exposed.
Gum disease can be the culprit for sensitive teeth because the build-up of tartar or plaque can destroy the bone support of the tooth.
The dentin of the tooth can also be exposed by crowns, worn-down fillings, chipped or broken teeth, and tooth decay. After getting teeth bleaching, crowns, or filling, your teeth may feel sensitive for a certain period of time, but it should go away after a few days.
Diagnosis
The first step to finding relief to your teeth sensitivity is having a conversation with your dentist. Tell your dentist when the pain started, describe the symptoms you’re feeling and tell him if there is something that makes it feel better. Your dentist can see what’s causing the sensitivity to be checking for potential problems like recessed gums, loose fillings, or cavities.
Your dentist can diagnose sensitive teeth during your routine dental check-up. He or she will do a visual exam and clean your teeth. They will check for sensitivity by touching your teeth with dental instruments, and might also want you to do an X-ray.
Treatment
Depending on how severe the sensitivity is, the type of treatment will vary. Your dentist can suggest some of the following:
Fluoride –To reduce the pain and strengthen the tooth enamel, your dentist may apply a fluoride gel to sensitive areas of your teeth. This is a technique that will reduce the transmission of sensations and strengthen tooth enamel.
Bonding or desensitizing – You can get bonding resin applied to the sensitive root surfaces when you have an exposed root. For this technique, a local anesthetic may be used.
Desensitizing toothpaste –It will usually require a few applications before your sensitivity is reduced, but desensitizing toothpaste can block the transmission of sensation to the nerve from the tooth surface. Since there are a few over the counter products that are available, you should ask your dentist which one will be the best for you.
Surgical gum graft – Gum tissue from your mouth can be taken and attached to a tooth root that has lost gum tissue, thus reducing sensitivity and protecting exposed roots.
Root canal – If the sensitivity can’t be treated in any other way and you feel persistent and severe pain, your dentist may recommend that a root canal is the best way to terminate the problem.
Prevention
Here are some steps that can help in preventing tooth sensitivity:
Brush with a toothpaste for sensitivity, which will still clean your teeth and mouth while simultaneously providing relief for sensitivity and treating the gum line
Brush your teeth twice a day and flossing daily in order to prevent any problems like cavities and gum loss
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
Change your toothbrush as soon as it becomes worn, which is usually around every two to three months
Talk to a dentist if you’re experiencing grinding your teeth so you can get a mouthguard made which you can wear at night
Avoid acidic drinks and food
Clean all the parts in your mouth, including the spaces along the gums like and the ones between your teeth
At Holistic Dentistry in Durango, CO, they ensure you feel like you’re in a safe and comfortable environment. You will be surrounded with trained dentists that offer a wide range of dental treatments.
The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist at least every six months for an examination, cleaning and fluoride treatment. But, do you know what you can do between visits to keep your teeth and mouth healthy with proper oral hygiene?
When it comes to keeping your smile looking its best, developing good oral hygiene habits is essential. Starting these oral hygiene habits early will allow your mouth the best possible chance at being healthy for your lifetime.
Practicing Good Oral Health Care
Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most comprehensive things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important for total body wellness.
Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help prevent diseases and conditions from occurring. In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple oral hygiene steps that you can perform to reduce the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems.
Floss Daily
If you haven’t developed the habit of regular flossing now is the time to! If you think about it, each of your teeth has five surfaces. Brushing can get to three of those faces, but if you don’t floss you are neglecting at least two of the surfaces. Floss is the only tool that is able to get into the spaces between your teeth.
If you don’t get rid of the sticky bacteria (plaque) it will generate acid on your teeth resulting in gum irritations, cavities and serious conditions. Flossing is a key step to practicing proper oral hygiene.
A common question we are asked at Niles Family Dentistry is when to floss–before or after brushing? According to the American Dental Association, 53 percent of polled readers said they floss before. 47 percent said after. As long as you are doing a thorough job, it doesn’t matter which you do first. Just do it! Your mouth (and pocketbook) will thank you!
Commit to Regular Brushing
You should commit to brushing your teeth at least twice a day. The act of brushing your teeth helps remove harmful bacteria from your teeth that can eat away at your enamel and form cavities. 80% of Americans are afflicted by some form of gum disease. Brushing helps lessen your chances that you will be part of this statistic.
When preparing to brush your teeth, consider the size, shape, and bristles of your toothbrush. Choose a soft-bristled brush that can reach all the areas of your mouth with ease. Plan on replacing this toothbrush every 3-4 months or until you see the bristles fraying. Choose a toothpaste that is fortified with fluoride and approved by the American Dental Association–look for the ADA symbol on the packaging.
Look for Signs of a Healthy Mouth
Mouths that are healthy have certain characteristics that you can look for. If you see signs your mouth health is declining, don’t wait for your 6-month checkup and cleaning, call our office and make an appointment for an examination. Choosing to make an examination early can prevent painful diseases and conditions from festering and growing bigger. Part of practicing good oral hygiene includes taking time to look at your teeth and mouth when you brush. How do they look? Are they white? Yellowing or discolored? Are there any spots on your teeth?
If you see changes in the regular appearance of your teeth, this can be a sign you need to make an appointment. Ensure that your teeth are clean and free from leftover food particles. Your gums should be pink and should not bleed when you brush or floss. If your teeth do bleed when you brush or floss it can be a sign you have developed gingivitis which if left untreated can develop into a more serious condition called periodontal disease.
Another sign that you may need some expert assistance from Holistic Dentist in Durango, CO with your mouth health is if you notice persistent bad breath (halitosis). Bad breath can be an indicator that there are problems present. If you see any sores in your mouth that don’t go away with time, also make an appointment as this can be a sign of oral cancer.
Practicing good oral hygiene has nearly limitless benefits. When our mouths, gums or teeth aren’t healthy, our bodies may be more susceptible to serious disease, so taking care of your mouth is just as important as taking care of the rest of your body.
Working with children to create good oral health habits early on can go a long way toward a lifetime of healthy smiles, but as adults, any bad habits we have acquired might have stuck around longer than they needed to. Here are a few tips for making sure your teeth and gums stay as healthy as possible.
Care for your teeth daily
Make sure you are brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. The fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay and if you use mouthwash, do not use it directly after brushing as it will rinse away the fluoride. It’s important to brush your teeth before bed to make sure bacteria that cause plaque, tartar and gingivitis can’t spend all night on your teeth.
Proper Brushing
When brushing your teeth hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle so both the gum line and surface of the tooth are exposed to the bristles. You should brush using an up and down and back and forth motion. After brushing be sure to floss! While it might be a chore, flossing can remove debris from teeth that brushing misses.
Visit your dentist regularly
You should be seeing your dentist at least twice a year for semi-annual cleanings and a thorough checkup. Your dentist will examine your teeth for potential issues, discuss a customized care plan and determine if you need to be seen more often as well as additional procedures that may need to take place. Going to the dentist can make some people uneasy and if you experience anxiety thinking about a trip to see your dentist, try bringing a friend with you or listening to music during your appointment.
Watch your diet
A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and fresh fruits and veggies can help prevent gum disease. It’s best to avoid snacking when possible and limiting yourself to soda at meal times can reduce the amount of time your teeth face added factors for decay and damage. If you are in need of a snack, cheese cubes are a tasty way to reduce lingering acid on your teeth. Finally, a diet
Our oral health changes throughout our lifetime, as does the attention our teeth and gums might need. To learn more about oral health you can connect with Holistic Dentistry in Durango, CO and clear all your queries.
Why Mouthwash Should Be Your Final Drink of the Day
According to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), 70% of Canadians will suffer from gum disease at some point in their lives. This high number is a result of many factors including poor diet and less-than-ideal home oral care. Fortunately, you can help prevent gum disease with some simple efforts:
Brush twice daily
Floss at least once daily
Visit your dentist twice each year for a cleaning and examination
Use an antiseptic mouthwash before bed
Why Mouthwash?
Brushing and flossing are great for preventing tooth decay as well as gum disease, but you are limited by the areas you can reach. Even dental floss cannot go everywhere in your mouth, and there may be spaces and surfaces that you inadvertently neglect. Mouthwash can reach these areas and help to ensure a truly clean mouth.
Furthermore, antiseptic mouthwash directly kills bacteria. Brushing and flossing remove food debris and built-up bacteria, but mouthwash can destroy up to 99% of the harmful bacteria in your mouth, including bacteria responsible for gum disease.
Choosing a Mouthwash
Walk down the oral care aisle of any store and you will find dozens of mouthwash brands. Your choices are myriad, but there are some important facts to keep in mind. First, you are looking for an antiseptic mouthwash. Be sure the word “antiseptic” is somewhere on the label. Antiseptic mouthwash will kill bacteria, while other mouthwash like “tartar control” or “tooth decay prevention” may not. These other mouthwash types contain fluoride, which is beneficial for your teeth, but they will do little to prevent or halt gum disease.
Next, make certain your mouthwash carries the CDA Seal. These products have been validated by the CDA to ensure they perform as advertised.
The Final Drink of the Day
It is certainly fine to rinse with mouthwash in the morning, but you will also want to rinse right before bed. This practice helps prevent harmful oral bacteria action while you sleep. Plus, you will awaken with a fresher feeling in your mouth.
After your evening brushing and flossing, rinse thoroughly with antiseptic mouthwash for a minute or two. Be careful not to swallow the mouthwash. After you spit out the rinse, do not drink or eat anything further before bed.
Ask your Holistic Dentist in Durango, CO if you need help selecting a mouthwash or if you have any other concerns about your oral health.
Anthony Alfonso 