Anthony Alfonso

Bad Breath: Causes and Cures

Unfortunately, bad breath happens to all of us. Whether you just woke up, drank too much coffee, or had a garlicky meal, try not to feel too self-conscious about it. Bad breath affects everyone and happens at different times for each person. If you’re struggling with Halitosis (bad breath), here’s what causes it and how to prevent it.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Most people have potent morning breath, and breath odors after eating strong smelling food or drinks. It can be hard to recognize since you can’t really smell your own breath. If you suffer from bad breath, here are the causes and cure:

Dry Mouth
Smoking
Bacteria

1) Dry Mouth

Bad breath is prominent in the morning because of the lack of saliva in the mouth. Food creates bacteria and plaque in your mouth, so if you’re skipping brushing or flossing at night, it may be time to add new healthy habits to your routine. It’s recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day and drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Pro Tip: For optimum oral health, brush your tongue or use a tongue cleaner and floss every time you brush your teeth.

2) Smoking

We hear it every day, “Smoking causes cancer.” But did you know that it also causes bad breath and teeth stains? Smoking also leads to gum disease and oral cancer. Cigarette companies are sadly making money at the expense of smokers’ health. If you really want to reduce bad breath, throw the cigarettes out!

3) Bacteria

Our mouths are filled with odor-causing bacteria. This comes from old food particles and dead cells. If you’re not taking care of your teeth and gums, bacteria will grow in your mouth producing a foul odor.

The Cure for Bad Breath

If you’re experiencing frequent stinky breath, chewing gum is not the cure for bad breath. In order to really eliminate bad breath, clean your teeth often. It’s also essential to see a Mancos, CO Dentists and have your teeth cleaned every six months. If you haven’t already, invest in a tongue scraper, mouthwash, floss, and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Brush after every meal if you can- you won’t regret it!

Fresh Breath

When your breath is fresh, you feel clean and confident. To prevent health conditions like gingivitis and tooth decay, practice good oral hygiene.

Do you need to schedule your annual dentist appointment? Please drop your comments in the comment section.

5 Foods and Drinks to Avoid after Whitening

Who doesn’t love the appearance of freshly whitened teeth? Whether performed at home using do-it-yourself whiteners or at the dentist’s by a well-trained professional, teeth whitening has the potential to dramatically improve smile aesthetics.

But whitening is not a permanent fix, and when performed in-office can cost $500 or more per treatment. So if you do decide to have your teeth whitened, it’s important that you do everything you can to maximize the longevity of your results. One thing you can do is avoid the following five dark-colored foods and beverages, to prevent tooth staining.

Are you a slave to your morning cup of java? You’re not alone. Unfortunately, coffee is one of the most common causes of tooth staining, and may even be the reason you need to get your teeth whitened in the first place. At the very least, dentists recommend waiting 48 hours after whitening before consuming dark foods or liquids. If you simply can’t resist, use a straw.

For some people, a glass of red wine at the end of the day is just as important as a cup of coffee at the start of the day. Aside from the purported health benefits of a daily glass of red, it’s simply a nice way to relax after a long day at work. However, like coffee, red wine is a leading cause of tooth staining. Best to avoid that glass of red for as long as possible after whitening to preserve the effects.

In addition to tasting delicious, studies have found that dark chocolate is a potent antioxidant with a variety of health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and helping stave off heart disease. That said, it can still ruin a newly whitened smile. You don’t need to cut dark chocolate out of your diet completely after teeth whitening. Just make sure to avoid it for the first week.

Foods that have dark sauces should be avoided in the short term after teeth whitening. Tomato sauces, stews, soy and marinades all can cause significant staining. Check with your Holistic Dentistry Durango, CO for any dietary advice for the days after treatment.

There are also food types that should be avoided after teeth whitening to prevent sensitivity and pain. The bleaching agents used in whitening treatments weaken tooth enamel in the short term. Oranges, lemons, limes, pickles, soft drinks, etc. can increase the acidity of your saliva which in turn can harm your teeth.

The Difference Between Restorative Dentistry And Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is dentistry that deals with fixing your smile and the general appearance of your teeth. Where cosmetic dentistry is concerned, the focus here is the art, not the actual science behind the procedure.

Although cosmetic dentistry is not considered a recognized specialty in the world of dental care and profession, however it does take years of extensive studies and training to become a cosmetic dentist and be able to perform the procedures available today.

In general terms a cosmetic dentist is actually a restorative dentist who has studied and trained extensively for the concepts of smile design and the usage of dental materials that create the best possible smile for an individual.

The Actual Difference Between Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry

Although cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry actually overlap each other, as both at times will utilize crowns and implants for teeth restoration as an example, the main difference between the two is their focus and the level of expertise of the dentist. The cosmetic dentist is one who goes beyond the restoration procedures.

Where a restorative dentist would stop at helping an individual achieve a set of full functioning teeth, a cosmetic dentist will go beyond, not only correcting the teeth’s functioning but will also seek to attain results that match well with the individual’s idea of a perfect smile.

This requires quite some expertise and a very accurate level of finesse as the cosmetic dentist needs to pay attention to even the minutest of details such as how much teeth should a person have visible while he/she smiles etc.

Restorative dentistry will also fix structural problems to your teeth such as damaged or missing teeth. Restorative dentists use devices such as dentures, crowns, bridges, onlays, inlays and also dental implants to restore your teeth and their proper functioning. But that’s where restorative dentistry ends.

If you want to enhance your smile, you should always seek help from a cosmetic dentist as they go into the art of it along with the science. Cosmetic dentistry is completely concerned with the aesthetic enhancements of your teeth. If you think you have an aesthetic flaw with your smile, you can always consult a cosmetic dentist for help. Cosmetic dentistry can eliminate these problems for you to help boost your overall confidence and appearance.

All dental treatments that involve aesthetic enhancements to your smile are considered cosmetic. They simply focus on the appearance of your teeth and help you restore their function and the overall oral health as well. A few cosmetic dentistry treatments can include the following:

Teeth whitening
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain crowns
Porcelain bridgework
Composite bonding
Dental implants
Teeth straightening
Tooth-colored filling
Aligners

These are just a few examples of the cosmetic dentistry procedures you might be able to opt for. however one major difference between cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry is the actual cost of the treatment procedures which might be a bit high for cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Whether you are just getting ready to get new dentures or have been wearing a set for several years, we at Sunrise Dentistry welcome any denture questions you have! We offer Best Dentist in Durango, CO, and our caring dentists will be more than happy to discuss your denture needs in-depth.

Electric Toothbrush Vs. Manual Toothbrush: A Detailed Comparison

Why is it important to brush your teeth? For one, proper hygiene promotes good oral health, but just like buying other grooming tools comes with many choices, there are a lot of brushing options available for you. Let us categorize this into two major departments: manual and electric toothbrushes.

The brands and bristles may differ, but there are also major comparisons between the two in terms of basic functions.

Electric Toothbrush Vs. Manual Toothbrush

Unlike its manual counterpart, an electric toothbrush (as the word implies) does all the brushing for you. Aside from this huge difference, there are still several major factors that set the two apart:

Price

An electric toothbrush is always more expensive than a manual toothbrush. Depending on the brand and feature, the price of an electric toothbrush can reach $15 to over $200. This excludes replacement brush heads that cost $10 and up.

The best manual toothbrush, on the other hand, costs up to $5, which is significantly cheaper than any electric toothbrush, including disposable ones. To give you an idea, a disposable electric toothbrush costs around $5 to $8 without the battery, while cheaper manual toothbrush brands are sold at only $1.

Plaque Removal

Manual toothbrushes fall behind in terms of technological features, which affect plaque removal efficiency. According to comparative studies, those who switched to electric toothbrushes had better oral health because of the oscillating feature of these brushes, which can reduce the plaque formation by about 21% and gingivitis by around 11%.

Manual brushes, by contrast, are only capable of removing dirt and plaque via vibration.

Accessibility

Unlike electric toothbrushes, manual toothbrushes are everywhere. Their affordability and accessibility make them a strong competitor in the oral health arena.

Conversely, replacement heads can be difficult to find since not all physical stores carry all electric toothbrush brands. In this case, you might need to look for a replacement online, which may not be as convenient, especially if you have not stocked up on replacement brush heads and you need a new one immediately.

Ease of Usage

An electric toothbrush basically gets the work done for you, making it an ideal choice for the following situations:

If you are suffering from any health problem that causes limited mobility
There’s a need to introduce fun ways of brushing teeth to your children
You simply want the ease and convenience these electric devices offer

Additionally, electric toothbrushes are a friendly choice if you are taking care of a family member who has learning disabilities. These powerful devices can help manage or prevent gum problems as you nurse your family members and take care of their other primary needs.

Control

If you have particularly sensitive teeth and gums, a manual toothbrush might be a better brushing option for you, as it gives you more control over the pressure you are putting on your teeth.

However, electric toothbrushes also come with specialized controls and a built-in timer, so you might want to explore this brushing alternative, too.

With this in mind, both manual and electric toothbrushes have their own pros when it comes to giving you control over your own brushing needs.

Compatibility with Orthodontic Accessories

Having braces, retainers, or other orthodontic accessories puts you up to one major challenge: brushing your teeth and making sure it is clean inside and out. As compared to manual toothbrushes, electric ones have far better cleaning reach, thanks to their oscillating features.

If you are torn between the two and you are under a specialized orthodontic therapy, an electric toothbrush is a wiser and a more user-friendly investment.

So, who wins the electric toothbrush vs. manual toothbrush battle? Well, it depends on your priorities. Are you after functionality or budget? You decide.

Regardless of the type of toothbrush you use, remember to focus on what really matters: good oral hygiene! Brush your teeth regularly, but do not forget to visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleaning! If you need a clinic that offers Best Dentist in Durango, CO visit us at Sunrise Dentistry. We can take care of all your oral health needs!

Do You Know Why You Should Brush Twice A Day?

Do you think it’s not a big deal if you fall asleep before brushing your teeth? Well, each time you don’t brush your teeth, more plaque and bacteria build up which can lead to gum disease, cause tooth loss and even bone loss. Now, the question becomes, why would you want to ignore brushing your teeth if it could lead to you having no teeth?

If you have ever felt a thin film on your teeth, or they feel like they are sticky, this is a sign of plaque making themselves at home on your teeth. Not only can plaque turn into tartar which causes cavities, but it can cause inflammation too. With the ongoing threat of gum disease on the way, it’s extremely important to keep your teeth clean.

Skipping the two minutes it takes to brush your teeth will keep bacteria festering in your smile. If you brushed them away, you are keeping your breath fresh and smile healthy. There are other things you can do between brushing your teeth each day such as chewing sugar-free gum, using mouthwash, or chewing a sugar-free breath mint to help between meals.

Keeping your smile healthy well into the future starts with creating healthy at-home habits followed by regular visits to our Durango, CO Dentists twice a year.

Need a Dental Implant Surgery? Know the Dos and Don’ts?

Dental implants in New Smyrna Beach is now the standard choice for a lot of patients who are missing a tooth or two. While this is true, others still have second thoughts and doubt the essential post-operative care. Just like any surgical procedure, one must take appropriate care and maintain a healthy condition. Since you are getting a significantly quicker recovery and no hospital bills, taking care of your new teeth is a small task to do. If you want some help with the dos and don’ts post-surgery, these simple points are what you need.

To Do: Healthy Diet

Simply because you aren’t able to chew right after the surgery, it doesn’t imply that you must stick to a boring, soft, and bland diet.

Conduct some research before the procedure. Make note of a few nutritious recipes which you can manage preparing to ensure your diet is constant and healthy. With this, you must also consider the new wound in your mouth, your cholesterol, as well as blood pressure when selecting the items to include in your diet.

Not To Do: Forget Old Habits

You usually lose teeth because of poor oral hygiene and other elements like smoking. Similar to almost all cosmetic procedures, it is always recommended that you quit the bad habits and acquire a few good ones. Forget the wrongs and learn the rights.

To Do: Discover Proper Hygiene And Maintenance

To ensure that your dental implants offer you long term success, you are responsible. The task, simple; take good care of them. Learn extensively about oral maintenance and always seek answers to your questions. Even though you go to the professionals for dental implants and let them tell you about care, you might still have a few confusions you should clear out. You should never hesitate in case of surgery.

To Don’t: Make Haste With The Recovery Process

Just like it is with any surgical procedure, you need enough time to rest and recover from the new dental implant placement. You must avoid rushing back to your daily routine and work. Plan a few things and, if possible, try to clear the week from heavy work after taking an appointment for the operation. This way, you will get just about the right amount of time to recover and start enjoying the perks of your new teeth.

To make it easy for you, these dos and don’ts are simple enough to give you an idea about what you should and should not do after the procedure. While experienced and trained professionals will give you dental implants as a patient, you are required to follow the essential guidelines so that you remain healthy and retain your lifestyle in a better way.

If you are facing any issues related to your teeth, be it an ache or any sort of irritation, consult with a professional Holistic Dentist in Durango, CO today.

What Makes Dental Implants So Popular?

Dental issues are something we cannot afford to neglect. If we face any such problem, we should visit a dentist immediately. Neglecting oral problems can have a damaging impact on our teeth.

Among all the recent advancements in dental procedures, dental implants are the most popular. Most individuals prefer to have dental implant surgery when they face oral issues. Undeniably, dental implants have several benefits that other oral procedures haven’t.

Reasons Behind The Popularity Of Dental Implants

Some Of The Major Reasons Behind The Popularity Of Dental Implants Are Listed As Follows:

Natural Look And Comfortable Fit

This is undoubtedly one of the major reasons why dental implants are so popular among all age groups. Dental implants are designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. You can also have a confident smile with these implants. Besides these, you feel no obstacles during eating and conversing with your near and dear ones. You need not worry about how these implants will look or the fall of the dentures.

Longlasting And Reliable

This is another major reason why individuals are going with dental implants. With proper care and maintenance, dental implants last as long as conventional restoration on teeth. However, you need to visit the right dentist for availing of the full benefits of dental implants.

Moreover, going with an experienced dentist will also keep you free from all sorts of headaches. Professional dental implant dentists give effective suggestions to individuals regarding the proper maintenance of oral hygiene. A dental implant surgery makes your teeth stand the test of time.

High Success Rate

If the dental implant surgery is completed properly, it generally offers ‘high survival rates’ when compared to other teeth replacement options. With the advancements in dental science, implant technologies and techniques are continuously improving. It is also increasing their success rates. People in good health have the best chance for successful implants.

Improved Ability To Eat And Chew

Dental implants are anchored in the jaw bone of individuals. Its function is more or less similar to a natural tooth. This dental procedure comes in handy in preserving your jaw bone while significantly reducing bone resorption rate. Oral treatment centers that provide dental implants are professional in their approach and address the needs of patients precisely.

Better Oral Health Overall

Dental implants go a long way in protecting the oral health of a person. However, not every person is eligible for dental implants. It is hugely dependent on your current oral health. Before opting for dental implant surgery, it is recommended to consult an experienced dentist.

Dental implants hold an array of benefits for individuals. The dental implant dentists who are delivering services for several years do not charge extra from their patients. They offer quality dental services at the prevailing market rates. If you face any kind of dental issue, go with dental implants without giving a second thought.

Holistic Dentist in Durango, CO practices holistic dentistry. We specialize in mercury-free, whole-body health and dental care. We believe that by choosing us, you have taken an important step toward the very best care and materials that holistic dentistry offers.

Exciting Dental Industry Trends in 2020

New trends in the dental industry pop up every year, and 2020 is no different. The recent advancements in dental science have come as a boon to patients suffering from frequent oral problems.

According to a study, this year will be filled with exciting in-office and digital trends, including new technologies, improved business practices, and new ways to optimize the patient experience. The top dental industry trends in 2020 are dental 3D printers, natural dental products, digital impressions, laser dentistry, dental group practices, etc. The New Smyrna Beach dentists are acquainted with the cutting-edge dental accessories and implement these tools in their operations.

Top Dental Industry Trends

The Top Dental Industry Trends In 2020 Are Listed As Follows:

Dental 3D Printers

It will not be an exaggeration to say that 3D printers are revolutionizing dentistry more than ever. These printers drastically reduce time and costs associated with the production of custom aligners, tooth replacements, veneers, and crowns. 3D printing has also enabled same-day dentistry while giving dentists a scope to earn more revenue by taking on new patients. With faster appointments, it also increases the client retention rate.

Natural Dental Products

Going green is a popular trend across all industries and dental industry is not an exception. More consumers are relying on natural products like charcoal toothpaste and bamboo toothbrushes in their daily lives.

A large number of dental clinics are incorporating natural oral hygiene products to their list. Artificial dental products are made with unnecessary chemicals and can have a damaging impact on your teeth in the long-run. The upsurge of sustainable and less-abrasive ingredients is taking the dental industry by storm.

Digital Impressions

If you are facing oral problems like cracked or deteriorated casts, digital impressions are the only solution. The Holistic Dentistry Durango, CO is highly proficient when it comes to implementing CAD software in the oral procedures. According to experts, the importance of CAD and CAM software in dentistry is very likely to grow in the near future.

Laser Dentistry

It is undoubtedly another popular dental trend that can deliver guaranteed results within a stipulated framework. Laser dentistry is used for whitening teeth, removing tooth decay, preparing the tooth’s enamel for the receipt of filling, reshaping the gums, eliminating bacteria during a root canal treatment, and eradicating lesions. One cannot deny the several benefits associated with laser dentistry.

Patients don’t require sutures in laser dentistry. This is indeed convenient for them. Another thing, anesthesia is not mandatory in a laser dentistry operation. It saves the time of dentists at large. There are reduced chances of oral infection as the laser will sterilize the gums. Moreover, laser dentistry also causes less damage to the gums and shortens the recovery time. Unlike conventional dental procedures, patients lose less blood in a laser dentistry operation.

The above-mentioned oral procedures have smoothed dental operations in more ways than one.

5 Myths About Root Canals

Just hearing the words “root canal” can be enough to make most people cringe. The mental image of a root canal patient holding a grossly swollen jaw while groaning with pain has been perpetuated by movies, television, and cartoons. But is that the true picture of modern-day root canal treatment?

Here are five commonly believed myths about root canals and what the actual facts reveal. But first, let’s talk about why your dentist may say you need a root canal in the first place.

Why would you need a root canal?

There can be a few different reasons why your dentist will tell you that you need a root canal. The most common are:

Cracked or damaged teeth
Deep cavities
An abscess
Trauma

When the tooth root has become inflamed or infected, this is a sign that bacteria have been able to enter through the damaged enamel. This infection leads to painful swelling and tenderness.

Myths about root canals you may have heard

Myth #1: A root canal is painful

Root canals don’t cause pain, they relieve it! With today’s modern anesthetics and technology, a root canal is no more painful than getting a simple filling.

Your dentist will make sure you are comfortably numb and relaxed and then will remove the pain-causing infected pulp from your tooth. After it’s cleaned out, she will fill in the hole to seal out any further invading bacteria and repair the enamel of the tooth with a filling or cap the tooth with a protective crown.

Myth #2: It’s better to just have the tooth removed

A tooth extraction should always be a “last resort” treatment. Nothing functions as well as your own natural teeth, so preserving them whenever possible is always the best alternative. A root canal allows you to keep your now healthy natural tooth. This prevents you from having to resort to other dental treatments, such as bridges or implants, to fill in the gap left by an extracted tooth.

Myth #3: You only need a root canal if your tooth hurts

Sometimes a tooth’s root infection has become so severe that the tooth actually dies. You may no longer be feeling any pain but infection is still present and damaging your underlying bone structure. Even at this point, a root canal can still save the tooth structure itself. Routine dental exams are important to detect any sign of tooth infection and deal with it before it becomes painful and damaging.

Myth #4: Root canals take many visits to complete

Most root canals can be completed in just a couple of hours. If there is no serious infection they can usually be finished in one appointment or you may have to return to complete the filling or crown procedure. The condition of your tooth and the severity of infection dictate the treatment time needed.

Myth #5: Infections are common after a root canal

A re-infection of the tooth root can happen, but it is not common. If infection returns, further treatment will be needed. The newest dental materials used to pack a tooth after a root canal have been specifically designed to significantly reduce the likelihood of re-infection.

Fact: root canals are nothing to fear!

Hopefully, knowing the truth about these misconceptions will make you feel more confident the next time your dentist says the words “root canal.” This procedure can save your tooth and protect the health of the surrounding bone and teeth in just one or two painless visits to your dentist. That’s fabulous!

Keeping your smile healthy well into the future starts with creating healthy at-home habits followed by regular visits to your Holistic Dentist in Durango, CO twice a year.

What is bruxism, and is it making my TMJ worse?

Emergency Dentist in Stone Ridge, Aldie, Ashburn, Chantilly, Stone Haven, Arcola VA — What is bruxism, and is it making my TMJ worse?

Bruxism is the clinical term for clenching, gnashing teeth and gums. It’s a terrible habit, but it’s more than that.

Bruxism is a chronic condition that affects the young and old alike; stress can lead to extra tension carried in the jaw and face, which can then lead to the occasional grinding that becomes bruxism. Do you have an uneven bite? This could be causing you to grind your teeth at night while you’re completely unaware.

Dulles VA dental patients who suffer from bruxism are prone to headaches, ear ache, stiffness, loose or shifting teeth, facial myalgia, inflamed or receding gums, and:

Bruxism can worsen the effects of Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

TMJ sufferers know to stay away from chewy or sticky foods; they don’t chew on pens (another terrible habit), and they understand that the best way to self manage their condition is to refrain from behavior that could potentially aggravate or overwork the joint and muscles.

Bruxism is, or should be among those behaviors avoided. It’s little talked about, but this practice of grinding and clenching, known as bruxing, places a great deal of stress on the temporomandibular joint and muscles, just like the taffy you gave up eons ago. Some patients even end up with limited jaw mobility.

This is all a little overwhelming, but you should understand you’re not alone. Bruxism is incredibly common; in fact, as many as one in three people will brux in their lifetime. And there are a few things you can do to help: Reduce stress. Drink more water. Make a conscious effort to relax the muscles of your face and jaw throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase bodily tension.

Schedule an appointment with your Dulles VA dentist today to discuss how bruxism and how to stop it.

The experienced dentists and staff at Holistic Dentistry in Durango, CO are committed to working closely with each patient to discover the cause and alleviate the symptoms of bruxism associated with TMJ in order to maintain healthy, beautiful, comfortable smiles.