Anthony Alfonso

Can You Whiten Dental Veneers?

Impact of Whitening Mouthwash on Teeth Whitening Treatment | BioEnergy Consult — Can you whiten dental veneers?

People generally assume that dental veneers have the same characteristics as our real teeth. That can be true when it comes to restoring the appearance of teeth, but there are major differences between these dental prosthetics and real teeth.

What are dental veneers?

Veneers are a shell of porcelain or resin made to fit over the front of teeth in order to improve their appearance. They are popular with people looking for a perfect smile. People often assume that once they get veneers and start feeling confident about their new natural smile, it will stay that way forever, but it is sadly not true.

While veneers are often made out of stain-resistant materials, they can be susceptible to staining over time, especially if they are made from composites. Research shows that porcelain veneers do not get discolored or stained easily, but those made from composite resins do.

These composites are more susceptible to the same staining that real teeth are. It is often noticed that stains appear on the surface of veneers after regular consumption of drinks like tea, coffee, wine, etc. Also, smokers are likely to develop a yellowish to brownish stains on their veneers.

Some people start looking into home remedies that can whiten their veneers. The truth is that these prosthetics do not respond well to most homemade solutions. It is best to consult a dentist once stains or discoloration are noticed.

Whitening dental veneers

While it is difficult to whiten veneers, their appearance can be improved when they become stained. Professional cleanings can help remove and reduce some stains from the surface of veneers. If the veneers are extremely stained and discolored, the dentist might decide it is better to replace them.

It is well known that prevention is better than cure, and that old saying holds true in this case. It is important to take proper care of veneers, just like one looks after natural teeth. People with veneers should try staying away from colored foods and drinks that could stain the veneers. This includes drinks with powerful coloring agents like coffee, tea and wine. The wearer also needs to make sure they floss their teeth regularly. Developing healthy oral hygiene habits is necessary to maintain the condition of veneers.

While veneers become an integral part of a person’s appearance, proper care and precautions should always be taken to ensure these devices stay in good condition. Refraining from habits that will stain them, brushing teeth regularly and visiting the dentist twice a year are minor steps a person can take to ensure they get the most out of their veneers.

There is no need to be unhappy with the condition of your veneers. If you have stains and discoloration, schedule a consultation with dentists in Durango, CO and explore your options.

Feeling Tired All The Time? It Could be Sleep Apnea

Do You Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea? — Feeling Tired All The Time? It Could be Sleep Apnea

Wondering if you have sleep apnea, a common sleeping disorder in which people will stop breathing during the night for a short period of time? If you tend to feel tired all the time, then it is very likely that your sleeping is somehow being interrupted. When you do not get enough sleep, it interferes with your ability to properly function. Those who are sleep deprived are simply not able to function as well as if they were to get a good night’s sleep. Ready to find out more about how to solve your problem?

Sleep apnea disorder

When someone is diagnosed with sleep apnea, it means that the soft tissues in the back of their throat are blocking their airway, which prevents air from reaching their lungs. Some of the reasons why these tissues would be blocking the airway include the fact that airway muscles have become weak, or that someone may have a big tongue that blocks the airway and that they are overweight, which means the airway is surrounded by excess tissue.

Sleep apnea signs

The below list includes some of the more common sleep apnea signs. It really is important for people to make sure that they do not have this sleeping disorder, as untreated sleep apnea is directly connected to a number of other health risks.

Sleep apnea signs include loud consistent snoring, feeling tired the next day after being in bed all night, feeling depressed, feeling irritable, experiencing headaches early in the morning and making frequent trips to the bathroom.

Sleep apnea risks

When sleep apnea is undiagnosed, it can lead to the person experiencing a number of additional health problems. It really is essential for everyone to get a good night’s sleep, as this is the time when the body replenishes itself. If the body is not able to rest during the night when we are sleeping, then there can be accompanying health effects as a result.

Sleep apnea risks include high blood pressure, type two diabetes, heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

If you think that you have sleep apnea, then go ahead and call dentists in Durango, CO so they can schedule you an appointment with one of their experienced dentists. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can be on your way to better health. If you are still not sure whether or not you actually have sleep apnea, then you can make an appointment to discuss all of your signs with one of their dentists. They will then make a determination on whether or not to give you a sleep apnea diagnosis.

Why Do I Need Dental Flossing

Routine dental flossing eradicates plaque and helps prevent the accumulation of plaque, which results in tartar. The process itself can give your teeth a brighter appearance through the elimination of plaque, debris, and excess food bits that are not visible in the mirror or located in places that your toothbrush cannot reach.

Dental flossing is essential for oral health and ultimately other aspects of your health too. Also, it helps to halt the process of tooth decay and can lessen the risk of gum diseases, caused by plaque.

Flossing affords you the chance to examine your mouth for possible inflammation or soreness. You can also check your teeth, gum, and tongue. Some health issues such as HIV/AIDS, types of cancer, substance abuse and digestive diseases may cause inflammation of the gums and cause lesions in your mouth.

What Flossing Does to Your Gums

Although periodontal conditions are not the primary reason for pulpal death, worse cases of unhealthy gums may cause teeth loss or require a root canal. Yes, brushing twice daily is necessary for proper oral health, but it may not be able to shield you from resulting tooth loss and gum disease.

People who deal with bleeding or sensitive gums may want to avoid flossing because they think it will worsen their bleeding gums. The reverse is valid because flossing will boost your gum’s health and prevent possible bleeding.

Flossing and Gingivitis

Flossing daily, together with brushing and rinsing, will help lessen the risk of gingivitis through the removal of food particles and plaque. The buildup of plaque in your teeth is unhealthy for your gums. Gingivitis is the beginning of gum disease, but it can be treated.

Flossing is also helpful for a pleasant smile. The presence of plaque between your teeth inhibits the beauty of your smile and inevitably lessens how often you smile.

What About Flossing After Eating?

It may be impossible to brush your teeth in the middle of the day. However, you can floss anytime. Healthy snacks are good for your body, but they potentially stick between the teeth. Snacks are mostly high in sugar, and the debris may cause tooth decay with bacteria accumulation.

Flossing will clean out the debris and make your mouth cleaner and fresher. Regardless of your diet course, you can keep your mouth and teeth healthy through regular oral care and dental visits to the best dentist in Durango, CO .

What if I Have a Dental Condition?

Many people avoid flossing for this reason. Flossing can be painful if you have a dental condition. However, using the right flossing product can make the process straightforward and painless.

When choosing a dental floss product, you need to consider your condition before selecting the best fit. If you have sensitive gums or teeth, get a soft floss.

If you wear braces or dentures, you can still floss. Buy specialized floss with a rigid end that can go under the brace wires and a squishy component that moves quickly between the teeth.

Final Note

If you have kids, you can teach them the importance of flossing from an early age. If they complain that the process is complicated, you can buy an electric flosser. It works well and gives the gum a pleasant feeling.

How to Make Professional Teeth Whitening Last

Whether a person is looking forward to a social event or wanting an improved smile, teeth whitening can cause the smile to stand out. Even if you brush twice a day for two minutes, avoid smoking and visit the dentists in Durango, CO for annual cleanings, your love for blueberries or wine may leave that smile appearing less than dazzling.

Making professional teeth whitening last

A professional teeth whitening is safe, easy and seldom takes longer than an hour. However, after investing in teeth whitening, patients want to know how to protect the teeth from new stains. The following six tips will protect your newly whitened teeth from future stains:

1. Avoid foods that stain

Certain foods and drinks are known opponents of teeth whitening due to their strong staining powers. Some of the most shared offenders include:

Coffee
Tea
Berries
Red and white wine
Tomato sauce
Sugary foods and drinks

These foods and beverages are known for having specific properties that break down tooth enamel and leave stains — the last thing a person wants after spending time and money on a professional whitening.

2. Eat foods that protect the teeth

Some foods are good for oral health and can help keep the teeth healthy and dazzling. Crunchy vegetables and fruits that are full of water, like celery and apples, help produce saliva when eaten. Saliva helps counterbalance acids that break down tooth enamel and leave your teeth more susceptible to stains.

3. Brush after every meal

Although some foods and drinks can stain the teeth more intensely than others, most foods and beverages can undo the effects of the teeth whitening over time. Brushing your teeth after every meal will help extend the life of the professional whitening. By brushing away food particles and bacteria, your teeth will remain healthy and strong.

4. Use a straw

Although most people may not typically think to drink coffee, tea, or wine through a straw, it can help people to avoid stains while enjoying some favorite drinks. Drinking through a straw can prevent beverages from touching the outside of the teeth.

People can use a straw to sip sodas and sports drinks as well since they frequently have artificial coloring and sugar. Both can stain the teeth and break down tooth enamel.

5. Stop smoking

In many cases, it only takes several months of smoking for the tar and nicotine in cigarettes to stain teeth yellow. After several years of heavy smoking, teeth can even become brown.

Smoking poses other serious oral issues besides staining teeth. It increases the risk of gum disease, gum infections, plaque and oral cancer. If pearly whites and healthy teeth and gums are a goal, then snub the cigarette.

6. Visit the dentist regularly

To maintain good oral health, visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least once a year. If your teeth have recently undergone a professional whitening treatment, your dentist may suggest quarterly visits.

Who Should be Concerned about Oral Cancer?

In short, anyone can have a form of oral cancer. However, individual lifestyle choices can also significantly impact and increase the risk of oral cancer. When a dentist checks a patient for oral cancer, they are looking at the entire oral cavity.

The oral cavity includes a person’s lips, cheek lining, gums, the front of the tongue, beneath the tongue, and the roof of the mouth. Also included is the part of the mouth that begins at the roof of someone’s mouth and reaches to the back of the throat, as well as the back part of the tongue.

What are the signs of oral cancer?

One of the best things a person can do is be aware of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer. By having this knowledge, one can inspect their mouth and bring attention to any areas of concern with their dentist.

Below we will outline some of the signs that someone can be aware of when it comes to symptoms of oral cancer, and be better equipped to bring up the subject with their dentist.

Signs and symptoms of oral cancer

On any of the surfaces of the oral cavity, if there is a sore or irritation that does not seem to go away, then this is an indication that oral cancer may be forming. If there are any red or white patches on these areas of the mouth and oral cavity then this also might be a sign of oral cancer beginning to form.

If someone is experiencing any pain, tenderness or numbness on or around the mouth or lips, this is another common symptom of the formation of oral cancer along with a lump or thickening of certain areas in the mouth.

If someone is experiencing any difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking when moving their tongue or their jaw this can be an indicator of oral cancer. Lastly, another symptom is if someone notices a sudden change in the way their teeth seem to fit together when closing their mouth.

Who is at a greater risk of having oral cancer?

In recent years, research has shown that certain factors can make a person more likely to have the formation of oral cancer. Men, for instance, are twice as likely to have oral cancer than women. Along with people who smoke and drink an excessive amount of alcohol, people older than 50 are at the most risk of having an oral cancer form.

Can a dentist detect oral cancer?

The most common question that we receive at our dental office from patients that are concerned about oral cancer is if dentists are the best type of doctor to detect oral cancer. In short, the answer is yes. Because dentists have the most knowledge of the oral cavity, they are equipped and trained to see the signs and symptoms of oral cancer.

The best time that this happens is during a person’s bi-annual cleaning and check-up. During this time a dentist will always ask about any changes in your medical history and if you happen to have noticed any unusual symptoms of oral cancer.

After this quick follow-up, the best dentist in Durango, CO will begin their exam of a person’s oral cavity to detect any possible trouble spots. This will include your lips, tongue, cheeks, and roof of the mouth.

The 4 Most Common Signs of Tooth Decay

When it comes to tooth decay, there are some very specific signs and symptoms that people should be on the lookout for. If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, it would be best that they make an appointment with their dentist as soon as possible, in order to maintain a healthy dental routine.

As cavities progress, tooth decay can quickly set in, and the steps to have this alleviated and fixed can mean more money and time for the patient.

Common signs and symptoms of tooth decay

It is important that when a cavity first begins to form, a person typically does not have any symptoms at all. It takes visiting a dentist for your bi-annual cleaning and check-up for them to see the signs that a cavity is forming or has formed already.

Once a cavity has formed, decay can begin to set in, and it is important to realize that these signs and symptoms can indicate that a cavity is present, and tooth decay is starting.

Toothaches

When someone experiences a toothache, this is typically an indicator that something is not right with the tooth. If someone is experiencing any spontaneous pain or tooth pain that does not seem to have any apparent reason, but it can indicate a cavity or the start of tooth decay.

Tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be normal for people. However, if there is a sudden change in tooth sensitivity for a certain tooth, this could be another indicator of a cavity. It is important to note when the sensitivity began and give this information to your dentist. This can help them in assessing the tooth for a cavity or tooth decay.

Sharp or sudden pain when eating or drinking hot, sweet or cold foods and drinks

If someone begins to notice that they are having sharp or sudden pain when eating or drinking certain foods or drinks, this can be another indicator. Again, it is important to note what is causing sudden pain.

It would need to be over multiple instances, and not just one time. However, when it begins to happen, this typically continues occurring. Informing your dentist of this can also be helpful for them to asses and determine what is happening to cause the pain.

Visible staining on the surface of a tooth

If someone begins to notice that stains are forming on a tooth and the stains are brown, black or white, this could be another indicator of tooth decay. Visible signs of stains on the tooth’s surface can mean that the tooth itself has started to take over due to erosion over time.

Noting when you first noticed the stains would be helpful to your dentist. If this occurs with some of the other indicators that were mentioned above, it is important to make an appointment with the professional dentist in Durango, CO as soon as possible.

Ways a Cosmetic Dentist Can Transform Your Smile

For anyone who has uncomfortable smiling due to different issues with their teeth, a trip to the best dentist in Durango, CO could be the best visit they make. From discolored teeth to cracks and chips, it can feel as though it might be impossible to get back a smile to be proud about showing off.

Regardless, with progress in dental technology development, as of now it is much more straightforward than at any other time for patients to get a smile they are satisfied with. Corrective dental experts have the focus of changing their patient’s teeth using different procedures to get them a grin they are happy to show.

What can a cosmetic dentist do?

There is a broad scope of strategies and systems that a cosmetic dental specialist can utilize for their patient to get the grin they want. Regardless, it is fundamental for the dental specialist to give a full examination that gives him or her the ability to make a plan for the patient to accomplish their teeth goals.

Since every patient is different in their requirements and the state of their teeth, there is not an across the board method that cosmetic dental pros will propose. Nevertheless, guaranteeing that the patient’s desires are met and pinpointing what ought to be done to change their teeth into something they are glad about, it can usually be finished reasonably effortlessly utilizing one or two procedures and strategies to acquire the ideal look.

What procedures do cosmetic dentists commonly recommend?

Of course, each person will be unique in what they will require to get the bright white smile they have been wanting. That is why it is essential for a cosmetic dentist to take the time and do a full examination and consultation on each patient to determine what would be the best procedures to use.

The following are some of the most common that cosmetic dentists suggest, but it will be determined on the patient’s specific needs.

Dental veneers

Dental veneers are a thin shell that is wafer-like and fits over the teeth. After being made and built based off a form taken of the patient’s teeth, the veneer is bonded to the teeth using a specific bonding formula and will cover chips, discolored and cracked teeth.

Teeth whitening treatments

One thing that cosmetic dental specialists generally propose is teeth whitening treatments. While having teeth whitening done, it is a conventional method that the patient will have whiter teeth that are typically at least eight shades more white than before the treatment.

Dental implants for missing teeth

For patients that are missing one or more teeth, dental implants are a fantastic decision for somebody to get. They take the characteristic of someone’s natural teeth and help to shield and stimulate the jawbone which helps it from weakening over the long term.

Odor Fighting Foods for Fresh Breath

Wondering what foods you can eat to promote your fresh breath? You might often eat foods that can cause you to have not so fresh breath or maybe your oral health is not in tip-top shape causing you to have bad breath. Either way, there are some foods that you can eat to fight unpleasant orders in your mouth.

While experiencing bad breath can at times be embarrassing, there are times in your life when you simply want your breath to be as fresh as it can be. This might be for a job interview or business meeting. If the unpleasant breath you are currently experiencing is due to eating certain foods, the following list of odor-fighting foods for fresh breath will help you.

This list will also help cover up your bad breath if your oral health is in need of some care. But, it is important for you to see a dental professional if your oral care is not currently in tip-top shape.

Odor-fighting foods for fresh breath

The following is a list of some of the more popular odor fighting foods people would eat in order to help maintain fresh breath.

Fruits

Eating fruits is not only important to one’s overall dental and general health, but there are also some fruits that help support freshen breath. Fruits contain lots of vitamins and vitamin C is one of the more powerful anti-oxidants found in fruits. A list of fruits that support fresh breath include cherries, apples and pears.

Yogurt

Yogurt includes probiotic bacteria and therefore can help in the reduction of any bad bacteria that is causing unpleasant or bad breath. For those who experience bad breath often it is recommended to have two servings daily of plain yogurt.

Nuts

Any favorite nut will do, as when nuts are eaten, they act like tiny little scrubbers that remove food from the teeth. This helps to improve one’s bad breath.

Herbs and spices

Chew on a sprig or two of parsley, spearmint or peppermint for a couple of minutes in order to experience the benefits of the release oils. These help to cover up any unpleasant breath smells. Additional herbs and spices that can be used include rosemary, cilantro, tarragon and eucalyptus.

How often is your breath fresh?

Do you often experience fresh breath? If you are looking for odor-fighting foods so you can cover up your bad breath due to eating certain foods, then the above list will definitely be of benefit to you.

Fruits and nuts are easy to carry around with you, which means that you are sure to always have fresh breath after eating certain types of foods.

If your not so fresh breath is due to your need for oral care, then be sure to make an appointment with the dentists in Durango, CO as soon as possible. When your bad breath is due to an oral problem, then it will only continue to get worse unless you seek professional dental care.

Teeth Whitening Choices for Discolored Teeth

As time goes on, you may pay less attention to your oral care routine, leaving your teeth discolored and needing teeth whitening. Luckily, there are various choices with respect to teeth whitening.

From different products in stores and companies promoting ways to have increasingly white teeth, to different home treatments, there is unquestionably not an absence of ways that people can get whiter teeth.

Regardless, there are different whitening options and some are better than others. This article will go over a few ways someone may or may not need to look into the different options.

How do teeth become discolored?

People often wonder what it is that makes the teeth become less white over time. Often, a considerable number of individuals consider diminishing drinking coffee and soda pops, yet what do these foods and refreshments do that make teeth end up less white?

Everything rests in the layers of the teeth

The teeth are porous, and when eating and drinking, these pores are filled and avoid tiny living bacteria and other tiny particles from entering the teeth. Nevertheless, as years go on and particular substances sit on the teeth throughout the day before someone brushes their teeth, white teeth can begin becoming stained and not so white.

After some time, the discoloring can continue and end up being more obvious. When this happens, the best thing someone can do is research teeth whitening treatments to help restore the white look that they once had.

Teeth whitening choices

Teeth whitening strips

One at-home method for teeth whitening is whitening strips. They are typically used over the course of a few weeks, once or twice per day. While the effects may not be as strong as that of professional whitening, they are effective enough to lighten the shade of the teeth.

One thing to recall is that these whitening strips can cause extra teeth sensitivity after some time. It’s best that a person finds tooth sensitivity products to help with the sensitivity.

Teeth whitening through a dental specialist

Talking with the best dentist in Durango, CO about having teeth whitened may be the best choice. They are able to whiten the teeth up to ten shades brighter. With the strength of the gels that a dentist has, they are able to brighten the teeth much better than that of store-bought products.

How Dental Implants Can Improve Your Smile and Oral Health

Improving your smile is something that can be achieved in a number of ways, but as dentistry has progressed greatly, this can now be done through the use of dental implants.

Aside from improving your smile, dental implants also offer the ability to improve oral health, too. Who doesn’t want to have a better-looking smile while also having great oral health?

In this article, they will discuss how dental implants can help improve your smile and your oral health. Being aware of these things may help someone who is considering their options!

Improve your smile with dental implants

Replace missing teeth

Having missing teeth can present a lot of problems for someone who likes to show off their smile. When people smile, and they have missing spaces where teeth used to be, it might not be a great look. But, thankfully, dental implants exist, and they can replace those missing spaces with artificial teeth. This will significantly improve a person’s smile.

Restore damaged teeth

While dental implants do offer replacement teeth for people, they are also able to have teeth restored that are severely damaged. Sometimes things like decay or erosion set in and these can cause the teeth to look unappealing to the eye.

With the help of dental implants, a person can restore the teeth that are decaying. Oftentimes, the decayed tooth will do so rapidly so getting dental implants on the earlier side of the decay can help with improving a person’s smile.

Improve your oral health with dental implants

Fill empty spaces

Missing teeth don’t just provide aesthetic problems for a person, they can also create an array of oral health problems as well. When a person has empty spaces from missing teeth, food is likely more able to get stuck which can cause bacteria to build up. Empty spaces tend to be breeding grounds for bacteria because the gums are exposed.

But, dental implants can fill those empty spaces and allow a person to maintain good oral health. If the empty spaces are filled with dental implants then a person’s gums are able to be protected which will help keep the overall mouth in good shape.

Restoration

While damaged teeth may be unappealing to the eye, they can also be extremely dangerous to a person’s oral health. In order for oral health to be maintained, someone has to also have healthy teeth. And, most damaged teeth don’t exactly promote healthiness to the rest of the mouth.

However, dental implants do allow for a person to restore damaged teeth that may be putting off bacteria into the rest of the mouth. Implants can be placed when a tooth is severely decayed, the implant will stop the decay and restore the tooth allowing for good oral health to be met.

Talk with a dentist

While dental implants can help improve your smile and your oral health, it is still ultimately best to speak with the professional dentists in Durango, CO about these dental appliances to see if they are right for you. People can improve the way that their smile looks while also maintaining good oral health through the use of dental implants.