Are Dental Crowns Necessary?

When a tooth is fractured, has a large old filling or is severely damaged by decay, your dentist may recommend the placement of a crown, also called a cap. Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your smile. Types of crowns include the full porcelain crown, the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown and the all-metal crown.

How Dental Crowns Work

Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to the dentist’s office. Initially, the dentist removes decay, prepares and shapes the tooth and makes an impression. The dentist then makes and fits a temporary or transitional crown made out of plastic or metal. In the second visit the dentist removes the temporary crown, fits and adjusts the final crown and cements it into place.

Teeth Whitening for Crowns and Veneers

Your dentist will match the crown color to the color of your teeth. If you are considering whitening your teeth , you should talk to dentists Durango, CO about tooth whitening options before the crown is made. Since bleaching products do not affect the color of crowns, it is important that your natural teeth are whitened first so the dentist can match the crown color to the color of your teeth after they are whitened.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening occurs in two ways: the first is by removing tooth stains on the outer layer of the tooth as well as below the enamel surface, and the second is by preventing the generation of new stains. It is achieved via stain removal, stain bleaching, and stain protection.

Teeth Stain Removal

Stain removal on the outer layer of the tooth uses both chemical and physical actions such as abrasion and chemical stain disruption. These different actions destroy or disrupt the stain, which is outer layer of the enamel, exposing brighter, whiter teeth.

To remove stubborn stains that accumulate below the enamel, the surface requires bleaching. Bleaching is the chemical process in which color is removed by oxidation of stain molecules. Whitening methods vary in their concentration of hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent, allowing you to regulate how white you want your smile to be.

Teeth Stain Causes

Teeth staining comes from a variety of different sources. To help keep your smile bright and beautiful, try avoiding stain-causing foods and activities. These activities include certain foods and drinks, tobacco, poor dental hygiene, and certain illnesses. If you do indulge in any of these, be sure to brush soon after.

How to Get Whiter Teeth

If you’re thinking about teeth whitening, there are many choices to consider. From professional dental treatments to at-home systems, there is a range of options to choose from. You can take these treatments from Holistic Dentist in Durango. Here are some factors to take into consideration:

1. Which option is the best way to whiten your teeth?

Crest’s complete line of whitening toothpastes allows you to choose which degree of whitening best fits your needs. With an illuminating complex, and micro-cleansing whiteners, your smile will be left dazzling white and brilliantly clean.

Crest Whitestrips come in multiple forms, allowing you to choose the degree of whitening that works best for you. They range from a gentle option for those new to whitening or with sensitive teeth to a 1-hour express option for those who want immediate and dramatic results fast.

Crest’s most advanced whitening treatment whitens as well as a $500 professional teeth-whitening treatment, and has exclusive FlexFit technology designed to stretch and mold to custom fit your smile.

2. When trying to remove stains, which teeth whitening options are considered ‘teeth whitening-safe’?

From an advanced whitening treatment to a gentle treatment, our toothpastes offer a wide range of results. Crest’s 3D White Luxe Diamond Strong toothpaste removes up to 90% of surface stains while strengthening and rebuilding tooth enamel. It also helps fight tartar and cavities with fluoride, not only giving you a whiter smile, but a healthier one.

All of Crest’s whitestrips use the same enamel-safe whitening agent dental professionals use, so you get great results as well as a healthy smile. Their complete line of toothpastes remove surface stains as well as plaque buildup on a daily basis. Their multi-care rinse also helps protect your teeth against future stains giving you a comprehensive routine.

It’s important to understand the risks of at home whitening recipes, especially do-it-yourself mixtures. The most common danger to these home remedies is damage to your tooth enamel. The use of natural foods such as strawberries or an orange peel, as well as using baking soda in any form, can cause irritation of the gums and weakening of the tooth enamel. When it comes to whitening your teeth, it’s best to use over-the-counter products such as 3D White to avoid harming your health.

By using the complete line of 3D White products, you can maintain a healthier mouth and brilliant, white smile.

Questions Related to Teeth Stains

Q: Does professional teeth whitening work?
A: These procedures are considered safe, though you can expect some sensitivity in your teeth and gums, which usually resolves after the whitening procedure is complete. It is not uncommon for the tooth color to “rebound” a week or two following this type of treatment, so using an at-home product may help maintain the results following the treatment.

Q: How much does professional teeth whitening cost?
A: When you undergo an in-office whitening procedure, your dental professional will apply the bleaching solution directly to your teeth and may possibly use a laser or other specialized device to speed up the bleaching process. You can expect to see some results after one treatment, but you may choose to have more than one treatment to get the effect that you want. An in-office bleaching treatment usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and costs anywhere from $500 to $1000 for your entire mouth.

Q: How long does teeth whitening last?
A: How long can you expect the benefits to last? That depends in part on your habits. If you smoke, or if you drink large amounts of coffee or tea, you may need another procedure after a few years.

Eating a variety of nutritious food is good for your overall health, including your oral health. Some vitamins in particular have demonstrated benefits to building healthy teeth and gums, namely calcium and vitamin C, so be sure to include foods rich in these nutrients in your diet.

Calcium for Teeth

Calcium has been shown to help build strong teeth, and vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that also plays an important role in collagen synthesis, by which it helps you develop and maintain healthy gums. Dairy products, including milk, yogurt and cheese are good sources of calcium. Also, try switching to low-sugar or sugar-free varieties of yogurt, since sugar (and bacteria) can promote tooth decay.

Vitamin C for Gums

Many fruits and vegetables including berries, oranges and cantaloupe, as well as green vegetables including broccoli and spinach are excellent sources of vitamin C. Of course, in addition to eating right, it’s important to follow a consistent dental care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing to promote oral health. And be sure to see Dentists Durango regularly and talk to them if you have questions about how your diet might affect your oral health.

If you suffer from bleeding gums and your dentist rules out poor dental hygiene, reassess your diet. Be sure to consume plenty of foods rich in vitamin C. They aren’t hard to find. Oranges, carrots, sweet potatoes, and red peppers are especially high in vitamin C. Try to get your vitamin C from actual fruits and vegetables, instead of fruit and vegetable juices. Besides being high in sugar, most fruit juices are quite acidic, and they can promote erosion of the tooth enamel. Fruit juices are fine in small amounts, but drink them with meals, or use a straw if possible to minimize the juice’s contact with your teeth.

Vitamin C is water-soluble, which means that the body doesn’t store it long-term and you need to consume it every day. Multivitamins or vitamin C supplements can help you get enough, especially if you are ill or following a restricted diet and you have problems eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. Many multivitamin formulas contain vitamin C, or you can find it as an individual supplement.

Recommended Vitamin C and Calcium Dosages

The Institute of Medicine recommends 90 milligrams per day for men older than 18 years and 75 milligrams per day for women older than 18 years. Many physicians recommend 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium daily for most adults, so you may want to consider a calcium supplement, especially if dairy products aren’t a regular part of your diet.

Gum Disease Stages

Chances are you or someone you know has a form of gum disease. In fact, 75% of Americans will develop gum disease in their lifetime. It’s important to distinguish that there isn’t just one form of gum disease, but multiple that may affect your overall oral health. If left untreated, certain forms of gum disease can leave you at risk for certain forms of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. It’s important to educate yourself of the symptoms, risks and treatments for gingivitis and its more advanced stage, periodontitis the two most common forms of gum disease.

Gingivitis is the most well-known form of gum disease—you’ve heard about it from your dentist, or seen ads about fighting it on TV—but besides knowing the name, can you identify what gingivitis actually is? Gingivitis develops when plaque that contains bacteria slowly backs up on your teeth and gums. Given time, the toxins released by the built-up plaque begins to damage your teeth and gums, making them sensitive, irritated and puffy. Prolonging gingivitis can lead to much more serious conditions.

If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis—a much more dangerous form of gum disease. Periodontal disease can cause an infection that destroys the bone supporting your teeth which may lead to tooth loss, bleeding gums and bad breath.

Gum Disease Risk Factors

For many people, mild gum disease won’t show any symptoms, but if you notice anything different about your mouth or teeth, be sure to tell your dental professional. Failing to maintain a proper oral care routine at home puts you at major risk to develop gum disease. Gum disease is also caused by a litany of other factors that have nothing to do with brushing your teeth. For example, tobacco users often see an increase in disease along their gum lines. In fact, smokers are 2x more likely to develop gum disease. Changes in the human body can also lead to gum disease. Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy can lead 60-70% of pregnant women to experience issues with gum disease.

Conditions Related to Gum Disease

Conditions like diabetes and heart disease can also be impacted by gum disease. In fact, 95% of people who suffer from diabetes will experience some form of gum disease. Gum disease also impacts heart health, and could even lead to cardiovascular disease if not treated.

Diabetes

Several types of health conditions contribute to poor healing of oral tissues. But people with diabetes should always be aware that they are at risk for poor healing from any type of dental problem. Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine disorders. People with diabetes are at greater risk for infections and often suffer from dry mouth, which can promote tooth decay and gingivitis. And because people with diabetes are also prone to poor healing of oral tissues, gingivitis can be more difficult to treat if it does occur. This is why a regular oral care routine is especially important. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a soft floss to minimize discomfort. If you have diabetes, be sure to tell Durango Dentists. He or she may want results from a blood test to show how well you control your condition.

Leukemia

Leukemia can increase your risk of developing gum disease. Gingivitis can be an early symptom of leukemia, especially in children. Data from studies of childhood leukemia have shown that about 25 percent of children with leukemia develop gingivitis as the first sign of cancer. In leukemia patients, gingivitis occurs when leukemia cells infiltrate the gums, and gingivitis can become severe because leukemia reduces the body’s ability to fight the infection. A patient with active leukemia who develops gingivitis may need to refrain from tooth brushing and flossing and wipe the teeth and gums with clean gauze. Because blood doesn’t clot well in leukemia patients, even gently brushing and flossing can cause too much bleeding from infected gums. Also, a dentist or dental hygienist may recommend a specialized mouth rinse to help control plaque while the patient is undergoing treatment for leukemia. Once leukemia is in remission, most patients can follow a regular oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing, along with regular visits to the dentist. Because of the plentiful blood supply to the gums, they can return to a healthy condition with proper oral care. For sensitive teeth and gums, choose an extra-soft or soft-bristled brush and soft floss.

Menopause

Although it is rare, a condition called desquamative gingivitis can occur in older women after they go through menopause. This type of gingivitis can be extremely painful because the outermost layers of the gums pull away from the underlying tissue and expose nerves. The gums can become so loose that the outer layer can be rubbed away with the slightest touch of a cotton swab. Treatment of desquamative gingivitis involves working closely with a dentist. If you are a woman still experiencing other symptoms of menopause, some type of hormone therapy may help. Or your dentist may prescribe a corticosteroid in the form of pills to swallow or a paste that you apply directly to the gums.

Vitamin C Deficiency

Gum tissue conditions can have many causes, but don’t forget to consider poor nutrition. Inadequate vitamin C can promote bleeding gums that can develop into gingivitis if left untreated. Vitamin C also helps the body perform maintenance and repair on bones, teeth, and cartilage, and it also helps wounds heal.

Gum Disease Treatments

There are ways in which you can treat or severely limit gum disease. First and foremost, follow your dental hygienist’s or dentist’s instructions for regular oral care at home in order to get the most benefit out of your treatment. That means twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing, plus regular visits to the dentist for follow-ups and professional cleanings. If you experience any new problems following a regular oral care routine, ask your dental hygienist or dentist to recommend products that can make your routine easier.

When you want to treat gum disease, especially gingivitis, try these simple but effective methods:

1. Brush twice a day, every day
2. Floss daily
3. Rinse thoroughly with an anti-gingivitis mouthwash
4. Visit your dental professional regularly

Questions About Gum Disease

Q: What does gum disease look like?
A: Gingivitis—and its later form, periodontitis—are formed by plaque buildup along the gum line. Though you may not notice anything in mild cases of gum disease, sensitive teeth, bleeding or swollen gums are the most common warning signs that something needs to be addressed.

Q: Can gum disease be cured?
A: Gum disease can be cured—and prevented, for that matter—by adhering to a routine recommended by dentists. That is: brushing twice-a-day, every day. Using floss daily. Rinsing with an anti-gingivitis mouthwash and visiting you dentist regularly. Using an electric toothbrush with a round brush head also helps to combat the effects of gum disease.

Q: Can gum disease be reversed?
A: Gum disease symptoms can be reversed by adhering to a strict oral care regimen.

Q: What exactly Is gum disease?
A: The American Dental Association (ADA) defines gum disease as “an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.” What does this mean to you? It means that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Q: What causes gum disease?
A: Gum disease is caused by plaque—a semi-transparent, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and can build up to create damaging toxins if you don’t have a proper oral care regimen. The beginning stage of this plaque buildup is a characteristic of gingivitis. Plaque itself is caused naturally by the things you do every day, such as eating or breathing.

Q: How do I know if I have gum disease?
A: There are several telltale signs of gum disease. They include:

• Bleeding gums (especially when you brush and floss)
• Tender, swollen gums
• A receding gum line
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth

Q: Is gum disease inevitable?
A: Fortunately, it’s not. While we all have plaque (it’s naturally occurring), there are several easy steps you can take every day to help keep your smile healthy for life. And while you might be familiar with each step, you might not realize how important it is that you do all the steps together, every day.

Q: What if I think I have gum disease?
A: Don’t worry, you’re not alone. More than 80 percent of adults have some form of gum disease. In most cases, you can help reverse, and even protect against, its effects. So how do you treat gum disease? Great question!

Does Fluoride Prevent Tooth Decay?

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by slowing the breakdown of enamel and increasing the rate of the remineralization process. The new enamel crystals that form are harder, larger and more resistant to acid. Tooth enamel is hard yet porous. Plaque on the surface of your teeth can produce acids that seep into the pores (rods) of the enamel and break down its internal structure. This process, called demineralization, can create a weak spot in the tooth that may become a cavity if left untreated. Learning what fluoride does for the health of your teeth will help you become more aware of how to identify plaque and prevent it from becoming a cavity.

Learn About Fluoride Benefits for Your Teeth?

Common fluoride sources are fluoridated drinking water, toothpaste and some mouth rinses.

Fluoride Toothpaste

Toothpastes containing fluoride help prevent cavities in both children and adults. To help strengthen weak spots and exposed roots, and to help prevent the early stages of tooth decay, brush regularly with a fluoridated toothpaste.

• You should always supervise your children when they’re brushing their teeth.
• Children under the age of 6 should only use a “pea size” dab of toothpaste when it contains fluoride.

Fluoride Mouthwash

Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash that contains fluoride is another way to help protect you and your family from cavities.

• There are many brands of mouthwash that now contain fluoride available.

Water with Fluoride

Adding fluoride to your drinking water is one of the easiest and most cost-effective methods of protecting children and adults from tooth decay.

• Not certain about the fluoride levels in your water system? Inform your dental professional if your drinking water is not fluoridated. He or she may recommend that you use high-concentration fluoride treatments.
• If your water does not contain fluoride, your dental professional may recommend prescribing fluoride tablets or drops for you and your family to help protect your teeth from cavities.
• Fluoridated water is a great substitution for soft drinks as it helps protect your teeth while minimizing the damage done to them through sugar intake at the same time.
• Bottled water may not include fluoride so while it may seem like the safe thing to do now, think about the fluoride you will be missing from your tap water.

Fluoride plays a key role in the health of your teeth, and now that you know of its importance, you can include it with more regularity to your oral care habits. If you have any dental problem consult Holistic Dentist in Durango.

What is Halitosis?

Bad breath, or halitosis, is mainly caused by the buildup of bacteria in the mouth, which produces a foul smell. Bad breath can be embarrassing, but fortunately once you have identified the causes, you can begin treatment.

Causes of Bad Breath (Halitosis)

The accumulation of bad breath bacteria most often comes from a lack of a complete oral care routine resulting in a buildup of plaque bacteria around the gum line and back of tongue. Other causes of bad breath include dietary choices, a buildup of bacteria while sleeping, stress, and dehydration.

Halitosis has many causes, including the following:

• Tobacco use. If you smoke, quit. Your bad breath may be due to other causes, too, but tobacco use is a guarantee of bad breath. If you are ready to quit, ask your doctor or dentist for advice and support.
• What you eat, or don’t eat. Certain foods, such as garlic, contribute to bad breath, but only temporarily. Once they are absorbed into the bloodstream, the smell is expelled through the breath, but the odors remain until the body processes the food, so there’s no quick fix.
• Dry mouth. If your mouth is extremely dry, there is not enough saliva to wash away excess food particles and bacteria, which can cause an unpleasant smell if they build up on the teeth.

On rare occasions, bad breath can be a sign of a more serious medical condition so it’s important not to ignore the problem and to see a dental professional if the problem persists. By following a proper oral care routine, you can help improve your bad breath.

Bad Breath Remedies

Brush. Floss. Rinse. It sounds pretty simple, yet it’s the best routine to help you win the battle against bad breath.

After understanding the cause of your bad breath, you can begin taking the proper steps to help achieve fresher breath. These easy steps will help you get the most from your dental health routine:

1. Round out your routine with a mouthwash that fights bad breath and odor-causing compounds found in certain foods to keep your mouth at its freshest.
2. Limit caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, as well as sugary and acidic juices, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. The amount of water you need will vary based on your physical build and daily activity level.
3. Chew sugarless gum to stimulate saliva production. Eating a mint is a temporary but less recommended method for breath freshening because it can leave a sugary residue behind.
4. Floss daily to help prevent food particles from becoming trapped, as well as the buildup of plaque.
5. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day with an Toothbrush to remove plaque bacteria. Follow up with a good tongue brushing. Pay special attention to the back of your tongue, where most odor-causing bacteria are found.

Bad Breath Treatments

Bad breath that seems to have no other cause may indicate an infection elsewhere in the body. If you have chronic bad breath and your dental professional rules out any oral problems, see your doctor for an evaluation. Bad breath can be a sign of a range of conditions including respiratory tract infections, chronic sinusitis or bronchitis, diabetes, or liver and kidney problems, so it’s important not to ignore the problem.

The best way to improve bad breath is to follow a thorough oral care routine including twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing to remove the food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath. Mouthwashes only improve bad breath for the short term, and if you have a chronic problem, Holistic Dentist Durango may suggest an antimicrobial rinse to help keep bacteria at bay.