Dentist Castle Rock Take Soda Out of Your Diet to Save Your Teeth
Posted by: | CommentsDentist Castle Rock Take Soda Out of Your Diet to Save Your Teeth
Carbonated soft drinks are the biggest single caloric source in the American diet. Teenagers in particular are hooked on the stuff and get an average of 13 percent of their daily calories from “pop.” If this doesn’t scare you, it should. In terms of sheer amount, these statistics could be alarming if it were any one food. A proper diet should have some balance and diversity. And soda pop is the antithesis of “any food.” It’s bad food. Soda is one of the most damaging and over-consumed beverages on the market today say Dentist Castle Rock. Most people who are addicted want to stop, but don’t know how. Did your last dental checkup find you sinking lower and lower into the dental chair with each cavity your dentist found? If so, one of the first questions you may want to ask yourself is this: are soft drinks a big part of your daily routine? If you answered “yes”, you may want to re-think your dietary habits. In America, we drink a lot of cola (or “un-cola”). On average, we each drank 52.4 gallons in 2005, and this figure includes infants, healthy folks, prisoners, etc., meaning that the average soda drinker actually gulps (their word) more than this.
Ingredient & Effect
We use the term “empty calories” for foods like soda that have no place in a nutritious diet. This term is ridiculously misleading. The calories in soda are far from empty. Most of them come from sugar. Some of the worst cases of dental decay have involved sodas, or sweetened (prepared) iced tea. One 12 oz. can of soda averages about 12 teaspoons of sugar. That’s basically liquid sugar. Just cut it out. We should read the ingredient list on the bottle or can. Be aware of added concentrates, syrups and juices used to sweeten the drink. If it states high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), read “sugar”. The high-fructose corn syrup is cheap and creates an unfulfilled craving for more leading us to over eat, and over consume, the garbage that keeps us craving for more. Aside from the sugar that soft drinks contain, you are essentially giving your teeth an acid bath every time you drink a can or bottle. It’s pretty strong stuff. I understand some cola will loosen rusty nuts on bolts, or even clean battery terminals! Just try to keep it out of your body. If you need help weaning yourself off of the sugar, speak to your doctor about it right away. You will be happy to know there are healthy alternatives state Dentist Castle Rock. Apart from enamel erosion, drinking soda has been linked to diabetes, formation of kidney stones, osteoporosis and even low potassium levels with associated muscle weakness. Sugar-free sodas are not the best solution either. They still contain acids which can break down your enamel. Acid attacks can last about 20 minutes and each sip of soda initiates the acid bath.
Dentist Castle Rock Take Soda Out of Your Diet to Save Your Teeth
Well-being
Besides the simple caloric trade-off, sodas are formulated to give you a rush. The sugar is mixed with phosphates designed to speed it into your system. It’s so good, in fact, that many cyclists prefer Coca-Cola to specific sports food when they need a sugar rush near the end of races. And while a sugar rush is a good thing when you’re trying to exceed your anaerobic threshold and you’re out of blood glycogen (never mind if you don’t know what this is), it’s a bad thing whenever you’re not, which even for a competitive cyclist is 99.9 percent of the time. Dentist Castle Rock knows we are a people of instant gratification, yet as we age, we learn that instant gratification does not happen very often. Take time to know your body, it will tell you, and you will learn to recognize what makes it feel good. Make a decision. Now that you have scared yourself with the amount of sugar you are swallowing every day, make a conscious decision to change. If you do not REALLY want to get off of soda, then you probably won’t. Be serious and act like you are already disconnected from it. When you make this mental shift, it will be much easier.
Substitutions
Now that you have selected some healthy alternatives, start bringing them in off the bench. Take it slow and steady. For one week, substitute one can of soda with your healthy alternative. Do this for two weeks, then add another substitute. After following this pattern for 10 weeks, you will be off soda. Once you’ve mastered with the substitutes lets up the ante. If you are ready to take it to the next level, then bring in the water. We all know the benefits of water. If you’re dead set on getting more into your daily diet, follow the same procedure and wean out the healthy beverages one at a time. The key thing to do when you are trying to overcome your soda addiction, especially in the beginning, is to not deprive yourself, but to substitute. There are many healthy alternatives that come at a lower body-damaging price explains Dentist Castle Rock. Find something you like. Search for beverage alternatives at your favorite health-food store or grocery store. Always read the ingredient label first. Make sure there are no artificial flavors, artificial colors, high-fructose corn syrup, colors, numbers or abbreviations in there. If the ingredient list has a clean bill of health, then proceed to the nutritional content. Make sure the beverage is low in calories and sodium. Send in the substitutes.
Dentist Castle Rock Take Soda Out of Your Diet to Save Your Teeth
Dentist Castle Rock Talking about Scaling & Root Planing
Posted by: | CommentsDentist Castle Rock Talking about Scaling & Root Planing
Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing is a non-surgical procedure. Root planing and scaling cleans between the gums and the teeth down to the roots. Your dentist may need to use a local anesthetic to numb your gums and the roots of your teeth. Deep cleaning and other periodontal treatments can largely be avoided if you are careful with your cleaning. One of the ideas of having regular check-ups is to avoid such problems developing. Your dentist is a squeamish soul, who probably faints at the sight of blood, and likes to have things tidy. Therefore they’ll be more than happy to show you how to clean your teeth properly if you are unsure how to do it. Scaling and root planing is the first step in treatment of gum disease. It can be enhanced with the local use of medications, oral rinses, but no treatment can be effective without root planing and scaling or deep cleaning. Scaling and root planing is the procedure on its own, and it can be part of gum surgery procedure as well. Some dentists and dental hygienists will use an ultrasonic tool for the planing and scaling. This tool is not as uncomfortable as a standard scraping tool, but not all cleanings require this type of tool. Your dentist may place antibiotic fibers into the pockets between your teeth and gums. The antibiotic will help speed healing and prevent infection. The dentist will remove the fibers about 1 week after the procedure explains Dentist Castle Rock.
Why get Procedure
Root planing is the process of smoothening the root surfaces and removing any infected tooth structure. If you have gum disease or gum pocketing, the gum pockets around the teeth will have deepened, thereby allowing tartar deposits to form under the gumline. The two processes tend to blur together since during the cleaning process, the dental worker scales away tartar and performs any necessary root planing at the same time. Any roughness can be planed away to result in a silky smooth surface. If plaque and tartar is left on the teeth, as we mentioned before, it provides the right conditions for bacteria to thrive. The bacteria irritate the gums, which means that they bleed more easily. You may notice this if you are brushing your teeth, or eating, and sometimes your gums may bleed a bit. This is the early stage of gum disease called gingivitis. Root planing and scaling is done when gums have either started to pull away from the teeth or the roots of the teeth have hard mineral deposits (tartar) on them. If you maintain good dental care after the procedure, the progression of gum disease should stop. And your gums will heal and become firm and pink again says Dentist Castle Rock. There is some confusion about the difference between scaling and root planing. Scaling is basically the process of removing dental tartar from the surfaces of the teeth.
Dentist Castle Rock Talking about Scaling & Root Planing
After Treatment
If anesthesia is used, your lips and gums may remain numb for a few hours. Planing and scaling causes little or no discomfort. Discomfort can vary after root planing, but one can expect it to be more sore afterwards since it’s usually in a deeper region under the gums. The teeth themselves can become a bit more sensitive to temperature, and bleeding might occur for a little while. Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen work very well to alleviate discomfort, but stronger painkillers can be given should you need them states Dentist Castle Rock. You may be asked to use an antiseptic mouth rinse after scaling and root planing. This is especially likely if your gums are very sore. However, you should continue brushing and flossing as usual. You can expect some minor bleeding in the first days after scaling and root planing. This usually stops within a week. If you develop a fever or a lot of bleeding, pain or swelling after scaling and root planing, contact your dental professional.Brushing and flossing can be delayed or done more gently to avoid aggravating any bruised or tender gum areas. Your dentist or hygienist may recommend salt water or chlorhexidine rinses.
Risk Involved
Root planing and scaling can introduce harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Gum tissue is also at risk of infection. Treating periodontitis decreases gum inflammation. It also eliminates periodontal pockets, which can trap plaque. You may need to take antibiotics before and after surgery if you have a condition that puts you at high risk for a severe infection or if infections are particularly dangerous for you. Therefore, if treatment is successful, the swelling will be gone and your gums will shrink or recede. The extent of shrinkage depends on the initial depth of the pocket and the severity of periodontitis. The more severe the disease, the more your gums will recede after successful therapy. As a result, some part of the root is exposed. This makes the tooth look longer. It also will be more sensitive to heat and cold. To prevent root cavities, your dentist may prescribe a fluoride-containing gel explains Dentist Castle Rock. It’s also important to control plaque. Has your medical doctor told you that you need to take antibiotics before certain dental procedures? If so, tell your dentist or hygienist about this before you undergo scaling and root planing.
Dentist Castle Rock Talking about Scaling & Root Planing
Dentist Castle Rock Talks about Plaque on Teeth
Posted by: | CommentsDentist Castle Rock Talks about Plaque on Teeth
Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film that continually forms in between and on the surface of the teeth. It is formed, as in any biofilm, by colonizing bacteria trying to attach itself to a smooth surface of a tooth. It has been estimated that as many as 400 distinct bacterial species may be found in plaque. In addition to the bacterial cells, plaque contains a small number of epithelial cells, leukocytes, and macrophages. Dental plaque can be classified in several different ways. Plaque is classified as supragingival or subgingival based on its relationship to the gingival margin. Supragingival plaque is evident on the tooth above the gingival margin explains Dentist Castle Rock. Plaque can also be classified by its relationship to the tooth surface, as either attached or unattached plaque. Unattached subgingival plaque is more closely associated with the wall of the subgingival tissues than is the attached plaque. Inorganic components are also found in dental plaque; largely calcium and phosphorus which are primarily derived from saliva.
Symptoms of Plaque
Plaque is made up of invisible masses of harmful germs that live in the mouth and stick to the teeth. Some types of plaque cause tooth decay. Other types of plaque cause gum disease. Mild gingivitis does not cause any symptoms and so you may not realize that you have it. The gums look slightly swollen and reddened. Moderate gingivitis can cause more marked swelling and reddening of the gums. The gums often bleed a little when you clean your teeth. Uneasiness or pain from the gums is rare if you only have gingivitis. Periodontitis often does not cause any symptoms until an affected tooth becomes loose. However, in some cases, symptoms develop and may include: halitosis (bad breath), some pus formation in small pockets between teeth and gums, pain and difficulty eating, a foul taste in your mouth, affected teeth becoming loose and eventually falling out if not treated. Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large and affect nerves or cause a tooth fracture. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can develop. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the internal structures of the tooth (pulp) and ultimately causes the loss of the tooth says Dentist Castle Rock. Carbohydrates (sugars and starches) increase the risk of tooth decay. Sticky foods are more harmful than non-sticky foods because they remain on the surface of the teeth. Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities).
Dentist Castle Rock Talks about Plaque on Teeth
Removal of Plaque
If your gums appear healthy with no inflammation or redness, then twice daily brushing and proper daily flossing will break up the plaque that naturally accumulates on your teeth. Brushing with fluoride-based toothpaste will help to remove plaque from the surfaces of your teeth and floss or interdental cleaners will help to remove plaque between your teeth says Dentist Castle Rock. If you notice that your gums are red and inflamed, or that they bleed after you brush your teeth, it is important that you see your dentist. Gingivitis and early periodontitis can be controlled by routine professional teeth cleanings and more diligent brushing and flossing at home. If your dental professional observes an excessive buildup of plaque and calculus below the gum line, then a procedure called scaling and/or root planing may be necessary. This non-surgical procedure is used to remove plaque and calculus from around the roots of teeth and in the gum pockets. Scaling and root planing is performed in your dentist’s office. It is not uncommon for dentists to refer more advanced cases to a periodontist, a dentist specializing in gum disease.
Calculus aka Tartar
Even if you practice the best oral hygiene, there are bacteria in your mouth. These bacteria, along with proteins and food byproducts, form a sticky film called dental plaque. This film coats teeth. Plaque is most prevalent in areas that are hard to clean — like the back teeth — just along the gum line, and around fillings or other dental products. Calculus is hardened calcified plaque. It is sometimes called tartar. It sticks firmly to teeth. Generally, it can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist with special instruments. Unlike plaque, which is a colorless film of bacteria, tartar is a mineral buildup that’s fairly easy to see if above the gumline. The most common sign of tartar is a yellow or brown color to teeth or gums. The only way for sure to detect tartar and to remove it; is to see your dentist. Proper brushing, especially with a tartar control toothpaste, and flossing are necessary to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Once tartar has formed, only your dentist or hygienist can remove it. The process for removing tartar is called scaling. During a scaling, the dentist or hygienist uses special instruments to remove tartar from your teeth above and below the gumline. A bigger problem arises if plaque is allowed to remain on your teeth and harden explains Dentist Castle Rock. That can happen after just 26 hours. When this occurs, the plaque hardens into tartar, or dental calculus. Because it has mineralized onto your teeth, tartar is far more difficult to remove than plaque. If tartar is not removed and gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress into a more serious form of gum disease. That more serious form is known as periodontitis.
Dentist Castle Rock Talks about Plaque on Teeth
Dentist Castle Rock Chief Questions to Ask the Dentist
Posted by: | CommentsDentist Castle Rock Chief Questions to Ask the Dentist
Most people despise going to the dentist. It is difficult to find a dental practice that you really like and feel comfortable with. With the extremely challenging economy and the changes in health insurance, you may be looking for a dentist. It is important to find a dentist who you like and trust. Unfortunately, there are dentists who insist on work that really is not necessary. Finding a dentist who is going to be honest about the condition of your teeth is essential. It is not always easy to find a reputable dental practice states Dentist Castle Rock. There are some prudent things you can do during your search to make sure you are choosing a good dentist. Talk with your dentist about getting a copy of your dental records. Dentists covered by the HIPAA privacy rule are required to provide patients with a copy of their records and state law may also apply. Knowing about your condition and treatment options is two of the first steps in understanding what can be done to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Many of your questions can be answered by your dentist. While at an appointment with a new dentist, you can take the time to notice many things about that person. In the same way that someone’s house says a lot about who they are, so does a dentist’s office. You should pay attention while in the office, keeping an eye out for cleanliness, as well as the diligence and attitudes of the employees. This can give you insight into your dentists own work habits. An office that is chaotic and messy may likely mean bad things for you and your family. A high-quality dentist will be clean and hygienic. After all, that is how they advise their patients to be every day!
Detailed Prognosis
Dentists charge a handsome amount for their services; therefore, we should also ask a handsome amount of questions to get our money’s worth explains Dentist Castle Rock. If you got your condition from any traumatic injury or suddenly experienced unusual throbbing pain while you were on a dietary regimen, tell it in detail to the dentist, so he/she can readily assess what’s going on in your mouth. You should visit a dentist if you have a toothache or pain, extreme sensitivity to hot or cold, a loose tooth if you are an adult, swollen or bleeding gums or changes in your bite. Catching a dental problem early in its development can make it easier to treat. Dentists are not mind-readers – so tell that we they need to know. There are also cases wherein patients will stray away on a question if he/she had oral sex before the pain or lump in the mouth. There is something we call “doctor-patient confidentiality” law that will disbar any dentist from practice if he/she leaks out “any” details if your conversation – more so if it is sensitive information. So feel free to tell your dentist anything that may have triggered the onset of your condition.
Dentist Castle Rock Chief Questions to Ask the Dentist
Treatment Choices
Find out if there are other treatment options available and ask how the various options differ in cost, which treatment will provide the longest-lasting results, and do all of the treatments solve your oral health care problems. Which ones are elective or cosmetic? Are all of the treatments the dentist is recommending absolutely necessary? Which ones do you need right away and which ones can you delay for later? Of course, a dentist wants to help you achieve your ideal smile, but that does not mean that all of the treatments he is recommending are necessary. Ask him to create a schedule for you that will break up the various treatments into phases, starting with the most urgent. Are the desired results you want realistic? Among the dentist’s recommendations, which treatments are absolutely necessary? If so, what treatments will you need, how much will it cost, and how long will it take to achieve the end results? Which are elective? Which are cosmetic? Which procedures are urgently needed, and which ones are less urgent? Your dentist should be able to prioritize a treatment schedule to help you distinguish problems needing immediate attention from those that are less urgent. Often, treatment can be phased in over time says Dentist Castle Rock. Be sure you understand the consequences of delaying treatment.
Specialized Areas
The banner outside of the office or on the website may not always give a clear embodiment of that dentist’s purported ‘specialty’. If you are in any way doubtful, or just making sure that your dentist does well in what he claims, ask him a few questions on his track record and how he earned his reputation as a ‘leading’ cosmetic dentist. Many a time, dentists fall short of their promises and give their patients substandard services say Dentist Castle Rock. If you feel that your tooth/teeth did not get any better or if the procedure and by regard, any procedure worsened the previous condition of your tooth, go back to the dentist and ask for an explanation on why your tooth did not get better. If he declines or reacts prematurely in any way, and does not give even a partial refund if he knows what he did is wrong, you can file a report to your local dentist organization. Be sure to check your dentist’s affiliations before filing a complaint. Sending a complaint directly to his affiliate organization may expedite the process of ruling him out the flock of ‘good’ dentists. Visit the American Dental Association (ADA) website for more details on this matter. There have been many cases of ‘bad’ dentists, meaning you’re not alone in your plight.
Dentist Castle Rock Chief Questions to Ask the Dentist
Dentist Castle Rock Things You Should Know
Posted by: | CommentsDentist Castle Rock Things You Should Know
When looking for a dentist, you have to remember that no one is perfect. Your personal needs and circumstances make the right dentist for you different from many other peoples says Dentist Castle Rock. You will have to find a good balance between everything that has been discussed. You probably cannot afford the most expensive dentist out there, but you also probably don’t need the most expensive dentist. There are many dentists out there who are perfectly qualified to care for your oral health. Just remember to stay informed about your health and to maintain an open-ended relationship with your dentist. There are approximately 165,000 dentists in the U.S., and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the yearly earnings of dentists averaged $147,010 in 2007. There is no doubt we are spending a lot of money on dental care and most people do not have dental insurance. But are we spending our money wisely? This is an area of particular interest to retirees and those planning to retire, because dental health issues tend to become more pressing as we age. Going to the dentist may seem like a mundane chore, but it can quickly become an expensive one. Here’s what you need to know to get the most for your money when shopping for dental care.
Lacking in Education
Dentistry has changed a lot since your dentist graduated from dental school. One practitioner told me changes come “almost daily.” There have been major advances in most materials used in fillings, bonding and root canals says Dentist Castle Rock. The world of neuromuscular dentistry has evolved at a particularly rapid rate. This branch of dentistry treats misalignment of the jaw which can cause headaches, sleep apnea, worn or cracked teeth and severe jaw pain, among many other symptoms. Lasers and air abrasion systems can be used to remove some decay without numbing the patient and to achieve superior dental cleaning. If your dentist is not actively engaged in continuing education, it is unlikely that he or she is keeping up with these developments. Dental techniques have also changed. Laser systems can regenerate bone lost to gum disease and improve smiles with gum contouring.
Dentist Castle Rock Things You Should Know
Technology is not the latest
Technology is an important part of today’s dentistry. Is your dentist current? Here are some questions to ask: Digital x-ray: Dentists who do not have digital x-ray equipment are practicing in the dark ages. Digital x-rays use less radiation than film says Dentist Castle Rock. They are easier to read and the ability to manipulate contrast makes diagnosis more accurate. This equipment is expensive. It costs $30,000-$50,000. You are worth it. CEREC: For many dentists, this is the information they don’t want you to have. The CEREC system lets your dentist provide a ceramic crown, onlay or veneer in only one visit. Use of CEREC can conserve the tooth structure and permit the dentist to seal the tooth in one appointment. No gagging impressions. CEREC means fewer injections, less drilling and no annoying temporaries. Ultrasonic Cleaning: Ultrasonic instruments vibrate plaque and calculus off your teeth, even in areas below your gums. It is much more comfortable than old-fashioned hand scraping. They can remove heavy stains (like tobacco and coffee) from the tooth and even treat periodontal disease. Total cost to your dentist: Around $2000. There is no excuse for not having it. The big rub is cost. A CEREC system will cost around $120,000. If we have a choice between a dentist who has it and one that doesn’t the availability of CEREC will be the deciding factor.
Not all cosmetic dentists have the skills to really improve your smile
A beautiful smile is a big part of our appearance. Cosmetic dentists promise us beautiful smiles (a “smile makeover”). But how do we know if they can deliver? Any dentist can call herself a “cosmetic dentist.” Here are some questions that will help you select one that is qualified: Have you had post-graduate training? If so,where? The best veneers are either felspathic (super thin) veneers, or CAD/CAM veneers, which can be milled and made by a computer. There are pluses and minuses of both. Your dentist should explain the differences to you. Show me the… veneers! Your dentist should be able to show you ten or more before and after photographs or videos. She should be willing to give you the names of patients who have consented to be used as references. Be cautious. Some dentists use before and after pictures of models they did not work on. Verify that what you are seeing is work done on actual patients! We have heard people saying my tooth is turning gray underneath my crown. A lot of dentists don’t realize that root canal filling materials, when left in the visible part of the tooth, are strong contributors to this graying of your tooth states Dentist Castle Rock. Providing the best cosmetic dentistry demands a higher level of expertise and training that is enhanced with an artistic touch. Materials used and techniques offered also play vital roles when delivering a cosmetically pleasing smile. By seeking out and use only the highest quality materials and offer a variety of procedures will allow dentist to select the right combination to give each individual optimal results. The cosmetic dentistry field has changed rapidly over the years. A dentist with no post-graduate training is not likely to be current with these advancements. Look for post graduate training in porcelain veneers from well-known schools like LVI Global, the Pankey Institute and the Scottsdale Center for Dentistry. What kind of veneers do you use?
