Great Holiday Foods for Your Teeth

When you hear jingles in the stores and see decorations on your neighbor’s house, you know that the holiday season has arrived. Among other traditions, you can also expect food to play a big part during the holiday, whether it’s snacks for a party or a family dinner. Unfortunately, a lot of traditional holiday foods can be harmful to your teeth, from sticky candy canes to alcoholic eggnog. Thankfully, there are also lots of seasonal dishes and treats that can keep your smile as healthy as ever.

You probably already have a sizable list of foods you know to be bad for your teeth: soda, coffee, and candy. However, what about the crackers you set out as hors d’oeuvres? Even without extra-sweet ingredients added in, bread and related snacks are full of carbohydrates – that is, sugar – and their crumbly, dissolvable nature means that these bacteria-feeding carbs get stuck to your teeth. Alcohol, not counting the sugar it is often made of or mixed with, will dry out your mouth; dry mouths are the perfect environment for bacteria. Even the cough drops you take for colds and the flu not only have sugar in them, but also expose you to that sugar over a long period of time. Cough syrup, despite having similar amounts of sugar in it, is quickly swallowed and doesn’t expose the teeth to that sugar too long. Simply put, too many holiday edibles encourage the decay of your teeth.

Not to worry! Lots of holiday foods diminish, if not reverse, the damage other foods can do. Two common party snacks, for example, are meat and cheese. The calcium and proteins provided by meat and cheese can actually strengthen your teeth and gums. Nuts, like meat, also provide your mouth with a burst of protein and saliva production that help defend your teeth from bacterial build-up. Instead of sweetened cranberry sauce in your dishes, try using fresh cranberries; they can interrupt the bonding process of the decadent bacteria. Though dried fruit is a bad idea, crunchy fruit and raw vegetables can help scrub plaque off of your teeth.

The holidays and their traditions are fast approaching. If you eat too much of the wrong kinds of traditional foods, or you find yourself chewing on that food for a long period of time, your teeth can suffer. However, holiday tradition have also given us a lot of food to protect and strengthen our teeth as well. So, when planning out the next holiday party or dinner, keep these foods in mind. They may just save your smile.

What are the Advantages of Implant-Supported Dentures?

What are the Advantages of Implant-Supported Dentures?
 
If you have suffered total tooth loss, through injury or other dental condition, it can negatively impact your appearance, health, and feeling of wellness. Implant-supported dentures change smiles and attitudes for many by providing the following benefits:
 
Aesthetics
A primary concern for many who require dentures is the appearance of their restoration. Will the teeth look real? What will it do to your smile? Implant-supported dentures use the latest technology in aesthetic and restorative dentistry to replace lost teeth and restore facial balance for a remarkable smile makeover.
 
Improved Functionality

Implant-supported dentures are superior in design and implementation. Implant-supported dentures remain firmly rooted in bone, offering greater functionality in everything from chewing to speaking; your teeth are held in their optimal position at all times. In general, implant-supported dentures offer greater stability to the wearer.
 
Better Oral Health

Most individuals with dentures acquired them because of past oral health issues that caused tooth loss. Traditional dentures are supported by your gums and, over time, can wear down these soft tissues, contributing to further oral health issues. Implant-supported dentures rely on implants to provide structure, so there is no stress or pressure placed on gums. Implants also provide steady stimulation to the jawbone, helping combat future bone loss and therefore tooth loss. Implant-supported dentures improve your oral health by providing bone stimulation that was lost when organic teeth were lost.
   
Long-Term Maintenance

Long-term maintenance with implant dentures is a breeze compared to traditional dentures. Depending on your recommended treatment, implant dentures may be removed each day for cleaning or fixed to be removed by your dentist during routine oral health appointments. No more messy denture paste or soaks. You can treat your implant teeth more like your own, real teeth.
 
If you have more questions about implant-supported dentures, please don't hesitate to contact Alpine Dental Center for more information about how this restorative procedure can help improve your oral health.
 

How All-Porcelain Treatment Has Changed Cosmetic Dentistry

If you have teeth that have been damaged cosmetically and structurally by moderate to severe decay, traditional treatments offered could either be aesthetically appealing or strong and long-lasting. However, these two qualities were often mutually exclusive, preventing patients from getting the best of both worlds. However, in the last decade or so, materials used in dental restorations – such as blends of porcelain, ceramic, and leucite – have made getting restorations that are both beautiful and strong a reality.

At Alpine Dental Center, we help you achieve the smile you want, as well as lasting oral function, with all-porcelain restorations. All-porcelain cosmetic dentistry provides:

Improved Strength and Durability – While porcelain fused to metal prosthetics were once the standard for strong, long-lasting restorations, upgrades in materials and bonding processes for all-porcelain crowns and bridges have made these cosmetically appealing treatments much more durable. Modern, all-porcelain restorations now stand up better to the daily oral function of biting and chewing, and can even be utilized for patients who grind their teeth. Patients who choose the aesthetic benefits of all-porcelain treatments can expect their restorations to last much longer, and look more natural than metal-based crowns and bridges.

Natural-Looking Finished Results – Prosthetics with a metal base don’t age as beautifully as all-porcelain restorations. As gum tissue may recede slightly as you age, metal restorations reveal a silver or dark edge, making your restored teeth look less natural and causing embarrassing aesthetic issues. All-ceramic crowns and bridges will more like your own teeth for as long as they’re a part of your smile

Conservative Application Processes -  Crowning a damaged tooth with a metal-based dental crown requires the preparation or removal of much of your natural tooth structure. While this is not an issue for patients with significantly damaged teeth, it may not always be the best choice for those whose teeth are only moderately affected by decay. Placing an all-porcelain crown does not require the removal of the same amount of tooth enamel, and particularly saves structure along the outer side walls of teeth. As keeping as much of your own natural tooth structure as possible is essential for preserving teeth, the conservative treatment processes for applying all-porcelain crowns helps patients maintain better oral health.

If you’re seeking cosmetic dental treatment to correct flaws and damage to your teeth, your treatment should be as long-lasting and beneficial to your oral health as it is cosmetically appealing. For more information about all-porcelain crowns, contact our Thornton CO cosmetic dental office for your consultation.

Why Treat Dental Emergencies Immediately

If you chip or crack a tooth, it seems obvious that seeking care as soon as possible is important for restoring and repairing your teeth. But there are other emergency dental scenarios, such as bleeding gums or painful teeth that can create serious problems for your overall wellness if not treated immediately. If you suspect that something may be wrong with your smile, it’s essential to call our Thornton dental office as soon as possible.

By getting emergency dental care as soon as possible, you can prevent a number of dental problems, including:

Discomfort – Depending on what the emergency is, oral health trauma can put patients in a fair amount of pain. Knocked-out teeth, chipped teeth, tooth infections, and other damage leaves oral structures irritated and sore. The best way to get relief from pain is to apply an ice pack and see a dentist immediately.

Limitation of Oral Function – Beyond being uncomfortable, many dental emergencies make it hard to eat, drink, chew, and speak. Accidents that result in damaged dental work, like a broken denture or crown, limit your ability to carry out daily routines such as eating meals and speaking without a lisp. Repairing dental appliances and replacing avulsed teeth is the best way to regain strength and function.

Further Damage – Left untreated, oral health problems arising from emergency dental concerns only cause more issues. Tooth infections spread and malfunctioning or broken dental appliances can damage nearby teeth and irritate soft tissue. It’s important to not give these urgent situations the opportunity to compromise the wellbeing of otherwise healthy teeth and structures.

Infection – Something that starts off as a small problem, like bleeding gums, can turn into a big issue before you know it. While many people may not think of early signs of gum disease as a dental emergency, patients that ignore their symptoms and neglect treatment for far too long can develop serious periodontitis, abscesses, and tooth loss. If you are showing any signs of soft tissue problems, seek care as soon as possible to avoid serious infection.

Our dental office has the tools and technology to effectively treat your emergency dental problem. For immediate care in the event of an emergency, contact Dr. Gurman and his team. We are proud to provide caring emergency dental treatment in Thornton, Colorado.

Periodontal Disease 101

What it is 

Periodontal disease, known as gum disease or periodontitis, is one of the most common causes of tooth loss. In the United States, it is estimated that half of Americans aged 30 or older have advanced gum disease. While highly prevalent, this dental condition is preventable with a good oral health regimen. 

Cause

Periodontal disease symptoms become apparent as bacteria and debris accumulate around teeth and below the gum line and hardens into tartar. If not removed by a professional, tartar and bacteria can cause inflammation of the gums and weakening of teeth. There are variables that can increase your risk of periodontitis that range from genetic predisposition and underlying health conditions, to certain lifestyle habits. Diet, taking certain medications, decreased immunity, and hormonal changes can also increase your chances of developing gum disease. 

Stages

Periodontitis begins with the onset of gingivitis. In this early stage, bacteria builds up, irritating the surrounding gums. As bacteria accumulate and plaque builds and hardens into tartar, there is a weakening of bone and connective tissue that keeps teeth in their sockets. As bacteria spreads, pockets that trap further bacteria begin to form around teeth and under soft tissue. In patients with advanced periodontal disease, teeth become loose and fall out. 

Symptoms

One of the most difficult aspects of spotting periodontal disease without help from a dentist is that the condition can progress slowly in patients and may not always produce obvious signs. Patients may notice:

• Gum tenderness
• Gum recession
• Bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
• Loose teeth or a change in teeth alignment

Diagnosis of gum disease typically involves visiting a dentist for a visual examination of your oral condition, as well as charting pocket depths and using X-Rays to check bone loss in areas with deeper periodontal pockets. 

Treatment

Early diagnosis gives patients the greatest chance of reversing damage with nonsurgical treatments. These procedures include root scaling and planing, which removes tartar and bacteria from surfaces of teeth and beneath the gums and smooths root surfaces,. Antibiotics that are either taken orally or topically as a rinse, can also be used to reduce bacteria and inflammation. For patients with advanced periodontitis, dental surgery may be the most effective option to reduce pocket size and restore the healthy appearance and supportive structure of soft tissue. 

Prevention

Periodontal disease is preventable by practicing consistent and good oral hygiene. As a rule of thumb, you should be taking between 3-5 minutes twice day to care for your teeth and gums by flossing first to loosen any food particles and bacteria, and brushing to clean all surfaces of teeth. You should also visit your dentist twice a year for thorough teeth cleanings. Patients displaying early signs of gum disease may require more frequent dental visits throughout the year. If are exhibiting signs and symptoms of gum disease, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you can receive treatment, the more likely you will be able to reverse any damage caused by periodontal disease.

Welcome to Our Blog

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Here's to your best oral health ever!