Routine Cleaning & Oral Hygiene
Durango, CO
At Durango Dentistry, we help patients throughout Durango and the surrounding areas to stay in excellent oral health. With a focus on preventative care, we take the time to get to know each of our patients, creating a plan for lifelong oral health. With only one set of permanent adult teeth, it is important to care for them and be proactive in taking the steps to prevent cavities, infections, and gum disease. We recommend that you visit our dental office for a teeth cleaning twice a year so that we can remove plaque buildup and tartar, keeping your mouth healthy and clean.
Contrary to common belief, a dental cleaning is not just meant for a brighter smile, but also for the general wellness of a patient. There is a relationship between oral health and general health. Some of the related medical and dental problems include cardiovascular disease, bone loss, cancers, strokes and many other problems. While regular brushing and flossing after meals can help keep teeth clean, annual dental cleanings keep teeth clean and healthy.
Dental Cleaning and Examinations
We recommend that adults throughout Durango, CO and the surrounding areas receive teeth cleanings at least twice a year, as well. Good oral health is important regardless of how old you are. As people age, their risk for an oral infection continues to increase. The older teeth get, the more the protective enamel starts to wear away, and it can become easier to get a cavity. The best way to combat this is by brushing and flossing throughout the day in addition to visiting the dentist on a regular basis. We offer flexible appointment times so that you can schedule an appointment around your work or family schedule, making it easier than ever to get teeth cleaning. The following are some of the main reasons to get regular professional dental cleanings
The following are some of the main reasons to get regular professional dental cleanings.
Stops tooth loss
One of the main causes of tooth loss among American adults is gum disease. Gum disease often starts with the build-up of plaque. Plaque is the whitish film that builds up over time on the teeth of a patient. As gum disease progresses, plaque is pushed further down, and it destroys the supporting bone in the jaw of the patient causing the teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. However, annual cleanings by a professional dental care provider and good oral hygiene can reduce and eventually stop plaque buildup.
Prevents cavities
According to the Mayo Clinic, plaque is the main cause of tooth decay. Plaque is acidic, and it corrodes the tooth enamel. When it is left unattended, it eventually leads to cavities. Plaque can be removed through regular brushing and flossing after meals, and annual dental cleanings.
Brightens the smile
Beverages such as coffee, tea and wine, some foods, and narcotics such as tobacco can stain teeth. A dental cleaning removes these stains and leaves the patient with polished teeth. The result is a whiter and brighter smile.
Freshens breath
Bad breath or halitosis is a common source of embarrassment among many Americans. Regular dental cleanings are a great way to keep the mouth both healthy and odor-free. During a dental cleaning, the dentist will identify common problems such as dry mouth, periodontal disease and other conditions that may be causing bad breath. In some cases, the dentist may refer the patient to a physician when they discover that the odor does not originate from the mouth.
Boosts overall health
Apart from providing patients with a whiter and brighter smile, professional teeth cleanings can benefit the overall health of a patient by reducing the likelihood of stroke or heart attack, preventing diabetes, decreasing the likelihood of dementia and preventing low birth weight or premature birth for pregnant patients.
How Many Types of Professional Dental Cleanings Are Available?
A dental cleaning from a professional helps individuals of all ages to maintain good oral health. There are different dental cleanings that may be required, based on the patient's health history as well as any risks that pose a threat to oral health. General dentists can perform evaluations to determine what type of cleanings are necessary and how often. When looking for more information on professional dental cleanings, it can be helpful to review the following.
Sensitive Teeth
At Durango Dentistry, we practice gentle dentistry and provide teeth cleanings for patients with sensitive teeth. Many adults avoid visiting the dentist due to concern that their teeth will hurt or feel worse during the exam or subsequent cleaning. When working with the right dentist, you can feel comfortable regardless of how sensitive your teeth are. We offer a variety of sedation methods so that you do not have to feel anything while getting your dental cleaning and examinations. Whether you need something to relax or direct pain medication, we can create a treatment plan that includes sedation so that you can remain comfortable.
If you live in Colorado, it is important to understand the reason that teeth become sensitive. Very often, it is due to the enamel on the outside of the teeth wearing away. Enamel can wear away due to age, what you eat and improper oral health care. While brushing with desensitizing toothpaste can help, you need to continue visiting the dentist to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy. Otherwise, the sensitivity can increase. During your dental exam, let us know about the discomfort you are feeling so that we can discuss ways to reduce it by using methods such as a fluoride treatment or sealant.
How to brush your teeth properly
As a Durango dentist, we know that how you brush your teeth is just as important as how often you brush them. It is important that you use a soft toothbrush that will not irritate your gums or cause the enamel on your teeth to erode. Many people make the mistake of thinking that a hard toothbrush is necessary for keeping teeth clean, but this is not the case. As long as you brush correctly a soft toothbrush will work equally well without damaging your teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth in a circular pattern, starting at the gum line and working your way towards the center of your mouth. This will move food particles, bacteria, and plaque away from your gum line. Brush your teeth in quadrants and be sure to brush each section for at least thirty seconds. While brushing you should apply even pressure but not be too aggressive. You should also use fluoride toothpaste since this will provide additional protection from cavities. We recommend that you brush three times a day – morning, after lunch, and before bed. This will keep your mouth clean without causing irritation from over-brushing. Additionally, be sure to buy a new toothbrush every three months or sooner if your bristles are frayed or your toothbrush is stained or smelling.
Flossing is essential for your teeth and gums
At Durango Dentistry, we remind our patients that it is critical to floss on a daily basis. If you live in the Durango area and have not been to the dentist lately, we invite you to schedule an appointment so that we can clean your teeth and remove the plaque and bacteria from hard to reach places. Afterward, it is up to you to floss on a daily basis to remove food particles and plaque from in between your teeth. If they remain in place, you can develop gum disease which is both uncomfortable and dangerous to your oral and overall health. Gum disease occurs when plaque forms underneath the gum line and not flossing can lead to this. If you do not particularly enjoy flossing, buy a plastic flossing tool that you can hold and throw away once done. This makes it easier to get the job done.
Selecting the right mouthwash
When you use mouthwash, it is important to be sure that it is sugar-free. We also recommend using mouthwash that contains fluoride since this will help to kill any lingering bacteria while strengthening your teeth. Carry a bottle of mouthwash with you and rinse your mouth with it after meals, drinking a soda, or consuming coffee. As a Durango, CO dentist office, we understand that it is difficult to brush more than a couple of times per day. Rinsing your mouth, however, is relatively easy, and everyone has time for it. Taking this simple step can help to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.
How to prevent tooth decay
Our team prevents tooth decay every day by helping our patients to have clean and healthy teeth. Tooth decay starts when plaque is left on the teeth, and the acid inside of it starts to eat away at the enamel. Keeping teeth clean by removing plaque, therefore, prevents tooth decay. Simultaneously, at home you can continue to brush your teeth and floss after meals. If you do not have anything with you, rinse your mouth with water. This will help to remove some of the loose food particles that may be in your mouth or to remove some of the sugar from your teeth. You should also eat a healthy diet since everything that you eat is directly placed onto your teeth.
What you should know about getting a fluoride treatment
At Durango Dentistry, we are a family dentist office that uses fluoride on a regular basis. We recommend that all of our youth patients under the age of eighteen have a fluoride treatment, at least once a year. Statistically, these treatments reduce the risk of getting cavities by 30 percent. This is significant considering that tooth decay is one of the primary reasons children miss days from school. Adults can also benefit from receiving a fluoride treatment and if you would like to find out if it is right for you, call (970) 259-1646 to schedule an appointment. The treatment itself only takes a couple of minutes. The fluoride is applied directly to the teeth. It has no odor or smell and after a few minutes, patients are free to leave. It is one of the easiest ways to prevent cavities.
How to select the right toothbrush
Patients of our general dentist office are given a toothbrush at each visit. We recommend that you use it for three months and then replace it. When purchasing a toothbrush, look for a soft one that will not irritate your gums or erode your enamel. Otherwise, we suggest a battery operated or electric toothbrush since they can give you the best clean. The toothbrush head rotates while you are moving the brush around, helping you to break up more plaque for the cleanest possible teeth.
Food and drinks that you should avoid
As a family dentist office, we recommend that you avoid drinking too much soda, juice, coffee or anything that contains a lot of sugar. You should also stay away from candy, desserts, and particularly sour candy. Additionally, acidic fruit is bad for your teeth. Any time that you have a diet that is high in sugar and starch it is bad for your teeth because the bacteria on your teeth will thrive in this environment. Simultaneously, when you eat foods that are highly acidic, it can lead to enamel erosion. At Durango Dentistry, we recommend that you eat a diet high in green leafy vegetables, lean protein, dairy, and nuts since they can help to remineralize and strengthen your teeth. For more tips on how to eat a mouth-healthy diet, call (970) 259-1646 and schedule an appointment to speak with Dr. Greg Mann and Dr. Steven Reed.
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.
My Gums are Bleeding or Receding
At Durango Dentistry, we focus on the health of our patients' gums just as much as we do on their teeth. We understand the critical nature of the gums and the role they play in keeping teeth healthy, strong, and intact. Through regular dental care, we can work to prevent gum disease. In certain situations, regular dental care is all a patient needs. However, if you do notice that your gums are bleeding or are beginning to receded, call (970) 259-1646 and schedule an appointment with our Durango, CO dental office. Since gum recession can lead to further health challenges, it is important to address the issue right away.
Q&A: Why Are My Gums Bleeding
Q. Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?
A. When you brush your teeth, the bristles will often go immediately over or next to your gums. Gum tissue is sensitive and if you are using a hard toothbrush or brushing too aggressively you can scratch and irritate them. Our suggestion is to switch to an electric or battery operated toothbrush because you can get an excellent clean without having to apply a lot of pressure. This should provide your gums with needed relief.
Q. Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
A. Very often, this is because you have not flossed in a long time. If it has been awhile, your gums may be sensitive, irritated or even bleed when you begin your flossing routine. This is perfectly acceptable. Once you begin flossing daily, your gums should no longer bleed. In the process you will be removing the plaque from in between your gums and your teeth, helping them to be in better health. At Durango Dentistry we can show you how to floss your teeth properly to help ensure that you are getting a really good clean. Call (970) 259-1646 and let us know if your gums continue to bleed after a week of flossing daily.
Q. Why are my gums swollen?
A. If your gums have started to swell, there are two main causes for it. The first is that you have irritated your gums or accidentally scratched them by eating something that is particularly sharp or abrasive. The second, and most likely, is that you are suffering from an early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis typically makes your gums swell, become red and irritated. This is a warning sign that should lead you to schedule an appointment with our dental office. If you notice this early warning sign and seek treatment, a dental cleaning may be all that is necessary to treat the condition so that your gums can return to good health. Otherwise, the symptoms could become progressively worse.
Q. Why are my gums sensitive when I eat or brush my teeth?
A. You could have gum disease. Even in the early stages, this condition can make your gums sensitive and irritated. Otherwise, you could have eaten something acidic or abrasive that is making them temporarily sensitive but this should pass within a day or so.
Q&A: Gum Recession
Q. Why are gums receding from my teeth?
A. There can be several reasons for this, and some of them may have to do with lifestyle. For example, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. However, if you use a hard toothbrush or brush too aggressively, you can actually irritate your gums and cause them to recede. This is why we recommend that you use a soft or electronic toothbrush whenever possible. You want to make sure you are gentle when brushing near your gums, regardless of what you are using.
Your gums can also recede due to gum disease. This is actually the most common reason for the condition. At Durango Dentistry, we find that gum disease can impact patients of all ages, and when it does, it is critical that you come in for a dental cleaning and treatment. Otherwise, you can begin to see the gums recede or pull away from the teeth. The cause is plaque that becomes trapped between the teeth and gums. Since you cannot clean this area, it remains in place, turns into tartar, and irritates your gums. The irritation will get to the point that the gums swell, bleed, become irritated, and eventually recede.
Genetics can also give you receding gums, so if your parents had this problem, you may as well.
If your teeth are crooked and your bite is out of alignment, additional strain could be placed on some of your teeth. As a result of abnormal wear patterns, your gums could begin to suffer and eventually recede.
Q. Why are my gums receding only on one side?
A. If your gums are only receding on one side, it could be simply because plaque just happens to have built up in this area of the mouth. Plaque does not discriminate, but there is a chance that you could have brushed or flossed better on one side of your mouth, or it could be a simple fluke that plaque became trapped in one area but not the other. Another plausible solution is that this mirrors general wear patterns. If your teeth are crooked and your bite is off, your gum health will also be impacted disproportionally.
Q. Why are my gums receding on one tooth only?
A. While this could be related to the other causes listed above, it is most likely to do some type of dental trauma. Perhaps this particular area of the mouth was cut or suffered a severe abrasion. Whether the injury was caused by eating something sharp, your nail scratched it, or an outside force cut you, gums can sometimes have difficultly healing and may recede as a result of that injury.
Q. Should I worry about receding gums? Are they really a sign of trouble?
A. Yes, you should. At Durango Dentistry, we encourage all our patients to pay attention to their gum health. We encourage them to call us right away if they see their gums bleeding, swelling or receding. We want to examine the patient as soon as possible in order to determine if gum disease is present and treat it. You are best served by receiving immediate care since we can treat the problem using less invasive methods. For example, you may only need a deep cleaning if you come in right away or perhaps you will need an antibiotic treatment as well, but by coming in early, you give your gums the best chance for restoration without the need for a gum graft. Otherwise, if you delay, they could recede to the point that the health of your teeth, your jawbone, and your entire smile are at risk. After all, the majority of people who lose an adult tooth also had gum disease at the time. Preventing and treating it is truly one of the best things you can do for your oral health.
Q. How do you prevent gum recession?
A. The best way to prevent gum recession is to visit our dental office for a teeth cleaning twice per year. We can remove the plaque and tartar that has built up over time in order to give your teeth a fresh clean feel while also reducing the likelihood that plaque or tartar will build up. Additionally, you can begin to use a soft toothbrush and monitor how aggressively you brush your teeth.
Q. Is there a way to treat the condition?
A. Yes, if you are suffering gum recession due to gum disease, we must remove the disease. Generally, this requires us to perform a deep cleaning procedure in order to remove the plaque and tartar from the area in between the teeth and the gums. Once done, your gums can begin to heal and rejuvenate. There are also some laser procedures that we can use to help stimulate the gum tissue so it can begin to grow again. Otherwise, if the recession is really bad, you will need a gum graft to restore the tissue around the teeth as a protective measure.
Q. What are the risks of not treating it?
A. Very simply, you could lose your teeth. Gum recession is typically caused by gum disease. The idea of not treating it is an incredibly risky option because it means that in addition to experiencing uncomfortable teeth and gums, you are also likely to suffer from bone and tooth loss.
Definition of Dental Terminology
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Decay
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental Caries
Dental caries is also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
Dental Checkup
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
Dental Filling
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
Tartar
Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.
