Archives for May 2016

The well known adage that “what you don’t know can’t hurt you” doesn’t apply to all things and especially not when it comes to your health. If you believe that you’ve been vigilant about taking good care of your own teeth and seeing to it that your children follow suit, there are some things that may surprise you about the foods that you’ve been eating.

We’ve been inundated with information about the damage that sugar can do to our teeth so we are careful to limit our intake, but you should also be mindful about the amount of citrus fruit that you put in your mouth. Orange juice for instance, is a good source of vitamin C but too much exposure to its acidic content can harm your tooth enamel. There are a couple of things that you can do to decrease the risk however.

When you finish your morning glass of juice take the time to rinse with plain water. Wait a half hour or so before brushing since your tooth enamel will have softened from the acidity and need time to rejuvenate.

Be careful eating nuts. Almonds have a particular hard outer coating so that you risk cracking a tooth when you bite into them. Instead of the whole nut opt for slivered almonds that are especially nice in salads and on fish.

Dr. Looze likes to focus on patient education. The website www.soluthlandsdental.com includes a page devoted to the explanation of dental terminology for the benefit of our patients. Call the Southlands Dental office @ 720-886-0606.

“Cosmetic” dental procedures can be both discretionary and restorative. Dental fillings for instance, used to be strictly for the necessity of reparation due to tooth decay. Today however, patients have the option of composite filling materials that coordinate with the color of their natural teeth and can actually improve the appearance of their smile – two birds, one stone.

Cosmetic dentists are practical in their approach. They continue to find ways to preserve as much of a tooth’s substance as possible while at the same time improving its size and shape. Dental contouring can be accomplished with a minute loss of the original structure of the tooth. Bonding with a resin substance is done as part of the process to restore any chips or gaps.

A dental bridge is not typically considered to be a cosmetic strategy but it certainly enhances the aesthetic effect for a patient who has lost one or more of his natural teeth. Implants can do the same.

Tooth discoloration can simply be the result of the aging process or in other cases it may be caused by certain medications that are essential to our continued good health. Cosmetic dentistry can help patients avoid the embarrassment. Whitening treatments and dental veneers can bring about great results.

Preventive methods and cosmetic procedures serve to provide the care and consideration of the patients of Southlands Dental in Aurora. Call our office today @ 720-886-0606.

Studies have given us some information about the various circumstances that may contribute to the loss of our natural teeth. Some of the causes are associated with lifestyle and others are just a matter of genetics. One of the leading contributors to tooth loss is gum disease which can be either inherent or a result of the lack of preventive dental care.

Gum disease presents itself in stages starting with gingivitis and if gone untreated proceeding through the developing phases to advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis occurs when the sticky substance called plaque is allowed to collect on the teeth. The best way to keep this from happening is to brush and floss your teeth regularly, but once the plaque has hardened into tartar it can only be removed by your dental hygienist using specific tools. Notable signs of gingivitis include swollen gums, soreness and bleeding when you brush your teeth. If gum disease is left to evolve it will eventually lead to a weakened bone structure which can be the cause of your tooth loss.

When you notice the symptoms make sure to see your dentist asap so that damage can be assessed and therapy can begin. The chances for successful treatment of gum disease improve with early intervention.

Look to Southlands Dental in Aurora for the best care and the availability of the latest in technological advancement. Call 720-886-0606 today.

We all hear how important it is to see our dentist for regular checkups in order to prevent having to deal with serious oral health issues. Having our teeth cleaned is a typical part of those checkups. Professional cleanings are beneficial to keeping our gums pink and healthy and contribute to having a good looking smile, but there’s more….

Evidence continues to show us that our general physical health is closely related to our dental health. Regular cleanings can give our teeth the strength to resist disease causing bacteria.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease which is caused by the plaque buildup that turns to tartar if it is not removed regularly. Consistent brushing and flossing should be enough to control the plaque that attacks our teeth every day. Tartar on the other hand, can only be removed by a dental hygienist. If gum disease has progressed a process known as “deep cleaning” will be necessary to clean out the bacteria that may have formed beneath the surface of the gums.

Why does your hygienist finish off every cleaning by polishing your teeth? Your teeth are exposed to all kinds of stain producing foods and beverages on a regular basis. That polishing process can help to remove the stains and restore the natural whiteness to your teeth.

Keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh, call Southlands Dental in Aurora @ 720-886-0606 for your next appointment.