Archives for October 2016

The color and consistency of your tooth enamel is partially a matter of genetics but is also influenced by your choice of lifestyle habits. The enamel itself is clear in color but the layer of dentin that lies just below is some shade of yellow. The density of your enamel determines how much of that yellow will show through.

Even though you have no control over the thickness of your tooth enamel there are things that you do or don’t do every day that can make a difference. If you want to keep your teeth from staining for instance, there are certain foods that you should avoid.

We all know that red wine and dark colored berries will stain our teeth but so will the tomatoes and the balsamic vinegar that we use to make our dinner salad. Truth be told any acidic foods or drinks are apt to stain our teeth. The good news is that you can counteract some of the risk that goes with enjoying your favorite foods and drinks. For example, you could add a dark vegetable, fresh fruits or a dairy product to the end of your meal to ward off staining and neutralize some of the acids from the other foods you have eaten.

Talk more about how to keep your tooth enamel looking great at your next appointment with a professional hygienist at Southlands Dental. Call 720-886-0606 today.

The best way to teach your children how important it is to get started on a program of good oral health habits is to follow one yourself. Not only will you influence them to take good care of their teeth and gums but you will be doing yourself a favor in the process. Studies have proven that there is a definite correlation between a healthy mouth and overall good health.

The basics that you learned as a child still apply. You may be less vulnerable to cavities as an adult but you are not completely immune. Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes at a time, flossing and keeping regular dental appointments will increase your odds of continued oral health throughout the years. There are some particular areas of concern however, that relate particularly to adults.

As we age we will no doubt undergo various dental procedures along the way. It is not uncommon for a cavity to form around a filling that has been in place for some time. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor the condition of existing dental work so that any needed repairs can be made asap.

Receding gums are often associated with aging. When this happens parts of the teeth that were protected by the enamel are now exposed, increasing the level of sensitivity to hot and cold.

Talk to Dr. Looze and the hygienists of Southlands Dental about other issues that are particular to adult dental health. Call the office @ 720-886-0606.

“Limited research has suggested that even after being visibly rinsed clean, toothbrushes can remain contaminated with potentially pathogenic organisms.” That is a quote from a report on oral health by the Centers for Disease Control and some of those words may sound pretty serious. A pathogen for instance promotes disease and when we think of our toothbrush being exposed we can ponder up all kinds of nasty scenarios. The good news is that there are steps that we can take to keep our toothbrushes free of the pathogens that can make us sick.

First things first. Germs are easily transferred so make sure to wash your hands with warm soapy water before you reach for that toothpaste tube. After you’ve brushed for a full two minutes cleanse your toothbrush with hot water to get rid of excess toothpaste or any food particles that may have been caught in the bristles.

It’s good to share but not when it comes to your toothbrush. If you use the same brush as your roommate or spouse you will be putting yourself at risk from the germs that you will also be sharing with him or her.

Dentists recommend that patients invest in a new brush every 3 to 4 months or more often if the bristles become worn. This rule applies to electronic brush heads as well.

Southland Dental schedules regular patient checkups for the prevention of oral disease. Call 720-886-0606 for your appointment.

If you are a senior experiencing a persistently dry mouth don’t rack it up as just another part of the natural aging process, because it’s not! This kind of dry mouth is a medical condition that should not be ignored.

Some medications result in dry mouth, in fact it is the number one contributor where older people are concerned, but we shouldn’t discount other possibilities. If you are the caregiver or loved one of a senior citizen always be alert for the signs of dehydration, another common cause of dry mouth. It’s easy for an older person to forget to drink enough water every day, but it is essential for those of us who live in high risk climates such as Colorado to do so. Symptoms of dehydration aside from thirst can include headache and disorientation.

The medical term for chronic dry mouth is xerostomia. It causes a decrease in the production of the saliva that washes away food particles and helps to reduce plaque buildup on our teeth. Without a sufficient flow of saliva we are at higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Fortunately there are several options for the treatment of dry mouth. The important thing is that the condition be recognized before any significant damage is done.

Dr. Looze of Southlands Dental in Aurora will perform a thorough exam to determine the early signs of dry mouth and address any other issues that may be of concern. Call today @ 720-886-0606.