Archives for June 2017

Some people use mouthwash as a regular part of their morning routine – brush, floss, rinse and they’re off. Others only swish after having eaten something spicy that could cause temporary bad breath. The rest of us never use the stuff. So who’s right, who’s wrong or does it matter?

If you’re going to use a mouthwash for whatever reason, make sure it contains fluoride. Studies have determined that a fluoride rinse can help to guard against tooth decay. An antibacterial formula that contains alcohol can destroy the bacteria that leads to infection and gum disease. If your dentist tells you that you may be at high risk in either case the right mouthwash may give some added protection.

Even though the alcohol in some mouthwash does kill off harmful bacteria it can also make your mouth dry. Saliva benefits your oral health by washing away food debris and cavity causing plaque. If the natural flow of saliva is interrupted its beneficial quality is reduced.

Mouthwash is intended as extra additive for improving oral health, it is not a substitute for brushing and flossing every day. To get the most out of using a mouthwash swish it around for at least one minute and gargle. then spit it out.

Before you decide which mouthwash is right for you see what your dentist has to say on the subject. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Kalra of Southlands Dental in Aurora today. Call the office @ 720-886-0606.

It’s been well documented that women are more likely than men to have annual physical checkups. Studies have found that women are also better about scheduling regular six month dental appointments. Men were found to be a little more lax when it came to home dental care as well. Brushing for a full two minutes twice a day for instance, was not always a high priority among the men who were surveyed.

Everyone should be diligent about maintaining good oral health. That goes double for those of us who may be more at risk for tooth decay or gum disease. Some medications, both over the counter and prescription, can cause a decrease in the production of saliva. If there isn’t enough saliva to wash away harmful bacteria the odds of getting a cavity raise.

Athletics and some recreational activities put us at risk for injury but there are precautions that we can take to protect against it. Wearing a mouth guard when participating in a contact sport is at least as important as wearing a helmet or knee pads. By the way, “contact” doesn’t necessarily refer to another player, connecting with a diving board or a baseball bat can be even more dangerous. Your dentist can custom make a mouth guard for the utmost in fit and stability.

Southlands Dental in Aurora caters to every patient’s particular needs. Browse @ www.southlandsdental.com and call 720-886-0606 to make an appointment.

Over the counter pain relievers for instance, are fine for the temporary symptoms that can be caused by a simple headache or the common cold, doctors often recommend them. Sometimes however, patients need the added strength of a prescription medication. The same holds true for oral health care.

Some dental patients are at higher risk for tooth decay than most. It may be a matter of genetics or it could be the lack of regular professional care. A long term diet of unhealthy foods and drinks can definitely add to the vulnerability. Whatever the reason, these patients will require a more intensive protective plan. A dentist can prescribe a toothpaste that will contain up to four times the amount of fluoride than a non-prescription one does. The extra strength formula will give the patient a much better shot at prevention.

When gum disease has advanced beyond the early stage of gingivitis a deep cleaning procedure known as “scaling and root planing” is normally advised. It is done to clean out any bacteria that has collected in the “pockets” that will form as the teeth recede from the gum tissue. If she sees the need a dentist will apply an antibiotic gel to the area following the procedure. She may also prescribe a pill to reduce inflammation and strengthen the bone structure.

Dr. Kalra of Southlands Dental in Aurora pays attention to the individual needs of every patient that she sees. Call 720-886-0606 for your consultation.

The hub of a tooth is its root canal system. The pulp that contains the nerves and tissues that keep the tooth alive are stored there. When the pulp is damaged by tooth decay or a traumatic injury the restorative treatment is professionally known as endodontic therapy which we commonly refer to as having a root canal.

The term has been known to strike terror in the heart of even the most laid back dental patient, but the actual therapy is really just a more extensive version of a dental filling. The real danger is in delaying the procedure. An invasion of the pulp will cause swelling and pain and can lead to serious infection.

Because root canals are so narrow an endodontic treatment requires the precision of high tech instruments. Thanks to the advancements in dental science, procedures to treat root canal infection has become more commonplace and more patients are able to keep those teeth that once may have been unable to restore.

A lot of the anxiety that patients go through when they are facing root canal therapy is brought on by a fear of the unknown. Dr. Kalra of Southlands Dental in Aurora wants his patients to have a comfortable dental experience. She will take you through the entire process so that you will know exactly what to expect before, during and after the procedure. Don’t put off making your appointment, call 720-886-0606 today.

We all know that too many sweet and starchy foods are bad for our teeth but what are some of the foods and drinks that can actually strengthen our tooth enamel and protect us from decay?

The fight against tooth decay begins in childhood. Each new generation of parents benefits from greater advances in dental technology than the one that came before, but certain basic factors are constant. Sugar for instance, is the enemy of good oral health. Some oral bacteria is harmless, some can even be beneficial but the “bad” bacteria mixes with the sugar content of the foods and drinks that we put into our mouths to form the acid that attacks our tooth enamel.

Unfortunately, a lot of the foods that we like are full of the sugar that is so harmful to our teeth. The resolution may lie in finding healthier foods and drinks to replace the ones that we know can result in tooth decay. The problem is finding replacements that we can live with and actually learn to relish.

Many fresh fruits are naturally sweet. Berries, apples and fresh peaches for instance, are great substitutes for candy bars or cupcakes. Dental patients have reported that after time they actually came to prefer the fruit and that the treats that they used to enjoy had become overly sweet to their taste buds.

A big part of your oral health is associated with your diet, but regular professional care is essential for prevention and early diagnosis. Call Southlands Dental @ 720-886-0606 in Aurora.