Archives for July 2017

Regular professional dental care greatly increases the odds that your natural teeth will last a lifetime, just as they were meant to do. Dentists commonly recommend that patients come in for a checkup twice a year at six month intervals so that any potential problem can be spotted early on and prevented from becoming something more serious. It is important however, to be aware of any changes that may occur in between visits with your dentist.

As you continue with your daily routine of brushing, flossing and rinsing take the time to look for symptoms that could indicate gum disease or tooth decay. Gingivitis is the initial phase of gum disease. It is indicated by redness or swelling, unusual spacing or gum tissue that seems to be separating from the teeth. If you notice an unexplained discoloration in the form of white spots on the surface of your tooth enamel it may mean that an acid attack is underway and could lead to a cavity if left untreated.

When the enamel has been invaded the inner layers of your tooth will begin to be affected. At this stage your teeth will become more susceptible to sensitivity from hot or cold foods or drinks. Don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment, call your dentist’s office asap.

Dr. Kalra and her staff treats the individual needs of each and every patient in the dental family of Southlands Dental in Aurora. Call today @ 720-886-0606.

Dental bonding is multipurpose, it can be used to restore a discolored or broken tooth, to fill in the gap between your two front teeth or as a dental filling. The material can be matched to the color of the natural teeth and is easily one of the less invasive, and more practical of all cosmetic dental procedures. Bonding is best suited for repair to the front teeth, the ones that don’t have to endure as much bite pressure. The procedure is designed to treat teeth that have suffered minor damage as opposed to a more severe trauma.

Bonding material just like natural tooth enamel, will wear down over time but if the proper care is taken it should be expected to last for at least ten years. For best results patients will be advised to continue a daily regimen of brushing and flossing, and are discouraged from eating or drinking anything that may cause additional staining. Certain foods or drinks could deteriorate the bonding resin, those high in acidic content should be avoided to reduce the risk. Biting down on any kind of hard surface can also do damage to a newly bonded tooth, stay away from hard candy or ice cubes.

Let Dr. Kalra of Southlands Dental in Aurora evaluate your needs and explain the many cosmetic dental options available today and which one might be most beneficial to you. Call Southlands @ 720-886-0606 to arrange for an appointment at your convenience.

Bacteria is just another word for the germs that make us sick, right? Well, not so fast, a lot of the bacteria that lives in our mouths is actually good for us. The healthy bacteria helps us fight off the bad.

Probiotics are on the “good guys” list of oral bacteria. They actually trigger the enzymes in the digestive system that processes the foods that we eat. These good bacteria stimulate the salivary glands to produce enough saliva to help to wash away the bacteria that contributes to oral diseases such as periodontitis.

We want to be sure that our mouth is clean and fresh but we also have to be careful not to kill off the good bacteria in an effort to get rid of the kind that can harm us. Cleaning between the teeth – yes, flossing will let you get down to the gum level where a lot of the nasty bacteria thrives. You can also use a tiny brush-like appliance that fits between the teeth to help remove any leftover plaque.

Don’t change your regular brushing regimen, but do brush with the bristles of your toothbrush angled so that they reach into the area where the gums come together with the teeth.

One of the best ways to resist harmful oral bacteria is through diet. The fiber in the skin of an apple for instance, helps to clean the plaque from the surface of your teeth. The crunchy texture of the fruit encourages a healthy flow of saliva.

Talk to Dr. Kalra of Southlands Dental about preventive measures for the care and protection of your teeth and gums. Call Southlands in Aurora @ 720-886-0606.

A dental filling is not only a restorative measure but it can also be used to provide a cosmetic effect for a tooth that has been damaged by decay or casualty. Tooth colored fillings can be made to match the color of the patient’s natural teeth and are bonded directly onto the impaired tooth without having to disturb the enamel.

“White” fillings have been available since the 1960’s. Research and development has over time, improved the material used to formulate the fillings. Today, most dentists use a composite resin consisting of a mixture of plastic and glass.

If decay is present it will be removed and the tooth will be cleaned and primed to receive the filling which will then be shaped to the tooth and hardened with a dental curing light. Slight adjustments may be made just before the filling is smoothed out and polished.

Dr. Kalra of Southlands Dental will do a thorough evaluation of your needs before recommending the type of filling that he feels will be most beneficial. His determination will be based on the location of the tooth, the extent of the damage and the level of stress that the tooth will need to withstand. A rear molar for instance, that does the rigorous chewing may do better with a metal filling. Consult with Dr. Kalra about the options available to you, call Southlands today @ 720-886-0606 in Aurora.