Dental Implants Specialists in Pueblo CO Discuss the 12 Most Common Mouth Problems, PART 3

This three-part article series provides an explanation of the most common oral conditions, ailments and diseases that affect Americans today, from cold sores to gum disease.

Welcome back to our three-part article series on the 12 most common oral ailments, conditions and diseases. Over the course of the first two article posts, professionals of dental implants in Pueblo CO have explained the following 8 problems to us:

1. Cold sores or fever blisters
2. Oral thrush
3. Black hairy tongue
4. Canker sores or apthuous ulcers
5. Leukoplakia
6. Oral cancer
7. Temporomandibular joint disorders
8. Chipped teeth

We still have another 4 to go, so let’s wrap this series up!

9. Top Oral Problems: Gum Disease

With close to 80% of American adults presenting with some form or stage of gum disease, this oral ailment is a pervasive problem that is actually very easily prevented. “Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums caused by poor oral hygiene, a lack of professional attention and bad habits such as tobacco use, excessive drinking and drug abuse,” says an oral surgeon in Colorado Springs.

“Periodontitis, or gum disease, is caused by bacteria that have migrated deep down into the tight spaces between the teeth and the gums where they form pockets of infection. The acids produced by the bacteria corrode the tooth roots, break down the structures and ligaments that keep the teeth in the jaw and deteriorate bone health, which is why gum disease causes tooth loss.”

Timely treatment is essential because gum disease has been linked with several other whole-body ailments, including diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and respiratory disease.

10. Top Oral Problems: Aspirin Burn

It’s a common old wives tale… tucking an aspirin in your cheek against a painful tooth is a sure fire way to get rid of a toothache. Well, according to dental implants specialists in Pueblo CO, it’s actually a sure fire way to damage your tooth and the surrounding soft tissue!  “Aspirin is acidic, which softens dental enamel and makes it more vulnerable to erosion. It also irritates and inflames your gums and can even burn a rough lesion into your cheek.”

Does it at least get rid of the toothache?

“No, aspirin blocks the transmission of pain signals to the brain and needs to be ingested. It doesn’t work when applied topically, so you’re wasting your time and doing unnecessary damage to your mouth,” says an oral surgeon in Colorado Springs.

11. Top Oral Problems: Tooth Decay and Oral Abscesses

Poor oral hygiene causes all sorts of nasty problems and oral ailments. A diet high in sugar and habits such as tobacco use, drug abuse and excessive drinking can also mess up the health of your teeth and gums. “Dental cavities, tooth discoloration and abscesses are all linked with a sloppy oral hygiene routine, which is essential for preventing infection,” say dental implants specialists in Pueblo CO. “Never ignore persistent tooth aches, gum inflammation and swelling as it might be a sign of serious infection, which can easily enter the bloodstream.”

12. Top Oral Problems: Bad Breath

Bad oral hygiene also leads to that greatest of social deterrents… bad breath. “Halitosis is caused by the unchecked accumulation of oral bacteria and food debris at the gum line, in, on and between your teeth and on your tongue. Brushing your teeth twice a day simply isn’t enough to keep your breath fresh. You should be brushing two to three times a day for at least two minutes at a time and make sure to floss before you go to bed at night. You also might want to incorporate an anti-bacterial mouthwash into your routine,” advises an oral surgeon in Colorado Springs. “Drink plenty of water; see your dentist and oral hygienist regularly and you should be able to keep your breath (and teeth) in beautiful minty condition.”

Colorado Springs Dental Implants Specialists Discuss the 12 Most Common Mouth Problems, PART 2

This three-part article series provides an explanation of the most common oral conditions, ailments and diseases that affect Americans today, from cold sores to gum disease.

Welcome back to our three-part article series on the 12 most common oral ailments, conditions and diseases. In our previous article post, the first installment of the series, Colorado Springs dental implants specialists explained the following four problems to us:

1. Cold sores or fever blisters

2. Oral thrush

3. Black hairy tongue

4. Canker sores or apthuous ulcers

We still have another 8 to go, so let’s jump right in!

5. Top Oral Problems: Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a whitish patch or plaque that forms in the mouth and can be scraped off. It generally forms in reaction to an irritation, such as tobacco (smoked or smokeless), alcohol, rough teeth or dentures that don’t fit well. These patches are completely painless and can be treated by removing the cause of irritation. Having said that, persistent leukoplakia can be a sign of cancer, so you should see your Pueblo dentist CO for a proper diagnosis if you present with this problem.

6. Top Oral Problems: Oral Cancer

“Oral cancer is a major problem that, if not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, can be fatal,” warn Colorado Springs dental implants specialists. “It appears as a persistent mouth sore that doesn’t heal. Patients may also experience strange and unexplained numbness in the neck, mouth or face. The causes of oral cancer include a family history, smoking and chewing tobacco, repeated exposure to the sun and excessive drinking. Recent medical research has linked oral cancer with HPV (human papillomavirus), so make sure you see your dentist for regular preventative check-ups!”

7. Top Oral Problems: Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)

TMJ disorders are characterized by a disharmony between the articulating joint in the jawbone and the intra-articular disk and surrounding muscles. This can result in stiffness of the joint, inflammation and painful facial muscles. “TMJ can cause acute discomfort for patients,” says the Pueblo dentist CO. “It’s usually associated with teeth grinding, jaw clenching or trauma received to the head, neck or face. It can be very painful and the pain associated with this condition can refer to the head and neck, causing terrible headaches that can leave patients dizzy and nauseous. Extreme cases of TMJ may require surgery, but generally, treatment measures such as mouth-guards, periods of rest and pain-killers are sufficient.”

8. Top Oral Problems: Chipped Teeth

Our teeth are made from the hardest substance in our bodies and yet they are not invulnerable. We tend to forget this when we do stupid things like use them as tools for punishing tasks, such as chewing ice, forcing open containers, tearing packaging and grinding them. “These tasks and habits can cause the enamel of the teeth to become chipped or worn down, exposing the softer and more vulnerable dentine underneath,” say Colorado Springs dental implants specialists.

“There is a number of restorative treatments Pueblo dentists can provide to protect damaged and worn teeth. These include bonding, porcelain veneers or even crowns for teeth that have sustained considerable damage or decay.”

Stay Tuned for Part 3

To read more about the various problems and ailments that affect the oral cavity, stay tuned for the final installment of this three-part article series.

Pueblo Dental Implants Specialists Discuss the 12 Most Common Mouth Problems, PART 1

This three-part article series provides an explanation of the most common oral conditions, ailments and diseases that affect Americans today, from cold sores to gum disease.

Your mouth is incredibly important. Just think of all the things you use it for: eating, speaking, breathing, smiling, conveying emotion and communication (verbal and non-verbal). So, when something goes wrong with our mouths, it can be incredibly hard to ignore! Unfortunately, there are a great number of things that can go wrong, from ulcers and sores to infection and inflammation. What’s important is that you know what to look out for and when to know it’s time to seek professional help.

To facilitate this education, we spoke to some Pueblo dental implants specialists who put their heads together to identify the 12 most common mouth problems. In this 3-part article series, we shall be exploring these ailments.

1. Top Oral Problems: Cold Sores or Fever Blisters

Cold sores are raised, inflamed and painful sores that form on your lips, around your mouth or inside the mouth. They are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus that is transmitted via close contact, usually from a kiss or by drinking out of the same glass as someone who is infected. “While there are medications available for the alleviation of discomfort and hastened healing of cold sores, or fever blisters, there is no absolute cure,” say Colorado Springs family dentists.

2. Top Oral Problems: Oral Thrush

“Thrush is an incredibly unpleasant oral condition that presents most commonly in elderly people or babies,” says a Pueblo dental implants specialist. “It’s a yeast infection that coats the back of the tongue and throat with a white, sticky growth. Thrush is usually associated with a compromised immune system, certain medications (for example, inhaled corticosteroids), diabetes and antibiotics. Many patients make the mistake of trying to wipe away the white patches, but this only leads to pain and discomfort. See your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.”

3. Top Oral Problems: Black Hairy Tongue

It may be painless, but this oral problem is as unpleasant as it sounds: for you and for those around you! Black hairy tongue is caused by the unchecked growth of the taste buds covering your tongue. Food and bacteria are easily trapped in the tangle of elongated taste buds, resulting in the darkened appearance of the tongue and persistent bad breath. The long taste buds can also make the tongue appear hairy, hence the name of the condition.

“Black hairy tongue is caused by poor oral hygiene, antibiotics, tobacco-use and medications that cause dry mouth,” say Colorado Springs family dentists. “Thankfully, it can almost always be treated with good oral hygiene and a tongue scraper.”

4. Top Oral Problems: Canker Sores

“Canker sores or apthuous ulcers are quite a nuisance and we’re not entirely sure what causes them to form,” say Pueblo dental implants specialists. “They’re small blisters that form on the soft tissues on the mouth, usually on the buccal lining (inner cheeks) or tongue and are very painful. They usually disappear after a week or so, but if they persist, there are some treatment options available that include anesthetic ointments or even dental laser therapy.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To read more about the various problems and ailments that affect the oral cavity, stay tuned for the second installment of this three-part article series.

A Secret To A Celebrity Smile From Your Cosmetic Dentist in Colorado Springs

This article explains what veneers are, how they are attached to your natural teeth and how patients must care for them.

How many times have you looked in the mirror and thought, “I wish I was born with better-looking teeth?” And magazines add to this problem by showing picture upon picture of ridiculously good-looking celebrities flashing the smiles of perfection.

Now I know you have definitely found yourself wondering how on Earth these celebrities look so perfect. I mean, it can’t all be genetic, right? Right. It isn’t. These starlit wonders have special little secrets and a very close relationship with the cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs.

Even better news… we are going to tell you all about these special secrets in the article that follows.

You Mean Those Aren’t Really Their Teeth?

Yup. It is possible that some of those superstar smiles are simply a result of good genes; however, in most cases you’ll find that those perfect teeth are actually thanks to the wonderful work of porcelain veneers Colorado Springs. A cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs says that porcelain veneers can take cracked, badly stained or uneven teeth and makes them appear beautifully straight and white with just two appointments.

Do These Replace Your Teeth?

No they don’t. Porcelain veneers are very thin ‘coverings’ or shells made from an extremely durable ceramic material that are fixed onto the front surface of your natural teeth. During your first consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs, a mold is taken of your teeth. This mold is then sent off to the labs where they custom design a veneer or veneers, the shape and color of which will be perfectly suited to the tooth or teeth requiring restoration.

On your next visit to your dentist, the veneers are put into place. During this appointment the dentist removes a thin layer of enamel from the specified teeth. This creates space for the ceramic shell to fit over your tooth/teeth. A thin layer of strong dental cement is then spread over the tooth/teeth and the veneer is put in place. Once your veneers are in position, the cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs places a special light over the restored tooth, which will dry the cement. This will lock the veneers in place and enable you to eat and smile with confidence and without worrying about damaging or chipping your beautiful new teeth.

How Long Will My Teeth Stay Looking Great?

With proper care and oral hygiene, dental veneers can last five to ten years, after which they may need to be replaced. No special care is required for your veneers; you can continue looking after your teeth as you did before by brushing twice a day, flossing and popping in to your cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs for your usual check-ups and cleaning.

So Now I Know the Secret?

Indeed you do! With a couple of visits to your cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs you could spend your days smiling like George Clooney or Scarlett Johansson. You will no longer find yourself looking in the mirror and wishing away your genes. Instead, you’ll be smiling openly and without embarrassment.

Top Tips to Help Colorado Springs Residents Adjust to Their New Dentures

This article provides tips on how to adjust to wearing removable dentures. It describes the possible problems faced by new denture wearers, as well as the solutions to these problems.

Missing teeth can be a very frustrating reality; stopping you from living your life to the fullest. Although there are multiple options for teeth replacement, some of them tend to be in a higher price range. One of the more affordable options for Colorado Springs residents are dentures. Although many dentists are starting to favor dental implants over full or partial dentures, there are ways of making your dentures work for now. Here are a few tips to help Colorado Springs residents adjust to their new dentures:

Number 1: Time

As with all changes in life, it takes a little time to adjust, so be patient. At first, your dentures (whether full or partial) will feel uncomfortable. But, the longer you wear them the more you will become accustomed to them.

When visiting your Colorado Springs dentist to collect your new set of dentures, he will provide you with the exact details about how long you should wear them, how you should clean and maintain them and when to remove them (usually at night).

Number 2: Eating

Until you have become fully accustomed to your new dentures, you will experience a little difficultly while eating. During this transitory phase, try eating soft foods that are cut up into small pieces rather than foods that are hard, crunchy, chewy or sticky.

Make sure that you chew on both sides of your mouth in order to balance the dentures, applying equal pressure to both sides. Over time the eating process will become easier, but for the first while take little bites and take your time.

Number 3: Speaking

Teeth play an important role in speech. When speaking to Colorado Springs residents about adjusting to their new affordable dentures in Colorado Springs, it was highlighted that it was difficult to pronounce certain letters or words.

One way to speed up the speech process is through practice. For example, read out loud and identify the words you have difficulty pronouncing. If you repeat these words over and over, in no time at all you will find clarity in your speech.

Number 4: Cleaning

As with your natural teeth, you will need to clean your dentures after meals. Your Colorado Springs dentist, who gave you your dentures, will also advise you on an effective denture cleaner and denture brush.

When brushing your dentures, place a little water in the basin. This is to make sure that your dentures will not break if you accidently drop them in the basin. It is also important that you get your dentures professionally cleaned every once in a while.

Number 5: Adhesives

Although it is not recommended for continuous use, denture adhesives can help when you are adjusting to your new dentures. These sticky strips can be applied to the clean surface of your dentures and essentially helps to prevent them from moving around too much, keeping them stabilized in your mouth.

There are a variety of anesthetic creams for sore gums and adhesives strips available, so speak to your Colorado Springs dentist about your dentures, so they can suggest a recommended brand for you.

A Great Affordable Smile!

With time, your dentures from Colorado Springs will feel more natural and will enable you to eat and smile with confidence. Having said this, you may want to consider a more permanent, non-removable solution, such as dental implants. These can be used to help keep your denture or a fixed bridge permanently in place, providing you with a far more comfortable, functional and natural looking smile.

The Nitty Gritty Details About Dental Implants in Colorado Springs

This article explains the components of dental implants and discusses the procedure involved in having them placed.

Okay, so the news of dental implants has spread. You’ve heard it from your friend who heard it from their friend who heard it from their wife, but now you want to know the real deal. Although the grapevine has provided enough information to tantalize your taste buds, it hasn’t really told you the preparation, the time required or the ingredients that go in to this innovative recipe.

The Components that Make up Dental Implants:

• The implant/s (the number of implants varies according to the number of teeth missing): The implant is a titanium screw that replaces the root of the missing tooth.
• The abutment: The abutment is the piece that attaches to the top of the implant and serves to secure the visible tooth replacement in place.
• The ceramic crown (if only one or two teeth are missing) or a fixed prosthetic bridge (when entire dental arch is being replaced): The crown or prosthetic bridge is the restoration that looks and functions like your teeth and is fixed onto the abutment.

Treatment Procedure:

Now that you know what the recipe contains, let’s find out how to put it all together. The first step is a consultation with your oral surgeon in Colorado Springs to decide on the best course of treatment for your specific case. There are numerous treatment options with dental implants, which vary according to the number of teeth you are missing as well as the health of your jawbone, so consult with your dentist to decide on one that is right for you.

The next step is the placement of the implant/s. This part of the treatment takes place while you are under local or general anesthetic, so that you are kept completely comfortable and pain-free while you are receiving your new teeth. During this appointment, the dental implant/s will be gently placed and the abutment screw attached.

You will receive a temporary crown or bridge at this point so that you can go home and give your mouth some time to heal, as well as let the implants integrate with your jawbone.   After a few weeks and once everything is well on its way to healing, the dental implant treatment will be completed by attaching your permanent ceramic crown/s or fixed prosthetic bridge to the abutment/s.

A Timeline of the Procedure:

The length of time allotted to dental implant treatments in Colorado Springs varies, as there is an assortment of implant options. Most of these options allow everything to be done in one day while others take a little longer. As mentioned before, these are dependent on the patient and the specific case they present with.

Stirred, Baked and Ready to Eat!

So there you have it! The recipe to a fabulous smile! The dental implant dentist in Colorado Springs offers you a solution to all the complications and challenges that come with missing teeth. Now you can pass your newfound knowledge back down the grapevine; only this time, you can do it with a full set of teeth that will allow you to enjoy all your favorite foods and even that batch of freshly baked cookies!

Brace Yourself For a Lifetime of Smiles After a Visit to Your Colorado Springs Orthodontist

This article discusses what orthodontic braces are, the benefits of braces and provides a list of problems braces can fix.

Smiles are contagious; this is a simple fact. No matter how grumpy you are or how bad a day you’re having, when someone smiles at you, you smile back. With that small flash of teeth, for one brief moment, your worries fade.

That is unless you are hiding your smile behind your hand because you don’t want to share your crooked teeth with the world. It is this very thing that the orthodontist in Colorado Springs seeks to change, by aiming at giving you a smile that you can be proud of.

Isn’t It Too Late For That?

A common misconception is that dental braces are only for children or teenagers. Truth be told, orthodontic braces are becoming increasingly popular among adults who are looking at improving both their appearance and their oral health by straightening their teeth.

Over time, skew teeth can cause more of a problem than simply hindering your smile and they do this by affecting your gums, your jaw, your oral hygiene and even the way you eat your food.

What Exactly do Braces Entail?

Orthodontic braces work by applying continuous pressure over a period of time to the teeth in your mouth. This pressure slowly shifts your teeth, repositioning them into the correct alignment. The main constituents of braces are brackets, arch wire, orthodontic bands, spacers and ties:

• Brackets are small squares that are cemented onto to each individual tooth.
• Arch wires are either clear or metal and attach to the brackets. These guide the movement of the teeth.
• Orthodontic bands are either clear colored or metallic and are wrapped around and cemented to each tooth. They serve to stabilize the brackets.
• Spacers are used prior to the placement of orthodontic bands and fit in between the teeth making small spaces in which the orthodontic bands are placed.
• Ties are the small rings or wires that attach the arch wires to the brackets.

This Sounds a Little Uncomfortable...

The truth is that it is initially rather uncomfortable. There is no easy way to shift the position of teeth in your mouth. However, your teeth will feel normal after the initial adjustment period. The orthodontist in Colorado Springs will assess the severity of your case and decide on a plan that best suits you, keeping your best interests and optimum comfort at heart. This being said, you will have to make certain adjustments to your eating and withstand a degree of discomfort before experiencing the overall benefits.

How Do I Know if I Need Braces?

The obvious answer is to visit the dentists in Colorado Springs for a consultation. But here are a few quick checks to help you decide:

• Are your teeth particularly skew or crooked?
• Do you suffer from severe headaches or jaw pain?
• Do you have difficulty chewing?
• Are your teeth wearing excessively or unevenly?

If you have answered “yes” to one or more of these questions you might want to visit your Colorado Springs orthodontist for a checkup, because braces might just be the answer that will help you make the world a better place with your beautiful smile.