by Dr Brody | Oral Health
Oral Cancer Awareness Month
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and that means that organizations such as the American Academy of Oral Medicine and the American Dental Association, as well as your local dentist, are coming together to remind you to schedule regular checkups to prevent dangerous health problems and fatalities.
More Common Than You Would Think
Did you know that the death rate due to oral cancer kills nearly one person every hour of every day of the year? The American Academy of Oral Medicine warns that, of all the people diagnosed with oral cancer, only 60% will survive longer than five years, and if you do survive, then you will suffer long-term disabilities and health-related complications.
Symptoms to Look Out For
While it is best to have your dentist search for symptoms of oral cancer thoroughly, there are some steps that you can take between dental visits.
- Prolonged soreness in your mouth or throat.
- Red or White patches.
- Pain, Tenderness, Numbness, Lumps, Thickening of tissues, or rough spots.
- A difficulty with chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your tongue or jaw.
- Your teeth don’t feel like they fit together when you close your mouth.
On top of these main factors to look out for, it is also best to avoid all tobacco products and heavy alcohol use.
Visit Your Dentist
What only starts out as a small red or white spot can, unfortunately, turn into something that could take your life prematurely. To prevent damage to your mouth, lips, and throat, visit our office or call (303) 688-2229 today and schedule a screening to check for signs that may save your life.
by Dr Brody | Cosmetic Dentistry
Want to start off the new year with a bright smile? While many people this month have a full schedule with trips to the gym, eating healthier, and ramping up their beauty routines with moisturizers and brighteners, don’t forget that your teeth need some new year’s resolution effort as well.
There are only two options for teeth whitening: at-home remedies and in-office bleaching. If you are considering whitening your teeth or have tried all the natural methods on the internet and are looking at different options, then continue reading to learn more.
Why Do Teeth Get Discolored Over Time?
Your teeth are very porous, so anything that you put into your mouth that is strongly pigmented will cause the natural color of your teeth to darken. These stains won’t leave unless you actively remove them, and you guessed it, the main culprits of yellow teeth are coffee, tea, and red wine. Since these beverages and other deeply colored foods and drink, have such a dark coloring, the white outer layer of our teeth (enamel) can become stained over a prolonged period.
In addition to what we consume, aging naturally wears down the enamel. As we brush our teeth on a daily basis over the course of many years, the soft yellow inside of the tooth (dentin) starts to show through the enamel, and that is why many basic whitening remedies fail to brighten our smile.
How Whitening Works
Whitening products work by breaking up surface stains on our teeth which make the color less concentrated. Bleaching methods, which include strips, toothpaste, and gels contain a bleach called hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Treatments that you buy in the store will only contain 3% to 20% peroxide and means that it will take much longer to whiten your teeth, but reduces the risk of harming oneself. In-office treatments include 15% to 43% peroxide, and underneath your doctor’s supervision, remove stains much faster and are much healthier for your teeth. This is because adequately formulated gels absorb into the teeth and gently pull stains out through the pores, and when used with appropriate materials, guidelines, and care, your teeth naturally remineralize and rehydrate your smile instead of leaving it dry and with a spotty treatment.
Is Whitening Safe?
Many people become concerned that during treatment their teeth can become tender which is a normal sensation after any whitening, but just as professional service provides faster and safer results, in-office treatments are also created to reduce pain and sensitivity. The reason that the teeth become sensitive is that we naturally have a buildup of a mucus-like coating on our enamel that protects the nerve endings in each of the pores that make up a tooth. The bleach used in whitening has to remove this surface layer so that the stains deep inside the tooth can be removed. The downside to this, however, is that the nerve endings are left exposed and create that sensitive feeling that most individuals have come to associate with whitening strips, gels, and heavy duty treatments. The good news is that your doctor can often provide products that reduce your sensitivity, so make sure to your ask about these options next time you go in for a whitening!
Is Whitening Right for You?
While discolored teeth can sometimes be a cause of an unhealthy mouth, whitening isn’t always a necessary treatment. However, a whiter smile can lead to healthier teeth and become a great confidence booster for an affordable price. So remember that next time you’re looking through the drugstore aisles to choose between all of the at-home treatments out there, make sure to check in with our office to schedule a free consultation with our friendly front office team! Call (303) 688-2229 today for a better investment and a healthier smile.
by Dr Brody | Orthodontics
New Year, New Smile with Invisalign
As we welcome in 2018, many people will make resolutions to improve their health or enhance their appearance in some way. We have a solution that will cover both with very little effort–Invisalign! For many of us, having crooked teeth is a source of embarrassment and may keep us from having the self-confidence we desire. While this is enough of a reason to seek out teeth straightening treatment, there are a number of other health-related reasons as to why straight teeth are important for a person’s overall well-being.
As we welcome in 2018, many people will make resolutions to improve their health or enhance their appearance in some way. We have a solution that will cover both with very little effort–Invisalign! For many of us, having crooked teeth is a source of embarrassment and may keep us from having the self-confidence we desire. While this is enough of a reason to seek out teeth straightening treatment, there are a number of other health-related reasons as to why straight teeth are important for a person’s overall well-being.
Health Benefits of Straight Teeth
You may be surprised to know that the benefits of having properly aligned teeth extend far beyond a confident smile. According to the American Dental Association, straightening your teeth can actually significantly affect your overall general health. Crowded or misaligned teeth not only look unsightly, but they can also make cleaning the teeth difficult. Teeth that cannot be properly cleaned can eventually contract periodontal or gum disease as well as cavities. And correctly aligned teeth can also alleviate the issues that can be caused by an improper bite such as speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems, and increased wear on the tooth enamel. As the gateway to the rest of the body, if oral health problems are not addressed they can lead to more seriouos physical ailments. In fact, studies have shown that oral infections can lead to other more serious ailments such as heart disease, stroke, pneumonia and diabetes. There’s no question that correcting dental issues with Invisalign improves your oral health and makes you feel healthier all over!
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is comprised of a series of virtually invisible, plastic trays that are custom-made for you to move your teeth in a sequence determined by the doctor. These trays are worn for 20-22 hours per day and gently shift the teeth through the placement of controlled force with each unique tray. Once movement has been achieved with a particular tray over a period of several days to two weeks, the next tray in the sequence is given to you to guide the teeth further into position. The length of treatment and number of trays depends upon the severity of your case, however, the average length of time to complete treatment is 6 - 9 months.
Getting Started
Are you interested in the benefits of Invisalign and wonder if it’s right for you? Determining if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign simply requires a quick appointment to take 3-D picture of your teeth. The days of goopy impressions are gone. Today we merely use a camera to create a digital model of your mouth and can easily allow you to see how your teeth will look at the end of your treatment.
With a new year here, there’s never been a better time to improve the quality of your life with a new smile! What are you waiting for?
It’s a wonderful feeling to have a healthy smile you’re not afraid to show off. You can start the new year off right by scheduling a free consultation with our friendly front office team! Call (303) 688-2229 today.
by Dr Brody | Dentistry
A new school year is already here! Yet although there might a long list of things to do in order to get ready and make it a successful one, a back to school dental checkup should be right at the top of it. Of course it’s easy for most kids to get excited about new clothes and other startup supplies, but unfortunately they are a little bit less enthused when it comes to a dentist visit. However, oral health is an important part of life that everyone must learn about sooner or later, and besides that, the brighter the smile, the better the school year.
Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highly recommend that parents make dental exams a mandatory part of their children’s back-to-school routine. So, if you want to get a back-to-school dental checkup for your child, you should probably schedule it before their schedule becomes too busy with homework, sports, and other extracurricular activities.
The beginning of the school year is an ideal time for dentists to inform or remind parents and students about some of the serious risks associated with tooth decay. More importantly, they can consult you about ways to prevent it. Decay is on the rise nowadays in some kids, and dentists believe that diet is to blame, with the main culprits being candy and soft drinks. Allowing children to ‘binge’ on sugary snacks and drinks in excess can rapidly increase the risk of decay.
Dental Checkups Should Be Mandatory
Some states have actually gone to great lengths to ensure that children start out the school year right. For example, in Illinois, children entering kindergarten, second and sixth grade must have a dental examination performed by a dentist prior to the end of the previous school year. If not, they must at least provide proof that one has been scheduled. So, even if there aren’t any apparent problems, it’s a good idea to schedule a cleaning during which your dentist will do an exam to check your child’s teeth for any issues.
Dental problems are still the number one reason that kids miss school. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 51 million school hours are lost each year because of ailments associated with dental problems. Moreover, childhood tooth decay is the #1 chronic childhood illness. Sadly, pediatric dental disease is 5x more common than asthma and 7x more common than hay fever. Yet, luckily, your dentist can catch the majority of problems early before they’re too big, which is the key.
When left untreated, oral health problems can detrimentally affect your child’s overall health condition. Childhood tooth decay can have unfavorable consequences beyond what is simply seen in the dentist’s chair. Extensive decay can lead to problems like malnourishment and bacterial infections. Pain and infection from problematic teeth can lead to trouble with eating, speaking, and even concentrating in class. But, if you catch problems early, it may prevent your kid from missing school because of another toothache. Not to mention, early detection almost always means spending less money on fixing things.
Everyone Needs a Dental Checkup
This is also a good time of the year for parents to get a checkup as well. Not only because you’ll probably have to bring your child to the dentist’s office and will already be there, but you never know if you’ll even find the time to do so once the school year is in full swing. A healthy family is a happy one, and when with regular dental checkups, there’ll be one less thing to worry about and your kids can concentrate on getting good grades. For more information about dentistry for you and your family, visit the American Dental Association website.
Remember, with proper care and routine ‘maintenance’, dental problems are definitely preventable. All it takes is a brief back-to-school trip to the local dentist to stay on top of things in this health ‘department’. So, if you live in the Castle Rock, Colorado area and are looking for a reliable and reputable dentist, give Castle Rock Family Dental a call at 303-688-2229 and we’ll be happy to schedule a back to school appointment for you and/or your kids. We have a comfy, state-of-the-art facility and our friendly, capable staff can take care of basically all your dental needs.
by Dr Brody | Dentistry
You eat healthy, drink plenty of water, take vitamins and visit the gym a few times a week. You are conscious about maintaining your good health, and your last check-up with your doctor is proof. There still might be one area you are overlooking, though: Your teeth.
A lot of people don’t go to the dentist nearly as often as they should, instead opting to book an appointment only when a problem arises. A common reason for this is dental phobia, or the fear of dentists. You shouldn’t let this fear stop you from maintaining your oral health, though, and you should be visiting your dentist every six months for routine teeth cleaning.
What Happens During Routine Teeth Cleaning?
Routine teeth cleaning can prevent serious issues like heart disease and stroke.
Some people don’t schedule regular teeth cleaning because of misconceptions about what the process involves. Truthfully, teeth cleanings are really quite simple, and discomfort is minimal. During your cleaning, a hygienist will remove any build of of plaque or tartar from your teeth. This is done as gently as possible using an assortment of dental tools. The teeth, including any crowns and fillings, are polished. Fluoride treatments may also be applied. If you have full or partial dentures, the hygienist may also clean them as well.
During your teeth cleaning appointment, your teeth may also be X-rayed. They will also be examined so your dentist can detect any potential issues before they turn into major problems. Your hygienist might discuss your brushing and flossing habits and provide you with counseling on your dental hygiene, if needed. If problems are detected with your teeth, such as cavities, the dentist will discuss the next steps for treatment with you. If you need to schedule a follow-up appointment for fillings or other treatments, this will be done at this time.
Why Is Regular Teeth Cleaning Important?
There are several reasons why regular teeth cleaning is important. Some of the top reasons include:
- Removal of surface stains before they become more difficult to remove
- Removal of plaque and tartar to prevent cavities and gum disease
- Opportunity for your dentist to identify minor problems before they become major
- Provide preventative treatments
The health of your mouth, teeth and gums is directly linked to your overall health. Oral problems that are left untreated can lead to issues that have a negative impact on your overall health. Infections in the teeth, for example, can spread to other parts of the body, potentially causing major problems when left untreated. Simply maintaining your tooth and gum health with cleanings every 6 months can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Keeping your teeth and mouth clean can also have a huge impact on your self esteem. When you have a clean, healthy smile, you won’t feel embarrassed or afraid to show your teeth. Good oral health also can help prevent embarrassing bad breath. Since chronic bad breath is often caused by poor oral hygiene, cleanings every 6 months can be extremely helpful.
Routine Teeth Cleaning at Castle Rock Family Dental
Heading to the dentist every 6 months for a routine cleaning is one of the best things you can do for your oral health, and doing so is also important for your overall health. Healthy teeth and gums are a part of good overall health, and going in for regular cleanings and checkups isn’t as scary as you may think.
When you visit us at Castle Rock Family Dental, our staff is friendly and strives to make your appointment as stress-free as possible. Call us today to schedule your cleaning to see how our professional staff can help you maintain your good overall health. You can reach us at (303) 688-2229. We are currently accepting new patients, and you can also request an appointment on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!
