by Stonegate Dental Care | May 15, 2017 | Uncategorized
It’s not too unusual for your gums to bleed a little bit after brushing too hard or accidentally cutting into the sensitive tissue with a piece of dental floss, but it shouldn’t happen on a regular basis and for no apparent reason. Consistent bleeding could be a sign of impending gum disease but if it can be controlled while still in the early stage of gingivitis more serious consequences can be averted
The most common cause of tooth decay or gum disease is the demon plaque, a clear bacterial substance that sticks to the surface of the teeth. Since plaque is formed in part by the content of the food and drinks that we eat every day, particularly the sweet and starchy ones, it can’t be completely avoided. Fortunately however, there are things that we can do to control plaque buildup and keep gum disease from advancing into full blown periodontitis.
If you have always adhered to a strict routine of brushing and flossing in addition to keeping up a regular schedule for dental exams and professional cleanings there must be another culprit. Take a look at the tools that you are using to care for your teeth and gums. Make sure that your toothbrush has a soft bristle head, soft bristles are easier on your gums. Always use a fluoride toothpaste, fluoride is a known cavity fighter.
Ask your dental hygienist at Stonegate Dental Care in Parker more about what may be causing your gums to bleed. Call today @ 720-851-7069.
by Stonegate Dental Care | May 8, 2017 | Uncategorized
There are ways to make flossing easier but there is no acceptable way to replace it as part of a healthy routine for oral care. Mouthwash for instance, may leave you with a fresher feeling and the antibacterial type can remove daily plaque buildup, but only from the surface of the teeth. Dental floss on the other hand, lets you get in between the teeth to reach any bacterial plaque that may be hiding there.
It’s not how often you floss that’s so important but how thoroughly you do it. Some people use dental floss like they would a toothpick to remove the occasional food fragment that gets stuck between their teeth. That’s ok but it shouldn’t take the place of a complete regimen. Set aside an adequate amount of time each day to devote to the care of your teeth and gums.
Flossing is meant to remove plaque from between your teeth not your gum tissue. In fact, dental floss can irritate the gums. Always remember to floss gently moving upwards from the gum-line and between the teeth.
Don’t scrimp on the floss. Your string should be long enough to wrap snugly around the two fingers that you will use to guide the floss and release it from one finger to the other as you go along. Once you start to floss regularly you’ll get to know just how much string you will need.
Ask your dental hygienist at Stonegate Dental Care to give you more tips about flossing. Make an appointment today, call 720-851-7069.
by Stonegate Dental Care | May 1, 2017 | Uncategorized
Our teeth are vulnerable to decay from the sugary foods and drinks that we consume. We need to be careful not to damage pre-existing dental work by biting down on a piece of hard candy or a chicken bone. After years of day in and day out use our teeth may begin to discolor. Too many dark fruits or too much coffee or red wine can cause staining. These are only some of the endangerment’s that our teeth will be exposed to over time. We need to know what we can do and what we should never do in order to maintain a healthy smile.
Dental professionals will tell you that although drinking water instead of juice or soda is a healthy choice, ice cubes should only be use to keep our drinks cold, they are not meant to be chewed. In fact biting down on a piece of ice is a real good way to break that new dental crown that your dentist just installed.
Dried fruits lack water content leaving them with an unadulterated level of sugar. Because of its texture the fruit can easily get stuck between the teeth and linger there for hours, providing an open invitation to tooth decay. The same kind of risk applies to the crunchy cheese or potato chips that so many of us enjoy. Brush your teeth right after having a meal or a snack whenever possible.
Talk to Dr. Rentz of Stonegate Dental Care about more ways to protect your teeth from risk. Call 720-851-7069 today.
by Stonegate Dental Care | Apr 24, 2017 | Uncategorized
A lot of people include rinsing with a mouthwash as a part of their regular routine for good oral health, others don’t, but those who swear by the benefits of mouthwash are adamant. So what are some of those benefits?
The first thing that comes to mind is the refreshing after effects that a tasty mouthwash leaves behind. However, a mouthwash that contains some amount of fluoride can provide extra protection from tooth decay. The American Dental Association has substantiated the conviction that fluoride does help reduce the risk of cavities for children and adults alike.
Some users feel that swishing a mouthwash after they brush will remove any food particles that their toothbrush may have missed so naturally they brush first and rinse last. On the other hand, there are those who prefer to use their mouthwash before they brush, the rationale being that the mouthwash will loosen any plaque that has clung to the teeth making it easier to brush away. So why not rinse before AND after to get rid of as much harmful bacteria as possible?
One point of general consensus is that if you’re going to use a mouthwash choose one that is alcohol free. Dental professionals have determined that mouthwashes with high alcohol content can dry the mouth and irritate sensitive gum tissue.Mouthwash is good for getting rid of temporary bad breath but if the condition persists ask your dentist what might be causing it.
Get to know the team at Stonegate Dental Care on the website www.stonegatedentalcare.com.
by Stonegate Dental Care | Apr 17, 2017 | Uncategorized
Studies have been made, polls have been taken and the results are in. Dentists do agree that an electric toothbrush will give their patients better results than a manual one can.
The rotating bristles and the contemporary designs allows the brush head to get in between the teeth and make it easier to reach the harder to get to back molars. On top of that, electric toothbrushes offer specific benefits for patients who have particular needs such as sensitivity or a high risk for gum disease.
Dental professionals were not the only ones who were consulted. A lot of the comparisons came from patient input. Test subjects were asked to switch out their old brushes for electric models to see if there would be a significant improvement in oral health after so long a time. Comparisons showed that an electric toothbrush can actually clean more efficiently than a manual one when used for the same amount of time. ( dentists recommend brushing for two minutes at least two times a day.)
The brush does the work. An electric toothbrush removes the risk of brushing too hard which can be tough on tooth enamel and sensitive gum tissue. The user has only to hold the brush in place and let the soft bristles do their job.
Whichever type of toothbrush you prefer to use you should never neglect to keep up with regular professional exams and cleanings. Call 720-851-7069 for your next appointment with Stonegate Dental Care in Parker
by Stonegate Dental Care | Apr 10, 2017 | Uncategorized
Do you have plaque buildup? Dental plaque is the result of the sugar or starch from the foods that you eat mixing with the harmful bacteria that thrives in the oral cavity. It is a sticky substance that tends to stay on the teeth once it forms. Even though everyday plaque can’t be completely avoided it can be controlled with regular brushing and professional cleanings. Brush at least twice a day and more often if you indulge in a particularly sugary or starchy treat. The longer that plaque is left to cling to the teeth the higher the risk for decay, making it especially important to brush before going to bed at night.
Cavity prevention is just one reason to have your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist on a regular basis. It should be a part of your six month checkup to monitor your oral health and detect the beginnings of gum disease as well as any other complications that may arise between visits.
Many of the foods and drinks that we all enjoy are known to stain our teeth but by having our teeth cleaned regularly the staining will be less intense and easier to remove.
Regular exams and cleanings can prevent the need for future, more costly procedures. The sooner a problem is diagnosed the better the success chances for a less intrusive treatment become.
Schedule your six month dental appointments at Stonegate Dental Care and ask your hygienist for tips to improve on your home care regimen. Call 720-851-7069 today.
