Happy National Brush Day

national brush day - Colorado Springs Dentist

Happy National Brush Day

Oral hygiene is important to our teeth and our general health – that’s why we brush our teeth! Any plaque that is not removed on and between your teeth will eventually cause gum disease and tooth decay. If you’re anything like us, you were told countless times to brush your teeth when you were a child. So, you’d think that we all know how to brush our teeth correctly. However, the Academy of General Dentistry says that many adults do not brush their teeth properly. So, to honor National Brush Day on November 1st, we’re sharing the right way to brush your teeth.

The Basics of Brushing Your Teeth

You should brush your teeth two times a day for two minutes. That is, in the morning, when you wake up and right before you go to sleep. To make sure that you brush properly for the allotted time, Dr. Boals suggests using a stopwatch while brushing your teeth. If you want to be even more efficient, you could purchase an electric toothbrush that has an inbuilt timer. 

It does not matter what way you use to time yourself, as long as you brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day. 

The Tools You Need for Good Oral Hygiene

Which is better, an electric toothbrush or a traditional toothbrush? Colorado Springs dentists have no preference between the two, as long as you use a toothbrush that has soft bristles and can reach your back molars.

Your toothbrush needs to be replaced every 3-4 months or when your bristles fray. Using a toothbrush with frayed bristles will be harmful to your teeth. The toothpaste you choose depends on your preference. Use whichever toothpaste that you like. Just make sure it contains fluoride. Fluoride works by preventing tooth decay and cavity development. If you do have cavities, fluoride works well in fighting those cavities. Dr. Chris Green, a family dentist in Parker, CO, recommends choosing a toothpaste that is FDA approved. 

Another essential that you need for optimal dental health is floss. Flossing helps you get rid of at least 80% of the plaque that is on your teeth, and flossing prevents plaque buildup. Floss also prevents gum disease, and you need to take care of both your teeth and gums. There’s plenty of floss to choose from waxed, unwaxed, floss picks.

How to Brush Your Teeth Properly

We now know the proper tools needed to brush your teeth properly. Now, let’s go over the correct way to do it in a way that is recommended by dentists in Colorado Springs.

  1. Put a pea-size amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush
  2. You should hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
  3. Move your toothbrush gently over your teeth surfaces (the front, back, and tops of your teeth) in a circular motion.
  4. Employ a gentle back and forth motion on your teeth’s chewing surfaces when brushing
  5. Spit the toothpaste out after brushing but do not rinse your mouth. The toothpaste that is left in your mouth after you spit protects your teeth against decay
  6. Brush your tongue to rid it of any bacteria buildup since the last time you brushed
  7. Floss; it does not matter whether it’s before or after brushing but ensure you floss.

What to Avoid When Brushing Your Teeth

Now that we know the proper ways to brush our teeth, here are a few things your 80907 dentist says you should avoid when brushing your teeth:

Apart from picking the wrong brush, you may also be;

  1. Scrubbing your teeth too hard – Because plaque is loose and soft, there’s no need to scrub your teeth. Brushing too hard will ruin your enamel.
  2. You rush when brushing – Let’s say you’re late for work, so you want to rush through brushing. Don’t do it! Use the timer on your phone to ensure you spend the correct amount of time brushing. If you have to get up earlier to brush your teeth, then so be it!
  3. You hold onto your old toothbrush for a little too long – We mentioned above, when your bristles fray, get a new toothbrush. Also, do not share your toothbrush with anybody and keep your toothbrush in the open air. This will prevent bacteria or mold from growing on it when the toothbrush head is wet. This is a very common mistake, and we tell our patients at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry.
  4. You miss the gum line – Most bacteria are usually found where your gums and teeth meet. This area is commonly missed. So when brushing, ensure you also brush the gum line area. To do so, use the 45º angle we talked about above. Tilt your toothbrush up and down in order to reach the inside of your front teeth. 
  5. You forget to brush your tongue – Many people fail to brush the sides of their tongue.  So, remember to brush your tongue for the best oral hygiene.
  6. You brush your teeth immediately after eating – Brushing your teeth immediately after eating may erode your tooth enamel. Colorado Springs dentists recommend waiting at least 20 minutes for the saliva in your mouth to offset the acid before you brush. Alternatively, you can also rinse your mouth out with water to get rid of some of the acids before you brush your teeth.

Visit Your Colorado Springs Dentist Annually

Now that we’ve covered everything about brushing, we can move onto visiting the dentist! Make sure you visit your dentist twice a year for a dental cleaning and checkup! This will ensure that your teeth are as healthy as can be. If you have any questions on how to take care of your teeth or would like to make an appointment, contact your dentist in Colorado Springs, CO. Needless to say, Kissing Camels Family Dentistry is happy to help you with your oral health. Contact us today!

How to Improve Your Smile for the Holidays

how to improve your smile Colorado Springs CO

How to Improve Your Smile for the Holidays

Improve Your Smile

The holidays are a time to get together with friends and family to celebrate. You may find yourself disguising your grin in family pictures this time of year. Your Colorado Springs Dentist wants you to know that you’re not the only one who feels this way. Many individuals are dissatisfied with the appearance of their teeth, whether they are crooked, discolored, or missing. Dr. Boals, dentist in Colorado Springs, wants to fix that. Here are tips to improve your smile for the holidays.

Tips for a Healthy Holiday Smile

You shouldn’t feel compelled to conceal your grin. Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, dentist 80907, fortunately, provides a comprehensive range of dental treatments. Your dentist Colorado Springs, Dr. Johnson, explains how to enhance your smile for the holidays below.

1. Dental Exam & Teeth Cleaning

Every year, patients visit our office in a rush to improve their smiles for holiday festivities. You’d be surprised how effective a simple professional dental exam and dental cleaning can be. Our hygienists will remove any built-up tartar and thoroughly clean your teeth to be sparkly clean. Dr. Boals recommends getting a professional cleaning before you start cosmetic treatments such as professional teeth whitenings. This will ensure that your teeth are plaque-free. Dental cleanings are typically covered by dental insurance. So, don’t forget to use your dental benefits before they expire at the end of the year! 

2. Fill Cavities & Replace Silver Fillings

When you see your dentist in Colorado Springs, CO for dental fillings. They will likely fill the cavity with tooth-colored composite material. This type of filling will blend naturally with your teeth, so no one will know that you have fillings. If you still have silver fillings, talk to your dentist about replacing them with tooth-colored fillings. 

3. Fix Any Tooth Cracks or Chips

Tooth chips and cracks can easily be fixed with some of the following restorative dentistry solutions: porcelain veneers, dental bonding, dental crowns, and more. In order to transform your overall smile, your cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, will assess you for a smile makeover. During this evaluation, they will determine which treatment is best for you. Dr. O’Grady, a Denver Highlands Dentist, says that porcelain veneers are one of the most common ways to hide broken, discolored, misshaped teeth. This is done by placing shells over your existing teeth, almost like a shoe over your teeth. Smile makeovers with porcelain veneers often have the biggest transformations for our patients.

4. Professional Teeth Whitening

The quickest way to improve your smile is by professional teeth whitening treatment. Get rid of stubborn stains and improve the overall look of your smile with our in-office or take-home teeth whitening services. Our in-office teeth whitening provides instant results. Go up to 10 shades lighter with our professional-grade whitening gel. Treatment only takes a few hours. Our take-home teeth whitening kits are perfect for those who want to gradually whiten their smile in the comfort of their own home. The treatment takes a few days to see significant results. Professional teeth whitening is a must before big family events!

5. Replace Missing Teeth

It is essential that missing teeth are replaced as quickly as possible. Not only will missing teeth bring down your self-confidence, but it also puts yourself at risk for dental complications. Eventually, your remaining teeth will shift to fill the gap. Since there is an absence of stimulation from the area, your jaw bone will degrade over time. Inevitably, this will affect your facial shape and the way you eat and speak. The best way to replace a missing tooth is with dental implants, but we also offer dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures. 

Now that you know how to improve your smile for the holidays, give Kissing Camels Family Dentistry a call. We are happy to schedule you for a consultation. Let’s start off the holidays right with a bright, beautiful smile!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in December, 2020 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Dentures FAQ

Dental FAQ - Dr. kacos

Dentures FAQ

There are many misconceptions about dentures, including that they’re only for elders. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Many don’t realize that people of all ages can benefit from dentures. Dentures act as a replacement for natural teeth. To help you decide if dentures are the right solution for your missing teeth, Dr. Cody Boals, a dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, answers the following dentures FAQ. ‍

What Are Dentures and How Are They Supposed to Work?

Dentures are a prosthesis used to substitute the missing teeth of a patient. This prosthetic consists of artificial teeth and gums that are tailored and fitted to each smile. Dentures are not placed to the jaw bone, unlike dental implants. It is essentially making it easier to clean and preserve.

If you’ve experienced tooth loss because of periodontal disease, tooth decay, injury, etc., there are several benefits to choosing dentures. One of the most common advantages of dentures is the boost in self-esteem and appearance. Other benefits directly affect the oral health as dentures support the overall mouth structure, including facial muscles, speech, and functionality, such as eating.

What Are The Different Types of Dentures?

Dentures used to consist of plastic or porcelain, but today most of them are made of a strong resin material that better looks and feels like natural teeth. A similar resin material is made up of the gum portion of dentures that is for a better fit on the gumline. Additionally, there are various types of dentures, including full and partial, and it will be possible for your dentist to determine which option is right for you.

Complete Dentures

This alternative, also known as a complete denture, is used when all or almost all of the teeth are missing. To replace all the natural teeth and fit the entire surface of the gums, a prosthetic will be made. Once this is completed, the denture will fit snugly along the gum line. However, the dentures are easily removable. Your Colorado Springs dentist may recommend getting a tooth extraction if they feel that you would benefit from complete dentures. 

There are two types of full or complete dentures, conventional and immediate. After your mouth has healed from any tooth extractions, conventional dentures are positioned. This means that the patient, during the healing period, which can vary in time, you may be without teeth. The prosthetic is able to fit perfectly by waiting until the tissue in the mouth is completely healed.

Right after the remaining teeth are removed, instant dentures are placed. The dentist will take preliminary measurements so that the patient will have her new teeth on the same day. After any extractions, this option can help support the jawbone and regulate bleeding. It can change the shape or ridge of the gum line slightly when the mouth heals after the extraction, meaning the surface of the denture may no longer fit as it is meant to. While this may seem like a small problem, it may require realignment, modifications, or even a whole new denture production. You may be without teeth for a couple of days when this occurs.

Partial Dentures

When a patient has only a few missing teeth, Dr. Boals may recommend partial dentures. The existing teeth act as support structures, similar to dental bridges. Partial dentures consist of the required replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored base, almost like a teeth-attached retainer. Dentures are secured in the mouth by attaching either the plastic of the denture or a metal framework to adjacent existing teeth. Partial dentures are readily removable, just like full dentures.

What Should I Expect When Getting Dentures?

Your journey to a beautiful, functioning smile will start after a denture consultation with your dentist in Colorado Springs, CO. The next step is to prepare the mouth for any tooth extractions or procedures that need to be performed prior to measurements or fitting. Measurements will be taken beforehand if you get immediate dentures, so the prosthetic will be ready at your appointment for preparation.

Your dental impressions will be sent to the laboratory where the dentures will be made by your choice of size, color, and shape. Depending on factors like urgency and complexity, the laboratory can take anywhere from 1-6 weeks to generate the prosthetics. You will come in for your fitting once your dentures are ready.

Your restorative dentist will have you try the dentures on during the fitting. This allows them to make sure the dentures fit accordingly. Our Kissing Camels Family Dentistry team will also make sure to show you how to remove and clean your dentures properly. You will probably be advised to wear them until your follow-up appointment, where any additional changes will be made. As previously mentioned, this step will occur during the preparation appointment if you are receiving immediate dentures, and adjustments will be made after your mouth has healed.

How Do I Care for Dentures?

Our friend Dr. Hoang, a restorative dentist in Bethlehem, GA, agrees that any patient who is new to dentures will have an adjustment period. At first, dentures may feel very weird as there is now a foreign object in your mouth, resulting in talking and eating difficulties, besides physical adjustments, figuring out how to take care of your dentures.

A common misconception about dentures is that you don’t need to clean them with real teeth. On the contrary, it is critical to take care of your dentures because plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria can still build up on the teeth. Your dentures need to be cleaned every day, no matter what type of prosthetic you have. Even though they’re removable, the dentures should remain in your mouth for a certain amount of time. Your Colorado Springs dentist will inform you of the dos and don’ts of dentures. Here is a rough guideline for caring for your dentures.

To prevent dental problems such as tooth decay or gum disease, it is important to follow these steps:

  • Brush your dentures and gums with a very soft toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Remove any bacteria and debris while your dentures are outside your mouth.
  • Soak your dentures in denture solution or clean water anytime they are out of your mouth.

How Long Do Dentures Last?

When correctly taken care of, dentures typically last for about 5 to 7 years. Over time, they will naturally wear the base on which the artificial teeth sit and need to be revived. Your mouth will naturally change as you grow older, and your dentures may not fit properly. Fortunately, without damaging the teeth, the base is very simple to fix. 

However, there are ways of maximizing the lifespan of your denture that go beyond daily cleaning. When handling the prosthetics, it is wise to be gentle as they can break easily if dropped. You should be aware, too, of making sure they never dry out. Soaking your dentures in solution when you’re not wearing them will ensure that your dentures do not dry out. They can also be placed in warm, not hot water because the dentures’ shape can be warped or ruined by hot water. Dr. Boals says dentures are not cheap to replace, so you should take good care of your dentures if you want them to last as long as possible. 

Replacing missing teeth is crucial to good oral health, whether it’s with dentures or dental implants. If you’re interested in restorative dentistry solutions, contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry for a consultation. Our team is happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.