How Can I Keep My Smile Healthy?

how can i keep my smile healthy - Dr. Boals

How Can I Keep My Smile Healthy?

The COVID-19 coronavirus crisis has led to many dentists closing their doors for regular appointments, and only accepting patients with dental emergencies. While this will help slow the spread of the virus, it has a lot of people wondering “How can I keep my smile healthy when I can’t see the dentist?“. 

In this blog from Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, we’ll discuss a few things you should do to keep your mouth healthy, even if you can’t see your dentist for a six-month visit and oral exam. Let’s get started.

1. Ensure Your Dental Hygiene Routine Is In Tip-Top Shape

First and foremost, make sure that you’re maintaining a great oral hygiene routine. You should be brushing at least twice per day for at least two minutes. In fact, you may want to consider brushing three times per day says our friend and dentist in Bethlehem GA, Dr. Hoang. 

If you brush three times per day, once after breakfast, once after lunch, and once before you go to bed, you’ll remove the most bacteria and food debris that you can, and you’ll boost your defense against gum disease and cavities.

Don’t forget about flossing, either. Brushing alone is not enough to clean every surface of your teeth. Flossing once per day will remove food, bacteria, and plaque that may be left behind with brushing alone. 

2. Watch Your Diet And What You Eat 

As a rule, you’ll want to avoid starchy and sugary foods, as well as beverages that are high in sugar like juice, sweetened tea, cocktails, and soda. The bacteria in our mouths thrive on starch and sugar. Eating a diet that consists mostly of lean meat, fresh vegetables, and fruits that are high in fiber, and whole grains can help keep your teeth healthy. 

In fact, some foods can damage your teeth directly. Chewing almonds, ice, and other hard foods with your front teeth could cause them to crack or chip, so you should make sure you chew these kinds of foods with your molars.

You should also avoid gummy and sticky foods (caramel, taffy, gummy candy, etc.) if you have multiple crowns or fillings. Sticky, sugary foods promote tooth decay, and can even pull out your dental work if it’s loose.

3. Avoid Doing Things That Could Damage Your Teeth  

Doing things like chewing pens or pencils or even your fingernails can wear down your teeth prematurely, or even cause them to crack or break. Make sure you only use your teeth to chew food, and not anything else.

That also means you shouldn’t use your teeth as tools to do things like tear open packages or rip tape. They’re not meant to do these things, and could be damaged if you’re not careful. 

Know How To Keep Your Smile Healthy, Even When You Can’t See The Dentist

We hope this guide from Kissing Camels Family Dentistry has helped you learn more about how you can keep your smile healthy, even if you’re not able to see your dentist. Thanks for reading, and stay safe. And when the lockdown is lifted, make sure that you contact us at (719) 301-6604 to schedule your next preventive dentistry appointment in Garden of the Gods, West Colorado Springs, and Manitou Springs. “

Benefits of Visiting Your Colorado Springs Dentist

Benefits of Visiting Your Colorado Springs Dentist

Benefits of Visiting Your Colorado Springs Dentist

Ever wonder why your dentist in Colorado Springs, CO insists on frequent checkups? It’s not just a matter of brushing your teeth and giving you tips on how to keep your pearly whites. Oral hygiene affects the health of the body. Your dentist will not only treat your toothaches and cavities but also identifies any risk factors that could contribute to more severe conditions. That’s why the American Dental Association suggests that your dentist change the duration of your appointments. Brushing and flossing alone will not help you achieve good oral health. It’s crucial to have an expert look at your mouth. Here are some of the advantages of visiting your Colorado Springs, CO dentist.

What to Expect During Your Visit with Dr. Boals

Your Colorado Springs dentist may examine your face, neck, lymph nodes, and jaw before examining your teeth. This protocol is to scan for any odd lumps and bumps and to check your thyroid. What the dentist really is looking for are symptoms of head, neck, and oral cancer, diabetes, and vitamin deficiency. If your Colorado Springs dentist notices something troubling, you can guarantee that your dentist will recommend the next steps. 

A full-mouth examination of the condition of your teeth and gums lets your dentist decide the best way to improve your oral health long-term.

When your dentist looks into your mouth, they do a variety of different things:

  • Analysis of the gums for any signs of disease
  • Checks for missing or broken teeth and signs of tooth decay
  • Inspects the tissue inside your mouth
  • Takes a look at your tongue
  • Checks your bite
  • Reviews fillings or potential dental problems‍

‍Dentists in Colorado Springs, CO, have the equipment and experience to thoroughly examine and treat any dental problem that arises. If you don’t see your dentist when an issue arrises, you won’t know how to fix it. 

Did You Miss a Spot?

No matter how good you brush and floss, you will not be able to remove tartar on your own. Don’t worry, it’s normal. During your visit to Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, one of our hygienists will clear up anything you’ve missed. Making your teeth look as good as new. Professional dental cleanings are necessary to decrease the risk of cavities, bacteria, and gum disease.

These professional cleanings include a visual inspection of your teeth and the removal of any tartar build-up. It is accompanied by polishing and probably flossing. After that, Dr. Boals will speak with you about the health of your teeth and gums. They will also make suggestions for improving your oral health or address any concerns that he has. Following this advice, you’ll set up your next dental cleaning t the front desk. 

Dental Problems That Go Unnoticed

Waiting until you have a toothache to see your emergency dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, can be troublesome and expensive. Cavities can begin to develop without causing discomfort, and dentists can diagnose them until they become a major problem. The sooner a cavity is detected, the less likely a major surgery, such as a root canal, is to be performed.

Gum disease is another painless disorder. It’s a big cause of loss of teeth. A lot of people don’t even know they have it. If the gum disease is detected soon enough, it is reversible. Early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, can be avoided by skilled cleaning followed by good oral hygiene at home. Advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can lead to tissue and bone loss that support the teeth. Periodontitis affects 47.2% of adults over 30 years of age in the United States.

Dental problems may arise without warning signs, which is why it’s crucial to follow a good oral health regimen and see your dentist regularly. This will save you both money and time in the long run.

Why You Need Good Oral Health

We put a lot of stuff into our mouths in our bodies. It makes sense that our teeth should be in good order, doesn’t it? Healthy teeth allow us to eat the food we want while reducing the number of harmful bacteria we swallow. Don’t forget to give us a whiter smile. Polishing during washing removes all stains and improves the enamel teeth. Enamel is a thin layer of coating that coats every tooth. It helps protect against chewing, biting, and grinding damage. Enamel can be eroded by contact with acids, such as those present in soft drinks and fruit drinks. This can lead to sensitive teeth, discoloration, and indentations. It can also make teeth easier to break and chip. Dr. Kim, an emergency dentist in Lexington, KY, agrees that erosion of the enamel makes the teeth more vulnerable to cavities and decay. Going to regular dental cleanings can help make sure your enamel remains intact, and you can enjoy the use of your teeth.

Visit Kissing Camels Family Dentistry

It’s not just a matter of keeping your teeth clean or a whiter smile. A regular checkup at our dental office in Colorado Springs, CO, will help you live a healthier life and worry less about dental, neck, and head ailments.

Regular visits to the dentist are to help avoid major medical complications and save you money in the future. If you missed your last appointment or need to find a new dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, don’t hesitate to contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry.

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.