How pregnancy affects your oral health

Pregnancy has a tremendous effect on the entire body, and the mouth is no exception. Often, during pregnancy, the body and the immune system seem to function at an ultra-sensitive level, reacting unpredictably to normal situations.

The body’s response to the signs and symptoms of pregnancy can have a direct effect on the oral health. Always heed your obstetrician’s advice regarding your general health during pregnancy, and trust our Lone Tree dentist to provide expert advice regarding your prenatal dental health.

Inflamed gums. It is not uncommon for minimal amounts of plaque accumulation to cause the gums to become tender and inflamed. Bleeding during brushing and flossing is also a more common observation during pregnancy. Pregnant women should not be alarmed or feel the need to avoid the sensitive areas. Instead, careful and diligent brushing and flossing can help to curb these signs of gingivitis before it progresses to true periodontal disease.

Dry mouth. Stuffy nasal passages and late-night snoring can contribute to a dry, irritated mouth throughout pregnancy. Dry mouth can lead to irritated gum tissue that bleeds easily, as well as an increased incidence of tooth decay. Without the proper amount of saliva necessary to neutralize plaque acids, the risk for cavities rises significantly. Your dentist may recommend drinking more water throughout the night, choosing alcohol free mouthrinses, or using an over-the-counter saliva substitute.

Tooth decay. Consuming more frequent meals and snacks is the prime contributor to tooth decay in pregnant women. It can be difficult to impossible to brush and floss properly after every snack, and the residual food particles provide fuel for the bacteria that normally reside in the oral cavity.

Acid reflux. Gastrointestinal issues such as gas, acid reflux, and nausea can trigger bad breath and acid erosion of the enamel. Even women with no history of gastrointestinal disorders may notice these symptoms during pregnancy. By recognizing the symptom, observing careful plaque control, and eating mild foods, the effects can be minimized.

The best defense against some of the more unpleasant effects of pregnancy is a close relationship with your medical and dental healthcare professionals. For your health, dental examinations before, during, and after pregnancy are recommended. Call Grout Family Dentistry at 303-730-1222 and schedule your visit today.

Is teeth whitening safe?

The term “cosmetic dentistry” refers to a broad range of dental procedures designed to improve the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic procedures can range from a simple touch-up to a full-blown smile makeover, completely dependent on the needs and desires of the patient.

Patients seeking a minimally invasive, safe and effective cosmetic dental option may be interested in teeth whitening in Littleton. Since teeth whitening does not require the removal of any tooth structure and does not change the composition of the enamel in any way, the procedure is often viewed as one of the most conservative cosmetic procedures.

Natural tooth structure may become stained or discolored as a result of:

• dark foods or drinks such as coffee, tea, red wines, and whole grains
• lifestyle habits such as smoking or medications
• The natural aging process

In addition to the external factors that can cause staining, many patients are interested in lightening the natural shade of their own enamel. In virtually all of these circumstances, teeth whitening is a predictable and satisfying solution.

By introducing oxygen into the enamel, teeth whitening solutions can bleach away impurities without altering the structure of the enamel. Stains and discolorations are eliminated, and patients are left with a brighter, whiter smile.

When applied properly, and under the instruction of an experienced cosmetic dentist, teeth whitening is one of the safest cosmetic choices available. Even with professional application, patients may experience a mild level of temporary tooth sensitivity following whitening. This type of response is normal and completely reversible, not the result of damage to the enamel.

Patients should note that no method of teeth whitening is permanent. As you return to your daily life style, a certain level of shade rebound is common. Depending on the shade of white that you wish to maintain, a periodic whitening touch-up is safe and appropriate.

A consultation with our cosmetic dentists is recommended in order to find out if teeth whitening is right for you. Schedule your appointment today.

Dental care for infants and toddlers

Even before the very first tooth has erupted, it is important to think about providing proper dental care for infants and toddlers. Many parents and caregivers are unsure as to how the care should be provided, or even what type of care is necessary. Just as you can turn to your pediatrician for guidance and advice about your child’s medical needs, you can also trust your Highlands Ranch dentist to keep you informed regarding your child’s dental health.

In the very earliest stages of infancy, gently wiping the gums with a soft cloth is an important part of daily dental hygiene. It is not uncommon for an infant to be born with a small tooth, called a neonatal tooth. These teeth can also be gently wiped clean each day.

As infants begin to grow, keep a watchful eye on thumb-sucking. Even before the teeth have fully erupted, thumb-sucking can a negative effect on the shape and size of the palate. At this early age, your dentist can evaluate the size and shape of your child’s palate, upper jaw, and lower jaw. This type of early examination is useful for identifying developmental abnormalities or orthodontic concerns.

At home, as soon as the baby teeth are in the mouth, controlling plaque and preventing cavities becomes a high priority. A soft-bristled child’s tooth brush and training toothpaste are an effective method of introducing proper brushing after meals and snacks. To establish a habit of good oral hygiene, allow your child to participate in this daily routine, as well as observe other family members perform normal brushing and flossing.

Babies and toddlers should never be permitted to sleep with bottles containing any beverages other than water. Even milk, baby formula, and fruit juices contain natural sugars that can lead to decay. In addition to drinks that can cause tooth decay, many snack foods can cause cavities. Rather than choosing snacks high in sugars and carbohydrates, offer babies and toddlers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables whenever possible.

Even with diligent home care and healthy diets, unexpected dental conditions can arise. Introduce your child to the dental office as early as possible, and contact Grout Family Dentistry at 303-730-1222 with questions and concerns as soon as possible.

Root Canal: Purpose and Procedure

The term “root canal” is a noun used to define the pulp filled channel in the root of a tooth.  The procedure of “root canal” is defined as a treatment in which diseased tissue from this part of the tooth is removed and the cavity is then filled with an inert material.  A root canal in Littleton can bring you much needed relief if you are suffering from discomfort or pain.

Why would someone need a root canal?  If a tooth is damaged due to excess decay or infection, the root canal is a process that could repair a tooth in an effort to save the tooth.  During a root canal, the nerve and pulp of the tooth is removed.  Once removed, the dentist will clean out the cavity of the tooth, and the tooth is then sealed.

The primary purpose of the nerve itself is to provide the sensation of heat or cold.  Since the nerve of the tooth is not needed once the tooth has emerged through gum tissue, having it removed will not affect the tooth’s day to day function.  And if the nerve and pulp become infected due to damage, the ensuing bacteria can result in an abscessed tooth.

If the dentist does not perform a root canal when needed, an abscess or infection at the root of the tooth can result in facial swelling, bone loss near the tip of the root, and eventual loss of one or more teeth.

What causes damage to a tooth’s nerve and pulp?  Irritation, inflammation or infection as a result of decay, repeated dental procedures to a tooth, a crack or chip in a tooth or a trauma to the face can lead to needing a root canal.

There are no definitive or specific symptoms that identify the need for a root canal, but a severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, tooth discoloration, swelling or gum tenderness, or persistent or recurring pimples on the gums are possible indicators that you might need a root canal.

Any or all of these conditions should encourage you to visit your dentist for needed treatment and relief, and to try to save your natural teeth for as long as you can.

Can crowns improve the appearance of natural teeth?

For heavily compromised teeth, a crown may be the recommended restoration. A history of excessive forces such as clenching and grinding can fracture and crack the teeth. Widespread decay or very large, defective fillings can also take a toll on the teeth. Teeth that are severely broken down or not fully functional are common candidate for crowns, as well. Crowns are designed to protect and preserve your own tooth’s structural integrity.

A damaged tooth is not only uncomfortable; it can be unattractive in many instances. A dental crown is a widely utilized restorative option because it provides strength and stability where necessary. Fortunately, crowns can also be customized to a beautiful and natural appearance, improving the look and feel of the natural teeth.

Traditionally, dentists could only use amalgam, gold, and other metals to fix damaged and decayed teeth. While these options were proven to be durable, creating an attractive restoration was challenging. Today, strong tooth-colored ceramic materials are also an option to restore your teeth to their natural strength and beauty. Porcelain or ceramic materials are biocompatible; meaning the risk for an allergic response is low.

Your dentist will recommend a crown when it is necessary to completely cover, or cap, the entire tooth. The procedure generally involves the use of a local anesthetic for comfort. The existing defective filling and decay are removed from the tooth. The tooth will be shaped and prepared for the new crown, and an impression of the tooth is taken. This impression is critical to ensuring that your new crown fits well and provides adequate coverage.

Your crown will be designed with precision and shade matched to mimic the natural tooth appearance. Once the crown is in place, it should blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth and feel completely natural during eating and drinking. Crowns are considered permanent restorations and will not require any additional maintenance in terms of your homecare routine.

For more information about how you can improve the appearance of your natural teeth with dental crowns in Highlands Ranch, contact our dentistry team at 303 -730-1222 to schedule a consultation.

Is your mouth stressed out?

Stress can manifest itself in a multitude of ways throughout the human body.  Your mouth may not only be impacted physically, but the mouth can announce to the world how stressful we are feeling by the appearance of our lips, smile and teeth.  A visit to our family dentist serving Columbine can resolve issues inside the mouth to allow our outward persona to reflect a less stressful life.

What types of dental conditions can be attributed to everyday stress?  Cold sores, canker sores, halitosis, cracked or broken teeth and TMJ Disorder are some of the primary problems that you might suffer due to stress or anxiety.  Regular visits to your family dentist can help alleviate many dental problems, especially when going through a particularly stressful situation.

Cold sores or canker sores can be attributed to many things with stress near the top of the list.  Stressful situations can change how our body fights bacteria; can modify hormone levels; or affect our diet which can challenge our bodies nutritionally.  These physical changes along with trauma to the mouth, poor brushing habits, and even sun exposure can result in cold or canker sores.

Halitosis, or bad breath, is due to bacteria build up in the mouth.  In times of stress, changes in diet, beverage consumption, smoking and not taking care of our overall health can result in excessive bacteria build-up.  Regular visits to your dentist for professional dental cleanings and excellent oral habits like brushing and flossing daily can help rid the mouth of the bacteria that contributes to bad breath.  And since the tongue harbors much of the bacteria that promote halitosis, a tongue scraper can aid in helping to control this condition.

During times of stress, bruxism or teeth grinding often occurs during sleep or at times when we are not conscious of jaw clenching or grinding.  The result can be cracked or broken teeth from the grinding pressure or even TMJ, which is a term used to describe a joint disorder or inflammation of the temporomandibular joint which impacts the jaw in many ways.

Our mouths can tell a lot about us, but regular visits to Grout Family Dentistry will aid in doing everything possible to keep our mouth and teeth healthy and free from these and other stress induced conditions.

Teeth whitening: Enjoy a brighter smile

One of the best ways you can makeover your smile is by whitening and brightening your teeth.  Teeth whitening in Littleton has a variety of options that can help to achieve that new, brighter smile.  A cosmetic dentist trains for many years to be able to help patients achieve that confident new smile in a variety of ways.

A professional teeth cleaning and polishing by your dentist or dental hygienist is a good start.  But if your teeth have developed a dull, lackluster appearance, teeth whitening in your dental office can alter your appearance significantly in a short period of time.  The process of in-office whitening primarily involves the use of a high-concentration peroxide gel and a curing light.  Your dental professional will apply a product to prevent the gel from exposure to your gum tissue and other parts of your mouth.   Once completed, your dentist may advise you to avoid consuming dark colored food or beverages for at least one week.   Very stubborn stains may require additional treatment or you may wish to enhance your office treatment with one of the many home-use whitening products.

If this teeth whitening process is not for you, there are more permanent options available.  Your cosmetic dentist may recommend dental veneers, which is basically a shell or layer of tooth colored porcelain or composite material that is placed on the front surface of your teeth.  This process can be used for discolored teeth, which may have lost their luster due to worn tooth enamel or trauma, or due to stains from eating, drinking, smoking or aging.

Another process you may opt for is cosmetic bonding.  This involves placing composite material on the teeth you wish to whiten.  This process is more extensive than teeth whitening, but less invasive than dental veneers.

If your goal is a whiter and brighter smile, our cosmetic dentists can offer you an option that will fit your budget, time frame, and desired result.  Call 303-730-1222 to schedule an appointment.  Whatever treatment you choose, you can expect to see a substantial improvement in your smile.  You can extend the life of the smile you achieve by seeing your dentist for regular check-ups, and practicing excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice each day.

Dental veneers: A versatile cosmetic treatment option

Dental veneers offer a cosmetic dental procedure that can resolve a multitude of problems. Veneers in Littleton CO can offer the solution to chipped teeth, stained teeth, crooked teeth or worn tooth enamel.

A dental veneer is comprised of a shell or layer of tooth colored porcelain or composite material that is placed on the front surface of a tooth or teeth for improvement.  Placing veneers on your existing teeth can create a bright, white smile with perfectly aligned teeth created by your cosmetic dentist.

Dental veneers can be placed on one or many teeth, and are suitable for healthy individuals who do not suffer from gum disease.  If your teeth are discolored from diet, medications, or age, veneers can offer an appropriate solution; if your teeth are uneven from grinding or general wear and tear, veneers may be your answer; broken, cracked or chipped teeth covered by veneers can look so natural, it will be difficult to tell your natural teeth from the ones enhanced with veneers.

The durability of your dental veneers can protect the surface of damaged teeth, perhaps eliminating the need for more extensive treatment.

Another benefit to veneers is they require little to no removal of tooth structure as compared to other dental procedures.  And since removing any of your natural tooth structure is permanent, dental veneers can offer a more minimally invasive solution for your brighter smile.

Veneers may improve many dental conditions, but your cosmetic dentist may make recommendations to enhance the finished product.  Since dental veneers are not affected by any whitening agent, your dentist may suggest you whiten your teeth before receiving your veneers, so you will have more exacting color for untouched teeth to give you the brightest smile possible.  Or if you have severely crooked teeth or alignment issues are a concern, your cosmetic dentist may suggest some type of orthodontic treatment prior to completing your makeover with veneer restorations.

Drs. Jeffrey & Ronald Grout are able to provide you with a customized smile by perfecting the shape and shade of your veneers so they will be a perfect match to your natural, untreated teeth making dental veneers one of the most versatile cosmetic procedures available today.

Preventive dentistry: Common questions and answers

When you were growing up, adults always admonished you to brush your teeth after every meal.  Today we know there are so many more things involved in maintaining good dental health.

• How often should I see my dentist? At least twice per year you should visit your dentist for a professional dental cleaning and exam.  If you are susceptible to gum disease, your dentist might have you come more often or visit a specialist in periodontal disease.
• What can be done in addition to brushing your teeth? Your Littleton dentist stresses that in addition to brushing at least twice per day, flossing is equally as beneficial and should be given just as much importance when completing your daily oral regimen.
• What type of brush should I use? Using a firm brush or brushing incorrectly can do damage over time to gum tissue and tooth enamel.  That is why your dentist will likely recommend using a soft or medium bristle brush, brushing your teeth using gentle circular strokes, and using a non-abrasive toothpaste.
• What about using a fluoride rinse? There are many considerations when addressing using a fluoride rinse.  Your dentist can discuss issues such as receiving fluoride treatments directly from your dental provider, using a fluoride rinse, or how much fluoridation might be in your drinking water.  Too much fluoride in children under the age of seven can result in a condition known as fluorosis, which can discolor your teeth’s enamel, so this is a very important topic to discuss with your dentist.
• Can what I eat or drink affect my dental health? Absolutely … sugary and carbonated drinks in excess can contribute to tooth decay.  And it is a proven fact that good dental health can contribute to your overall well-being.  A well balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables will help maintain good health.
• Does smoking affect my dental health? Yes.  Smoking or chewing tobacco products can lead to significant dental problems.  There are many products to help you quit smoking, and your dentist can provide information on the many options available.

Your Littleton dentist has many tools to help diagnose current and potential problems.  Take advantage of his knowledge and expertise, follow the advice given, and enjoy many years of good oral health.

Rejuvenate your smile with cosmetic dentistry

When looking into a mirror, what do you see?  Do you focus on improvements that might be attained by improving your smile?  Have you ever given thought to what could be achieved simply by a visit to your dentist?

Our Littleton cosmetic dentist has tools available to help you reach goals you might have thought were too expensive, too difficult or just “not for you”.  Have you ever asked your dentist or hygienist what you might be able to do to improve your smile?

Whatever your issue, cosmetic dentistry of today has a solution.  Are your teeth not white or bright enough?  In office or at home teeth whitening is available.  Don’t want to deal with it on your own?  No problem … in office teeth whitening can be completed in a few short hours.  You just sit back, relax and enjoy your new, brighter smile

If you’ve been told whitening will not bring you the desired results, then perhaps porcelain veneers is the answer you’ve been waiting for.  Porcelain veneers are made up of a thin material that is fitted over your prepared, natural tooth.  The cosmetic dentist works much like an artist in that impressions are taken of the teeth that will receive the veneers, the shade of your teeth is matched to give you a natural appearance, and your dentist will place the veneers on your own teeth.  The result is a brand new smile that looks so natural, no one will know you have veneers.

As we get older, our teeth can give away our age.  Medications, wear & tear, lifestyle and diet are just a few of life’s roadblocks that contribute to our teeth’s appearance.  That it is why a visit with your dentist can offer many options to improve your appearance.

These processes are just two of the possibilities you have available to make those subtle changes that can make major improvements to your overall appearance.  So if you have a few hours, that’s all it may take to make those life altering changes you’ve wanted to do for so long.  Contact your Littleton cosmetic dentist at 303-730-1222 for answers to the questions you have on how to improve that smile for many years to come!