The Best Dental Tools for Seniors

best dental tools for seniors

The Best Dental Tools for Seniors

Facts About Older Adult Oral Health

After age 50, your dental care needs change and the tools you used during your younger years may no longer cut it. For this reason, the doctors at Green Dental Care in Parker CO have come up with the following recommendations of appropriate dental-care tools to use once you enter your fifties.

Teeth Whitening Products

The passage of time takes its toll on your teeth leading you to notice that they aren’t as bright as they once were. Whether it is those cups of coffee you sipped on the daily or the wearing down of your tooth enamel, discoloration is likely going to occur. However, the right whitening products can help you to have a brighter smile.

Dr. Andrei Ionescu, a dentist in Parker CO, suggests that you get toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide. This toothpaste will gradually whiten your teeth. Alternatively, you can opt for a mouthwash whose ingredients list includes hydrogen peroxide. This mouthwash will also slowly whiten your teeth and prevent new stains from setting.

Your Manual Toothbrush

You should never use a toothbrush for more than three months. More than replacing it quarterly, pay attention to two key attributes of any manual toothbrush that you buy. First, Dr. Christopher Green recommends that you only buy a toothbrush if its bristles are soft or extra soft. These will do a good job of cleaning your teeth without harming your gums and enamel. Secondly, select a toothbrush whose bristles are angled or multileveled. These do a better job of removing plaque when compared to flat bristles.

Electric Toothbrushes

Various clinical studies have confirmed that electric toothbrushes are better than manual toothbrushes at removing plaque. Green Dental Care also recommends that you select an electric toothbrush that has an oscillating head rather than one with a vibrating head. The oscillating version does a superior job of preventing gingivitis and getting rid of plaque.

Mouthwash

Selecting the best mouthwash from the huge variety available can be daunting. To ease this task, Dr. Beth Herko, an experienced dentist in New Providence NJ, recommends that you pick a mouthwash that has chlorine dioxide, chlorhexidine, menthol, essential oils, and thymol among its ingredients. These ingredients will help kill oral bacteria decrease the chance of bad breath.

If plaque and gingivitis have been giving you the runaround, then Dr. Andrea Ionescu recommends that you select a mouthwash having chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride among its ingredients. Fluoride also increases the germ-killing power of the mouthwash.

Toothpaste

Not any toothpaste will do if you are a senior, says Dr. Christopher Green. He recommends that if you have noticed bleeding from your gums, then a toothpaste with stannous fluoride is the best for you. If your main concern is tooth sensitivity, then a toothpaste having potassium nitrate will ease your symptoms over time.

You may have heard about charcoal toothpaste or different forms of natural toothpaste. The experts at Green Dental Care warn against these products since they may be either too abrasive or ineffective at removing plaque from your teeth.

Dental Floss

Dental floss sticks have become increasingly common, but Dr. Andrei Ionescu warns against them saying that they are less effective than traditional string floss. This is because the sticks don’t wrap around your teeth well. Additionally, the floss sticks aren’t eco-friendly because they increase the amount of plastic discarded in the environment.

When shopping, select thicker floss strings rather than thinner ones. The thin ones can easily slip between your teeth, but they don’t do a good job of removing the plaque and food particles trapped in those gaps.

If you would like to use a water flosser, find one that can deliver water at a pressure between 50 and 90 psi. This amount of pressure is sufficient to clean between your teeth without putting undue stress on your gum tissue.

With those six tips for selecting the basic dental hygiene products, most of your bases will be covered. All that is left is for you to pay Green Dental Care a visit. One of our exceptional Parker CO dentists will assess your oral health periodically so that timely treatment can be provided should anything go wrong. Like fine wine that gets better with age, you too can enjoy superb dental health for a lifetime!

Dental Health Changes with Age

dental health changes with age

Dental Health Changes with Age

dental health changes with age

While it is true that your dental health is likely to change as you age, it isn’t a given that as you grow older you will start to lose your teeth. Tooth loss has nothing to do with age but everything to do with diseases and other oral health problems. This article discusses some of the factors that may cause your oral health to change as you age and what you can do to preserve your oral health for your entire life.

Factors That Could Compromise Your Dental Health as You Age

Medication Increases the Risk for Dry Mouth

As you grow older, your risk for chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis increases. If any of those chronic diseases set in, you are likely to be placed on long-term use of different medications to manage that chronic disease that you are battling.

Dr. Christopher Green, a Parker CO dentist, explains that some of the medications prescribed to manage chronic diseases can cause dry mouth. This is a condition in which your salivary gland is unable to produce sufficient amounts of saliva.

When dry mouth sets in, you are more likely to develop a variety of oral health challenges since saliva that regulates the pH inside your mouth and flushes out bacteria is no longer available.

It is therefore advisable for you to work with your dentist in Parker CO to find ways to forestall the adverse effects of dry mouth before they set in if you are taking medication that causes dry mouth.

Changes in the Bony Substructure

As we grow older, our bones tend to become less dense and less strong. These changes can also be noticed in the dental structures. Dr. Andrei Ionescu points out that as the bony substructures change, your teeth may become crowded or develop occlusion problems. These problems can be dealt with at Green Dental Care, so keep in touch with your dentist in Parker CO as you go through these changes.

Gum Recession Can Set In

All the years of inadequate oral hygiene may eventually catch up with you as you age. As you advance in years, the accumulations of plaque and tartar beneath your gum line will eventually cause the gums to pull away from the teeth.

When this happens, the roots of the teeth will be exposed. As Dr. Christopher Green reveals, these roots are softer and are therefore more susceptible to decay. Many older people, therefore, battle with recurrent tooth infections arising from receded gums.

Your Immunity Gets Weaker

As you grow older, your immune system may no longer be as robust as it once was. Consequently, it will become harder for your body to fight off infections. Therefore, you are likely to develop oral infections more easily than you used to. This susceptibility is further compounded by dry mouth as discussed earlier.

How to Preserve Your Oral Health as You Grow Older

The experts at Green Dental Care in Parker CO recommend the following steps to help you preserve your oral health as you grow older.

Inspect Your Mouth Regularly

As already mentioned, many conditions can conspire to compromise your oral health as you grow older. Your first defense is to be vigilant and catch any problem early so that it can be corrected before it gets worse.

You can do this by inspecting your mouth regularly, such as once each week. For example, you can look at your mouth through a mirror and check if anything is unusual. If you see any lesions, cuts, discolorations or any other abnormality, contact Green Dental Care immediately so that our doctors can diagnose and treat the problem immediately.

Brush More Carefully

The weakened immune system of older people can heighten the risk of gum disease and other oral infections. Regular brushing and flossing can go a long way in reducing this risk.

Dr. Farhart, a dentist in Sterling Heights MI, emphasizes that you should be more meticulous when brushing in the evening before you go to bed because the hours spent sleeping are the times when saliva production is at its lowest.

If you didn’t brush well, oral bacteria may multiply rapidly while you sleep. This can cause all sorts of oral problems, such as gum infections, bad breath, and tooth decay.

A Balanced Diet is Key

You are what you eat, and this holds true even for your oral health. It is important for you to have a diet that is rich in all nutrients, like vitamins and minerals. This is so your body can have the building blocks it needs to keep you in peak oral and general health. When you follow a healthy diet, you will bounce back quickly from an infection. This is because there will be a sufficient supply of antioxidants to clear out the debris of microbes causing you to be unwell.

See Your Parker CO Dentist Regularly

The at-home efforts to keep your oral health at its best may not be sufficient if you don’t get professional dental services. In this regard, it is vital for you to visit Green Dental Care as often as recommended. This way the dental care team can check your oral health and treat any problem long before it becomes severe. These visits also provide an opportunity for you to get timely advice on what changes need to be made to your oral care routine in light of any changes that you are going through. An example is taking medication for a chronic condition that you have recently been diagnosed with.

While aging comes with its own set of challenges to your oral health, it is still possible to enjoy great dental health for a lifetime. Contact Green Dental Care to learn more about how we can be of help in preserving your oral health. Remember, you are never too old to undergo a needed procedure, whether it is cosmetic or restorative.

 

Treatments for Gum Disease

Periodontics-Gum-Disease-colorado

Treatments for Gum Disease

Periodontics-Gum-Disease-colorado

Gum disease refers to gum inflammation that gradually progresses to a level where the bone and other support tissues around your teeth become affected. Gum disease is identified by three clearly distinct stages (gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis). Research done by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) found that nearly half of all Americans aged 30 and above suffer from periodontitis. While the disease may be common, the doctors at Green Dental Care assert that the progression of this disease can be arrested at any stage. The following are some of the available treatments for gum disease.

Nonsurgical Treatment for Gum Disease

The first way to treat periodontitis involves a nonsurgical approach called scaling and root planing (SRP). This conservative treatment can be done by a hygienist at Green Dental Care or by either Dr. Christopher Green or Dr. Andrei Ionescu. 

The process entails scraping the surface of the teeth and the roots in order to remove any calculus (tartar) and plaque that has accumulated there. After scaling, the treated surfaces are smoothened so that there are no rough spots where bacteria can thrive.

Dr. Christopher Green, an experienced dentist in Parker CO, explains that more than one visit is normally needed to complete the SRP treatment. Have no worries about pain; a local anesthetic will ensure that you will hardly feel any discomfort while you are being treated.

After a few weeks, the Parker CO dentist will examine you to see how well you are healing. If everything is okay, no further treatment will be recommended. If you aren’t healing as expected, then additional SRP may be done or another treatment option may be tried.

Pocket Reduction Surgery

After scaling and root planing, if deep gingival pockets (the gaps between the gums and the teeth) remain, another step that may be taken is to schedule pocket reduction surgery. Dr. Andrei Ionescu, a dentist in Parker CO, explains this process. The gum tissue is folded back so that the bacteria hidden behind the flap is removed. The sections of the bone damaged by bacteria are also smoothed so that your gums can reattach to your teeth again.

Gum Graft Surgery

When periodontal disease advances, it can cause gum recession that makes the roots of your teeth to be exposed. Sensitivity and other problems result from this exposure.  To fix this situation, the team at Green Dental Care may perform gum graft surgery.

Dr. Kacos a dentist in Shreveport LA, explains that the gum tissue will be taken from elsewhere, such as from your palate, and placed on the most affected roots of your teeth. Your teeth will no longer be sensitive and root decay will be arrested by this surgical intervention.

Oral Care for Dentures

oral care for dentures

Oral Care for Dentures

oral care for dentures

The importance of keeping your mouth healthy doesn’t reduce once you lose some or all of your natural teeth and replace them with dentures (partial or full dentures). This article discusses some of the care suggestions made by the dental health professionals at Green Dental Care in Parker CO if you wear dentures.

Give the Dentures a Break

It is advisable for you to remove your dentures before you go to bed. This step is important because it allows your gums to recover and breathe while you sleep. Dr. Christopher Green, a dentist in Parker CO, cautions that people who don’t take out their dentures periodically experience a number of problems, like sore and irritated gums.

If you are unable to remove the dentures at night, for example, if you work at night, find an uninterrupted stretch of at least six hours to take a break from your dentures. Dr. Andrei Ionescu, a Parker CO dentist, explains that this time allows your gums to get a break and recover from any stress they may have suffered while the dentures were in place.

Soak Your Dentures

This may be surprising to someone inexperienced, but germs and plaque accumulate on dentures. The hours that you spend when you have taken out your dentures provide an excellent opportunity for you to soak those dentures in a cleaning solution. This will help kill any bacteria present. The doctors at Green Dental Care in Parker CO normally recommend that you use lukewarm (not hot) water and an effervescent tablet to clean your dentures. The effervescent tablet will get rid of any stains or food particles on the dentures and the water will keep the dentures pliable and ready to use when you need them.

As you clean your dentures, refrain from using toothpaste and your regular brush. Instead, use the cleaning products recommended by your Parker CO dentist since regular toothpaste and a normal toothbrush may be too abrasive for the material from which your dentures are made. If in doubt about the right products to use, contact Green Dental Care and you will be guided on what to use to keep the dentures clean. 

Clean Your Gums and Mouth

Once you have removed the dentures, Dr. Andrei Ionescu recommends that you clean any remaining teeth with the gums and mouth. If you wear partial dentures, brush your natural teeth as usual. Thereafter, take some gauze or a wet washcloth and use it to wipe your gums clean. You may also use an alcohol-free mouthwash to rinse your mouth to keep it smelling fresh.

Handle Your Dentures With Care

Dentures don’t come cheap, so you should do everything possible to protect them from damage. Parker CO dentists recommend that you fill your sink with water before you start cleaning the dentures. This is so if they drop, the impact is reduced since they will fall into the water in the sink.

Another option is to fold a towel and place it in the sink to cushion any fall. A bowl of water can also suffice if you aren’t using the sink while cleaning the dentures.

It is not advisable to use toothpicks and other such devices to clean your dentures because they may be damaged. Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown KY, also recommends that you never let your dentures dry out. Keep them in cool water each time you take them out.

See Your Dentist

Whether you have complete or partial dentures, you need to visit Green Dental Care once every six months or as frequently as Dr. Christopher Green recommends. During those visits, the Parker CO dentist will check the dentures to confirm that they are free from damage and are fitting properly. He will also examine your gums and overall oral health in order to catch any problems early. With the Green Dental Care team on your side, you will always step out with a confident smile each day!

5 Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

5 cosmetic dentistry procedures

5 Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

5 cosmetic dentistry procedures

You know that your dentist and good oral healthcare can help you to keep your teeth healthy and functional. But just how much do you know about what cosmetic dentistry can offer you? Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that offers a focus on the aesthetic improvement of your smile. While most cosmetic procedures are elective, there are some situations where the treatments can be considered to have restorative benefits.

Dr. Christopher Green and Dr. Ionescu, each considered to be the best dentist in Parker CO, can offer a range of cosmetic dentistry solutions to help you to achieve your aesthetic goals.

There are several cosmetic solutions you may benefit from. We’ve assembled a list of the top five popular cosmetic solutions to help you to get that white and bright smile that you deserve.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic procedures. Also known as teeth bleaching, this treatment can be done by using our take-home teeth whitening trays. While there are many over the counter teeth bleaching products, they are not always the safest and most effective way of getting the results that you’re hoping to achieve.

Our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, says whitening your teeth should be done only after your teeth have been cleaned professionally and thoroughly. Teeth can become stained from the foods and drinks we enjoy, and also sometimes from the medications that we take. In-office treatments can help you to see the results that you’re looking for.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers use a form of dental bonding to adhere thin ceramic shells to the natural teeth. Each of the veneers is custom-made to fit your teeth so that you are assured of the best fit. Veneers can resolve several cosmetic concerns, including cracked and damaged enamel, gaps between teeth, and crooked teeth.

Patients can use veneers to take their smile several shades whiter, which is often the reason patients opt for this cosmetic solution.

Replacing Older Fillings

Today’s dental solutions for cavities typically use tooth-colored fillings that are blended to match the shade of the natural tooth. Older style fillings were often made from metal and can prove to be very visible in your mouth when you smile. Replacing old metal fillings with white fillings is one of the quickest ways for you to transform your smile.

Implants, Permanent Solutions

Dental implants are a permanent replacement for the root of a tooth that has been extracted or lost. A titanium post is surgically inserted into the jaw, replacing the missing tooth. The post will serve as the anchor for a prosthetic tooth or a crown. Once the healthy bone in the jaw has fused to the implant, the implant is secured permanently. Implants should be cleaned just as you would clean your natural teeth, to keep your surrounding natural teeth healthy and to promote positive gum health.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Braces can help to resolve several concerns with bite and jaw alignment, but they can also offer cosmetic solutions for those who may have slightly misaligned teeth. Many adults opt to consider their orthodontic options once they have resolved other concerns with their teeth. There are several options, including discreet braces that are almost invisible once in place.

When visiting with a cosmetic dentist, Parker CO patients should take the time to ask the questions that will help them to make the right decisions to meet their cosmetic goals. Remember that cosmetic treatments cannot typically be considered until any functional concerns with the teeth have been addressed.

Preventing Dental Problems

preventing dental problems - Green Dental Care

Preventing Dental Problems

preventing dental problems - Green Dental Care

Clichés may be tired and overused, but there is often an element of truth to them. This is particularly true when considering “prevention is better than a cure.” When it comes to dental problems, there are certain treatment solutions for each issue. However, preventing dental problems from becoming an issue in the first place could save you a significant amount of time, money, and discomfort.

At Green Dental Care, we are always happy to offer you the best treatment solutions for any number of dental concerns. Dr. Christopher Green and Dr. Ionescu offer a compassionate touch that will help to put you at ease while restoring your beautiful smile. They also offer some great handy tips on preventing dental problems.

Don’t Forget to Brush Your Teeth

It should go without saying that brushing your teeth is one of the most effective tools you have to combat tooth decay and gum disease. You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, to help get rid of the food debris and bacteria that are responsible for decay and disease.

Our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, suggests using a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as it can offer added protection for fighting bacteria. She says that people who use fluoride toothpaste see an improvement in their overall oral health. 

Wait To Brush After Drinking Coffee

We need that cup of java to get our day started off right. However, it’s suggested that you wait at least 30 minutes after drinking your coffee before you brush your teeth. This is because coffee is very acidic and could result in damage to the teeth if you brush too soon after drinking that cup of joe. Of course, you should also avoid brushing after drinking orange juice too, but that’s only because of the shudder-inducing taste combinations.

Don’t Forget to Floss

Everyone knows that they should be brushing and flossing daily. But many simply skip the flossing part for one reason or another. Flossing is so important, however. It can help to remove food that gets stuck between your teeth, while also helping to remove buildups of plaque between the teeth and along the gum line. Brushing will get most of this, certainly. It won’t be able to get it all, however. 

Flossing, combined with a good brushing routine and the use of a good mouth wash will go a long way towards ensuring good oral health.

Considering the Foods You Eat

No matter how good your daily oral hygiene routine is, there are some foods and drinks that can contribute towards the breaking down of the enamel on your teeth. This can result in tooth decay, and may even result in the loss of teeth. Some of the things that you should skip or at least enjoy only in moderation include the following.

  • Sugar-filled sodas, as they can lead to excess acid that can impact the enamel. Even diet sodas are a concern.
  • Candy and other sugary treats aren’t the best in choice if your ultimate goal is to ensure a healthy mouth. There’s no need to avoid them completely if you want to indulge, but try to avoid candies that are sticky and chewy, as they can stick to your teeth much longer than other sweet treats. This can give the acid and bacteria more time to wear down your enamel.
  • Wines, both red and white, can have an impact on your teeth. Red wine, along with coffee and tea, can stain your teeth. White wine is much more acidic and can contribute towards the breakdown of the enamel. 
  • White bread, pasta, and other starch-filled foods can prove to be damaging due to your saliva breaking them down into sugars that can stick to your teeth. Whole wheat products are often the better option if you’re needing your carbs.

Keep your teeth healthy scheduling your dental appointments with the best dentist Parker CO. At Green Dental Care, we offer restorative solutions, cosmetic dentistry options to include veneers and teeth whitening. To learn more about our dental services, contact our dental office in Parker, CO.

 

Porcelain Veneers Procedure

porcelain veneers procedure - Green Dental Care

Porcelain Veneers Procedure

porcelain veneers procedure - Green Dental Care

Are you considering getting porcelain veneers? With advancements in cosmetic dentistry, today’s patients can expect an easy procedure that brings no discomfort. In just two visits to your Parker dentist office, you’ll be able to make your veneer dreams a reality with the best cosmetic dentist Parker, CO has to offer. The more you know about the process of getting veneers and the dental bonding process that is involved, the more confident that you will feel about your porcelain veneers procedure.

Veneer Basics

Dental veneers are very thin porcelain shells that are made to fit your teeth specifically. They can resolve several cosmetic concerns, including covering up gaps between teeth and disguising crooked teeth.

Veneers typically take two appointments at the office, with between one and two weeks apart. Patients can get veneers on just one tooth or on several teeth all at once.

The First Step: Preparing the Tooth

To ensure the right fit for your new veneers, your Parker CO dentist will have to examine your current smile. This will help to ensure that your overall bite is not altered.

As a part of preparing the tooth, your Parker, CO dentist, will examine any decay that needs to be addressed. Veneers cannot be bonded to teeth that require repair. Any cracks, cavities, or other damage to the tooth that could compromise it and allow decay in will need to be resolved. Some patients prefer to address any older fillings that are from metal and are very visible in the mouth. Replacing old metal fillings with white fillings not only helps with the aesthetics but can provide an opportunity to ensure the tooth is healthy. Veneers also tend to bond better to new composite fillings.

Getting the Right Shade of Veneers

If you are getting veneers on just a few of your teeth, you’ll find that the best cosmetic dentist Parker CO offers will use a shade guide to match your surrounding teeth. If you are getting an entire set of veneers, you’ll be able to select the white and bright shade that you best prefer.

According to cosmetic dentists in Parker, CO, Dr. Christopher Green, and Dr. Ionescu, the shade of the veneer can be adjusted when it is time to bond it to the teeth.

Taking Impressions

Once the tooth or teeth have been prepared, it’s now time to take an impression of the teeth and surrounding teeth and gums. This will help to ensure that you get the best fit once the veneers are in place. It’ll also help to ensure that your bite is maintained.

The impression will be taken typically using a tray with dental putty in it. It’ll sit in place for just a few minutes until it has set. Then it’ll be carefully removed. It’s this impression that will be sent to the lab, where they will make your new porcelain veneers.

Deciding Whether to Place Temporary Veneers

The turnaround for veneers is typically two weeks. Depending on how much of the tooth structure has been removed, you may not need temporary veneers. Prepared teeth will look and feel a little different, but some patients find that it doesn’t bother them enough to want temporary veneers.

You may feel a little bit of an increase in sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks at first.

Bonding Your Veneers

When your new porcelain veneers have been completed, they’ll be ready to be bonded onto the tooth or teeth. This will, of course, require a repeated visit to Green Dental Care. Your Parker dentist would remove temporary veneers if you opted for them.

The veneers will be placed onto the teeth, to evaluate the fit and the shade. If some trimming is needed, your Parker dentist will be able to do that so that you get the perfect fit. If some adjustment to the shade of the veneers is needed, your Parker dentist will take care of it so that your result will be a perfectly uniform smile.

Once you and your dentist are satisfied with the veneers, they will be bonded in place. Excess dental cement will be trimmed, and the cement will be cured, so it sets rapidly.

As the last step, your bite will be evaluated to confirm that the placement of your veneers hasn’t altered it. You are sure to love the immediate smile transformation offered by veneers.

As you can see, the porcelain veneers procedure is harmless! There’s nothing to worry about. So, are you ready to see how veneers can transform your smile? Contact Green Dental Care to schedule your consultation.

 

New Year Resolutions for Oral Hygiene

New Year resolutions for oral hygiene - Dental One Care

New Year Resolutions for Oral Hygiene

New Year resolutions for oral hygiene - Dental One Care

The New Year is the perfect time to start fresh. Whether you’re starting fresh with a healthy lifestyle or with well-deserved self-care, you should make improving your oral hygiene a priority. A dentist in Parker CO, Dr. Christopher Green, can offer dental appointments that’ll address any and all of the dental concerns that you are facing. Perhaps you’ve neglected your oral health over the past year? Perhaps you’re finally ready to take steps to undergo a number of cosmetic dentistry procedures like getting veneers? Dr. Christopher Green and Dr. Ionescu have some New Year resolutions for oral hygiene that you can use.

Brushing Your Teeth the Right Way

Even those who brush after every meal may not be brushing their teeth in the right way. Try to learn the correct ways of brushing your teeth so that you can brush them as effectively as possible. When brushing your teeth, make sure that you brush for at least two minutes. It’s important to brush each tooth thoroughly. The goal is to get rid of any plaque build-up and bacteria that’s accumulated since your last brush. If you’re not sure if you’re brushing your teeth right, ask your dental hygienist. They can help you to learn the best ways to brush your teeth.

Get to Flossing Between Your Teeth

At each visit and cleaning, your Parker dentist and dental hygienist will remind you to floss daily. However, the reality is that many patients simply don’t floss consistently or in the right way. If you are inconsistent with your flossing habits, make it your goal to floss more often. Flossing can help to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth, which can, in turn, help you to prevent cavities.

If you’re struggling with flossing, be sure to mention it at your next appointment with Dr. Green so that he can help you to figure out a way to make flossing easier for you.

Stay Hydrated, Drinking More Water

Our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, suggested drinking water as New Year resolution for oral health! He says drinking more water in order to keep your body hydrated and healthy is important, but there are other benefits too. This includes helping to keep your teeth strong. Water often contains fluoride, which can protect your teeth, clean your teeth, and help to ensure stronger, healthier teeth.

Water is also a much better option to drink versus soft drinks, sports drinks, and your favorite tea and coffee. Try to drink more water, and to cut down on those other beverages that are simply not as healthy of a choice for your oral health.

Keeping Your Semi-Annual Dental Checkups

Do you put off seeing your dentist in Parker, CO? Your six-month routine cleanings can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy by removing the plaque and tartar that you cannot remove with brushing and flossing alone. Your six-month dental examination is also a great opportunity for your Parker dentist to spot any concerns in their early stages.

Cosmetic Treatment Options

Green Dental Care has the best cosmetic dentist Parker CO has to offer. Whether you’re looking for dental bonding and veneers, crowns on your teeth, or you’re interested in replacing old metal fillings with white fillings, and you’ll find that we can offer you a solution that’ll work for you.

Now that you have a general idea of New Year resolutions for oral hygiene, you can decide which ones are best for you! Let us know what we can do to help. Don’t forget to call to book your appointment with Dr. Christopher Green or Dr. Andrei Ionescu. We can’t wait to see your smile!

Signs an Infection is Spreading

signs an infection is spreading

Signs an Infection is Spreading

signs an infection is spreading

It can be all too easy to ignore a minor irritation caused by an infection in the mouth. Your tooth may ache or your gums may look inflamed, but the pain may not yet be serious enough to seek out an appointment with Dr. Christopher Green. However, it’s important to never put off receiving dental services for any type of tooth infection. The infection could spread beyond the tooth, beyond the gums and into other parts of your body. Your health and your very life could be compromised, even if you never experience much by way of tooth pain.

To stay healthy and keep your mouth healthy, it’s important that you learn to recognize the symptoms of an infection that has started to spread beyond the tooth.

Understanding a tooth abscess

Just what is an abscess in your tooth? Put simply, it is a pocket of infection inside your tooth. While it can occur anywhere inside of the tooth, it is most often seen at the very tip of the root. There are typically some very clear indicators of an abscessed tooth, including the following.

  • A persistent toothache that intensifies
  • Rapid onset and extreme sensitivity to cold or hot
  • Sensitivity felt when biting or chewing 
  • Swelling on one side of the face
  • Seeing a pocket of pus, often taking on the appearance of a large pimple, on the gum line near the affected tooth
  • Swollen lymph nodes beneath the jaw

If you reach out for treatment in a timely manner, a tooth abscess may not get too severe. When you come in for emergency tooth repair, Dr. Green will drain the infection and may need to perform root canal therapy on the tooth.

Signs of a spreading infection

There are several signs that your infection is spreading beyond the abscess. If it ruptures, you may notice a sudden metallic or salty taste in your mouth. The pain may be relieved at this point, and it can be easy to think that the infection is no longer a concern. In reality, a rupture could just be one of the very first signs an infection that is spreading.

If the infection enters your bloodstream, this can lead to a serious condition known as sepsis.

Other signs an infection is spreading could include the following.

  • A general feeling of being unwell. You may have a persistent headache, pain in your jaw and you may also have an earache.
  • You may feel fatigued and dizzy.
  • You may develop a fever. Fever is your body’s response to an infection in the body. While a fever is a natural and normal response that can help you heal, if your temperature stays consistently over 101F, this could be a sign of sepsis developing.
  • Seeing swelling is a normal side effect of having an abscess. If it persists and the pain is unbearable, you need to seek out emergency treatment. Untreated swelling could start to impact your ability to breath and swallow.
  • Rapid heart and breathing rates are indicative of sepsis taking hold in your body. If this does happen, Dr. Green recommends that you seek out emergency medical treatment.
  • Stomach pain, accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea are very common when you’re struggling with sepsis, and can quickly further the dehydration that is common with sepsis.

Preventing the spread of infection

Dr. Kacos, a dentist from Shreveport’s Dentist, adds that there are several things that you can do to avoid developing an abscess. Perhaps the most important thing that you can do is to maintain good oral health habits, including the following.

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day
  • Use a good quality mouthwash
  • Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months
  • Visit your dentist, to keep up with your examinations and cleanings

Any signs of inflammation, sensitivity or swelling should be addressed as soon as you notice it. This will allow your dentist to prescribe antibiotics if needed, and to treat the infection before it is allowed to spread beyond the infected tooth.

If you have an abscess or tooth pain that you’d like to get relief from, call Green Dental Care to schedule your appointment.

How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist

how to choose a cosmetic dentist - Green Dental Care

How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist

how to choose a cosmetic dentist - Green Dental Care

These days, cosmetic dentistry has grown in popularity to the extent that a large number of people have either heard about or actually undergone a cosmetic dentistry procedure. With so many cosmetic dentists out there, the task of picking the best to transform your teeth and smile can be a daunting challenge. If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in Parker, CO, dental care experts at Green Dental Care, recommend the following.

Check Their Credentials

Your quest for the best cosmetic dentist should start by looking into the credentials. For example, is that dentist a member of a professional association for cosmetic dentists? For example, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry?

Dr. Christopher Green, the best dentist in Parker CO, has made a huge mark as a cosmetic and general dentist that he was even named among the top 40 under 40 by Incisal Magazine (the leading lifestyle magazine in dentistry). When you make Green Dental Care in Parker CO, your home for all your cosmetic dentistry needs, you will have selected one of the best professionals in the area.

Ask for Referrals

Our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, one of the top dentists in Georgetown, KY, says that asking around for referrals is a great option for choosing a cosmetic dentist. There is a high likelihood that someone in your social and professional circles has had a firsthand experience of undergoing a cosmetic dental procedure, such as getting dental veneers, undergoing teeth whitening, or even Invisalign. That friend, colleague, or family member will, therefore, point you in the right direction. That way, you don’t spend time and money trying out different cosmetic dentists.

Find Out What Services Are Offered

If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist, you must select one who offers a broad range of cosmetic and restorative services. This is important because you’ll want to get all the services in one place.

You wouldn’t want to be sent to different dental offices all over Colorado, right? Luckily, it’s much easier to find a cosmetic dentist online. All you have to do is to check their website and reviews.

At Green Dental Care, all the dental care needs of you and your entire family can be addressed whether you require restorative dentistry services (implants, bridges, and crowns, for example), general dentistry (root canals, TMJ treatment, and fillings, for example) or cosmetic dentistry (dental bonding, veneers, teeth whitening and Invisalign, for example).

Schedule a Meeting with Your Parker Dentist

It is always good to talk to the cosmetic dentist first. You can meet either in person or talk on the phone. This will achieve several things.

First, you will have a chance to ask and get answers to all your questions. 

It is important that you select a cosmetic dentist that you are comfortable with, and this discussion will give you a chance to evaluate whether their office is a good fit or not.

At Green Dental Care, Dr. Christopher Green is always happy to talk with potential or current patients. Take advantage of this open door. You will soon be convinced that we are the best providers of cosmetic dentistry services in Parker, CO.

Ask About Payment Options

As you may already know, cosmetic dentistry procedures are usually elective, so most dental care insurers don’t cover these procedures. It is, therefore, prudent for you to find out what type of payment they take. Whether the cosmetic dentist that you wish to select accepts credit cards and other forms of payment so that you can select the option that suits your needs.

At Green Dental Care, we even have an in-house Dental Savings Plan for people who have no insurance. Talk to us today and learn how this savings plan can help you and your family.

Don’t take chances with your smile. Cosmetic dentistry can produce remarkable transformations if done right. Dr. Christopher Green and the entire team have the skills and experience to offer all the services that you need. So, call today and schedule a consultation.