Common Causes of Cavities

The Common Causes of Cavities: A Dentist’s Insight

Cavities are a common dental problem that affects both adults and children. They are caused by the decay of the tooth enamel, which is the tough, outer layer of the teeth. Cavities can occur when plaque builds up on the teeth, which can destroy the enamel if left untreated. While cavities are common, there are many different factors that can contribute to their development. This blog post explores the common causes of cavities, in order to help adults find a dentist in Parker, Colorado, who can provide treatment and preventive care.

Poor dental hygiene

Poor dental hygiene is one of the primary causes of cavities. Not brushing teeth regularly, skipping flossing, and not using mouthwash can cause plaque to build up on teeth, which can lead to cavities. To prevent cavities, it is important to brush teeth at least twice a day, floss daily and use mouthwash to help remove plaque and food particles from teeth.

Sugary and acidic foods and beverages

Foods and beverages that are high in sugar and acid can be damaging to the teeth. When sugars and acid mix with the bacteria in dental plaque, they can combine to create acids that can destroy the enamel of the tooth, leading to cavities. To reduce the risk of cavities, limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages.

Dry mouth

People who suffer from dry mouth due to medications or medical conditions have a higher risk of cavities. The lack of saliva makes it easier for bacteria to grow in the mouth, leading to tooth decay. To help prevent cavities, drink plenty of water throughout the day, chew sugar-free gum, and use over-the-counter dry mouth remedies.

Genetics

Some people are born with a higher risk of cavities due to genetic factors. If you have a family history of dental cavities, it is important to pay extra attention to your oral health to prevent cavities from developing.

Aging

As we age, our teeth become more susceptible to cavities. This is due to a variety of factors, including receding gums, a decrease in saliva production, and a decrease in the mineral content of the enamel. To reduce the risk of cavities as you age, it is essential to continue practicing good oral hygiene and visiting a dentist regularly.

Preventing cavities requires consistent dental care, healthy eating habits, and avoiding factors that contribute to tooth decay. Proper brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can help remove plaque and food particles from teeth while limiting sugary and acidic foods and beverages. If you have a dry mouth, drink plenty of water throughout the day, use over-the-counter dry mouth remedies, and chew sugar-free gum. Finally, to reduce the risk of cavities as you age, continue practicing good oral hygiene and visiting a dentist regularly.

Our dental team at Green Dental Care in Parker, Colorado, will be happy to help you learn more about preventing cavities and other dental problems. To schedule an appointment or find out more information, please feel free to contact us today!

Dental Sedation for Adults

A Guide to Overcoming Fear and Anxiety at the Dentist

For many adults, the thought of going to the dentist can be anxiety-inducing. Perhaps you had a negative experience in the past or the drilling sounds and needle pricks make you uneasy. You are not alone, and fortunately, there is a solution to help you feel relaxed and comfortable at the dentist – dental sedation for adults. At Green Dental Care in Parker, Colorado, we offer several types of sedation to help our patients overcome their dental fears and receive the treatment they need for optimal oral health.

Understanding Dental Sedation

Dental sedation involves the use of medication to help you feel calm and relaxed during dental procedures. The three types of sedation we offer include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation (pills), and intravenous (IV) sedation. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask, while oral sedation and IV sedation are taken orally or injected into the bloodstream, respectively.

Who Can Benefit from Dental Sedation?

Sedation dentistry is not just for those with severe dental anxiety, but it also benefits patients with dental phobia, a sensitive gag reflex, physical limitations or disabilities that make it difficult to sit still for long periods, or the need for extensive dental work. Dental sedation can also help reduce the number of appointments needed to complete treatment, which is valuable for patients with busy schedules.

The Benefits of Dental Sedation

The primary benefit of dental sedation is that it helps patients feel relaxed and comfortable during their dental procedure. Other benefits include reducing muscle tension, minimizing pain, and making it easier for the dentist to perform the necessary procedures. Sedation dentistry can also help reduce the patient’s post-operative discomfort and enable them to return to their daily activities promptly.

The Safety of Dental Sedation

Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective solution for patients with dental anxiety. Our skilled dental team will thoroughly evaluate your medical history and assess your suitability for sedation. During the procedure, we continuously monitor the patient’s vital signs and adjust the sedation level as needed. Even patients with underlying medical conditions have found dental sedation to be safe and effective.

Post-Sedation Care

After the procedure is complete, patients may experience drowsiness and require some recovery time. Patients are advised not to operate machinery or drive for several hours after sedation. The effects of the sedation can last beyond the appointment, and patients should avoid drinking alcohol or taking sedatives until the effects completely wear off.

There is no need to feel uneasy or nervous about your next dental appointment. Dental sedation is a safe and effective solution for patients with dental anxiety, phobia, or any physical limitations. Green Dental Care in Parker, Colorado offers multiple types of sedation to meet our patients’ needs. Say goodbye to dental anxiety, and say hello to a confident and healthy smile. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment and learn more about dental sedation for adults.

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Will A Root Canal Save My Tooth

Parker, Colorado

When Is A Root Canal Needed?

If you’ve been told by your dentist in Parker Colorado that you need a root canal, you might be feeling anxious. Many people worry about the procedure, but it can actually help save your tooth and alleviate the pain! Let’s discuss what a root canal is and how it can help restore your oral health.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal removes the tooth nerve and clears out accumulated bacteria. This bacteria is usually caused by deep cavities or trauma to the tooth, both of which can lead to decay and infection. Removing the nerve and bacteria is crucial to prevent infection or damage to nearby teeth. After removing the infected material, your dentist fills the space with gutta-percha or dental cement. This process helps seal off any remaining bacteria from re-entering the tooth and causing further harm.

Benefits Of A Root Canal

A root canal preserves your natural tooth, preventing loss due to decay or infection. A root canal can also ease pain from an infected nerve in the affected area. A root canal safeguards nearby teeth from damage caused by spreading infection or decay, benefiting the overall dental health.

Why Do I Need A Root Canal?

If not treated, an infected or damaged tooth can cause severe pain as well as swelling around the affected area. In some cases, completing a root canal first is necessary for stopping these symptoms, even when antibiotics alone cannot suffice. Untreated, an infected tooth may lead to complications like bone loss or drainage into the neck or face, forming an abscess. All of these issues can be avoided with prompt treatment from a root canal procedure at your local Parker Colorado dentist office.

Root canals are an important part of maintaining good oral health and preventing more serious issues from occurring down the line. Modern dental technology has made root canal procedures more comfortable, dispelling misconceptions about them being painful. If you think you may need a root canal in Parker Colorado, contact Green Dental Care today for an examination and consultation on whether this procedure is right for you! Our qualified professionals aim to promptly restore your optimal oral health.

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Why Does My Toothache

Is your tooth hurting? It’s easy to dismiss short, transitory sensations, yet not all bursts of anguish go away soon. Many people only think of visiting their dentist in Parker CO when a toothache continues and disrupts their daily routine. However, what is causing your tooth pain — and why does it hurt so much more in some circumstances than in others? Below, our emergency dentist Parker CO answers the question, “Why does my toothache?”

Common Causes of Toothaches

Toothaches can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from the all-too-common sensitivity and cavities. Also, there can be more serious issues such as an accident or a growing abscess. Knowing why your toothaches are the first step in diagnosing, treating, and preventing future problems. This also informs your Parker CO dentist not just of the problem, but also of how to prevent it from deteriorating and, eventually, save your tooth.

Here are the most prevalent reasons for a toothache, as well as every reason why you should have a dependable emergency dentist on hand.

Cavities and Deterioration of the Teeth

Cavities can easily be avoided by brushing and flossing on a regular basis. For many people, however, it takes a cavity or, in the worst-case scenario, the onset of tooth decay before they begin to take oral hygiene and dental care seriously.

Our dentist office in Parker CO explains that what begins as a cavity that damages the enamel of a tooth progresses to destroy the dentine, producing pain and sensitivity. Severe tooth decay occurs when decay penetrates the pulp, or the interior layer of the tooth, causing a strong toothache that necessitates immediate dental care.

Gum Disease

Emergency dentist near me recognize and treat the most common symptoms of gum disease, such as inflammation, redness, and bleeding, which are frequently accompanied by toothaches. Prolonging treatment can result in serious gum destruction, eventually reaching the jawbone. Get your gums checked as soon as possible to remove harmful germs and prevent future damage.

Teeth With Cracks and Chips

There’s no denying oral injuries and damaged teeth pain. Accidents, sports, and biting down on difficult-to-chew foods and even inedible items are all major causes of these injuries. All of these necessitate immediate dental care, especially if the fracture extends to the nerve endings in the center of the tooth. We will use our high-tech intraoral camera to assess your crack or chip.

If you don’t have a toothache, that doesn’t mean you don’t have a fracture. Regular visits to your dentist will help them to discover and treat minor cracks before they get larger.

Missing Dental Fillings

These restorative treatments are intended to safeguard the most vulnerable regions of your teeth. When they are broken, you run the risk of being exposed to food particles, pressure, and bacteria. Tell your dentist if you have dental fillings and are experiencing pain or sensitivity when chewing, as these are common symptoms of deterioration that must be addressed immediately soon.

Grinding of the Teeth

Teeth grinding can cause toothache as well as pain in the jaw, neck, and other muscles. People who grind their teeth, on the other hand, are generally unaware of it because it happens while they sleep. If you’ve recently been told that you grind your teeth while sleeping, talk to your dentist about getting a tailored mouth guard to avoid grinding, toothaches, and potential tooth damage.

Inadequate Brushing and Flossing Method

When brushing your teeth, our dentist advises using gentle, circular strokes to remove food particles and plaque buildup. More forceful activity does not ensure a thorough clean, but it will certainly produce gum bleeding. Excessive pressure can cause the gums to shrink and harm the teeth over time.

Sensitivity of the Teeth

Do you get severe pain in your teeth when you eat or drink something hot or cold? This suggests teeth sensitivity, especially to high temperatures. If you ignore this condition and continue to consume excessively hot and cold items in large quantities and too quickly, it might destroy your teeth’ enamel and expose the dentine. As a result, your teeth’ nerve endings will become even more sensitive when they come into contact with almost everything.

Dental Abscess

This is what occurs when simple dental issues are ignored. A dental abscess can develop as a result of severe cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. An abscess is a collection of pus inside a broken tooth or along the gum line.

It begins with an untreated bacterial infection that collects in the soft pulp of the tooth, necessitating a root canal or, worse, tooth extraction to treat and avoid harm to neighboring teeth. Don’t ignore typical symptoms like extreme pain and swelling; instead, seek care from an emergency dentist straight immediately.

Contact Our Emergency Dentist in Parker CO Today

If you’re in pain, please don’t wait to seek treatment! Our emergency dentist in Parker CO is here for you. Contact our team today.

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