Is Gum Disease Reversible?

Is Gum Disease Reversible?

Is Gum Disease Reversible?

Is Gum Disease Reversible?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, affects millions of people in the United States every year. It can cause bad breath, loose teeth, and even tooth loss if it is left untreated. But the good news is that gum disease is reversible if caught in its early stages. Here’s what you need to know about gum disease and how to reverse it.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease develops when plaque builds up on teeth and gums, not effectively removed by regular brushing and flossing. The bacteria in the plaque irritates and inflames the gums, leading to infection. Untreated, this infection can worsen and spread to other parts of your mouth and jawbone. This can lead to more serious dental problems such as tooth decay or even total tooth loss.

Reversing Gum Disease

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reverse gum disease before it becomes a bigger problem. Start by practicing good oral hygiene: brush for two minutes twice a day and floss at least once daily. Regular dental check-ups ensure professional cleanings to remove any built-up plaque since your last visit. At these visits, your dentist may recommend treatments like scaling and root planing to remove deep-seated plaque below the gumline.

In more severe cases of gum disease, a periodontist—a specialized type of dentist near you—may recommend surgical options such as pocket depth reduction or flap surgery to remove infected tissue from around the teeth or gums. These procedures help reduce bacterial buildup so that healthy tissue can start growing again in its place.

Contact Green Dental Care Today!

With proper care, gum disease can be reversed before causing severe damage like tooth loss or decay, offering a positive outcome. At Green Dental Care here in Parker CO we believe prevention is key when it comes to reversing gum disease which is why we always stress regular dental checkups so we can spot any potential issues early on and treat them accordingly before they become larger issues down the road. If you think you may have an issue with your gums don’t hesitate – contact us today! We’re here to help!

Why Does My Breath Smell?

Dentist Parker CO

Why Does My Breath Smell?

Dentist Parker CO

Why Does My Breath Smell?

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be a very embarrassing problem. It’s estimated that up to 50 percent of the population has bad breath at one time or another. The main causes of bad breath are poor oral hygiene and gum disease. However, there are other possible causes of bad breath, such as certain foods, tobacco use, sinus infections, dry mouth, and certain medical conditions.

Do You Have Bad Breath?

If you’re concerned about bad breath, the first step is to visit your Parker CO dentist or primary care doctor for an evaluation. They can determine if the cause is due to a dental problem or a more serious medical condition. There are also over-the-counter products available that can help with bad breath. Improving your oral hygiene habits is the most effective way to prevent and treat bad breath.

Here Are Some Tips For Improving Your Oral Hygiene and Preventing Bad Breath:

– Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the front, back, and tongue. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
– Floss daily. Flossing removes plaque from areas between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach.
– Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash daily. This will help remove food particles and plaque from your teeth and gums.
– Eat healthy foods and avoid sugary snacks. A healthy diet helps keep your teeth and gums healthy.
– Quit smoking or using tobacco products. Tobacco use is a leading cause of bad breath.
– Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help keep your mouth moist and prevent bacteria from growing.
– See your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. Your dentist can identify early signs of gum disease and other dental problems that may cause bad breath.

 

Bad breath can be embarrassing and frustrating, but there are things you can do to prevent it. Be sure to visit your dentist near you regularly for professional cleanings and checkups so they can identify any early signs of dental problems that may cause bad breath. Improving your oral hygiene habits is the most effective way to prevent and treat halitosis.

Contact Green Dental Care Today!

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be embarrassing and frustrating. In some cases, it may be an indication of a more serious dental problem. If you are concerned about your bad breath, contact Green Dental Care today. Our team of experienced dentists in Parker CO can help to identify the cause of your bad breath and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. We understand how important it is to maintain fresh breath, and we will work with you to find a solution that meets your needs. Schedule an appointment today, and let us help you get your confidence back.

Guide To Emergency Dental Care

Guide To Emergency Dental Care

Guide To Emergency Dental Care

Guide To Emergency Dental Care

Top Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can cause a lot of pain, discomfort, swelling. They can lead to more significant dental concerns down the road. But what is considered a dental emergency? Green Dental Care in Parker CO  has set up a guide to emergency dental care. Common dental emergencies include knocked-out teeth, swollen gums or gum irritation, and tooth abscess. When you experience any of these dental emergencies, it’s important to see your Parker CO emergency dentist right away. Emergency dental care can help relieve your pain immediately.  Dr. Green and the team will work with you to help prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. Our goal is to help you avoid any more serious dental problems. So if you’re ever unsure whether or not you’re experiencing a dental emergency, Green Dental Care in Parker Co is your go-to Emergency Dental Care provider.

A Knocked-Out Tooth

If you have a dental emergency, it is important to seek treatment immediately. This is especially true if you have knocked out a tooth. When a tooth is knocked out, the root of the tooth is usually damaged as well. This can make it difficult for the tooth to reattach itself or heal properly. In addition, the loss of a tooth can cause other teeth to shift out of place. As a result, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible after a tooth has been knocked out. They will be able to assess the damage and provide you with the necessary treatment.

Swelling In The Gums Or Gum Irritation   

While occasional gum irritation is not usually caused for concern, persistent bleeding gums can be a sign of a dental or health issue. For instance, extreme dental inflammation and discomfort can point to an infection in the gums or teeth. In addition, our friends at 4th Street Family Dentistry agree that undetected dental conditions such as cavities can also lead to bleeding gums. 

Therefore, if you are experiencing bleeding gums that do not seem to be resolving on their own, it is important to seek professional dental care right away. Dr. Green will be able to evaluate your symptoms and determine whether further testing or treatment is necessary in order to address the underlying cause of your bleeding gums. With prompt attention and effective care, it is possible to resolve this common dental issue and prevent further complications down the road.

Tooth Abscessed

A tooth abscess is a serious dental condition that occurs when a pocket of infection forms within the tooth. Symptoms of a tooth abscess may include fever, sensitivity to hot and cold, persistent dental pain, swelling in the face and jaw, as well as a pimple-like bump on the gums around the infected tooth.  For this reason, it is important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect that you may have a dental tooth abscess. Your dentist will be able to perform an examination and may prescribe antibiotics or other treatments to help contain and eliminate this infection. You can recover from a dental abscess and protect your overall dental health with proper care.

Contact Green Dental Care Today!

At Green Dental Care, our top priority is providing you with the dental care that you need. Whether you are dealing with a dental emergency or simply looking for routine dental care, we are here to help. Our experienced dental team understands how important your oral health is to your overall well-being and we work tirelessly to ensure that all of our patients receive the highest quality dental care possible. Whether you are facing a dental issue that needs immediate attention or would just like to schedule an appointment for routine dental care, contact Green Dental Care today. Let us help you achieve optimal dental wellness. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

 

Types of Pain to Bring Up To Your Dentist

types of pain to bring up to your dentist

Types of Pain to Bring Up To Your Dentist

Best Treatments For Teeth Sensitivity

People who have ever experienced severe tooth pain will agree that it is hard to find any experience that is as bad as a painful tooth. The pain just constantly bothers you. Even worse, it makes eating and sleeping near-impossible. While some forms of pain may not amount to much, other types could point to a more serious issue. Therefore, it is important for you to alert your Parker CO dentist at Green Dental Care if you experience any of the following kinds of pain.

Pain After You Undergo a Dental Procedure

You may be surprised to hear that there is usually no cause for alarm when you experience some discomfort or even pain after you have undergone an invasive dental procedure, such as oral surgery or tooth extraction.

However, Dr. Christopher Green, explains that there is nothing usual about severe pain in the aftermath of your procedure. After all, dental services are primarily intended to make you enjoy better oral health rather than cause you pain. Such severe or persistent pain could be a pointer to a post-procedure complication.

It is therefore crucial that you talk to the Parker CO dentist about what sort of discomfort or pain is associated with the procedure that you are about to undergo. It also important to talk about the typical recovery time for such dental treatments.

Once you experience pain that differs in severity and duration from what you were told to expect, immediately get in touch with Green Dental Care so that our doctors can examine you for dental infections or any other anomalies that could be the cause.

Jaw Pain When You Awaken

Fact: Many people suffer from bruxism and they remain unaware of this problem until they share a room with someone who notices the habit and alerts the sufferer. Over time, teeth grinding has the potential to create serious problems. One problem is making your teeth wear out prematurely. Jaw problems, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, and pain can also result when teeth grinding isn’t addressed.

If you have problems having a good night’s sleep or you get up feeling jaw pain, speak to your dentist in Parker CO. Teeth grinding may be responsible for your symptoms.

Note that not everyone who has difficulty sleeping or wakes up with a painful jaw grinds their teeth. Therefore, don’t rush to any conclusions until a professional at Green Dental Care has assessed and confirmed the underlying cause of your symptoms. Only then will a lasting remedy be recommended.

Chronic Tooth Pain

The human body has an astounding ability to acclimate or get used to abnormalities that persist. For example, people soon forget that the persistent mild pain they feel is unusual. Eventually, that pain soon becomes an integral part of them. When this happens, they don’t see it as abnormal or even notice it at the conscious level of their mind.

Don’t let pain become a part of you. If you experience persisting tooth pain, tell your dental care professional at Green Dental Care. Many factors could trigger ongoing tooth pain. These include tooth abscess, foreign items between your teeth or in your gum, tooth decay, tooth fractures, and many other defects. The only way to be certain about the cause of your chronic tooth pain is by seeing the best dentist in Parker CO for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Are you concerned about pain whose cause you are unable to pinpoint? Our dentists have the necessary skills and experience to quickly get to the bottom of that pain. Contact Green Dental Care today and schedule an appointment to prevent worsening the problem. This way your situation doesn’t get to the point of costing you your tooth or compromising the quality of your life.

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.

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.

 

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.

Foods to Avoid with Veneers

foods to avoid with veneers - green dental care

Foods to Avoid with Veneers

foods to avoid with veneers - green dental care

You may need dental veneers if your natural teeth have gaps, have become discolored, are chipped, worn down, or have an awkward shape. Dr. Christopher Green, the best dentist in Parker CO, has ample experience in providing veneers to patients. So, visit Green Dental Care in Parker, CO, if you would like to improve the appearance of your smile or protect mildly damaged teeth from further deterioration. As a way of preparing you to transform your smile using dental veneers, we have compiled the following information about the dietary choices that you are advised to keep in mind so that your veneers can last for as long as possible.

Temporary Veneers

In most cases, permanent veneers are made at an external dental lab. Since this process takes approximately 2-3 weeks, Dr. Green cannot allow you to leave without giving you protection while you wait for the permanent veneers to be made. In the interim, you will leave the Green Dental Care office in Parker, CO, with temporary veneers.

Foods to Avoid If You Have Temporary Veneers

Temporary veneers are made to last for only a short while until you can get your permanent veneers. For this reason, Dr. Christopher Green, the best dentist in Parker CO, will attach these temporaries to your teeth using temporary cement. When this temporary cement is exposed to high levels of stress, it can give way, and the veneers may drop off. So, we recommend that you refrain from eating the following foods during the time when these temporary veneers are in place:

  • Tough meats
  • Toasted or crusty bread
  • Hard foods, such as raw vegetables, candy, popcorn, ice, etc.
  • Pigmented drinks, such as coffee, ketchup, berries, red wine, colas, tomatoes, tea, etc.
  • Sticky foods, such as caramels and taffy

Foods You Can Eat If You Have Temporary Veneers

You don’t have to be on tenterhooks each time you are eating or drinking with temporary veneers on your teeth because there are foods that are perfectly safe to eat with temporary veneers. The Parker CO dentist recommends foods that are soft and won’t stain the veneers. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Eggs
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Pasta
  • Soft bread
  • Bananas
  • Chicken
  • Soft canned food

Permanent Veneers

While temporary veneers aren’t built to last, permanent veneers are made from carefully selected materials that will last for long. For example, high-grade porcelain can last for up to two decades, and it resists staining quite well. Permanent veneers aren’t easily damaged, so your dietary options will widen once the temporaries are removed and replaced with the permanent veneers. However, permanent veneers aren’t indestructible, so care needs to be taken to avoid the foods that could damage these veneers. Those foods and habits include:

  • Dark liquids, such as red wine and coffee, should only be taken in moderation since they have the potential to stain your permanent veneers eventually.
  • Extremely hard foods, such as popcorn kernels and hard nuts
  • Alcoholic beverages can gradually damage the cement used to attach the veneers onto your teeth, so Parker CO’s best dentist recommends that you limit your alcohol intake.
  • Tobacco products can deliver a double whammy to your teeth and dental veneers. For example, tobacco has chemicals that can react with and loosen the bonding material used to affix your veneers. Secondly, tobacco (whether in cigarettes, snuff, chewing tobacco, or any other related product) will cause your veneers to become discolored. Staying away from tobacco products is, therefore, your best bet to long-lasting and esthetically appealing veneers.

Taking Care of Your Dental Veneers

It goes without saying that the above are only recommendations, and the degree to which each patient implements them will vary — for example, many people like drinking pigmented drinks, such as coffee or red wine. To limit the detrimental effects of these drinks, our friend Dr. Brian Leeson, a dentist in St. Petersburg, Fl, recommends that you rinse your mouth with plain water immediately after consuming dark liquids or berries. You can then wait for half an hour and brush your teeth. The point in taking these steps is that you will reduce the amount of time that those pigmented substances remain in contact with your teeth, so the likelihood of staining will reduce. Taking these drinks with a straw can also reduce how much contact happens between the drink and your teeth or veneers.

It is also a good habit to cut all your food into small pieces and chew it slowly. This will reduce the amount of stress to which your teeth and veneers are exposed. If you can’t resist eating particularly hard food, such as tough meat, cut it into small pieces as recommended earlier. You can chew it using your back teeth since these are designed for that task, and most veneers are placed on the front teeth (for aesthetic purposes).

If you are careful, your dental veneers will last a long time. Contact us at Green Dental Care if you have any questions about getting dental veneers. Our experienced team will give you all the answers that you need to make an informed decision.

Tooth-Friendly Holiday Treats

tooth-friendly holiday treats - Green Dental Care

Tooth-Friendly Holiday Treats

tooth-friendly holiday treats - Green Dental Care

The amount of sugar that you and your family consume plays a key role in dental health problems. The amount of sugar consumed on a daily basis often shoots up dramatically over the holiday season, and that in turn triggers a range of dental problems, such as cavities and gum infections. This year, Green Dental Care in Parker, CO, would like you and your family to enjoy the holidays, but we strongly encourage you to eat healthy snacks and meals. Here are some tooth-friendly holiday treats that you can be on the lookout this holiday season.

Gingerbread

Most sugar cookies have a huge load of added sugar, but you can opt for gingerbread. Typically, gingerbread requires less than half a cup of sugar. Dr. Christopher Green, the best dentist in Parker, CO, explains that gingerbread cookies have a lot of fiber, which is good for your overall health.

Almond Cookies

The dental care experts at Green Dental Care point out that almonds are great for your health. For this reason, you should consider trying out cookie recipes that contain almonds. Almond-based cookies are great for your health and contain a lot less sugar than other cookies.

Pumpkin Pies

Pumpkin pies, a common treat during the holidays, can be one of the healthiest snacks that your family can enjoy! Only as long as you set aside the whipped cream. Pumpkin pies contain lots of fiber. To make sure you’re sticking to tooth-friendly holiday treats, the dental health professionals at Green Dental Care recommend that you make your own pumpkin pies at home. That way, you can decide how much sugar you add. 

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Our friend, Dr. Tim Lyons, an orthodontist in Fair Oaks, CA, recommends chocolate-covered holidays because what would the holidays be without the color red? Hard to imagine! Well, your family can get all the red they need in strawberries. These berries have a huge load of nutrients, especially vitamins. Strawberries are the perfect healthy snack for the whole family! If you want something sweeter, try dipping your strawberries in dark chocolate! Dark chocolate is an excellent source of antioxidants.

Tweak the Holiday Meals Too

Let’s not forget that choosing healthy meals are just as important. It’s difficult during the holidays because so many of our favorite dishes contain high sodium and sugar. For example, Dr. Christopher Green singles out sweet potato recipes as typically containing marshmallows and caramelized brown sugar. To make such recipes more tooth-friendly, avoid adding the marshmallows or the caramelized brown sugar to keep the meal tasty but having less sugar.

Cranberry sauce can also be a good ingredient to use in your holiday meals, especially if you use it in a low-sugar recipe. Cranberries are good for the teeth because they kill oral bacteria, thereby keeping cavities and periodontal disease at bay.

Moderation is Key

Dr. Christopher Green, a Parker CO dentist, wants you to keep one more thing in mind during the holidays. Moderation is necessary. Since the consumption of large amounts of low-sugar treats can also have a detrimental effect on your dental and overall health. Once the holidays are over, visit Green Dental Care. Dr. Christopher Green will assess your dental health and fix any dental problems that developed during the holidays.