Dr. West's Boulder Dental Blog

Colorado is known for its beautiful smiles, and our local Lafayette community is no exception. Keeping your teeth clean is an important factor in maintaining your beautiful Lafayette smile. One of the benefits of regularly visiting your local Lafayette Colorado dentist is a thorough teeth cleaning and a review of your brushing habits.

Our Lafayette dental hygienist helps you keep your teeth clean by assessing the condition of your teeth, and recommending improvements to your daily teeth cleaning habits. Our Lafayette oral hygienist can also professionally clean and polish your teeth at your regular Lafayette dental check up. You should schedule a regular dental check up every six months.

I am Dr. Gordon West DDS, and I work at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry located in the state of Colorado. We specialize in cosmetic dentistry in the Lafayette Colorado community, including the surrounding areas of Longmont and Louisville.

Cleaning your teeth in Colorado is the simple task of removing plaque (a sticky deposit that gets left on teeth in which bacteria thrives) and tartar (a calcium deposit that forms on teeth and aids in tooth decay). This is done by brushing regularly with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and flossing. Brushing and flossing at least twice each day can keep plaque and tartar from building up on your teeth and results in cleaner, healthier teeth. A regular visit to your local Lafayette dental hygienist will help you stay on top of problems that can go unseen.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your local Lafayette, Colorado dentist at least once every 6 months for a regular dental check up and teeth cleaning. These regular visits to your Colorado dentist potentially prevent the undetected development of problems that can occur from neglecting to clean your teeth.

To keep that beautiful Lafayette Colorado smile in good shape, come in for a dental check up and teeth cleaning.

Call Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Lafayette Colorado to make an appointment. You can reach us right now at 303-665-5335.

Dr. Gordon West

Are you one of the many Lafayette TMJ sufferers? If you are affected by Temporomandibular joint or TMJ disorder, you know how the pain and discomfort can impact your life. Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry TMJ treatment in the Boulder area has helped countless grateful Lafayette TMJ patients manage their TMJ disorder.

The Temporomandibular or jaw joint connects the lower jaw bone to the skull. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include jaw and facial pain, headaches, earaches, neck pain and chewing difficulty. TMJ disease is often associated with jaw clicking, locking or clenching, and can cause tooth damage and bone loss.

Many Longmont, Louisville and Broomfield TMJ patients first sought a possible TMJ diagnosis after trying unsuccessfully to relieve their frequent headaches. Since opening Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry in 1998, we have discovered that many people do not realize they have TMJ disorder because it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing the pain. A Colorado TMJ specialist can properly diagnose your specific TMJ issues and recommend an effective course of action.

Because a comprehensive treatment plan is most successful, we work hand-in-hand with a network of Boulder TMJ specialists including ENT doctors, neurologists and physical therapists. There are many facets to this often misunderstood disorder. If you are suffering from jaw pain, we recommend a consultation with Dr. Gordon West at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Lafayette.

Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry

1140 West S. Boulder Rd, Suite 201

Lafayette, Colorado 80026

303-665-5335

At Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry, we take jaw pain seriously.

Hi, I’m dentist Dr. Gordon West, DDS. Most every day, I can be found at my Lafayette area dental office treating dental patients with tooth and gum problems or helping patients prevent them. There are many common medical conditions that pose a risk to oral health.

1) Lafayette diabetes patients with high blood glucose often have a higher risk of dental issues. If you have diabetes, let’s talk. My number is 303-665-5335.

2) A persistent dry mouth due to an inadequate amount of saliva can accelerate tooth decay, cause or contribute to gum disease, and trigger chronic bad breath. Many medications used by thousands of Longmont and Louisville folks, including those for high-blood pressure and depression, cause dry mouth. This side effect is not only unpleasant, it is dangerous. Anti-depressants (especially SSRI’s) and anti-psychotic drugs can also trigger tooth-grinding (bruxism).

3) Acid reflux in children and adults is associated with a host of dental problems such as decay and periodontal disease.

I help many Colorado dental patients prevent problems associated with medical conditions that sometimes seem unrelated to dental health. Regular professional dental care is essential for oral health, and an important part of your overall physical health.

http://www.BoulderCountySmiles.com

For years, the American Academy of Pediatrics advised Boulder parents to begin children’s dentist visits before the third birthday. The AAP now advises parents to take their toddler to a Colorado dentist before their first birthday, or about six months after their first tooth appears.

Why? Prevention, prevention, prevention! Sadly, Longmont dentists find advanced tooth decay in very young children.

High-risk children should be seen as early as possible. Following are some of the risk factors:

• Sleeping with a bottle
• Drinking juice continually during the day
• Abnormal tooth development
• Thumb sucking
• Tooth grinding
• A mother with significant tooth decay
• Other health problems

To talk to us about pediatric dentistry, call 303-665-5335. Dr. Gordon West at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry can advise you on your next steps for your pediatric dentistry. We also pamper busy Lafayette parents who come to Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry for general and cosmetic dentistry. If you are between the ages of 25 and 75, we would love to provide you with the most advanced dental care in Lafayette.

Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry
1140 West S. Boulder Rd, Suite 201
Lafayette , Colorado 80026

http://www.BoulderCountySmiles.com

303-665-5335

Our most popular procedure is porcelain veneers, and many of our patient may not know that we offer dental implants.

For years, the American Academy of Pediatrics advised Boulder parents to begin children’s dentist visits before the third birthday.

The AAP now advises parents to take their toddler to a Colorado dentist before their first birthday, or about six months after their first tooth appears.

Why? Prevention, prevention, prevention! Sadly, Longmont dentists find advanced tooth decay in very young children.

High-risk children should be seen as early as possible. Following are some of the risk factors:

• Sleeping with a bottle
• Drinking juice continually during the day
• Abnormal tooth development
• Thumb sucking
• Tooth grinding
• A mother with significant tooth decay
• Other health problems

To talk to us about dental care for children, call 303-665-5335. Children love dentist Dr. Gordon West at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry. We also pamper busy Lafayette parents who come to Dr. Gordon West for general and cosmetic dentistry. If you are between the ages of 25 and 75, we would love to provide you with the most advanced dental care in Lafayette.

Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry
1140 West S. Boulder Rd, Suite 201
Lafayette , Colorado 80026
http://www.BoulderCountySmiles.com
303-665-5335

A cosmetic dental consultation is informative and enjoyable. As the patient, you’ll have the opportunity to describe your goals and expectations. If this is your first visit to the practice, you’ll discover how comfortable you feel  with our dentist and other members of the treatment team. Cosmetic dentistry consultations help us provide the highest level of Boulder area dental care.

This is the time to ask questions about possible procedures such as teeth whitening. You can look at pictures of actual porcelain veneer patients and  dental implant recipients. Our cosmetic dentistry patients really get excited when they see images of the possible results for their teeth.

By listening effectively and asking the right questions, Dr. Gordon West can fully assess the many variables unique to your needs.

Dr. Gordon West thoroughly examines teeth, gums and biting function. Complete x-rays are taken. Existing dental work, tooth color, tooth alignment, and gum condition are taken into consideration. Medical history and lifestyle are also important factors. Cosmetic dentistry costs are outlined.

Taking the first step by scheduling a cosmetic dental consultation is your key to understanding your options and preparing to make decisions. Learn about the possibilities for your smile at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry; give us a call at 303-665-5335.

If you live in the Boulder area and are considering puncturing your lip or tongue, read this:

Infection
Your mouth is full of bacteria. Any opening in the tissue carries the risk of infection. The germs from your tongue and mouth can easily get into your bloodstream. Colorado dentists and doctors are continually treating serious infections caused by oral piercings. Oral infections can be a real problem, and should be a major consideration before getting an oral piercing.

Tooth Damage
It should come as no surprise that having a piece of metal bang around in your mouth can easily chip tooth enamel. Though tooth enamel is amazingly strong, once it’s chipped or cracked, it can only be restored with artificial material. Fortunately, Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Boulder offers many tooth restoration options such as crowns and fillings, but our advice is to avoid the problem if you can.

Prolonged Bleeding and Swelling
The blood vessels in the tongue are often damaged when the tongue is pierced, causing prolonged bleeding and possible build-up of scar tissue. In some cases, the tongue swells up enough to block the airway.

Gum Recession
A number of periodontal disease studies have shown that wearing oral jewelry is linked to periodontal disease which can result in tooth loss. Periodontal disease, or ‘gum disease’, can cause gum recession and exposes the root of your teeth, potentially causing hyper sensitivity and pain. Again, our advice is to avoid the problem right from the start.

These are just a few of the dangers. Dr. Gordon West at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry can give you more information about the risks of oral piercings. If you already have damage, call 303-665-5335 to schedule a consultation.

Dental crowns have been used in dentistry for over 2000 years. There is evidence that the Etruscans experimented with crowns on teeth using ivory and bone as early as 700 B.C. By 200 A.D., they began using gold crowns to construct artificial teeth. Ancient Egyptians fashioned tooth replacements out of seashells and then hammered them into their gums (Oral sedation, anyone?).

Porcelain crowns were first used in the 1800s. With the refining of metal casting methods in the 1900s, crown dentistry advanced significantly.

Today, crowns are strong, comfortable and are made to match your surrounding teeth.

Dental crowns (also called caps) cover the entire visible portion of the tooth and are cemented in place. Crowns are used to strengthen teeth that have been worn down or weakened by decay or injury. Crowns are also used to restore the original shape of a tooth or solely to improve the appearance of a tooth.

The most common types of crowns are:

• All-porcelain (ceramic)
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal
• Gold

The material used is determined by several factors. If you suspect you need a crown, want to replace an old crown, or want to learn about other cosmetic dentistry procedures, call dentist Dr. Gordon West at 303-665-5335. Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry is located at 1140 West S. Boulder Rd, Suite 201 in Lafayette. We have been serving clients in the Boulder area since 1998. We can recommend the best tooth restoration or cosmetic dentistry option for you.

Though most parents know the basics of children’s dental care, Lafayette dentists continue to see cavities in young children.

Caring for your infant’s teeth should begin even before they erupt. To prevent bacteria growth, parents can wash their baby’s gums with a wet washcloth after feedings.

Babies should never be put to bed with a bottle, no matter how tempting it is for tired parents. The sugars in milk or juice that stay in contact with teeth for hours can damage the enamel. When your child gets his first tooth, it is time to brush. Parents should use non-fluoride toothpaste until the child is two years old. Then, use only a tiny dab. Young children often swallow toothpaste while brushing. If a child ingests too much fluoride, teeth can become stained.

When a child is old enough to brush his own teeth, an adult should go over them after the child finishes to make sure they are clean. Most children thoroughly clean the chewing surfaces, but often fail to clean the backsides and gumline. Consult the child-friendly staff at Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry about dental sealants.

Monitor your child’s meals and snacks. We all know that sugary snacks are not only bad for growing bodies; they are also bad for teeth. Scheduling set times to drink anything other than water during the day can also help prevent cavities.

To schedule a dental pediatric consultation, call Dr. Gordon West at 303-665-5335. I provide Boulder area dental care for children and families.

Have you thought about upgrading your smile? Cosmetic dentistry offers many exciting possibilities.

The quickest and least invasive procedure is light teeth whitening. The results are dramatic and teeth whitening side effects are minimal.

If your teeth are slightly crooked, but require no orthodontic work, porcelain veneers could be the answer. Porcelain teeth veneers are translucent, wafer-thin covers that are permanently attached to the front of teeth, correcting chips and stains. Prepless veneers do not require the removal of tooth structure.

If your teeth are more than slightly crooked, it’s not too late for braces. Patients of all ages are undergoing orthodontic treatment and achieving fantastic results. The newest braces are less noticeable, more comfortable and bring teeth into alignment much faster than old-school metal braces.

Has gum recession caused the metal base of an old crown to be visible? Soft tissue grafts and crown replacement can correct this problem.

Are you missing one or more teeth? One of the best tooth replacement options is a dental implant. A dental implant consists of a titanium post surgically inserted into the jaw bone to replace the root of the missing tooth. The post integrates with the bone to provide a stable foundation for the replacement tooth.

Can you envision yourself with a dental makeover?
Call Gordon West DDS, Cosmetic & General Dentistry at 303-665-5335 to discuss your cosmetic dentistry options.

Dr. Gordon West, DDS
http://www.BoulderCountySmiles.com