Dental Health

Fun Floss Facts

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Health, Family dentistry

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You probably believe that the most crucial aspect regarding flossing is simply to do it every day. At Boulder County Smiles, your dentist in Lafayette CO, we agree. However, many people find that trying out a few different types of floss helps them to establish or solidify the habit and get the flossing comfort they desire.

Let’s review some of the most common types of dental floss:

Basic floss is either a monofilament floss, which is commonly made of some kind of rubber or plastic, or multifilament, which is made of nylon or silk. Nylon floss is less costly, more common and is sold waxed or unwaxed.

Monofilament floss will not rip or tear, and because of this, many people find that it pulls in between the teeth easier. This type of floss is generally referred to as “glide” floss.

Both monofilament floss and multifilament floss are sold in differing thicknesses. It is helpful to find the size that works best for you. Since you should not have to snap the floss between your teeth, find the thickness that allows you to gently floss.

Dental tape is nylon floss in the shape of a wide, flat ribbon. Many Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry patients find that dental tape is the easiest floss to get between their teeth.

For those of you with braces or appliances, there are also flosses designed to be used with these devices. Make sure to talk to your orthodontist about flossing because you don’t want to break this vital habit just because you’re having your teeth straightened!

A good person to give you counsel about flossing is your dental hygienist. At Boulder County Smiles, our hygienists are prepared to answer any questions you have about flossing, brushing habits, and even cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers.

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, services also include general and family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

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Dental Questions? Gordon West DDS Has Answers

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Health, dental implants, Family dentistry, general dentistry, Sleep apnea

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Health conscious people want to take care of their teeth. However, many men and women need a place where they can review basic principles of dental health and get straightforward information about restorative and cosmetic dental procedures such as dental implants, teeth whitening, and veneers. This blog from a Lafayette CO dentist is your source for this helpful oral care information.

Many of our dental patients have concerns and questions about their oral care. That’s why we include hot-button dental issues in our blog such as:

Smile Makeovers
Sealants
Invisible Braces
Toothbrush Care
ADA Seal Products
Tooth Protection
Gum Contouring
Dental Implants

We hope that this information will help you make educated decisions about your oral care.

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we provide general and family dentistry, dental implants, and treat conditions like sleep apnea. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

Schedule Your Coronation

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, dental crowns, Dental Health, dental implants, general dentistry

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We treat all of our patients royally here at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, but some of them receive actual crowns. Not what a king or queen wears, but crowns for your teeth!

Crowns are a therapy for a host of problems:

  • To protect a weak tooth from decay, breaking, or to hold together a cracked tooth.
  • To cover and provide strength to a tooth with a large filling and little tooth structure remaining.
  • To restore a broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.
  • To improve a tooth that is too small or misshapen.
  • To cover a tooth with severe discoloration.
  • To add strength to a tooth following a root canal procedure.

If you feel like you have a need for a crown, don’t look any further than Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry. Our dentists and lab techs have the experience, training, and expertise to make sure your crowns are constructed and placed accurately. There are many different kinds of crowns that serve different purposes. We complete an extensive examination to ensure the crown you get is perfect for you and your smile.

We then prepare your tooth so that the crown will fit the way that it should. Once the tooth is prepared and ready, we use state-of-the-art tools to fit the crown on your tooth. When done properly, crowns can last many years.

Crowns are wonderful way to safeguard and beautify your smile. Schedule a coronation today! Boulder County Smiles also provides dental implants, and sedation dentistry.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

Countering Anxiety With Sedation Dentistry

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Dental anxiety, Dental Health, Family dentistry, sedation dentistry

Does the mere thought of sitting down in a dentist’s chair fill you with dread? Does it make you avoid the dentist altogether? If so, you’re among the millions of Americans coping with dental anxiety. At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, sedation dentistry may be just what the doctor ordered.

If you have dental anxiety, your first impulse may be to avoid the dentist altogether. That’s a bad idea, because it puts your dental health at risk.

We offer several ways of getting through your dental appointment. General stress and anxiety reduction uses a relaxing environment coupled with acupressure and music. This is good for mild to moderate anxiety.

Oral sedation involves taking a sedative that will put you in a deeply relaxed state. You’ll need someone to drive you home when it’s over.

General anesthesia is usually done in a hospital. It’s the best option for those with extreme dental anxiety or dental phobia.

Sedation dentistry is important, because it can get you to the dentist. Better to have a little help getting through your appointment than getting a mouth full of fillings, or worse.

Don’t let anxiety prevent you from getting the dental treatment you need. Make an appointment with Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette today. We provide general and family dentistry.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

Super Smiles For Life

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Health, Family dentistry, general dentistry

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Your child should be naturally proud of his or her smile. It expresses joy, laughter, and fun! To make sure your child has a healthy and appealing smile, bring them in for a family dentistry checkup at Gordon West DDS in Lafayette. Start early. Really early.

We recommend a child’s first dental visit when their first tooth erupts. An early check is the first step in preventing problems and setting the stage for lifelong dental health. We will keep the visit short, but carry out a thorough visual examination to make sure there are no concerns.

We will guide you on good dental procedures at home, such as correct brushing and flossing. You will also be guided regarding healthy eating choices and the effects of poor choices. It is especially essential to keep your toddler from eating sticky or hard candies that lodge in molars and spaces between teeth. It is also important to monitor the amount of juice they drink and keep it in a cup instead of a bottle.

Any time sugary foods or drinks are in contact with teeth, the enamel is weakened from the acid those substances contain. Prolonged exposure begins to wear the enamel away, setting the stage for tooth decay. Unlike broken bones that regenerate, once enamel is gone, it’s essentially gone, though fluoride can remineralize weakened enamel to a small degree.

Promoting a healthy, low sugar diet is always optimal for your toddler’s teeth. If your baby or toddler needs a bottle to calm down and go to sleep, make sure that the bottle contains only water.

Other important habits are to brush and floss your teeth in front of your child. (If you have never been regular flossing – it’s time to start!) Let them see that it is a priority and a comfortable habit in your life. Brush their teeth with a soft bristled brush and a small amount of toothpaste. Let them try it, but always go over their teeth afterward, making sure each tooth is brushed. When finished, give them a cup of water to help rinse the toothpaste out.

Before coming in, talk with your child about the upcoming appointment and let them know that their teeth are going to be checked. We will help your child feel proud of their effort and help them have a pleasing visit, the first of many to come.

Remember also to call any time between scheduled visits with any questions or concerns that might arise. We are enthusiastic about your child’s lifelong dental health.

Gordon West DDS in Lafayette CO provides family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment with us today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

The ADA: Promoting Dental Health Since 1859

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Health, general dentistry

American Dental Association Lafayette

Hello, thank you for visiting the blog of Gordon West DDS, a dentist in Lafayette CO. This post is about the American Dental Association. You have probably seen the ADA logo on toothpaste and floss—but what else do you know about this dental organization?

The ADA’s self-proclaimed objective is to improve the level of public oral health by supporting the dental industry through not-for-profit federal, state, and local associations. It was founded in 1859 and is run by its members, which currently total over 160,000.

The ADA Seal of Acceptance is not an endorsement of a product per se, but rather is a verification of the assertions made by said product. Companies who want the ADA credential for a product must submit proof of rigorous scientific testing. Once submitted, the ADA re-tests the product to further verify results. There are currently over 300 products with the ADA certification.

The ADA does more than evaluate dental products. Here are some other ways the ADA works to perform its mission:

  • Provides resources to support dentists and their practices
  • Educates the public about oral health
  • Works to maximize access to dental care
  • Offers counsel on important issues that affect the dental industry
  • Collaborates with other organizations on scientific research projects and public health initiatives
  • Offers scholarships to dental students

At Gordon West DDS in Lafayette, we provide general and cosmetic dentistry, and offer procedures like dental implants. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

What Does Your Saliva Reveal? Ask Your Dentist in Lafayette CO

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Health, Family dentistry, general dentistry, General health, teeth whitening

 

Dentists know that an examination can reveal issues in other parts of the patient’s body. At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we often refer our patients to their medical doctor for further diagnosis when they encounter inflammation, chronic bad breath, bleeding gums, or jaw pain.

Healthcare providers may soon have another oral diagnostic tool for detecting systemic diseases—a test that valuates the molecules in saliva.

UCLA researchers are working on a test that could have the ability to diagnose diseases like diabetes and cancer. It’s conceivable that dentists will soon be able to take saliva samples that can be tested for numerous diseases. And if that happens, disease diagnosis will be much simpler for all parties.1

We understand how the state of your dental health impacts the rest of your body. Think of us as a key member of your healthcare team, dedicated to your overall health and well-being.

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we provide general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. We also do oral cancer screening.

1Saliva Test May Uncover Deadly Diseases, Dentistry Today (citing an article in Clinical Chemistry, clinchem.org), November 6, 2014, http://dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/10711-saliva-test-may-uncover-deadly-diseases, accessed on December 19, 2014

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

Kids Who Like The Dentist? Family Dentistry in Lafayette

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Health, Family dentistry, general dentistry, teeth whitening

friendly children

Most of our young patients at Boulder County Smiles like visiting our Lafayette office for checkups, cleanings, and treatments. Establishing a good relationship with family dentistry is a vital dental health.

The Oral Health-Physical Health Connection

Good physical health in children is impossible without the oral health component. This may seem obvious, but cavities in children is a national epidemic, and for the most part is preventable. Regular checkups are just as important as wellness exams and immunizations.

The health of your child’s teeth and gums affects their speech development, eating habits, academic success, mental health, and social relationships. We love working with you and your child to establish habits that ensure a healthy smile for life.

The Good News

Today’s children are far less fearful of the dentist than previous generations. Part of the reason is that modern dental tools are better, and rarely cause any pain. If you are old enough to remember the whining dental drills of fifty years ago, you probably have a greater appreciation for the technological innovations that make dental treatment far more pleasant than in years past.

But advanced tools are not the only reason that our youngest patients look forward to dental visits. At Boulder County Smiles, we have a warm, inviting atmosphere that puts patients of all ages at ease.

We recommend that parents bring their toddler in for a first exam before age one, or when their first tooth comes in. During the initial visit, we can review treatments such as sealants, fluoride, and brushing and flossing techniques.

In addition to offering general and family dentistry, Boulder County Smiles offers cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

Don’t Ignore It! Toothaches in Lafayette

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Health, dental implants, Family dentistry, general dentistry, teeth whitening, Toothache

general and cosmetic dentistry Boulder

Life is chaotic enough, isn’t it? At times, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do what needs to be done. Too many important things get put on the back burner, but at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette, we urge you to not let your dental health be one of them – especially when you have a toothache.

Here are some common dental health shortcuts to watch out for:

Rushing Through Brushing
Your teeth deserve two minutes or more. Slow and methodical beats quick and dirty. Be methodical and get every tooth. Playing one of your favorite two- or three-minute songs may help you go the distance.

Neglecting Professional Cleanings
When softer plaque turns to tartar, you can’t brush it away with a toothbrush. Six-month cleanings help get rid of it before it can hurt your enamel or irritate your gums.

Using Floss Picks Instead of Dental Floss
While it’s better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to recognize that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. A floss pick holds just a small length of floss stretched in a straight line. When you wrap a string of floss completely around the circumference of a tooth, you can more thoroughly clean that crucial area around and just below the gum line.

Only Seeing Your Dentist When You Feel a Toothache
A toothache is an SOS from your mouth, saying that something is wrong. The most common reason is a cavity, but it could be something worse, like gum disease.

If you have a toothache or some other dental issue, call Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette right away. We offer a full range of general and family dentistry, plus cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening and dental implants. Call to schedule an appointment today.

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026

 

Let Us Ease Your Dental Anxiety

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Categories: cosmetic dentistry, Dental Health

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Are you worried about seeing the dentist? Are you confused about discussing your smile? Settling into the reality of what you are prepared to discuss with your dentist is the first step to relief.

1. Talk To Us:
Whether you want to have dental crowns or teeth whitening done, call now to schedule a consultation. If you’re nervous about sedation dentistry or in denial about the need for clear braces or prepless veneers, the reality is that Dr. Gordon West has been meeting with patients since 1998 in Lafayette, Colorado 80026. Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry has been here and will continue to be here for you when you’re ready. 720-862-3630

2. Choose a Dentist:
The next step is making a choice. As you sift through the choices and elect the right dentist in Lafayette, Colorado keep in mind that Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry offers competitive pricing and affordable options. The reality is that we service the Broomfield, Boulder County, Louisville areas with pleasure and look forward to treating your dental concerns with accuracy, gentleness and care.

3. Go Forward with Confidence:
The final step to relief is just smiling. We’d like to take care of dental implants or cosmetic dentistry or porcelain veneers for you. And we are convinced you’ll walk out the door smiling.

Center for Advanced Dental Care -Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Contact Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry:

720-862-3630

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1140 W South Boulder Rd Ste 201
Lafayette, Colorado
80026