Dental Health

Three Great Reasons to Floss Your Teeth

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Categories: Dental Health, Family dentistry, general dentistry

Three Great Reasons to Floss Your Teeth by Gordon West DDS - Aesthetic & General Dentistry

Flossing is a bit of a chore. It comes after “brushing your teeth” in things a lot of us intentionally forget to do. It takes a little extra time, and if you haven’t flossed in a while, it can even be painful. But the team at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO is constantly reminding patients to brush and floss … brush and floss!

Flossing is important, You’ll never hear one of us say “don’t worry about the flossing.” It just isn’t going to happen, and for three really good reasons. Here they are:

1. Bad Breath

Bad breath is something we all worry about. It’s part of our appearance, and we are all aware of how that can affect our relationships.

When we meet new people, speak with others in close quarters, or greet a partner, bad breath is on our mind. We worry about how bad breath affects first impressions.

It makes sense, then, that bad breath would be one of the things you might worry about.

Flossing is a great way to help you avoid bad breath.

Flossing your teeth helps reduce plaque buildup between your teeth. It also helps flush out pockets of bacteria. Together, plaque and bacteria can create bad breath.

To reduce your chances of being caught with bad breath, floss every day.

2. Cavities

When bacteria is allowed to concentrate on your teeth, cavities can occur. Plaque buildup is a concentration of bacteria. When plaque is allowed to remain between your teeth it gives bacteria a chance to destroy enamel and damage your teeth. Cavities are damage to your teeth caused by bacteria.

Flossing gets between your teeth where your brush can’t get and helps remove plaque buildup. It also loosens pockets of bacteria that can be removed with a quick rinse.

Flossing will help you keep plaque and bacteria from developing between your teeth. You will have fewer cavities and your visits to Gordon West DDS – Aesthetic & General Dentistry will be more productive.

3. Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the softening of your tooth enamel by acids. Acids are created by bacteria when they feast on leftover carbohydrates in your teeth.

Flossing can help you in two ways. First, you will remove leftover food particles so bacteria have less to work with. By the way, the food particles we are concerned about aren’t always visible. Food between your teeth can be microscopic, and that’s why it isn’t good enough to do a quick tongue slide to check your teeth. The particles are too small to see or feel.

Second, flossing will help remove the bacteria from between your teeth, so there aren’t enough left to create destructive acids.

Avoid tooth decay with a regular flossing. How often, you ask?…

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we recommend you floss your teeth every time you brush. Our services include general and family dentistry, sedation dentistry, and dental implants. Make 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

 

ArticleID 7780

7 Steps For A Healthy Smile

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Categories: Dental Health, Family dentistry

Boulder Extreme Smile Makeover

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Benjamin Franklin coined that phrase in the 1730s as advice for fire safety. But  like all timeless quotes, it applies to many more features of modern life, particularly dental health, one of our principal concerns at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO.

Keeping your smile beautiful and healthy is done most effectively with preventative measures. Some important guidelines are highlighted here.

  1. Make a habit of brushing your teeth. Do it twice a day for 2 minutes. Be sure to use an ADA approved toothpaste and toothbrush.
  2. Don’t forget the floss! Flossing between your teeth daily will do wonders for your teeth and keep your gums healthy too.
  3. Wear a protective mouthguard when participating in an activity where your mouth could possibly be damaged.
  4. Don’t smoke. As if you needed yet another reason not to!
  5. Avoid piercing your lips, tongue, cheek, or any other part of your mouth that someone decided you should shove a metal bar through. Piercings put you at greater risk for chipped teeth, infection and nerve damage. It’s a dicey fashion that you’ll want to avoid.
  6. Stay away from snacks that have a lot of sugar or starch.
  7. Schedule regular dental visits, of course!

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, helping our patients establish good habits is important. Our services include general and family dentistry, and specialties like dental implants and sleep apnea treatment. 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

 

ArticleID 4625

What is Patient-Centered Dental Care?

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Categories: Dental Health, general dentistry

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What is your perception of the patient-dentist relationship? Would you characterize it as one-sided? In other words, the dentist examines the patient’s teeth, decides on the course of treatment, and performs the procedure-while the patient is an unimportant participant. That is not the approach, at Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO.

It Starts With The Atmosphere

At Boulder County Smiles, you will recognize the difference when you first walk in our doors. You will discover a pleasant, inviting atmosphere. We don’t push patients through as if they were on an assembly line.

We see you as a whole person, not just an disembodied mouth full of teeth. When we meet with you, you will be able to talk about more than just your oral health. You will discuss your lifestyle, your past dental experiences, your goals, and your concerns. We want to create a long-term relationship with you—it benefits you and helps us do our jobs well.

We Listen

When we examine a patient and find a problem that needs treatment, there is rarely only one solution proposed. We take as much time as necessary explain the options and answer your questions.

By listening carefully, communicating clearly, and asking the right questions, we can fully assess the many vital factors that influence your present and future oral health.

Does This Sound Good to You?

Does patient-focused dental care make sense to you? If so, we invite you to become one of our valued patients. At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, available services include general and cosmetic 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

 

ArticleID 7499

Super Smiles Have Strong Enamel

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Categories: Dental Health, general dentistry, restorative dentistry

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Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance in the body? It’s true! This substance, found on the outer surface of your teeth, is meant to last a lifetime. But Boulder County  Smiles in Lafayette CO reminds you that just because it’s super durable doesn’t mean you don’t have to work to take care of it.

Here are some helpful tips for keeping enamel healthy.

1. Pick the right foods for enamel health. It’s no secret that soft drinks impair your teeth, and don’t think that diet sodas are harmless – the artificial sweeteners can also erode enamel over time. There are also other culinary culprits that can do a lot of harm. Sticky, chewy candies should be avoided. Chewing ice is a no-no. And don’t use your teeth as tools. Take a minute to grab some scissors before you rip open that package with your incisors.

On the flip side, foods with calcium can neutralize acid in your mouth and safeguard your enamel. So, enjoy your dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt!

2. Avoid vigorous brushing and use a soft brush. Also, it’s best to brush about an hour after eating, because foods, especially acidic ones, can soften the enamel, thus making it more prone to weakening from brushing. If your teeth are discolored or yellowish, you may feel you need to brush harder. Instead, examine teeth whitening and speak with your dentist.

3. Keep stomach acids in check. If you have a problem with severe heartburn, the stomach acid could be traveling up your esophagus and into your mouth. This acid can erode enamel, so it is essential to talk to your Lafayette doctor about treatment.

4. Talk to us about dry mouth and teeth grinding. Lack of saliva is a major trouble for tooth enamel, and it’s no surprise that teeth grinding can also wear it down. Make sure your dentist is aware if you experience either of these issues.

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO we want our patients to have the best dental health possible, and enamel health is a critical component. Our services include restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Make 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

 

ArticleID 7132

15 Things You Didn’t Know About Teeth

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Categories: Dental Health, Family dentistry, general dentistry

suprising tooth facts Lafayette

At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we enjoy sharing information about dentistry and teeth. Some of it is useful, and some of it is just fun to know.

  1. Children’s teeth are soft until about age 10.
  2. A tooth with a crown can still get a cavity.
  3. Your gum tissue is as vital as your teeth.
  4. Some prescription painkillers can increase your risk of dental caries.
  5. Some home faucet water filters remove fluoride.
  6. 19 percent of little ones between the ages of 2 and 19 have untreated dental caries.
  7. Heartburn can damage teeth.
  8. Allergies can cause tooth grinding.
  9. Dried fruit is just as bad for teeth as sticky candy.
  10. Tooth enamel cannot repair itself, though dentin and cementum (the substance that surrounds the tooth root) are capable of partial regeneration.
  11. A Harvard-led team used low-powered lasers to activate stem cells and stimulate the growth of teeth in rats and human dental tissue in a lab.
  12. There are about 300 types of bacteria in your mouth.
  13. Chewing sugarless gum after meals can help remove food particles on your teeth. You still need to brush, but if you can’t brush immediately after meals, sugarless gum can help keep your teeth clean.
  14. Cavities often don’t cause pain until they have reached the root and nerve of the tooth. Visit your dentist regularly to prevent cavities or at least to detect them when they are small.
  15. Bone recession can cause tooth loss even if no decay is present.

We hope you have found this post interesting, and perhaps even learned something new about teeth. At Boulder County Smiles in Lafayette CO, we provide general and family dentistry, and a range of cosmetic dentistry services. Make 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

 

ArticleID 7003

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

 

ArticleID 5273

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

dentist crowns Lafayette

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