What a deep clean of your teeth can do to fight gum disease

Gum disease, or gingivitis, is no laughing matter. Bacteria attacking the gums causes it, and if left untreated, can quickly progress into a chronic condition. While the easiest way to prevent gum disease is to pay close attention to your daily oral hygiene habits, once you start experiencing symptoms, it is best to make an appointment with your dentist. The experts at Bertagnolli Dental know what a deep clean of your teeth can do to fight gum disease.

Oral bacteria can damage both your teeth and gums. During daily brushing, one of the most difficult places to remove food debris and plaque from is the place where your teeth meet your gums. If the plaque deposits or calculus produced by bacteria are left to sit on your gum line, they can cause irritation and inflammation. Gum disease moves progressively further towards the roots of your teeth, loosening the gums from the tooth surface. This can allow pockets to form, increasing the opportunity for bacteria to take up residence and eventually leading to abscesses, loosened teeth, and tooth loss.

A typical cleaning from a dental hygienist involves scaling, the removal of superficial calculus buildup from the surface of your teeth. A deeper cleaning might be recommended if you are showing the early symptoms of gingivitis. Deep cleaning usually involves root planing. This is a method of cleaning the surface of your teeth's roots, in the hard-to-reach area below the gum line.

Root planing goes deeper than the typical tooth scale and polish. Usually, for this more invasive cleaning, you will be given a local anesthetic. This will allow you to be relaxed and comfortable while your dentist works on sensitive areas around your gums. The root planing procedure is often preceded by the use of an ultrasonic device over the affected area. Ultrasonic waves are used to dislodge calculus buildup from beneath the gum line before your dentist flushes the area with water.

Hand-held instruments are then used on the roots of the teeth where the gums have loosened. Remaining bacteria and plaque is gently scraped away. Finishing the treatment, iodine or an antibacterial solution is flushed under the affected gums. According to an article from the Dear Doctor Dentistry and Oral Health magazine, it is possible that just one deep cleaning root planing procedure can successfully return mildly inflamed gum tissue to complete health. Commonly, root planing will allow gum tissue to heal by 1-3mm within a few weeks of the procedure.

If you are noticing the first signs of gum inflammation, it is not too late to completely reverse your symptoms. A deep clean by your dentist could be all you need to fight gum disease and prevent its progression. Of course, the dentist cannot do all the work. You may also need to adjust your daily oral hygiene routine and pay closer attention to your gum line when brushing. To schedule a tooth scale and root planing procedure and experience what a deep clean of your teeth can do to fight gum disease, call us at Bertagnolli Dental or visit our website today.

Minimizing Tooth Decay for Your Child

Minimizing tooth decay for your child is important to our dentist and entire team at Bertagnolli Dental. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17.5% of children in the US aged 5-19 have untreated dental cavities. Tooth decay can begin within a few weeks of the first baby teeth appearing, so you can't start too early when it comes to your child. In fact, you can actually give them an advantage by instilling good dental hygiene habits, providing a healthy diet from the very start and making sure they receive regular care from your local experts in pediatric dentistry.

Once your baby's first teeth appear, it is time to start a healthy oral hygiene routine with them. You can effectively clean their mouth in the beginning by wiping a damp cloth over their teeth and gums. Do this at least twice per day. The principle behind cleaning teeth is the same for adults, children, and babies. You don't want to allow food particles to sit on the surface of teeth for too long, or bacteria will start to feed on these particles and produce corrosive acid that decays teeth.

By your child's first birthday, you should start brushing baby teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should also schedule their first dental check-up before their first birthday. Your dentist will check the development of their baby teeth and identify any potential issues before they cause problems. 

They will also demonstrate the best way to brush your child's teeth at this stage and recommend the correct amounts of toothpaste and fluoride to use.

Continue bringing your child for a check-up every six months after this point. Children's teeth grow and change surprisingly quickly, so it is important for your dentist to have a regular opportunity to catch any signs of decay and take preventative measures if needed.

The other critical factor affecting your child's oral health is their diet. Acidic juices and sugary drinks are the biggest culprits in causing early childhood tooth decay. Bottles and sippy cups allow your child to drink very slowly and create maximum contact of the liquid to your child's mouth. Try to limit the time your child has access to juice or milk in a bottle and clean their teeth after each mealtime. Avoid putting your baby down to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice. Switching to warm water can give them the same comfort factor without being a threat to their teeth.

As your child grows, keep encouraging a healthy diet with limited access to sugary snack foods and acidic or sugary drinks. Give your child a good example to follow by not snacking on sweets throughout the day. As they become more independent, continue to monitor their oral hygiene routine. As soon as their teeth touch each other, you can introduce floss. Remember to ensure they visit a dentist every six months, hence minimizing tooth decay for your child. Be sure to call us at Bertagnolli Dental to schedule an appointment or simply talk about your child's dental health.

Preventing Tooth Decay and Keeping the Cavity Creeps Away

Cavities can be painful, unsightly and expensive to treat. Preventing tooth decay and keeping the cavity creeps away should be high on your list of priorities. At Bertagnolli Dental in Westminster, we treat numerous patients every month for cavities and other issues related to tooth decay. Many of our patients feel like kicking themselves when they realize how easy it is to prevent tooth decay in the first place. Keep reading to find out how to avoid the discomfort and inconvenience of cavities in your teeth.

Cavities occur when the outer layer of enamel on your tooth gets eaten away by bacteria that feed on sugar. This usually presents as a hole in the tooth, often on the chewing surface of molars or on the inner surface of your teeth. The bacteria can dissolve the hard enamel and the layer of dentin beneath it. If the decay reaches beyond this layer, you will be left with exposed nerve endings that can cause considerable pain. Many people don't realize they have a cavity until they feel this pain.

The easiest way to prevent tooth decay is to pay attention to your eating habits and make sure you have a good dental hygiene routine. Some people are more susceptible to cavities than others. If you have thin enamel or have already suffered from one or more cavities, be extra cautious.

Bacteria on your teeth feed on sugar and produce an acid that dissolves your enamel. To keep your teeth strong and healthy, it is best not to allow sugar or acid sit on the surface of your teeth for too long. This means brushing your teeth regularly, at least once in the morning and once at night. If you are eating sweet or sticky foods, eat them in one sitting and brush your teeth afterward. Do not snack on sweets throughout the day.

In addition to brushing your teeth, also remove the food particles that get stuck between your teeth each day. This can be done with floss or interdental cleaners. Removing food particles is particularly important, as carbohydrates that remain in the crevices between teeth will provide a welcome place for bacteria to thrive and cause damage where you cannot easily see it. If you are unsure how to clean your teeth correctly using these tools, your dentist or hygienist can help you.

According to the AmericanDental Association, regular exposure to fluoride keeps your enamel strong and helps prevent decay. Use fluoridated toothpaste, a mouthwash containing fluoride, and drink fluoridated water. Check with your dentist about the appropriate amount of supplemental fluoride for children.

Yes, preventing tooth decay and keeping the cavity creeps away is that easy. And don’t forget regular visits to Bertagnolli Dental in Westminster for oral exams and professional cleanings. Of course, if you find yourself with tooth decay, cavities or any other issues, we offer affordable and permanent solutions to restore your health and your smile. Get in touch for an appointment or to learn more about dental seals and restorative dental services such as fillings and crowns.

How to Find a Good Dentist in Your City

If you decide to change your current dental professional for any reason or have just moved to a new location like the Denver metro area, it can be difficult to know where to start. At Bertagnolli Dental in Westminster, we’ve been in business since 1973 and make it our priority to share useful information with our patients. Today, we have a few tips on how to find a good dentist in your city.

Personal recommendations are some of the most valuable factors in the decision-making process. Ask your family and friends about their dental practitioners and their experiences. If you are moving to a new town, ask your current dentist for recommendations in the area. Once you make a move, ask your new neighbors and work colleagues for their opinions.

The American Dental Association is another great resource to use, wherever your location. Check their website for a list of accredited dental practitioners in your area. Once you have a list of potential new dentists, you can start comparing them. First, analyze their suitability for your situation by looking at their website or calling. Check their office hours, compatibility with your dental insurance plan, emergency availability, and protocols. Is their location easily accessible from your home or workplace?

Once you have a shortlist, make a personal visit to each dental practitioner's office. While there, talk to the dentist about your particular needs. If you have children, see if they practice pediatric dentistry.  Ask if they can work on any specific dental conditions you have. Inquire about fees for standard procedures such as full mouth x-rays, fillings, and root canals. Remember to write these down to compare to other practitioners on your list.

You can gather other information on your visits, such as the qualifications and continued education of the primary dentist. Ask about the facilities and technology used at the clinic, including anesthesia if you usually require this. Be on the lookout for clean and orderly workspace and proper hygiene procedures. Staff should be friendly, respectful and interested in helping you. Around the waiting area and reception, look out for any awards, plaques or evidence of community involvement.

After visiting and collecting this information, you should have a good idea of the suitability of some different dentists for your needs. If you require further insight into their customer satisfaction ratings, check the Better Business Bureau for their accreditation and reviews. It may seem time-consuming to go to all this trouble, however, having the details of a reliable and trustworthy dentist on hand is priceless, especially in the case of an emergency.

Now that you know how to find a good dentist in your city, feel free to look into Bertagnolli Dental in Westminster as one of your options. We have happy, healthy patients, and you’re more than welcome to call or drop by our dental office on Bradburn Boulevard for more information. One of our friendly team members will go over our services and prices, as well as answer any questions you might have.

We hope to see you soon! 

The Truth about Toothpaste

Supermarkets and big box discount stores across Denver, Colorado and the country for that matter offer shelves full of toothpaste options. Some even have entire aisles dedicated to oral hygiene. How do you decide on which toothpaste is right for you and your family? Well, Bertagnolli Dental in Westminster is here to tell you the truth about toothpaste, its ingredients, and the adverse effects you should know.

Which toothpaste is right for me?

Toothpaste is separated into subcategories. In most stores, you’ll find specialized whitening toothpaste, tartar control toothpaste, fluoride-free toothpaste, kids toothpaste and toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Some people will base their toothpaste choice on their individual needs. This can mean buying a different toothpaste for each member of the family. Others will choose their toothpaste based on the flavor and even price.

Some of our Bertagnolli Dental clients can list off the functions and attributes of their preferred brand, almost repeating the TV commercial word for word. Does it pay to be loyal to one brand of toothpaste, or should you just buy whatever happens to be on special that day? The harsh reality is that toothpaste is mainly a cosmetic product. Despite the boasts proliferated in toothpaste commercials, the truth about toothpaste is that it does not contribute significantly to your oral hygiene.

What toothpaste does is create foam and gives your mouth a fresh feeling. We associate a lather or foamy sensation with soap and cleanliness. The strong minty flavor incorporated into most toothpaste gives the whole mouth a crisp, clean, and fresh taste, temporarily at least. While toothpaste certainly has a pleasing psychological effect, it does not necessarily impact how clean your teeth are after using it.

In a clinical study to measure the properties of whitening toothpaste, researchers at the University of Bristol Dental School found that there was no difference between the whitening toothpaste, generic toothpaste and plain water at inhibiting stains. The whitening toothpaste produced slightly better results than generic toothpaste and plain water at removing stains, however, it was not deemed capable enough to be clinically relevant.

What is in toothpaste?

Your typical toothpaste will contain the following ingredients:

·         Fluoride - This remineralizes the enamel of your teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to decay. This is one of the most important ingredients of toothpaste, and sometimes the only true active ingredient. Some people are wary of fluoride's effects and try to avoid it, even though it is effective in preventing cavities.

·         Abrasives - Calcium carbonate and dehydrated silica gel help to physically scrub the surface of the teeth and remove food particles. Brushing too hard and fast without using the correct technique can wear down your teeth and remove some of the enamel.

·         Detergents - These create the foamy lather we mentioned earlier. This does not technically help to remove plaque from your teeth, but it does create a pleasing sensation.

·         Flavorings - Usually menthol based flavors and sweeteners such as saccharin are used to make toothpaste palatable. Toothpaste does not usually contain sugar, even though you can find sweet bubblegum and fruit-flavored tubes of toothpaste marketed towards children.

Specially formulated tartar control toothpaste is designed to prevent the buildup of hardened mineral plaques or 'tartar' sometimes found on the inner surfaces of the teeth. They usually contain extra ingredients called pyrophosphates – tetrasodium or tetrapotassium pyrophosphates are the compounds added to toothpaste to fight the formation of tartar or calculus plaques.

Unfortunately, according to the Houston Health Science Center Dental Branch, this type of toothpaste can cause irritation in some users. Pyrophosphates create higher than usual levels of alkalinity in the mouth, to which some people can be sensitive. The presence of pyrophosphates in toothpaste requires the addition of more flavorings to hide the bitter taste. It also means the level of detergent is increased to allow for solubility of these tartar-fighting compounds. The combined increased concentrations of all these components can contribute to irritation in the soft tissue of the gums and palate, all causing further hypersensitivity.

Toothpaste for sensitive teeth also contains an added ingredient, potassium nitrate. This compound desensitizes teeth and reduces the feeling of discomfort caused by hot and cold temperatures or sugary foods. Unfortunately, by using this additive, you may be just masking the pain of a cavity or serious issue requiring proper dental care and treatments.

What is more important than toothpaste?

When it comes to your dental health and the truth about toothpaste, some things have a far bigger impact. The real tools needed for good oral hygiene are a toothbrush and dental floss. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and either traditional floss or floss in a plastic Y-shaped holder.

The soft bristles of a toothbrush will effectively remove the food particles and plaque on the surface of your teeth without damaging the enamel. A toothbrush with very stiff bristles can cause abrasion of the teeth and irritate the gums.

Using floss will physically remove the plaque and food stuck in the gaps between your teeth. It is this physical removal of debris that essentially cleans your teeth. The toothpaste, as we have explained earlier, is more for show than for hygiene. If you want to drastically improve your dental hygiene, pay close attention to your brushing technique.

Brushing the exposed surfaces of each tooth individually with tiny circular movements is effective in the removal of plaque from crevices between teeth and from where the tooth meets the gum line. If you usually brush your teeth with long back and forth motions, sweeping five teeth at a time, try to alter your technique.

Some hygienists recommend brushing your teeth once without using any toothpaste, and then again with the toothpaste. This allows you to concentrate on your brushing technique and see where exactly the toothbrush is hitting, without the foamy toothpaste obscuring the action.

So, now you know just what toothpaste contains, how effective it is, and some of its possible adverse effects. Will knowing the truth about toothpaste change how you approach your oral hygiene? For more information on proper dental care or to schedule an appointment, please contact Bertagnolli Dental in Westminster, Colorado.

Why Do We Suffer from Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is a common complaint from many dental patients at Bertagnolli Dental. If you have ever experienced a sharp pain or discomfort upon taking a bite of ice-cream, very sweet foods, or acidic foods, you are not alone. Around one in four adults suffer from some degree of tooth sensitivity. So, why do we suffer from tooth sensitivity?

When your nerve endings are exposed, stimulation from high or low temperatures, sugar, and acid can turn eating into an uncomfortable process. Although some people are more prone to suffering from tooth sensitivity than others, there are some easy steps you can take to minimize the discomfort.

Before you combat tooth sensitivity, it is important to understand the causes. Our teeth are made up of different layers. On the very outer surface, there is a layer of enamel. This is the very hard mineral layer visible on the outside of your teeth.

Underneath the enamel, there is a layer of dentin which supports the enamel and surrounds the tooth pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are located. If your tooth has a very thin layer of enamel, acid, sugar and hot or cold temperatures can stimulate the nerves easily and cause an uncomfortable sensation.

The thickness of the enamel layer can vary between different teeth and between people. Usually, the layer of enamel forms a substantial barrier between the contents of your mouth and the sensitive nerves within your teeth. If you naturally have a very thin layer of enamel on some surfaces of your teeth, you may be prone to tooth sensitivity.

Most people suffering from tooth sensitivity will develop it over time, and it is generally due to one or a few of the following causes.

Grinding your teeth will physically wear away at the enamel and can produce areas with high sensitivity. Often, tooth grinding occurs while sleeping but it can also develop as a reaction to stress. If you suspect that you may be grinding your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a mouth guard. It will prevent doing more damage to your teeth.

Acidic food and drinks cause demineralization of the enamel layer. Frequently exposing your teeth to acidic substances will chemically erode the enamel and can cause sensitivity. People who suffer from acid reflux at night can also inadvertently create an acidic environment in their mouth.

If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, try to minimize your acid exposure. If you are consuming acidic foods and beverages, it is better to consume everything within a shorter space of time, rather than to snack or sipping continuously throughout the day.

Your brushing habits and the type of toothbrush you use could be contributing to tooth sensitivity. Hard bristles and aggressive brushing can wear down the enamel layer by abrasion. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and take your time when brushing, ensuring you clean all surfaces gently and thoroughly. Avoid toothpaste and mouthwash with a high chemical content that can damage the enamel of sensitive teeth.

Following these tips regarding why do we suffer from tooth sensitivity should minimize your pain and discomfort for the short and long run. If in doubt, always contact your dentist or Bertagnolli Dental for a professional check-up, so we can help determine the reasons behind your particular tooth sensitivity.

7 Ways to Improve Your Baby's Dental Health

Give your little one the best advantage by starting their dental care early, instilling healthy habits from the outset and avoiding these common mistakes. Here are Bertagnolli Dental’s top 7 ways to improve your baby's dental health.

1. Don't put off their first visit to the dentist

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that every child should see a dentist by the time they are a one-year-old. It is proven that early intervention by a professional will lower your child's risk of developing issues. Your dentist can demonstrate correct oral hygiene practices and analyze the potential for tooth decay.

2. Avoid bottles at bedtime

Putting a baby down to sleep with a bottle of milk may save you some time and hassle, but this is a dangerous habit to form. The sugars in milk will fuel bacteria in your babies mouth all night long, facilitating tooth decay. Clean your baby's teeth before bedtime, and then if necessary to sooth them, you can give a bottle with warm water.

3. Be aware of high sugar content in medicines

Medications designed for babies and children can have extremely high sugar levels. This is intended to make them more palatable for children and easier to take. This is not usually a cause for concern, however, if your infant has to take a daily oral medication with high sugar content, you should ask your dentist for specific advice.

4. Don't get too dependent on a sippy cup

Sippy cups or 'no-spill cups' are used by toddlers in the transition between bottles and drinking cups. The design of sippy cups means that the liquid is often ingested slowly and has ample time to sit within the mouth. For milk and juice, this means a high exposure to sugar and an increased risk of tooth rot. Try to give your child the sippy cup at mealtimes only and avoid them using it continuously throughout the day.

5. Ditch the pacifier

Children over the age of 2 and 3 should not be using a pacifier. Prolonged pacifier use can affect the growth of your child's milk teeth, permanently altering their arrangement and the shape of their mouth. Help your child to become independent of pacifiers at a young age and avoid the risk of dental malformation.

6. Reduce the juice

After milk, fruit juice is the go-to beverage of choice for young children. What many parents don't realize is that juices often contain added sugar, and can be as harmful as soda to their child's developing teeth. Look for pure fruit juices with no added sugar and limit the consumption of sweet drinks to mealtimes. Accustom your child to drinking water throughout the day.

7. Cultivate healthy dental hygiene habits

Taking the time to practice good oral hygiene with your baby from the very beginning will set them up for a healthy future. You can start by cleaning their gums with a soft cloth and water twice a day. Once their milk teeth start to appear, use a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to clean all surfaces gently. This is the most impactful way to improve your baby's dental health.

Contact Bertagnolli Dental today for further questions about the 7 ways to improve your baby’s dental health. Now is a great time to make the changes that will positively impact the way your children grow and following these simple guidelines will make your life easier too! We are always available to help make your dental visits and home dental care a better experience at Bertagnolli Dental.