Mouth and Body

Not surprisingly, oral health is more than just having cavity-free teeth and fresh breath. It encompasses the health of all aspects of your mouth; gum tissue and tongue, along with the overall structure of your mouth. When these areas are overlooked and neglected, it can lead to a host of health issues that extend far beyond your oral cavity.

Periodontal Disease 

One of the most well-established links between oral health and overall wellness is the connection between gum disease and systemic health conditions. Gum disease, commonly known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that can result in inflammation and the deterioration of your gum tissues and underlying tooth-supporting bones. This chronic inflammation can have serious consequences throughout your body.

Systemic Disease

Studies have increasingly shown that gum disease is linked to a greater risk of several systemic diseases, like heart disease, diabetes and stroke. The inflammation and bacteria associated with gum disease can enter your bloodstream, affecting other organs, and leading to these serious health issues.

Respiratory Health

Furthermore, poor oral health can impact your respiratory health. The mouth serves as a gateway to the respiratory tract, and oral infections or inflammation can increase the risk of respiratory conditions including pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Mental Health

Maintaining consistent oral hygiene practices can also impact your mental health. Oral health problems like toothaches or gum pain, can cause chronic discomfort and affect your overall quality of life. This can lead to stress, anxiety and even depression. Additionally, the social and self-esteem impacts of dental issues can easily take a toll on your mental well-being.

Tips to Protect Your Health

So, what can you do to ensure your oral health contributes to your overall wellness? Here are some tips:

1. Routine Dental Check-ups: Visit our skilled prosthodontists for regular check-ups and cleanings to catch and address oral health issues in their early stages.
2. Brush and Floss: Establish a daily regimen that includes brushing your teeth a minimum of two times a day and flossing once a day to effectively eliminate dental plaque and oral bacteria.
3. Healthy Diet: Stick to a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, while limiting sugary snacks and beverages.
4. Avoid Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease that can harm your overall health.
5. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain a moist mouth and can prevent dry mouth, which is conducive to bacterial growth.

Seeking Help

As you can see, a healthy mouth is not just a matter of aesthetics but plays a vital role in your general health and well-being.At Denver Restorative Dentistry, our premier prosthodontists and dedicated team have been helping people like you with using specialized dental services to better serve your unique needs. We offer a wide range of cosmetic, general and restorative dentistry treatments in Broomfield, Colorado. Please give us a call with your oral health concerns or schedule a consultation. Just call 303-586-1019 today!

What Causes Bad Breath?

-Oral bacteria coating the tongue interact with amino acids in the foods you eat, creating odorous sulfur compounds. Brushing your tongue to remove it can lower bad breath by up to 70%.

-The foods you eat, like garlic and onions are also absorbed into the bloodstream where it can affect your breath until the food leaves your body.

-If you don’t clean your teeth, gums and tongue daily, bits of food particles can linger on those surfaces, feeding the oral bacteria. Brushing and flossing every day and getting routine dental exams and cleanings to remove hardened plaque (tartar) help prevent bad breath (and taste) in your mouth.

-If you wear dentures, the same thing can happen if you don’t clean them daily to remove bacteria, fungi, and stray food particles, leaving you with bad breath.

-Gum disease, or more specifically, periodontal disease can be the culprit and will require treatment to eliminate this issue.

-Dry mouth, also known as Xerostomia, is a common culprit of halitosis. Normally, your saliva rinses away oral bacteria and bits of food left behind after chewing. Without proper hydration, your saliva is diluted and ineffective. You can get dry mouth if you take certain medications, breath through your mouth instead of your nose or have a problem with your salivary glands.

-Using tobacco products, whether that is cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco or chewing snuff.

-Certain medical conditions like a respiratory infection, chronic bronchitis, postnasal drip, chronic sinusitis, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or stomach issues can leave your breath smelling and tasting bad.

Call Today!

If you find yourself with chronic bad breath, we can help! Stepping up your daily oral hygiene care along with routine dental cleanings are an important part of prevention and treatment, as well as treating the causes listed above. Our Denver Restorative Dentistry team offers effective halitosis treatment in Broomfield, Colorado. Call 303-586-1019 to schedule a visit with one of our skilled prosthodontists, Dr. Goggins, Dr. Aguirre, and Dr. Pitz. Your smile deserves the best!

While you can’t always tell if you have a cracked tooth, if you feel a sharp pain when you bite down on your food which stops when you stop putting pressure on your tooth, your tooth may have a fracture. A tooth can crack for a number of reasons:

• If you chew on hard objects such as ice, hard candy, or hard nuts you can fracture a tooth.
• A blow to the mouth can crack a tooth.
• If tooth enamel is exposed to temperature extremes, your tooth can crack. So if you are eating hot soup, don’t be tempted to sip ice water with it.
• Your teeth can crack if you persistently grind or clench your teeth (also known as bruxism).

To repair a cracked tooth, Dr. Goggins or Dr. Esguerra will first examine the tooth to determine proper treatment. For example, if the tooth has minor cracks, bonding with a tooth-colored composite resin or dental filling may be all that will be required. However, if the damage is severe or affecting the tooth pulp, the tooth may require extraction, requiring a root canal.

If you are suffering from the effects of a cracked tooth, please call us at 303-586-1019 as soon as possible. Until you are seen by Dr. Goggins or Dr. Esguerra, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, take acetaminophen or over-the-counter pain reliever as needed, and rinse with salt water for relief.  Our Denver Restorative Dentistry team in Broomfield, Colorado, is happy to help you restore your healthy smile!