Here’s some you likely know – but some that can help you may be forgetting.

Brush twice, of course…and yet…

Twice a day. You know the drill! Yet it’s been reported:

• Nearly 30% of Americans don’t hit that magic 2x number
• People forget to brush up to 5x a week (source)
• Many don’t brush long enough even when they do manage to brush twice a day – two minutes each time (about 4 seconds per tooth) is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA)

Fun fact: recent research published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that critically ill patients in a hospital had a lower chance of pneumonia … if they brushed their teeth twice a day.

What you brush with matters

Don’t use a charcoal toothpaste, for instance, as that contains abrasives that harm your teeth.

Do: Use a toothpaste with flouride and that’s approved by the ADA. These have been tested and proven to help prevent gingivitis and cavities.

Also, make sure to use soft-bristled toothbrushes, again from the ADA. Firmer toothbrushes can lead to putting too much pressure on your teeth, which erodes the protective enamel.

How you brush helps, too

Are you someone who pushes too hard?

This has longstanding negative effects! Be gentle with your teeth, allowing your soft-bristled toothbrush to do the work of removing plaque in places the brush can reach. Of course, this is only one part of the solution, because…

Flossing

Remember the headlines the federal government made back in 2016 when the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) said it no longer recommended flossing?

Turns out, it didn’t have evidence for it, as detailed in this article.

Now, it is true that there’s not a ton of research one way or another, and so researchers may rightly say this is conclusive.
However, in our professional experience, flossing once a day allows you to remove plaque and other “stuff” from your teeth in places you toothbrush simply can’t reach and it has improved gum health.  And others, such as seen in this National Institutes of Health article, highlight why:

• Plague is a biofilm on your teeth
• “researchers have found modest benefits from flossing in small, short-term studies”
• Long-term studies, a core issue of the argument against flossing, are quite expensive

Floss is cheap, flossing takes little time, and the pros significantly outweigh the cons. Please do floss

Eat healthy – because oral health is health

Your entire body isn’t a bunch of separate parts. It’s entirely connected! And so if your mouth is suffering, other parts of your body suffer, too … and the reverse is true, as well.

So how you eat matters. More fruits and vegetables, limit the red meat, sodas, and high-sugar options. Nuts can actually have a preventative impact, some research finds.

Sometimes it truly is the small things that matter!

Generally-accepted practices do matter

Ever heard of the phrase “KISS – Keep It Simple, Stupid?”

Sometimes, we overcomplicate matters! In the search for the latest-and-greatest options, such as a magic teeth whitening solution that simply papers over some bad habits we’ve developed.

If you stick with the right oral health routine, yes – you’ll see results.

Are the other factors? Absolutely, such as:

• Your genes
• Strength of your enamel
• Your body’s ability to support the teeth
• Other health factors ranging from overall health to stress levels, etc.

So following these instructions are not always foolproof. But they have been proven effective.

And if you ever have questions, we’re here to help and we take the time to answer all of your questions. See why we’re one of the most-recommended dentists in Cherry Creek!

The post How To Prevent Gum Disease appeared first on Cherry Creek DDS.

Intrigued? Because this is a fundamental difference between how we operate here at Cherry Creek DDS vs. how some other dental offices proceed. Both have pros/cons, but it’s an important designation for your decision in choosing a dentist!

What articles say:

A collection of quotes from a variety of publications.

Vox

From a Vox article titled Why dental insurance is so different than health insurance:

““When you look at the dental insurance model, it doesn’t protect the patient from financial risk. It’s the opposite,” said Marko Vujicic, chief economist and vice president of the Health Policy Institute at the American Dental Association. … So it protects the insurer, they’re limited on their exposure.”

“Study after study shows Americans with and without insurance forgo dental visits and treatments because it’s so expensive. That decision can wind up being even more costly — hundreds of thousands of people land in the ER each year because of often preventable dental conditions, costing, by one estimate, $2 billion.”

Consumer Reports

From their article “Think twice before buying private dental insurance.”

“…whether you have an employer-provided plan or a private one, you’ll still pay a lot out of pocket if you need extensive work.

And if you buy dental insurance yourself and wind up needing only basic care, you could end up paying more in monthly premiums than if you paid for the individual services yourself.”

From Forbes:

“…dental policies have their drawbacks, too. Daniel Cho, a dentist in Portland, Oregon, says plans have special rules, such as age limitations for fluoride treatment or missing tooth clauses.

“Insurance typically does not cover 3-D X-rays, moderate or deeper levels of sedation, sleep dentistry and cosmetic work. And your plan may only cover a small portion of the total cost for advanced surgical procedures,” Cho says.”

What this means for you

Dental insurance can be quite limiting, and often isn’t setup in the patient’s best interests. It also incentivizes a dental practice to see as many patients as possible, which can lead to a more rushed experience.

This is why we choose to be an out-of-network dentist for all insurance plans. It makes us a bit different as one of the best dentists in Cherry Creek, but it also creates an environment that always puts your needs first.

You still get coverage from your plan – and sometimes, the rates are very good! It’s worth calling us and finding out what they’re willing to cover, because if you’re paying then you should make sure to get the benefits.

But also know that with dental care, you often do get what you pay for. And we don’t want to compromise on:

• Quality of care
• Time spent addressing any and all of your needs
• Allowing you time to ask questions
• Creating the best dental experience possible

Operating as an in-network dentist goes against these principles, and can hinder the level of service and attention to detail you deserve for your teeth.

After all, your dental health impacts your entire health – it’s not isolated! And we feel it’s worth being a bit different to ensure you get the best in everything we can provide.

Sound interesting? We’re ready when you are – reach out and say hello!

The post Where Dental Insurance Falls Short appeared first on Cherry Creek DDS.

• Mall Kiosks advertise “Professional Whitening in just Minutes!”
• Online Ads read “Screaming White teeth in just 15 minutes!”

Teeth whitening specials are everywhere, promising much – but often delivering little.

And they’re not as safe or effective as professional teeth whitening from a dentist.

A legal loophole for kiosks

Most teeth whitening options will contain the same active ingredient, carbamide peroxide. But don’t be fooled! There are some major differences between Kiosk whitening and a true professional whitening from your dentist.

These “pop up” businesses have found a legal loophole that allows them to preform medical procedures, without any professional training.

This is how it works:

The kiosk operator never technically places the product in the client’s mouth. Instead, the client inserts the product into his or her own mouth, which makes the client (you!) liable if any damages occur.

At-home solutions can harm

Browse any grocery store, and you’ll find a multitude of options – ranging from whitening kits to toothpaste that promises a “whiter smile in just 7 days.”

You get what you pay for. And it’s often too damage.

Some use hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient, which damages enamel on your teeth. In essence, it creates a brighter tooth by stripping away some of its protective layer!

Others can use an incorrect amount of the active ingredient mentioned earlier, carbamide peroxide. Too much also damages your teeth – so while you may have a whiter smile for a bit, the long-term damage causes more problems (and cost).

Professional teeth whitening is safer

When you receive professional whitening, there are precautions put into place to insure your safety.  These measures are absolutely necessary, and neglecting to do so can result in permanent damage to the teeth and gums.

These strong carbamide peroxide solutions should not be applied to compromised or weakened enamel.

To protect tissues from chemical burns, a customized resin protective barrier should be applied to the gum line.

Carbamide peroxide solutions come in different strengths ranging from 10 – 40 percent concentrations. The appropriate concentration for each patient is based on factors such as type of stain, depth of stain, tooth sensitivity and shade of existing restorations.

Steps To Take Before Whitening

You should be current with dental cleaning before whitening. Plaque, tarter and stain will interfere with the carbamide peroxide’s effectiveness, leaving you with discoloration spots.

People with tooth decay or chipped or cracked teeth aren’t good candidates.

Any person with areas of recession or sensitive teeth may need to use a lower concentration of carbamide peroxide, so taking your overall oral health into consideration is paramount.

If you have crowns, veneers or bonding on front teeth, and they are bleached incorrectly, your teeth will no longer match in shade.

Identify the cause of teeth stains. Did you know not all stains can be removed through teeth whitening?

Stains can come from outside (extrinsic) or inside (intrinsic) sources. There are different mechanisms for removing these, and they need to be diagnosed by a dental professional.

Following these guidelines will help you to safely keep the white and bright smile you desire. And of course, if you need a Cherry Creek dentist, it’s why we’re here!

The post Teeth Whitening And Common Myths appeared first on Cherry Creek DDS.

When is comes to choosing a toothpaste, there are many options available. So how do you know what type or brand is the best choice for you?

All toothpastes with the ADA seal of approval contain an active ingredient, usually fluoride. Fluoride is a proven way to protect your teeth because of all the things it can do: it helps prevent cavities, lessens tooth sensitivity, and reduces gingival bacteria.

The Types of Fluoride:

The three most common types of fluoride are Sodium Fluoride, Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride, and Stannous Fluoride.

Sodium Fluoride is the most common and gives all of the benefits without any side effects. You’ll find this in toothpaste for both adults and children, and it’s widely considered safe.

Acidulated Phosphate is a stronger fluoride because it can etch into the tooth structure. Most of the time we use it as a semi-annual “treatment” by many dentists – it’s probably what your kids receive when they get a fluoride treatment from a Pediatric Dentist.

Stannous Fluoride has become an increasingly-popular trend for some pharmaceutical companies and focuses on bacteria reduction in the gums. An important thing to note about Stannous fluoride: while it helps in reducing bacteria, one of its side effects is a grey-brown tenacious stain usually mistaken for coffee or tea stains.

This fact is not advertised, so patients are frequently surprised to find that the stains are caused by toothpaste!  Known products that contain the ingredient are “Crest Pro Health”, “Crest Gum Detoxify”, “Parodontax” and a few select “Sensodyne” pastes. We

To find out what type of fluoride is in your toothpaste, always check the active ingredient box before purchase and consult your hygienist to find out which is best for you and your needs.

But wait … what about non-flouride toothpastes?

There’s many out there, but many sources advise against this.

To wit, a 30-year veteran of periodentistry was interviewed at the University of Utah:

“Interviewer: So if two patients identical in every way came in and one was using natural toothpaste and one was using a fluoride toothpaste, what would the differences be?

Dr. Okano: All things being equal, you would see less potential for tooth decay in the individual who was using the fluoride-containing toothpaste.”

Other organizations, such as the American Dental Association and the World Health Organization, also recommend using toothpaste with flouride.

We recommend using ADA-approved toothpastes. But if you insist on using something without flouride, look for any of these active ingredients:

• Xylitol: A natural sweetener, it slows bacterial growth in the mouth which can lead to decay.
• Erythritol: This is a sugar alcohol often used as an artificial food sweetener in “no sugar” foods. It does slow the rate of acid that bacteria produce.
• Hydroxyapatite: This is primarily made of phosphorus and calcium and can help strengthen teeth’s enamel

What about charcoal toothpaste?

Activated charcoal toothpaste: What is it? And is it safe?

Charcoal activated products are on the rise. The trend reaches from health and beauty products, and now to toothpaste – pushed forward by many social media influencers with large followings.

But should you use it?

What exactly is activated charcoal?

The popular additive is typically made from either bone char, coconut shells, peat, petroleum coke, coal, olive pits or sawdust and is created by heating wood or other organic materials above 400 degrees in “an oxygen-starved environment” as the Virginia Cooperative Extension states.

Charcoal is used in a variety of applications:

• The pores trap odors and reduce bad smells in cleaning solutions
• In emergency situations, it can be used to absorb some poisons in the body (by trained professionals)

In some others, such as beauty products, the evidence is inconclusive so far if it actually helps.

Should you use charcoal toothpaste?

Opinions can vary, but we do not recommend it. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has a 2021 study that shows nearly no gains for people who used activated charcoal toothpaste vs. a control group of people using more normal toothpaste.

That’s because it:

Is abrasive.

Long-term use can erode enamel – your very teeth! – which increases your chance of cavities and makes teeth weaker and more sensitive.

Doesn’t truly whiten.

Typical teeth whitening goes beneath the surface of your teeth and handles the inner discoloration. Toothpaste only scrubs the surface, so you’re not getting to the root of yellow teeth.

In fact, as the NIH study showed, “After 12- week brushing, no differences were found among the groups in terms of color change.”

Could hurt pregnant or breastfeeding women.

The charcoal, if accidentally swallowed (easy to do, even with trace amounts) can interfere with other medications you might be taking. And it’s still unknown what other effects this could pose.

In addition, the American Dental Association currently does not approve charcoal toothpaste or toothbrushes for use at all – children included.

Ultimately, we recommend to avoid causing your teeth unnecessary abrasions and do not recommend using charcoal toothpaste at this time.

If you’re thinking of whitening your teeth, there are much safer and clinically-proven alternatives – and we’re your local Cherry Creek dentist who’s here to help guide you through the best choices for you, taking the time to talk through any questions, concerns, or fears you may have.

It’s why we do what we do!

The post What’s in Your Toothpaste? appeared first on Cherry Creek DDS.

Whether you are considering your own health or that of a loved one, it is important to understand the changes in oral health as we mature.

With the aging process, can also come the risk of decline in oral heath.

Contributing factors can include changes in body chemistry, side effects from medications and lack of dexterity.

While it may prove to be more challenging to maintain the same level of oral health as we age, it is absolutely possible with the correct regime – which includes regular, professional dental care.

Consider tailoring your cleanings to a shorter interval in order to keep up with your body’s natural increase in plaque and bacteria production.  A healthy mouth does not bleed. Many people benefit from seeing their hygienist on a 2 or 3-month schedule. This allows the body to stay ahead of the bad bacteria that cause inflammation. These harmful bacteria are a leading cause in heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s.

Dry mouth

Side effects from many medications can include dry mouth. This is a condition known as Xerotomia. Consult with you physician or dentist to determine if you may be affected.

A dry mouth means that you are at a higher risk for cavities.  Without your bodies natural saliva production, there is no solution to “ wash and rinse” your teeth of sugars and acids.  This means that you must be immaculate in your home care. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking to neutralize the pH.

Products like prescription toothpastes and moisturizing mouthwashes can also be supplemented to help improve saliva production and fight cavities.

Patients who have experienced decline in their dexterity may have difficulty thoroughly cleaning their mouth using traditional toothbrush and flossing methods. This becomes even more prevalent in those who are in assisted living. Using adjuncts like electric Sonicare toothbrushes, Waterpicks, or even requesting additional assistance from caregiving staff can be helpful solutions.

—

I hope you find this informative! Being able to speak to the issues that matter most to you are why patients continue to recommend us as their Cherry Creek dentist.

We are here to help guide you and your loved ones by designing a customized oral health routine.  It is our privilege to keep you healthy and happy as you enjoy this journey through life!

Best of Health,

Nellie Benjamin, RDH

The post How to Maintain a Healthy Mouth as You Age appeared first on Cherry Creek DDS.

The Story of the Little Filling

Consider the story of the little filling. A tooth has a small filling which grows into a larger filling over time. If the filling has not been properly performed, that larger filling becomes a crown which then leads to a root canal.

Ultimately, the tooth cracks and needs an implant.

This all could have been avoided had the original filling been completed correctly the first time. This is our specialty: getting things right the first time for the longevity of your teeth.

The “right way” of dentistry is not the filling that the insurance company wants to pay for (the silver-mercury filling). Silver-mercury fillings, also referred to as amalgram fillings, can be harmful to a person’s health.

Over time, those fillings wear down and can crack teeth. This method involves outdated technology that should not be used today, but it still approved by some insurance carriers because it’s a lower cost to them.

Related: Where dental insurance falls short

These fillings are made half out of mercury, which can leach and get into the bloodstream.

What are the Alternatives to Silver-Mercury Fillings?

The best dental work involves using materials that most closely resemble the actual tooth itself: composites and ceramics.

By using matter that works best within the existing tooth, we preserve the life and health of the tooth as well as positively impacting your long-term health. Best of all? They look natural – so you get to smile your best.

Other options include:

• Gold. Quite durable, but also not anything resembling your teeth.
• Glass ionomer fillings. Often used with younger patients or for very minor issues.

Overall, we recommend ceramic and/or composite fillings.

The Benefits of Ceramics and Composites

Aside from the aesthetic appeal and natural appearance of composite and ceramic dentistry, multiple benefits make these materials the best for dental work. First, ceramic and composite fillings are less sensitive to heat and cold. Second, they are biocompatible, which means they can coexist with natural materials in the body without causing harmful effects.

It’s important to note, not all dentists are skilled in ceramic fillings. The dentist must match the filling exactly to the patient’s tooth for a flawless appearance and a perfect fit. The skill involved with fitting these fillings allows for the tooth to remain healthy for years to come.

Composite fillings are ideal for small to medium cavities. They fit perfectly and bond into the tooth, preventing further decay while maintaining a completely natural feel and appearance. Additionally, they don’t require as much drilling as other types of fillings, and they provide for an overall stronger tooth once completed.

In summary, the health of the mouth and teeth directly impacts the overall health of the body. It’s important to give your teeth the best possible care, which is exactly why Dr. Hagen practices longevity dentistry: dentistry for your first 100 years. Dr. Hagen wants to get your mouth in the best shape possible and stay ahead of the game when it comes to your health.

To learn more about the benefits of ceramics and composites, contact us today. We would love to help get your teeth in the best shape for your life!

The post The Miracle of Ceramics and Composites – Materials that Mimic Nature appeared first on Cherry Creek DDS.

What struck me about her age, was the thought that people are indeed living longer.  I have studied the aging process my entire career, and now call my practice—”Healthy Longevity Dentistry” based on what I’ve learned.

The Four Pillars of Health

I urge patients to be mindful of their health balance. It’s all interconnected!

I use a diagram with four categories:  Nutrition, Exercise, Spirit, and Rest/Recovery.

Nutrition:  Eat a balanced diet of foods that your body can recognize.  Vegetables, lean meats and fish, fruits, plenty of water, and a minimum of “Modern foods”.  Modern foods would mean refined sugars, carbohydrates, and man-made processed foods.  The closer we can get to an ancient Hunter/Gatherer diet, the better for our bodies – and teeth.

Exercise: I have a saying that I tell myself: Unless there is a particularly good reason not to exercise on any given day, I better do it. It does not have to be extreme, just consistent.

Our Spirit: Everybody is different in how they renew their Spirit. Some may be formally religious, others may read a good book, music can be a refuge, or a simple stroll can be a delight. Take an hour each day to put away your worries and revive your Spirit.

Rest and Recovery: If you don’t sleep well, you will eventually get sick. We help many sleep better with technologies and techniques to breathe better at night. Rest and recovery can also mean to take a day off after a physically or mentally challenging previous day.

I have just discussed four pillars of life balance that all impact your dental health. Now, modern science is showing us that there is an extremely important risk factor that we need to know about:

Control of Inflammation and Infection

The oral cavity is a very diverse bacterial environment.

When a mouth is inflamed from infection (gum bleeding/discharge), microbes (bacteria) pour into the bloodstream. These microbes trigger an immune response from white blood cells and a host of other immune cells. The fight takes place in the whole body, not just the mouth.  Research has shown uncontrolled infection and inflammation that goes into the bloodstream is connected to many serious diseases. Stroke, heart attack, cancer, Alzheimer’s dementia, diabetes and arthritis are all influenced by chronic inflammation. Periodontal infection can be unhealthy for pregnancy.

Related: Should you use charcoal toothpaste?

ABC, Advanced Bacterial Control

Our practice has been committed to Advanced Bacterial Control for some time now with tremendous results. The goal is No infection, No inflammation!

But how do we achieve this?

First, you need a clean start.  If your teeth roots are dirty below the gum-line, you can’t control the infection/inflammation. The stain and build-up (tartar) harbors bacteria. Think of it like having an infected splinter in your hand, you need to remove the splinter to heal. You need to remove the stain and build-up (tartar) from the infected gum pocket.

We use a Diode laser to heal the gum tissues and create that clean environment for your mouth. This doesn’t hurt and is a routing process with excellent results, and it’s one of the dental services we provide.

However, what comes next is just as important: your daily routine! You need tools like these, which I recommend:

Morning and evening use the Sonicare toothbrush for the full two-minute cycle.

Follow this with careful flossing of each in-between root surface. Personally, I recommend avoiding floss that’s too slippery – Glide floss is one known brand that I tend avoid.

After flossing, flush in-between and around the teeth with warm water. A Waterpik can be directed in-between the teeth to flush out food particles, as well. It can also be directed into the gum crevice to flush bacteria away.

Be gentle, but thorough.

The Benefit

My patients often remark about how great a clean and healthy mouth feels. The freshness of breath is confidence inspiring when close to others. Another key to ABC – Advanced Bacterial Control, is to prescribe the proper interval for cleaning and polishing. It is so much better to stay ahead of infection/inflammation than to wait too long for follow-up. Even with the best of home care, some stain and build-up (tartar) can re-occur.

ABC, Advance Bacterial Control also has the delightful benefit of saving your teeth and gums. You will look good, feel good, chew well, staying away from pain and tooth loss.

We would love to see you at our Cherry Creek dental office. Thanks for reading!

Gary E. Hagen, D.D.S.

The post Healthy Longevity appeared first on Cherry Creek DDS.