Routine Cleaning & Oral Hygiene

Durango, CO

At Durango Dentistry, we help patients throughout Durango and the surrounding areas to stay in excellent oral health. With a focus on preventative care, we take the time to get to know each of our patients, creating a plan for lifelong oral health. With only one set of permanent adult teeth, it is important to care for them and be proactive in taking the steps to prevent cavities, infections, and gum disease. We recommend that you visit our dental office for a teeth cleaning twice a year so that we can remove plaque buildup and tartar, keeping your mouth healthy and clean.

Contrary to common belief, a dental cleaning is not just meant for a brighter smile, but also for the general wellness of a patient. There is a relationship between oral health and general health. Some of the related medical and dental problems include cardiovascular disease, bone loss, cancers, strokes and many other problems. While regular brushing and flossing after meals can help keep teeth clean, annual dental cleanings keep teeth clean and healthy.

Oral Hygiene Basics

• How to brush your teeth properly

  As a Durango dentist, we know that how you brush your teeth is just as important as how often you brush them. It is important that you use a soft toothbrush that will not irritate your gums or cause the enamel on your teeth to erode. Many people make the mistake of thinking that a hard toothbrush is necessary for keeping teeth clean, but this is not the case. As long as you brush correctly a soft toothbrush will work equally well without damaging your teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth in a circular pattern, starting at the gum line and working your way towards the center of your mouth. This will move food particles, bacteria, and plaque away from your gum line. Brush your teeth in quadrants and be sure to brush each section for at least thirty seconds. While brushing you should apply even pressure but not be too aggressive. You should also use fluoride toothpaste since this will provide additional protection from cavities. We recommend that you brush three times a day – morning, after lunch, and before bed. This will keep your mouth clean without causing irritation from over-brushing. Additionally, be sure to buy a new toothbrush every three months or sooner if your bristles are frayed or your toothbrush is stained or smelling.

• Flossing is essential for your teeth and gums

  At Durango Dentistry, we remind our patients that it is critical to floss on a daily basis. If you live in the Durango area and have not been to the dentist lately, we invite you to schedule an appointment so that we can clean your teeth and remove the plaque and bacteria from hard to reach places. Afterward, it is up to you to floss on a daily basis to remove food particles and plaque from in between your teeth. If they remain in place, you can develop gum disease which is both uncomfortable and dangerous to your oral and overall health. Gum disease occurs when plaque forms underneath the gum line and not flossing can lead to this. If you do not particularly enjoy flossing, buy a plastic flossing tool that you can hold and throw away once done. This makes it easier to get the job done.

• Selecting the right mouthwash

  When you use mouthwash, it is important to be sure that it is sugar-free. We also recommend using mouthwash that contains fluoride since this will help to kill any lingering bacteria while strengthening your teeth. Carry a bottle of mouthwash with you and rinse your mouth with it after meals, drinking a soda, or consuming coffee. As a Durango, CO dentist office, we understand that it is difficult to brush more than a couple of times per day. Rinsing your mouth, however, is relatively easy, and everyone has time for it. Taking this simple step can help to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.

• How to prevent tooth decay

  Our team prevents tooth decay every day by helping our patients to have clean and healthy teeth. Tooth decay starts when plaque is left on the teeth, and the acid inside of it starts to eat away at the enamel. Keeping teeth clean by removing plaque, therefore, prevents tooth decay. Simultaneously, at home you can continue to brush your teeth and floss after meals. If you do not have anything with you, rinse your mouth with water. This will help to remove some of the loose food particles that may be in your mouth or to remove some of the sugar from your teeth. You should also eat a healthy diet since everything that you eat is directly placed onto your teeth.

• What you should know about getting a fluoride treatment

  At Durango Dentistry, we are a family dentist office that uses fluoride on a regular basis. We recommend that all of our youth patients under the age of eighteen have a fluoride treatment, at least once a year. Statistically, these treatments reduce the risk of getting cavities by 30 percent. This is significant considering that tooth decay is one of the primary reasons children miss days from school. Adults can also benefit from receiving a fluoride treatment and if you would like to find out if it is right for you, call (970) 259-1646 to schedule an appointment. The treatment itself only takes a couple of minutes. The fluoride is applied directly to the teeth. It has no odor or smell and after a few minutes, patients are free to leave. It is one of the easiest ways to prevent cavities.

• How to select the right toothbrush

  Patients of our general dentist office are given a toothbrush at each visit. We recommend that you use it for three months and then replace it. When purchasing a toothbrush, look for a soft one that will not irritate your gums or erode your enamel. Otherwise, we suggest a battery operated or electric toothbrush since they can give you the best clean. The toothbrush head rotates while you are moving the brush around, helping you to break up more plaque for the cleanest possible teeth.

• Food and drinks that you should avoid

  As a family dentist office, we recommend that you avoid drinking too much soda, juice, coffee or anything that contains a lot of sugar. You should also stay away from candy, desserts, and particularly sour candy. Additionally, acidic fruit is bad for your teeth. Any time that you have a diet that is high in sugar and starch it is bad for your teeth because the bacteria on your teeth will thrive in this environment. Simultaneously, when you eat foods that are highly acidic, it can lead to enamel erosion. At Durango Dentistry, we recommend that you eat a diet high in green leafy vegetables, lean protein, dairy, and nuts since they can help to remineralize and strengthen your teeth. For more tips on how to eat a mouth-healthy diet, call (970) 259-1646 and schedule an appointment to speak with Dr. Greg Mann and Dr. Steven Reed.

Dental Cleaning and Examinations

We recommend that adults throughout Durango, CO and the surrounding areas receive teeth cleanings at least twice a year, as well. Good oral health is important regardless of how old you are. As people age, their risk for an oral infection continues to increase. The older teeth get, the more the protective enamel starts to wear away, and it can become easier to get a cavity. The best way to combat this is by brushing and flossing throughout the day in addition to visiting the dentist on a regular basis. We offer flexible appointment times so that you can schedule an appointment around your work or family schedule, making it easier than ever to get a teeth cleaning. The following are some of the main reasons to get regular professional dental cleanings.

• Stops tooth loss

  One of the main causes of tooth loss among American adults is gum disease. Gum disease often starts with the build-up of plaque. Plaque is the whitish film that builds up over time on the teeth of a patient. As gum disease progresses, plaque is pushed further down, and it destroys the supporting bone in the jaw of the patient causing the teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. However, annual cleanings by a professional dental care provider and good oral hygiene can reduce and eventually stop plaque buildup.

• Prevents cavities

  According to the Mayo Clinic, plaque is the main cause of tooth decay. Plaque is acidic, and it corrodes the tooth enamel. When it is left unattended, it eventually leads to cavities. Plaque can be removed through regular brushing and flossing after meals, and annual dental cleanings.

• Brightens the smile

  Beverages such as coffee, tea and wine, some foods, and narcotics such as tobacco can stain teeth. A dental cleaning removes these stains and leaves the patient with polished teeth. The result is a whiter and brighter smile.

• Freshens breath

  Bad breath or halitosis is a common source of embarrassment among many Americans. Regular dental cleanings are a great way to keep the mouth both healthy and odor-free. During a dental cleaning, the dentist will identify common problems such as dry mouth, periodontal disease and other conditions that may be causing bad breath. In some cases, the dentist may refer the patient to a physician when they discover that the odor does not originate from the mouth.

• Boosts overall health

  Apart from providing patients with a whiter and brighter smile, professional teeth cleanings can benefit the overall health of a patient by reducing the likelihood of stroke or heart attack, preventing diabetes, decreasing the likelihood of dementia and preventing low birth weight or premature birth for pregnant patients.

• Helps save money on restorative dental procedures

  The main reason why most people skip dental visits and cleanings is to save money. The cost of regular dental cleanings is less than the cost of most restorative procedures like the treatment of periodontal disease or filling cavities. A bit of preventive dental care can help patients avoid unpleasant and costly problems in the long run.

• Preventing Emergencies

  Regularly scheduled dental cleaning and examinations can help to prevent a dental emergency. Many adults go far too long between visits to the dentist. As a year or two goes by, infections can develop that create a painful situation and lead to dental emergencies. For example, a minor cavity can be corrected with minimal discomfort. However, if the infection spreads into the center of the tooth, the dental pulp can become infected and a root canal will become necessary. Fortunately, these types of infections can typically be avoided by scheduling an appointment twice a year with Dr. Greg Mann and Dr. Steven Reed. It is important to keep in mind that healthy teeth are also less likely to become damaged or injured. By staying in good health, you can prevent teeth from becoming cracked or chipped during an accident

Professional dental cleaning options

A dental cleaning from a professional helps individuals of all ages to maintain good oral health. There are different dental cleanings that may be required, based on the patient's health history as well as any risks that pose a threat to oral health. General dentists can perform evaluations to determine what type of cleanings are necessary and how often. When looking for more information on professional dental cleanings, it can be helpful to review the following. 

• Routine dental cleaning

  The most common type of dental cleaning is a routine one. Both children and adults are advised to have a routine dental cleaning done every six months. However, in some scenarios, a general dentist may recommend them more frequently. Children may be required to get dental cleanings more often; their teeth are prone to cavities because they consume a lot of sugar and do not always practice good oral hygiene. Additionally, elderly individuals are at a higher risk of developing cavities and oral cancer, which makes cleanings necessary more frequently. 

• Deep dental cleaning

  A deep dental cleaning is another professional option that general dentists offer to patients. This type of dental cleaning is used primarily for individuals who have a lot of buildup along their gum lines and beneath the pockets. Additionally, a general dentist may recommend this cleaning if the patient has skipped multiple dental appointments. 

  During a deep dental cleaning, the dentist and hygienist will clean out the gum pockets, which tend to hold plaque and tartar. The procedure can induce some discomfort, which is why a numbing agent is usually administered. 

• Scaling and root planing

  One professional dental cleaning option is called scaling and root planing. This is a more intense type of dental cleaning that is used to treat gum disease. During the scaling procedure, the gums are pulled back and a dental instrument is used to scrape out plaque and tartar from below and above the gum line. Root planing may be done in a separate procedure as both can put a lot of stress on the mouth, resulting in discomfort and soreness. During a root planing session, the general dentist will use another dental instrument to smooth out the roots of the teeth, which may have become rough due to gum disease. 

  Scaling and root planing is known to cause discomfort, such as soreness or even pain. In addition to medications provided by the dental professional, it is often recommended that over-the-counter pain medications are taken afterward. 

Sensitive Teeth

At Durango Dentistry, we practice gentle dentistry and provide teeth cleanings for patients with sensitive teeth. Many adults avoid visiting the dentist due to concern that their teeth will hurt or feel worse during the exam or subsequent cleaning. When working with the right dentist, you can feel comfortable regardless of how sensitive your teeth are. We offer a variety of sedation methods so that you do not have to feel anything while getting your dental cleaning and examinations. Whether you need something to relax or direct pain medication, we can create a treatment plan that includes sedation so that you can remain comfortable.

If you live in Colorado, it is important to understand the reason that teeth become sensitive. Very often, it is due to the enamel on the outside of the teeth wearing away. Enamel can wear away due to age, what you eat and improper oral health care. While brushing with desensitizing toothpaste can help, you need to continue visiting the dentist to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy. Otherwise, the sensitivity can increase. During your dental exam, let us know about the discomfort you are feeling so that we can discuss ways to reduce it by using methods such as a fluoride treatment or sealant.

Odor Fighting Foods for Fresh Breath

Wondering what foods you can eat to promote your fresh breath? You might often eat foods that can cause you to have not so fresh breath or maybe your oral health is not in tip-top shape causing you to have bad breath. Either way, there are some foods that you can eat to fight unpleasant orders in your mouth.

While experiencing bad breath can at times be embarrassing, there are times in your life when you simply want your breath to be as fresh as it can be. This might be for a job interview or business meeting. If the unpleasant breath you are currently experiencing is due to eating certain foods, the following list of odor-fighting foods for fresh breath will help you.

This list will also help cover up your bad breath if your oral health is in need of some care. But, it is important for you to see a dental professional if your oral care is not currently in tip-top shape.

• Fruits

  Eating fruits is not only important to one’s overall dental and general health, but there are also some fruits that help support freshen breath. Fruits contain lots of vitamins and vitamin C is one of the more powerful anti-oxidants found in fruits. A list of fruits that support fresh breath include cherries, apples and pears.

• Yogurt

  Yogurt includes probiotic bacteria and therefore can help in the reduction of any bad bacteria that is causing unpleasant or bad breath. For those who experience bad breath often it is recommended to have two servings daily of plain yogurt.

• Nuts

  Any favorite nut will do, as when nuts are eaten, they act like tiny little scrubbers that remove food from the teeth. This helps to improve one’s bad breath.

• Herbs and spices

  Chew on a sprig or two of parsley, spearmint or peppermint for a couple of minutes in order to experience the benefits of the release oils. These help to cover up any unpleasant breath smells. Additional herbs and spices that can be used include rosemary, cilantro, tarragon and eucalyptus.

My Gums Bleeding

At Durango Dentistry, we focus on the health of our patients' gums just as much as we do on their teeth. We understand the critical nature of the gums and the role they play in keeping teeth healthy, strong, and intact. Through regular dental care, we can work to prevent gum disease. In certain situations, regular dental care is all a patient needs. However, if you do notice that your gums are bleeding or are beginning to recede, call (970) 259-1646 and schedule an appointment with our Durango, CO dental office. Since gum recession can lead to further health challenges, it is important to address the issue right away.

Symptoms of Gum Disease that You Should Watch For

At Durango Dentistry, we encourage you to keep an eye on your gum health and call us if any of these signs persist for longer than a week –

• Bleeding gums

• Swollen gums

• Red or irritated gums

• Your teeth appear longer

If you notice any of these symptoms, the best thing to do is call a Durango dentist for an official diagnosis. Self-treating can lead to additional problems because you may not be addressing the actual cause of the problem. You can schedule an appointment with our office by calling (970) 259-1646.

Causes of Gum Disease

• Poor oral hygiene

• Plaque and tartar buildup underneath the gum tissue

• Diabetes

• Smoking

• Pregnancy

• Some medications

How to Manage and Treat Gum Disease

There are several ways to prevent gum disease and the symptoms that arise from it. If you have already experienced symptoms of bleeding or swollen gums, following these steps will still help you. However, it is wise to visit our office for an examination so that we can make customized treatment recommendations. In the meantime, you can manage your symptoms by doing the following -

• Brush and floss regularly. Remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day and when you do, use a soft or electric toothbrush. Make sure that you are brushing food away from your gums and towards the center of your mouth. This is important to prevent plaque buildup at your gum line. Flossing should be at least once per day and you must make sure to go all the way down along the sides of your teeth.

• Use an antiseptic mouthwash. Another way to kill bacteria is to use an antiseptic mouthwash. This is an easy way to kill some of the bacteria that you have not been able to brush away and you may notice that your gums feel instantly better after using it.

• Have your teeth cleaned twice a year. At Durango Dentistry, we encourage you to visit our dental office twice per year so that we can clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar that was left behind from your daily brushing. This is your best defense against gum disease or even some of the subtle symptoms like bleeding and swelling.

• Stop smoking. More than bad for your lungs, using tobacco products is also bad for your oral health. Not only can it lead to oral cancer but it also increases your risk for gum disease.

• Schedule a deep cleaning. If you already have gum disease we may recommend that you have a deep cleaning or root planing and scaling procedure. This allows the dentist to remove tartar and plaque that has built up underneath the gum tissue. The procedure is typically completed in two to four appointments but it works incredibly well for removing the cause of the problem.