Category Archives: Oral Hygiene

Are Electric Toothbrushes a Good Investment?

June 25, 2022 3:20 pm
Published by Vero Dental

Electric toothbrushes are wildly popular among patients and many dentists highly recommend them! An electric toothbrush is a chargeable toothbrush that comes with various capabilities to make brushing your teeth more efficient, more enjoyable, and easier. With a manual toothbrush, you must be mindful to brush your teeth using small, gentle circles with just the right amount of pressure. With most electric toothbrushes, the heavy lifting is taken care of for you with its fast spinning bristles, pressure sensor, and two-minute timer.

Different electric toothbrushes come with different settings; some might not have a built-in timer, while others have whitening and polishing functions or Bluetooth connectivity. Some replacement brush heads cater to those with braces or sensitive gums.

Overall, the powerful but gentle mechanics of an electric toothbrush head helps break up plaque and remove food particles more efficiently and accurately than how most people use a manual toothbrush.

Should I Get an Electric Toothbrush?

Electric toothbrushes are a great option for distractible children above 3 years old and teenagers, busy college students, tired new parents, older adults with grip issues, braces wearers, patients currently with gum disease, and those who want to prevent dental disease. Nearly everyone could benefit from an electric toothbrush!

Because they reduce much of the manual work that goes into brushing your teeth, electric toothbrushes can make your oral hygiene feel less like drudgery and increase your motivation to actually brush your teeth. This will improve your oral health and help you prevent decay and gum disease more so than if you brush halfheartedly or too fast with a manual toothbrush.

Electric toothbrushes are more expensive up-front than a manual toothbrush. Replacement brush heads for your electric brush will also run a bit more expensive than buying a new manual toothbrush. However, you can get an excellent electric toothbrush from several major retailers for $50 or less. We recommend buying a reputable brand that has a track record of reliability and buying authentic replacement brush heads.

Affordable Preventive Dental Care

When paired with twice-yearly dental appointments, using an electric toothbrush can help keep your smile strong and healthy! At Vero Dental, we emphasize the value of preventive care and can help you decide which type of toothbrush is right for your oral health needs. Additionally, we offer affordable financing so our patients can get the care they deserve even if they’re on a tight budget. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office in Denver, CO!

How Often Should I Clean My Retainers?

March 30, 2022 8:47 pm
Published by Vero Dental

Anyone who has had their teeth straightened with braces or clear aligner therapy will need to wear retainers to keep their new smile perfectly in place. This is because your teeth will gradually migrate back to their previous, more “natural” positions. If you have removable retainers, it’s incredibly important that you wear them as often as directed so that your teeth do not shift. If your retainers are not worn for an extended period of time, your teeth will shift and additional orthodontic treatment may be required to straighten them back up.

In addition to wearing your retainers regularly, patients should also commit to keeping them clean. Every morning when you take your retainers out, you should rinse them thoroughly with cold water to remove bacteria and debris. We recommend giving your retainers a deep clean at least once a week. If you get sick, it’s a good idea to deep clean your retainers as soon as you are better again, even if you just recently cleaned them.

How Should I Clean My Retainers?

By wearing and cleaning your retainers as often as recommended, you can maintain both a healthy and beautiful smile! Follow these care tips:

While toothpaste is generally too abrasive to use on retainers, you should daily clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush, a mild dish soap, and cool or lukewarm water.
Regularly soaking your retainers for at least 20 minutes will prevent buildup and discoloration. You can use white vinegar diluted in water (about a 1:1 ratio), denture cleanser, or Retainer Brite tablets.
After brushing and soaking your retainers, be sure to thoroughly rinse them before putting them back in your mouth.
Never boil your retainers, put them in the dishwasher, or soak them in dangerous chemicals like bleach.

Clear Aligners at Vero Dental

Vero Dental offers Invisalign^® clear aligners in Denver, CO. This orthodontic treatment can address mild to moderate misalignment. Please contact us to schedule a consultation with our team to see if clear aligner therapy is right for you!

Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

5 Common Questions Dental Hygienists Hear

September 30, 2021 1:24 am
Published by Vero Dental

Along with your dentist, your dental hygienist is an essential part of your dental team. They help you reach optimal oral health by cleaning your teeth, checking your gums, demonstrating good oral hygiene, and answering your dental-related questions.

Not sure what you might want to ask your dental hygienist during your next visit? These are some of the most common questions dental hygienists hear and can assist with.

How Can I Improve My Oral Health?

This question may seem basic, but it’s an important one. By asking it, you’re taking an active role in your dental wellness. Depending on the state of your oral health, your hygienist might tell you how to improve your brushing or flossing technique, which areas of your mouth to pay particular attention to, and what dental products they recommend you using at home.

Why Do My Gums Bleed?

Some people who see a little bit of pink in the sink while brushing or flossing their teeth may just assume that that’s a normal part of the process. If your gums bleed often while taking care of your dental health at home, it’s a good idea to ask your hygienist why that may be the cause. Bleeding gums could be a sign of bacteria build-up and gum disease.

How Can I Whiten My Teeth?

A white smile looks good on everyone! Your dental hygienist will be able to give you some tips on either keeping your teeth white or boosting their brightness. Depending on the patient, this could mean a change in brushing technique, a recommendation for professional teeth whitening, a change in diet, or quitting smoking.

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?

Teeth sensitivity can be caused by many things, such as tooth decay, gum recession, diet, and teeth grinding. If you routinely experience tooth sensitivity, consult with your hygienist about how you can reduce your discomfort.

What Toothpaste/Toothbrush/Floss Should I Use?

As experts in dental care, your hygienist can assess your current oral health and provide personalized recommendations for the dental tools you should be using at home. Not only will they know which products in the market are the most effective, but they’ll also be able to tell you why they might be the best option for your specific situation.

If you have a question that wasn’t previously covered, be sure to ask your dental hygienist at your next appointment. Consider them a trusted resource in your journey to a beautiful, healthy smile.

Whether you are a new patient or a returning patient, we’d be delighted to have you visit our Denver dental office! Please contact Vero Dental today to set up an appointment.

Causes of Gum Disease

November 18, 2020 8:26 pm
Published by Vero Dental

Your gums are an essential part of your oral health. They help anchor your teeth into your mouth and provide a barrier so bacteria can’t access the sensitive inner portion of your teeth. If you don’t take care of your teeth and your gums, you risk developing periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.

In this blog post, learn what causes gum disease and how to prevent it.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

There are several stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

Gingivitis is characterized by gum inflammation and irritation. The gums are swollen, tender, abnormally red, and prone to bleeding.

Periodontitis is when the gums start to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets. The tissues and bone surrounding the teeth become damaged. You may experience chronic bad breath, bleeding, sensitivity, pain, and even pus. Eventually, the teeth can fall out and your jawbone can deteriorate, which will change your facial shape and impair your ability to chew, talk, and smile with confidence.

Causes of Gum Disease

The primary cause of gum disease is plaque accumulation from poor oral hygiene. Plaque is a film of bacteria that builds up along and under your gumline, as well as on and between your teeth, unless it is properly brushed and flossed away every day. Plaque irritates the gums, leading to inflammation and infection.

Many factors can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease. These include:

Smoking and Tobacco Use
High Consumption of Sugar and Carbohydrates
Uncontrolled Diabetes
Hormonal Changes
Certain Medications
Genetics

How to Prevent Gum Disease

To prevent gum disease, maintain superb oral health habits! For example:

Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day for two minutes each time.
Floss every day.
Visit Vero Dental at least every six months for a checkup and cleaning. We’ll let you know if you’d benefit from more frequent visits! These appointments allow our team to detect early signs of gum disease, suggest oral care tips, and remove plaque with our special dental tools.
Avoid tobacco products and sugary gum.
Drink plenty of water.
Consume a balanced diet.

Periodontal Therapy at Vero Dental

If you have noticed changes in your gum health, please contact us today for a checkup. Our expert team can examine your mouth and determine the best course of action to improve your gum health! We also invite you to explore our website to learn about our comprehensive dental services and affordable payment options.

5 Ways to Make Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids

August 25, 2020 12:28 am
Published by Vero Dental

Typically, getting kids to brush and floss every day is not an easy task. It’s essential, though, even if your child only has baby teeth. Healthy baby teeth are critical for proper speech development, confidence, and nutrition. Baby teeth also affect the health and growth of the underlying adult teeth.

Making daily oral hygiene a habit in early childhood also means healthier teeth as a teenager and adult. As a parent or caregiver, how can you make brushing and flossing fun for kids? Here are five ideas:

Let Kids Pick Their Toothbrush & Toothpaste

To help your kid develop good oral hygiene habits, let them be active participants. This starts with choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Children are more likely to get excited about brushing if they like their toothbrush and toothpaste. Because they got to choose, they feel more independent.

Brush with Your Child

Most kids like to imitate their parents, so show them how important oral hygiene is by doing it together! If you are enthusiastic about brushing and flossing, your child will notice and want to copy you. When you clean your teeth together, you can also show your child the proper technique.

Play Their Favorite Music

Many kids don’t like cleaning their teeth because they get bored. Playing 2 minutes of their favorite song is a simple way to keep them engaged and entertained. And you can be sure that they’re brushing for the 2-minute duration recommended by dentists.

Use a Brushing Timer App or Electric Toothbrush

There are a handful of timer apps that make oral hygiene more enjoyable for kids. These use videos, music, and rewards like badges. Apps encourage consistent brushing and help kids focus. A good electric toothbrush also has a built-in timer.

Read Books & Stories About Oral Health & Visiting the Dentist

Help your child understand how brushing and flossing will keep their mouth healthy and strong. There are picture books and videos that teach kids the importance of oral hygiene and going to the dentist without scaring them. Some of our favorite dental-related children’s books are:

ABC Dentist: Healthy Teeth From A to Z by Harriet Ziefert
Curious George Visits the Dentist by H. A. Rey
Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer
The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan & Jan Berenstain
The Crocodile and the Dentist by Taro Gomi
The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss
What to Expect When You Go to the Dentist by Heidi Murkoff

Your Kid-Friendly Dentist in Denver, CO

Our dentists love working with patients of all ages, including kids! At Vero Dental, family block appointments are convenient and make your life much easier. If you want to help your kids improve their oral hygiene, please contact our Denver office today!

How to Keep Your Teeth & Gums Healthy

May 30, 2020 10:10 pm
Published by Vero Dental

Don’t let your oral health fall by the wayside. Here are some pointers to keep your dental health in tip-top shape:

Brush & Floss

The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing at least once a day. Be sure to brush your tongue too! Brushing and flossing are the first line of defense for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and strong. If done properly and consistently, your oral hygiene regimen can help prevent plaque buildup, bad breath, tooth discoloration, tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Diet plays a significant role in your oral health. We recommend limiting foods and drinks that have a lot of sugar in them. Bacteria consume the sugar left on your teeth and produce acidic byproducts that irritate your gums and destroy your enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. We also advise staying away from hard foods that can damage your teeth, such as ice and hard candy. Instead, reach for nutrient-dense whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These help prevent enamel erosion and boost your oral and overall health.

Drink Plenty of Water

Compared to sports drinks, soda, and fruit juice, water is the best option for hydrating your mouth and encouraging saliva production. Saliva is essential for remineralizing your enamel and washing away leftover food debris and bacteria from your mouth. Additionally, most tap water contains fluoride, a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel against decay. While fluoride naturally occurs in low levels in water and some foods, many communities add it to their public water supply to a level proven to reduce the incidence of cavities.

Reach Out to Our Team!

Are you currently dealing with a dental problem? Contact Vero Dental right away. It may be a dental issue that requires urgent attention. If it turns out to not be a dental emergency, our expert team is still here to help you manage it.

If you have additional questions about how to care for your oral health, reach out to our team at Vero Dental in Denver, CO.