Dental Plaque

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about dental plaque.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Castle Rock Cosmetic & Family Dentistry   
Erik Hekkert, DDS   
4625 Trail Boss Drive, Suite G   
Castle Rock, CO 80104   
(720) 733-1210   
CastleRockDentistry.com

White Dental Fillings

Fillings Without Metal

Amalgam fillings of silver-mercury have been the common material used for filling most dental caries for a number of years. It is not the most functional material, as metal does not bond well to a natural tooth. This allows for decay to eventually set in. Patients especially don't like the appearance of dark fillings in light teeth, which are very noticeable when smiling or speaking. 

We do not use metal fillings at our practice. We have selected modern composite resin fillings that contain no metal and can be made to match the shade of the tooth. They bond tightly to teeth and provide additional strength to the remaining tooth structure. The tight and lasting bond helps to prevent decay from setting in or around the filling.

Castle Rock Cosmetic & Family Dentistry   
Erik Hekkert, DDS   
4625 Trail Boss Drive, Suite G   
Castle Rock, CO 80104   
(720) 733-1210   
CastleRockDentistry.com

Parts of the Tooth

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about about what makes up the tooth.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Castle Rock Cosmetic & Family Dentistry   
Erik Hekkert, DDS   
4625 Trail Boss Drive, Suite G   
Castle Rock, CO 80104   
(720) 733-1210   
CastleRockDentistry.com

Teeth Whitening Dentist

KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System for a Brilliantly White Smile

If you have been disappointed with the whitening methods you have tried in the past, you will be amazed with the KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System. The results go beyond extreme! It has whitened teeth even with severe staining, such as from the use of the tetracycline antibiotic. Dr. Hekkert is among the first dentists in this area to use this procedure, and he is very pleased to offer it to his patients. 

We also make custom whitening trays. You are fitted for the trays to fit your exact teeth, and then with the supplies and instructions to follow, you finish the procedure at home. It is safe and effective and within 1 – 14 days you will have a brilliant smile.

Castle Rock Cosmetic & Family Dentistry   
Erik Hekkert, DDS   
4625 Trail Boss Drive, Suite G   
Castle Rock, CO 80104   
(720) 733-1210   
CastleRockDentistry.com

Flossing - Bad Breath Killer

Flossing As Prevention For Bad Breath
Need another reason to floss your teeth at least once a day? Flossing daily helps improve bad breath by effectively removing the food particles and bacteria that contribute to it. That makes flossing one of the easiest ways to prevent and banish bad breath.

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is more common than many people realize. You may joke about bad breath, whether it’s your own or someone else’s, but it’s an important oral health issue. Bad breath can be more than an embarrassing social problem-it can be a sign of disease or illness.

Saliva is Your Friend
Less saliva means that your mouth is more susceptible to plaque buildup, which can create an unpleasant smell on your breath. Pay extra attention to any of the following circumstances that can reduce the saliva in your mouth and promote bad breath:

• Drinking alcohol. Alcohol-containing beverages may promote a dry mouth and cause bad breath. So don’t forget to floss after an evening out on the town, no matter how much you’re tempted to hop into bed and forget about it.
• Early morning. Saliva stops flowing while you sleep, so you may be prone to bad breath in the morning. If so, mornings may be the best time for your daily dental flossing.
• Being hungry or thirsty. When you’re dehydrated, there’s not as much saliva in your mouth, so you’re prone to bad breath and increased bacterial buildup. Drink enough fluids and remember to floss. Also, remember that chewing food increases the saliva in your mouth, so if you’re skipping meals or dieting, you may develop bad breath.

If you’re dieting and eating less frequently, a mint floss can not only help bad breath by removing bacteria, it may help you with your diet by providing a fresh taste in your mouth that makes you less tempted to snack. People who are following extremely low carbohydrate diets also sometimes report bad breath, but these reports are anecdotal. If you’re on a low-carb diet, or any restrictive diet, you may be promoting bad breath. If you must restrict your food intake and eat infrequently, drink plenty of water to help maintain the level of saliva in your mouth to help prevent bad breath in addition to following a good oral care routine.

To read the entire article please visit: OralB.com

Castle Rock Cosmetic & Family Dentistry   
Erik Hekkert, DDS   
4625 Trail Boss Drive, Suite G   
Castle Rock, CO 80104   
(720) 733-1210   
CastleRockDentistry.com

Tongue Scrapers Offer An Option For Halitosis

How Tongue Scrapers Work
If you suffer from halitosis, or chronic bad breath, you’re probably looking for ways to help manage the problem. If so, consider a tongue scraper. They’re relatively inexpensive and available at most pharmacies. Tongue scrapers are often touted as the way to improve bad breath, but there is very little research to show that they are any more effective than simply brushing the tongue with your toothbrush as part of your toothbrushing routine.

Trying a tongue scraper can’t hurt, and they’re easy to use. Simply hold the scraper at the back of your tongue, and bring it forward, scraping gently but firmly along the tongue as you go.

Although tongue scrapers are harmless, you can probably prevent halitosis just as well by following a consistent oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. And keep these points in mind as part of your daily oral hygiene plan:

• Keep your toothbrush fresh. Be sure to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, even if you don’t have bad breath, but especially if you do.
• Keep an extra brush at work. Keep a spare toothbrush and toothpaste at work so you can brush your teeth after lunch.
• Drink plenty of water. Keeping your mouth moist helps minimize the amount of bacteria in your mouth that can cause bad breath.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Castle Rock Cosmetic & Family Dentistry   
Erik Hekkert, DDS   
4625 Trail Boss Drive, Suite G   
Castle Rock, CO 80104   
(720) 733-1210   
CastleRockDentistry.com