Thursday 6 October 2016

Thursday 29 September 2016

Thursday 22 September 2016

Tuesday 13 September 2016

Dental Veneers: Pros and Cons

Dental veneers are thin pieces of tooth-colored porcelain cemented to the front surfaces of your natural teeth, and are an easy way to address a variety of physical and aesthetic problems. Because they're also permanent, however, you'll need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of the procedure before you decide to get them. Here are six things to think about and discuss with your dentist.

Pro #1: Easily Whiten Your Smile
Years of drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes or eating highly pigmented foods eventually take their toll on your teeth, turning them an unattractive shade of yellow or brown. Stained enamel can be bleached at home or by your dentist, but it can become stained again. If you're looking for an easier way to whiten your smile for good, dental veneers may be a good fit for you. Veneers are largely stain-resistant, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), so you won't have to worry about discoloration or needing to have your veneers whitened.

To read the entire article written by Jennifer Mitchell , please visit Colgate.com

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

Tuesday 6 September 2016

Crowns

A crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth that is badly damaged or decayed. Many people call it a cap.
Crowns may be placed for several reasons. Usually the tooth has been broken or severely damaged by decay. As a result, a filling can't replace enough of the tooth or make the tooth strong enough. A crown may hold together parts of a cracked tooth. It also can be used to hold a bridge in place. Crowns can be used to improve appearance as well. They may be placed to cover misshapen or badly discolored teeth.

Crowns can be made ahead of time (prefabricated) or made to order in a laboratory. Prefabricated crowns are made of plastic or stainless steel. They can be used on a temporary basis until a permanent crown is made.

Crowns can be made of:

  • All metal
  • Zirconia
  • Porcelain fused to metal (PFM)
  • Porcelain fused to zirconia
  • All ceramic

Metals include gold alloy, other alloys (palladium) or a base-metal alloy (nickel or chromium). The all-metal or PFM crowns are stronger and are better choices for back teeth than ceramic crowns. PFM and all-ceramic crowns are the same color as your natural teeth. They look just like normal teeth.

To read the entire article , please visit Colgate.com

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

Monday 5 September 2016

Diet & Your Teeth

Learn more about the connection between your teeth and what you eat.


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

Tuesday 30 August 2016

Discolored Teeth: Five Foods that Cause Stains

Proper oral hygiene is of course indispensable for maintaining a bright smile, but there is one other important bit of advice: Watch what you eat and drink. Certain foods and beverages can discolor teeth. If you want to protect your pearly whites, read on for some common culprits that stain your teeth.

Pasta Sauce
Because of their acidity, bright red hue and tendency to cling to the teeth, the tomatoes in pasta sauce can leave your teeth vulnerable to staining. Dine on some dark green veggies, such as broccoli, kale and spinach, beforehand to create a protective film over the teeth. The film will ward off tomatoes' staining effect, so spring for a green salad as an appetizer.

Curry
Curry, a spice that works well in Indian food and exotic dishes, is also a cause of discolored teeth. Its deep pigmentation can yellow teeth over time. Due to its high staining factor, curry is something you may want to limit in your diet. Whenever you dine on curry-spiced food, mix in fresh fruits and vegetables that prevent stains, such as apples, carrots, cauliflower and celery.

To read the entire article written by Margie Monin Dombrowski , please visit Colgate.com

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

Monday 29 August 2016

Lifestyle & Your Oral Health

Learn more about how your lifestyle can affect your oral health.


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

Monday 22 August 2016

Friday 12 August 2016

Oral Cancer

In Canada, 3400 new cases of mouth cancer are diagnosed each year. About 50% of those diagnosed do not live longer than 5 years after diagnosis because it wasn’t detected early enough.
The most common sites for oral cancer to be found are the tongue (which has the highest prevalence), throat, floor of the mouth and lips. Regular tobacco use (both chewing and smoking), alcohol consumption and prolonged sun exposure all increase risk in addition to age.

To read the entire article , please visit plus.HealthyTeeth.org

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

Friday 5 August 2016

Gingivitis

When teeth are not properly cleaned, plaque forms on the tooth’s surface. Plaque can cause irritation of the gums, making them red and slightly swollen - this is gingivitis. More serious forms of gum disease such as periodontitis start with gingivitis.

Signs & Symptoms:

  • Red, swollen or tender gums that bleed when brushed or flossed
  • Bad breath
Good management of gingivitis is a sign of good oral hygiene. This helps prevent halitosis, bleeding gums and other more serious dental diseases. Remember, there is a link between oral health and overall health.

To read the entire article , please visit plus.HealthyTeeth.org

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

Learn more about the importance of saliva.

Learn more about the importance of saliva.


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

Friday 29 July 2016

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

In most cases, the cause of bad breath can be simple. However, if the issue is persistent, it can be a symptom of something more serious, and a problem sign of something to avoid long term.

  • Diet places a key role in bad breath, and the food you eat can often affect the smell of your breath.
  • Oral bacteria can cause an odour, and also indicate you have plaque build-up.
  • Dry mouth often affects your breath, as saliva (or lack thereof) affects plaque buildup and food particles from sticking to your teeth. Read more about dry mouth on the dry mouth page.
  • Smoking.
  • Unclean dentures. Just like teeth, dentures need to be cleaned regularly to keep them feeling, and smelling, fresh.
  • Some medical conditions, often affecting your liver or kidneys, can affect your breath. Alerting your dentist of previous medical conditions, or current medications is always a good idea.

To read the entire article , please visit plus.HealthyTeeth.org

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

Why Do Gums Recede?

Learn more about why gums recede.


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

Friday 22 July 2016

Treatment for Abscessed Teeth

Learn more about the treatment for abscessed teeth.


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

Friday 8 July 2016

Dysphagia (Trouble Swallowing)

Those suffering from dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, can reduce their risk of chest infection or other serious issues by maintaining good oral health by keeping their mouth clean. Other medical issues include neuromuscular conditions, stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injury, gastroesophageal reflux disease, cancers of the head and neck and certain respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Aspiration pneumonia can also be caused when saliva, food or liquid goes down the trachea into the lungs, instead of the esophagus and into the stomach.

Risk of dysphagia increases with age and frailty, as well as smoking, excessive alcohol use, certain medications and poor oral hygiene including your teeth and dentures.

To read the entire article , please visit plus.HealthyTeeth.org

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

Wednesday 6 July 2016

Pregnancy & Oral Health

Learn more about the risks to your oral health during pregnancy.


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

Friday 1 July 2016

Dry Mouth (xerostomin)

Dry mouth, or xerostomin is the result of decreased saliva production, which affects up to 60% of older adults. Saliva lubricates the mouth helping to prevent decay and protect tooth enamel. But don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to manage this condition.

Dry mouth can be caused by a variety of reasons, including medications you may be taking, radiation or cancer treatments, smoking, immune deficiency, systemic diseases (such as Diabetes, Parkinsonís, Sjogren syndrome) or salivary gland aplasia.

To read the entire article , please visit plus.HealthyTeeth.org

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

Wednesday 29 June 2016

Friday 24 June 2016

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, with 75% of adults over 35 showing problem signs.What is often referred to as the silent mouth disease, initial symptoms can easily go unnoticed.Bacteria lives in plaque, which hardens over time and can cause gum irritations such as gingivitis.

Left untreated, bacterial infections affect the gums, ligaments and bone supporting the teeth, and can enter the blood stream and may be related to other diseases such as Heart Disease and Diabetes.
  
To read the entire article , please visit plus.HealthyTeeth.org

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

Wednesday 22 June 2016

Bad Breath (also known as Halitosis)

Learn more about Bad Breath, which is also known as Halitosis.


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

Saturday 11 June 2016

A Guide to Sedation Dentistry

If the thought of seeing your dentist gives you chills every six months, an anesthetic may be the solution. Sedation dentistry uses a combination of techniques, ranging from nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" to general anesthesia, to relax a patient during surgeries or otherwise uncomfortable appointments. For even the most severe dental phobias, there is no longer a reason to avoid the dentist altogether.

Settings that Practice Anti-Anxiety

The dental office has long been the most common setting for routine dental procedures that use sedation and anti-anxiety techniques. These techniques can be used for any type of dental procedure depending on the needs of the patient. Ultimately, your fears and phobias can be managed so that you can receive the dental care you require no matter where the treatment takes place.
Are You a Candidate for Sedation?

Your overall health, as well as physical and mental conditions you may be battling at the time, are important to be able to safely undergo certain types of sedation ñ especially in the dental office. Certain of these conditions may require clearance from a physician: cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases should all be addressed prior to a given type of sedation. Your dentist will take a thorough medical history and physical assessment before proceeding, and if need be, recommend a product like Colgate® Total®  Advanced Deep Clean to get home care on the right track. He or she may also ask you to receive medical clearance from your physician.

To read the entire article written by James Burke Fine DMD, please visit Colgate.com

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

Sunday 5 June 2016

Dental Sealants for Children

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the importance of dental sealants as a preventive dental treatment for your children!


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

Saturday 4 June 2016

Do I Need a Root Canal?

If you have been experiencing problems with a tooth, you may wonder, "Do I need a root canal?" Root canals, also known as endodontic therapy, are performed when the nerve or pulp of the tooth becomes infected and inflammed due to dental decay, a cracked or broken tooth or an injury to the tooth, according to the American Dental Association. During the procedure, a dentist uses a drill to remove both the nerve and pulp and seals up the tooth to protect against further damage. Only your dentist or a dental specialist called an endodontist, can determine whether a root canal will adequately treat your problem. Here are a few possible symptoms of the need for a root canal and some steps for dealing with them.

General Possible Symptoms
The most common symptom that may indicate the need for a root canal is tooth pain, according to the American Association of Endodontists. The intensity of the pain can range from mild to severe; it may lessen or intensify throughout the day, or it may get worse only when you bite down on the tooth. Some patients experience prolonged sensitivity to hot food or liquids. Your gums may also feel tender and swollen near the problem area.

First Steps
If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your dentist right away. Explain your symptoms by phone to a staff member, who may arrange for you to come in right away or may recommend emergency care depending on the severity of your symptoms. To soothe the pain and alleviate swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your jaw. 

To read the entire article written by Rebecca Desfosse, please visit Colgate.com

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

Sunday 29 May 2016

Stress & Oral Health

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Stress and your Oral Health!


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

Saturday 28 May 2016

When Surgical Extraction of Teeth is Necessary

You want to keep your teeth for a lifetime, but circumstances can arise that prompt your dentist to recommend removing a tooth for the good of your dental health. And although many of your teeth are easily removable, it's occasionally more complicated, and requires a more involved procedure. Here's why the surgical extraction of teeth may become necessary, and how your dentist differentiates these procedures from others.

Why Can't a Tooth be Saved?
The American Dental Association (ADA) Mouth Healthy site suggests teeth are usually removed due to trauma, disease or crowding. When a tooth cannot be repaired with a filling or a crown because of an accident or extensive decay, an extraction may be your best recourse. Teeth that aren't supported by enough bone due to periodontal disease are also candidates for removal, according to Warren Dentistry, necessitating the use of a gum-protecting toothpaste like Colgate TotalÆ Clean Mint following extraction. Infected (abscessed) teeth that don't respond to root canal treatment may need to be taken out, as well.

Keep in mind it's not unusual for an orthodontist to recommend an extraction or two before orthodontic treatment begins because of crowed teeth. Similarly, wisdom teeth are frequently extracted because of the awkward position in which they grow behind your molars.

To read the entire article written by Donna Pleis, please visit Colgate.com

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

Sunday 22 May 2016

Periodontal Screening

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Periodontal Screening!


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

Wednesday 11 May 2016

Like Parent, Like Child: Good Oral Health Starts at Home

Parents are a child's first teacher in life and play a significant role in maintaining his or her overall health. Providing oral health education to mothers and families is essential to teaching children healthy habits and preventing early childhood tooth decay, according to an article published in the May/June 2010 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

With all of the challenges that new parents face, they may not think much about the link between their child's oral health and overall health. In fact, an understanding of oral hygiene can help parents to prevent tooth decayóthe single most common chronic childhood disease in Americaóand to create a lifetime of healthy habits for their child.

"Ideally, the oral health education for any family will begin with prenatal education and the establishment of a dental home by the time the child is 12 to 18 months of age," says Tegwyn Brickhouse, DDS, author of the study. "Many people don't realize that the oral health of the mother affects both the infant's future oral health and the child's overall health. In fact, some studies show that periodontal disease has been linked to preterm labor. That's why pregnant women should be evaluated for cavities, poor oral hygiene, gingivitis, loose teeth and diet."

After the child is born, families should become familiar with their child's dental and oral health milestones, which will be determined by discussion with the family dentist or a pediatric dentist. Children should have their first dental visit at age 1 or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. A dentist will be able to discuss when parents can expect to see a child's first tooth and the best technique for brushing his or her new teeth.

Diet is another factor that affects a child's oral health. Frequent and long-term exposure to liquids that contain sugars commonly results in tooth decay. In addition to eliminating sugary drinks altogether from a child's diet, parents can adopt other habits to prevent tooth decay due to beverage consumption.

"Parents should avoid giving their children milk, formula, juice or soda at naptime or nighttime," says Bruce DeGinder, DDS, MAGD, spokesperson for the AGD. "The sugars will linger on their teeth and gums for a prolonged period of time, promoting decay."

Parents are responsible for their child's oral hygiene practices and are advised to meet with a general dentist to determine the best way to establish and maintain their child's oral health. A general dentist also can provide families with oral health literature that is designed to educate both the parent and child. This education has multiple benefits; as Dr. Brickhouse notes, "Healthy teeth in early childhood can provide a positive self-image and improve the child's quality of life."

To read the entire article please visit KnowYourTeeth.com

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

Friday 6 May 2016

Regular Visits To The Dentist Can Give Warning Signs for Diabetes

Learn what Delta Dental of New Jersey has to say about how 'Regular Visits To The Dentist Can Give Warning Signs for Diabetes'.


The above video is found on the Delta Dental of New Jersey 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