Dental health

Do You Have Something Stuck Between Your Teeth? Here’s What You Should Do

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Gum disease

Do you have something stuck between your teeth?We’ve all experienced it before – something gets stuck between our teeth, and we can’t seem to get it out no matter how hard we try. It could be a small piece of food or even a stubborn popcorn kernel. Regardless of what it is, having something stuck between your teeth can be incredibly frustrating and uncomfortable. So, what should you do if you find yourself in this situation? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best ways to remove something stuck between your teeth and prevent it from happening again.

1. Try flossing

The easiest and most common way to remove something stuck between your teeth is by flossing. Use a thin string of dental floss to gently work the object out. Start at the top of your teeth and slide the floss between each tooth, moving up and down until you find the spot where something is stuck. Once you’ve located the spot, gently push the floss against your tooth and work it back and forth. Be careful not to push the object further into your gums or between your teeth.

2. Use a toothpick

If you can’t find dental floss, use a toothpick instead. But be very careful not to push the object deeper into your gums or chip your tooth. Use the toothpick to gently work the object out from between your teeth. To avoid injuring your gums, use a soft pick or toothpick instead of a wooden one. If you have braces, avoid using toothpicks as they can damage your brackets and wires.

3. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater

If the object is still stuck, try rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater. This will help to dislodge the object and reduce the swelling in your gums. Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around in your mouth for a few minutes. Spit out the water and repeat as many times as necessary.

4. Visit your dentist

If none of the above methods work, it is best to see your dentist as soon as possible. Sometimes, the object can be lodged so far back you can’t remove it yourself. Your dentist has specialized tools to help remove the object and get your teeth back to normal. Keep in mind that leaving something stuck between your teeth for too long can cause gum irritation or even an infection, so it’s always best to see your dentist if you’re unable to remove it.

5. Preventative measures

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips on how to prevent things from getting stuck in your teeth:

– Brush your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
– Floss regularly, especially after meals
– Chew slowly and carefully
– Cut food into small pieces before eating
– Avoid biting hard objects like pencils or ice cubes
– Visit your dentist every six months for regular cleaning and checkups

Having something stuck between your teeth is not only uncomfortable, but it can also lead to further dental issues if left untreated. The best solution is to practice good dental hygiene habits and take preventative measures. However, if something is still stuck between your teeth, try flossing, using a toothpick, or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater. And if all else fails, visit The Fort Collins Dentist, Dr. Allison Lesko. By taking a few simple precautions, you can prevent things from getting lodged in your teeth and maintain optimal dental health.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

Learn More About Toothache Relief in Fort Collins, CO

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Oral Health

Toothaches can be incredibly painful and disruptive to daily life. If you are experiencing a toothache, it is important to seek relief promptly. At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry in Fort Collins, CO, we offer toothache relief services to help ease your pain and restore your oral health. In this blog post, we will discuss toothaches and the different toothache relief options available at our dental practice.

What is a Toothache?

A toothache is a pain that is felt in or around a tooth. It can be caused by a variety of issues, including dental cavities, gum disease, infection, trauma, or even a sinus infection. Symptoms of a toothache may vary but typically include pain, swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, and a headache or fever. If you are experiencing a toothache, it is important to seek dental care right away.

Toothache Relief Options at The Fort Collins Dentist

At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we offer a variety of toothache relief options to help alleviate your pain and restore your oral health. For mild to moderate toothaches, we may recommend over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If your toothache is caused by a dental cavity, we may need to fill the cavity or perform a root canal to remove the infected tissue and relieve your pain. For severe toothaches, we may need to extract the tooth.

Preventing Toothaches

The best way to prevent toothaches is to practice good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting our dental practice regularly for checkups and cleanings. We may also recommend dental sealants or fluoride treatments to help protect your teeth from decay and infection. If you play sports, wearing a mouthguard can also help prevent tooth injuries.

Why Choose The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry?

At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry, we are committed to providing the highest level of dental care to our patients. Our team of dental professionals is experienced in treating a variety of dental issues, including toothaches. We use the latest dental technologies and techniques to ensure your treatment is as comfortable and effective as possible. With our convenient location and flexible scheduling options, we make it easy for you to get the dental care you need when you need it.

If you are experiencing a toothache, don’t wait to seek dental care. At The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry in Fort Collins, CO, we offer toothache relief services to help alleviate your pain and restore your oral health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a pain-free smile.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

Make Sure Your Child Visits Your Dentist

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry

As a parent, you are always concerned about the health and well-being of your child. Dental health is a critical aspect of overall health and must not be neglected. Among the many things you do for your child’s health, a visit to the dentist should be at the top of the list. Many parents often overlook the importance of regular dental check-ups, leading to severe dental issues at a later stage. Hence, it is essential to ensure that your child visits a dentist regularly.

1. Importance of Early Dental Care:

According to the American Dental Association, children should go to the dentist as early as six months after the first tooth appears, or at least by the age of one. Early dental visits help detect any potential dental issues and prevent them from getting worse. In addition, regular visits help your child get accustomed to the dentist, making future visits less scary. It also instills good dental habits that can last a lifetime.

2. Prevention of Dental Problems:

Regular dental check-ups help identify and treat dental problems early, preventing them from turning into more significant issues. For instance, your dentist can detect cavities and gum problems during routine check-ups. Early detection and timely treatment can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can later lead to more severe problems.

3. Development of Oral Health Habits:

Children learn through imitation, and, as a parent, you need to set a good example to encourage good oral habits. Regular dental check-ups can reinforce the importance of brushing, flossing, and taking care of one’s teeth. Your dentist can offer advice on proper dental care techniques and methods and suggest age-specific dental products like toothpaste and brush suited for your child.

4. Monitoring the Development of Teeth and Jaw:

Regular dental visits help monitor the development of your child’s teeth and jaw. A dentist checks for any developmental issues, including bite problems and teeth misalignment, which may require treatment at an early stage. Early intervention and orthodontic treatment can help straighten teeth, correct the jaw’s alignment, and avoid more complicated problems later on.

5. Building a Positive Relationship with Your Dentist:

Children often associate dental visits with fear and anxiety, leading to an unpleasant experience for both child and parent. Regular visits to the dentist can help children familiarize themselves with the dental setting and develop a positive relationship with their dentist. This way, they are more likely to feel comfortable about going for check-ups as they grow older and continue to prioritize their dental health throughout their lives.

Good oral health habits formed in childhood can last a lifetime. As parents, it is crucial to ensure that your child visits a dentist regularly to maintain excellent oral health. By doing so, you are not only preventing potential dental problems but also instilling the importance of good dental habits that will benefit their health in the long term. As dental professionals, we encourage you to bring your child for regular dental check-ups and treatment. Let’s work together to give your child the brightest, healthiest smile possible.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

Think You Know How To Brush? Think Again.

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Oral Health

Fort Collins tooth brushing tips

You’ve been doing it since you were five. You switch to auto pilot morning and night and get it over with. But are you doing it correct?

Actually, many people are making tooth brushing mistakes. You may need to tweak your routine to better support your oral health and shield your smile from cavities and gum disease.

Here are vital tooth brushing tips:

1. Take your time.
It’s understandable. You want to get it over with and go to bed. Proper teeth cleaning takes time and careful attention. Time yourself the next time you brush—you might be surprised at how quickly you finish. The process should take at least two to three minutes. It can also be beneficial to take a different route around your mouth every few days. By adjusting your pattern, you approach areas from a different, and possibly, better angle.

2. Don’t forget to floss.
No matter how agile you can be with your brush, it’s problematic to clear away the plaque from all those narrow gaps between your teeth. That is where bacteria can easily propagate and start the decay process.

3. Use the right toothbrush.
It is ironic that some people hurt their enamel or gums because they brush too forcefully with a rigid brush. doctor Lesko counsels patients to only use a soft brush. If you’ve had gum grafts, you may want to use an extra soft brush.

4. Don’t keep your tooth brush near the toilet.
This is terrible to think about, but each time the toilet is flushed, bacteria is sent far into the air—even if you close the lid. Keep your toothbrush in a clean place and allow it to air dry.

5. Use fluoride toothpaste.
This may seem like a no-brainer but you may be surprised that some oral care products don’t contain fluoride. And you may think it’s only for kids. Not true. Your enamel is continuously under assault from acidic foods and drinks and fluoride helps it remineralize.

 

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 7193

Gum Disease Treatment at The Fort Collins Dentist

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Gum disease

 

Gum disease treatment at The Fort Collins Dentist

Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that affects many people. It can cause inflammation, bleeding gums, and tooth loss. If you are suffering from gum disease, it is essential to find a reliable dentist who can provide you with the best treatment. The Fort Collins Dentist is your go-to place for the treatment of gum disease. Our team of friendly and professional dental experts has extensive experience in treating gum disease. In this article, we will explore gum disease and the treatment options available at our dental clinic.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone that support your teeth. It occurs when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) builds up on your teeth and is left untreated, it can lead to inflammation of the gums, bleeding, and eventual tooth loss. Gum disease can also affect your overall health because the bacteria that cause it can travel to other parts of your body. Some studies have linked gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions.

Treatment options for gum disease

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we offer several treatment options for gum disease, depending on the severity of the condition. The first step is to perform a thorough examination, including taking x-rays and measurements of the gums and bones around your teeth.

Scaling and Root Planing: This treatment involves cleaning the teeth above and below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar. The roots of the teeth are then smoothed to allow the gums to reattach more easily to the tooth surface.

Laser Therapy: This treatment involves using a laser to remove diseased tissue and bacteria from the gums. The laser also seals the gums to prevent reinfection.

Antibiotics: We may recommend antibiotics to treat gum disease if we find that it is caused by a specific type of bacteria.

Surgery: In some cases, gum disease may require surgery to remove damaged tissue or to promote bone growth around the teeth.

Maintenance: After treatment, proper oral hygiene practices are essential to maintaining healthy gums. We will work with you to create a personalized plan to help you maintain your oral health.

Preventing gum disease

Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are a few tips to help you prevent gum disease:

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria from spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.
Use an antiseptic mouthwash to rinse away bacteria and freshen your breath.
Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
Quit smoking. Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease.

Gum disease can have serious consequences if left untreated. At The Fort Collins Dentist, we have the expertise and experience to diagnose and treat gum disease. We offer several treatment options and work with you to create a personalized plan to maintain your oral health. If you are experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums or chronic bad breath, make an appointment with us today. We are here to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

Gum disease treatment in adults: What you need to know

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Gum disease

gum disease treatment at The Fort Collins Dentist
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of adults in the United States have gum disease. Thankfully, there are effective gum disease treatments available that can help you get your oral health back on track. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common gum disease treatments for adults and what you can expect during the process.

1. Scaling and Root Planing: This is a non-surgical gum disease treatment that involves deep cleaning your gums. Your dentist or periodontist will use a special tool to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and below your gumline. They will also smooth out any rough spots on your tooth roots, which can help prevent bacteria from building up in the future. Scaling and root planing may take several visits to complete, depending on the severity of your gum disease.

2. Antibiotics: If your gum disease has progressed to a more advanced stage, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate the infection. Antibiotics can be taken orally or applied directly to your gums. Your dentist may also recommend an antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth.

3. Gum Grafting: If your gum disease has caused your gums to recede, your dentist may recommend gum grafting. This procedure involves taking tissue from another part of your mouth (usually the roof of your mouth) and attaching it to the affected areas of your gums. Gum grafting can help protect your tooth roots, reduce sensitivity, and improve the appearance of your smile.

4. Laser Therapy: Laser therapy is a minimally invasive gum disease treatment that uses a laser to remove bacteria and infected tissue from your gums. This procedure is less painful and has a shorter recovery time than traditional gum surgery. Laser therapy can also stimulate the growth of healthy gum tissue.

5. Oral Surgery: In severe cases of gum disease, oral surgery may be necessary to treat the infection. This may include removing damaged tissue, reshaping your gums, or removing teeth that cannot be saved. Your dentist will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.

Gum disease can be a serious oral health problem, but with the right treatment, you can prevent it from causing long-term damage to your teeth and gums. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or receding gums, contact your dentist right away. They can help you determine the best course of treatment to get your oral health back on track. Remember, taking care of your gums is an important part of maintaining a healthy smile!

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

5 Tips For Treating Mouth Sores

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Categories: Dental health, Dental Implants, General dentistry

Prevent Mouth Sores Timnath

Hi. I’m Doctor Allison Lesko. When my patients get mouth sores, I guide them to evaluate what they’re eating and make some changes. By following these tips, you too can avoid the discomfort of eating and help to increase the speed of healing.

1. Eat soft or pureed foods. Don’t worry, you won’t have to eat baby food—plenty of adult dishes fit the bill:

cream soups
yogurt
hot cereal
mashed potatoes
puddings

2. Keep your meals bland for a while. I know it’s boring, but watch out for overly spicy, tart, salty or acidic foods while you have a mouth sore.

3. Also, keep it cool. Only eat dishes served at room temperature or chilled.

4. Use a straw so that whatever you are drinking can avoid the mouth sore altogether.

5. Try to moisten dry foods. You can add sauces, dressings, and gravies to your meals.

I hope that these suggestions will help you the next time you suffer from a mouth sore. If you are looking for a dentist in the Loveland area, consider my practice, The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry. We have been serving Fort Collins since 2016.

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 4628

Why Improve Your Smile?

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Gum disease

oral health Fort Collins

Causes and consequences of poor dental health and how you can brush up on your own

Most of us struggle with at least one area of our dental care. It could be that flossing is the one dreaded task, or maybe you haven’t been wearing the night guard recommended often enough. All of us should check with our dentists from time to time and make sure we’re on track with the best dental care plan unique to our situation. It’s best to never let the untreated cavity become a dental emergency.

How poor dental health can arise

Teeth Grinding

Grinding our teeth can happen when we’re sleeping at night, completely unaware of the toll it’s taking on our mouths. Even during the day, we might do this unknowingly, since stress at work or school can result in grinding. This bad habit will slowly wear away our fillings and eventually remove the hard enamel which protects the soft layer of dentin beneath. If you’ve recently observed a chipped tooth, or your jaw aches in the morning, you might be grinding your teeth at night.

Improper Care

It can be difficult to create the best oral hygiene regimen and your dentist might even urge more frequent brushing due to incorrect or inadequate self-care in the past. Not brushing often enough can lead to bad breath, swollen gums and even gum disease in the long run. Most individuals still feel that brushing and flossing are the main tools for success when it comes to protecting their teeth.

Poor Diet

Regularly eating foods high in sugar exposes our teeth to its deteriorating impact. The longer we spend chewing on candy, the longer our teeth spend fighting its harmful acidic content. If you’ve noticed an increase in cavities or nasty breath, you might be eating too many sweets, putting your teeth at risk. It would be smart to consider more fresh fruits and vegetables for their natural teeth-cleaning ability or go for more calcium enriched foods to shield and strengthen your teeth.

Benefits of improving your dental health

Increased Confidence

By upgrading your smile, you will improve your self-esteem and encourage a full and bright smile. If you suffer from chipped or cracked teeth, you might hide your smile while speaking and laughing in front of others. By having certain flaws in our teeth corrected, we no longer fear speaking to others and become more engaged in conversation. If we don’t feel this confidence in ourselves it can be discouraging to spark up a conversation with someone new, since our smile could be the first thing they notice.

Improved Health

Misaligned teeth are not only a cosmetic issue but can lead to a plethora of dilemmas down the road. When our teeth don’t align appropriately, it causes unneeded wear and tear that can lead to toothaches, cavities, cracked teeth, and periodontal issues. If your smile has some imperfections, it might be wise to consider braces or some other aligner for better support.

Save Money

If you’ve ever refused a night guard at the dentist or put off much-needed braces, it might be costing you. Cigna Health estimates that every dollar spent on maintaining dental health saves you anywhere from $8 to $50 restoring it. Improving your smile not only helps you look and feel better but puts money in your pocket better spent on other needs.

 

 

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

 

ArticleID 8542

 

Be Wise About Your Wisdom Teeth

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Categories: Dental health, Extraction

Be Wise About Your Wisdom Teeth, Loveland

Today’s post from us here at The Fort Collins Dentist discusses the often misunderstood subject of wisdom teeth.

The Third Molars

Wisdom teeth are sometimes called the third molars because they are even farther back in the mouth than the two sets of regular molars we all have. These four teeth usually erupt when a person is eighteen or nineteen.

Many dentists recommend that wisdom teeth be removed to prevent misplacement in the mouth.

Wisdom Can Cause Oral Problems

If a wisdom tooth doesn’t fully erupt, it may cause an opening in the gums that can attract bacteria and become infected. Partially-erupted wisdom teeth can also make it difficult to practice proper oral hygiene.

Some wisdom teeth are so misplaced that they can actually cause problems with the jaw bone or alter the patient’s bite. These conditions can cause severe pain.

If you are wondering if your wisdom teeth need to be removed, we can help. We can assess the condition and placement of your wisdom teeth and discuss a treatment plan.

If you have a teenager heading off to college, make sure his/her wisdom teeth are taken care of before they move out of state. You might not be able to find a dental provider in your network and extraction will be more expensive.

We are a Full-Service Dental Practice

In addition to wisdom teeth extraction, we provide comprehensive preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Ask us about cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers and teeth whitening. We accept most dental insurance. But don’t let a lack of dental insurance keep you from having regular dental exams and cleanings. We at The Fort Collins Dentist have a variety of payment options. We serve patients from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

You Can’t Afford Cheap Dental Work

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Categories: Dental health, General dentistry, Oral Health

Fort Collins teeth whitening

Have you ever gotten a deal on a used car that turned out to be a lemon? After a couple years of continual repairs, you realized that it ended up costing as much as a new auto would have. And after spending all that money, you still have a a lemon.

The same is true of deficient dental work. We at The Fort Collins Dentist will never sell you a lemon.

You have probably received shiny postcard ads that proclaim amazing deals on cosmetic dentistry: porcelain veneers, crowns, white fillings, and dental implants. The prices may be attractive, but be certain you do plenty of research before committing. We aren’t trying to imply that all dental practices that publicize low procedure prices in their ads furnish deficient work—we are just cautioning patients not to decide on a cosmetic dentist based on price alone. Unlike a car, you can’t sell your smile and buy a new one.

We will use porcelain veneers as an example. What can go amiss if you receive substandard porcelain veneers?

The dentist may be inexperienced and make mistakes: improper placement, substandard color matching, bite complications.
The materials may be deficient: unnatural color, prone to breaking, veneers pop off.
The lab techs that create the restorations may turn out poor quality work: unnatural color, poor fit.

During your consultation, you will learn about The Fort Collins Dentist’s years of experience, techniques, specialty training, and the number of procedures performed.  You will learn about the best materials for the restorations and receive specifics about the dental lab we use. We serve patients from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor and provide a variety of services such as crowns and other restorations. Schedule an appointment with us today.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526