Boulder General Dentistry | Dr. Birnbach, D.M.D.

What is the dirtiest, most disease ridden part of the human
body?

Nope. You are wrong. It isn't that.

It's your mouth.

Yuck.

And gums are what protects your mouth from getting inside
your body.

Gums are maybe the most important part of your body's
immune system.



If you brush and it bleeds, that is not a good sign.

If it hurts when you get your teeth cleaned, that is not a
good sign.

Gingivitis is the start of gum disease. It describes gums that
bleed or are inflamed.

Periodontitis is the advanced state of gum disease. When
gums deteriorate, bone underneath dissolves away. That
leaves the teeth's roots exposed to the dirty mouth and
that advances not just gum disease, but heart disease.

That's right. Many studies show that gum disease cause
bacteria to leak into the body and they latch onto the
heart, its valves, and the arteries feeding the heart
with blood.

So gum disease and heart disease are closely related.

What can you do about gum disease? Two things at
least.

One, is you can floss, brush, and use various good home care
practices.

Two, See your dentist and hygienist. A thorough cleaning involves
the dentist or hygienist going in below the gum line and
scraping away the accumulated film of bacteria that is
stuck to the teeth.

Sometimes, dentists are using lasers for deep scaling.

Sometimes, they use ultrasonic devices. We use
both.

Is it painful? Just a bit uncomfortable. The hygienist put on
a topical anesthetic, no needles.

Some folks will need to get numb for their procedures.

You may remember the old saying " the knee bone connected to the hip bone"

Your mouth ( gums and teeth) are connected to your heart.

Healthy mouth is necessary to have a healthy heart

Candies are tough on tooth enamel- and recent research indicates that the "sour" variety have even greater erosive potential.

Researchers @ the University of Iowa College of Dentistry conducted research using Jolly Ranchers, Life Savers, Mike and Ikes and Twizzlers.

The pH ( acidity) of both the original and sour flavors were evaluated.

The sour versions had lower pHs ( more acidic) and therefore more destructive to tooth structure.

This is especially important information for those people who suffer from dry mouth , whether from medication, systemic disease or exercise.

Sugar free substitutes are better ways to increase the salivary flow.

Using a fluoride mouth wash at bedtime ( swish for 60 seconds, expectorate ( spit out ) the excess and do not rinse . This will help to make the teeth more resistent to the effects of acids.

There are higher concentrations of these rinses that are used for people with "soft" teeth, and or lots of fillings and crowns. These are prescription medicaments and are available at our office, www.bouldersmiles.com

Labels: SOUR CANDY NOT SO SWEET FOR TEETH

Dr. Birnbach just attended the annual International College of Cranio Mandibular Orthopedics ( ICCMO ).

Presenters disseminated the latest information regarding the connection between how one's teeth come together ( bite or occlusion) and head and neck pain.

Real time muscle activity along with computer analysis of the motions of the jaw are used to discover the optimal position.

Dr. Birnbach has been using this equipment for several years, with great results.

Further information can be found at http://www.leadingdentists.com/

Labels: head and neck pain and your bite.

Recent research indicates that snoring can be more than annoying - it can be an indication of a life threatening condition- obstructive sleep apnea. Do you wake up during the night gasping for breath? Does your partner tell you that they watch you as you stop breathing , awaiting your next breath? Do you wake up exhausted? Do you find yourself falling asleep during the day? More signs of this condition...

• Occasionally waking up gasping or choking sensation

• Recurrent awakenings or insomnia

• Forgetfulness, mood changes or a decreased interest in sex

• Walking up with a very sore or dry throat

• Morning headaches

In some cases, a dental appliance worn at night, can be a vital tool in helping to treat this situation. Call us to find out more 303-443-4417

Labels: SNORING

In our efforts to provide the very best care, we have begun using a laser to treat periodontal disease. It's more effective and more comfortable!

The following is an unsolicited comment by a patient we recently treated with this great new technology.

"Mark and Staff,

Your new laser treatment for Periodontal disease and cleaning is truly awesome.
Usually after intense cleaning and scaling my mouth
feels like an army trampled through- but within a matter of minutes
it felt like healing was beginning to happen. Within 12-24 hours of
intense work on one of my molars the tooth seemed to be much more
comfortable than it had been in many months and the sensitivity to
temperature and sugar was gone.

Now 36 hours later I can say that it feels better than it has felt in
years. I am anxious to hear how it affects other patients. Maybe now
I can get my mouth back to health and keep it there.

Thanks for all you do,
Jer"

If you are interested in more information on what Laser Perio Therapy can do for you, give us a call at 303-443-4417.

Labels: Laser Perio, Testimonial

We certainly work with most insurance companies. We have intentionally chosen to be what is called an 'out of service provider' because that means that we can usually get a higher rebate for our patient than an 'in service provider.' I know that this can be very confusing, but when patients understand this, most patients are very happy with the way in which we can help them.

Labels: Insurance

There are several ways to treat the gaps between front teeth.
They range from orthodontics (braces and / or removable devices) to additions to the tooth structure.

The disadvantage of orthodontic treatment is that it can take from 12 -24 months, during which time the activating devices (braces, bands, wires) must be worn 24/7. Besides being unsightly, there is some discomfort as the teeth move, and require more effort to keep the teeth and gums healthy.
The advantage is that there is no change to the tooth structure.

An alternative, sometimes called "Instant orthodontics" is the addition of different types of dental materials to the teeth to close the space in from one to two visits.
If the gap is small, "bonding" tooth colored filling material is the fastest and least expensive way to close the gap. The disadvantage is that this material is not strong and can chip and discolor over time. Some minor, but permanent changes, to the teeth may be necessary.

If the gap is large, the best choice is to use custom made pieces of porcelain (veneers) that are bonded (glued) to the teeth. They are very strong and do not stain.
The disadvantages are that permanent changes to the existing tooth structure are necessary and they cost more due in part to the laboratory expense.
For examples of the results, click on the following link http://www.bouldersmiles.com/gaps.html

Labels: Gaps in Teeth