Keeping teeth strong and vibrant requires diligent work from both the patient and the dentist. Most patients already know that brushing and flossing regularly is important to prevent plaque and tartar build-up which can weaken dental enamel. Additionally, most of our patients understand that in order to optimize dental health they should minimize consumption of substances like sweets and soft drinks. However, there is another threat to dental health that many patients don’t know about, acid erosion.

Acid erosion can weaken dental enamel, making it more susceptible to infections and decay. Our Longmont dental office works to educate our patients about the threat of acid erosion, so that they can apply this knowledge to their daily dental hygiene routines.

Acid erosion refers to a weakening or wearing away of dental enamel that is caused by regular and consistent exposure to acidic substances. Over time acidic substances cause demineralization of dental enamel. When dental enamel is demineralized, it becomes more porous and soft.

During the day our teeth naturally demineralize to a certain extent, and saliva helps to remineralize and fortify dental enamel. Sometimes, however, acidic substances demineralize enamel to such an extent that saliva alone is not sufficient to maintain strong teeth. Common substances such as fruits, soft drinks, and fruit drinks can cause acid erosion. The key to maintaining healthy teeth is not to avoid these substances all together, but rather to consume them in a safer way.

If you’re consuming acidic beverages, try to use a straw, so that your teeth aren’t sitting in an acidic substance. Also, avoid brushing your teeth directly after consuming acidic substances, rather rinse your mouth with water to minimize the demineralization effect.

As you work with your dentist to maintain healthy and strong teeth, keep in mind that acidic substances can take a toll on your dental health. If you have any questions about acid erosion, feel free to give us a call to speak to our Longmont dentist!

Among patients, root canal therapy is one of the most commonly and intensely feared dental procedures. Unfortunately, this causes many patients to avoid seeking dental treatment—they’d rather suffer in pain than undergo what they assume to be a painful procedure. The truth is that modern root canals are generally no more painful than standard dental fillings. And what many patients don’t realize, is that a root canal can literally save a tooth that may otherwise be lost.

In order to understand how root canal therapy works, it’s important to understand the structure of a tooth.

The outer surface of the tooth is the white dental enamel. This hard, shiny surface is what many people associate with teeth, and the dental enamel is responsible for protecting the inner layers of the teeth. Because dentin is hard and no very porous, it allows you to chew and eat normally without pain.

Below the layer of enamel, is a layer of a tough substance called dentin. Dentin is another layer of protection, because it is mineralized and hard. However, dentin is more porous than enamel, which means it is more susceptible to infection and decay.

The inner core of the tooth is comprised of the dental pulp. Dental pulp contains tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. The dental pulp feeds the tooth, and it therefore incredibly porous. When the pulp becomes infected it is very painful for the patient, and it can cause the tooth to rot from the inside out, and—if left untreated—ultimately requiring extraction.

A root canal is a necessary procedure, because it can actually save a tooth that is infected all though through the dentin. Our Longmont root canal dentist simply clears out the infected dental pulp and then reseals the tooth with a filling. As you can see this procedure is much preferable to losing a tooth entirely. Give our Longmont root canal office a call for more information or to schedule an appointment.