How the 2-2-2 Rule in Dentistry Transforms Your Oral Health

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A smile is truly a powerful thing. From lowering your blood pressure and decreasing stress levels to boosting your immune system and elevating your mood, smiling has multiple benefits, whether you’re giving or receiving one.

Following simple oral health tips like the 2-2-2 rule in dentistry helps protect your beautiful smile. At Sanitas Family Dentistry, we’re passionate about educating you on how to preserve your oral health, and we are fully committed to providing exceptional preventive dental care.

Here’s what you need to know about the 2-2-2 rule.

What Is the 2-2-2 Rule in Dentistry?

The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry promotes good oral health habits, and the repeating triple digits make it easy to remember. Simply put, the 2-2-2 rule is:

• Brush your teeth 2 times a day.

• Brush your teeth for 2 minutes each time.

• Visit your dentist 2 times a year (for dental cleanings and checkups).

While the concept is simple, practicing each part of the rule (and not skipping any!) is vital to maintaining good overall dental health.

Let’s start with the importance of brushing your teeth.

To Brush Twice a Day or Not to Brush?

The enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in your body. However, cavities and poor oral hygiene habits can damage your enamel and have a negative impact on your teeth’s integrity.

Brushing your teeth helps remove plaque that forms when bacteria, saliva, and acid mix in your mouth after you eat and drink.

Plaque is sticky, and if you don’t remove it thoroughly and regularly, it hardens and forms tartar on your teeth that a dental hygienist must remove with special instruments during dental cleanings.

Left untreated, plaque and tartar can cause cavities and gum disease. In some cases, these issues can progress and cause an infection or compromise the stability of your teeth.

After reviewing scientific studies and government and professional association guidelines, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends people brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to reduce their risk for cavities and “gingival recession or periodontitis.”

Brushing your teeth twice daily typically means doing so in the morning and at night. Flossing daily is also essential to remove buildup between your teeth and along your gums.

Understanding the Health Impacts of Oral Hygiene Habits

You may not realize how oral hygiene habits can significantly impact your overall health. For instance, if you don’t brush, floss, or visit the dentist regularly, the germs in your mouth can not only cause gum disease and tooth decay, but these conditions may, in turn, cause:

• Endocarditis – An infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves.

• Cardiovascular disease

• Pneumonia

• Pregnancy or birth complications

Other health conditions and disorders that affect oral health include:

• Diabetes

• Cancer

• HIV/AIDS

• Alzheimer's disease

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Eating disorders

• Sjogren’s syndrome

Severe untreated gum disease (aka periodontitis) can also destroy your jawbone and lead to tooth loss.

Why Brushing for 2 Minutes Matters

As a compassionate Boulder, Colorado dentist, we get that our patients lead busy, multitasking lives — which begs the question, “Is it really necessary to brush my teeth for two minutes?” And “If yes, then why?”

A scientific study in The Journal of Dental Hygiene actually prompted the recommendation. Research shows that the average person brushes their teeth for only 45 seconds. By comparison, study participants who brushed their teeth for 2 minutes instead of 45 seconds removed 26% more plaque.

Sure, the tendency to swipe, swish, and spit for 45 seconds seems more reasonable when you’re running late and trying to hurry out the door. But 45 seconds isn’t long enough to effectively fight plaque and tooth decay.

You can try some of these suggestions to help ensure you brush for 2 minutes:

• Set a timer for 2 minutes on your phone, tablet, smartwatch, or wristwatch.

• Play a 2-minute song to brush along with.

• Use an electric toothbrush with a built-in 2-minute timer.

• Divide your mouth into four sections (upper and lower on each side of your mouth) and spend 30 seconds brushing in each.

• Brush the surfaces of your teeth using a gentle circular motion.

• Also, brush your tongue.

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More oral hygiene tips include:

• Wait an hour to brush your teeth after having acidic food and drinks like citrus foods and drinks, sugar-laden soda, sports drinks, or candy.

• Drink lots of water.

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with angled or layered bristles to reach tight nooks and crannies.

• Don’t brush too hard.

• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months (or sooner if the bristles wear down or break).

• Floss every day.

• Rinse with mouthwash after brushing and flossing.

The Benefits of Visiting the Dentist 2 Times a Year

If you’re already brushing your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time and flossing once a day, you’re on the right track.

Visiting the dentist twice a year for routine dental cleanings and exams is also an essential part of maintaining good oral health.

No matter how well you brush, some tartar will inevitably build up that a dental hygienist must remove with special instruments.

At each bi-annual visit, Dr. Krista and the Sanitas team will collect a health history, update your medication list, confirm your contact information, and review the office privacy policy. You’ll also report any problems or concerns with your teeth or gums since your last visit.

Making twice-yearly dental visits offers multiple benefits, such as:

• Learning how to improve dental hygiene and maintain good oral hygiene

• Receiving exemplary preventative dental care to help stave off future dental issues

• Catching tooth decay before an infection starts

• Spotting and treating infections early

• Identifying bite or alignment issues

• Detecting signs of grinding and offering solutions

• Identifying cracks or other structural teeth issues

• Detecting early signs of gingivitis before it progresses to periodontitis

• Promoting healthier gums

• Eliminating bad breath

• Boosting self-esteem with a brighter smile

Universal Principles with Individual Results

The concepts of the 2-2-2 rule in dentistry offer universal principles that everyone can apply to their oral hygiene routine. Because every mouth, every set of teeth, every smile, and every person is unique, the 2-2-2 rule will deliver individual results for each person.

The caring Sanitas team tailors every dental treatment plan to meet each patient’s individual needs in correlation with their overall systemic health.

In addition to regular and deep dental cleaning using the latest dental technologies, some of the services Sanitas provides include:

• Myofunctional Therapy

• Sleep Apnea and Functional Dentistry

• Dental Implants

• TMJ/TMD Treatment

• Tongue Tie Release

Follow the 2-2-2 Rule in Dentistry with a Team You Can Trust

Following the three simple steps of the 2-2-2 rule in dentistry can transform your oral health, protect your smile, and help prevent tooth decay and larger dental issues.

If you’re looking for a Boulder, Colorado dentist or a Superior Colorado dentist, we realize you have lots of options. At the end of the day, we know you want to work with a team you can trust.

At Sanitas Family Dentistry, we proudly use a comprehensive approach to treat the whole person with compassionate care and expert knowledge. We believe in full transparency with the services we provide to maximize your comfort and help alleviate your concerns about going to the dentist.

We know many people are anxious to go to a dental appointment, and we hope we can make a positive difference and ease those kinds of worries.

Implementing the 2-2-2 rule in dentistry can help people stay out of the office between hygiene appointments because they don’t need extra dental work due to good oral hygiene habits. It really can’t get much better than that.

Serving Members of Our Vibrant Community Makes Us Smile

Dr. Krista and her Sanitas staff aim to build long-lasting relationships with patients while treating your teeth as an integral part of your overall health.

As a Boulder-based family dentist, we can’t help but grin that our business revolves around smiles. We understand firsthand that smiles are powerful, contagious, and can turn someone’s day around for the better in a split second.

We love serving members of the vibrant community surrounding our practice. Whether you’re seeking a family dentist in Superior, Colorado or a Boulder, Colorado dentist with expertise in oral health and a warm, personal approach, we’re confident we can serve you and your family with a smile.

If you’d like to improve your oral hygiene and want to start following the 2-2-2 rule in dentistry, feel free to contact Sanitas Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment at our Boulder office today.

TMJ Treatment and Symptoms: What You Need to Know

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The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) controls vital jaw movements, such as chewing, swallowing, and talking. If you’re experiencing headaches, jaw pain, and popping or clicking noises when you open your jaw, you may have a TMD — temporomandibular disorder — and might require TMJ treatment for the TMD.

Living with TMJ symptoms that occur with TMJ disorders is unpleasant for many people, especially if your jaw hurts or locks up when you open your mouth wide. Our knowledgeable staff at Sanitas Family Dentistry are experts in diagnosing and treating TMD to minimize your discomfort and maximize your jaw’s functionality.

This guide explains TMJ, TMJ/TMD symptoms, risk factors, TMJ treatment options, and more.

What Is TMJ?

Your temporomandibular joints (TMJs) rest just below each ear on either side of your face and connect your jaw to your skull.

These sliding and rotating joints consist of the mandible (lower jaw) and the temporal bone (at the base and side of your skull). They are separated by an articular disc that cushions the space between the bones and keeps them from touching.

These joints work together with muscles and ligaments to enable the mandible to move in multiple directions, such as forward and back, up and down, and side to side.

When you consider the joints that get a workout in your body, you might think about your shoulders and knees. Because your TMJ joints control essential functions like speaking, chewing, and swallowing, they move thousands of times each day. If you consider how many times you chew a single bite of food, this makes sense.

What Are TMJ Disorders?

TMJ disorders (TMDs) impact the function of your temporomandibular joints and their surrounding muscles. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research showed that around 11-12 million adults in the U.S. had pain in their temporomandibular joint region, and twice as many women as men suffered from TMDs.

Some popping and clicking noises are normal when you move your jaw. But you shouldn’t feel pain. If you do, this may indicate you have a TMD.

TMDs can sometimes cause TMJs to slide out of the socket when you open your mouth wide, and this can make your jaw hurt.

There are over 30 TMDs that cause joint dysfunction that disrupts jaw movement and pain. The three classes of TMDs are:

• Disorders of the joints, including disc disorders

• Disorders of the masticatory muscles you use for chewing

• TMD-related headaches

Some TMDs don’t last long and eventually resolve on their own. Others become chronic and require professional TMJ treatment.

TMD Symptoms and Causes

TMD symptoms vary in type and intensity for each person. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth

• Clicking and/or popping sounds in your jaw

• Jaw pain or tenderness

• Jaw stiffness, locking, and dislocation

• Frequent headaches or migraines

• Facial pain or swelling

• Ear pain

• Ear ringing, dizziness, or hearing loss

Injury or trauma to the temporomandibular joints can cause TMDs. Other causes remain unclear, and many people experience TMJ/TMD symptoms without an explanation. Some research suggests that a combination of genetics, psychological and life stressors, and a person’s perception of pain can trigger a TMD and determine its longevity.

Other TMD causes include:

• Teeth grinding and clenching (aka bruxism)

• Arthritis of the jaw

• Stress-induced jaw tension

• A misaligned bite

TMJ Risk Factors

While exact TMJ/TMD causes are difficult to pinpoint, TMJ disorder risk factors include:

• Clenching and grinding teeth

• Stomach sleeping

• Taking large bites of food

• Using your teeth like a tool – to open or tear things

• Chewing on pencils, pens, or fingernails

• Poor posture

Avoiding or combating these behaviors by reducing stress, practicing good posture, and wearing a mouthguard during sports or to prevent teeth grinding can help lower your TMD risk.

TMJ/TMD Diagnosis

As TMJ/TMD experts, Dr. Krista and her Sanitas Family Dentistry staff will perform a thorough exam and any necessary testing to diagnose TMJ disorders and develop a treatment plan.

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At a diagnostic appointment, you can expect the dentist or staff to:

• Collect a complete medical history, including asking about your symptoms.

• Do a complete physical examination of your mouth and jaw, including watching you open and close your mouth to assess the range of motion.

• Look for swelling and tenderness in your face, neck, and jaw.

• Listen for any clicking and popping sounds.

• Check your bite alignment.

They might also take X-rays or order a CT scan or MRI to examine your entire jaw structure, including your teeth, jaw, bones associated with the joint, and surrounding tissue. They will also look for and identify issues with your TMJ’s articular disc.

Gathering as much information as possible can help Dr. Krista provide a detailed diagnosis and determine the best solution for your symptoms of TMJ and treatment.

Noninvasive TMJ Treatment Options

Whether you are just starting to notice TMD symptoms or are struggling with long-term jaw discomfort and dysfunction, you may wonder, “What is the treatment for TMJ?”

Our goal at Sanitas Family Dentistry is to stabilize your temporomandibular joint, relieve TMJ pain, and improve jaw function.

TMJ treatment options vary depending on the severity of your condition, and many patients start with noninvasive options. Let’s break them down.

Medication to Manage TMJ/TMD Pain

Dr. Krista may suggest trying medication to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and ease muscle tension.

These can include Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for pain or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen (Aleve®) or ibuprofen (Advil®). Muscle relaxers may reduce clenching and grinding, and she may suggest antidepressants for managing chronic pain.

Custom Mouthguard or Splint

As one of the newest treatments for TMJ disorders, wearing a custom mouthguard or splint helps alleviate jaw stress, improve jaw alignment, and reduce or relieve clenching and grinding.

These appliances are custom-designed according to your individual bite, muscle tension, and jaw alignment. They not only reduce jaw strain but also help hold your jaw in a more natural position while you sleep or during daily activities.

Bite Correction

Your jaw is essential for chewing, and problems with your bite can aggravate TMJ concerns. Correcting bite issues that may contribute to TMD symptoms with dental adjustments or restorations can help.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Stress can take a toll on many parts of your body, including your temporomandibular joint. Our staff can recommend stress management techniques and jaw exercises to help reduce strain on your TMJs.

Physical Therapy

Doing physical therapy, including TMJ pain treatment exercises to stretch, strengthen, and relax your jaw muscles, can help reduce tension and improve jaw function.

Other treatments may include ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (aka TENS). Applying moist heat and stretching repeatedly throughout the day might also provide TMJ pain relief.

Seeing a Counselor

Struggling and trying to cope with anxiety and stress causes many people to bite their fingernails and/or clench and grind their teeth. As previously mentioned, these behaviors can cause TMJ disorders.

Seeing a licensed professional counselor to discuss and learn how to manage these behaviors can not only improve your mental health but also help alleviate stressors that contribute to TMJ disorders.

Surgical TMJ Treatment Options

If noninvasive TMJ treatment options don’t relieve your jaw pain and other uncomfortable TMD symptoms, Dr. Krista might suggest surgical TMJ treatment options.

They include:

• Arthrocentesis – This minimally invasive procedure is also called joint aspiration. You may be given a local anesthesia or light sedation for this minor surgery, in which an oral surgeon inserts two needles into your TMJ to allow fluid to flow through the joint and flush inflammatory agents and debris.

• TMJ Arthroscopy – Arthroscopic surgery can treat various TMJ disorders. During this procedure, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS) inserts a small video camera (called an arthroscope) into your TMJ to examine the joint and make any necessary repairs, such as removing scar tissue, repairing damaged tissue, and realigning the articular disc. This procedure typically requires general anesthesia.

• Open-Joint Surgery – This type of surgery is the most invasive of the surgical options and is usually reserved for more complex TMJ issues and disorders. It is also known as arthroplasty. The surgeon makes an incision to access the joint and repair or replace it, or sometimes replace a degenerated disc.

If you require surgery to address your TMJ/TMD issues, Dr. Krista carefully selects exceptional surgeons who can help resolve your concerns.

The Experts at Sanitas Family Dentistry Want to Help

Dr. Krista and the Sanitas Family Dentistry staff always prioritize your dental health and well-being with a holistic approach and complete transparency about any services we recommend or provide.

As experts, our knowledgeable and caring dental team understands how TMJ issues cause challenges with essential daily functions like chewing, swallowing, and talking. We are also happy to discuss the latest TMD treatments.

You don’t have to keep suffering from jaw pain, locking, and other discomforts that occur with TMJ disorders and negatively impact your quality of life.

Contact us today at our Boulder office to schedule an appointment to diagnose your TMJ disorder and discuss available TMJ treatment options.

Are Dental Implants Painful? What You Need to Know

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Dental implants offer a long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Before undergoing surgery, it’s common and reasonable for patients to ask, “Are dental implants painful?”

The short answer is that local anesthesia during the dental implant procedure helps you feel more comfortable. While you might experience some post-surgical discomfort, you can typically manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers and by following your dentist's tips.

At Sanitas Family Dentistry, we understand patients might be anxious about dental implant surgery, especially if you’ve never had it or you're afraid it’s painful. To provide clarity, let’s explore dental implants and dental implant surgery in greater detail and discuss any pain involved in the process.

What Are Dental Implants and What is Their Purpose?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium or other biocompatible materials, such as ceramic.

The purpose of a dental implant is to fill the gap left by a missing tooth (or teeth) and provide support for the new, custom-fabricated artificial tooth, bridge, or denture that fits on the implant base.

During oral surgery, one of our exemplary surgical partners places the small, threadlike posts into your jawbone.

Your resulting replacement teeth will look and function like your natural teeth.

Common Reasons for Missing Teeth

Natural teeth are incredibly durable, and the enamel that protects them is the hardest substance in your body. That said, people can experience tooth loss for many reasons, including:

• Anodontia – A congenital condition in which teeth never develop

• Cavities – Tooth decay that causes holes in your teeth

• Gum disease

• Cracked or injured teeth

• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)

Getting regular dental cleanings and exams (usually every 6 months) and addressing dental concerns as soon as they arise helps promote good oral health. It also allows dental professionals to identify conditions that may require treatment and offer recommendations to restore your smile and improve your quality of life.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Missing teeth can make it hard to chew and speak. They can also negatively affect your oral health and take a toll on your self-esteem. Millions of people get dental implants each year across the United States.

Dental implants offer multiple benefits, including:

• They are long-lasting: With proper dental hygiene and regular dental visits, implants can last a lifetime.

• They make it easier to chew: Implants fill gaps left by missing teeth. So, it’s easier to chew.

• They improve speaking: Missing teeth can make it difficult to talk. Implants can help you communicate more clearly.

• They help prevent bone loss: When the implant fuses to your jawbone, this bond enables stimulation from chewing and talking to help regenerate and preserve bone tissue.

• They increase comfort and stability: Removable dentures can slip around and may require adjustments to fit properly. Dental implants are fixed in place, which makes them more stable and comfortable.

• They help preserve healthy teeth: Dentures or bridges may require adjusting or removing healthy adjacent teeth. Implants don’t impact adjacent teeth; they help preserve them.

• They restore your smile: Implants look and feel like your natural teeth, which helps restore your smile.

• They boost your self-esteem: Being able to chew, talk, and smile positively impacts your self-esteem.

Parts of a Dental Implant

A dental implant has three parts:

• Threaded post – The artificial titanium root that the oral surgeon places in your jawbone

• Abutment – A small connecting post that screws into the threaded post that provides a foundation for the new artificial tooth

• Restoration – The prosthetic that replaces the missing tooth and is visible in your smile, such as a crown, bridge, or denture

An oral surgeon and Dr. Krista will place these pieces separately, over a course of weeks or months, in separate procedures.

Why Patients Choose Dental Implants

Some patients opt to have dental implant surgery because their dental bridges or dentures don’t fit properly. Titanium implants fuse to your jawbone. So, they won’t slip or make noise like ill-fitting dentures.

A dental implant procedure is also a surgical option if you don’t have enough natural tooth roots to support bridgework or dentures. Other considerations that may indicate implants are a viable choice for you include:

• You have one or more missing teeth.

• Your jawbone has fully grown.

• You have sufficient bone density to support implants, or you’re a bone graft candidate.

• The tissues in your mouth are healthy.

• You don’t have any health conditions that adversely affect bone healing.

• You don’t smoke or use tobacco.

• You want or need an alternative to dentures.

• You want to improve your speech.

• You’re able and willing to dedicate several months to the process.

Because every patient has a unique health history, Dr. Krista can discuss whether you are a candidate for dental implants during your initial consultation.

What Are the Stages of Dental Implant Surgery?

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Dental implant surgery involves multiple stages that may take weeks or months to complete, to allow for healing between phases. As with any type of surgery, understanding the process can help ease your anxiety. Here are the steps you can expect in an implant procedure:

1. Consultation – In your first visit, we will assess your oral health, take X-rays, and discuss your treatment goals. If your jawbone isn’t thick enough or too soft to support an implant, Dr. Krista can discuss the possibility and options for getting a bone graft ahead of dental implant surgery to create a solid, stable base for the implant.

2. Implant placement – Dr. Krista hand-selects exceptional implant placement experts. They will place the titanium implant into your jawbone in a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon makes a small incision in your gums to expose bone. Then, they drill a small hole in your jawbone and widen the opening, so it securely holds the implant post. After the surgeon places the post, they will close the incision with stitches. You will receive local anesthesia or sedation, if necessary, to keep you comfortable during this entire process.

3. Osseointegration and healing – During this phase, the bone heals around the implant, in a process called osseointegration. Healing usually takes several months to ensure the implant bonds securely with your bone.

4. Abutment and restoration placement – Once the implant fully integrates, Dr. Krista places a small connector, called an abutment, on the implant. Then she fabricates a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture that is placed and completes your restoration.

If your implant is near the front of your mouth, your dentist will make a temporary tooth for you to wear as you heal. If your implant is in the back of your mouth, you probably won’t need a temporary tooth. Your dentist will advise you about your particular needs before the procedure.

Are Dental Implants Painful?

While understanding the process can help decrease your anxiety, you might still wonder, “How painful are dental implants?” or “Are full mouth dental implants painful?”

During the surgery, your surgeon will numb your gums with local anesthesia and/or give you a sedative if you prefer.

The anesthesia limits pain and discomfort during the implant placement. You may feel some pressure or vibration during the procedure that patients typically tolerate well.

Be assured your comfort is of utmost importance during the procedure, and your oral surgeon and team members will do everything possible to minimize your discomfort.

Managing Pain After Dental Implant Surgery

To fully address whether dental implants are painful, you should know it is normal to experience mild to moderate discomfort once the anesthesia wears off after your implant placement procedure.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen should alleviate your discomfort, which might be similar to what you might feel after you’ve had a tooth extraction.

You might also experience bruising or swelling around the implant area, which is normal.

Tips to Reduce Post-Surgical Pain and Swelling

Your dentist will provide post-surgical care instructions to help you manage your symptoms after your procedure. You should follow these and also address any questions or concerns as they arise. You should also be sure to keep all scheduled follow-up appointments.

You can also follow these general tips to reduce your post-surgical pain and swelling:

• To decrease swelling, apply ice packs to the outside of your face near the affected area.

• Eat soft foods like yogurt and smoothies for the initial few days after your surgery. Don’t eat anything hot, spicy, or hard that might aggravate the surgical site.

• Avoid strenuous activities for a few days after your procedure.

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers according to their dosing instructions.

• Take any prescription pain relievers as your oral surgeon recommends.

• Rinse your mouth gently with a saltwater solution. Don’t brush the surgical site for several days after the procedure.

How Long Does It Take Dental Implants to Heal?

It takes about one week after the procedure for initial healing. The overall healing phase, to complete osseointegration so that your jawbone is fused around the implant varies and can take anywhere from three to nine months.

You will have regular progress checks with your provider every few weeks.

When Should You Contact the Dentist?

Complications are rare for dental implant surgery, and Dr. Krista will cover any risks and gladly answer any questions you have before your procedure.

In general, if you have had implant surgery or already have implants, call the dentist if you notice:

• Loose implants

• Pus, infection, or swelling around your implant

• Bleeding or swollen gums

• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck, along with another symptom above

Contact Sanitas Family Dentistry to Discuss Dental Implant Options

At Sanitas Family Dentistry, we prioritize your comfort and well-being in every procedure. Dr. Krista has extensive experience helping many patients enjoy the benefits that dental implants offer.

Our team will gladly address any questions you may have about whether dental implants are painful to ease your concerns and discuss treatment options that can help resolve your individual dental issues and restore your smile.

Contact us to schedule an initial consultation in our Boulder office.

What Is a Dental Deep Cleaning? A Complete Guide

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If you are showing signs of gum disease, like bleeding, swollen, or receding gums, your dentist or hygienist might recommend a deep cleaning. But what is a deep dental cleaning, and how is it different from a regular dental cleaning?

At Sanitas Family Dentistry, we want you to understand as much as possible about the dental services we provide — including a deep dental cleaning — to not only arm you with effective oral health prevention strategies but also put you at ease before your visit.

So, let’s dive into deep dental cleanings and discuss what they are. We’ll also explain the oral health risks of gum disease, who dental deep cleanings are for, what is involved in a deep dental cleaning, some of the procedure’s pros and cons, and other pertinent details.

What Is a Dental Deep Cleaning?

During a regular, twice-a-year dental cleaning, your hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar from the crowns of your teeth (the part that is visible when you smile) as well as between your teeth and gums. They also floss and polish your teeth.

A routine dental cleaning removes buildup in areas that may be hard to reach when you brush and floss. It also promotes good oral health by preventing cavities, gum disease, and other dental concerns.

In a dental deep cleaning (also known as scaling and root planing), your hygienist, dentist, or periodontist (gum specialist) removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria above and below your gumline. A deep teeth cleaning also treats advanced gum disease (periodontitis) to prevent severe infection and tooth loss.

Understanding the Oral Health Risks of Gum Disease

Plaque forms when bacteria mix with food particles, acid, and saliva when you eat. It sticks to your teeth and destroys your tooth enamel. Tartar and plaque buildup cause tooth decay and cavities. When left untreated, excessive plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease. 

Gum disease poses a significant risk to your oral health. Routine dental cleanings can help treat gum disease in its initial stage, known as gingivitis.

Symptoms of gingivitis include:

• Bad breath

• Sore and inflamed gums

• Red gums that bleed during tooth brushing

Getting a regular dental cleaning at the dentist’s office and adjusting some oral hygiene habits at home can help resolve or reverse early signs of gum disease and prevent it from progressing to a more serious stage called periodontitis.

Periodontitis occurs when plaque and tartar build up on the root surfaces of your teeth below your gumline. Left untreated, bacteria below your gums can infect and break down ligaments and bones that help secure your teeth and cause them to loosen — and even fall out.

Signs of periodontitis include:

• Shifting or loose teeth

• Painful chewing

• A persistent bad taste in your mouth

• Lingering bad breath

• Shrinking or receding gums

• A portion of your tooth root shows at your gum line

• Gum sensitivity

• Bite changes

If you experience any symptoms of periodontitis, it’s essential to schedule a dental or periodontal appointment right away.

What Are Risk Factors for Gum Disease?

The NIH reports that over 42% of adults older than 30 have some form of gum disease, and 8% of those have severe periodontal disease. Aging increases the issue, with nearly 60% of adults over age 65 having some form of gum disease.

Several factors can put people at risk for gum disease. They include:

• Smoking or tobacco use

• Poor oral hygiene

• Diabetes

• Certain autoimmune disorders like Crohn’s disease, scleroderma, and lupus

• Heart disease

• Stress

• Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause

• Genetics

These risk factors don’t necessarily mean you will get gum disease. However, it’s crucial to provide a complete health history to your dentist so they are aware of any chronic conditions that may affect your oral and periodontal health.

Dr. Krista and the Sanitas staff are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your potential gum disease risks.

Who Is a Dental Deep Cleaning For?

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Dental professionals usually recommend deep cleanings for people who are diagnosed with advanced gum disease.

Healthy gum tissue covers bones, ligaments, and connective tissues that hold your teeth in place. Advanced stages of gum disease can compromise this bond by creating a breeding ground for infection and causing teeth instability.

As gum disease worsens, healthy tissue, ligaments, and bones erode and cause gums to pull away from teeth and form periodontal pockets. These pockets trap bacteria, which can lead to infection, further bone loss, and loose teeth.

To assess gum disease severity, a dentist or periodontist measures the depth of the pockets around your teeth with a periodontal probe. The readings indicate how much bone you’ve lost around your teeth.

The deeper the pockets, the more severe the level of gum disease. For example, healthy pocket depth ranges from one to three millimeters. Pockets deeper than 4 millimeters may indicate periodontitis, and those deeper than 5 millimeters cannot be cleaned well with routine care. They require deep dental cleaning.

What Is Involved in a Dental Deep Cleaning?

A dental deep cleaning involves two processes: scaling and root planing. Scaling removes plaque and tartar above your gumline.

Root planing smooths the surface of your teeth roots (below your gumline), so it is harder for plaque to accumulate following your dental visit. It also helps your gums reattach to your teeth as they heal, which decreases the depth of the periodontal pockets that cause this detachment.

A dental deep cleaning typically requires two appointments because providers usually only numb and treat the upper and lower quadrants on one side of your mouth at each visit.

However, some providers may treat your entire mouth in a single visit or opt to treat one single quadrant at a time. You can discuss their recommendations and your preferences ahead of your appointment.

What to Expect at a Dental Deep Cleaning

Knowing what to expect with any dental service can help ease your worries. Here is what you can expect during your first dental deep cleaning appointment:

• Your dentist, hygienist, or periodontist will administer local anesthesia to numb your gums, ensuring you are comfortable and don’t feel pain during the cleaning.

• During scaling, they will use various scaling instruments to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth (above and below your gums) by hand. If buildup is particularly dense, they may use an ultrasonic tool that vibrates to bust up stubborn plaque and tartar.

• During root planing, they will use another instrument, such as a curette with a rounded tip, to access and smooth (plane) your root surfaces.

• Each dental deep cleaning visit usually takes one to two hours. However, the length of your appointment will depend on the severity of gum disease, the depth and number of periodontal pockets, and the depth and amount of buildup.

Your dentist may advise you to take antibiotics for a few days after your dental deep cleaning appointment to decrease the risk of a post-procedure infection, especially if your immune system is compromised.

Deep Teeth Cleaning Aftercare Instructions

It’s normal to experience minor bleeding, swelling, and discomfort/sensitivity for a few days after a deep teeth cleaning appointment.

Dr. Krista and our staff will give you post-procedure care instructions to promote optimal healing, minimize discomfort, and prevent complications.

Common dental deep cleaning aftercare instructions include:

• Take all prescribed antibiotics as directed.

• Wait at least two hours after the procedure to eat anything.

• For 48 hours after the procedure, stick to soft foods and avoid sharp, hard, or crunchy foods, such as nuts, hard candy, chips, and pretzels.

• You should not smoke for at least 72 hours after a deep dental cleaning and should refrain from smoking at all during recovery for optimal healing and to reduce the risk of infection.

• You should avoid alcohol for at least 72 hours after the procedure. Alcohol may hinder healing. So, it’s best to avoid alcohol until healing is done.

• To manage discomfort, take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

• Do saltwater rinses several times a day or use prescription mouthwash as your dentist recommends.

• Avoid hot beverages for 48 hours and stick to eating soft food for a few days.

• Gently brush your teeth and be careful near treatment areas until healing is complete.

• Be cautious around your sensitive gumline when flossing.

• To reduce swelling, elevate your head while you rest.

What Is the Average Cost of a Dental Deep Cleaning?

The average cost of a dental deep cleaning varies according to the severity of gum disease, the number of quadrants treated, the dentist's location, and whether you have dental insurance coverage.

National average prices for a dental deep cleaning for an uninsured patient are $150-$350 per quadrant and $600-$1,600 for all four quadrants.

Some dental insurance plans will cover at least a portion of deep dental cleaning fees. Check with your dental insurance company or dental provider to get a quote tailored to treat your specific periodontal issues.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Dental Deep Cleaning?

Routine cleaning cannot adequately treat severe gum disease (periodontitis). Therefore, a dental deep cleaning is critical to properly treat advanced gum disease.

If you are considering the treatment, here are some pros and cons of deep dental cleaning.

Pros

Deep dental cleanings have multiple benefits, including:

• They stop gum disease from getting worse.

• Your teeth are cleaned above and below your gums.

• They help protect your tooth roots.

• They treat your current level of infection.

• They help prevent tooth loss.

• They promote gum health.

• They combat bad breath.

• Healthier gums can boost your confidence.

Cons

Potential disadvantages of deep dental cleanings include:

• Temporary mild pain and discomfort after the procedure

• Increased sensitivity

• Risk of post-procedure infection due to gum exposure during treatment

• Risk of gum recession

• Rare risk of nerve damage

If you struggle with gum disease, a deep dental cleaning is a critical step in ensuring good oral health. Dr. Krista or an expert periodontal partner can discuss the benefits versus risks in your individual case.

Sanitas Family Dentistry Is Committed to Protecting Your Smile

Sanitas Family Dentistry knows adults only get one set of natural teeth. Therefore, we are committed to prioritizing your oral health and protecting your smile from the harmful effects of gum disease.

Contact us today at our Boulder office to discuss whether a deep dental cleaning is right for you.

Cavities 101: A Guide to What Causes Cavities and More

Photo: chormail via 123RF

Routine visits to the dentist are an essential part of good dental health. During a cleaning or exam, or when reading your X-rays, your dentist might discover a cavity on one or more surfaces of your teeth. But what causes cavities? How common are they? What are some cavity symptoms? What food causes cavities, and how are they treated?

At Sanitas Family Dentistry, we believe that knowledge is key to empowering our patients. Let’s explore the answers to these questions to raise your awareness of cavities and promote good dental habits.

What Exactly Is a Cavity?

When you eat and drink, bacteria, plaque, and acids that mix in your mouth can cause tooth decay that damages the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth (called enamel). When left untreated, tooth decay can form holes in your teeth called cavities (also known as dental caries).

How Common Are Cavities?

Cavities are a common health concern for people of all ages in the United States. The CDC’s 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report showed:

• More than one in 10 children aged two to five had at least one untreated cavity in their baby teeth.

• Half of all children aged six to nine years have had cavities in their primary or permanent teeth.

• One in 10 adolescents aged 12 to 19 had at least one untreated cavity in their permanent teeth.

• One in five adults aged 20 to 64 years had at least one untreated cavity.

Where Do Cavities Form on Your Teeth?

Cavities can form on multiple surfaces of your teeth, including:

• On the crown (the part that extends from your gums and you see when you look in the mirror) or between your teeth

• On the top part of your tooth’s chewing surface or the front side of your back teeth

• At the root of your tooth

What Causes Cavities?

Ultimately, tooth decay is what causes cavities. So, to understand what actually causes cavities, you need to know how tooth decay progresses.

Tooth Decay Progression

In the early stages, tooth decay breaks down the minerals in your tooth enamel, and white spots may appear. Left untreated, the decay continues to break down the enamel, and holes (cavities) may become visible. You may see light brown spots on your teeth.

In the next phase, decay reaches the dentin (which is a soft layer underneath the tooth enamel). When the plaque and bacteria hit this layer, cavities form more quickly. You might also notice teeth sensitivity or dark brown spots on your teeth in this stage.

If tooth decay reaches the pulp (the innermost layer of your tooth), you may feel pain or notice swelling and redness around your gums surrounding the affected tooth. Any visible spots may also become darker brown or black.

Signs of a Tooth Abscess

An untreated deep cavity can cause an infection called an abscess. When this occurs, a pocket of pus forms around the tooth root and can be very painful. Symptoms of an abscess include:

• Jaw or facial pain

• Facial swelling

• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck

In some cases, you may wonder what cavities cause in your body. Unfortunately, a tooth abscess can spread to surrounding tissues or other places.

Rare, serious complications can cause the infection to spread to your brain or bloodstream – which can cause sepsis. To help reduce the risk of complications, it’s critical not to leave any dental concerns or pain untreated — and to seek professional dental help as soon as possible.

What Is Plaque and How Does it Form?

Plaque is a sticky substance that coats your teeth and destroys your tooth enamel. It forms when bacteria, saliva, acid, and food mix while eating. Acids in dental plaque break down enamel, creating holes — or cavities — in the enamel surface.

Proper brushing and flossing after meals can help remove and prevent plaque buildup.

What Causes Cavities in Kids?

Simply put, tooth decay causes cavities in kids. The following factors may raise the risk of a child getting tooth decay:

• Poor oral hygiene

• Water with limited or no fluoride

• High amounts of oral bacteria that cause cavities

• A sugar and starch-heavy diet

• Reduced saliva flow

What Causes Cavities in Adults?

All the tooth decay risk factors mentioned above that cause cavities in kids also apply to adults. Let’s review them and add some additional cavity risk factors for adults.

• Failing to brush and floss teeth regularly (at least twice a day for two minutes) and after meals

• Consuming a high-sugar, high-starch, or highly acidic diet

• Deep teeth crevices that catch food and allow more room for plaque to form

• Excessive dry mouth/reduced saliva flow

• Grinding your teeth in your sleep or throughout the day, which wears down enamel

• Genetics causing a family history of dental issues/tooth decay

• Life changes that negatively affect oral hygiene or dietary habits, including stress, moving to a new home, starting a new job, or starting school

• Receding gums, which expose more of your teeth and make them vulnerable to decay

• Brushing teeth too hard

• Spacing dental appointments too far apart or not going to the dentist at all (going every six months for a teeth cleaning and exam is best)

What Food Causes Cavities?

The foods and beverages that people of all ages consume have a significant impact on dental health.

The American Dental Association warns that sugar-laden drinks like soda, lemonade, juice, and sweetened coffee or tea “are particularly harmful because sipping them causes a constant sugar bath over teeth, which promotes tooth decay.”

Photo: theoracle007 via 123RF

Hard and sticky candy like lollipops, caramel, mints, and taffy, sweets like cake, muffins, pie, and cookies, and starchy snacks like potato chips, crackers, and pretzels contain empty calories that offer no nutritional value. Plus, the amount and type of sugar they contain that adheres to teeth also helps form tooth decay.

You should also be cautious when eating nutritious, acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits, as they can erode enamel. So, the ADA advises eating them with a meal, not by themselves. Even dried fruit, like raisins, stick to your teeth and produce plaque acids that harm your teeth.

What Foods Are Good for Dental Health?

The extensive list of foods to avoid may sound worrisome; however, thankfully, there are plenty of foods that are good for your dental health.

For example, calcium-rich foods and beverages like milk, cheese, plain yogurt, calcium-fortified tofu and nutrient dense leafy greens and almonds can promote tooth health.

Foods high in protein, such as meat, poultry, fish, milk, and eggs, are excellent sources of phosphorus. Both minerals — calcium and phosphorus — are vital for dental health as they help protect and rebuild tooth enamel.

Fruits and vegetables are not only part of an overall healthy diet but also offer fantastic benefits for your teeth. They are high in water and fiber, meaning they balance their natural sugars and clean your teeth.

Plus, they stimulate saliva production, which helps wash food and acid away from your teeth while also neutralizing the acid in your mouth to guard against tooth decay. Also, Vitamin C-rich foods promote healthy gums, and foods containing Vitamin A help build tooth enamel.

The best beverage of choice to support a healthy smile is fluoridated water.

What Are Daily Sugar Limits and Common Sources of Added Sugar?

Limiting your daily sugar intake as much as possible is best for your health — and for your teeth. Natural sugars, like those in fruit and milk, are part of a daily total sugar intake. Currently, the FDA does not have a daily total sugar intake recommendation.

Added sugars refer to sugars introduced during food processing (like sucrose and dextrose), those found in packaged sweeteners (such as table sugar), and sugars concentrated in fruit or vegetable juices.

The Daily Value for added sugar is 50 grams per day, based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet. Also, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting added sugar intake to less than 10% of total daily calories, and children under two years old should not have any added sugar at all.

When choosing what to eat and drink, you should limit your intake of common sources of added sugar. Some sources are ingredients on a food item’s nutrition label. They include:

• Regular soda

• Sweetened coffee and tea

• Fruit drinks that are NOT 100% juice

• Energy drinks

• Flavored milk

• Cookies, cake, and candy

• Ice cream

• Donuts

• Granola bars

• Flavored yogurt

• Many breakfast cereals

• Brown sugar, sugar, confectioners’ or powdered sugar

• Glucose

• Fructose

• High fructose corn syrup

• Corn syrup

• Corn sweeteners

This list is not all-inclusive. When you read food labels, anything ending in “ose” is a sugar ingredient, and the lists are weighted. So, if you see any of these ingredients high on the list, the item is high in sugar.

Tips for Cutting Back on Added Sugar Intake

Cutting back on added sugars is a vital part of maintaining good dental health and helping to prevent cavities. These healthy swaps can make a positive difference:

• Replace soda with water, sparkling water, or unsweetened tea.

• Eat plain oatmeal or plain yogurt with fruit instead of sugary breakfast cereal.

• Trade your candy dish for a fresh fruit bowl.

• Drink plain coffee or use a low or no-calorie sweetener instead of sugar.

• Reduce dessert portion sizes or share a dessert with someone else.

More Cavity Prevention and Oral Health Tips

Reducing sugar and added sugar intake is a vital step in preventing cavities for people of all ages. Other preventive and good oral health measures include:

• Drink fluoridated water.

• Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste.

• Floss daily to dislodge food particles from between your teeth that can cause plaque.

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.

• Reduce alcohol intake.

• Visit your dentist for a dental cleaning and exam at least once a year, preferably every six months, to spot and resolve any dental issues, including oral cancer, oral health issues, and cavities.

Common Cavity Symptoms

If you do develop a cavity, you might not have any symptoms at all in the early stages. As the decay spreads to deeper layers of your teeth, you may experience:

• A toothache

• Mouth pain

• Bad breath

• Bleeding gums

• Facial swelling

• Pain when you bite down

• Tooth sensitivity upon contact or touch

• Pain when you eat or drink sweet, hot, or cold items

• Visible black or brown stains on your teeth

• Visible holes or pits in your tooth

What to Do if You Have a Cavity and How Cavities are Treated

If you suspect you have a cavity or are experiencing pain, swelling, or other symptoms, contact us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment to address and diagnose your issues.

Cavity treatment will depend on the severity of decay and may include fluoride treatments, fillings, or tooth extraction.

At Sanitas Family Dentistry, we treat the person, not just the teeth. We treat patients of all ages and offer personalized care in every case. We are here to listen to you with kindness and compassion and resolve your dental concerns to help you restore your smile.

Call us today at (303) 449-8875 to schedule a consultation in our Boulder office.