Guerra Dental

Many people are aware of the relationship between good health and long life, but have you ever considered that your mouth is a vital link between you and your overall health? The importance of regular dental care has been shown repeatedly in studies related to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, nutrition and longevity. Dental researchers have found that the best option for long term oral health is to keep your natural teeth. However, there are many options within the dental field to restore and replace teeth that have been affected by decay, fractures and periodontal (gum) disease.Gum Disease If the average person were bleeding from any other part of the body, he or she would seek immediate attention; however, many people experience bleeding gums and don't give it a second thought. The fact is that your gums are not supposed to bleed any more than your nose is.Bleeding gums is a warning sign of periodontal (gum) disease, which, if it remains untreated and unchecked, can lead to tooth and bone loss. One of the surest ways to prevent gum disease is to floss regularly (at least once a day) and see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and assessment of the gum and bone. Your dentist will also check your mouth for any signs of oral cancer. Dental x-rays are another tool the dentist uses to find possible disease, cysts or tumors that otherwise cannot be seen in the mouth.Heart Disease and Diabetes Studies have shown a link between gum disease and a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. There are documented cases of dentists being the first to alert patients to a possible heart condition that otherwise may not have been detected until it was too late. People with diabetes also need to note that gum disease tends to be far more common and severe in diabetics. As a result, diabetics are more likely to lose their teeth. Regular (at least every 6 months) dental visits can help prevent these outcomes.

We all learned growing up that our dental health is important since brushing your teeth helps prevent cavities, whitens your teeth, and keeps your breath fresh. But did you know bad oral bacteria are linked to many serious health conditions such as Alzheimers disease, gum disease, endocarditis, and cardiovascular disease? Check out the infographic below to see the health problems that bad oral health can lead to and the ways to prevent these health complications from occurring.

Have you ever noticed people taking a step back the moment you opened your mouth to talk? If you have, then its probably due to halitosis or more commonly known as bad breath, which can be super embarrassing for anyone. Preventing bad breath is challenging. Unfortunately, there is no one cure for treating halitosis but there are many ways in which you can reduce the amount of smell that comes from your mouth.In order to find solutions on how to treat bad breath, you should be aware of some of the causes of bad breath. Here are some of the main causes of bad breath:Excessive amounts of bacteria in the mouth.Foods with strong odors.Drinking alcohol and smokingDry mouthWearing BracesBad Breath TreatmentWell now that you know why and how bad breath is caused, lets learn how to treat bad breath. If you follow these steps on a daily basis, you should be fine! If you still need some help then feel free to call the office of Dr. Guerra. Practice Good Oral Hygiene on a Daily Basis Brushing and flossing twice a day are the most important oral hygiene practices you should be following. If you have questions on what type of toothbrush you should be using or need tips on brushing and flossing the right way, then call our office so we can assist you. Not practicing good oral hygiene can lead to oral health problems such as gingivitis, which can cause bad breath. Mouth Wash for Additional Help with CleaningOnce youve brushed and flossed, feel free to use a mouth wash (i.e. Listerine) for extra defense against bacteria and plaque buildup. If you wear braces, then using a mouthwash can ensure that any food particles youve missed while brushing and flossing get washed out from in between the brackets and wires. Clean Your TongueCleaning your tongue can always be another great way to prevent bad odors that come from your mouth. Using your toothbrush to clean your tongue or a tongue scraper can help with preventing bad breath. No matter what method you use, both can be helpful in preventing plaque buildup.Staying Hydrated is KeyDrinking water not only helps prevent bacteria but also helps your mouth generate more saliva which can help to clean out bacteria. Plus staying hydrated is good for your body and overall health. Drinking water after you eat can help with cleaning your teeth, especially if youre not able to brush your teeth right away. A Healthy DietLastly, a good healthy diet is important not just for your teeth but for your overall body. Making sure that your diet consists of healthy nutrients is good for keeping your body and teeth healthy and strong. Eating foods that are high in sugar can cause tooth decay as well as cavities. Plus, with too much sugar in your mouth, it can stick to your teeth and also cause bad breath, especially if you dont brush or rinse your mouth soon afterward. So, next time you go grocery shopping, be sure and check the back of the box and see how much sugar is in your food.Should you have questions or need more information about halitosis (bad breath), please call Guerra Dental so a member of our team can help you. Dont forget to call our office (719. 596.1230) to schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning!

Did you know that having a missing tooth can cause issues for you when eating and lead to other dental issues if you dont take care as soon as possible? No matter how you lost teeth, Dr. Guerra wants to help find the best possible solution for you so that you can smile with confidence. If youve lost teeth because of decay, or an injury then you might want to consider dental implants. Learn more about why patients are getting dental implants in Colorado Springs.What are Dental Implants?Implants are joined to your jawbone unlike dentures and dental bridges and what makes them even better is that they resemble your natural teeth so people wont notice as much. During the tooth replacements, an imitation root gets placed into the missing tooth socket. Over time the area around the root will heal and then a nonpermanent prosthetic tooth will get placed above the imitation root that was put in previously. Once the implant merges with the bone and the area is completely healed then a long-term replacement tooth is placed above the implant.Advantages of Dental Implants:If youre looking for a comfortable method to improve the appearance of your teeth, then dental implants are the way to go. You wont have any issues with speaking or eating and they are just about as strong as your natural teeth so, unlike dental bridges, nothing will happen to your other teeth so you can continue practicing good oral hygiene.Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?If you have lost teeth, then youre most likely considered a candidate for dental implants, however, there are some things that need to be taken into consideration first. When you come in for an appointment to see Dr. Guerra, he will examine your jawbone to see how strong it is. In addition to a strong jawbone, you should also be in good health and have a healthy mouth so no issues occur during or after the procedure. He will also determine if this is the best solution but if not then there are other options such as dental bridges and in some cases dentures. Regardless of the method, Dr. Guerra will take a look at your teeth, and based on the examination, he will work with you to find the best possible solution for you.You can find more info about dental implants here, but if you have any further questions or concerns about the procedure and what it entails then dont hesitate to give your local Colorado Springs dental office a call (719.888.3959). We are here to help you with any and all of your dental care needs!

When Bob and Patty came to Guerra Dental they found an office that was compassionate and eager to help.Being a nationally recognized speaker, Bob Linden knows the value of a great smile. He and his wife Patty have always taken care of their teeth, but like many people, their smiles had started to age. When Patty discovered that she needed a new dentist, she and Bob went searching for the right fit for their dental health. Being a retired Air Force Veteran, Bob sought out the best care he could find from the former head of the Air Force Academy Dental Services, Dr. Fred Guerra.Bob and Patty explained their situation to Dr. Guerra and started the process of restoring their smiles. Patty needed some crowns, bonding and a bridge which were caused by normal wear and tear that happens over the years. With Pattys results being so positive, Bob made the decision to have Invisalign to enhance and straighten his already infectious smile. Bob wore Invisalign for about a year and his smile was straightened and perfected. And, to make his smile even better, Bob decided to have his smile whitened with Dr. Guerras Brite White system. Now his smile is just as radiant as his personality.Aging smiles can be made more attractive and healthier with state of the art dentistryAs the years pass, the stresses put on your teeth take their toll. With age, your smile can lose vibrancy due to discoloration, tooth loss and more. Gravity and aging make our lower face shrink and sink in, resulting in less of our upper teeth showing as we speak or smile.The Good NewsThere is good news for those of us over 50. With the latest advances in dentistry, your smile can look as young and vibrant as you feel. Dental implants to replace missing teeth help to ensure bone loss is kept to a minimum, Invisalign or other orthodontia can move your teeth back into place and help support your lip reducing the wrinkles around your mouth and lips, high-tech teeth whitening procedures can give your teeth the natural whiteness you desire and this is just the beginning. Connecting with a dentist who focuses on anti-aging dentistry is your first step towards improving your smile.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Dr Fred Guerra, Dr Guerra is a dentist with Guerra Dental and may be reached at 719-596-1230 or by email at office@guerradental.com

How does getting older affect your teeth and how do changes in your teeth and your bite affect your looks and your health? Dr. Guerra and Guerra Dental have the answers, and we are ready to help counteract those effects in a number of ways.How does age affect you?Its simply a matter of time. As the years pass, the stresses put on your teeth take their toll. Over time, your smile ages right along with the rest of your body. Your smile can lose vibrancy due to discoloration, tooth loss and excessive grinding. Lips begin to sag and lose their elasticity. Gravity and aging make our lower face shrink and sink, resulting in less of our upper teeth showing as we speak or smile. Loss of collagen and diminished muscle tone allow wrinkles to form around our mouth and lips.Night grindingTeeth clenchingDiscoloring foodsImproper bitePoor preventative care and so much more can have a major negative effect on your health and of course, it can get worse the longer it goes on.How does aging actually affect your appearance?Here are some of the actual effects on your face:A chance in your bite can result in wrinkles around the corner of your mouth.As you age, your jaw may become narrower. Your smile may seem less full, and spaces may appear on both sides of your teeth.Grinding, clenching and even regular eating over time can cause pain to your bite.Changes in the angles of your teeth can make your face asymmetrical and actually narrow the look of your lips and smile.What can be done? Consult with Dr. GuerraAnti-aging dentistry has become an important field of study and treatment at Guerra Dental, and today we can use various techniques and technologies to improve and even reverse the signs of aging. Anti-aging dentists address the issues of wrinkles, cheek support, lip fullness, dark corners, discoloration and asymmetry. It begins with a careful and thorough examination, including the latest in digital imaging to look at your entire facial structure, the extent of damage thats already occurred and may occur without treatment. Then we focus on the treatment that can actually repair age-related damage, improve your smile and features, and actually help you look younger.You dont have to wait for a problem to occur.The effects of aging are gradual and long-term, but you can address them immediately. Don't wait until you have a toothache, infection or fracture due to aging that has to be addressed. Make your appointment with Dr. Guerra today, so you can look forward to a new, youthful appearance tomorrow.

Brighten Your Smile Naturally: Expert Tips from Guerra Dental for Natural Teeth WhiteningA dazzling white smile can boost your confidence and leave a lasting impression. While there are various teeth whitening options available, you might want a natural one to achieve a brighter smile. Here are some expert tips on how to naturally whiten your teeth. These methods are safe, effective, and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Lets dive into the world of natural teeth whitening!Brush with Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide: Baking soda has mild abrasive properties that can help remove surface stains from your teeth. Combine a small amount of baking soda with hydrogen peroxide to create a paste. Gently brush your teeth with this mixture for a couple of minutes, then rinse thoroughly. However, its essential to use this method sparingly to avoid damaging your tooth enamel.Oil Pulling for a Brighter Smile: Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that can help improve oral health and naturally whitened teeth. Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil or sesame oil in your mouth for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring it reaches all corners of your mouth. Spit out the oil and rinse your mouth with water. Oil pulling can help remove bacteria and plaque that can cause the yellowing of teeth over time.Incorporate Whitening Fruits and Vegetables into Your Diet: Certain fruits and vegetables can naturally whiten your teeth. Strawberries, for example, contain malic acid, which helps remove surface stains. Rub mashed strawberries onto your teeth, leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots act as natural stain removers by stimulating saliva production and scrubbing away surface stains.Limit Foods and Beverages That Stain: Prevention is key when it comes to maintaining a white smile. Minimize your consumption of foods and beverages that are known to stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored berries. If you do indulge in these staining substances, make sure to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth afterward to minimize their effects.Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene: Maintaining a thorough oral hygiene routine is vital for a bright smile. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using whitening toothpaste that contains natural ingredients like baking soda or activated charcoal. Dont forget to floss daily to remove plaque and prevent stains between your teeth.Regular Dental Cleanings: Schedule regular dental cleanings with Guerra Dental to keep your smile looking its best. Professional cleanings help remove stubborn stains and plaque buildup that cannot be eliminated through brushing alone. Our experienced dental team can also provide personalized advice and guidance for natural teeth whitening methods.Achieving a naturally whiter smile is possible with these simple tips from Guerra Dental. Incorporating natural remedies into your oral care routine, along with a healthy diet and regular dental cleanings, can help you achieve and maintain a bright, radiant smile. Remember, everyones teeth are unique, so its essential to consult with our dental professionals for personalized advice and treatment options. Get ready to smile confidently with your naturally whiter teeth!Request an appointment here: https://www.guerradental.com or call Guerra Dental at (719) 888-3959 for an appointment in our Colorado Springs office.

Over the last few decades, researchers have looked at the connection between the health of your mouth and the health of your heart and there are some interesting connections which have caused both dentists and cardiologists to be concerned. Dr. Fred Guerra of Guerra Dental in Colorado Springs is a proponent of helping people avoid larger health problems by improving their overall dental health.Gum disease starts with when plaque (the sticky film of bacteria and food) builds up around your teeth. The plaque releases acids that attack your tooth enamel and causes decay. Shortly after this, if you dont brush your teeth, plaque hardens intotartar. Tartar makes it hard to completely clean your teeth and gums. As Tartar builds up, it can lead to inflammation and infection. Similarly, coronary artery disease starts with a plaque that builds in your arteries and is made of calcium, cholesterol and other substances found in blood. Known as atherosclerosis, this plaque is what causes heart disease.So how are these two different types of plaque connected? There are numerous studies that have found links that are believed to connect these two things as indicators of health but nothing definitive has been found that directly attributes heart disease to gum disease in the studies. People with gum disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event according to a Harvard study. However, other issues including smoking, unhealthy diet, and genetics may be the reason more people with gum disease also have heart issues.The larger link is the link to inflammation in your body and how that inflammation is processed. Researchers are finding that long-term (chronic) inflammation is a key contributor to many health problems, especially atherosclerosis. Dr Kevin Short, a UC health Cardiologist, says systemic inflammation makes heart disease much worse and reducing that through proper dental and overall healthy habits is the goal.According to Dr Fred Guerra of Guerra Dental, the best thing you can do is brush and floss after every meal, spend at least 2 minutes brushing at each session and floss between all teeth. Twice-yearly cleanings by a dentist or hygienist are essential to keep up good oral hygiene.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Dr Fred Guerra-Dr Guerra is a dentist with Guerra Dental and may be reached at 719-259-7043

Proper dental care is essential for maintaining overall health and wellness, and recent research has shown that there is a strong link between oral health and heart disease. In this article, we will discuss the connection between proper dental care and heart disease, and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of heart disease.Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, and it is a complex disease that can have multiple causes. One of the main risk factors for heart disease is inflammation, and research has shown that there is a strong link between oral health and inflammation. The bacteria that cause gum disease can release toxins that can cause inflammation throughout the body, and this can contribute to the development of heart disease.Proper dental care, including regular check-ups and cleanings, can help to prevent gum disease and reduce the risk of heart disease. By removing plaque and tartar, a professional cleaning can help to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, and this can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Regular check-ups with a dentist can also help to identify and treat any issues that may be contributing to gum disease, such as tooth decay or misaligned teeth.In addition to regular check-ups and cleanings, proper dental care also includes good oral hygiene practices at home. This includes brushing and flossing twice a day, using a mouthwash, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. These practices can help to remove plaque and bacteria from the mouth, and this can help to reduce the risk of gum disease and heart disease.In conclusion, proper dental care is essential for maintaining overall health and wellness, and recent research has shown that there is a strong link between oral health and heart disease. By maintaining good oral hygiene and getting regular check-ups and cleanings, individuals can reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes and enjoy a happier and healthier life. In addition, dental care can improve overall health and well-being.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Dr Frederick Guerra, DMD, Former Director of Dental Services USAFA, who can be reached at 719-259-7043

Early detection of cavities, or caries, is key to dental health.DIAGNOdent is a hand-held detection tool that scans your teeth with harmless laser light and searches out hidden decay at its earliest stages. The process of detecting caries (the earliest stages of caveities) is especially difficult with caries often being under the hard surface of otherwise healthy teeth. Locating hidden decay before it destroys your tooth from the inside out is crucial.Simple and Safe Early detectionX-rays have been part of the process for detecting cavities for decades, but they are limited in detecting subsurface decay or cavities in their early stages. Thats where the DIAGNOdent comes in.This breakthrough technology is completely safe and pain-free and provides instant feedback on the health of the tooth. It looks like a pen attached to a small box, and it simply glides over the tooth surface and generates a number and an alarm that the operator can interpret to reveal signs of hidden decay.Its quick and reliable, and can identify fissure caries, proximal caries, and even periodontitis. And its safe for use with children as well. (Children and adolescents have fissure caries in nearly 80% of all cases, and this caries can be detected more easily with the DIAGOdent pen).How does DIAGNOdent work?There are no chemicals or radiation involved. Instead, the DIAGNOdent uses laser fluorescence that actually makes even the earliest stages of tooth decay visible. Clean, healthy tooth structure shows little or no fluorescence and gives lower, safer readings on the display. However, even the beginnings of decay became obvious to the skilled and experienced operator, and countermeasures can be taken right away, and more effectively.Guerra Dental professionals have the experience and the expertise in this unique and powerful tool and you and your family are the beneficiary! Check in with Guerra Dental today, learn more about the DIAGNOdents potential for you and your family.

Many people are aware of the relationship between good health and long life, but have you ever considered that your mouth is a vital link between you and your overall health? The importance of regular dental care has been shown repeatedly in studies related to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, nutrition and longevity. Dental researchers have found that the best option for long term oral health is to keep your natural teeth. However, there are many options within the dental field to restore and replace teeth that have been affected by decay, fractures and periodontal (gum) disease.Gum Disease If the average person were bleeding from any other part of the body, he or she would seek immediate attention; however, many people experience bleeding gums and don't give it a second thought. The fact is that your gums are not supposed to bleed any more than your nose is.Bleeding gums is a warning sign of periodontal (gum) disease, which, if it remains untreated and unchecked, can lead to tooth and bone loss. One of the surest ways to prevent gum disease is to floss regularly (at least once a day) and see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and assessment of the gum and bone. Your dentist will also check your mouth for any signs of oral cancer. Dental x-rays are another tool the dentist uses to find possible disease, cysts or tumors that otherwise cannot be seen in the mouth.Heart Disease and Diabetes Studies have shown a link between gum disease and a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. There are documented cases of dentists being the first to alert patients to a possible heart condition that otherwise may not have been detected until it was too late. People with diabetes also need to note that gum disease tends to be far more common and severe in diabetics. As a result, diabetics are more likely to lose their teeth. Regular (at least every 6 months) dental visits can help prevent these outcomes.

We all learned growing up that our dental health is important since brushing your teeth helps prevent cavities, whitens your teeth, and keeps your breath fresh. But did you know bad oral bacteria are linked to many serious health conditions such as Alzheimers disease, gum disease, endocarditis, and cardiovascular disease? Check out the infographic below to see the health problems that bad oral health can lead to and the ways to prevent these health complications from occurring.