Here's an interesting fact: Dr. Birch has made more night guards in the last three years than in all 15 years of his dental career prior. So what's going on?

Upon further investigation, Dr. Birch discovered a key factor that has been affecting his patients' oral health: stress and anxiety. With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the levels of stress and anxiety in society dramatically increased. This resulted in an increase in bruxism, or teeth grinding.

Bruxism is a condition where an individual unconsciously grinds or clenches their teeth, often during sleep. This can lead to a variety of dental problems, including worn-down teeth, jaw pain, headaches, and even cracked or broken teeth. And with the added stress and anxiety of the pandemic, more and more people have been...

Oral health is often seen as a crucial aspect of overall well-being. However, recent studies have shed light on a surprising connection between oral health and heart health. Research suggests that maintaining good oral hygiene practices can significantly impact cardiovascular health.

Numerous studies have found a strong association between gum disease (periodontitis) and an increased risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association has highlighted that the bacteria responsible for gum disease can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can then contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke. [Source: American Heart Association]

Additionally, chronic inflammation in the body has...

When it comes to achieving a beautiful and confident smile, dental restorations play a key role. Two popular options for enhancing the appearance of teeth are veneers and dental crowns. Understanding the differences between these treatments is crucial in achieving optimal cosmetic results.

Veneers

Pros: Great for cosmetic fixes and less damaging to teeth.

Cons: Veneers are considered cosmetic and insurance will likely not pay for them.

Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of the teeth. They are an excellent choice for those seeking to improve the color, shape, size, and alignment of their teeth. Veneers are minimally invasive, requiring only a small amount of enamel removal. This makes them a conservative...

Are you tired of hiding your smile due to missing teeth? Do you cover your mouth when talking or try not to engage in conversations? Dental implants offer a reliable and long-lasting solution that not only restores your oral function but also enhances your confidence. However, the success of dental implants relies on a collaborative effort between a general dentist and an oral surgeon or prosthodontist. Dr. Birch understands the importance of this partnership in achieving optimal outcomes for our patients' implant-supported dentistry needs.

Dental implants are titanium posts that integrate with the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth. While a general dentist is proficient in various aspects of dental care, collaborating with an oral surgeon or...

For some, a visit to the dentist can provoke a level of anxiety that makes routine check-ups and necessary procedures a challenging experience. Recognizing this, Dr. Aaron Birch of Aaron Birch Family Dental in Grand Junction, Colorado, has developed a comprehensive approach to ensure that anxious patients find comfort during any dental procedures in his clinic.

Dr. Birch's methodology begins with open and honest communication. He encourages patients to voice their fears and anxieties about their impending procedure. He provides a listening ear, discussing in detail what the procedure will involve, and answers any questions the patient may have. This open dialogue enables Dr. Birch to tailor the treatment plan to the individual's needs, taking their apprehensions into...

Many people wonder if a painful tooth is actually an abscessed, or infected tooth. Here are 5 symptoms to watch for if you think you have an abscessed tooth:

1. Pain and/or throbbing: This could be in one area of the mouth or spreading into the cheek and neck.

2. Swelling: Just like the pain, it can be local to the abscessed tooth or occur in places like your cheeks and neck. Swelling can move into the face.

3. Sensitive to hot and/or cold: The abscessed tooth may be sensitive to different food and drink temperatures.

4. Bad breath: A foul smell can be a sign of infection lingering in the mouth.

5. Fever: As the infection spreads, a fever may present itself. This is the sign of a more advanced stage of an abscessed tooth.

If you are experiencing any...

A beautiful, white smile: it's one of the first things you notice when meeting someone. That's why many patients visit our office to inquire about teeth whitening.

So what causes tooth discoloration in the first place?

• Aging: As we age, the enamel on our teeth naturally wears down, revealing the yellowish dentin beneath. It's a natural part of aging but with whitening techniques, we can help your smile look younger!
• Food and Drinks: Consuming dark-colored foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and berries can stain teeth over time. Dr. Birch's favorite offender? Coke. You can find him discoloring his teeth with this tasty beverage on a regular basis!
• Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to yellow or brown discoloration of...

We aren't talking about the Golden Gate Bridge, here. But we DO help patients by creating a dental bridge that replaces one or more missing teeth. We fill in the gaps to help you restore both functionality and appearance. (For example: eating is easier and smiling is more enjoyable!)

Dr. Birch can help patients with missing teeth by providing a comprehensive examination and consultation to determine the most suitable treatment plan. Using his expertise in restorative dentistry, Dr. Birch can custom design and place a dental bridge that fits comfortably and seamlessly, helping patients regain their confidence in their smile and overall oral health.

But not all bridges are the same. There are different types of bridges:

• Traditional bridges: This is probably the...

We've all heard the term and some even shudder at the thought of a "root canal." Here's what Dr. Birch wants you to know about root canals and why you shouldn't be nervous about them:

• A root canal is a dental procedure aimed at saving a tooth that is severely infected or decayed.
• The procedure involves the removal of infected or damaged pulp from the tooth's root canal, cleaning the area, and sealing it to prevent future infection.
• Local anesthesia is administered to ensure a painless experience during the procedure.
• A small access hole is created in the tooth to access the infected pulp.
• The infected pulp is carefully removed from the root canal using specialized instruments.
• The canal is then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to...

Proper dental care is essential for maintaining excellent oral health. Dr. Birch recommends a preventive approach in dentistry and this happens by being seen on a regular basis (twice a year is recommended).

It's important to have a thorough examination, clean plaque and tartar buildup away, and perform x-rays to identify hidden problems. It's also important to screen for lesions and oral cancers.

X-rays are an integral part of regular dental hygiene appointments and can help identify issues such as tooth decay, cavities, impacted teeth, or infections below the gum line. By detecting these problems early, appropriate treatments can be implemented before the issues become bigger and more painful.

Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to gum disease. This can eventually...

When it comes to restoring missing teeth and regaining a confident smile, implant-supported dentistry has proven to be a game changer. Dr. Birch understands the importance of working in harmony with specialists to ensure the proper placement of dental implants.

So what is implant-supported dentistry?

It's a cutting-edge dental restoration technique that involves placing titanium implants into the jawbone to act as secure foundations for artificial teeth. These implants provide outstanding stability and functionality, enhancing the patient's ability to chew, speak, and smile naturally.

Why Specialist Collaboration Matters:

1. Expertise:

Dr. Birch prioritizes the expertise offered by specialists in the field of implant dentistry. Working hand in hand with...

Tooth pain is one of the most common and uncomfortable dental problems. It can arise from a variety of causes and can range from mild to severe. To address the issue, it is important to understand what is causing the pain as well as the potential solutions.

The most common cause of tooth pain is tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars and starches in the food you eat. This produces acid that can eat away at the enamel of your teeth. The decay can cause sensitivity or pain when eating or drinking cold or hot beverages.

Another common cause of tooth pain is gum disease. This is an infection of the gums that can cause pain, swelling, and bleeding. It is caused by plaque buildup between the teeth and gums, which can irritate the gums and...

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from tooth-colored materials such as porcelain or composite resin. They are designed to cover the front surface of teeth to enhance their appearance, shape, size, and color. Veneers can effectively address various cosmetic dental concerns, including discoloration, gaps, chipped teeth, and misalignment. Veneers have many benefits:

1. Enhanced Smile Aesthetics: Dental veneers are specially created to match the natural color and translucency of your teeth. They provide a natural-looking and luminous appearance, instantly transforming your smile. Whether you desire whiter teeth, a straighter appearance, or a corrected dental imperfection, veneers can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

2. Long-lasting Results: Dental...

Good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy smile, and fluoride plays an important role in keeping our teeth strong and healthy. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and food. It helps to strengthen the enamel of the teeth, making them more resistant to cavities and decay.

Fluoride works by forming a protective barrier on the enamel of the teeth, making it harder for bacteria and acid to break down the enamel. It also helps to replace minerals that are lost due to acid erosion of the enamel. Studies have shown that fluoride helps to reduce cavities by up to 25%, making it an important part of any oral health regimen.

In addition to drinking fluoridated water, there are other ways to ensure that you are getting enough fluoride. These include...