Messina DDS

Behind every great dental visit is a great team. And at Dr. Messina's office, we believe the team caring for you matters just as much as the dental treatment itself.

At Michelle N. Messina, DDS, we're proud to have a dedicated group of professionals who are committed to providing comfortable, high-quality dental care for every patient who walks through our doors.

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Meet the Team Behind Your Smile

Dr. Messina's team works together to make each visit a positive experience. From the moment you arrive, you'll be greeted by friendly faces who are here to help you feel relaxed, informed, and confident in your dental care.

Whether you're visiting for a routine cleaning, preventive care, or restorative treatment, we want every patient to feel supported and well cared for.

Like her mentor and predecessor Dr. Shore before her, Dr. Messina believes that great dentistry starts with relationships. Our team takes the time to get to know our patients, answer questions, and provide personalized care that helps you maintain a healthy, confident smile. We regularly collect and review feedback and are always working hard to improve the experience of visiting our office.

Your dental team at Dr. Messina's practice will never stop striving to be the place you always want to call your dental home. Continuing to care for you and yours is an honor and a privilege to us all!

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Our team at Michelle N. Messina, DDS is provides preventive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and family dental care for patients in Louisville, Colorado and the surrounding Bouler Valley communities. Our goal is to help families across the Front Range maintain healthy smiles through excellent, evidence-based preventive care and customized, caring dental treatment. Call our Louisville dental office or schedule your appointment online today. We'd love to meet you!

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We write a blog post every month to keep our patients and our community updated on important dental topics, so be sure to check back here often! And don't forget: we love your questions! We welcome discussion of these blog topics or anything you're curious about. Our patient family is the best part of our practice, and we are grateful for you!

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As the days get longer and spring approaches here in Louisville, Colorado, many of us start thinking about spring cleaning—decluttering our homes, getting organized, and refreshing our routines. But have you thought about spring cleaning your smile?

March is the perfect time to reset your oral health habits and schedule a professional dental cleaning to keep your smile healthy and bright.

At Michelle N. Messina, DDS, we love helping patients in Louisville, Broomfield, Boulder, Erie, and Lafayette start the season with healthy, confident smiles.

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Why Spring Is a Great Time for a Dental Checkup

Many patients wait until the end of the year to schedule dental visits, but spring is actually one of the best times to come in. A preventive visit now helps:

• Catch small dental issues before they become bigger problems
• Remove plaque and tartar buildup after the winter months
• Freshen breath and brighten your smile
• Set healthy habits for the rest of the year

Regular dental checkups are one of the simplest ways to protect your long-term oral health.

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5 Ways to “Spring Clean” Your Oral Health

Here are a few simple steps to refresh your dental routine this season:

1. Replace Your Toothbrush

If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your toothbrush or brush head, it’s probably time. Dentists recommend replacing it every 3–4 months.

2. Schedule Your Professional Cleaning

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar that only a dental professional can remove. A routine cleaning keeps your teeth and gums healthy.

3. Check Your Oral Hygiene Routine

According to the American Dental Association's oral health tips, a healthy routine should include:

• Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing once a day
• Using mouthwash if recommended

Small improvements in your daily habits can make a big difference.

4. Consider Whitening for a Brighter Smile

Spring events, weddings, and graduations are right around the corner. Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to boost your confidence. Dr. Messina can help you evaluate your options to whiten your smile, including our very popular ZOOM in-office professional whitening system.

5. Don’t Ignore Small Dental Concerns

The CDC notes that preventive dental visits help detect problems early and maintain overall oral health. If you’ve noticed tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, or a small chip, it’s best to have it evaluated early. Addressing issues sooner can often mean simpler treatment.

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Supporting Healthy Smiles in Louisville and Surrounding Communities

Our team at Michelle N. Messina, DDS is proud to care for patients throughout Louisville, Broomfield, Boulder, Erie, and Lafayette, Colorado. Preventive dentistry is the foundation of what we do, and we believe regular checkups help patients maintain healthy smiles for life.

Whether it’s been six months or a little longer since your last visit, spring is a perfect time to get back on track with your dental health.

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Schedule Your Spring Dental Visit

If you're ready to refresh your smile this season, we would love to see you. Our friendly team is here to make your visit comfortable, personalized, and stress-free.

Call our Louisville dental office or schedule your appointment online today to start your spring smile refresh.

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At Michelle N. Messina, DDS, we are proud to provide preventive dental care for patients in Louisville, as well as nearby communities including Broomfield, Boulder, Erie, and Lafayette. Our goal is to help families throughout Boulder County maintain healthy smiles through evidence-based preventive care and personalized dental treatment.

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We write a blog post every month to keep our patients and our community updated on important dental topics, so be sure to check back here often! And don't forget: we love your questions! We welcome discussion of these blog topics or anything you're curious about. Our patient family is the best part of our practice, and we are grateful for you!

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From Dr. Michelle Messina, Trusted Cosmetic and Family Dentist in Louisville, Colorado

Social media isn’t just for dance trends and recipes anymore — TikTok dentists are helping millions of people learn how to take better care of their smiles. While not everything you see online is accurate, many licensed dentists are sharing simple, science-backed oral health tips that truly make a difference.

At Michelle N. Messina, DDS, Dr. Messina loves seeing patients in Louisville, Colorado and the surrounding communities of Boulder Valley take an active interest in their oral health — especially when online trends promote healthy habits. Below are some of the best oral health tips trending on TikTok, along with Dr. Messina’s professional insight into what truly supports a healthy smile.

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Brush Gently — Harder Is Not Better

TikTok tip: Use light pressure and let the toothbrush do the work.

Many TikTok dentists demonstrate how brushing too hard can wear down enamel and irritate gums. Over time, aggressive brushing may lead to tooth sensitivity and gum recession.

Dr. Messina recommends:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Brush twice daily for two minutes
• Use gentle, circular motions

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Flossing Before Brushing May Be More Effective

TikTok tip: Floss first, then brush.

This trend is actually supported by research. Flossing first removes plaque and debris so fluoride toothpaste can better reach between teeth.

Dr. Messina recommends:

• Floss once daily
• Be gentle — no snapping
• Curve the floss around each tooth

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Don’t Forget to Clean Your Tongue

TikTok tip: Tongue cleaning reduces bacteria and bad breath.

TikTok dentists often highlight the tongue as a major source of odor-causing bacteria that brushing alone may miss.

Dr. Messina recommends:

• Use a tongue scraper or toothbrush
• Gently clean from back to front
• Rinse afterward

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It’s Not Just Sugar — It’s How Often You Snack

TikTok tip: Frequent snacking increases cavity risk.

Even healthy snacks can increase cavity risk when eaten throughout the day. Frequent snacking keeps the mouth acidic longer, giving bacteria more time to damage enamel.

Dr. Messina recommends:

• Limit grazing between meals
• Drink water after snacks
• Enjoy sweets with meals instead of alone

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Teeth Grinding Isn’t “Normal” — Even If You Don’t Notice It

TikTok tip: Jaw pain or headaches may signal nighttime grinding.

Many TikTok dentists show real examples of damage caused by bruxism, which often occurs during sleep and goes unnoticed.

Dr. Messina recommends:

• Pay attention to jaw soreness or morning headaches
• Address grinding early to prevent tooth damage
• Use a custom night guard when indicated

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Be Careful With DIY Whitening Hacks

TikTok tip: Lemon juice, charcoal, and baking soda can harm enamel.

Dr. Messina agrees with TikTok dentists — many viral whitening hacks can permanently damage enamel and increase sensitivity.

Dr. Messina recommends:

• Avoid abrasive or acidic DIY whitening
• Choose dentist-approved whitening treatments
• Always ask before trying a trend

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Regular Dental Visits Matter — Even If Nothing Hurts

TikTok tip: Dental problems don’t always cause pain early.

One of the most important messages from TikTok dentists is that cavities and gum disease often begin silently — without obvious symptoms.

Dr. Messina recommends:

• Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings
• Detect issues early for simpler treatment
• Protect your long-term oral health

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TikTok Can Educate — Dr. Messina Personalizes Your Care

Social media can be a helpful starting point, but your oral health is personal. If you see a dental trend online and aren’t sure if it’s safe for you, Dr. Messina and her team are always happy to help you separate facts from fads.

If you’re looking for a trusted family dentist in Louisville, Colorado, Dr. Michelle Messina, our hygienist Rachel, and our whole team would love to help you start the year with a healthy, confident smile.

Schedule your next dental appointment with Dr. Michelle N. Messina today. It is always our pleasure to care for you!

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We write a blog post every month to keep our patients and our community updated on important dental topics, so be sure to check back here often! And don't forget: we love your questions! We welcome discussion of these blog topics or anything you're curious about. Our patient family is the best part of our practice, and we are grateful for you!

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When Dr. Messina was a kid, Halloween was one of her favorite days of the year. She's still a fan -- welcoming witches, princesses, dinosaurs, and every variety of trick-or-treaters to her home. And of course she still LOVES chocolate!

But as as a dentist, Dr. Messina knows well the havoc this holiday can cause for teeth. No, she's not handing out floss or travel toothbrushes on Halloween, but she does have advice for kids, parents, and anyone else who likes a good treat.   

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The spookiest candy for your teeth

Halloween is full of options that could scare the enamel right off your teeth, from caramel to candy jawbreakers to sugary drinks. But if she had to pick one treat for you to steer away from, Dr. Messina says she is particularly spooked by ever-popular sour chewy candies. This year instead of reaching for the pack of Sour Patch Kids, remember that something sticky, acidic, and sugary like this is going to sit on the teeth longer and cause most damage.

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So what does Dr. Messina give trick or treaters?

Halloween night at Dr. Messina's door finds her handing out dark chocolate. It's less sugary than many other candies trick or treaters will find, and it doesn't stay on the teeth too long either. Last year, she made this recipe and served jack-o'-lantern stuffed peppers for parents, and pizza skulls too! Have a festive snack you like to make at home on Halloween? Please share it with us at your next visit! We love to see the healthy choices you're making all year :)

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We write a blog post every month to keep our patients and our community updated on important dental topics, so be sure to check back here often! And don't forget: we love your questions! We welcome discussion of these blog topics or anything you're curious about. Our patient family is the best part of our practice, and we are grateful for you!

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In August 2025, a surprising dental-related trend has started gaining traction—adult pacifiers as a stress-relief accessory. However, dental professionals are now raising concerns that this quirky fad may be quietly harming your oral health. Let’s dive into why.

What’s Trending: Adult Pacifiers for Stress Relief

Recently, a viral trend has seen adults using oversized pacifiers—originally a soothing tool for infants—to “calm the nerves.” The chewable, oral-sensory stimulation is said to help people focus and unwind. Yet, dentists are warning this “stress hack” can cause serious complications.

The Hidden Dental Dangers

Experts highlight that adult pacifier use can lead to overjet—a condition where the upper teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth. Unlike in children, adults’ teeth are no longer flexible enough to correct themselves naturally, making the changes irreversible and potentially painful, affecting everyday activities like eating and speaking.

Why It Matters

While it may seem like a harmless way to de-stress, this behavior poses risks that outweigh the perceived benefits. The adult mouth isn’t built to accommodate prolonged pressure or positioning that deviates from normal chewing patterns.

Safer Strategies for Stress Management

Instead of risking your dental health, consider healthier alternatives:

• Chew sugar-free gum to mimic oral stimulation without structural harm.
• Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, or short meditation breaks.
• Engage in light exercise like walking or stretching.
• Try sensory objects like stress balls designed for repetitive handling—not oral stimulation.

Dr. Messina and Team are Here for YOU!

If you haven't already, schedule your next dental check-up with Dr. Messina and our hygienist Rachel, and don't be shy about discussing any questions you have about this topic or any other dental concern. It is our true pleasure to serve our wonderful community and to be your trusted source for health care information and care!

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We write a blog post every month to keep our patients and our community updated on important dental topics, so be sure to check back here often! And don't forget: we love your questions! We welcome discussion of these blog topics or anything you're curious about. Our patient family is the best part of our practice, and we are grateful for you!

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More big news for our little practice: we have undergone changes in our front office in the last year, and we are so excited to introduce our patient friends and family to our new Front Office Manager: meet Gabrielle!

Gabrielle was hand-picked by Dr. Messina to join our small, well-oiled team. She comes to us with the years of experience and can-do attitude you're used to enjoying in the rest of our team!

A proud Colorado native, Gabrielle brings to our team 15 years of experience in dentistry and a genuine passion for helping others.  Everyone who visits our office loves Gabrielle's warm, caring demeanor, her extensive operational knowledge which keeps our practice running smoothly day to day, and the way she helps curate a positive experience for every patient. 

Outside of work, Gabrielle is a busy mom to four kids and enjoys spending time with her amazing husband and their pug, Javier.  Whether you find her at the arcade with her kids or soaking up the sunshine with her family, Gabrielle's super power is making lasting connections wherever she goes.  

Next time you're in the area, stop on by and meet Gabrielle; she'll love to shake your hand, give you a smile, and get to know you and yours!

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We write a blog post every month to keep our patients and our community updated on important dental topics, so be sure to check back here often! And don't forget: we love your questions! We welcome discussion of these blog topics or anything you're curious about. Our patient family is the best part of our practice, and we are grateful for you!