Regular Dental Exams

Regular dental exams... Highlands Ranch Dentist... Denver Dentist

Serious dental conditions begin as small treatable problems. Plaque (a sticky film of food and bacteria form constantly on your teeth) can harden in as little as 24 hours to become calculus (tartar). Even with proper brushing and flossing, most dental patients are unable to remove all the plaque every day. This results in tartar (calculus) buildup

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Dentist Highlands Ranch

The bacteria in plaque and tartar (calculus) are the main causes of gingivitis (an inflammation that makes your gums enlarge and bleed and causes bad breath). Gingivitis is reversible, but if left untreated can lead to periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease Highlands Ranch dentist

Periodontal disease is an infection, which causes:

•  Receding gums
•  Bone loss-bone supports your tooth
• Tooth loss. (nothing left to hold your teeth in)
• Periodontal disease requires much  more complex treatment than gingivitis.

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Tooth decay Dentist Highlands Ranch

A different strain of bacteria causes tooth decay. A small cavity can easily be restored, but if it extends into the softer dentin of the tooth, it can eventually reach the nerve of the tooth  and cause pain and infection. Our Highlands Ranch dentists use a Diagnodent (laser cavity finder) which can help us detect cavities at their earliest inception.

Old broken dental fillings (failed fillings) lead to more decay (cavities under the old fillings)! Again, unless treated early, decay will progress and may lead to crowns and even root canal therapy or loss of the tooth.

Malocclusion or crowded teeth Dentist Highlands Ranch

Misaligned or missing teeth are:

•  Difficult to keep clean... they overlap each other!
•  Can contribute to problems with your jaw joint (TMJ pain)
•  Can result in difficulty in opening and closing your mouth (restricted or limited opening).
•  Can be the cause of neck pain and stiffness.
• Can be seen as fullness in the ears due to inflammation around the jaw joint.
•  "May"  wear down resulting in shorter teeth and a collapsed vertical dimension ) nose and chin get closer together)

Systemic diseases and dental health dentist Highlands Ranch

Other systemic diseases linked to dental health. The bacteria which causes gum disease and cavities have also been linked to an increased risk of the following:

• Cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease
• Stroke
• Infective endocarditis (infection in the heart valves)
• Low birth weight of newborns
• Increased incidence of respiratory infections.

Damage to you arteries from periodontal disease Dentist Highlands Ranch

Research indicates that bacteria associated with periodontal disease may cause inflammation in the arteries. This inflammation can lead to a buildup of fatty deposits and the formation of blood clots that can cause a heart attack. These deposits may also build up in the carotid arteries (neck) and again you are at risk for a stroke

Diabetes and dental health Dentist Highlands Ranch dentist

Diabetes contributes to periodontal disease in three ways:

• It lowers your body's ability to fight off infection especially in your extremities.  Gum health is also compromised.
• Results in high blood sugar levels ( a microcirculation disease)
• Increase in cavities... rampant decay!
• Causes dry mouth (xerostomia... see my blog on dry mouth destruction (click here)

Pregnancy and dental health Dentist Highlands Ranch

If you are pregnant, you will be hearing a lot about how your health affects your baby's health. Researchers have discovered that women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to:

•  Deliver a pre-term baby
•  low birth weight baby than women with healthy gums.

Periodontal disease and respiratory infections Highlands Ranch dentist

In addition, researchers  have discovered a link between periodontal disease and infections in your lungs. Patients with periodontal disease, may be breathing harmful bacteria in to their lungs every day.  These bacteria can multiply and inflame lung tissues. This is especially true if you smoke, have a weakened immune system.

Summary Regular dental exams Highlands Ranch dentist

So, as you can see, it's vital to your overall health as well as your oral health to keep your gums healthy. If we determine you have periodontal disease, we'll see you more frequently for professional cleanings and re-care appointments and we'll help you create a suitable oral hygiene routine. We will also perform a thorough exam to check for cavities, check your restorations (dental fillings), and examine how your teeth fit together. Together with  regular exams and cleanings we can help reduce the onset of dental problems. ! Is it time (or past time) for you to have an examination and cleaning?

Call our Highlands Ranch dentist today

Please call a schedule an appointment today at (303) 694-9740