Regardless of your age, both young and old need good oral health care and the knowledge of when to visit your dentist. Dental care is something that all Broomfield and Denver, Colorado, residents should have access to.  The American Dental Association reports that 100 million Americans neglect visiting their dentist each year even though they know that most dental diseases can be prevented from a regular cleaning and examination.  Many fail to go because of misinformation or fears.  At Mountain Aire Dentistry we want you to feel comfortable about visiting our office and to address any questions that may be keeping you from walking through our doors. The American Dental Association suggests that you have your teeth cleaned and examined every six months for optimum oral health.  But, sometimes needs arise in between check-ups that need to be addressed sooner.  We want you to know when to visit your dentist so we have taken some space here to address the 5 top signs that you can look for that tell you it’s time.  Dr. Bockrath and his experienced team are excited to help you meet your goals.

When to Visit Your Dentist: Bleeding Gums

Some patients think that it is okay if your gums bleed when you brush or floss; that this is normal, but it isn’t.  Healthy gums do not bleed when you brush or floss.  Bleeding gums are a sign that you have inflammation, typically from bacteria that has formed plaque on your teeth.  Inflammation, if left untreated, can lead to periodontal disease which causes bone loss, tooth loss, gums to recede, and dental infection.  To treat bleeding gums, a member of our Mountain Aire Dentistry team will deep clean around your teeth and gums to rid your mouth of unwanted bacteria and then will discuss with you the steps for effective oral hygiene that you can incorporate at home.

When to Visit Your Dentist: Tooth Sensitivity or Pain

If you notice that your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold foods or liquids, sweets, or pressure it is time to make an appointment with your dentist. Tooth sensitivity is a sign that your tooth is suffering from enamel erosion, gum recession, fractures, nerve trauma, or tooth decay.  Decay that has traveled from the enamel to the center of the tooth where your nerves and blood vessels are housed will cause an increase in sensitivity and sometimes acute pain.  It is important not to prolong treatment when you have these symptoms because cavities that are smaller are easier to treat and recover from.  Even if the pain resides after a day or two, you still need to see your dentist. Your body may have fought off the infection but the root cause of it still remains.

When to Visit Your Dentist:  Bad Breath

If you are experiencing bad breath (Halitosis) even when you are flossing and brushing regularly you may be suffering from gingivitis. Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) of your gums. It can lead to periodontitis and other serious health conditions–it isn’t something you want to ignore.  Sometimes, gingivitis will also cause a metallic taste in the mouth. Masking bad breath with mouthwash may help with the symptoms of a larger underlying problem, but it won’t solve the source of the problem.  We can help you find the source and treat the condition so you can have a healthier mouth.

When to Visit Your Dentist:  Changes of Color in Your Mouth or Teeth

White spots on your teeth are the first signs of dental decay. Dental decay is an infection in your tooth where the enamel begins to dissolve in response to acid produced by bacteria. Often, tooth decay will start with no symptoms which is why regular dentist appointments are critical. Make a habit of taking a close look at your teeth and mouth when you are brushing your teeth to make sure that everything looks normal. Look at your cheeks, the top of your tongue and underneath your tongue to make sure there is no discoloration, lumps or inconsistencies from day to day. If you have a sore that just never seems to go away, or if you notice anything unusual, book an appointment with Dr. Bockrath right away.

When to Visit Your Dentist:  Headaches

Seeing your dentist when you are suffering from headaches may not seem like the first course of action, but if you are experiencing frequent headaches (especially in the morning), the cause of your headaches may be related to grinding your teeth or teeth clenching in the night. Dr. Bockrath can provide you with a nightguard that you wear when you are sleeping that can help alleviate your chronic headaches.

Call for an Appointment

If you have any of the signs above call to make an appointment with Dr. Bockrath for treatment. Mountain Aire Dentistry, located in Broomfield, CO, is a general and family dentistry practice. We are passionate about helping you and your children achieve and maintain optimal oral health and a beautiful smile! We focus on prevention, tooth preservation, and awareness and make every effort to treat our patients the way we treat members of our own family. We offer comprehensive care for your dental needs in a relaxed and efficient atmosphere.  We look forward to meeting you and your family! Call us today at (303) 731-7755 to make an appointment.