Don’t think you have time for your regular dental exams? Learn 5 reasons why your 6-month dental exams are worth making time for! Some of the most common dental problems can be prevented by these essential cleanings and exams. According to the American Dental Association, teeth should be cleaned at least twice per year.  Despite this urging, the ADA states that almost a third of Americans won’t visit their dentist even on an annual basis. The connection between oral health and overall health can’t be denied. Making time for your dentist is making time for you. Your current and long-term health are worth it!

5 Benefits from Regular Dental Exams

Not only is Dr. Bockrath able to spot signs of poor health conditions, but through regular dental exams he can also provide you with the following 5 benefits:

• Oral Health Exams
• Fluoride Treatments
• Cleanings
• Digital X-rays
• Oral Cancer Screening

ORAL HEALTH EXAMS

When your doctor examines your mouth, it reveals to him more than just the health of your teeth.  Oral health provides vital clues about your overall health.  Oral health professionals are trained to identify other symptoms and signs in your mouth that could communicate diseases and conditions that are present in your body. Health-related conditions that can manifest symptoms in your mouth include:

• diabetes
• oral cancer
• temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
• HIV/AIDS
• thyroid problems
• iron deficiency/anemia
• leukemia
• eating disorders (bulimia and anorexia)

Regular dental exams allow Dr. Bockrath an opportunity to prevent oral diseases and spot systemic conditions you might not be aware of.  Getting in front of problems always put you ahead.

FLUORIDE TREATMENTS

Studies show that currently more than 65 percent of children age 18 and under are not receiving the recommended two fluoride treatments a year.  Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens teeth and helps them to become more resistant to decay (cavities). You can help protect yourself or your child from getting cavities by making sure you/they drink fluoridated water and brush at least twice daily with fluoride-fortified toothpaste. For many children, this daily fluoride exposure is enough to protect them for a lifetime.  During your 6-month or annual dental exam you can also receive a fluoride treatment to help keep your teeth strong and healthy.

CLEANINGS

How often you should see your dentist is dependent on your risk level for dental problems.  If you have higher risk factors than most, or if you suffer from current dental diseases or problems you will need to see your dentist more frequently. If you’re at a low risk for dental problems, you may see the same benefits from only one deep cleaning per year.  Dental cleanings and exams allow dentists to identify problems and take care of them right away. If you have dental insurance, find out what’s covered. Many insurance plans cover two preventive dental exams per year.

DIGITAL X-RAYS

In our office we use digital radiography which allows us to take x-rays using significantly less radiation than conventional film x-rays. The actual amount of radiation exposure using this technique is less than the amount of radiation exposure you would get standing out in the sun for 10 minutes. Using this technology, we are able to take an x-ray of your mouth by using a small sensor which records the image of your teeth and sends it to a computer. The result is a highly detailed image of your mouth that can easily be enhanced to better diagnose dental concerns and determine the very best treatment for each case.

ORAL CANCER SCREENING

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer every hour of every day in the United States. Luckily, oral cancer is highly curable if found early.  Oral cancer screenings are physical examinations designed to help detect the early stages of cancer before symptoms strike. Oral cancer screenings help reveal harmful growths or lesions right at their onset, when treatment can stop it in its tracks.

Call for an Appointment

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you visit your family dentist at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning.  These dental checkups help to ensure the health of your teeth and gums while eliminating plaque buildup and the prevention of tooth decay.  It’s much easier to teach children to develop strong brushing and flossing habits when they hear a dentist backing up your instructions. We can treat everyone in your family, from the first tooth of a toddler to the dentures of a mature adult.

Dr. Bockrath is highly skilled and trained to provide a variety of dental services. Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure you receive the best possible care.  We believe nothing exudes beauty and confidence like a bright, vibrant smile, and that everyone deserves to experience the life-altering benefits of a radiant, healthy smile.  Dr. Bockrath is a family dentist in Broomfield, Colorado, with convenient access to the communities of Thornton, Broomfield, Northglenn and Westminster.  Mountain Aire Dentistry offers state-of-the-art family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Call for your appointment today at  (303) 731-7755. We look forward to meeting you and your family!