Do you schedule regular, professional teeth cleanings?  Your oral health communicates a lot about your overall health. Not only that, but the health of your mouth can affect your whole body health as well.  Both can contribute to various diseases and conditions.  Endocarditis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and alzheimer’s are just some diseases that are connected to your oral health.  Understanding this connection between your oral health and your body health is important for total body wellness. Regular examinations and teeth cleanings are a vital part of staying healthy.

Teeth Cleanings Promote Good Health

A dental cleaning every six months can do more than just keep your teeth and gums healthy. Recent studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease–a result of poor oral hygiene. Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place and is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. If diagnosed early, it can be treated and reversed. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage of gum disease may follow. Regular teeth cleanings, check-ups, flossing daily and brushing twice a day are key steps for preventing gum disease. Because of the high levels of bacteria found in infected areas of the mouth when gum disease or periodontal disease is present, the risks of cardiovascular disease increases.

Other studies have suggested that the inflammation in the gums may create a chronic inflammatory response in other parts of the body which has also been implicated in increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. 75% of Americans suffer from some kind of gum disease and are putting themselves at higher risk for these dangerous conditions. Don’t be part of that statistic and get schedule teeth cleanings regularly.

Teeth Cleanings Prevent Cavities and Other Conditions

Do you know what plaque is and how it is formed? The whitish film that builds up on your teeth is plaque. Plaque forms from leftover food particles and saliva that mix in your mouth. If you don’t brush properly after meals, it begins to build up on your teeth.  Plaque is the leading cause of tooth decay. This acidic substance eats away at the tooth enamel and, if left unattended, can lead to cavities. Plaque can be removed by brushing, flossing and teeth cleanings. Regular teeth cleanings can also prevent unnecessary tooth loss.  Gum disease, which starts with built-up plaque, is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. As gum disease advances, plaque moves further down the tooth where it can destroy the supporting bone in your jaw, causing teeth to loosen and fall out. Good oral hygiene habits coupled with regular teeth cleanings can help you keep all your teeth.  

Teeth cleanings also help you treat bad breath. Even if you brush and floss regularly, getting a teeth cleaning is a great way to keep your mouth healthy and odor-free. If you have persistent bad breath, you may be suffering from gingivitis. Dr. Bockrath can help you treat the cause of your bad breath and return your mouth to freshness.

Teeth Cleanings Brighten Your Smile

Even if you are great about regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, genetics, diet, and lifestyle habits can contribute to the brightness of your smile. Drinking coffee, tea and wine or using tobacco can stain your teeth. Brush immediately after eating or drinking foods that stain teeth and use a good over-the-counter or prescribed bleaching agent.  A dental cleaning can remove built-up stains and leave you with freshly polished teeth. If you want to go whiter, there is also the option of having an in-office teeth whitening treatment to restore the beauty of your smile. Dr. Bockrath can also consult with you on ways to whiten your teeth from the inside out–your diet. What you eat can impact the health and brightness of your smile. Other tips for keeping teeth white involve using “natural food cleaners.” Foods that are firm or crisp help clean teeth as they’re eaten. Apples (otherwise known as nature’s toothbrush) raw carrots, celery, and popcorn are great choices for your final food in a meal if you know you won’t be able to brush your teeth right after eating.

Call for an Appointment

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.  Our office is located 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!