Taking preventive dentistry steps now by practicing good brushing, cleaning, and oral hygiene habits will save you time and money on restorative care and emergency procedures down the line. It is worth your effort now to keep your teeth and gums healthy by seeing your dentist regularly to avoid more serious oral health problems and more extensive and expensive treatment.

Our Philosophy: Preventive Dentistry

Our goal at Mountain Aire Dentistry is keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright. The biggest part of achieving and maintaining a healthy smile involves your commitment to healthy practices and proper oral hygiene. To help you achieve and maintain these advised oral health standards, we believe in educating you on the principles, techniques, tools, and regular maintenance needs to keep your smile and mouth health at their best.  Your home efforts coupled with our efforts at our Broomfield office can help you avoid the negative effects of cavities, gum disease, enamel wear and more. Developing these positive, preventive dentistry habits starts an early age which is why we recommend, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends, and the American American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first dental visit should occur within six months after their first tooth erupts and no later than a child’s first birthday.

A Case for Preventive Dentistry

The American Dental Association feels strongly about the need for preventive dentistry. The statistics they share on the current state of dental health in our country is staggering. They have even gone as far as to say that millions of Americans are living in what can only be described as a dental health crisis.  Nearly half of adults over age 30 suffer from some form of gum disease. Nearly one in four children under age five already has cavities. The number of emergency department visits in the U.S. for dental conditions increased from 1.1 million in 2000 to 2.1 million in 2010.  The two most prevalent conditions are tooth decay and gum disease–both of which can be prevented through proper oral hygiene practices.

The ADA Launches Action for Dental Health Campaign

In 2013 the ADA launched a nation-wide campaign to bring preventive dentistry into communities. 12 schools across the nation have even adopted a mandatory school dental-screening requirement that won’t allow children to start school unless they have proof from their dentist that they have had a basic oral exam and been taught oral disease prevention steps. This Action for Dental Health campaign is founded on the belief that simple, low-cost steps–such as dental sealants for children’s teeth, oral hygiene educating/training of families, and early screening, diagnosis and treatment will be worthwhile investments and results in a healthier more productive nation as a whole.  At Mountain Aire Dentistry, we are committed to doing everything we can to support and stand behind the ADA’s preventive dentistry campaign to help our patients and our Broomfield-based community achieve and maintain better oral wellness.  

Key Steps in Preventive Dentistry

There are many facets of preventive dentistry to learn and practice for optimum health. Here are a few of the major contributors to consider:

Make Good Food Choices

Eating patterns and food choices play an important role in preventing, or promoting, tooth decay. Heavy sugar consumption has long been associated with tooth decay. according to the American Heart Association (AHA), men should not have more than 38 grams of sugar per day and women should not have more than 25 grams. Children should have less than that.  Part of Mountain Aire Dentistry’s comprehensive oral health education plan also includes the vital role of nutrition. Along with limiting your sugar intake, make sure you are getting your vitamins.  Your teeth need the vital nutrients vitamins supply to stay strong and healthy. Strive to eat a varied diet so you get all the vitamins your body (and teeth) need.

Get Dental Sealants

Dental sealants protect  the narrow grooves of your teeth from plaque accumulation.  In some cases, the tooth structure has fine grooves or pits that can trap food particles and that can’t be removed by your toothbrush bristles or through mouthwash. To avoid developing cavities, Dr. Bockrath can brush on a coating that seals the grooves and pits, making it possible to brush off all the plaque and keep your teeth healthy. Currently, the vast majority of Americans are not benefiting from this simple procedure that can save you from the costs and negative effects of tooth decay.  According to current research, more than 68 percent of children ages 6-9 did not receive sealants on their first molars and more than 86 percent of children ages 10-14 did not receive sealants on their second molars. Preventive dentistry protocol advises parents of the importance of sealing these teeth to prevent problems.

Schedule Regular 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.

Brush and Floss Daily

One of the most important steps in preventive dentistry is brushing your teeth daily with fluoride-fortified toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Don’t forget to brush your tongue. This will help remove bacteria from your mouth and also help freshen your breath.  Proper flossing is also a key habit to develop because your brush can only get to the front and back parts of your teeth. The sides of your teeth that rub up against neighboring teeth can only be cleaned by floss. The success of flossing is dependent on proper technique.  At your next dental appointment, make sure you ask a Mountain Aire Dentistry team member to instruct you on proper flossing steps so that you get the benefits you need.

Have a Deep Cleaning and Exam at Least Twice a Year

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 visits per year.

Call for a Preventive Dentistry Consultation

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.