Preventative Care
Teeth Cleanings
Routine dental cleanings are recommended every 6 months to maintain proper oral health and keep that smile bright according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), an organization committed to educating the public on oral health. Professional teeth cleaning aims to supplement and reinforce daily at-home cleanings.
During a routine cleaning at Coleman Dental you can expect:
- Review and update of your medical history including special attention to medication and certain medical conditions that can significantly impact your oral health such as diabetes, heart disease, infectious disease, and pregnancy
- Evaluation and documentation of any gum disease
- Oral cancer screening
- Dental X-rays if needed
- Removal of tartar and plaque build-up
- Flossing of teeth
- Fluoride application
- Polishing of teeth, fillings, and crowns
- Application of sealant if necessary
- Review of proper brushing, flossing, and nutrition
- Restorative options, treatment for periodontal (gum) disease, or any other concerns will be discussed as well.
Concerned about discomfort during teeth cleanings? Research shows that those who brush and floss their teeth regularly at home, hardly experience discomfort during a professional cleaning. Regardless of your current state of oral health, though, you can rest assured that here at Coleman Dental, we are committed to providing comfortable, professional dental cleaning for you and your family.
Thorough Oral Exams
In addition to dental cleanings, a thorough oral exam is paramount to ensure optimal oral and overall health.
Oral exams are important because although some may not realize it, studies consistently show that a healthy mouth is tied to a healthy body. The opposite is true as well. Poor oral health is often linked with poor general health, especially in regards to heart health, diabetes, and problems during pregnancy.
An oral exam typically involves:
- Evaluation of your medical history
- Examination of how clean your teeth and mouth currently are
- Identification of any tooth root decay, gum, or bone disease
- Evaluation of your bite (how your top teeth match up with your bottom teeth
- Discussion of any headache or jaw pain that might indicate problems with temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- Performance of dental X-rays or specialized exams if needed
- Discussion of how certain medications, lifestyle habits (like smoking), and certain medical conditions can affect your oral health
- Examination for signs of oral cancer
- Discussion of any decrease in taste, saliva production, or other oral conditions you may be experiencing.
At Coleman Dental, we care about your overall wellbeing and health in addition to your dental care. Call today for a thorough oral exam so we can help you stay on track with your health.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings are a vital part of a thorough dental and oral exam. Sadly oral cancer has persistently increased over the last several years. Screening for cancers that can occur in the mouth and throat should start yearly when an individual turns 18 or sooner if tobacco use began before the age of 18.
Risk factors for oral cancer can often be avoided. Some preventable risk factors include:
- Smoking tobacco
- All oral tobacco use (chew, snuff, dip, dissolvable)
- Betel quid or gutka chew
- Heavy alcohol use
- Exposure to HPV via oral sex
- Poor nutrition
Obesity
- Poor oral health and hygiene
The purpose of routine oral cancer screening is to identify mouth cancer or precancerous lesions early when treatment is likely to be more effective and before it can spread or cause significant damage or illness.
During an oral cancer screening, Dr. Coleman or one of our trained dental hygienists will feel the area under your jaw, the sides of your neck, and the insides of your lips and cheeks, as well as examine the sides of your tongue and the roof and floor of your mouth with their gloved fingers.
As mentioned above, poor dental and oral health may also be linked to an increased risk for oral and throat cancers. Regular dental visits, daily home brushing, and flossing can lessen these risks and have many other health benefits, too.
Here at Coleman Dental, we want you to be your best and believe that having a healthy mouth is a key part of a healthy, happy life. Call today to schedule your oral cancer screening, cleaning, and oral exam.
Fluoride Treatments
Did you know…the dental benefits of fluoride were actually discovered in Colorado Springs by Dr. Frederick McKay in the early 1900s?
He noticed that although children in the community had low rates of tooth decay, they had severe brown stains on their teeth. Decades of research revealed that extreme levels of natural fluoride in the water were contributing to the brown stains. They began to experiment with specific levels of fluoride in the water.
Fluoride is a natural substance that combines with calcium and phosphorus naturally in your saliva. It bonds to the tooth structure, making it stronger and more resistant to acid and bacteria. Fluoride also makes it more difficult for bacteria to work properly, which benefits dental and oral health in general.
This is why Dr. Coleman will often recommend fluoride varnish after your dental cleaning appointments. Applying additional fluoride after your teeth are professionally cleaned has been shown to increase enamel strength by over 60% because it’s the most concentrated and adherent type of fluoride that exists. Fluoride also adds a protective layer to the teeth, decreasing tooth sensitivity.
Night Guards
Also known as an occlusal grinding guard, nightguards are designed to protect your teeth, facial muscles, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) from wear and tear or to minimize inflammation caused by nighttime grinding or bruxism.
The most common reason for needing a nightguard is nighttime bruxing, also known as tooth grinding. Many people subconsciously clench their jaw and grind their teeth during their sleep without knowing it. The guard works as a barrier to protect your teeth from being worn down and also from the tightness that can result in chronic jaw and TMJ pain, headaches and muscle spasms of the face.
Nightguards may also be recommended to protect dental work, ensuring that things like dental crowns, veneers, and other dental improvements last as long as possible and don’t get unnecessarily destroyed by grinding forces during sleep.
Nightguards are created by first making an impression of your teeth to ensure a comfortable fit. The mold of your teeth will go into the formation of the nightguard and once it is complete, we will make sure it fits comfortably in your mouth.
Have more questions about nightguards? Ask Dr. Coleman or one of our experienced dental hygienists here at Coleman Dental for more information.
3701 S Clarkson St, Suite 210
Englewood, CO 80113
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fax:
720-639-5103
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Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 7–4 pm
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