At your dental exam and cleaning in Lakewood, CO we will inspect your teeth, gums, and overall mouth to spot any potential problems. We’ll keep an eye out for gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, or any other issues, and we’ll also look for signs of mouth breathing or TMJ issues. Once we’ve done an initial assessment, we will do a thorough check of your face, neck, and jawline as part of your oral cancer screening. We’ll chat with you about any changes to your medical history or areas of concern.

Depending on your unique oral health, we may complete x-rays during your dental cleanings in Lakewood, CO. The x-ray is an important tool to show us issues not spotted with the naked eye during our visual exam. We will be able to see impacted wisdom teeth, abscesses, cysts/tumors, and jawbone issues. 

The next part of a dental appointment is the professional cleaning, which removes plaque and tartar buildup that regular flossing and brushing can’t clean. It also includes scaling, which is a process that removes stubborn plaque and tartar from your teeth.

In some cases, we may find that you would benefit from a fluoride treatment. This is if there is a history of a lot of cavities, or if someone is at higher risk for tooth decay or is experiencing tooth sensitivity. The fluoride strengthens the teeth’s enamel and protects it from future decay. We may also recommend alternatives to fluoride, such as hydroxyapatite or probiotics.

Lastly, we will discuss with you any areas of concern and make recommendations to help with your oral hygiene regime (or to improve on other breathing-related issues). Throughout the entire process, your dental team will make sure you are comfortable. They will also answer any questions you have about your oral health.

Even on the sleepiest of evenings when you can’t wait to lay your head on your pillow, brushing your teeth is a must. It can be easy to skip this step, but it is the best way to get rid of the germs and plaque that build up on your teeth all day long.

1. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angel to the gums
2. Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
3. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the theeth.
4. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.
5. Remind yourself to not brush too hard!

Brush your tongue when brushing your teeth. Some toothbrushes actually have a rough back designed for tongue brushing. However, you can also gently brush your tongue with the bristles.

Try to get a toothpaste that contains hydroxyapatite! These substances act as an agent to reduce your teeth’s demineralization process. They help the enamel stay strong and resist breaking down. If you’re at a loss for which to pick, look for the ADA seal of acceptance to ensure you’re getting the best toothpaste for your teeth, or ask your Lakewood dentist!

Your toothbrush can’t reach between your teeth, so flossing is a must to remove debris. It also stimulates your gums and keeps them healthy while reducing plaque buildup. Flossing just once a day will greatly improve your oral health regime and help you take care of your teeth.

Breathing through your nose is a MAJOR way to prevent tooth decay! When we breathe through our nose, we warm and humidify the air we are breathing, as well as disinfect it. When we breathe through our mouths, we dehydrate our mouths, lead to more plaque buildup, and change the acidity of the mouth. If you can’t breathe through your nose, that is a red flag that there is something going on with your breathing patterns, jaw structure, or nasal structure. Not being able to breathe through your nose warrants further evaluation, not just for your teeth health, but for your whole body health! Sometimes this is as simple as strengthening the muscles of the lips and tongue. This is called myofunctional therapy, and we see many health improvements by using it!

Keeping your mouth moist helps wash away debris, sugars, and acidic foods between brushings. Water has many health benefits and should always be the drink of choice throughout the day.

Last but not least, to take care of your teeth, be sure to visit your dental clinic in Lakewood, CO for a dental cleaning twice a year, or as recommended for your specific needs. This will help your dentist keep an eye on your dental health while also providing professional cleanings to remove plaque.