Preventive Dentistry in Westminster, CO
You can ask virtually any dentist what the secret is to a healthy smile, and the answer would always be the same – prevention.
What Is Prevention?
When the team at Arrow Dental talks about prevention, we’re actually talking about a combination of steps you can take that result in good oral health. This includes conscientious oral hygiene (no skipping brushing and flossing), a nutrient-rich diet that supports a healthy smile, and routine exams and professional cleanings.
As you can see, achieving the best possible oral health isn’t difficult or complicated, but it does require a commitment on your part!
How Good Oral Health Benefits You
Of course, the primary benefit of good oral health is a problem-free smile. If your teeth aren’t healthy, your confidence suffers, and it shows in your interactions with others. A healthy smile, on the other hand, makes you feel good about yourself and your appearance.
There are also numerous studies that link the health of your mouth to your general health. Research confirms that chronic dental infections and periodontal disease can increase your risk of suffering from heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and a wide range of chronic diseases.
Our Preventive Services
Two essential preventive services we offer at Arrow Dental are semi-annual exams and professional cleanings.
Dental Exams
Exams every six months give Dr. Jamie Marquez a chance to find and resolve any problems that developed since the last time we saw you. Routine checkups are good for your oral health, but they also help us to develop a comprehensive dental history for future reference when diagnosing conditions.
During your routine exams, we will chart your teeth, and Dr. Marquez will note any changes since your last visit. If we do find a problem, we can take immediate steps to correct it before it does long-term damage to your oral health. Your exam is also a perfect time to talk to us about your concerns or ask for guidance. We are here to support your efforts, so no question is too small!
Professional Cleanings
Keeping your teeth clean and healthy is a team effort. Good at-home oral hygiene is essential, but it must be paired with professional dental cleanings to be truly effective.
Bacteria in your mouth collect on your teeth and form a sticky film called plaque. You can remove a lot of plaque when you brush and floss, but there are hard-to-reach places between teeth and under the gum line that are always difficult to clean properly. Plaque that isn’t removed turns into a hard substance called tartar, or calculus, that only a dental hygienist can remove using special instruments.
Treating Gum Disease
A lack of good oral hygiene can result in gum disease that attacks your gums and the supporting structures of your teeth. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that we can often treat with a thorough professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene practices.
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it will advance to periodontitis, which means your gums have already suffered some damage. In this case, our hygienist will recommend a deep cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar buildup, especially around your gums. We will also need to perform more frequent cleanings to keep your oral health on track.
Please Call to Arrange Your Appointment
If you haven’t been diligent with your oral health, don’t worry about being judged or lectured! Our goal is to start right where you are and take steps to improve your oral health.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
At Arrow Dental, we start with preventive dentistry with the hope that you won’t ever need restorative dentistry!
Preventive dentistry includes routine services like exams and professional dental cleanings. Depending on your family’s needs, we may also recommend fluoride applications or dental sealants to protect your oral health.
When we see you every six months, we can find problems when they’re small and before they cause discomfort or long-term damage to your tooth. Scheduling cleanings every six months is essential because only a trained hygienist can remove the plaque and tartar that builds up on your teeth and leads to gum disease.
Restorative dentistry is needed when dental decay or gum disease has damaged a tooth. Fillings and crowns are an example of services needed to clear away decay and strengthen a tooth. If you have lost a tooth, we will recommend replacements that may include bridges, dentures, and fillings.
As you can see, if you practice adequate oral hygiene and visit us for regular appointments, you may never need restorative dentistry! Our goal is to make it easy for you to follow through with these important appointments so you can enjoy the benefits of good oral health.
If you have more questions or would like to arrange a cleaning and exam, please call our Westminster dental office.
Whether or not you feel pain, we need to address periodontal disease as quickly as possible. Many people who have gum disease experience no symptoms, but that doesn’t mean the infection isn’t damaging your teeth and gums.
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that attacks your gums and supporting structure of the teeth. Brushing and flossing routinely are essential because your mouth is filled with bacteria, which forms a film on your teeth called plaque.
In its mildest form, gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, you may notice that your gums are swollen or inflamed and easily bleed when you brush and floss. Gingivitis is usually reversible and can be treated with a thorough professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
When plaque is not removed, it spreads beneath your gum line, attacks supporting bone, and opens up small pockets between the teeth and gums. This stage of gum disease is called periodontitis, which will require a deep cleaning procedure, antibiotics, and a schedule of frequent professional cleanings.
The destructive process of periodontal disease often produces no symptoms, which is why it is essential to stay current with routine dental exams and cleanings. When we see you at regular intervals, we can ensure that your healthy smile stays that way.
If it’s time for your next dental cleaning, please call Arrow Dental so we can arrange a convenient appointment and ensure your good oral health.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Jamie Marquez
Dr. Marquez is a Westminster native and is happy to be back in her hometown serving the dental needs of friends and family!
A graduate of Westminster HIgh School, Dr. Marquez then attended Seattle University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in General Science. She started her career in dentistry as a dental assistant for Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. During this period Dr. Marquez decided to commit herself to the practice of dentistry and attended Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry where she received her Doctor of Dental Medicine ...