Dental Implants Dentistry Littleton CO

Learn more about dental implants by watching this short educational video clip.


Above video created by: Dental-Implants-Guide.com

Dentist Littleton CO
Rocky View Dental Care
Tel: 303-797-6129
1 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
USA
www.rockyviewdentalcare.com

Gum Disease Treatment Littleton CO

Gum Disease - Gingival Recession
Watch the video below to learn more about gum disease.


Dentist Littleton CO
Rocky View Dental Care
Tel: 303-797-6129
1 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
USA
www.rockyviewdentalcare.com

Preventive Dentistry Littleton CO

Dental Cavity - 3D Medical Animation
What is a dental cavity?


Above video created by: 3D Medical Animation Studio

Dentist Littleton CO
Rocky View Dental Care
Tel: 303-797-6129
1 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
USA
www.rockyviewdentalcare.com

Gum Disease Treatment Littleton CO

Gum Disease: The Signs, Symptoms and Causes of Periodontal Disease

Gum disease – also known as periodontal disease and periodontitis – is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding a tooth, and is the leading cause of tooth loss. Gingivitis is a bacterial infection of the tissues in the mouth and potential precursor of gum disease.

Once gum disease sets in, the toxins produced by the bacteria damage the teeth's connective tissue and bone, effectively destroying them and fostering tooth loss.

The Signs of Gum Disease

As a gum infection progresses, the bone tends to recede; the gums may or may not recede. In some cases, the root of the tooth becomes exposed, occasionally causing tooth sensitivity. Furthermore, pus may be produced, and pockets may form between the gum and tooth.

Since bone recession is not visible to the naked eye, and if left undetected, may contribute to tooth loss, it is important to visit your dentist for professional examinations and dental cleanings to identify gum disease.

Here are some common signs of gum disease you and your dentist can look for:

• Bleeding gums during tooth brushing or otherwise.
• Sensitive, red or swollen gums.
• Bad breath.
• teeth that are loose or appear to have shifted.

Causes of Gum Disease

There are a number of causes of gum disease, each of which can be corrected and controlled. The causes of gum disease include:

Improper Dental Hygiene: If plaque is not removed through daily dental hygiene practices and regular professional dental cleanings, bacteria may set in and cause gingivitis, which may eventually result in gum disease.

Organic Changes in the Mouth: Changes that occur in metabolism and hormone levels during pregnancy, puberty and menopause may affect the organic balance in the mouth, and make teeth more susceptible to gum disease.

Medical Conditions: Serious conditions that affect the body's ability to produce sugar (such as diabetes or kidney disease) may contribute to periodontal disease. Furthermore, the Center for Disease Control has found an association between certain illnesses (including diabetes, stroke and heart attack) and gum disease. Finally, medications used to treat medical conditions may produce the overgrowth of gums. Overgrown gums are more susceptible to bacteria, and therefore gum disease.

Saliva Flow Inhibitors: Certain medications that produce oral side effects or dry mouth syndrome (xerostomia) may contribute to a reduction of protective saliva flow, and potentially to gum disease. Seniors may be more susceptible to dry mouth syndrome because of the natural reduction of salivary flow associated with age.

Poor Functional Habits: Teeth grinding or clenching may impair the surrounding tissue and is a possible contributor to gum disease.


Above article from www.yourdentistryguide.com


Rocky View Dental Care
Tel: 303-797-6129
1 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
USA
www.rockyviewdentalcare.com

Teeth Whitening Cosmetic Dentistry Littleton CO

Learn More About Teeth Whitening

Many teeth whitening systems are available, including whitening toothpastes, over-the-counter gels, rinses, strips, and trays, and whitening agents obtained from a dentist.

Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth (no fillings) and gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best. But this cosmetic procedure is not recommended for everyone.

Whitening Systems

Whitening Toothpastes

All toothpastes help remove surface stains because they contain mild abrasives. Some whitening toothpastes contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains only and do not contain bleach; over-the-counter and professional whitening products contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that helps lighten the color deep in the tooth. Whitening toothpastes can lighten your tooth's color by about one shade. In contrast, light-activated whitening conducted in your dentist's office can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips and Gels

Whitening gels are clear, peroxide-based gels applied with a small brush directly to the surface of your teeth. Instructions generally call for twice a day application for 14 days. Initial results are seen in a few days and final results are sustained for about four months.

Whitening strips are very thin, virtually invisible strips that are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. The strips are applied twice daily for 30 minutes for 14 days. Initial results are seen in a few days and final results are sustained for about four months.

Whitening Rinses

Among the newest whitening products available are whitening rinses. Like most mouthwashes, they freshen breath and help reduce dental plaque and gum disease. But these products also include ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide, which whiten teeth. Manufacturers say it may take 12 weeks to see results. You just swish them around in your mouth for 60 seconds twice a day before brushing your teeth. However, some experts say that rinses may not be as effective as other over-the-counter whitening products. Because a whitening rinse is only in contact with the teeth for such a short time -- just two minutes a day compared to 30 minutes for many strips -- it may have less of an effect.

Tray-Based Tooth Whiteners

Tray-based tooth whitening systems, purchased either over-the-counter or from your dentist, involve filling a mouth guard-like tray with a gel whitening solution -- which contains a peroxide-bleaching agent -- and wearing the tray for a period of time, generally from a couple hours a day to every day during the night for up to four weeks and even longer (depending on the degree of discoloration and desired level of whitening).

In-Office Whitening

In-office bleaching provides the quickest way to whiten teeth. With in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. These products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, and/or a laser. Results are seen in only one, 30- to 60-minute treatment. But to achieve dramatic results, several appointments are usually needed. However, with in-office bleaching, dramatic results can be seen after the first treatment. This type of whitening is the most expensive technique.

Above article from: www.webmd.com

Rocky View Dental Care
Tel: 303-797-6129
1 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
USA
www.rockyviewdentalcare.com

Preventive Dental Care Littleton CO

What is basic dental care?

Basic dental care involves brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, seeing your dentist and/or dental hygienist for regular checkups and cleanings, and eating a mouth-healthy diet, which means foods high in whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and dairy products.
Why is basic dental care important?

Practicing basic dental care:

• Prevents tooth decay.
• Prevents gum (periodontal) disease camera, which can damage gum tissue and the bones camera that support teeth camera, and in the long term can lead to the loss of teeth.
• Shortens time with the dentist and dental hygienist, and makes the trip more pleasant.
• Saves money. By preventing tooth decay and gum disease, you can reduce the need for fillings and other costly procedures.
• Helps prevent bad breath. Brushing and flossing rid your mouth of the bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Helps keep teeth white by preventing staining from food, drinks, and tobacco.
• Improves overall health.
• Makes it possible for your teeth to last a lifetime.

Are there ways to avoid dental problems?

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy requires good nutrition and regular brushing and flossing.

• Brush your teeth twice a day-in the morning and before bed-and floss once a day. This removes plaque, which can lead to damaged teeth, gums, and surrounding bone.
• Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. Ask your dentist if you need a mouthwash that contains fluoride or one with ingredients that fight plaque. Look for toothpastes that have been approved by the American Dental Association.
• Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar. Sugar helps plaque grow.
• Avoid using tobacco products, which can cause gum disease and oral cancer. Exposure to tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke) also may cause gum disease as well as other health problems.1
• Practice tongue cleaning. You can use a tongue cleaner or a soft-bristle toothbrush, stroking in a back-to-front direction. Tongue cleaning is particularly important for people who smoke or whose tongues are coated or deeply grooved.
• Schedule regular trips to the dentist based on how often you need exams and cleaning.

When should my child start seeing a dentist?

By the time your child is 6 months of age, your doctor should assess the likelihood of your child having future dental problems. If he or she thinks your child will have dental problems, be sure your child sees a dentist before his or her first birthday or 6 months after the first primary teeth appear camera, whichever comes first. After your first visit, schedule regular visits every 6 months or as your dentist recommends.

Experts recommend that your child's dental care start at 12 months of age. If your baby has dental problems caused by injury, disease, or a developmental problem, see your pediatric dentist right away.

Above article from: www.webmd.com

Rocky View Dental Care
Tel: 303-797-6129
1 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
USA
www.rockyviewdentalcare.com

Invisalign Invisible Dental Braces Littleton CO

Thinking about getting Invisalign?











What is invisalign and how does it work? What are aligners made of, and what do they look like?
The virtually invisible aligners, which are made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, look similar to teeth-whitening trays. A series of Invisalign aligners are custom-made for you, to move your teeth in the sequence determined by your doctor.

How do the aligners straighten teeth?
Over the course of treatment, you will be supplied with a series of aligners. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is mapped out in advance by your doctor, specifically for your situation. When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current position. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process.

How will Invisalign effectively move my teeth?
Through the use of our patented thermoplastic design, Invisalign aligners move your teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force. The main difference is that Invisalign not only controls the force, but also the timing of the force application. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move. These movements are determined by your doctor as he or she maps out your unique Invisalign treatment plan.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. No one may even notice that you're wearing them, making Invisalign a seamless fit with your lifestyle. Invisalign aligners are removable. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to remove your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. And you can also remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral hygiene. There are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth, an advantage over traditional braces. Plus, since your office visits during treatment don't involve metal or wire adjustments, you'll likely spend less time in the doctor's chair. Invisalign allows you to view your virtual results and treatment plan before you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Instead of imagining how much better it can be, you'll be able to see it for yourself.

Above article from Invisalign.com

Rocky View Dental Care
Tel: 303-797-6129
1 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
USA
www.rockyviewdentalcare.com

Preventive Dental Care Littleton CO

Healthy Teeth and Gums

What small, easy steps can I take to have a healthy teeth and gums?

1. Brush your teeth at least twice each day with fluoride toothpaste.
Aim for first thing in the morning and before going to bed. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food your toothbrush missed. Make sure you:

Drink water that contains added fluoride if you can. Fluoride protects against dental decay. Most public water systems in the United States have added fluoride. Check with your community's water or health department to find out if there is fluoride in your water. You also may want to use a fluoride mouth rinse, along with brushing and flossing, to help prevent tooth decay.

Gently brush all sides of your teeth with a soft-bristled brush. Round and short back-and-forth strokes work best.

Take time to brush along the gum line, and lightly brush your tongue to help remove plaque and food.

Ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you the best way to floss your teeth.

Change your toothbrush every three months, or earlier if the toothbrush looks worn or the bristles spread out. A new toothbrush removes more plaque.

If you wear dentures, be sure to remove them at night and clean them before putting them back in the next morning.

2. Have a healthy lifestyle.

Eat healthy meals. Cut down on tooth decay by brushing after meals. Avoid snacking on sugary or starchy foods between meals.
Don't smoke. It raises your risk of gum disease, oral and throat cancers, and oral fungal infections. It also affects the color of your teeth and the smell of your breath.
Limit alcohol use to one drink per day for women. Heavy alcohol use raises your risk of oral and throat cancers. Using alcohol and tobacco together raises your risk of oral cancers more than using one alone.
Limit how much soda you drink. Even diet soda contains acids that can erode tooth enamel.

3. Get regular checkups.

Have an oral exam once or twice a year. Your dentist may recommend more or fewer visits depending on your oral health. At most routine visits, the dentist and a dental hygienist will treat you. During regular checkups, dentists look for signs of diseases, infections, problems, injuries, and oral cancer.
See your dentist right away if:
Your gums bleed often
You see any red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or floor of the mouth
You have mouth or jaw pain that won't go away
You have sores that do not heal within two weeks
You have problems swallowing or chewing
Besides your dentist, there are other types of dental providers. Your dentist may send you to a specialist if you need extra care. Other providers include:
Dental hygienists: Members of the dental staff who clean gums and teeth and teach patients how to maintain good oral health.
Periodontists: Dentists who treat gum disease and place dental implants.
Oral surgeons: Dentists who operate on your mouth and supporting tissues.
Orthodontists: Dentists who straighten teeth and align jaws.
Endodontists: Dentists who perform root canals.
Prosthodontists: Dentists trained in restoring and replacing teeth.

4. Follow your dentist's advice.
Your dentist may suggest ways to keep your mouth healthy. He or she can teach you how to properly floss or brush. Follow any recommended steps or treatments to keep your mouth healthy.

5. If you have another health problem, think about how it may affect your oral health.
For instance, if you take medicines that give you a dry mouth, ask your doctor or nurse if there are other drugs you can use. Have an oral exam before starting cancer treatment. And if you have diabetes, practice good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease.

Above article from www.womenshealth.gov

Rocky View Dental Care
Tel: 303-797-6129
1 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
USA
www.rockyviewdentalcare.com

Dental Care Littleton Colorado

Dental cavities
Cavities are holes, or structural damage, in the teeth.

Tooth decay is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to the common cold. It usually occurs in children and young adults but can affect any person. It is a common cause of tooth loss in younger people.

Bacteria are normally present in the mouth. The bacteria convert all foods -- especially sugar and starch -- into acids. Bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine in the mouth to form a sticky substance called plaque that adheres to the teeth. It is most prominent on the back molars, just above the gum line on all teeth, and at the edges of fillings. Plaque that is not removed from the teeth mineralizes into tartar. Plaque and tartar irritate the gums, resulting in gingivitis and ultimately periodontitis.

Plaque begins to build up on teeth within 20 minutes after eating (the time when most bacterial activity occurs). If this plaque is not removed thoroughly and routinely, tooth decay will not only begin, but flourish.

The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities). Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large and affect nerves or cause a tooth fracture. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can develop. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the internal structures of the tooth (pulp) and ultimately causes the loss of the tooth.

Carbohydrates (sugars and starches) increase the risk of tooth decay. Sticky foods are more harmful than nonsticky foods because they remain on the surface of the teeth. Frequent snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth.

Above article from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov

Rocky View Dental Care
Tel: 303-797-6129
1 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
USA
www.rockyviewdentalcare.com

Dental Office Littleton CO - Mobile Website

Rocky View Dental Care is pleased to announce that you can now find us on your smart phone! We now have a mobile site that is easily accessible via all mobile devices!

Easily contact us from by visiting our mobile website at the following:
DentistLittletonCO.mobi

Rocky View Dental Care
Dental Office
1 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
Call Us At: 303-797-6129

Dental Care FAQs

Do I really have to go to the dentist every six months? Do I need x-rays at each visit?

How often you go for a dental exams depends on your oral health needs. The goal is to catch small problems early. For many people, this means a dental exam every six months. Your dentist may suggest that you visit more or less often depending on how well you care for your teeth and gums, problems you have that need to be checked or treated, how fast tartar builds up on your teeth, and so on.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I floss every day?
• Do I brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and follow my dentist's instructions on how to brush properly?
• Do I eat a well-balanced diet, including food from all food groups, and limit sweets and sticky foods?
• Do I smoke?
• Do I have a history of cavities or gum disease?
• Is my overall health good?
  

The answers to these questions are all factors that affect your oral health. They will help you and your dentist decide how often you need to visit for dental exams. It's worth noting that you should not determine your need for dental care on what your dental plan covers.

Do I need x-rays at each visit?

How often you need to have x-rays also depends on your oral health. A healthy adult who has not had cavities or other problems for a couple of years probably won't need x-rays at every appointment. If your dental situation is less stable and your dentist is monitoring your progress, you may require more frequent x-rays.

If you are not sure why a particular x-ray is being taken, ask your dentist. Remember that dental x-rays deliver very little radiation; they are a vital tool for your dentist to ensure that small problems don't develop into bigger ones.
Above article from cda-adc.ca

Rocky View Dental Care
Tel: 303-797-6129
1 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
USA
www.rockyviewdentalcare.com

Gum Disease FAQs

1. How common is gum disease?

Very. Seven out of 10 Canadians will develop gum disease at some time in their lives. It is the most common dental problem, and it can progress quite painlessly until you have a real problem. That's why it is so important to prevent gum disease before it becomes serious.

2. How does gum disease get started?

Gum disease begins when plaque adheres at and below the visible edge of your gums. If plaque is not removed every day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus). Tartar promotes a bacterial infection at the point of attachment. In these early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis.

Your gums may be a bit red, but you may not notice anything. As gingivitis gets more serious, tiny pockets of infection form. Your gums may be puffy and may bleed a little when you brush, but it is not painful. Over time, the infection destroys the gum tissue. Eventually, you may be at risk of losing one or more teeth.

3. How can I prevent gum disease?

Prevention is the most important factor in the fight against gum disease. It is essential to keep your teeth and gums clean. Brush your teeth properly at least twice a day and floss at least once every 24 hours.

Using proper brushing and flossing techniques is equally important. Be sure to see your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and dental exams, so that he or she can detect any early signs of gum disease, and provide appropriate treatment.
Above article from cda-adc.ca

Rocky View Dental Care
Tel: 303-797-6129
1 West Dry Creek Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
USA
www.rockyviewdentalcare.com

Dental Erosion of Teeth by Diet

Dental erosion is the irreversible loss of tooth structure due to acids from foods and beverages. Signs may include tooth sensitivity, transparency of the biting edge of teeth, and discoloration near the gumline of the teeth.

On a pH scale of 1-14, water is neutral at 7. A lower number indicates more acidity. Carbonated beverages and sports drinks can have a pH around 2.5 and any beverage with a pH lower then 5.5 can cause dental erosion.

Extreme cases may require fillings or crown restorations to treat. Prevention is better though. Minimizing exposure to acidic beverages and/or drinking them through a straw will help. Minimizing abrasive forces is good too. A soft bristled toothbrush will not erode dental enamal.
Ask your dentist or hygienist about specific question dental issues.
Terry L. Wostrel DDS, Rocky View Dental Care, Littleton CO

Diagnosis of Oral Cancer by Dentists

Oral cancer is difficult to diagnose at it's early stages. Tools include:

1. Velscope. The shining of a specific wavelength of light on the oral tissue produces fluoresence of normal tissue. Diseased tissue appears dark. This may indicate the need to biopsy.



2. Oral Risk HPV Test. This involves the gathering of a saliva sample and having it tested by an outside lab. If HPV is present, the specific strain will be determined. HPV-16 and HPV-18 are strongly associated with oral cancer. The presence of HPV does not mean that you will definately develop oral cancer, but you are at increased risk.

Most individuals see their dentist more frequently then their physician. Therefore, oral healthcare professionals have an opportunity to raise awareness and diagnose oral cancer earlier then it might have been diagnosed. Terry L. Wostrel DDS, Rocky View Dental Care

Risk Factors of Oral Cancer Used by Dentists

Dentists and physicians have known for years that alcohol and tobacco use were major risk factors in the development of oral cancer. Most thought that this increased oral cancer risk was mostly limited to individuals over 40. This is still true for alcohol and tobacco, but a new risk factor has been identified in younger adults.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has been implicated in cervical cancer for years, but now is strongly associated with oral cancer in young adults. Individuals carrting HPV are 32 times more likely to develop oral cancer. This is about 10 times higher then the risks of alcohol and tobacco useage. Most young adults are unaware of this risk.

Sexual tansmission is key here. The current published risk factors for HPV includes anyone older then 12 who is sexually active or has had more then three sexual partners.
Terry L. Wostrel DDS Rocky View Dental Care

Clear Dental Braces Littleton CO

Invisalign - Clear Dental Braces
Braces – good for straight teeth, but you’d better be a clean freak

It’s harder to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy if you wear braces. This means you must be even more of a fanatic about brushing and flossing or two years later your teeth will be beautifully straight but loaded with cavities. Plague can easily accumulate around the brackets which can cause “white spots”, damage to the enamel, white and cavities.

Visit us at www.RockyViewDentalCare.com today!

Cosmetic Dentistry Littleton CO

Rocky View Dental Care
Dr. Wostrel Dentist
1 West Dry Creek Circle, Littleton CO
Telephone: 303.500.5508

Cosmetic Dentistry

Rocky View Dental Care emphasizes the aesthetic aspect in ALL of our work because we know that when your smilelooks good, you feel good! We use the best combination of preventive care, tooth-colored fillings, and restorativetechniques for optimum dental health. Modern smile makeovers are so easy (and affordable!) that there’s simply noreason why you can’t have the perfectly beautiful, natural-looking smile you’ve always wanted. Ask us what veneers, Invisalign™, and whitening can do for YOUR smile!

Dental Care Littleton CO

Rockey View Dental Care - Littleton Colorado

Cleaning and Prevention
A preventive program is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist, and dental staff to preserve the natural dentition and supporting structures by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions.

Preventing dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. It is continued in the dental office by the efforts of your dentist and dental hygienist to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health.

Prevention also includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and X-rays. Sealants and fluoride are also great preventive treatments that help protect the teeth.
Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile.

Visit us at www.RockyViewDentalCare.com to learn more about our dental care services.

Dental Health : What Causes Cavities?

Dental Health : What Causes Cavities?

Above video created by: eHow.com

Preventive Dentistry at Rocky View Dental Care in Littleton Colorado. Visit our main web site to learn more about our dental care services

Dental Health : What Is a Dental Bridge?

Cosmetic Dentist Littleton CO
Rocky View Dental Care

Above video created by: eHow.com

Rocky View Dental Care
Cosmetic Dentistry

Dr. Wostrel Dentist
1 West Dry Creek Circle,
Littleton CO 80120
Telephone: (303) 797-6129

Preventive Dentistry Littleton CO

Above video created by: eHow.com

Preventive Dentistry Littleton CO

Dr. Wostrel Dentist

Rocky View Dental Care
1 West Dry Creek Circle,
Littleton CO 80120
Telephone: (303) 797-6129

Teeth Whitening Dentistry Littleton CO

Above video produced by InfoStarProductions

Visit Rocky View Dental Care in Littleton CO to learn more about our teeth whitening dental treatment services and other cosmetic dentistry services.

Invisalign - Invisible Dental Braces Dentist Littleton CO

Above video produced by InfoStarProductions

Rocky View Dental Care
Dr. Wostrel Dentist
1 West Dry Creek Circle,
Littleton CO 80120
Telephone: (303) 797-6129

Dentistry from the Heart Littleton CO

Dental Office Littleton CO

2010 Dentistry from the Heart

Dentistry From the Heart was great success for 2010! We had a goal to provide free dentistry to 150 people in need. Rocky View Dental Care came close to reaching that goal with 140 people seen, and $55,000 worth of donated services. We want to thank ALL of our volunteers for their dedication and hard work. This event would not have been possible without you all.

Please join us next year for Dentistry from The Heart 2010. The event will be on August 27th, 2011. For more information please call us @ (303) 797-6129.

Visit our main web site to learn more about our dental care services in Littleton CO.

Dental Fluroide Treatment Littleton Colorado

Dental Health and Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water. Every day, minerals are added to and lost from a tooth's enamel layer through two processes, demineralization and remineralization. Minerals are lost (demineralization) from a tooth's enamel layer when acids -- formed from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth -- attack the enamel. Minerals such as fluoride, calcium, and phosphate are redeposited (remineralization) to the enamel layer from the foods and waters consumed. Too much demineralization without enough remineralization to repair the enamel layer leads to tooth decay.

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. It also reverses early decay. In children under six years of age, fluoride becomes incorporated into the development of permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth. Fluoride also helps speed remineralization as well as disrupts acid production in already erupted teeth of both children and adults.

In What Forms Is Fluoride Available?

As mentioned, fluoride is found in foods and in water. It can also be directly applied to the teeth through fluoridated toothpastes and mouth rinses. Mouth rinses containing fluoride in lower strengths are available over-the-counter; stronger concentrations require a doctor's prescription.

A dentist in his or her office can also apply fluoride to the teeth as a gel, foam, or varnish. These treatments contain a much higher level of fluoride than the amount found in toothpastes and mouth rinses. Varnishes are painted on the teeth; foams are put into a mouth guard, which is applied to the teeth for 1 to 4 minutes; gels can be painted on or applied via a mouth guard.

Fluoride supplements are also available as liquids and tablets and must be prescribed by your dentist, pediatrician, or family doctor.

When Is Fluoride Intake Most Critical?

It is certainly important for infants and children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years to be exposed to fluoride. This is the timeframe during which the primary and permanent teeth come in. However, adults benefit from fluoride too. New research indicates that topical fluoride -- from toothpastes, mouth rinses, and fluoride treatments -- are as important in fighting tooth decay as in strengthening developing teeth.

In addition, people with certain conditions may be at increased risk of tooth decay and would therefore benefit from additional fluoride treatment. They include people with:

Dry mouth conditions: Dry mouth caused by diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome, certain medications (such as allergy medications, antihistamines, anti- anxiety drugs, and high blood pressure drugs), and head and neck radiation treatment makes an individual more prone to tooth decay. The lack of saliva makes it harder for food particles to be washed away and acids to be neutralized.

Gum disease: Also called gingivitis, gum disease can expose more of your tooth and tooth roots to bacteria increasing the chance of tooth decay.
History of frequent cavities: If you have one cavity every year or every other year, you might benefit from additional fluoride.

Presence of crowns and/or bridges or braces: These treatments can put teeth at risk for decay at the point where the crown meets the underlying tooth structure or around the brackets of orthodontic appliances.

Ask your dentist if you could benefit from additional fluoride.

Above article written by: Webmd.com

Rocky View Dental Care of Littleton Colorado provides a full range of preventive dental treatment such as fluoride, teeth cleaning, oral exams and sealants. Visit our main web site to learn more about our dental care services in Littleton Colorado.

Pediatric Dentistry Littleton Colorado

Rocky View Dental Care
Pediatric Dentistry

Littleton, Colorado

One in Four Children Living in California Have not been to a Dentist
Posted on 29. Dec, 2010 by wisdom in Health

I found this new study called “Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Dental Care for Publicly Insured Children” to be quite discouraging which recently appeared in the July issue of the journal Health Affairs. The study says 25% of children in the state of California (U.S.) have never seen a dentist. It also goes on to address disparities which exist across type of insurance coverage, ethnicity, and race.

This is not good news as lack of dental care can of course cause children to have to miss school for treatment.

The study looks at California kids who are age 11 and under and uses data from the 2005 California Health Interview Survey which contains over 10,000 children. So of course this is slightly dated data that was used.

Some highlights on the study include
- African American and Latino American children with insurance were less likely than Asian American and Caucasian children to have visited the dentist in the previous six months and since they were born.
- African American and Latino American in public insurance programs visited the dentist less often than Asian American and Caucasian children with the same insurance coverage.
- On the whole, children who had private insurance went to the visit more than those with public insurance.
- 54% of privately insured children and 27 % of publicly insured children visited the dentist during the previous six months, where as only 12% of children saw the dentist who had no form of insurance.
As is observed from the above results and the authors comments from the study, public insurance such as Medicaid is limiting due to the lower reimbursement rates for dental services and less number of participating providers.

“The data tell us that Medicaid and CHIP have improved children’s ability to get dental care,” Pourat said of UCLA Center for Health Policy Research said. “However, both programs need to do more to reduce disparities.”

Above article written by: Wisdom in Health

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Healthy Gums, Healthy Lungs: Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums May Reduce Risk for Pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pumonary Disease

ScienceDaily (Jan. 18, 2011) — Maintaining periodontal health may contribute to a healthy respiratory system, according to research published in the Journal of Periodontology. A new study suggests that periodontal disease may increase the risk for respiratory infections, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia. These infections, which are caused when bacteria from the upper throat are inhaled into the lower respiratory tract, can be severely debilitating and are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

The study included 200 participants between the ages of 20 and 60 with at least 20 natural teeth. Half of the participants were hospitalized patients with a respiratory disease such as pneumonia, COPD, or acute bronchitis, and the other half were healthy control subjects with no history of respiratory disease. Each participant underwent a comprehensive oral evaluation to measure periodontal health status.
The study found that patients with respiratory diseases had worse periodontal health than the control group, suggesting a relationship between respiratory disease and periodontal disease. Researchers suspect that the presence of oral pathogens associated with periodontal disease may increase a patient's risk of developing or exacerbating respiratory disease. However, the study authors note that additional studies are needed to more conclusively understand this link.
"Pulmonary diseases can be severely disabling and debilitating," says Donald S. Clem, DDS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology. "By working with your dentist or periodontist, you may actually be able to prevent or diminish the progression of harmful diseases such as pneumonia or COPD. This study provides yet another example of how periodontal health plays a role in keeping other systems of the body healthy."
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and other structures supporting the teeth. Previous research has associated gum disease with other chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Dr. Clem stressed the importance of routine oral care in helping to prevent periodontal disease. "Taking good care of your periodontal health involves daily tooth brushing and flossing. You should also expect to get a comprehensive periodontal evaluation every year," he advised. A dental professional, such as a periodontist, a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease, can conduct a comprehensive exam to assess your periodontal disease status.

Above article from ScienceDaily.com

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