Dental health

Life gets busy. Sometimes it seems impossible to keep up with everything you need to do. At The Fort Collins Dentist we understand that. (Life gets busy for us, too!) But we encourage you to think twice before you cancel or postpone a dental checkup because you think it’s less important than the twenty other items on your to-do list.

Twice-yearly dental exams are essential for keeping your smile in great shape!

You might say: “But my teeth feel fine.”

Our answer? Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. The fact is that no news isn’t necessarily good news. Dental troubles can be progressing without you being aware of it.

1. Your Gums May Be Receding
Gum recession doesn’t happen all at once. Gum tissue can move back almost imperceptibly until teeth and bone are in danger.

2. Decay May Be Lurking
When the acids in plaque start drilling into a tooth, we usually don’t feel it until it has passed through the enamel and dentin and hits the nerve. Ouch! By that time, there is a crater in the tooth. Regular cleanings remove plaque before it can do any damage.

3. Prevent Oral Cancer
About 50,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. During your checkup we’ll screen for oral cancer. As with all types of cancer, early diagnosis is essential.

After your entire mouth has been examined, we will detail what is necessary moving forward. Whether that’s flossing more often or discussing major fixes such as braces, we will make certain that you get all the information you need to ensure your smile is bright and beautiful!

Scheduling twice-yearly exams with The Fort Collins Dentist will ensure you avoid serious dental problems. We offer comprehensive general dentistry. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor also come to our office for restorative dentistry. Schedule your next cleaning and checkup today!

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

In addition to cleanings and checkups, The Fort Collins Dentist likes to share useful information to help you stay on top of your dental health. So without further introduction, here are some terrific tooth tips:

1. If your municipal water supply does not have the recommended level of fluoride, find out about fluoride supplements. Fluoride strengthens both the teeth you can see and the ones still forming in the jaw.
2. Set a timer when you brush to make sure you spend at least two minutes thoroughly (but gently!) cleaning all surfaces. Don’t forget your tongue – it provides a cozy home for bacteria.
3. Floss before you brush so that tooth bristles can better reach between teeth.
4. If you can’t brush after a meal, chew some sugarless gum with xylitol. Xylitol may curb the growth of bacteria on your teeth to reduce plaque formation.
5. Eat carbohydrates with meals instead of alone as snacks. More saliva is generated while eating a meal and this can lessen the effects of carbs sitting on your teeth.
6. An oral fluoride rinse used right before bedtime adds an extra measure of decay deterrence. Fluoride rinses (not traditional mouthwash) work best when swished over teeth for at least thirty seconds after flossing and brushing. After spitting it out, don’t rinse with water.
7. Let the residue protect and strengthen your enamel all night long. it.
8. If you have diabetes, it is important to understand that unhealthy blood sugar levels can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. We can help you maintain oral health in spite of your condition.
9. Be aware of the dental risks of chronic dry mouth (xerostomia). Continual saliva production is essential for keeping the mouth lubricated, washing the food from tooth surfaces, and neutralizing the acid caused by plaque. Decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and painkillers are some of the medications that can cause dry mouth.
10. Wearing a mouthguard when you participate in sports can prevent tooth injury.

At The Fort Collins Dentist, we want all our patients to take good care of their teeth. Brush and floss every day! People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor see us for a checkup every six months. Services include general and family dentistry, dental implants, and much more. Schedule your next exam today!

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

Here is important news for anyone who cares about their dental health: gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults. There is also evidence that it is associated with heart disease. At The Fort Collins Dentist, gum disease is easy to treat if it is caught in the early stages.

What warning signs should you be looking for?

• Gums that bleed often
• Gums that appear tender, swollen, or very red, or gums that have visible pus in between them when they are pushed
• Your bite changes or your teeth suddenly don’t seem to fit together
• Gums that are loosening from the teeth
• A bad taste in the mouth or chronic bad breath

Even if you aren’t seeing any of these symptoms, keep brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis. We recommend twice each day. It’s the best way to maintain dental health and prevent gum disease.

Regular check-ups are also important.

At The Fort Collins Dentist gum disease is a treatable condition. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor come to our practice for complete general and family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and much more. Call our office to schedule an appointment today!

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

At The Fort Collins Dentist we strive for excellence in dentistry every day. Providing the best possible dental care goes beyond cleanings and exams. We like patients who ask a lot of questions, because that tells us they are taking a strong interest in their dental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

One of the questions we’re often asked is whether it’s really necessary to have a cleaning and checkup every six months. Our short answer is, yes! But a better answer would include the time-honored truth that prevention is the best medicine.

Every appointment includes a thorough cleaning by a hygienist. Then the dentist examines your teeth and gums, looking for any new cavities and signs of gum disease. Every checkup also includes a screening for oral cancer.

Sometimes we need to see patients more frequently. Someone with gum disease, or who is undergoing orthodontic treatment, should have appointments more often than twice a year. We determine that on a case-by-case basis.

More Questions

Patients often wonder how long a filling will last. Some people think they’ll last a lifetime, but unfortunately that is not usually the case. Fillings can break down or become loose over time. If that happens, decay can get into the area around it and cause problems. You can extend the life of any restoration with good oral hygiene at home. If you have any questions about what that means, don’t hesitate to ask.

What kind of toothbrush is best? This is among the most-asked questions for any dentist. Manual and electric toothbrushes, used properly, both do an excellent job. We recommend soft bristles, with mixed bristle heights and angles. They do a better job getting between the teeth.

To really get between the teeth, we also recommend daily flossing. String floss is best, but whether it’s waxed or unwaxed, flavored or not, or wide dental tape is up to you.

And More!

When it comes to toothpaste, we recommend one that has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. That means it contains fluoride, which strengthens and protects your teeth.

These are just some of the common questions we get from our patients at The Fort Collins Dentist. Have we missed anything you’ve wondered about? Never hesitate to bring your questions to your checkup. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor come to us for general and family dentistry, and to improve their smiles with cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment today.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526

At The Fort Collins Dentist we strive for excellence in dentistry every day. Providing the best possible dental care goes beyond cleanings and exams. We like patients who ask a lot of questions, because that tells us they are taking a strong interest in their dental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

One of the questions we’re often asked is whether it’s really necessary to have a cleaning and checkup every six months. Our short answer is, yes! But a better answer would include the time-honored truth that prevention is the best medicine.

Every appointment includes a thorough cleaning by a hygienist. Then the dentist examines your teeth and gums, looking for any new cavities and signs of gum disease. Every checkup also includes a screening for oral cancer.

Sometimes we need to see patients more frequently. Someone with gum disease, or who is undergoing orthodontic treatment, should have appointments more often than twice a year. We determine that on a case-by-case basis.

More Questions

Patients often wonder how long a filling will last. Some people think they’ll last a lifetime, but unfortunately that is not usually the case. Fillings can break down or become loose over time. If that happens, decay can get into the area around it and cause problems. You can extend the life of any restoration with good oral hygiene at home. If you have any questions about what that means, don’t hesitate to ask.

What kind of toothbrush is best? This is among the most-asked questions for any dentist. Manual and electric toothbrushes, used properly, both do an excellent job. We recommend soft bristles, with mixed bristle heights and angles. They do a better job getting between the teeth.

To really get between the teeth, we also recommend daily flossing. String floss is best, but whether it’s waxed or unwaxed, flavored or not, or wide dental tape is up to you.

And More!

When it comes to toothpaste, we recommend one that has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. That means it contains fluoride, which strengthens and protects your teeth.

These are just some of the common questions we get from our patients at The Fort Collins Dentist. Have we missed anything you’ve wondered about? Never hesitate to bring your questions to your checkup. People from Loveland, Timnath, Wellington, and Windsor come to us for cosmetic dentistry, and for complete general and family dentistry. Schedule your next appointment today.

Contact The Fort Collins Dentist Family & Implant Dentistry:

970-221-5115

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2001 S Shields St Bldg L
Fort Collins, Colorado
80526