Cosmetic & Family Dentistry In Boulder, Colorado - Carolyn Kupka, DMD
Sure, your smile may look great and your pearly whites may shine, but do you know what’s really going on in your mouth?
Studies show that only 80 to 85 percent of oral health can be achieved with great home care. This means you can be a star brusher/flosser and be lulled into a false sense of health. An unhealthy smile plays a major role in total body health and may not always present obvious symptoms like noticeable bleeding, discoloration, red or swollen gums, cavities, or loose teeth. That’s why our full care hygiene services are an integral part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums as well as total body health.
Oral plaque present in the mouth plays a MAJOR role in overall health since this plaque enters the bloodstream and affects a number of systemic (full body) functions. It can cause:
- chronically impaired immune system,
which sets you up for any number of disease processes
- coronary artery disease due to the
presence of the plaque in the vessels
- stroke
- dementia
- premature births
- low birth weight in newborns
- pancreatic cancer
- diminished health in diabetes
Consistency with cleaning visits is one of the essential things you can do to maintain the health of your HEART.
Today we know GUM health = HEART health. Who would have thought?!
So how can we help your heart?
Deep specialty cleanings done in our office get below the surface where bacteria hides. For your comfort, local anesthetic, topical anesthetic, nitrous oxide and/or oral sedation such as Valium are offered. Also with the use of high-tech, low-frequency laser, oral bacteria is vaporized, not just “relocated” in the area. A personally tailored plan for your gum care and heart health is a great resource for the longevity of your teeth… and yourself!!
Advanced Diagnostics
Dr. Kupka and her Team perform laser cavity detection and DNA bacterial testing to determine whether antibiotic treatment is needed. You’ll also receive a thorough cancer screening, and a noninvasive, brush biopsy is available if necessary. Often site-specific, localized antibiotic gum pocket treatment can be a helpful adjunct to total gum health.
Did you know that plaque could actually lead to coronary artery disease? It's true!! When left unchecked, bacteria grows in the mouth and gets into the bloodstream with chewing and potentially damages vessels and causes clots. By reducing bacterial growth, preventive dental care can lessen the risk of cardiovascular trouble. Studies in women show prevention lessens the risk of cardiovascular trouble by 33 percent!! (Stats from Dr. Oz, 2/2011)
Regular Dental Visits
The important thing here is to stay on track with recare visits tailored to your needs and individual health requirements. When gum disease is caught early and visited regularly, proper treatment can eliminate most or all of the dangers associated with plaque damage.
For concerns or problems with chronic bad breath or oral malodor, we also offer fresh breath treatment options.
It’s never too early to start caring for a smile! Bring your little ones in for their first children’s dentistry cleaning and exam.
Don’t let preventable gum disease destroy your smile and affect your health! Call or email our Boulder cosmetic and family dentistry practice today for a personal consultation.