Preventive Dentistry in Fort Collins, CO

Dental conditions like cavities and gum disease don't develop overnight; you may have them for a while before they become symptomatic and you realize they exist. The benefit of dental exams and teeth cleanings every six months is that your dentist and hygienist can detect them long before you can and change course to get your smile back on track before it impacts your oral health.

What's Involved with Preventive Dentistry?

At the dental office of Ryan Rush DDS in Fort Collins, CO, preventive dentistry begins with routine exams and teeth cleanings. For many patients, we suggest these appointments every six months, as recommended by the American Dental Association; if you have gum disease or a history of cavities, you may benefit from more frequent visits. 

If it's been more than six months since your last dental exam and cleaning, we would be happy to help you schedule an appointment! 

Dental Exams with Our Fort Collins Dentist

If you've been disappointed by the lack of personalized service at a large corporate dental office, visiting Dr. Rush will feel like a breath of fresh air.

Our dental practice is relationship-based, and we always take time to get to know the unique person behind the smile. Dr. Rush is the sole owner of our dental office, and you can expect to see him every time you visit our Fort Collins dental office.

During your examination, he checks your mouth for signs of gum disease like bleeding or swollen gums. He looks for signs of cavities, cracked and broken teeth, and excessive dental wear and carefully notes and records the condition of each tooth. He also checks to see if your jaw joints (TMJ) and dental bite are functioning correctly. 

Gum disease or gingivitis is an infection or inflammation of gum tissue that holds your teeth in place. Gum disease is widespread and affects half of all US adults over age 30, partly because most people don't realize they have it. Sometimes there are no symptoms, or they are so mild they go unnoticed and untreated.

If you want to protect your gum health, it's wise to know the symptoms and call us promptly if you notice any of them. 

• Bleeding or swollen gums
• Red or inflamed gums
• Gums that are tender to touch
• Gum recession
• A change in your dental bite
• Persistent bad taste in your mouth
• Chronic bad breath
• Loose teeth

Teeth Cleanings with Our Hygienist

Routine dental exams are one part of prevention, and teeth cleanings with a hygienist are the other. If you have no history of gum disease or cavities, every six months is ideal; if you're prone to either problem, we will likely recommend more frequent visits. The goal is that by seeing you more often, we can prevent them from developing or treat them promptly if they do. 

Gum disease is reversible in its early stages, so it's crucial to follow through with routine cleanings even if your teeth and gums feel okay. If we detect gingivitis, our hygienist will develop a plan to treat it and get your gum health back on track. 

Preventive Dentistry Works!

The bottom line is that preventive dentistry works. As with any general health concern, it's always best to nip problems in the bud before they worsen and become complex and costly to treat. Left untreated, gum disease can not only lead to oral health consequences like tooth loss, but it also puts you at increased risk for serious conditions like heart and lung disease, diabetes, and numerous other disorders.

Teeth cleanings and exams are easy, take up little of your time, and can reap enormous benefits for your oral health. 

Book a Dental Exam and Teeth Cleaning in Fort Collins, CO

If it's been longer than six months since your last teeth cleaning, call the dental office of Ryan Rush DDS to schedule an appointment.