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As a Denver dental practice, we are passionate about helping to improve oral health for Denver and Colorado residents. Evidence consistently shows the positive correlation between oral health and overall health and wellbeing. By working to solve two of the biggest oral health problems that Colorado residents are currently facing, we improve the health of our state and Coloradans’ quality of life. So what health issues are most pressing in our state? Below, we’re exploring data from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment to discover which issues most need the attention of dental health professionals. Frequency of Dental Visits The American Dental Association recommends people see a dental health provider on a regular basis for routine dental cleanings and a thorough examination of teeth and gums. Many dentists recommend a dental check-up at least twice a year. However, according to data obtained from 2014 and 2016, only 63.1 percent of adults in Denver County reported having one dental visit in the past year. This means that not only are nearly 37 percent of Denver County adults not seeing the dentist in a given year, but some percentage of the 63.1 percent of adults who did see the dentist, only visited once within 12 months. Dental health providers in Colorado can help address this issue by communicating the importance of regular dental check-ups to existing patients, as well as creating opportunities for community members to receive dental health check-ups through low-cost examinations or walk-in appointments during select days or times. By stressing the importance of lower-cost preventive dental care, providers can help to improve rates of regular dental appointments by Coloradans, as well as decrease overall rates of tooth loss or other negative oral health issues. Tooth Loss Tooth loss negatively impacts the structural integrity of the jaw and mouth, as well as increasing the chance for bone loss or gum recession. While some tooth loss from injury or trauma to the face cannot be prevented, tooth loss from aggressive dental decay or periodontal disease is preventable. Researchers found that 35.4% of Denver County adults reported losing any teeth due to dental decay or periodontal disease in 2014 and 2016. The demographics most at risk for tooth loss due to decay or gum disease are adults over the age of 65, adults with systemic diseases such as diabetes, adults insured by Medicare, and adults who have obtained than a high school-level education. It’s important for dental health providers to understand the demographics which are most at risk for tooth loss; by tailoring dental care and instructions specifically for these groups, dentists can help decrease their chances of preventable tooth loss. Additional dental cleanings and examinations for these patients may help to prevent the spread of decay or gum disease which causes tooth loss. The cost of routine cleanings is often far less than the cost of restorative dental work; by helping to educate patients on their risk levels, dental health providers can not only prevent potential tooth loss, but save patients valuable time and money by avoiding dental extraction procedures or restorative treatments. Dental Care for Denver, CO Residents Metro Dental Care has served the Denver community for over 30 years and is passionate about helping to improve the oral health of Denver residents. If you are in the Denver, CO, area and are looking for experienced, patient-centered care, contact our office at 303.534.2626.
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tooth loss, dental cleaning, dental care, preventive dental care, Colorado oral health, oral health statistics, oral health trends,
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