Evolution isn’t always tidy and linear. For example, we have smaller jaws than our ancestors thousands of years ago, but most of our bodies haven’t adapted by generating fewer teeth. Two-thirds of us produce the same amount of teeth as early humans. These late-developing extra molars are called wisdom teeth and they pose unique oral…
Today, we’re reviewing the water flosser, also known as interdental cleaner, interdental irrigator, or water jet. A water irrigation tool oscillates a stream of water through a small, targeted tube to shoot out fragments of food and plaque from around and between teeth. To use it, you insert the tube into your mouth, turn it…
It’s time to think differently about childhood tooth decay in Lafayette. Unless you’ve been keeping up with the research (and who does?) you might have an incomplete understanding. Here are three essential things to know about children’s dental health. 1. Tooth Decay Is The Most Common Childhood Disease Over 4 million preschoolers have tooth decay….
1. If you have kids and your municipal water supply does not have the recommended level of fluoride, talk to your pediatrician 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…
The pandemic has increased public awareness of the danger of viruses and the importance of a healthy immune system. Our Immune System Protects Against Serious Illness The variation in the seriousness of COVID-19 illness is due, in part, to the strength of natural biological defenses. Of course, you may be wondering why we’re discussing this…
You’ve probably heard that COVID19 can make patients lose their sense of taste and smell. Hopefully, you haven’t experienced that yourself. Let’s discuss other oral problems connected to COVID-19. Dry Mouth is as Common as Loss of Taste A group of Brazilian scientists led by University of Brasilia researcher E.N.S. Guerra analyzed more than 180…
Most Lafayette residents know that frequently eating foods high in sugar can cause cavities. Therefore, it’s important to limit candy, soda, cookies, etc. Also, remember that frequency is as dangerous as the amount of sugar. Research has found that a higher frequency in sugar consumption may lead to demineralization more than the amount of sugar…
A recent CDC report provides the following data related to prevalence of periodontitis in the U.S.: 47.2% of people aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease increases with age, 70.1% of individuals 65 years and older have periodontal disease. This condition is more common in men than women (56.4%…
If you’ve ever visited our blog, you’ve probably heard the guidance to have check-ups and cleanings twice a year. In fact, dental professionals have been advising the twice-yearly frequency for over 50 years. The American Dental Association counsels men and women to visit their dentist twice a year as well. Is that an arbitrary schedule?…
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Lafayette, CO, dentist Dr. Gordon West offers cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, sedation dentistry and general & family dentistry to patients in Boulder County and the surrounding areas including Boulder, Lafayette, Louisville, Broomfield, Brighton, Longmont, Erie and Denver, Colorado.
