Scott Greenhalgh DDS - Cosmetic Dentistry

Thursday, May 14, 2009

What Aspen, CO knows about teeth that you don't.

I was reading my copy of the ADANEWS, a semimonthly update from the ADA (American Dental Association). Twenty communities were recently recognized at the National Oral Health Conference. I was surprised to see Erie, CO on the list as a community that had recently initiated a community water Fluoridation program (so Kudos to all you community activists out there in Erie).

OK, here's the shocker, other awards were given to other communities that defeated initiatives to remove Fluoride from the local water supply. ASPEN, CO was one city of merit. If Aspen can swing a vote to keep Fluoride in their water, it's probably actually important.

Any dental work, even cosmetic dentistry, ultimately still connects to your teeth. As long as there is tooth available, you can still get a new cavity there.

Here's my take on it: MANY people have cavities and are prone to getting more and more. I can fix teeth every which way to Sunday, but I can't stop them on my own. I have seen tremendous results in stopping cavities by using an intensive Fluoride program. The program consists of a focused routine with a prescription strength gel at home, and then professional strength Fluoride application in the office with your cleanings.

I can almost guarantee, if you have a halfway thoughtful diet, make reasonable efforts to clean your teeth properly, that I can STOP your cavities. It's part of a well thought-out, personalized assessment for what's happening in your mouth (often referred to as CAMBRA- more another day). SO all you community activists out there, let's keep the Fluoride.

Labels: ADA, Aspen, CAMBRA, cavities, Cosmetic Dentistry, entistry, Fluoride, prevention, preventive dentistry