Brushing and Enamel Erosion

So I'm going to tell you something that you may not have ever heard coming from a dentist before: It's possible to brush your teeth too often! Yes, you read that right. We see patients in our office who are overly zealous about brushing their teeth and have actually started to erode their enamel.

Enamel erosion can contribute to gum disease when plaque buildup at the base of the tooth causes the tooth to move away from the gumline. This creates and environment that is prime for the development of gingivitis.

So back to brushing your teeth. I'm not going to tell you it's not important and crucial to your overall dental health. It is! But brushing immediately after a meal, as most of us have been taught since childhood, can damage enamel because saliva produces an acidic substance to help you begin the digestive process when you eat. Ideally, you should brush your teeth about 30 minutes after meals so that the acid has had a chance to neutralize. We encourage our patients to brush thoroughly but gently with soft-bristle brushes or electric toothbrushes instead of scrubbing away with hard bristles - also a practice that can contribute to enamel erosion. Brushing your teeth six or seven times a day can also lead to potential problems down the road. If you think you're brushing too much, talk to your dentist. Practicing good oral hygiene today can prevent costly visits to the gum doctors tomorrow!

3 Great Reasons to Become a Patient of Dr. Versman and Dr. Heller

3 Great Reasons to Become a Patient of Dr. Versman and Dr. Heller

1.       On your very first visit to our office you will feel a very warm welcome. We think of our patients as a friend and want to help you obtain optimal health through an individualized approach to treatment.  Trust is our number one priority and we will work hard to maintain it. Our trained and experienced staff offers a private consultation to review your needs. We have many years of experience in periodontics and dental implants.

2.       You will feel at ease with what the doctors are recommending for treatment because of their extensive background.

Dr. Versman:

·         One of a few Board- Certified Periodontists in the Denver area.

·         Served a five-year term in the Colorado State Board of Dentistry by appointment of Governor Romer.

·         Past President of the Colorado Dental Association.

·         Past professor at the University of Colorado School of Dentistry.

·         Trustee to the American Dental Association representing Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Hawaii.

Dr. Heller:

·         Current Professor at the University of Colorado School of Dentistry.

·         Past President of the Rocky Mountain Periodontal Society.

·         Present of the North American Society of Periodontists.

·         Past president of the Aurora Dental Society.

·         Fellow member of the American College of Dentists.

·         Chairman of Peer Review Committee, MDDS.

·         Fellow member of the International College of Dentists.

·         Has been practicing Periodontics in Aurora since 1991.

3.       We understand how important it is to you to maintain the health of your mouth.  Periodontal treatment is your first step towards restoring your mouth and teeth to keep them for a lifetime.  Periodontal therapy will also help to improve:

·         Systemic Health

·         Appearance

·         Chewing

·         Elimination of Bad odors and tastes

·         Increased self-esteem and happiness

Our goal is quality in comfort, service and dental care. It’s a goal to which we are committed and a standard which our patients have come to expect. Feel free to call our office in the Denver/ Aurora Colorado area at (303)755-4500, or check out our website at www.periodontalhealth.com.

The New Vice President of the American Dental Association

Dr. Ken Versman was recently elected Second Vice President of the American Dental Association, after serving a four year term as the ADA Trustee for the states of Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

Dr. Versman received his dental degree from the University of Illinois and his certificate and masters degree in periodontology from the University of Iowa.  He is currently in full time private practice in the Denver, Colorado area.

He was president of the Colorado Dental Association and has served on the Colorado State Board of Dental Examiners.  For the ADA, he chaired the Joint Committee on International Accreditation, the ADA Diversity Committee and the Future of ADABEI Committee. 

Dr. Versman was in the first fellowship class of the Academy of Osseointegration.  He also has served the Academy in the past by being on the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws Committee, the Nominating Committee, the Education Committee, the ADHOC Reach Out Program Committee, as well as chairing the Lunch for Learning Committee and the Annual Session Table Clinic Committee.

Dr. Versman is also a diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology, and a fellow in the International and American Colleges of Dentistry and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.  He is married to his wife, Linda, for 37 years and they have 2 daughters.