Before you ever experience the first twinge of pain, you can experience gum disease, mouth cancer, and decay that has been brewing in your mouth for months or even years. That is why it is so important to follow a schedule of having the local dentist look at your teeth. This way, you have someone watching your back, reviewing your dental history, monitoring those slowly creeping problems day-to-day and taking care of them before they turn into the complex and costly work that is painful. These visits aren’t expensive, they’re very easy, and it is a great way to ensure you’re feeling as great as you look and not waiting to see the dental chair. Here is how they prevent the biggies.
Early Cavity Detection
Decay – what causes that vulnerable area on your tooth The thin, fragile portion of your tooth is hidden from view and appears as a tiny pin hole, but your dentist is able to see it with careful visual exams and x-rays. Small, less complex holes can be repaired with a filling (sometimes as quickly as one appointment!) This may lead to infection of the entire tooth and a root canal or crown.
Gum Disease Prevention
Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults – and a lot of people have no symptoms! Buildup of plaque and tartar around the gums can cause them to bleed, swell and cause destruction of the bone that supports them. Your hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar that you cannot reach, and your dentist will screen your gums for early evidence of gum disease.
Cleansing Of Tartar And Plaque
Brushing and flossing certainly assist with plaque control, however not every space is simple to reach. Plaque builds up and calcifies within just a few days and is difficult for you to eliminate by yourself, with the exception of your dental instruments. In addition to eliminating accumulation and surface area staining, a professional cleaning creates a clean coating to make your teeth much less desirable to plaque.
The Oral Cancer Screening
We will do an oral cancer screening at every routine appointment. We look for anything abnormal on your cheeks, tongue, lips, throat and neck – and do so very quickly (it’s only a few minutes). This small step can help us find out if there’s a problem early enough to treat it successfully – most patients find out they have a problem through this screening.
View of Existing Dental Restorations
A filling, crown or bridge may become loose from constant chewing, biting and grinding, wearing down and cracking, creating nooks and crannies for bacteria to collect. Your dentist will examine and restore these items before they become loose. Repair of a small damage is always less complicated than having to replace the tooth in decay.
How to Detect Bite & Jaw Problems
Grinding and malocclusions. Wear and tear on teeth and aching muscles in the jaw, signs of teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Your dentist will examine teeth for flattening, chips, and aching muscles in the jaw to assess if a malocclusion or bruxism is contributing. Treatment can then be provided for the symptoms, often in the form of a bite guard.
Handling Dry Mouth and Sensitivity
Saliva is your smile’s best friend, as it neutralizes the acid in our mouths and washes away food debris. For people whose dry mouth – a lack of saliva production – has been caused by prescription or over-the-counter medications, as well as certain medical conditions and aging, you are also at greater risk of developing caries. Same goes for hot and cold sensitivity.
Support Overall Wellness
Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body. We know there are stronger links between gum disease and things like heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy issues, etc, but there are certain health conditions that are first seen in the mouth. Your dentist’s regular visits can tell your doctor there is a problem.
Personalized Advice & Education
Your mouth is a unique location in the body. Your dentist and hygienist will assist you in choosing the right brush and flosshygienics or interdental toothbrushing techniques, and even the foods that will reduce acid and sugar exposure – and help to keep your mouth healthier at home.
Number of Visits
But anyway, for most of us just keeping up with oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist for a six-monthly check-up will be enough. However, if you are prone to cavities, have gum disease or diabetes or are on medication, you may need to visit more often and your dentist will advise you.
Conclusion
More than filling a cavity or treating gum disease, a regular dentist cleaning can give your smile a faster diagnosis in terms of oral cancer, protects your old dental work, and in the end, save you some money as well. If you’ve already lost a tooth, don’t put off finding out about Dental Implants Simi Valley! Schedule your appointment today!
FAQs
1. How often should I visit the dentist to prevent problems?
Most patients are seen every other month with regular appointments, although some patients with a risk of dental decay and gum disease will need to be seen more often.
2. Can regular visits really prevent cavities?
YES. Consistent cleanings and fluoride applications as well as early diagnosis prevent decay from advancing, so teeth stay protected.
3. Is gum disease reversible?
Periodontal disease has the following effects in order of severity: Mild gum disease (gingivitis) – is reversible by removing tartar and plaque from above and below the gum line and correcting homecare. With more advanced gum disease, it can be treated but not cured.
4. Can I get checked up if I am not feeling pain?
Yup. Several of the more uncomfortable problems have no early warning signs or symptoms, and also are only discovered during examinations until they become painful.
5. Are dental visits for insurance?
Yes, on average. Troubleshooting the small stuff now will save you a bundle later on in correctional surgery.