Many people feel nervous about visiting the dentist. But in order to have well-rounded general health, routine dental visits are key. Healthy teeth are not only important to your oral health, but they are also vital to your overall body health. Sometimes signs of non-dental illnesses can show up in your regular dental screenings.
Oral Health Care from Your Dentist
Preventative dental care uses a variety of techniques in order to help you avoid major dental problems. In your dental checkups, your dentist will perform teeth cleanings, oral exams, x-rays, and preventative screenings to be certain that your dental health is in tip-top shape.
Teeth Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings are an important aspect of your oral health. Using specialized tools, dental hygienists will clean every surface of your mouth, teeth, and gums to remove plaque buildup. Without these cleanings, you can form cavities or gum disease. If Dr. Blaylock finds out that a patient has gum disease, he will recommend periodontal therapy treatments.
Cavity Treatment
If you do get a cavity, your dentist will spot the early stage of tooth decay during a regular visit. Dental fillings, the treatment for cavities, are vital to restoring your dental health and preventing any further damage to your teeth.
During this process, a dentist will remove any decay in order to prevent it from spreading to other teeth. They seal the affected area of the tooth with a resin or lab fabricated filling.
Oral Hygiene Review
During your visits, your dentist will not only review your dental hygiene, but they will also find any issues that could point to a larger problem with your oral health. If you do not have good oral health habits, this could put your smile at risk of major damage.
Visiting the dentist regularly can help detect key dental and medical issues along with problematic oral habits. Early diagnosis of these problems can make them easier for a dentist to treat swiftly.
Dental Health Exam
Certain symptoms spotted during a dental exam, such as bad breath, dry mouth, bleeding gums, or brittle teeth, could be identifiers for more severe health problems, such as diabetes, gastric issues, or even cancer. Screenings for these issues from your dentist can help you resolve larger systemic health concerns and improve your overall wellness.
At-Home Preventative Dental Care
Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Along with these dental checkups, you should practice oral health care at home. Good oral hygiene will help avoid many major dental issues along with your routine care from your dentist.
Flossing daily will remove food particles and plaque from tight places in between your teeth that can cause cavities. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day or after you eat and consider using a mouthwash that contains fluoride.
Healthy Diet
A balanced diet can also play a role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Eating foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as high fiber fruits and vegetables, can provide protection for your teeth and gums from disease and infection.
When possible, avoid foods and drinks that have a high sugar content. Sugar, in excess, can cause bad breath, cavities, or gum disease.
Your oral health is crucial to your overall health. Without preventative measures and routine dental visits, you could form severe health issues that not only affect your teeth and mouth but your general health as well.