Several people prefer to visit a dental clinic only after something goes wrong. A preventive approach is least appreciated in most countries around the world. The ADA-American Dental Association recommends patients visit their dental clinic at least once in six months to ensure the oral health remains on track.
People often end up in emergency rooms as they allow treatable dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease to become a much larger problem that triggers excruciating pain. Patients are given antibiotics and painkillers by ER doctors and are advised to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Timely or preventative dental care can prove to be of great help. Here’s how regular dental visits can help in ensuring excellent oral health.
What happens at the clinic during the check-up?
As a part of general dental care, dentists examine gums, loose teeth, tongue, bite, and visual signs indicating tooth decay. They also check fillings and dental fixtures for ensuring they are not damaged. Depending on the condition of the teeth, dentists also perform cleaning procedures and recommend brushing techniques for maintaining a smile.
Detecting gum disease while it’s in a mild form
A buildup of tartar and plaque on gums can significantly affect gums. The medical condition is referred to as gingivitis and weakens the tissues that hold the teeth in place. If ignored, this mild infection can become worse and result in gum disease with bleeding, swelling, as well as soreness in the mouth. Further, it can damage the bones surrounding the gums and teeth. Once the teeth start falling out, the dentist needs to take drastic steps, including minor surgery, for treating the condition.
The condition is caused due to buildup of food particles that are left behind as floss and toothbrush may not reach every corner of the mouth. Dentists can detect the infection in its early stages during the check-up and prevent the formation of gingivitis by cleaning gums and teeth.
Assessing the previous dental work
Veneers, dental bridges, fillings, and crowns start wearing with time. Such dental work may fall apart if not fixed at the earliest. During a check-up, your dentist examines previous dental work and ensures there are no signs of problems. He or she also recommends ways to fix damaged fixtures.
Checking crucial areas of mouth and neck for abnormalities
Several studies have proved that the mouth shows the signs and symptoms of some of the significant health issues. During the oral health check-up, your dentist will check your jaw, neck, lymph nodes, tongue, gums, and areas of the mouth for abnormalities.
In case if the dental care professional detects signs of a significant health issue, he or she would refer you to an appropriate health care professional for assessment and treatment.
According to a study released during the IDWeek annual meeting in 2016, dental cleanings can help in ensuring your lungs remain healthy and free from pneumonia. No wonder, the link between oral care and overall health has already been established multiple times. For example, patients suffering from kidney problems often suffer from chronic bad breath. Individuals suffering from heart disease and diabetes often have gum disease as well. Swollen lymph nodes seem ordinary; however, they can also be a sign of cancer or other medical conditions that need immediate attention. Only a trained professional can identify the difference after a proper check-up. If necessary, the expert may also recommend the patient to opt for a full mouth x-ray.
Thus, avoiding dental check-ups means postponing the crucial thyroid glands and neck checks. Remember, early identification of serious diseases can make a massive difference in the treatment’s success ratio.
Preventing bigger issues
No doubt, brushing and flossing can help in ensuring your dental health remains superb. However, trouble usually lurks in areas where the toothbrush fails to reach. A proper check-up helps in detecting everything that’s hiding between the teeth. During the biannual visit, your dental care expert would also recommend scaling, cleaning, or root planning in case of the presence of stubborn plaque and tartar on teeth or gums.
Major dental issues can be prevented by prescribing fluoride treatments, applying dental sealants, and filling tiny cavities that are often ignored until they turn bigger.
Trust your dentist
The information available on the internet can often prove to be misinformation. Dentists, on the other hand, are qualified professionals with several years of experience. They can offer advice specific to your dental health needs. So, your dental office should be your first choice when it comes to mouth and teeth concerns.
Put simply, visiting your dental clinic for a check-up once every six months can make ensure you do not lose your teeth. If you are looking forward to booking an appointment at a reputed General Dentistry in Roswell (GA), you should call TruCare Dentistry