Seeing a general dentist for regular checkups should be part of your dental care routine. This dental professional can help maintain and even improve your teeth and gum health. Asking the right questions can help you know more about proper oral care. Below are some of the questions you can ask your general dentist during your visits.
Daily brushing can remove food particles and bacteria in the mouth. But fine bristles cannot reach the narrow spaces between teeth. Flossing can remove plaque and food particles stuck in these spaces. Doing this before bedtime can help prevent plaque buildup. It can then prevent tartar formation.
There are many reasons why an individual may fail to see a general dentist for regular checkups. They tend to make an appointment when there is an issue like dental pain. Studies show that many dental issues do not have symptoms. The general dentist can keep an eye on these problems and provide early treatment. Regular dental appointments prevent serious dental problems and expensive treatments.
Plaque is the sticky substance that remains on teeth after eating. When it accumulates, tartar and cavities form. So, one should make sure to get rid of plaque every day. This is possible through daily brushing at least two times a day, for two minutes each time, as well as flossing before bedtime. Reducing one’s intake of sweet, sticky, and acidic foods and drinks is also important. Seeing the general dentist for regular dental checks and cleanings can also prevent cavities.
Food and water have a naturally occurring mineral called fluoride. This mineral also comes in the form of supplements. Fluoride can strengthen the enamel and shield it from plaque. This protects the teeth from cavity formation. That is why a general dentist will often encourage patients to get enough fluoride.
Physical dental exams are not enough to identify hidden dental problems. The general dentist must see underneath the gum tissue and through the jawbone. That is why dental X-rays and other diagnostic scans are important. Problems like tumors or gum disease can then receive proper treatment right away. This can prevent more extensive and expensive treatments later.
Any part of the mouth can develop cancer. Research shows that oral cancer has an extremely high rate of mortality because of late detection. Spotting this condition early can lead to early treatment, which can result in a possible cure. Below are some early symptoms to watch out for:
The general dentist will take a sample of the abnormal tissue and send it for a biopsy. A brush biopsy is ideal. This is a painless oral cancer test that does not need a topical or injectable anesthetic. The general dentist will use a small brush to scrape off some cells from the affected area. The biopsy will take days, but the results will include the lesion’s nature.
Good oral hygiene can help prevent foul breath. Brushing for two minutes at least two times a day and flossing before bedtime are ideal. Regular toothbrush replacement can also maintain effective and efficient brushing. Proper cleaning of removable dental restorations can get rid of food particles and plaque. Stopping smoking can also improve one’s breath. Also, drink more water to encourage more saliva production.
Knowing when to see a general dentist for a dental emergency can save time, effort, and money. Sometimes, what seems to be a dental emergency can wait for a regular treatment. Understanding if the issue is an emergency can help the patient receive proper treatment for it. The following are common dental emergencies to remember:
Dental health is an important part of your general well-being. The primary goal is to prevent severe oral issues. This is possible with regular dental checks and cleanings. Gaining the right dental health education can also help. Working with your general dentist can target and resolve your dental issues right away.
Request an appointment here: https://modernsmilesaz.com or call Modern Smiles Family Dentistry at (602) 362-7065 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Phoenix, AZ.
A general dentist shared some ways to help prevent bad breath. This is a topic no one wants to discuss. Bad breath happens to everyone at one point or another. If you take proper precautions, you can avoid having bad breath. We should openly talk about this taboo topic. The more we talk about it, the…
Your general dentist is here to provide some information about how to best take care of your teeth. Dental health and hygiene are essential to the overall health and wellness of your body. Without healthy teeth and gums, you will be unable to take in the nutrients and proteins necessary for your body to thrive…
Fixing a broken tooth right away is important. This dental damage may seem like nothing more than a cosmetic problem, but it can lead to terrible consequences. Seeing a dentist sooner rather than later can provide immediate relief. If you want to find out the treatments for a broken tooth and its complications, here are…
Every person should always schedule and keep routine appointments with their general dentist every six months. These visits are very important in determining the overall health of your teeth and gums. It is at your routine visits that your dentist is able to find and begin treating any type of oral health issue. You want…
Your cosmetic dentist can renew your smile and improve your self-esteem. The right treatments can also improve your dental functions. Specific procedures can give you the corrections that you need. Here are the three main procedures that your cosmetic dentist can provide.A cosmetic dentist can provide custom-fit composite resin or porcelain shells that can cover…
Having tooth-colored fillings is always better than amalgam fillings. Switching to these natural-looking fillings will bring more health to your body. It will even do wonders for your self-image. If you want to know more about tooth-colored fillings, here are some FAQs and their answers.Silver or amalgam fillings are durable, but they contain mercury. This…