Having a super smile, fresh breath and healthy teeth are just a few of the reasons to make visiting the dentist and taking care of your mouth a top priority. Regular dental exams, coupled with good oral healthcare can help prevent gum disease, oral cancer, future dental emergencies and actually help you maintain good overall health.
People can most benefit from seeing the dentist twice a year. During these regular dental exams, the dentist and dental hygienist will talk to you about gum health and look for problems like gum inflammation, bone loss, tooth decay and oral health issues. They will also perform an oral cancer screening, as well as check your face, neck and mouth for abnormalities. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, the dental assistant will also take diagnostic x-rays to give the dentist a better idea of what is happening in your mouth.
Once your teeth have been cleaned, the dentist and hygienist may ask about your oral hygiene habits and show you the proper way to brush and floss. The dentist will review x-rays, look for signs of cavities or other tooth damage and make recommendations for future work that may need to be done based on their findings.
Your exam is also the time for you to ask questions, talk about pain, sensitivity or issues you may be having in your mouth or jaw. If you are feeling anxious about the visit or have fears about future visits, be sure to share them with your dentist and hygienist so they can explain the procedures to you and help you know what to expect the next time you visit.
Good oral hygiene habits are also important for keeping your mouth healthy. By brushing and flossing regularly, as well as avoiding sugary snacks and tobacco products you can help keep your mouth in good shape between visits to the dentist.
Aside from your regular exams, you should call your dentist if you have other signs or symptoms of a problem, including red, tender or swollen gums, bleeding gums, loose teeth, changes in alignment, or unusual sensitivity to heat or cold or persistent bad breath. Just like with other health conditions, early detection is the key to protecting and saving your teeth from permanent damage.
It is also important to know that your dentist can tell a lot about your overall health by looking in your mouth. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontal disease which is caused by the growth of germs and bacteria in the teeth and gums may be an indicator of heart disease as people diagnosed with the disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease. Additionally, the American Academy of Periodontology has found links between oral health issues and diabetes, osteoporosis, respiratory disease and certain types of cancer.
CompleteCare Health Network has five dental locations in South Jersey, some with evening and Saturday hours. The dental program offers services ranging from general examinations and x-rays to restorative and preventative dentistry, sealants, routine dental extraction surgeries and more. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.CompleteCareNJ.org or call 609-465-0258.
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