Getting your teeth cleaned every six months and an x-ray taken annually is very important. Good oral hygiene will help your teeth to look great and to reduce the risk of serious dental problems. One of the big risks is the development of cavities in the teeth due to decay. Teeth can also start to shift due to gum disease.
You may not enjoy going to the dentist, but it is time to change your mindset. If you haven’t had a cleaning or an exam in quite some time, you need to find a great dentist and get into the routine of such care.
Prevention
Through general dentistry, serious problems with your teeth and gums can be prevented. Regular cleanings can reduce plaque buildup, which often leads to gum disease and tooth decay. Following the instructions of your dentist can help you to take care of any oral hygiene weak areas you may have.
Finding a dentist you like and you trust is very important. Typically, your appointments will include a cleaning by an oral hygienist. The dentist will come in and examine your mouth and give you further direction based on their findings. They may request some additional treatments while you are there, based on what they find.
Early Intervention
One of the ways general dentistry is useful is by offering early intervention for problems. You may not be able to tell you are getting a cavity, but your dentist can. Early intervention can result in a filling, but not a root canal. It can also result in sealant being placed on the teeth to reduce the risk of additional cavities developing.
You may not be able to tell you have early signs of gum disease, but your dentist can. Corrective action can prevent gingivitis from turning into periodontal disease, which can result in loose teeth or teeth moving in the mouth. It can be very painful and very expensive to treat such problems if they have gotten out of control.
By seeing your dentist regularly, they can help to reduce the risk of serious issues getting out of hand. If you have any signs of problems with your gums, they can recommend a treatment plan early on that may be able to reverse the damages. At the very least, the treatment plan can help to reduce the risk of the problem getting any worse.
Additional Services
Many professionals offering general dentistry are also able to offer some specialty treatments. This can include teeth whitening and some cosmetic dentistry options. For more advanced care, they may need to refer you to a specialist. This is someone who is able to offer you additional care such as orthodontics or dental implants. For more information contact Cascades Center for Dental Health. You can also follow them on Twitter.
