How Regular Dental Visits Reduce Your Dental Bill
After you make a dental visit, the dentist will ask that you come back in about six months. Many people never make it back at the end of that time because they do not see the importance of it. If you want to ensure that your teeth will last for a long time, it really is a good idea that you go back for another dental cleaning in six months. Several reasons will show you why it is a good idea.
Check for Oral Cancer
When you go to the dentist for a dental cleaning, the first thing that will usually be done is for the dental hygienist to take a quick look around your mouth. Your neck will also be felt to detect the presence of swollen glands – a possible symptom of oral cancer.
Oral cancer has been increasing in recent years and it is expected to continue to rise. This year there are expected to be more than 53,000 new cases. The cancer is often found only in the advanced stages because it is usually painless during the earlier stages. It is the dentist who most often discovers it. Oral cancer is often fatal due to the late discovery.
There are several symptoms of oral cancer. They can be helpful for early detection. They include:
- A white or reddish patch in your mouth
- A lip or mouth sore that has not healed after two weeks
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- A lump or growth in your mouth
- Loose teeth or dentures
- Ear pain.
If you see any of these symptoms, you need to make an appointment with your dentist right away. Although it may not be cancer, you want to be sure one way or another.
Remove Plaque and Tartar
The dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar next. Your toothbrush will remove plaque rather easily. Places where you miss plaque with your toothbrush will become tartar before long and this can lead to gum disease over time.
Removing it requires the hygienist to use some special tools. Gritty toothpaste will be used to not only remove plaque and tartar but also to remove stains on your teeth. This will enable them to look whiter and cleaner, and they will also be smoother by the time the dental cleaning has been completed. Some stains and discolorations cannot be removed.
Look for Cavities
Cavities are another common problem found during a dental check-up. They are often easily repaired when small. This is one problem that needs to be discovered early. When cavities are allowed to continue to become larger, it is going to become more expensive to repair. Repairs at that time could mean that the tooth is extracted, you need a root canal, and possibly a new dental crown. If the tooth is extracted, you will need to get either a dental bridge or dental implant with a rown to restore your smile.
Search for Gum Disease
Gum disease is always a potential problem. It is caused by bacteria that are naturally in your mouth. The bacteria normally produce acid whenever it comes in contact with sugar. It is the acid the causes the cavities. It also is responsible for causing gum disease, which is why keeping it off your teeth through the day will help prevent gum disease.
Gum disease is a major threat to healthy teeth and gums. The first stage is called gingivitis. The good news is that at this stage it will not damage your teeth and gums, but your gums will be red and inflamed and will bleed when you brush or floss. You can remove gingivitis rather easily at this stage by brushing twice a day and flossing. The primary cause of gum disease is a lack of good oral care.
If your oral care does not get better, it will go on to become periodontitis. You cannot remove it on your own because it gets into your gums through the tartar on your teeth. As the bacteria get into your gums, the inflammation becomes worse. Your gums will start to recede and spaces will develop between your teeth.
Treat Gum Disease
Periodontitis is a serious problem. It will affect much more than your teeth – it will affect all of your health and will likely shorten it if not treated. Researchers found that when patients have periodontitis treatment, it will reduce your risk of a heart attack by 24 percent, and your risk of a stroke by 13 percent.
If you have periodontitis, the dentist may need to do what is called deep cleaning. Most likely, this will be done at a later appointment. This process, also called scaling and root planing, involves the dentist cleaning out the pockets that have formed on your gums. Bacteria and inflammation will be removed and the teeth roots will be made smooth, which helps prevent the bacteria from starting new colonies very easily.
More serious cases of periodontitis will require other treatments. They may involve medications, gum grafts, and bone grafts. Periodontitis can be removed from the gums, but once it is removed, regular dental visits will be needed to help keep it under control.
Polish Your Teeth
One of the last stages of a regular dental visit is that the hygienist will polish your teeth. This enables them to feel very smooth and it will give you an extra clean feel. Fluoride is the mineral your teeth need to maintain their strength. This enables them to fight the acid that comes from the bacteria. It will be applied either as a liquid or as a gel in trays that you hold in your mouth for a minute.
If you have not had a dental cleaning lately, it may be time to do so. Call Champion Dental office , Farmers Branch, TX at (214) 747-0763 and schedule your regular dental cleanings. Regular visits to the dentist should be scheduled every six months. Most of the dental insurance plans are accepted here.
