There are several reasons why you should visit the dentist on a regular basis. Regular checkups prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which are often caused by poor oral hygiene or unhealthy habits. X-rays help the dentist to see what’s going on beneath the surface of your teeth. Dental checkups can also detect diseases that cannot be seen with the naked eye, like oral cancer. Here are 4 reasons that should encourage you to schedule regular checkups with your dentist little rock Arkansas.
Oral cancer is a serious disease
Your biannual checkup with your dentist is one of the best ways to detect oral cancer. Your dentist will ask about your medical history and any unusual symptoms that may indicate the disease. He or she will also examine your oral cavity, which includes the tongue, cheeks, and roof of the mouth. If the condition isn’t immediately apparent, your dentist can refer you to a medical professional to diagnose and treat it.
One of the first signs of oral cancer is difficulty in chewing, swallowing, or speaking. The shape or size of your teeth may change suddenly. Whether they fit properly or feel crooked, it’s important to see your dentist immediately. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption increase the risk of developing oral cancer. People over the age of 40 are most at risk for this condition.
Regular dental checkups prevent tooth decay
Keeping your teeth clean is important but so is ensuring you have regular dental checkups. Taking care of your teeth is important because it protects you from gum disease and tooth decay. Regular checkups will help detect any problems early and help prevent the onset of more serious issues. Without regular checkups, you may have plaque build-up on your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay. In some cases, plaque may even cause tooth loss.
Tooth decay is a common problem amongst adults and is a leading cause of gum disease. The prevention of this condition begins with good oral hygiene and smart dietary choices. Regular dental checkups can help identify early symptoms of tooth decay and strengthen any weak enamel. It is estimated that 3.5 billion people worldwide have some form of oral disease. By visiting a dentist regularly, you can protect yourself from tooth decay.
Gum disease is caused by unhealthy habits
Many of us suffer from gum disease, but it can also be a symptom of other medical conditions. A balanced diet is vital for good oral health. Gum disease can also affect the health of a woman who is pregnant. Although it is not known whether gum disease contributes to the premature birth of an infant, it has been linked to higher rates of low birth weight in women. Besides, the onset of gum disease may affect a woman’s ability to conceive and deliver a healthy baby. Finally, poor oral health puts a person at risk for many other illnesses, such as strokes, pancreatic cancer, and blood cancer.
Sugary foods are especially damaging to the teeth and gums, as they feed the bacteria and acids that cause cavities. Tobacco use is another unhealthy habit, as tobacco reduces the ability of gum tissues to heal, and can even cause oral cancer. Luckily, there are ways to prevent cavities and gum disease. Make sure to brush your teeth every day and drink plenty of water. If you need to use gum, stick to sugar-free varieties.
General dentists provide restorative treatments
While the most common restorative treatments provided by general dentist little rock Arkansas are tooth fillings, these procedures can be quite complex. In general, dental fillings are performed when the patient has a cavity that has not progressed to the point of needing a root canal. Common filling materials include silver, gold, and porcelain. Sometimes, lasers are used to perform bonding or tooth-whitening procedures.
While most people associate restorative dentistry with cosmetic dentistry, there is a wide range of procedures performed by general dentists. While these procedures aren’t usually complex, they can still require a lot of time and specialized expertise. A general dentist can perform these treatments on a wide range of patients, from newborn babies to adults. In addition to replacing damaged or missing teeth, general dentists can also repair cavities and treat other dental conditions.