Regular dental maintenance is a vital part of preventive healthcare. A visit to your dentist improves not only your oral health but also your overall well-being. For example, signs of medical conditions such as lupus, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis may appear in your mouth. Your dentist may detect this during a dental examination and help you begin early treatment. During a dental check-up, Dr. Joseph Kabklian examines your teeth to check for any cavities and periodontal disease using digital dental x-rays and other diagnostic processes.
What is dental maintenance?
Dental maintenance involves teeth cleaning, biannual exams, and fillings, which promote good oral hygiene. Practicing good oral hygiene helps reduce your risk of developing different dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Besides the preventive benefits, you will have fresh breath, a brighter smile, and improved oral health.
What happens during a dental examination?
During a dental visit, your specialist may:
· Examine your teeth and check for tooth and root decay or any gum disease
· Clean your teeth by removing stains and deposits
· Establish your need for fluoride
· Adjust the fit of prosthetic replacements, including dentures
· Evaluate your bite
Besides examining your oral health, your specialist may ask about your current health conditions. For example, people with diabetes are at a high risk of developing gum disease. This is the same for pregnant women according to this expert cosmetic dentist in Staten Island. Certain medications may make your mouth dry and cause difficulties while brushing your teeth. This may contribute to tooth decay. Your dentist may recommend an electric toothbrush which causes minimal discomfort when brushing your teeth.
After the examination, your dentist may recommend treatment if you had any dental problem, including a stain on your tooth or cavity. Your specialist may recommend frequent check-ups if your chances of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral problems are high.
Different practices to keep your teeth healthy
During a dental exam, your doctor may discuss with you several tips that will help maintain your oral health. For example:
· Brush your teeth properly. Move your toothbrush in light circular motions to get rid of plaque. If you do not clean your teeth as advised, plaque may accumulate, harden and result in gum disease or gingivitis.
· Brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning, and once before you go to bed. While brushing your teeth, make sure you clean your tongue to prevent foul mouth odor.
· Use a toothpaste containing fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay.
· Rinse your mouth using a mouthwash since it helps clean areas around your gums that are hard to brush and balances the acid in your mouth.
· Include fruits and vegetables in your diet to facilitate strong jawbones
· Reduce your intake of sugar and acidic drinks. When sugar accumulates in your mouth, it forms an acid that may destroy your tooth’s enamel and cause tooth sensitivity.
It is essential to watch out for any signs such as sensitivity and pain when biting and chewing. This might indicate early tooth decay.
Teeth are essential in your body since they play both a functional and aesthetic role. It is, therefore, necessary to care for your teeth by visiting your dentist regularly. Schedule a session with your specialist at Enamel General & Cosmetic Dentistry for dental maintenance to improve your oral hygiene.
