Oral health is vital no matter how old you are. Good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations can prevent most dental diseases. If you are planning to visit the dentist or want to know more about general dentistry treatments, then this post will answer all your questions.

Why Regular Dental Visits Are Important

Regular dental visits matter because they help spot any dental health issues early on, making treatment more affordable and simpler. General dentistry treatments can prevent many complications from occurring in the first place. Because some medical conditions and diseases have symptoms that appear in your mouth, it is important to visit the dentist regularly.

When Should You Visit the Dentist

You should visit the dentist if

●      Your gums bleed when you floss or brush and are puffy

●      Your teeth are sensitive to changes in temperature

●      You have dentures, dental implants, crowns, or fillings

●      You want to change the way your teeth look or don’t like your smile

●      You have a persistent bad taste in your mouth or bad breath

●      You are pregnant

●      You have swelling or pain in the neck or face

●      You have difficulty with swallowing or chewing

●      You have a family history of tooth decay or gum disease

●      You have a medical condition such as HIV, eating disorder, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes

●      Your mouth is abnormally dry

●      You use tobacco products, such as cigarettes

●      You are undergoing medical treatments such as hormone replacement therapy, chemotherapy, or radiation

●      There is a sore or spot in your mouth, and it does not feel right or seem to go away

●      Your jaw hurts when closing or opening your mouth, when you wake up, or when you are chewing

Should You See a Dentist If You Have No Symptoms?

Dr. Zahra Bagheri of New York Total Dental believes: “Not only should you see a dentist when you have any of the known symptoms, but you should also visit a dentist regularly if you don’t, because it is still possible for you to have dental health problems that only a dentist can diagnose.”

When you visit the dentist regularly, you prevent any of the above problems from developing or progressing. You need to ensure that care is continued just like any other health plan.

Ensuring that your mouth is healthy is vital for your overall health. If you experience any changes in overall health due to a medical condition, then it is important that you inform your dentist.

What to Expect During a Dental Checkup

During a dental checkup, you will be asked about your most recent medical history, and you may need x-rays done of your mouth. Special dental instruments may be used by the hygienist to check your gums for gum disease depending on the treatment plan.

The dentist will evaluate your overall dental health. The dentist may also perform an oral cancer screening by holding your tongue with some gauze to check it and the entire mouth and then feeling your neck and jaw.

How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?

There is not a one-size-fits-all dental treatment. Some people may visit their dentist once or twice a year, while others may need to visit more regularly. Remember, you are unique, and your needs will be different from everyone else’s.

How to Find a Dentist

You might be wondering how you could possibly find a dentist. Here are some suggestions from the American Dental Association:

●      Ask your current dentist to recommend a new dentist if you are moving.

●      Visit the ADA website to find a dentist in your area.

●      As friends, family members, colleagues, or neighbors for recommendations.

●      Ask the local pharmacist or your family physician.

What to Look for When Selecting a Dentist

To make the right decision, you should contact and visit more than one dentist. Dental care is highly personalized. It requires a good relationship with the dentist to get the desired results. The following should be considered to determine the right dentist:

●      Is the dentist near your job or home?

●      Can you conveniently schedule an appointment?

●      Is the office neat and clean?

●      Did the dentist place your medical and dental history in a permanent file after recording it?

●      Did the dentist explain the techniques that will help prevent dental health problems?