We all know dentists play a valuable role in our oral health. But what makes them important to our overall health? In fact, a trip to your dental clinic can actually save your life.
According to the professionals of Dr. Tracey Downtown Dental, dentists play a bigger role in your wellness than you may think. They find signs of a wide range of health problems, such as oral cancer, diabetes and hypertension. Although they focus on treating oral health problems like tooth decay, gum disease and conditions of the tongue, lips and jaws, they also know when to refer you to other healthcare providers.
Important Benefits of Visiting Your Dentist
When you visit your dentist, you can actually improve your appearance through a variety of cosmetic dental procedures. When you like your smile, you smile more often. You also feel more confident. Thanks to teeth whitening, teeth straightening, veneers and a variety of other methods, you can look healthier and more youthful in just one or more dental visits.
In addition to helping you achieve the smile you want, your dentist repairs your teeth after dental damage. If you suffer an accident or disease, your dental clinic offers the dental implants, oral surgery, emergency dentistry, tissue grafts and other means to restore your oral health.
Your dental professionals also provide patient education. This includes teaching you how to properly care for your teeth and gums. They can advise you about oral health, nutrition, disease prevention and how to quit negative lifestyle habits like thumb-sucking or smoking. People from all backgrounds, ages and lifestyles benefit from seeing their dentist.
Your dentist uses a wide range of skills, training and experience to provide the services you need. They can straighten your teeth, brighten a tooth, realign your jaw or even make your smile broader. They combine artistry, knowledge, education and technology to help you achieve the look you want.
When to Visit Your Dentist
A dental checkup is more than an exam and teeth cleaning. These visits play a critical role in maintaining your best oral health.
Reasons to visit your dentist regularly include:
- Find tooth decay early, when more treatable
- Catch gum disease for greatest treatment benefit
- Detect oral cancer in its early stages
- Ensure fillings are secure, free of defects
- Treat dry mouth and bad breath
- Consult with you about oral hygiene
- Protect your overall wellness
- Treat your children for their best oral health
Treating Two Key Types of Dental Issues
There are two primary types of dental problems. These include tooth decay, also called cavities, and gum disease, also called periodontitis. Your dentist finds signs of these conditions, makes a diagnosis and provides treatment.
Tooth decay is the breakdown of your tooth enamel when sugars and starches are left on your teeth from the food you eat. The bacteria that lives in your mouth benefit from these carbohydrates. They produce acids as a result. The acids destroy your tooth enamel and decay your teeth. As a result of tooth decay, you might need cavity fillings, root canal therapy, crowns, tooth extraction or dental implants. Dentists provide those services, too.
Gum disease is a bacterial infection caused by the same bacteria on your teeth. This chronic condition affects your gums and bones that support teeth. There are multiple stages of gum disease, from treatable gingivitis to advanced periodontal disease. Your dentist provides gum disease treatment to help you achieve better oral health. He or she also helps you avoid suffering these problems, in the first place.
Be the first to comment on "Why Dentists Are Important"