The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist for a dental check-up at least once or twice per year. The visit may be more regular if you have dental concerns. The dental check-up is not beneficial for the oral cavity alone – it also helps your overall health.
A routine dental visit involves two processes – dental cleaning and examination for oral issues. By going regularly, the visits serve preventive purposes, keeping the teeth and other oral structures in top condition. In case of an issue, the visit allows the dentist to provide prompt treatment before the condition worsens. The longer patients delay the appointment, the higher the risk of requiring invasive procedures.
During an appointment, the dentist will clean plaque and tartar off the teeth, which are the main causes of tooth decay and gum disease. Even with proper oral care, cavities may develop on the teeth. The dentist can spot those cavities early through physical exams and X-rays. This will help prevent the pain that usually accompanies cavities. Smaller cavities are also easier and cheaper to fix.
Apart from cavities, gum disease is another common oral issue. The condition can affect the gum and bones and can lead to inflammation and infection. Researchers have linked gum disease to health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The dentist can detect early signs of gum disease during a dental check-up. The longer the condition goes without treatment, the more havoc it wreaks on the gums and bones.
Thousands of people get an oral cancer diagnosis per year. Cancer can affect any part of the oral cavity, including the tongue, cheeks, and lips. During the check-up, the dentist will screen the mouth for oral cancer. The signs are often subtle, and it is better to catch them early before the condition progresses. Early cancer detection increases the chances of successful treatment. If the dentist suspects anything, they may request additional examination and recommend the patient for proper care.
Dentists do not check the mouth alone – they also examine the head, face, and neck for abnormalities. They may also check the lymph nodes. These additional checks can reveal other possible health issues. The dental professional will share their discovery and advise the patient to visit their primary healthcare providers for follow-up. Like oral cancer screening, detecting signs of other health concerns early helps ensure easy treatment for the condition.
For example, certain signs like dry mouth, dry gums, receding or bleeding gums may indicate diabetes. However, sometimes, poor hygiene can also cause these symptoms, so the dentist will not assume it is diabetes unless these symptoms occur despite good oral care.
Booking a regular dental check-up and consultation with the dentist is important for your oral health. It allows the dentist to monitor your oral cavity and catch any changes that might signify a problem with your oral cavity and overall wellbeing.
Request an appointment here: https://dentistryonpark.com or call Dentistry on Park, LLC at (781) 443-8131 for an appointment in our Stoughton office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Check-up in Stoughton, MA.
If you have never seen a dentist, it has been a long time since your last visit, or perhaps you had a bad experience at some point, it would help a lot to know what to expect at a dental checkup. Dental professionals work hard to put every client at ease. Regardless of the treatment…
Every six months, you should have a dental checkup. During each visit, a hygienist cleans the patient’s teeth. Then, a dentist looks for any potential or existing problems. The main goal is to correct an issue before it worsens. That way, you enjoy healthy teeth and gums from one appointment to the next. Keep reading…
Patients might not always get the most out of a regular dental checkup. But asking some questions during that time can help patients gain more information on different topics. The dentist has experience and knowledge in many areas. Continue reading to learn a few things to ask the dentist.One reason for having a dental checkup…
from.If you go to a dental clinic for a dental checkup, the dentist offers all kinds of treatment options. However, many of those treatments are common. That means dentists see patients every day for the same types of issues. Keep reading to learn more about these common treatments.A dentist has the knowledge and training to…
General dentists, like any dental professional, strive to help patients keep all of their natural teeth. However, tooth extraction may be the only solution when gum disease becomes severe. A dentist can perform this oral health-saving procedure and recommend options to restore fullness to a patient's smile.Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an oral health…
A denture repair should be your top priority when your denture breaks or becomes damaged. This prosthetic device fills out all the empty spaces in your mouth. It is crucial to care for your denture since the missing teeth can compromise your eating habits, speech, and appearance. This dental device is durable enough to handle…