Waiting for a dental emergency to become established as a patient is a common mistake. Not only can routine dental care help prevent dental emergencies, but it can also help patients learn strategies for maintaining lifelong oral health and hygiene at home.
Brushing and flossing twice a day at home is integral to teeth and gum health. Dentists teach patients proper techniques for at-home care, including correct brushing angles and pressure and proper flossing procedure. Even when patients perform excellent home dental care, plaque still builds up over time. It is important for everyone to visit the dentist twice a year to remove excess tartar and plaque. During routine dental visits, dentists examine the teeth and gums for signs of damage or illness. Through regular cleanings and examinations, many patients can head off dental issues before they arise.
In addition to cleaning, flossing, and polishing the teeth during routine visits, dentists also look for signs of decay or gum disease. If a patient has a cavity, it can be removed and filled before the decay reaches the root of the tooth. If left too long, the decay can damage the tooth pulp, which typically requires more intervention, such as a root canal. Routine visits also typically involve annual X-rays, which give dentists a better look at the health of the teeth.
Although it is common knowledge that dentists diagnose and treat diseases and complications of the teeth and gums, they also check for a number of other conditions that affect a patient's overall health. During routine exams, dental professionals look for any issues concerning the soft tissues, muscles, and glands of the head, neck, throat, and tongue. Any type of abnormality is noted, and a more thorough investigation may be scheduled.
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When patients find a dentist for routine dental care, it is important to select a practice with the potential for a long-term, trusting relationship. Dentists who see patients continually over time can head off some of the oral health problems that can necessitate more intervention. Regular dental care maintenance is an essential part of developing habits that can make natural teeth last a lifetime. Since oral health also affects overall health, routine dental care should be a health priority for all individuals.
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