Why Should You Visit A Dentist?

A dentist job is more than to give you clear white teeth. Regular dental check-up can save you from a number of long-term problems like cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath or even oral cancer.

Indications That You Should See a dentist

• You have sensitivity in your teeth.

• You are having a toothache.

• Your gums are red and puffy.

• Your teeth are yellow.

• You have dry mouth.

• You have headache or pain in the jaws.

• You have swelling.

• You have red/white spots in your mouth.

• You smoke/drink.

• Visit anyway.

Why six months?

There is no reason why you should not go every 9 months, but it is important that you take care of your teeth in-between check-up’s so that you do not have to face painful problems later on in life. Teeth do not heal on their own, so visiting the dentist twice a year (at least) will help you sustain healthy and better looking teeth all your life. Brushing twice a day, using mouthwash and dental floss are the daily key to help reduce accumulation of bacteria leading to problems like gingivitis, plaque or cavity. Techniques of brushing and flossing correctly will be shown by your dentist.

What happens when you visit the dentist?

Your dentist will examine your jaws and neck for lymph nodes. You will be asked to open your mouth wide while he checks for tooth decay. He will also check your gum health and suggest appropriate measures if he finds any problem. As an expert, he will detect early signs of dental problems you might have in the near future, especially if you have it in your family history. Your dentist will also check for signs of oral cancer, any vitamin deficiency, or diabetes. Some dentists will also evaluate your bite, saliva and jaw movement. He will also check your tongue, find loose teeth if there is any, and check the gums covering the teeth. You will not feel any discomfort during these processes.

Some Other Concerns

Your dentist may suggest scaling (a process of removing plaque and tartar above and below the gum line), filling, polishing, based on his observations. A dentist also performs tasks like extraction of tooth, repairing crown, root canal, surgical extraction if needed. Other than impaction, all tooth problems can be avoided if one follows a good dental care routine.

At times a case of impacted tooth might occur, where a wisdom tooth is tilted and therefore unable to come out and pushing other the other molar teeth. In this case visiting a dentist is very crucial because if left unattended it may damage the other adjacent teeth, or might develop into a cyst, or damage the jawbone, creating severe problems.

Your gums are swollen and releasing pus, it is of immediate importance that you visit a dentist because it may be a severe case of dental abscess and if not checked on immediately it may spread and create permanent damage.

What you can do?

Most problems arise because people refuse to visit the dentist even when they say they will. While it is a necessity to visit the dentist twice a year, what you can do at home in between two check-ups is to take good care of your teeth and gums.

• Brush at least twice a day.

• Use mouthwash after eating.

• Floss at night.

• Check for spots inside the mouth.

• Check for dark spots on teeth.

• Learn correct technique to brush and floss.

• Lessen the use of tobacco and alcohol.

• Be gentle on gums.

You can find your dentist or dental care center in your locality or simply search on the internet and visit the one with the best reviews.