There are nine great reasons to visit your dentist on a regular basis so that you have a healthy mouth.
Reason 1: Regular Checkups
Did you know that a dentist also looks at your head, face and neck to find abnormalities that can indicate various medical issues? Your dentist might see a strange mole on the back of your head, or she might notice that the lymph glands in your neck are swollen. If she notices these things, then she will tell you to see a physician for an additional examination. In addition, your dentist will take X-rays of your teeth to determine if there are any underlying issues below the gums that require treatment. Of course, your dentist also checks your teeth for cavities and your gums for any infections.
Reason 2: Finding Gingivitis
You may have the beginning stages of gingivitis without knowing it, but a dentist can see the gum tissue that is located toward the back of your mouth. Finding gum disease in the earliest stages means that you can begin treatment right away with oral antibiotics, special mouth rinses and deep dental cleanings. This fast treatment will help you to keep your teeth rather than needing to have teeth extracted.
Reason 3: Fluoride Treatments
A dentist can apply a liquid fluoride treatment to your teeth to improve the strength of the dental enamel. This is especially important when you live in a city that doesn’t add fluoride to the water. A fluoride treatment only requires a few minutes, but it will provide additional protection for your teeth for six months.
Reason 4: Color-matching Fillings
If you have a small cavity in a tooth, then with a routine visit, you can have it repaired right away. The dentist can mix a color-matching composite resin to fill the cavity. If you have old metallic fillings, then you can have the dentist remove these restorations to replace the fillings with the composite resins. This can give you a more attractive smile.
Reason 5: Teeth Whitening
When your teeth are discolored from foods or smoking, you can have a teeth-whitening procedure during a routine dental office visit. First, the dentist will protect your restorations before applying hydrogen peroxide that will bubble away the stains on your teeth. When the dentist injects water into your mouth, you will notice the tingling sensation of the chemical reaction. After 45 minutes, you can rinse your mouth to see how white and beautiful your teeth look.
Reason 6: Mouth Guards
While visiting your dentist, make sure to order your mouth guards. It is imperative to wear customized mouth guards on the upper and lower teeth while you play sports such as football or soccer. Mouth guards are also essential while you are wrestling at school or riding a bicycle at the park. Make sure to replace your mouth guards at least once a year.
Reason 7: Dental Crown
If you have an old dental crown, then you may need to replace it during a routine dental office visit. Dental crowns eventually require a replacement, and today, a dentist can create a customized restoration quickly. After examining your mouth and collecting molds, your dentist can have the dental crown ready in only a few hours so that she can place it over your old tooth after removing the degraded dental crown.
Reason 8: Dental Bonding
When you have a tooth that is chipped or scratched, you can have it repaired with a dental bonding process in only a few minutes. Your dentist will clean your natural tooth before mixing a color-matching resin to apply to the damaged area of the tooth. After the resin dries, the dentist can polish it until it is the proper shape to look natural on the tooth.
Reason 9: Dental Veneers
With a dental veneer, you can change the shape or the size of a tooth in your mouth. Veneers are used on the teeth that are located toward the front of the mouth to create a perfect smile. A veneer is made from color-matching porcelain or composite resins, and it is thin and lightweight. The restoration is attached to the front of a tooth with waterproof resins.
