on a regular basis. If you have teeth and even if you do not have teeth, regular dental
examinations should be a part of your yearly routine.
Regular dental visits are important because they can help spot dental health problems early on
when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. They also help prevent many
problems from developing in the first place. Visiting your dentist regularly is also important
because some diseases or medical conditions have symptoms that can appear in the mouth.
Dentists and other dental care professionals are trained to recognize problems early on before
they become major issues. Most dental problems start as minor issues that can develop into
painful and debilitating problems without any warning. Most small areas of tooth decay
(cavities) will not hurt until they become very extensive and start involving the nerve in the
tooth. When this occurs, a toothache can start, and result in more expensive treatment such as
root canal therapy or cause to need for extraction and tooth loss.
Another dental disease can that easily go unnoticed is gum or periodontal disease. This in
when an infection in your gums starts to cause the loss of the gum and bone tissue from around
the teeth. Over time, left untreated, gum disease will result in the teeth loosening and tooth
loss. Both dental decay (cavities) and periodontal (gum) disease are very easily treated (and
less costly) if detected early in the disease process. Most of the time, this is something you
cannot determine, or be aware of on your own. It requires dental professionals to detect these
problems for you.
If you do not have teeth and wear dentures, yearly exams are important to check for any signs
of oral cancer, other mouth lesions, and check the wear and fit of your dentures.
What are some signs I should see a dentist?
Your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold. Your gums are puffy and/or they bleed when
you brush or floss. You have fillings, crowns, dental implants, dentures, etc. You don’t like the
way your smile or teeth look. You have persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth. You
are pregnant. You have pain or swelling in your mouth, face or neck. You have difficulty
chewing or swallowing. You have a family history of gum disease or tooth decay. You have a
medical condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders or are HIV positive.
Your mouth is often dry. You smoke or use other tobacco products. You are undergoing
medical treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy. Your
jaw sometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing, chewing or when you first wake
up; you have an uneven bite. You have a spot or sore that doesn’t look or feel right in your
mouth and it isn’t going away.
I'm not having any symptoms. Do I still need to see a dentist?
Yes. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you can still have dental health problems that only a
dentist can diagnose. Regular dental visits will also help prevent problems from developing.
Continuity of care is an important part of any health plan and dental health is no exception.
Keeping your mouth healthy is an essential piece of your overall health. It’s also important to
keep your dentist informed of any changes in your overall health since many medical conditions
can affect your dental health too.
How often do I have to go to the dentist?
There is no one-size-fits-all dental treatment. Some people need to visit the dentist once or
twice a year; others may need more visits. You are a unique individual, with a unique smile and
unique needs when it comes to keeping your smile healthy.
How can I maintain a healthy smile with my dentist's help?
Here are some tips to help you take care of your smile:
- Healthy habits. Brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing daily are essential for everyone, no matter how unique your mouth is. It’s the best way to fight tooth decay and gum disease.
- Build a relationship. Continuity of care is an important part of any health plan and dental health is no exception. When your dentist sees you regularly, he or she is in a good position to catch oral problems early. For instance, catching gum disease when it’s still reversible, or cavities when they are small and are more easily treated.
- Maintain. Keeping your mouth healthy is an essential piece of your overall health. It’s important to keep your dentist informed of any changes in your overall health as well.
- Talk about it! Only your dentist can determine what the best treatment plan is for you.
References: ADA.org, mouthhealthy.org
Dr. Craig Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD has been promoting preventive dental care for over 25 years.
Oakport Dental, 2421 S. Maple Ave, Sanford, FL 32771, (407)323-5340 www.oakportdental.com
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