Regular trips to the family dentist are essential for staying healthy. Ensuring that the mouth is in tip-top shape can aid the body in defending against harmful bacteria. Even with a good at-home oral health regimen, keeping up with regular exams as recommended is crucial to catching new developments sooner.
The body's immune system repels foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. However, the immune system is not always able to fend off all attacks, and a person can become ill. Sometimes this is due to the way the harmful cells enter the body. The mouth can become an unwitting ally to bacteria if it is not well maintained.
When oral health is compromised by a condition such as gum disease, the pockets between the gum tissue and teeth allow an easy path for harmful bacteria to enter the body's bloodstream. While at-home dental health is crucial to keeping bacteria away, only a dental exam can find and fix certain oral health issues that put the body at risk for infection.
Sometimes a person may stay away from regular dental care out of fear. This trepidation often can be resolved with better understanding of the common elements of a family dentist exam. Knowing what to expect can ease the mind of a nervous patient.
One way a dentist can diagnose dental issues is through X-rays. These allow the provider a peek under the gums and inside teeth to find any underlying issues. Annual X-rays also help dentists keep track of the progression of things such as gum disease from year to year. Improvements in dental health can also show in follow-up visits.
A dental hygenist performs a basic cleaning of the teeth during a regular dental exam. The hygenist can spot areas of the mouth that need extra attention. Even performing twice-daily home cleanings does not completely keep teeth free of plaque and tartar buildup. Plaque is sticky and helps attract new bacteria to the surface of the tooth. Tartar is a hard shell that plaque eventually becomes when left on the surface. According to the Mayo Clinic, tartar can lead to gum disease, so having the teeth cleaned by a hygenist effectively removes trouble spots.
The dentist reviews a patient's X-rays and the dental hygienist's observations before examining the mouth. During this time, the dentist notes imperfections in the teeth and any indications that the gums are infected. At this time, the dentist also goes over any findings such as cavities or problems with roots. If required, a treatment plan is recommended for rectifying any critical issues.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist in Huntsville, AL
Including a trip to the family dentist among the schedule for regular medical exams can help keep your body healthy. Allowing a dental practitioner a glimpse into the mouth can not only diagnose any developing gum disease or other issues but also keep your smile bright for many years to come.
Request an appointment or call Smiles by Design, PC at 256-660-3233 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
Few people are thrilled at the thought of sitting in their dentist's chair. While dental anxiety is a real problem for many people, even those who do not experience that level of discomfort still have occasional misgivings or even fears. Finding a family dentist that you are comfortable with can help you get through those…
There are numerous reasons to see a family dentist. This dental professional provides a variety of services that prevent and treat dental issues. If problems with the gums or teeth go untreated, they can quickly lead to bigger issues that can even affect the entire body. Visiting a dentist when symptoms first appear is always…
Whether an individual has simply not been to the family dentist in a few years or switched to a new provider, a first visit can be overwhelming and possibly nerve-wracking. Knowing what to expect during the first visit and how to prepare can help ease individuals’ concerns and ensure the appointment goes as smoothly as…
In recent years, Invisalign® has become increasingly popular to straighten misaligned teeth. There are many benefits of this type of orthodontic treatment over traditional braces. Patients can remove the aligners to brush and floss the teeth, making oral hygiene measures much easier. Treatment time is often shorter, and the clear trays are not as noticeable…
Many people undergo teeth whitening procedures to make their smile look healthier and to increase their self-esteem. Although this procedure is largely painless unless you have very sensitive teeth, it is common to question the safety of products used to whiten your teeth. The safety of whitening procedures depends on many factors. Here are some common…