A dentist’s job is to diagnose and treat problems with your teeth and gums. The standard recommendation is to visit your dentist every six or twelve months.
However, some people are at higher risk of dental issues than others and may need to visit more often. Here are a few reasons why it is important to visit your bulk billing dentist Adelaide regularly.
Prevents Gum Disease
Visiting the dentist prevents gum disease by detecting and treating problems early on. It is important because gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss and other health issues, such as heart disease.
Gum disease starts to build when bacteria accumulate on the teeth, which leads to plaque and tartar that can irritate the gums. When untreated, the inflammation can cause the gums to recede from the teeth. It can expose roots and make them prone to infection, eventually leading to tooth loss. The good news is that it is easy to prevent gum disease by visiting the dentist regularly and keeping proper oral hygiene habits at home.
Visits to the dentist typically include a dental cleaning and exam. The cleaning helps to remove stubborn plaque and tartar that regular brushing can’t dislodge. The dental exam helps to detect any signs of gum disease, like swollen or bleeding gums. The dentist may also recommend that the patient use a sugar-free mouth rinse to reduce plaque and bacterial growth.
To prevent gum disease, people should brush their teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove food particles. They should also eat a well-balanced diet that includes healthy fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. In addition, they should drink plenty of water to keep the mouth and gums hydrated and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Prevents Tooth Decay
Tooth decay can be effectively prevented by eating a nutrient-rich diet, brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, along with using an antiseptic mouthwash. It is also important to drink a sufficient amount of water each day. Visiting the bulk billing dentist Adelaide for regular teeth cleaning visits and oral health exams is another way to prevent tooth decay.
Tooth decay starts when specific bacteria produce acid that destroys the enamel and underlying dentin of your teeth. This damage is accelerated when food and drinks remain on the teeth, particularly sugary foods and beverages.
Prevents Bad Breath
A number of dental and medical issues can cause bad breath, also known as halitosis. These include gum disease, mouth sores, infections and dental problems that trap food, such as a missing tooth or a periodontal pocket. Scrupulous oral health care that includes brushing and flossing twice daily, as well as dental exams and professional cleanings, can help prevent and cure bad breath.
Other crucial factors that can contribute to bad breath include consuming odour-causing foods and drinks, such as garlic or onions, drinking alcohol or coffee, and smoking. General dentistry offices may recommend that patients drink water throughout the day to keep their mouth hydrated and prevent dry mouth, another known cause of bad breath. They might also suggest using sugarless chewing gum to keep the mouth lubricated, as this helps eliminate odour-causing bacteria.
Visiting a bulk billing dentist Adelaide regularly and following good oral hygiene routines is the best way to prevent bad breath. Having a healthy mouth will eliminate bacteria, plaque and tartar that rot and smell and reduce the possibility of gum disease or other serious dental issues. If halitosis persists, a dental professional can determine whether a medical issue is the cause and work with the patient’s primary care doctor to treat the problem and improve the breath. If you are currently having trouble with bad breath, schedule a checkup and cleaning with your local Port Washington dentist to get the help that you need.
Prevents Heart Disease
Visiting the dentist isn’t always top of mind when it comes to keeping up with your dental health, but it should be. Aside from keeping your smile bright and healthy, regular visits to a dentist have been shown to prevent serious health damage like heart disease.
Infections in the mouth can eventually spread to other parts of the body and cause serious problems like septicemia, which is life-threatening. If left untreated, infections in the mouth can also affect your bloodstream, which can lead to coronary artery disease (CAD).
Dentists are educated and well-trained to spot early signs of gum diseases or other oral issues that could be serious. They use X-ray images to see what is happening beneath the surface of your mouth, which can detect issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye. These include impacted teeth, which are growing teeth that are blocked from pushing through the gum line.