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 Mountain View, CA
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 Dental Care at 650-563-1180 for an appointment in our Mountain View office.
Routine dental checkups are just as important as brushing and flossing when it comes to oral health. Visiting a family dentist is a smart and convenient option that can provide a number of important advantages for the whole family and help to ensure you all maintain healthy teeth and gums.Some people may assume that there…
Oral cancer occurs inside the mouth and is so often called mouth cancer or oral cavity cancer, and a family dentist will usually check for this disease during routine dental visits. However, if you are experiencing abnormal mouth pain, lumps, or lesions before your next exam, it may be a good idea to schedule an…
Lifestyle choices are as important to good oral and dental health as visiting the family dentist twice per year. Establishing healthy day-to-day routines protects the teeth and gums and keeps mouth chemistry balanced. Develop good practices in children at a young age to help build habits that can last a lifetime. Making changes at any…
Dentures can restore normalcy to the functions of chewing and eating, but for first-time wearers, there is a period spent adjusting to new dentures. By asking a dentist about this transitionary period, it is possible to minimize the discomfort and awkward mishaps that often accompany getting used to a new dental appliance. In addition, dealing…
A smile makeover provides a way for people to improve their confidence level and the appearance of their smile through a personalized treatment plan that consists of multiple cosmetic dental procedures. However, maintaining the results of a smile makeover involves keeping a consistent oral hygiene regimen. Read on to find out more.You can protect your…