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good oral health and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Generally, dentistry involves preventative dental care to maintain good oral health and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. While some people only visit their dentist for restorative care or cosmetic services, regular check-ups and cleanings are essential to healthy smiles.
At Merrillville Dental Center, our general dentist can provide routine care and check-up services and diagnose and treat common conditions like cavities, tooth sensitivity, and gum disease. Additionally, your general dentist may suggest other services to improve your dental health.
Importance of Checkup and Cleaning
Your dentist will first conduct an oral exam to look for signs of decay and disease, as well as oral cancer and other concerns. Your dentist can diagnose problems and discuss potential treatments if issues are found. Routine cleanings and exams are the only way to detect these issues before they worsen and cause additional problems.
For example, most cavities cannot be seen with the naked eye until they are significant. During your checkup, the dentist may also take X-rays of your teeth to check for any other underlying issues, such as bone loss or impacted teeth. If you routinely visit your general dentist every six months, you can prevent many severe problems from occurring.
In addition to looking for existing issues, your dentist will also perform a professional cleaning and polishing to remove plaque buildup on your teeth. Cleaning by a dentist uses special tools to reach areas between the teeth and gums that are often ignored during at-home care.
Routine professional cleanings can help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease because removing this buildup can prevent these things from happening. Plus, the cleaner your smile is, the better it will look and feel, which can cause you to feel happier and more confident in social situations.
When Should I See a General Dentist?
Your mouth and teeth are vital to your overall health, so you should see your dentist at least twice a year to receive routine check-ups and cleanings. However, you may need to see your general dentist more frequently if you have certain medical conditions, special conditions, or concerns.
For example, if you are pregnant or have a health condition like diabetes, you may want to see a dentist every three to four months for preventative care. This is because pregnancy can increase your risk of periodontal disease, which has been linked to health risks for you and the baby.
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