A few years ago, when the pandemic struck, Australia saw a decline in the number of people going to the dentist for their regular dental check-ups. Now that it has passed and more people are committing to their health—even dental health—there’s a steady influx of people visiting the dental clinics again and becoming more committed to achieving better dental health. But did you know? Dentists also play an integral role in detecting the early signs of oral issues. In today’s article, we’ll highlight the importance of local dentists in achieving a healthy smile and overall care of your oral health.
Why regular dental check-ups are more than meets the eye
As mentioned before, dentists play an important role not just in the way their care affects your dental health and your overall well-being but also because they help with the early detection of dental and oral problems. By doing so, you can work together to prevent it from worsening and take the necessary procedures to improve your condition. Here are some of the potential problems local dentists can detect and address:
Tooth decay. As one of the most common tooth problems, tooth decay is caused by bacteria that feed on sugar and starches from food and drinks, which in turn become acids that corrode the tooth’s enamel. Unknown to many, some people are more prone to tooth decay than others, even if they don’t enjoy eating sweets. Some of the people who belong to this demographic are those who don’t produce enough saliva and don’t get enough fluoride. In some cases, individuals who are consuming certain medicines are also prone to this, as well as people who are undergoing cancer treatments.
Oral problems. Apart from cavities, your local dentist also does their part in keeping oral problems at bay, such as dry mouth, bruxism, and bad breath, to name a few.
Gum diseases. Periodontal diseases are another form of common diseases that result from tartar and plaque buildup. This is why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly so they can make a thorough cleaning of your teeth. If left unattended, this could even lead to eventual tooth loss. You might even find yourself in need of a gum lift to perfect that winning smile.
Oral cancer. This tooth disease is not that common, and even though there’s a small chance, it’s never zero. Oral cancer may refer to cancer of the mouth or tongue and usually happens to individuals aged 40 and above. According to studies, men have a higher chance of developing this than women, which is why it’s important to make it a habit to visit your dentist to get yourself screened.
TMJ disorder. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction is a condition that causes pain and discomfort around the surrounding muscles, joints, and ligaments in your jaw.
What role do local dentists play in preventive dental care?
Now that you have an idea of the kind of risks you’re exposing yourself to when you neglect your overall dental and oral health, you must be more mindful of how to care for it. Choosing a dental clinic is crucial since it will help you improve, maintain, and ensure that you have optimum mental health. Many dentists offer a variety of services, such as Dentist Bentleigh East, which can cater to your preferences and needs. Dentists provide essential services that play a vital role in preventive care, such as the following:
They provide professional cleanings. Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth is a must to maintain dental health, but it can only reach surface level. This is why it’s a must to schedule a dental appointment at least twice a year to perform a deep cleaning of your teeth.
They also offer fluoride treatments. Most people think that just because they don’t eat sweets, they’re safe from cavities. Wrong. Over time, the protective enamel that covers your teeth is stripped away, making them more prone to bacteria and cavity buildup. Dentists help protect your teeth from tooth decay by applying fluoride, which helps strengthen tooth enamel.
They provide oral health education. The field of dentistry is continuously evolving; innovations, equipment, and new practices are continuously being introduced that improve procedures and even shorten the chair time of patients.
By exercising preventive care, local dentists help patients maintain healthy smiles and even save them extra out-of-pocket costs.
What are the benefits of establishing a relationship with your local dentist?
Maintaining your overall oral health is a lifelong commitment; with that said, it’s paramount to find a local dentist to help you achieve it. The following are some of the benefits of partnering with your local dentist:
They offer personalized dental care. No two patients share the same dental issue; none of us even share the same set of teeth! By having a local dentist on your side, they can provide a customized treatment plan for you based on your needs and medical history.
They’re accessible and convenient. As we all know, time is more precious than gold, so having a dentist that’s located near your home or office eliminates the need to sit long hours in commute.
You trust them and are more comfortable around them. Being at the dental clinic can be nerve-wracking, so can you imagine how much more so for people who have anxiety? But if you have a local dentist that you’ve known for quite a while now, it can lessen, if not totally eliminate, the anxiety that comes with every dental visit. It can also decrease your chair time since they’re already familiar with your dental history, thus making the procedure quicker and easier for them as well.
Your network broadens. Dentists have a wide network that encompasses various fields. By connecting with your local dentist, you’re also opening yourself to the opportunity to meet other people, which can improve your social and professional life.
To wrap it up, local dentists do more than just remind you and help you clean your teeth. They play an important role in the early detection of oral health issues. Having a trusted and reliable dentist to help you maintain your smile so you can enjoy more of life.
