Dental health refers to the condition of your teeth, gums and mouth. The ultimate goal is to keep your mouth healthy by preventing problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
To maintain a healthy body, you must have a mouth that is free from infections, injuries, and other dental disorders. Dentists and other dental specialists are part of your health care team. Dental health can be affected by disease and other disorders, and dental problems can impact other parts of the body. Other health problems can arise as a result of poor dental hygiene.
Taking care of your teeth and mouth from an early age is essential. Tooth decay or tooth loss can occur if you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly.
Tips for maintaining healthy teeth and gums
Use fluoridated toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day. Dental floss or another type of between-teeth cleaner to clean between your teeth every day. Snack wisely – minimize sugary foods.
Maintain frequent appointments for dental and oral care.
When to schedule a visit to the dentist
Be sure to schedule a visit to the dentist when you experience the following symptoms:
• Pain in the tooth that occurs for no apparent reason or is caused by food, drink, brushing or flossing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold meals or drinks.
Treat gum disease as soon as you see symptoms. The following signs of gum disease should prompt you to make an appointment with your dentist:
Teeth that move or are out of place are all signs of gum disease.
What to do when you have a dental or mouth injury
Mouth and tooth injuries can be problematic, especially for young athletes. A mouth guard should be worn by young (and older) athletes when participating in contact sports or other activities that may result in a blow to the mouth or other mouth injuries.
Dental health begins at birth and lasts your entire life. Dental hygiene habits that last a lifetime are formed in childhood under the guidance of a parent. Practicing good oral hygiene and making regular dental appointments will help you reap the rewards of a beautiful smile and a pain-free mouth.
Adopting great oral health habits from an early age is a smart way to ensure that you will have great breath, strong teeth and a bright smile as an adult.
No matter how long you’ve let your dental problems get worse, it’s never too late to seek treatment from a dentist. Many of the discomforts that some people fear from oral health procedures have been eliminated with contemporary techniques.
What to expect in an oral exam
When your teeth and gums are inspected, a dental exam takes place. Every six months, most children and adults should have a dental check-up. Protecting your dental health starts with routine checkups like these. There are major consequences if you wait to address oral health issues until they get out of control.
In most cases, a dentist and dental hygienist will perform a dental exam. Doctors trained in dentistry are called dentists. Dentists who specialize in oral health care are known as dental hygienists because they are qualified to clean patients’ teeth and teach them good oral hygiene practices. Dental care can be provided to adults and children; however, pediatric dentists are more common. Dentists specializing in pediatric dentistry have undergone additional education and training.
Common dental procedures
General dentists routinely perform five common dental treatments. If a person has dental problems, one of five therapies should be able to fix them.
Expenses
Dental fillings should be used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay. Dental implants can also help restore damaged or fractured teeth.
Dental crowns can be used to restore a tooth that has been badly damaged by disease or accident. Crowns are the only restorative dental treatment that prevents the extraction of damaged teeth. They can also be used to repair minor cosmetic defects.
Extractions
Any decayed tooth that cannot be salvaged will be removed by a regular dentist when it is too late. A dentist will extract an impacted tooth if it cannot break through the gum line. When wisdom teeth refuse to decide whether they want to grow or not, they will also be removed by the dentist.
Mouth implants
Dental implants are the best and most durable option for replacing missing teeth. A small amount of oral surgery is required for dental implant implantation to insert the implant into the patient’s jawbone.
Braces
Aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-clean teeth can be achieved with the help of braces. Bad bites can make it hard to eat or speak, so they are sometimes used to fix those too.
When to Consider a Dental Implant
Most people don’t consider their dental formula and how it affects their facial symmetry. Dental implants can help restore facial symmetry, improve chewing comfort, and allow you to smile more freely when teeth are missing. They can also help you chew food more easily. Dental implants attach prosthetic teeth to the jawbone, replacing missing teeth. It takes several months for new bone to grow around the implant, which holds it in place.
What is the difference between a complete implant and a dental prosthesis or a bridge?
Dental implants can be prohibitively expensive if you need to replace many teeth. You may not be able to follow this therapy if you are having difficulty. Then again, you might be looking for something that isn’t as intrusive.
A dental bridge is an attempt to restore the appearance of a person’s smile. By concealing the difference in appearance caused by missing teeth, dental bridges help people regain their confidence and feel better about themselves.
Traditional bridge surgery can be done in two to three visits to the dentist, making it more efficient and easier for the patient to manage. Unlike dentures, these bridges are not affected by changes in the structure of the mouth.
Dental bridges can prevent damage to existing teeth by ensuring they don’t chip or decay from certain foods. To top it off, they help prevent teeth from slipping in the mouth. Since these bridges distribute forces more evenly in the mouth, chewing and speaking are also improved.
Alternatives to more invasive operations like root canals and crowns, such as dental bridges, can be an attractive option for those with other health conditions. For people who have had extensive bone grafting, bridges are a more viable option than implants.
