Reasons Why You Should Visit The Dentist Regularly

Not only do dentists treat tooth decay, but they can also treat other parts of your oral health, such as gum disease and plaque buildup. Visiting your dentist in Chatham regularly allows you to detect developing issues, such as tooth decay. Your dentist can also screen for early signs of major illnesses such as oral cancer and other types of oral disease. If you’re unsure about how often you should visit the dentist, Chatham Family Dental has a few convincing reasons you should visit regularly:

• Regular dental checkups can prevent many oral health issues and keep help keep your smile bright
• Regular visits to the dentist can detect problems early and fix them before they become more severe and expensive. 
• Regular checkups can also help you understand what’s wrong with your teeth and how to better take care of them. For example, if you grind your teeth too hard, you may suffer from chronic bad breath, and other conditions caused by poor oral hygiene.

Apart from cleaning your teeth, regular visits to your dentist in Chatham can help detect oral and overall health concerns that you otherwise might not have been aware of. Often, a dentist can detect and treat problems early on, including a small cavity or gum disease. Your dentist can also screen you for symptoms of oral cancer and other major illnesses. This is especially helpful if you have a family history of oral cancer. Regular dental visits can help you avoid getting infected or having your teeth extracted.

Preventing gum disease

Although brushing and flossing at home are great ways to prevent gum disease, regular dental visits are an essential part of the prevention process. Routine visits are crucial for removing plaque that builds up on the teeth and gums and detecting early signs of gum disease. You can also use mouthwash to neutralize bacteria that live around the gum line. Your dentist at Chatham Family Dental will also be able to clean your teeth thoroughly and identify warning signs of gum disease.

If you’re not brushing and flossing your teeth, you’re at a high risk of developing gum disease. Not only can it cause pain when you chew, but it can also make your teeth appear longer than normal. While it may be difficult to prevent gum disease, you can protect yourself by visiting your dentist Chatham families trust for regular checkups. Also, visit your dentist every six months so you can catch the disease early on.

Dentist in Chatham: Detect Early Signs of Oral Cancer

Detecting early signs of oral cancer while visiting your dentist in Chatham regularly can help you avoid the condition entirely. These oral cancers can develop in various locations, including the lips, tongue, gums, hard palate, and neck. Several warning signs can help you identify the early signs of oral cancer. One of the most common symptoms is the appearance of a small lump in the mouth, and seeing a dentist regularly can help you detect and eradicate these concerns before they increase in severity.

Routine dental checkups should include a thorough examination of your mouth. Oral cancer screening involves applying a toluidine blue dye to the tissue of the mouth. The dye becomes darker when it passes over abnormal tissue. Fluorescent light is also used to detect abnormal tissue because it reflects differently from normal tissue. Your dentist in Chatham should be able to detect these early signs of oral cancer with these tools periodically, while the regular maintenance and upkeep of your oral hygiene will lay the preventative groundwork.

Getting Dental X-Rays

Depending on the severity of your dental problem, your dentist may perform more X-rays than you might think. Children, for example, are likely to have thinner tooth enamel than adults, and their jaws and teeth are still developing. For these reasons, they often require more frequent X-rays.

Dental x-rays can be divided into two types: routine and diagnostic. Diagnostic x-rays are necessary for larger dental procedures, such as root canals. Patients undergoing root canal treatment, for example, might need a periapical diagnostic x-ray, which captures the entire tooth from crown to root. Additional x-rays may also be necessary to help your dentist plan your treatment.

Preventing tooth decay

If you are constantly eating sugary food or drink, you may be prone to tooth decay. The bacteria that cause tooth decay continue to move toward the inner tooth material, or pulp. The pulp is the part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. Bacteria cause swelling in the tooth, and if not treated early enough, the pain can be severe enough to reach the bone. The back teeth are most likely to suffer from tooth decay, because of their multiple roots and grooves in addition to their hard-to-reach location. This makes it more difficult to keep clean than the front teeth, so they are especially prone to tooth decay and other oral conditions.

The best way to prevent tooth decay is to avoid eating or drinking sugary or starchy foods. Acidic food and beverages are the leading cause of tooth decay. While they may be sweet and irresistible, these types of foods are not healthy for the teeth. 

It is important to brush and floss multiple times daily and visit your dentist in Chatham regularly to ensure that your teeth remain healthy. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly to ensure that your oral health is in the best possible condition, and for preventative measures to ensure you long-term oral health.

Comprehensive Care: Your Trusted Dentist at Chatham Family Dental

If you’re searching for a dentist, Chatham Family Dental is your go-to if you’re in the Chatham or surrounding region. We do our best to make your dental visit feel like home.

With a personalized touch for every patient that walks through our doors, we are proud to be a part of the Chatham community, providing dentistry with evening hours, Direct Insurance Billing, and a comprehensive range of dental services to keep your and your family’s oral health at the most optimal levels. Give us a call today at (226) 494-0133 to experience the Chatham Family Dental difference!