There are numerous justifications for having regular dental checkups. These include the prevention of oral cancer and the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. In addition, a thorough examination of the neck, jaw, and lymph nodes can help to identify abnormalities, including tooth decay and dry mouth. You should make sure that everyone in your family becomes familiarised with dental procedures and dentists at a young age by regularly taking them to a specialised kids ortho before graduating them to an adult dentist when the time is right. This can hopefully prevent your children from developing a fear of dentists and can ensure they are well aware of the importance of keeping their teeth clean and healthy. Here are five reasons you and your children should have regular dentist checkups:
Gum disease
When it comes to maintaining good oral health, The wisest course of action is to visit the pediatric dentist for checkups regularly. They can help you catch minor problems before they become bigger ones.
A dental checkup includes thoroughly examining your teeth, gums, and mouth. It helps the dentist detect cavities, bad gums, and other abnormalities lurking in your mouth. The dentist will also take x-rays to assess the health of your jaw.
If your dentist notices any problems with your teeth, they can recommend treatment. Treatment may include surgery, medication, or even deep cleaning.
Tooth decay
One of the most prevalent dental issues is tooth rotting. It is caused by the presence of bacteria that feed on sugar. These bacteria create a sticky film on the teeth known as plaque. This film contains acids that dissolve tooth enamel.
During a dental cleaning, the dentist removes any buildup of plaque. They will also look for any abnormalities that could cause concern. The dentist will repair the affected tooth using a filling or other material if a cavity is found.
A cavity that is not addressed can lead to reaching the pulp of the tooth. The pulp contains blood and nerves. Advanced tooth decay can be painful and lead to infection. Eventually, the tooth will need to be extracted.
Oral Aridity
The condition known as “dry mouth” is marked by little or no saliva in the mouth. It causes the teeth to become weak, and tooth decay and gum disease are possible outcomes. If left untreated, the mouth can also become sore and painful.
Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to treat your dry mouth. A few of these tips include drinking plenty of water and flossing your teeth regularly. You can also chew sugar-free gum to promote saliva flow.
It would be best if you also talked to your dentist about caring for your teeth and gums. They can provide you with cavity-prevention rinse and information on how to use fluoride treatments.
Your doctor may also prescribe medication that stimulates saliva production. If this does not work, your dentist will likely recommend a more effective solution.
Neck, jaw, and lymph nodes for abnormalities
Regular dental checkups for the neck, jaw, and lymph nodes are essential to identify signs of cancer before they become serious. The dentist is trained to look for abnormalities during a regular dental examination. If they are discovered, the dentist recommends you see a medical professional for further evaluation.
If the doctor thinks you have cancer, they could request a biopsy. A little piece of tissue is removed with a needle in certain biopsies. Some people need surgery to have a suspicious bulge removed.
Lymph node swelling is a precursor to cancer. These nodes can enlarge and persist for months or years and can be associated with physical pain.
During the routine examination, the dentist will examine the back of the throat, the roof of the mouth, and the insides of the lips and cheeks. They will also feel the insides of the jaw and neck. A proper examination will take less than five minutes.
Prevent oral cancer
To prevent oral cancer, you must schedule regular dental checkups. The initial symptoms of the disease can be discovered using this method. Detecting it early will reduce your chances of spreading and causing severe health issues.
The American Academy of Maxillofacial and Dental Surgeons (AAOMS) has created an oral cancer information page to help you learn more about the condition. It explains what oral cancer is, what to look for, and how it can be treated.
Your dentist will perform an oral cancer screening throughout a standard dental examination. They will examine your tongue, teeth, lips, gums, and throat. When they detect suspicious tissue, they will refer you to a doctor specializing in mouth cancers.
