Visiting the Dentist in Chicago, IL on a regular basis is a great way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. These visits can help you prevent problems such as chronic bad breath, gum disease, and oral cancer. They can also help you maintain healthy smiles.
Cavities
Getting regular dental check-ups and cleanings can prevent cavities and other oral health problems from occurring. X-rays are often taken at these appointments to look at underlying bone. These images may also reveal hidden issues.
While a dental x-ray is not always necessary, it can be helpful for establishing a new patient file and tracking changes in your mouth. A dental hygienist will usually give you more specific instructions on how to care for your teeth at home.
Having a regular dental checkup can also be beneficial for catching diseases early on. Oral cancer, for example, is a dangerous disease that can be life threatening. A regular oral exam can help you detect it before it becomes an expensive and painful problem.
During the oral examination, your dentist will look for signs of cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. They will also test your teeth for bite misalignment and other oral health problems.
Gum disease
Visiting the dentist for regular dental check-ups and cleanings is important for preventing gum disease. Although most people may not be aware of their own oral health, your hygienist can spot the early signs of gum disease.
The dentist checks your teeth and gums for cavities, tooth decay, and loose fillings. He will also examine your medical history to see if you are at risk for developing any oral health conditions.
Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that affects millions of Americans. It is caused by poor oral hygiene. It can lead to bleeding and swollen gums, pain, and tooth loss. Fortunately, it is treatable. However, the severity of the problem will determine the type of treatment you will need.
A common cause of gum disease is the buildup of plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that forms on the teeth. It can become calculus, a hard mineral deposit, if it is not removed. Without professional assistance, calculus is very difficult to remove. It can also damage your gums, leading to gum recession and the formation of pockets between your teeth and gums.
Infection
Having regular dental check-ups and cleanings for infection can help prevent serious problems down the road. This may include gum disease, tooth decay, and more. In addition to improving your teeth, it can also save you time and money in the dentist’s office.
A dental exam consists of several steps, from an examination of the teeth to a test of the bite. The dentist will examine the jaw and teeth for signs of infection, such as swelling and redness. He or she will then check for other issues, such as cavities.
During a dental cleaning, the dentist will remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. This can prevent gingivitis from forming and tooth decay.
Dental x-rays will show any cavities or broken teeth. In addition to the standard X-rays, a dentist may recommend digital X-rays, which use 90% less radiation than conventional X-rays.
Oral cancer
Visiting your dentist for regular dental check-ups and cleanings is one of the best ways to detect oral cancer early. Dentists are trained to spot signs of the disease. In addition to screening for cavities, they also look for abnormalities in the mouth and throat. Some dentists may also recommend a biopsy for a more thorough assessment of a patient’s mouth.
If your dentist notices an abnormal area in your mouth or throat, they will ask you to come back in a few days. They will examine your gums, mouth, lips, and tongue. In addition to checking for abnormal growths, they may shine a light in your mouth and rinse your mouth with a special blue dye.
If your dentist finds an area that appears suspicious, they will refer you to a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating oral and pharyngeal cancer. They may perform a biopsy, which removes the suspicious cells for laboratory testing.
Chronic bad breath
Often, bad breath is caused by the build-up of plaque. Keeping your teeth clean will help prevent many problems that lead to bad breath.
Using a tongue scraper will help remove bacteria that cause bad breath. A dental team will show you how to properly clean your tongue. They can also show you the best way to clean hard to reach areas.
If the problem is gum disease, you may need to see a periodontist. During a periodontal cleaning, the dentist will remove plaque and tartar. This helps eliminate the build-up of bacteria and can prevent a serious oral health problem.
Regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings are essential to maintaining good oral health. These steps can also improve an offensive-smelling mouth odor.
There are several causes of chronic bad breath, including a number of different illnesses. These can include diabetes, kidney problems, bronchitis, and sinusitis.