Dentistry encompasses the identification, therapy, and prevention of dental, gum, oral, and jaw-related conditions, disorders, and diseases. It is widely recognized as an essential component of overall oral well-being, with potential implications for your overall bodily health.
A dentist is a specialist who works to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Your dentist has completed at least eight years of schooling, and received either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree, or a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. If your doctor is a pediatric dentist, this means that they specialize in caring for children from infancy through their teen years. Your dentist has received the proper education and training needed to work with young kids. Other specializations include:
Regular visits to the dentist are essential for maintaining not only oral health but overall well-being. Dental care plays a crucial role in:
- Preventing tooth decay
- Protecting against gum disease, which can result in tooth and bone loss
- Eliminating bad breath by reducing the presence of bacteria in the mouth through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups
- Enhancing your smile and boosting self-confidence
- Preserving the brightness of your teeth by preventing staining from food, beverages, and tobacco
- Strengthening your teeth, ensuring a lifetime of healthy and beautiful smiles!
Your teeth may feel fine, but it’s still important to see the dentist regularly because problems can exist without you knowing. Your smile’s appearance is important, and your dentist can help keep your smile healthy and looking beautiful. With so many advances in dentistry, you no longer have to settle for stained, chipped, missing, or misshapen teeth. Today’s dentists offer many treatment choices that can help you smile with confidence, including:
When choosing a dentist for you and your family, it is important to find someone who you feel comfortable with. It may be helpful to consider multiple dentists before making a final decision. During your initial visit, you can assess whether the dentist is the right fit for you. Here are some factors to consider:
- Convenience of the appointment schedule
- Proximity and accessibility of the office
- Cleanliness and organization of the office
- Recording of your medical and dental history in a permanent file
- Explanation of techniques for maintaining good oral health
- Presentation of cost information before scheduling treatment
- Membership in the ADA (American Dental Association)
Choosing a dentist who “clicks” with you and your family is important, and you may wish to consider several dentists before making your final decision. During your first visit, you should be able to determine whether the dentist is right for you. During your appointment, consider the following:
- ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth at least two times a day, and floss at least once!
- Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities.
- Avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities) and avoid tobacco (this can stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and eventually lead to oral cancer).
- Don’t be afraid to brush your tongue! By brushing your tongue, you will remove food particles and reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria. Tongue brushing also helps keep your breath fresh.
- Be sure to schedule your routine checkup. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children first see a dentist as early as six-months-old and no later than one-year-old. During this time, your child’s baby teeth will be coming in and your dentist can examine the health of your child’s first few teeth. After the first visit, be sure to schedule regular checkups every six months.
Children, teens, and adults should all see the dentist for a regular checkup at least once every six months. Patients who are at a greater risk for oral cancer or gum disease may be required to see the dentist more than just twice a year. You doctor will help determine how often you should visit the dentist for regular checkups.
A cavity is a small hole that forms inside the tooth because of tooth decay. Cavities are formed when plaque buildup on the outside of the tooth combines with sugars and starches in the food you eat. This produces an acid that can eat away the enamel on your tooth. If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to more serious oral health problems. Cavities can be prevented by remembering to brush your teeth at least two times a day and floss between teeth at least once.
A filling is a synthetic material that your dentist uses to fill a cavity after all of the tooth decay has been removed. Fillings do not generally hurt because your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. Fillings are made from a variety of different materials, including composites, gold, or ceramic. If you need a filling, be sure to talk to your doctor about what type is best for you and your teeth.
According to both your dentist and the American Dental Association, it is advised to brush your teeth a minimum of two times daily. Brushing is essential for maintaining clean and healthy teeth, gums, and mouth as it eliminates plaque, which is responsible for bacterial growth. It is recommended to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste while brushing. Allocating at least one minute for the upper teeth and another minute for the lower teeth is recommended. Additionally, don't forget to brush your tongue as it contributes to freshening your breath.
According to both your dentist and the American Dental Association, it is advised to brush your teeth a minimum of two times daily. Brushing is essential for maintaining clean and healthy teeth, gums, and mouth as it eliminates plaque, which is responsible for bacterial growth. It is recommended to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste while brushing. Allocating at least one minute for the upper teeth and another minute for the lower teeth is recommended. Additionally, don't forget to brush your tongue as it contributes to freshening your breath.
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is mostly caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that is not treated in its early stage. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, teeth grinding, some medications, and genetics. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease, and, if detected, is treatable. Gingivitis left untreated may turn into gum disease. Advanced gum disease will lead to tooth and bone loss, and is a permanent condition. Brushing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist every six months will help prevent gingivitis and more severe cases of periodontal disease. Common signs of gum disease:
- Gums that are red, irritated, bleeding, or swollen
- Persistent bad breath
- Teeth that are loose or have been lost
- Severe tooth sensitivity
- Gum line that is receding
- Teeth that are abscessed
Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.
Simply call our practice! The Gulfside Dental and Orthodontics front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next dental checkup at your convenience. If you are a new patient, please let us know and we will provide you with all the information you need for your first dental visit.
