Proper dental care is critical to your overall health and requires consistency. In addition to good oral hygiene practices, regular dental appointments with your dentist are paramount. The American Dental Association recommends at least two dental visits yearly to reap the maximum benefits of seeing your dentist.

If you are susceptible to dental health issues caused by smoking, genetic abnormalities, or inadequate oral hygiene, you should schedule regular visits. During these visits, your dentist examines your teeth, gums, and oral cavity for diseases.

Early identification of problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer allows for corrective procedures before they worsen. Your dentist can recommend additional procedures to help restore and maintain good oral health. Consult with an experienced dentist for ultimate oral health care, among other reasons, including:

Oral Cancer Detection

Oral cancer affects the tissues in your mouth and throat. According to the National Cancer Institute, up to 434,915 people are living with oral cancer in the United States. There are different types of oral cancer, including jaw cancer, lip cancer, and throat cancer, among others.

When left untreated, oral cancer can cause many complications, including difficulty swallowing, difficulty speaking, and tooth loss. Making regular dental appointments could help in identifying the following oral cancer symptoms:

  • Sore the mouth and lips
  • Bleeding on the mouth lining that does not heal in two weeks
  • Rough or crusty spots in the mouth
  • Difficulty chewing, speaking, and swallowing
  • Chronic bad breath

When the onset of oral cancer is detected early, you can undergo the necessary treatment to avoid the progression of the condition and additional oral health complications.

Detection and Treatment of the Early Signs of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is damage to teeth caused by bacteria that accumulate from leftover food particles in the mouth. When left untreated, tooth decay causes pain, sensitivity, and loss. Treating or reversing tooth decay may be possible when the condition is detected early.

Tooth decay progresses in the following stages:

  • Initial demineralization. Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in the body, comprising minerals that strengthen it. When the tooth enamel is exposed to acids produced by bacteria, it loses minerals, forming white spots.
  • Enamel decay. If tooth decay is not treated, the enamel will break down, forming holes around the surface.
  • Dentin decay. Dentin is the tissue under the enamel and is more sensitive to acid. Tooth decay and damage progress faster when the dentin is exposed.
  • Pulp damage. The pulp is the tooth's innermost layer, containing blood vessels and nerves. When an infection reaches the pulp, pain and sensitivity may occur.
  • This is the final stage of tooth decay, characterized by pain radiating into the jaw. When left untreated, a dental abscess can cause infection to the neck and head.

Depending on the stage at which the decay is detected, your dentist will recommend appropriate treatment.

Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is the infection and inflammation of your gums and bones that support your teeth. Gum disease could result from poor oral hygiene, immune suppression, and genetics. According to the National Institute of Craniofacial Research, two in five adults in the United States suffer from gum disease.

Gum disease develops in four main stages, including:

  • This is the first stage of the condition, characterized by redness and bleeding of the gums when you brush. At this stage, you cannot easily detect the condition.
  • Mild periodontitis. At this stage, the bacteria seep below your gums, causing them to recede and creating pockets that can be filled with bacteria.
  • Moderate periodontitis. When left untreated, bacteria on the gums and teeth can erode the soft tissues, ligaments, and bones that support the teeth.
  • Advanced periodontitis. As the gum disease progresses, bone loss continues, resulting in tooth loosening and loss.

The first two stages of gum disease could be reversed to prevent them from progressing. However, most people only realize they have the condition once it is too late. This can make it challenging to avoid complications and save your teeth. When you make it a habit to go for dental check-ups regularly, your dentist can detect the following signs of gum disease and ensure early treatment:

  • Redness and swelling of the gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Pain when chewing
  • An unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Gum recession
  • Change in the way your teeth fit

For Professional Dental Cleaning

Even with regular brushing and flossing, tartar and plaque can accumulate on teeth and gums. Plaque is a hard-to-remove, sticky layer of germs that forms on the surface of teeth. Your dentist can check for plaque on your teeth and gums during routine checkups and suggest a professional cleaning. The following steps are involved in the process of having your teeth professionally cleaned:

  • Physical examination. Your dentist may notice the accumulation of plaque and tartar at your regular dental checkups. The dentist will then recommend you to a dental hygienist for further assessments to determine the presence of other dental complications. If you have significant issues, like gum inflammation or tooth decay, you may need to treat them before cleaning.
  • Plaque and tartar removal. The dental hygienist will use a scalar to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums.
  • Gritty toothpaste cleaning. When your teeth are plaque-free, the hygienist will brush them with a high-powered electric toothbrush. This helps remove the tartar left behind by the scaler.
  • Expert flossing. Your dental hygienist will go deep between your teeth using the floss to remove leftover plaque.
  • The final step in professional teeth cleaning is rinsing your mouth with liquid fluoride.

The benefits of professional teeth cleaning include:

  • Early detection of dental problems. During the dental cleaning, your dentist can examine your teeth and order an x-ray to help detect early signs of dental complications.
  • Preventing gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria accumulation on the teeth and gums. Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque beneath your gums and reduces your risk of gum disease.
  • Preventing bad breath. Halitosis, or bad breath, is caused by plaque accumulation on teeth and gums or an underlying health condition. If your condition results from plaque, it can be solved through dental cleaning.
  • Avoiding oral infections. Plaque, the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth that forms plaque, could result in oral infections when left on the teeth for prolonged periods. Therefore, removing plaque during professional teeth cleaning can improve oral health and prevent diseases.

Education on Good Oral Hygiene and Practices

Good oral hygiene is essential to ensuring a healthy mouth and gums. Starting routine dental checkups for your child when their first tooth erupts is vital to ensuring proper oral health. The dentist will provide age-appropriate guidance on oral care and hygiene practices as the child grows.

This helps the child develop a good habit of following the hygiene tips they receive, which can follow them into adulthood. Individuals who begin dental visits early on are less likely to develop cavities.

Standard oral hygiene practices that the dentist can teach during these dental visits include:

  • Brushing teeth twice daily using fluoridated toothpaste. Brushing your teeth regularly helps to sweep out bacteria and plaque from your mouth before they stick to your teeth and gums.
  • Using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Using a toothbrush with soft bristles ensures that you do not cause injury to your gums.
  • Brushing your teeth in circular motions.
  • Flossing your teeth at least once each day. This removes food particles in places that are hard to reach using a toothbrush by flossing.
  • Brush your tongue. Your tongue holds bacteria like a sponge. Therefore, you should not forget to clean it after brushing your teeth.
  • Rinsing your mouth with water after consuming acidic foods and drinks.

Check for Complications with Dental Restorations

Many people ignore follow-up checks after dental procedures like dental implants, the placement of dentures, crowns, bridges, and fillings. Unfortunately, these treatments could present a variety of complications that you may overlook in your daily oral hygiene and care. Common complications that could arise with your dental procedures include:

  • Implant failure. You could suffer from dental implant failure when the bone fails to heal after a graft or the implant does not fuse correctly into the jawbone.
  • During procedures like dental implant treatment, infections can occur at the implant location. This could affect the healing process and cause severe pain.
  • Nerve damage. Nerve damage is a common complication associated with crowns and dental implants.
  • Bite problems. Improperly fitted bridges could disrupt your bite, causing discomfort and pain when you chew. When this issue is not addressed, it can cause jaw damage.
  • Damage to natural teeth. Some dental procedures, like dentures and crowns, require the support of natural teeth to work effectively. Unfortunately, improper fitting of these restorations could damage the natural teeth.

Most of these complications will affect the effectiveness of the restorative procedures. During regular visits, your dentist can detect issues with your crowns, implants, dentures, and other restorations and offer treatment for potential complications.

To Discuss Teeth Whitening

Tooth discoloration is a common complication among Americans. Having stained or discolored teeth can be a source of embarrassment and lower self-esteem. Staining on your teeth could be a result of a wide variety of factors, including:

  • Poor dental hygiene. Failure to brush and floss your teeth daily is a major contributor to tooth staining and discoloration. When you don’t brush your teeth, bacteria and food particles will stick around the tooth enamel, causing stains.
  • Tobacco use. When it comes to oral hygiene and health, tobacco users are always at a disadvantage. Smoking causes a variety of dental issues, including bad breath, yellowing of the tooth enamel, and gum disease.
  • Colored foods and beverages. Tea, coffee, soda, and wine can cause teeth to discolor. This is due to their acidity and deep color. Any food or drink that could stain your clothes will stain your teeth, regardless of its benefits to your body.
  • Certain illnesses. Some medical conditions can affect the tooth enamel, causing it to change color. These conditions could include celiac disease, liver disease, and calcium deficiency.
  • Drugs like antihistamines, antibiotics, and antidepressants could shift the color of tooth enamel.
  • Physical damage to your tooth caused by trauma can lead to discoloration.

Most people try to address tooth discoloration through over-the-counter medications. However, excessive whitening with over-the-counter chemicals can damage tooth enamel, resulting in more severe complications. When you visit your dentist, they can detect the discoloration, determine the exact cause of the condition, and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Professional teeth whitening is a procedure you can undergo during your regular dental visits. This procedure uses hydrogen peroxide and UV light to activate the whitening components. In-office teeth whitening is the safest and most efficient way to address tooth discoloration and restore the shine and color of your teeth.

Curtail Harmful Habits

Your lifestyle and habits can have a significant impact on your oral health. Numerous habits could damage your teeth and gums and cause severe oral health complications, including:

  • Aggressive brushing. Brushing your teeth hard can cause injury to the gums, leading to more severe complications like bleeding gums.
  • Biting your nails. According to the National Institute of Health, biting your nails causes injuries due to excessive pressure and abnormal jaw positioning.
  • Chewing ice. Many people chew ice to cool their mouths or for fun. However, this habit can result in severe damage to tooth enamel.
  • Teeth grinding and clenching are subconscious habits that can damage teeth, cause jaw pain, and restrict jaw movement. The ADA recommends relaxation exercises and teeth protection using a mouth guard.
  • All tobacco products are harmful to your teeth and gums. Whether you smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco, you are at an increased risk of complications like gum disease, dry mouth, and bad breath.
  • Eating sugary foods and drinks. Sugar creates a conducive environment for bacteria to multiply. The bacteria produce acids that cause infection in the gums and damage the tooth enamel.

Most people do not realize that their lifestyle and habits harm oral health. For habits like teeth grinding, you may only realize that you have the problem once the dentist notices the damage to your teeth. Visiting your dentist ensures you receive the guidance you need to quit your bad habits and adopt healthier ones.

Treatment of Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is the pain and discomfort you experience in your teeth after exposure to cold, hot, or sweet foods and drinks. Often, the condition results from the loss of the protective layer of the dentin, which exposes the tooth nerves to outside conditions.

Tooth sensitivity could be temporary or permanent, depending on the underlying cause. You may be tempted to ignore the issue or use over-the-counter remedies whose effectiveness is short-lived. Visiting your dentist could help detect the underlying cause of your tooth sensitivity and recommend the appropriate treatment under each circumstance.

Common causes of tooth sensitivity could include:

  • Gum disease. Periodontal gum disease provokes gum inflammation and recession. This could expose the root cause of sensitivity.
  • Frequent use of whitening products. Teeth-whitening chemicals erode the tooth enamel over time, which can result in exposure to dentin and sensitivity.
  • Teeth grinding or bruxism causes excess pressure on the tooth enamel, which could damage it. This leaves the dentin less protected, and your teeth could experience sensitivity.
  • Cracked or chipped teeth. A chip or crack in a tooth could allow bacteria to enter the tooth's dentin, causing pain and sensitivity.
  • Invasive dental procedures. Dental procedures like crown placement and fillings could provoke a tooth's sensitivity.

Depending on the underlying cause of sensitivity, your dentist will recommend the following treatment options:

  • Gum graft. If tooth sensitivity stems from the loss of gum tissues, your dentist can recommend a gum graft to protect the exposed tooth.
  • Desensitizing toothpaste. The dentist can recommend that you use desensitizing toothpaste or mouthwash to reduce the pain and discomfort.
  • Dental sealants. Sometimes, the exposed tooth surfaces could be covered by sealants for protection from extreme temperatures.

Find a Reliable Dentist Near Me

You should not only make appointments with your dentist when you have dental complications that must be addressed. Some oral health issues will not start to cause problems until they have progressed and caused severe damage to your teeth and gums.

For dental health, prevention is better than a need for a cure. This is because most dental procedures are costly and painful. Scheduling an appointment with your dentist at least twice a year could help detect the onset of different conditions and address them before they morph into something more serious.

During these appointments, you can discuss your youth oral health journey with your dentist and receive advice on proper dental care to avoid common dental diseases. Your choice of dentist is critical to ensuring good oral health. At Beach Dental Care Anaheim, we offer expert dental services for our clients throughout Anaheim, CA. We aim to ensure you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile free of dental disease. Contact us at 714-995-4000 to schedule an appointment.