How to Maintain a Beautiful Smile

How to Maintain a Beautiful Smile
By Kay Zeeh

Gum disease has a direct correlation to your cardiac health. Seeing your dentist for regular cleanings at least once every six months can stop periodontal disease in its tracks by helping you maintain your gums.

Prevention is the best way to approach to managing your oral health. A balanced diet and proper oral hygiene are paramount to fighting off painful dental problems that can get serious very quickly.

That's why it is so important to see your dentist regularly. Your dentist's goal is to preserve your teeth, which includes your gums and supporting bones. When he sees you at least twice a year he is better able to catch any issues before they become a major problem. He may even put sealants on your teeth or give you a fluoride treatment to keep cavities at bay.

Fortunately in the past decade dentists have found that tooth decay is becoming less of an issue as people become more informed about the importance of oral health. The regular use of fluoride has also helped decrease the rate of decay. However, dentists don't only treat cavities. They also help treat infections, repair breakage and monitor restorative dentistry you have already been fitted with.

A comprehensive dental exam usually includes the following:

- X-rays to detect tooth decay and monitor bone loss

- A tooth exam to check the surface of each individual tooth for decay

- Oral cancer screening to detect early signs of cancer in the mouth

- A restoration exam to decide if crowns, fillings or other dental work should be replaced

Finally, the dentist will perform an evaluation for periodontal disease which is a precursor for heart disease. If the dentist is concerned then he will have the dental hygienist review proper brushing and flossing techniques.

The dental hygienist will then clean your teeth, taking special care to remove all plaque and tartar. Heavy build-up can cause your gums to become inflamed and lead to gum disease. Tartar is hardened plaque that may require special instruments to be removed. Sometimes the hygienist may need to do a scaling and root planing to clear away severe build-up. Your dentist may choose to numb your mouth for this procedure to make sure you are comfortable.

Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the gums and the root planing procedure smooths out rough spots at the root. Once the procedure is completed root pockets in your gums will begin to shrink as their health is restored.

When periodontal disease is diagnosed early then there is a very good chance it can be full reversed. Of course that will require you take better care of your teeth and gums. You may have to visit the dentist for cleaning visits more often. Your dentist will probably also suggest medicated rinses and the purchase of an electric tooth brush.

Your dentist is on your side. See him regularly to ensure that you always have a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile.

The Chandler dentists at Shumway Dental Care will make sure you have a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. Whether you need cosmetic dentistry, bridges or crowns, or just a checkup, their staff will make sure you visit is comfortable. Visit http://www.mychandlerdentists.com

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