Why do you visit a dental professional? You might need a routine checkup or a treatment for a toothache. If you look at dental health in general, you will see that it is a large industry. Nearly everyone has a mouth with teeth, gums and tongues. We all need some type of oral care. What is dental health care and what does it mean for you?
What is Dental Health Care?
Dental health is the health of your mouth, including your teeth, gums and tongue. It can also refer to your overall health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to poor health. This can indicate your overall health. There are three main categories of dental health care. These are:
Preventive Dental Care
Routine checkups at the dentist are an important part of your oral health routine. A routine dental visit will typically include both the dentist as well as the dental hygienist. Rancho Cucamonga Dental professionals will conduct a variety of examinations to evaluate the health of your mouth and look for signs of decay, or gum disease .
These conditions, if left untreated, can cause pain, tooth loss and gum recession as well as bone loss. You can avoid pain and discomfort by visiting your dentist regularly.
Routine exams can include the use of dental hygiene instruments to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your gums and teeth.
Your situation may require your dentist to take X-rays and apply sealants. They may also recommend products for your family.
Your dental health will determine the frequency of your dental hygiene appointments and oral exams. However, it is recommended that you schedule them at least twice annually.
Restorative Dental Care
You might need to have restorative treatment even if you take all the preventive measures. Restorative dentistry refers to any procedure that corrects a problem with your teeth or gums. These issues can be severe, ranging from small cavities to serious periodontitis. The treatments for these conditions vary. Most dental problems involve a decayed, missing, broken, or impacted tooth.
Your dentist is the first person you should see if your mouth hurts or you have a problem. Your dentist will either fix the problem or refer to a specialist depending on your situation. Here are some examples of restorative treatment options:
- Fillings
- Crowns and Bridges
- Root Canals
- Implants
- Gum Reshaping
- Partials and dentures
Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental health care can improve your smile’s appearance, as well as your oral health. People with missing, crooked or crowded teeth may seek treatment to improve their smile. Prosthodontists and orthodontists can improve your smile with therapeutic options such as braces.
Some people are looking for a brighter smile. Dental health care may be an option to brighten your smile with whitening treatment. These treatments can be done at your local Rancho Cucamonga Dentist or at your home.
What does your age mean for dental care?
Your age will determine what dental health care is for you. As your body changes, so does your smile. Our dental care needs can change from the moment we have our first tooth, to the time we reach middle age. Let’s look at the main stages of dental care so that you feel more confident caring for your family.
From birth to kindergarten
Support your baby’s oral health even before they have their first teeth. After every meal, wipe their gums with a moist gauze or cloth. At six months old, the baby’s first teeth will appear. This is when tooth decay can occur. It is important to keep your baby’s gums clean.
Your baby can be cleaned with a small toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste. You can begin using a small amount of fluoride toothpaste after age 2. If your child will allow you to floss between their teeth, you can also floss between them if you notice that two or more of their teeth are touching.
Your child should schedule their first visit to the dentist after their first tooth is visible or before their first birthday.
The appointment is a great opportunity to discuss home care concerns, fluoride recommendations and thumb-sucking with your dentist.
Elementary School Years
When their permanent teeth erupt, children lose their baby teeth around age six or five. They typically have all of their permanent teeth by the age of 12 or 13. Although every child is unique, many children will not be able to brush their teeth independently until they are eight or ten years of age. It is possible to make it a priority for your child to assist them with their daily oral care .
Regular visits to the dentist should be made by your child for hygiene and checkups. A dental professional will examine your child’s teeth and recommend fluoride treatments in the office. They may also show them basic flossing techniques.
Teenage years
You’ll be able to adhere to all of the diet and hygiene recommendations you encouraged once you make it to the teenage. Keep reminding your child to floss and brush. Braces can cause your child to be frustrated by restrictions on their diet or difficulties with flossing.
Remind them of how confident they’ll feel when the braces are removed and that this temporary sacrifice will have a lasting positive impact.
College and Beyond
Your teamwork will ensure that your child leaves high school with healthy teeth and good oral hygiene habits.
For thorough evaluations, make sure to schedule a routine and hygiene appointment before they leave. At this point, Wisdom teeth begin to erupt. If these teeth are severely impacted, the dentist may recommend their removal.
Adulthood
Despite the fact that you may no longer be as cavity-prone in your later years, preventative and regular care are essential to your oral health.
As you get older, your risk of developing periodontal disease or oral cancer increases. Regular exams are a good idea if you have had any previous restorative work. This will ensure that your fillings and crowns, as well as implants, are still in good condition.
Senior Adults
Your teeth and gums can become less healthy over time. Older adults have unique oral care needs.
You should take care of your teeth, even if you have partial or full dentures. Follow all instructions from your dentist to maintain your dentures. Visit the dentist frequently to check for signs of wear and damage.
Preventive maintenance is essential for your oral health, no matter what your age. You can schedule regular appointments for dental hygiene and checkups at your local dentist.
Rancho Cucamonga Dental professionals will closely monitor your oral health, and can treat any problems before they become more severe. Find out what you should look for in a general dental practitioner and schedule an appointment today if you are overdue for a checkup.