Proper oral hygiene is an often-overlooked but important part of a person's dental health, as well as overall health. In general dentistry, routine dental exams are a crucial aspect of oral healthcare that maintains healthy teeth. However, there are many myths surrounding exams.
The following are three of the most common myths about dental exams, as well as the truth behind them.
Many people believe that visits to a dentist are reserved for when there is a problem. This belief, however, is false and can be detrimental to a patient's health. In general dentistry, routine dental exams need to be done twice a year. These exams are used to clean the teeth and gums and check for any possible dental problems. If there are issues, such as cavities, a dentist can catch them early and often before the patient realizes there is a problem. Some dental conditions, such as gum disease, are important to treat as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the teeth and gums. Prevention of serious dental problems can help patients maintain good oral health.
Another common myth about general dentistry is that children do not need to have regular dental exams done because the health of their baby teeth is irrelevant. However, children need to visit the dentist by the time they reach their first birthday. This first visit is crucial to helping children understand dentist visits and to get into a routine of regular visits.
By the time a child is two, the usual recommendation of exams every six months applies. Dental exams are just as important for a child's baby teeth as an adult's permanent teeth. Children need to understand proper oral hygiene to avoid cavities and dental problems and help them maintain this standard of care when they have permanent teeth; this can help to avoid complications later in life. Some dental issues that cause problems for baby teeth can also result in detrimental effects to the permanent teeth when they eventually erupt.
There are some people who believe the myth that X-rays are not a necessary component of dental care. In fact, such imaging is an important part of routine dental exams and should always be done at least once every year or two, even for patients with healthy teeth and gums. X-rays are able to catch potentially serious dental problems that may not be visible on the surface during a routine exam, allowing for treatment to stop any further issues from developing.
When it comes to general dentistry, patients always need to have routine dental exams done every six months. Contrary to some common myths, dental exams are vitally important to maintain proper oral health, as well as to catch any dental problems as they occur and prevent more serious complications from developing.
Request an appointment here: https://mysanjosewillowglendentist.com or call Dental Smiles of Willow Glen at (408) 827-9479 for an appointment in our San Jose office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in San Jose, CA.
General dentists are the go-to dental professional to see when a cavity arises. They are trained and equipped to offer an array of treatment options, all of which restore the tooth so that it can be healthy and strong. Outlined below are a few ways that a general dentist may treat a cavity. Reviewing the following…
In general dentistry, having a tooth extracted can be a lifesaver; however, it can also be quite intimidating to the actual patient. Thankfully, dentistry has improved over the years, which has resulted in better technology and less pain when it comes to extractions and other serious procedures. A common question that arises when discussing tooth extractions…
Cavities often precede far more severe oral health concerns, including the loss of teeth. The good news is that cavities are treatable in the early stages through dental fillings, root canal therapy, and dental crown treatment. However, if left untreated for an extended amount of time, cavities can eventually cause some highly undesirable complications.The primary…
A dental infection is no laughing matter. It is a serious oral issue that can be fatal when left untreated. Dental infections arise from the bacteria that live inside the mouth. When a person has good oral health, bacteria cannot penetrate the teeth and gums.However, when a tooth's structure becomes compromised or gets beneath the…
General dentistry happens to include restoring teeth that are in bad shape or completely missing. Of course, a restoration is meant to bring the tooth back to its original shape, form, and function. However, in some cases, this is not all the way possible, making it necessary to undergo something like a dental bridge placement.…
Dental implants are a great way to replace multiple missing teeth. A dental bridge is also a solution for multiple teeth replacement in many cases as well. By learning more about the pros and cons of each option, it will help you decide which treatment option is right for you. Missing teeth create a cosmetic, functional…