Whether you have a fear of the dentist or not, there are many reasons why you should visit your dentist regularly. Getting regular Dentist Fountain Valley dental checkups can help prevent periodontal disease, oral cancer, and other problems that can arise.
Checking for signs of oral cancer
Visiting the dentist regularly is a great way to detect oral cancer before it progresses. The dentist will check for cavities and gum problems, as well as signs of oral cancer.
In addition, they may use a fluorescent light to identify areas of abnormal tissue. They may also use a magnifying mirror to show patients the inside of their mouth.
There are many oral cancer signs, but the best way to avoid the disease is to prevent it. Eating fruits and vegetables and staying away from smoking, alcohol, and long periods of sun exposure are great ways to lower your risk.
When you have a family history of oral cancer, it’s a good idea to see your dentist regularly. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to catch it in the early stages.
You can also test yourself for oral cancer, by examining your mouth and tongue. In particular, you’ll want to look for any changes in bite or changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down.
Checking for abnormalities in your neck, jaw, and lymph nodes
Depending on the cause, swollen lymph nodes can cause pain. They can hurt when you chew, eat, or make sudden movements. It’s important to see a doctor for an evaluation.
The lymphatic system is part of your immune system. It’s a network of vessels and organs that filter out invading germs and dead cells. Lymph is a clear fluid that carries infection-fighting white blood cells.
If your lymph nodes are enlarged, your doctor will want to examine them. If they’re painful, they may indicate a serious disorder. The pain may be caused by an infection or cancer. The lymph nodes can also drain pus and other substances. A doctor may order blood tests, MRIs, and other tests to determine the cause.
The lymph nodes are small, round clusters of cells. They are found in various parts of the body. Some areas are more common than others.
The lymph nodes in your neck, jaw, and arms are part of the lymphatic system. They play a crucial role in the immune system. Lymph is a fluid that contains white blood cells and other waste products from your cells. They also trap bacteria and cancer cells.
Preventing periodontal disease
Seeing your dentist regularly is the best way to prevent periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is not always painful, but it can be very damaging to your gums and teeth.
Periodontal disease can cause loose teeth and infected pockets in your gums. Infected pockets can collect more bacteria and cause inflammation. Eventually, the infected pockets will fill with plaque and calculus, which can be very painful.
If you are experiencing gum recession, you may need a tooth extraction. The dentist can evaluate your gums and teeth for signs of periodontal disease and may recommend a regimen for prevention.
If you have periodontal disease, it is important to brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Brushing at least twice a day will remove a lot of plaque. You may also want to consider using a special toothbrush for periodontal disease.
Flossing is also important to remove plaque from between your teeth. The bacteria that cause periodontal disease can be passed through saliva and into your airways.
Getting X-rays
Getting X-rays at your dentist regularly is important to help detect problems early. This can save you from discomfort, and also save money in the long run.
Your dentist will determine the frequency of your X-rays based on your risk for oral disease. If you’re not at risk for disease, you may only need x-rays every couple of years.
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease or tooth decay, you may need more frequent x-rays. This is because of the increased risk for developing dental disease. You may also be at risk if you’ve had a lot of tooth decay in the past.
You may also need additional x-rays to plan for treatment, such as implants. These are called diagnostic x-rays and differ from routine x-rays.
The amount of radiation you receive from your x-rays is relatively small. In fact, it’s only a fraction of the radiation you receive from natural sources. But that’s still enough to potentially damage your genetic material.