When was the last time you went to the dentist? From spotting cavities to cleaning your teeth, there are plenty of reasons why it’s important for you to have regular check-ups with your dentist. Having regular check-ups at the dentist is incredibly important, not just for your oral hygiene but your overall health too.
While you might think your dental appointment is limited to these typical checks, there are a whole range of other things a dentist can do. So, here’s five things that your dentist can do – and some might even surprise you.
Paediatric Dentistry
Good oral hygiene habits begin in childhood and help to form a healthy lifestyle when it comes to taking care of your teeth. That’s why it’s important to register your children with a dentist within the first year of their life.
However, did you know that some dentists specialise in paediatric dentistry? Paediatric dentists provide dental care to children, but are particularly effective when it comes to children who suffer from behavioural disorders, extreme anxiety or dental concerns relating to children.
Signs of stress and anxiety
As mentioned previously, regular dental check-ups are beneficial to your overall health in addition to dental concerns. For example, your dentist can spot signs of stress or anxiety through the effects of teeth grinding.
Teeth grinding occurs when a patient consciously or unconsciously grinds their teeth and clenches their jaw. This can cause enamel on the teeth to wear down if it continues over a long period of time, leading to sensitivity or infection. Not only will you receive the right treatment to help prevent grinding, your dentist might also highlight another issue you didn’t even realise was a problem.
Dentists can check for cancer
When completing your routine check-up, one thing you might not know is that your dentist is also looking for signs of cancer. It can be difficult to notice any symptoms of mouth cancer during its initial stages.
However, that’s why it’s important to have regular dental check-ups, particularly smokers, those who chew tobacco or heavy drinkers. During an examination, your dentist may be able to detect symptoms or signs of mouth cancer. Should you feel any concerns over mouth cancer, it’s also possible for your dentist to perform an oral screening to look for the disease.
Cosmetic dentistry
While cosmetic dental treatments are not new, they are becoming a more popular offering amongst dental practices. This is due to an increase in demand, as more people look to improve the appearance of their teeth.
Treatments can include teeth whitening, veneers and teeth bonding. Even braces have expanded, with more alternative solutions available to the traditional metal brace!
Periodontists
Periodontists are dentists who specialise in the supporting structures of the teeth as well as the prevention and treatment of diseases that affect them. Periodontists tend to practice on more severe or complex cases of periodontal disease, due to their expertise.
If you’re looking for a periodontist, Ten Dental, a Dentist located in Balham, London, offer this specialist branch of dental care. Their periodontal therapy helps to treat and prevent gum disease, to get your oral hygiene back to good health.
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