A dentist is a professional who deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of issues with oral health. Your dentist has a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree and has attended school for at least eight years. If your doctor is a pediatric dentist, this denotes that he or she has chosen to focus on providing care for kids from infancy through adolescence. A pediatric dentist has the knowledge and experience necessary to treat young children. Other areas of expertise include:

• Endodontics (root canals specialist)
• Oral and maxillofacial (including pathology, radiology, and surgery)
• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
• Periodontics (gum disease)
• Prosthodontics (implants)
• Oral Medicine Specialist (Oral Disease diagnosis, treatment and management)
• Pedodontist (Kids Dentist)

Dentistry deals with the identification, mitigation, and prevention of problems with the teeth, gums, mouth, and jaw. Dentistry can have an effect on your overall health and is frequently thought to be important for full oral health.

Regular dental visits will not only assist maintain the health of your mouth and teeth but also the overall wellness of your body. Dental hygiene is crucial since it:

• Reduces the risk of dental decay
• Guards against periodontal (gum) disease, which can result in the loss of teeth and bone
• Prevents bad breath: Regular dental visits, flossing, and brushing will help minimize the quantity of germs in your mouth that contributes to bad breath.
• Enhances your self-confidence and enables you to smile more attractively.
• Keeps teeth appearing bright by preventing food, drink, and smoke from staining them.
• Strengthens your teeth so you can have a lifetime of gorgeous, healthy smiles!

Even if your teeth may feel fine, it’s still crucial to visit the dentist frequently since issues sometimes develop without your knowledge. Your dentist can assist you in maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile. Your smile’s appearance is vital. You no longer have to put up with stained, chipped, missing, or deformed teeth thanks to advancements in dentistry. Dentists today provide a variety of procedures that will help you smile with assurance, including:

• Professional whitening of teeth
• Artificial fillings that resemble actual teeth
• Complete smile makeovers and tooth replacement

Prior to making your final pick, you might want to consider a few dentists to find one who “clicks” with you and your family. You need to be able to decide whether the dentist is a good fit for you during your initial appointment. During your appointment, take these things into account:

• Is the appointment time slot practical?
• Is the office accessible and nearby?
• Does it seem like the office is tidy and organized?
• Has a permanent record of your medical and dental history been created?
• Does the dentist go over how to maintain good dental health?
• Do you receive a cost estimate before your appointment for treatment?

• ALWAYS keep in mind to brush your teeth at least twice daily and to floss once.
• Use fluoride-containing toothpaste, and ask your dentist if a fluoride rinse is necessary. Cavities will be reduced as a result.
• Avoid eating a lot of sugary foods (sugar encourages the growth of bacteria in your mouth that can lead to cavities and increased plaque) and quitting smoking (this can stain your teeth, cause gum disease, and eventually lead to oral cancer).
• Be confident when cleaning your tongue! By cleaning your tongue, you can get rid of food residue and lessen the quantity of bacteria that cause plaque. Additionally, tongue-brushing contributes to fresh breath.
• Schedule your regular checkup as soon as possible. It is recommended that you visit the dentist every six months.

Children should see a dentist for the first time no later than six months of age, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Your child’s baby teeth will be coming in at this time, and your dentist can check the condition of the baby teeth. After the initial visit, make sure to plan follow-up appointments every six months.

Everyone should visit the dentist for a routine examination at least once every six months, including kids, teenagers, and adults. Patients who are more likely to develop gum disease or oral cancer may need to visit the dentist more frequently than merely twice a year. How frequently you should go to the dentist for routine checks will be decided in part by your doctor.

Small holes called cavities develop inside teeth as a result of tooth decay. Plaque accumulation on the tooth’s surface mixes with the sugars and carbohydrates in meals to cause cavities. This generates an acid that can erode the tooth enamel. Untreated cavities might result in more serious dental health issues down the road. By remembering to brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once, you can avoid getting cavities.

After all of the dental decay has been removed, your dentist will fill the cavity with a filling made of synthetic material. Because your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic, fillings typically don’t hurt. Composites, gold, or ceramic are just a few of the materials used to create fillings. Be sure to discuss the appropriate type of filling for you and your teeth with your doctor if you think you might need one.

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, according to your dentist and the American Dental Association. By removing bacteria-causing plaque, brushing maintains your teeth, gums, and mouth clean and healthy. Additionally, it is advised that you brush your teeth using fluoride-containing toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Spend at least a minute on the top and bottom teeth, and don’t forget to brush your tongue because it will keep your breath smelling good!

If you wash your teeth twice a day for two to three minutes each time, your toothbrush will ultimately become worn out. Adults and kids should switch out their toothbrushes every three months, according to your dentist. Read the instructions carefully before using an electric toothbrush because you might not need to replace the toothbrush head as frequently. Change your toothbrush every four to six weeks if you have gum disease to prevent the spread of bacteria. To eliminate germs and keep the bristles clean, rinse your toothbrush with hot water after using it to brush. Change your toothbrush as soon as you can if you’ve been unwell.

Gum disease, sometimes referred to as periodontal disease, is primarily brought on by plaque and bacterial buildup that is not treated when it is first noticed. The use of tobacco, tooth grinding, some medications, and heredity are other factors that contribute to periodontal disease. The early stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is curable if found. If neglected, gingivitis can develop into gum disease. Advanced gum disease is a chronic illness that can eventually cause tooth and bone loss. Regular tooth brushing and dental checkups will help you avoid gingivitis and more serious forms of periodontal disease. Indicators of gum disease include:

• Gums that are swollen, bleeding, red, or inflamed
• Persistent foul breath
• Having loose teeth or losing teeth
• Extremely sensitive teeth
• Receding gum line
• Infected teeth

Yes! Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment should really see their dentist more frequently. Food may become stuck in places with braces that your toothbrush can’t get to. This results in the accumulation of bacteria, which can cause gum disease, gingivitis, and cavities. To ensure that your teeth remain healthy and clean while wearing braces, your dentist will collaborate closely with your orthodontist.

Simply give our office a call! Your next dental examination can be scheduled at your convenience with the help of our front desk personnel. Please let us know if you are a new patient, and we will give you all the information you want for your first dental appointment. The phone number for Seablue Dental of Kent is (253) 336-3000.