The Role of General Dentistry in Preventative Oral Health

Discover the importance of regular general dentist check-ups for healthy teeth. Find out how they can prevent dental issues early and maintain your smile.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 26% of American adults ages 20 to 44 have untreated dental caries. Another 25.3% of adults ages 45 to 64 require treatment. Not many realize that skipping appointments with their general dentist can compromise their overall health.

Dental checkups are helpful beyond preventing oral health problems. The personalized dental hygiene tips you receive from your dentist could boost your self-esteem and quality of life.



What exactly are the benefits of regular dental visits? Read on to find out!

Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay (cavities) create small holes in your teeth. When left untreated, these holes can become bigger, causing:

• Sensitivity
• Pain
• Visible holes
• White or black stains

Regular dental appointments help with preventing oral health problems like tooth decay. Your dentist can spot signs of decay early, ensuring you begin treatment before there are complications.

According to Mayo Clinic, tooth decay, and cavities are some of the most common health problems worldwide. Without treatment, they can cause toothaches and infections. You may even lose teeth, which can lead to more complications.

Plaque, a tacky film that binds to our teeth, causes cavities. Plaque is a combination of:

• Food particles
• Saliva
• Bacteria

Plaque begins forming after we consume sugary foods or beverages. It can release acid, which erodes our protective tooth enamel. Enamel protects our teeth from decay.

Potential complications from cavities include:

• Difficulty chewing
• Ongoing pain
• Pus around the infected tooth
• Increased risk of breaking or chipping a tooth



You may develop a tooth abscess. If it becomes infected, bacteria may enter the bloodstream and cause life-threatening sepsis.

You can prevent cavities from developing by brushing your teeth twice a day. Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque hidden between your teeth. 

Talk to your dentist for dental hygiene tips and preventative dentistry services. They may recommend sealants and fluoride treatments.

Dodge Gum Disease

Plaque overgrowth can cause a bacterial infection, which may lead to gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. When left untreated, it can cause periodontitis.

In its beginning stage, gum disease is reversible. Without treatment, your gums may recede from your teeth, increasing the risk of tooth loss. Gingivitis and periodontitis are top causes of tooth loss in adults, according to the American Dental Association. 

Gum disease can also increase your risk of serious health conditions like:

• Diabetes
• Lung disease
• Heart disease
• Birth complications
• Stroke

Recognizing the importance of dental check-ups can help you prevent gum disease. Your dentist will recognize signs of gingivitis before it worsens. They can recommend personalized periodontal care before you experience complications.

They may recommend a scaling and root planing treatment. Scaling involves removing tartar from below and above your gum line. Root planing involves removing plaque and tartar from the root surface.



Your dentist may recommend medications, such as antiseptic mouthwash or oral antibiotics. If your gingivitis has progressed, you may require surgery. Visiting your dentist regularly can protect your gums, helping you avoid expensive, invasive procedures.

Brighten Your Smile

According to market analytics company Grand View Research, the global teeth whitening industry could reach $10.6 billion by 2030. Teeth whitening is the most popular dental procedure in the US, as 99.7% of Americans perceive a smile as their most important social asset.

Preventing oral health problems can benefit the appearance of your smile. Otherwise, plaque and bacteria can cause your teeth to appear discolored.

If you're unhappy with your smile, talk to your Laurel, MD, dentist. They can recommend cosmetic dentistry procedures to enhance your smile. These procedures include:

• Teeth whitening
• Veneers
• Invisalign
• Bonding



Improving the appearance of your smile can boost your self-confidence. You may feel more inclined to take social risks. Having bright teeth can encourage you to smile more often, boosting serotonin production and your mood. 

Screen for Cancer

Understanding the importance of dental check-ups can benefit your overall health and longevity. During routine appointments, your dentist can screen you for oral cancer. Signs of oral cancer include:

• A lip or mouth sore that won't heal
• Loose teeth
• Difficulty or painful swallowing
• Mouth pain
• Ear pain
• A growth or lump in the mouth
• A red or white patch on the inside of your mouth

Let your dentist near Laurel, MD, know if these symptoms last for more than two weeks. They can recommend an immediate course of treatment.

They can also offer prevention tips. For example, you may reduce your risk if you stop using tobacco and drinking.

Freshen Your Breath

One of the unexpected benefits of regular dental visits is fresh breath. Bad breath can affect you in professional and social settings. In some cases, bad breath indicates an underlying problem like gingivitis or plaque buildup.



Your dentist can determine the root cause of your bad breath. They'll recommend dental hygiene tips and treatments to remedy the problem. 

Avoid Serious Health Conditions

Improving your oral health can benefit your overall health. Routine checkups can reduce bacteria in your mouth, potentially reducing your risk of other conditions. Here are a few health conditions that are associated with bad oral hygiene.

Endocarditis

Endocarditis is an infection of the heart chamber or valve lining. It can spread from one area of the body, like your mouth, into your heart. 

Prioritizing good oral hygiene can reduce bacteria and plaque formation. This can reduce your risk of endocarditis and other complications. 

Cardiovascular Disease

Tooth decay can cause inflammation and infections. Inflammation may increase your risk of heart disease and clogged arteries, which can cause a stroke. Prioritizing good oral hygiene may help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Diabetes

Diabetes can reduce the body's ability to fight off an infection. You could develop gum disease, which can raise your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can make gum disease symptoms worse.

Visit Your Laurel General Dentist

Regular appointments with a Laurel general dentist will help you prioritize preventative dentistry. You can protect yourself from tooth decay, gum disease, and serious health conditions. Experience the benefits of regular dental visits firsthand at Garland K. David DDS Family Dentistry.



We treat every patient like family by prioritizing your comfort and oral health. We'll help you understand your treatment options to ensure you make informed choices. Contact us now to schedule your next appointment.