Five Major Dental Problems That Can Be Avoided With Regular Dental Checkups

 

Although having a healthy diet, brushing your teeth twice a day, using mouthwash and flossing regularly are great ways to maintain good teeth, there are still dental problems that require other care as well. Although minor issues like bad breath and cavities can be lessened or solved by simply taking good care of your teeth, there are other problems like gum disease, mouth sores and oral cancer that require more extensive treatments. Regardless, frequent dental checkups can make these conditions decrease in severity of even disappear completely, so they are highly recommended for everyone by medical experts.

 

Bad Breath

Easily the most common dental issue, bad breath is not only unpleasant, but it can be an indicator of more serious oral problems. Brushing your tongue can rid your mouth of most of the nasty odors, and visits to the dentist also go a long way towards making this less of a problem.

 

Tooth Decay

Cavities are caused by a combination of built up plaque and sugars and starches that dissolve, leaving acid on your teeth. Not only can this damage your enamel, but it can be very painful. Although avoiding sugary foods and taking good care of your teeth can help you avoid teeth decay, it is extremely hard to get rid of them after they occur. To treat them, visit the dentist for crowns or fillings, suggest the experts at the office of Patrick M. Pitts, DDS.

 

Gum Disease

The biggest catalyst of adult tooth loss, gum disease is caused when the gums around your teeth become infected. Although simply caring for your teeth adequately can fix minor diseases, major gum disease can require surgery and extra care. To avoid this, visit your dentist regularly in order to get proper treatments.

 

 

Mouth Sores

Although sores like canker sores, fever blisters, cold sores, ulcers and thrush are minor and may only cause minimal irritation, long-lasting sores may be a sign of something more dangerous. If they persist, visit your local dental provider to take care of the problem.

 

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is an extreme form of dental disrepair. Although it is mainly caused by smoking, chewing tobacco and excessively drinking alcohol, visits to your local dentist can help lessen or prevent this, as serious treatments are needed to combat such a terrible ailment.

 

To avoid common dental issues, take proper care of your teeth and have regular dental check ups. Regular cleanings and checkups can help identify a small problem before it becomes a large issue.

 

Categories: checkups, dental problems, major

Five Forgotten Checkups It"s Time to Schedule

Regular checkups are required to keep the body strong and healthy. If you want to prevent illnesses, you should know when to get regular checkups. Here are the five most commonly forgotten checkups that it’s time to schedule.

 

1. Schedule a Dental Cleaning 

A regular dental cleaning is necessary, and experts such as Able Dental Group can help. Every six months appointments are recommended by most dentists to remove plaque buildup and prevent cavities from spreading out of control. Prevention is the key to good dental care. X-rays taken annually during these visits will reveal the movement of the teeth. Braces or corrective measures can be avoided if the problem occurs.

 

2. Schedule a Breast Exam

In the past, women were required to have a pap smear every year. Recent studies have proven that this is not necessary unless there’s an abnormal test, but most physicians recommend a Pap smear and a breast exam annually. Women who are between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a Pap smear every three years.

 

Women who are between the ages of 30 and 64, you should get a Pap test and a human papillomavirus (HPV) test every five years or the Pap test every three years. Women who are 65 and over and have had three normal Pap smears consecutively do not need a Pap smear regularly any more. Women who do not have a cervix, have not been diagnosed with cervical cancer, or have had a hysterectomy do not need a Pap test annually.

 

3. Schedule a Prostate Exam

You should schedule a prostate cancer exam annually after the age of 40. Before 40, you should have a prostate exam every two to three years. This is the most common form of cancer in men. One in six is are at risk for developing prostate cancer. Keep in mind that African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than white Americans.

 

4. Get an Annual Physical

How often you get an annual physical will depend on your age and health status. Your ability to pay for a physical may also affect how often you’ll need a physical. Most insurance plans will pay for having a test every few years.

 

5. Get a Colorectal Cancer Screening

A colorectal screening should be conducted regularly after 50 to check for abnormal or pre-cancerous growths in the colon or in the abdominal area. A colonoscopy may be conducted or a fecal occult blood test may be required.

 

Don’t forget these tests. Prevention can go a long way in helping people save money and avoid illnesses. Contact your physician today.

Categories: annual physical, breast exam, checkups, dental cleaning, exam annually, forgotten, pap smear, pap test, prostate cancer, regular checkups, years nbsp