Dentists collaborate with other medical professionals to offer comprehensive dental care plans for their patients. Typically, this team consists of dental assistants, lab technicians and hygienists.
Dentists are medical doctors specialising in oral health who receive their doctorates (DDS or DMD) from dental schools. Furthermore, they have undergone training to treat various medical conditions as well.
Preventive Care
The American Dental Association (ADA) strongly suggests regular brushing and flossing to maintain your teeth’s health and strength. They also urge you to have regular dental cleanings and exams to catch any issues early on, helping ensure that your smile lasts a lifetime.
Preventive dentistry refers to the services dentists provide to reduce the risk of oral diseases like tooth decay and gum disease. These preventative measures include teeth cleanings, checkups, X-rays, and more – all offered at no cost.
Every six months, you must receive a professional dental cleaning to keep your teeth and gums free from bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Not only does this help control plaque buildup and freshen your breath, but it can also address other oral health concerns like tooth sensitivity.
Your dentist North Shore may suggest fluoride treatments for your teeth to strengthen them and reduce the risk of tooth decay. These are especially beneficial to children and young adults at a greater risk for developing tooth decay due to fluoride’s ability to fight off bacteria causing the issue.
Preventive care is integral to good oral hygiene and can save you money in the long run. Additionally, it helps guard against serious dental conditions like mouth cancer or denture stomatitis that could become more complicated; preventive care may prevent these conditions or treat them before they become more serious.
By taking preventive dental care, you can save the cost of more complex treatments like fillings, root canal therapy, orthodontics and periodontal treatment by avoiding unnecessary expenses like tooth extractions. In addition, most dental insurance plans cover preventive dental work at up to 100% with no deductibles or copays – making these appointments more budget-friendly than other complex treatments.
Cosmetic Procedures
Your dentist North Shore may offer cosmetic procedures to enhance the aesthetic of your teeth. These treatments range from teeth whitening to more robust solutions like veneers or crowns.
Cosmetic dentistry’s primary purpose is to enhance your smile and promote good oral health, but some treatments may also have additional advantages.
Cosmetic dental treatment can also reduce your risk of developing severe oral health issues like periodontal disease and tooth decay. Straight, evenly formed teeth are easier to brush and floss thoroughly, creating fewer places where plaque accumulates.
Crooked or misaligned teeth can make eating and speaking challenging. In addition, food may become stuck between your teeth, making it difficult to bite down properly.
Not only can this cause embarrassment, but it can also negatively affect your self-esteem. Fortunately, modern cosmetic dentistry can correct these issues and restore your confidence.
One popular cosmetic procedure is bonding, which involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to the surface of teeth that have chips or breaks. It’s more cost-effective than getting veneers or dental crowns and often more successful at correcting minor flaws.
Oral Diseases
Dental diseases are conditions that affect teeth, gums and surrounding tissues. They are usually caused by various factors and can generally be avoided with proper care. Unfortunately, these conditions can be severe and hurt overall health.
The two most prevalent oral diseases worldwide are tooth decay (dental cavities) and gum disease (periodontal disease). Globally, 60-90% of children suffer from these issues – utterly preventable with regular visits to the dentist.
Dentists offer a range of treatments for oral diseases. Dental sealants, which can prevent up to 80% of children’s cavities, gum disease, dry mouth, chronic bad breath and bruxism, are just some of the services provided.
Gum disease is a severe oral condition that can erode the bone supporting your teeth, leading to tooth loss and other complications such as infection. In addition, the bacteria responsible for gum disease spreads throughout your body, creating an inflammatory response and damaging blood vessels in the heart and brain.
Diabetes puts people with diabetes at an increased risk for gum disease and other dental issues due to its effects on their bodies ability to fight off bacteria. In addition, people who are pregnant, have a history of smoking or drinking excessively, have low estrogen levels during menopause or taking certain medications may also be at an increased risk for these conditions.