Skip to main content

How Routine Dental Checkups Help Your Smile in the Long Run

How Routine Dental Checkups Help Your Smile in the Long Run

When you come in for dental exams and we have cleaned your teeth and gum line and removed any hardened plaque, Dr. Eidbo can look at them for any signs of trouble, such as cavities, loose or broken teeth, damaged fillings, and evaluate your risk rate of certain diseases which might also take into account your family history. We will look for swelling in the gums or redness and bleeding and even measure the depth of gingival pockets signaling gum disease. We will evaluate your bite, determine if you have bruxism (a sign of teeth grinding), check the contact between teeth and examine the lower jaw joints for problems. We will also examine the soft tissues in your head, mouth and neck, including the lymph nodes, for any indications of cancer or infection. If problems are detected, you may require further diagnostics followed up with recommended treatment options.

As you can see, this is one of the biggest reasons why dental checkups are so important, because spotting problems early on is crucial for providing effective, minimally invasive, and economical treatment. Using x-rays and other diagnostic tools, we can detect problems early when you may not even be aware of them, especially since tooth decay isn’t usually obvious or painful in the early stages. By the time you do notice problems, the condition has often already advanced.
While most of the time you may need to see Dr. Eidbo twice a year, there are circumstances that might require coming in more often, particularly since your oral health is directly related to your overall health and vice versa. For example, if you have a disease such as diabetes or heart disease you may be at greater risk of gum disease. If you have a weakened immune system, you will likely have a diminished ability to ward off infections and diseases. If you regularly use tobacco or are a heavy drinker, you are at greater risk of oral problems. Taking medications that result in dry mouth – a reduction in saliva production – puts you at higher risk of developing cavities. So be sure to let Dr. Eidbo know what medications and supplements you are currently taking when you come in for your routine checkups. You can also let us know if you are noticing signs of tooth sensitivity, pain or an unusual lump. Again, the earlier a problem is addressed, the better the treatment success rate.

If you would like to have Dr. Eidbo and our team provide you with a thorough dental cleaning and exam, we invite you to call our office to schedule an appointment. Our goal is to help you create the healthiest oral environment for your teeth and gums and we look forward to providing you with the quality care you deserve.

Thanks,

Oak Grove Dental

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Inbox: PPO, HMO, EPO, DMO; What’s the difference?

Hello Everyone,  From my email:  My insurance is ending this month. There are so many policies out there..., can you please tell me what to get? What's the difference? KNM, Lafeyette, CA. More and more, insurance companies are being selective in the policies that they offer to patients. First, let me take a minute to let you know the difference between PPO, HMO, EPO, DMO, … UGH… it can be frustrating, I know. So, let’s go through them— 1)       HMO: Health Maintenance Organization . With a HMO plan, your insurance company might require you to pick a dental care provider. All, or most of your services, must go through that provider. Visits to offices that take PPO only will most likely not be covered by your insurance. 2 )       PPO: Preferred Provider Organization PPO Dental offices, such as Oak Grove Dental, give you flexibility. You can most likely choose the dental care provider that bes...
1 comment
Read more

Thumb-sucking & Pacifiers: What to Expect as a Parent

Thumb-sucking & Pacifiers: What to Expect as a Parent Hello Friends, Family, and Patients! With so many of my friends, family, and patients expecting a baby this year, I thought it would be exceptionally helpful to give everyone some advice on thumb-sucking and pacifiers. Before you get the urge to slap me for telling you how to parent you kids, don’t worry, this is not that kind of message. It is just a bit about the facts about both categories. Thumb-sucking is a natural reflex for children. It can provide a sense of security and happiness while our bright little ones explore the world. Typically, as parents we notice that thumb-sucking and pacifier use can help our little ones when our little guys, or girls, fall asleep. The question is, really, how can this affect my child’s teeth in the long-run. Here’s the skinny: After a child’s permanent teeth come in, sucking on those fingers can cause problems with the alignment in their mouth. Teeth can grow in a di...
Post a Comment
Read more

Every SIX Months? Why Preventive Dentistry is SO Important!

Every SIX Months? Why Preventive Dentistry is SO Important! Preventive dentistry is by far the best medicine for your oral health. Maintaining great oral health is essential for preventing dental issues from occurring rather than treatment when they arise. The thing is, regular brushing and regular flossing (the proper way...) drastically reduces risk of developing oral disease and necessary restorative treatment. An important thing to remember is that while many people make it a point to brush twice a day, the duration for which they brush is often less than a minute. Most dentists in the bay area, including myself, recommend that a person should brush for at least two minutes. If a patient see a dentist every six months, most dental problems can be avoided. Therefore, it is important to visit a dentist every six months to detect any problems while they are at a nascent stage. As some of you may know, night guards, especially is you are grinding at night, can prevent damage to ...
Post a Comment
Read more