If you have a special medical condition, such as diabetes, pregnancy, heart disease, or cancer, you should discuss your oral health with your dentist. Discussing oral health care habits with your dentist can cover discussing any appliances you may be using, such as a mouth guard. You should also develop a daily routine to manage your oral health.

The best way to achieve this is to schedule regular dental checkups. You should also discuss any new medical conditions or treatments you are facing, such as orthodontics or dental implants.

Early signs of tooth decay

Understanding the early signs of tooth decay can help you preserve your teeth and protect them from further damage. If you notice the first signs of tooth decay, it's a good time to visit your dentist. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria on your teeth, which produce acid to break down the outer layer of your teeth enamel. Damaged areas in the tooth become holes or tiny openings, and bacteria can invade them. Your dentist will check for cavities every six months. If you notice a soft or sticky feeling around the tooth, you probably have a cavity.

Tooth decay is an important part of overall health, so if you notice any of the following symptoms, it's time to see a dentist. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is an effective way to prevent and treat tooth decay. You should also avoid drinking sugary beverages and snacking in between meals. While you're at the dentist, you can have a fluoride varnish placed on your teeth to help remineralize them. 

Periodontal disease

Although it is difficult to avoid gum disease, you should take care of your teeth and gums to ensure overall dental health. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to more serious problems. It can also affect the rest of your body. If you do not see a dentist on a regular basis, you can also develop a mild case of gingivitis. This condition can be reversed with proper brushing and flossing habits and regular dental cleanings.

While most people are aware of the pain and discomfort associated with gum disease, the symptoms do not necessarily include the discomfort that most people experience. Inflamed or bleeding gums, loose teeth, or receding gums are just some of the symptoms. Additionally, you may have a deteriorating bone tissue or x-rays of the teeth. In addition to pain, these signs may indicate other health problems, like a heart problem, diabetes, or diabetes.

Mouthwashes

There are many different mouthwashes on the market, and they may all target one or more different dental issues. Choose one that targets your primary concern before shopping for a mouthwash. Using a mouthwash does not replace proper oral hygiene practices, however. Make sure to swish the mouthwash thoroughly and for the recommended amount of time. Most products recommend swishing for 30 seconds to a minute.

While most mouthwashes do not claim to be cosmetic, some contain fluoride or antibacterial ingredients that help fight plaque and gum disease. Those that do not contain alcohol have alcohol-free formulas that may stain teeth. Hydrogen peroxide and fluoride are effective at preventing and managing tooth decay. These types of mouthwashes will help strengthen teeth and gums overtime.

Regular dental checkups

The importance of regular dental checkups cannot be stressed enough. These visits help to catch problems before they become severe, so that they can be treated before they can cause significant pain or even lead to a lost tooth. If you don't have access to dental care, you may find yourself needing more frequent checkups to keep your dental health in check. The benefits of regular checkups are numerous, and they help you maintain excellent oral health.

Your dentist will ask about your medical history and current medications to help ensure you're receiving proper dental care. Certain diseases may increase your risk of cavities or gum disease and can require a different approach. Therefore, it's helpful to take a list of medicines that you take to your appointment. Some medications may cause your mouth to dry up, increasing your risk for cavities. A dentist can also offer you pain-management techniques to make the dental procedure as comfortable as possible.

Oral cancer

While oral cancer can be prevented when caught early, it is not 100% preventable. Early detection is critical, as many precancers are not diagnosed until a tumor has grown. Currently, five-year survival rates are very low. Approximately 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Of those, 60 percent are diagnosed with advanced-stage disease. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent oral cancer.

One-third of cancer patients have oral cancer-related complications, which range in severity. These can include mouth sores, sensitive gums, and jaw pain. Because mouth health is crucial to one's overall health, the dentist should be part of the cancer care team. The ADA offers a search tool for dentists in your area. It is recommended to visit a dentist every six months to monitor mouth and cancer-related oral health.

Summary

To conclude, it is important to stay on top of your dental health with regular checkups, ideally every 6 months, avoiding sweet or sugary drinks and drinking water frequently. You should also monitor any changes in your mouth such as cavities, bleeding gums or tooth decay and arranging an appointment with your dentist to prevent more serious issues such as gum disease.

Disclaimer - the information contained in this article and website is not intended to offer medical advice, and we recommend seeking professional medical advice for information on how to manage any health issues.