The Importance of Dental Care
A dental checkup is a common part of routine health care. A dentist uses dental hygiene instrumentation to scrape away tartar and plaque. He may also take X-rays, apply sealants, or administer in-office fluorides. Sometimes, the dentist will discuss dental care with patients, including how often to visit the dentist and which products to use. The frequency of dental care depends on an individual’s age and general health, but it is generally recommended that individuals visit their dentist twice a year.
The importance of dental health cannot be overstated. In addition to being an important component of overall health, oral care has an impact on every aspect of our lives. The mouth can be a window to the body, indicating general infection or nutritional deficiencies. In some cases, systemic diseases may first show up as oral lesions or gum diseases. A dentist can help you avoid these conditions and ensure that you are getting the most benefit from oral health care.
Regular dental visits help prevent cavities and gum disease. A dental cleaning includes professional tooth scaling, polishing, and debridement if tartar has accumulated. Different instruments are used to remove plaque and tartar. Your dentist will also perform routine exams. These exams may include dental x-rays to catch any potential oral problems early. By following a schedule of regular visits, you will see positive results in less time. Your dentist will also provide you with information on proper oral hygiene, so you can keep your mouth healthy and disease-free.
Brushing twice a day is an important part of dental care. People with gum disease should brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. Brushing should be done with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brushing should be done in circular motions, as a toothbrush with a dull bristle is not as effective as one that is new. Additionally, it is important to refrain from eating sweets and sugary drinks, and to brush as soon as you can.
People with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS, often have oral problems. Among these conditions are periodontal disease and osteoporosis, which is linked to jaw bone loss. Several other conditions, including certain cancers, can also wreak havoc on oral health. Furthermore, certain medications can cause decreased saliva flow. Saliva helps wash away food and neutralize acid produced by bacteria in the mouth. Proper dental care will help prevent these conditions.
A health worker must know about dental care so that he or she can provide proper information to patients. Moreover, they must know how to refer patients to dental health practitioners who can help them. The number of dental care studies is quite low in developing countries. Aiming to measure the knowledge of health care workers in a private medical clinic, we conducted a survey in Nigeria. The sample was representative of the general public. Besides, this research has important implications for the field of oral health care.
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