It’s easy to want to skip a dentist’s appointment. You may make excuses because you have to work or don’t want to drive in traffic, but the benefits of general dentistry truly outweigh any minor inconveniences. Oral hygiene and dental health contribute to overall well-being. Learn about Lovett Dental Gulfgate and how our dental services can help you today.
How to Choose a General Dentistry Dentist
Maybe you avoid seeing a dentist because of prior bad experiences, or you have dental anxiety. Choosing a general dentist who you like and who has good credentials can make the experience much more enjoyable, but there are other factors to consider when choosing a dentist, too, like their scheduling availability. If you or your child have ongoing oral health concerns, it can be important to have a dentist who can meet with you on an emergency basis. You should also look for a dentist who takes the time to explain any proposed procedures and why they are necessary. You’ll also want one who can answer any questions that you have. It can also be a very good indicator of their work ethic if they maintain a membership with the American Dentistry Association.
How Often Should I Go to the Dentist?
It’s important to see a dentist at least yearly. During a dental checkup, your dentist will check your teeth, gums, and mouth for any cavities, swelling, sores, or other problems. They will ask about any issues or concerns since your last visit. They will also usually polish and clean your teeth and do thorough flossing. If they find some problems, you may need to see them more frequently to treat and manage those issues. Some treatments may require visits as often as every three months. This can prevent further issues from cropping up. Your dentist can discuss a treatment schedule based on your individualized needs. Some of our general services include:
- Teeth cleaning
- Extractions
- Crowns
- Sealants
- Root canals
Why Are General Dentistry and Oral Hygiene Important?
Oral hygiene is an indicator of overall bodily health. Poor oral hygiene can promote the growth of unwanted bacteria. There’s a chance of inhaling the bacteria, moving into your bloodstream and causing many other health issues. Infections that start in the mouth have are oftentimes linked to many other diseases such as coronary artery disease, arthritis, asthma, and respiratory illnesses. Poor oral hygiene also can also lead to low birth weight, premature birth, and stroke. Dentists sometimes discover other medical conditions during a routine dental checkup, some of which include the following:
- Acid reflux
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Dehydration
Tooth Care
How you go about brushing and flossing can affect the health of your teeth. Use a toothbrush that has bristles of varying lengths. Brushing the outsides of your teeth in circular motions rather than back and forth. When buying toothpaste, choose one that has fluoride to help remineralize your teeth and protect them from bacteria. Aim to brush your teeth for about two minutes. Brush every surface, including the front, chewing surfaces, and the backside of your teeth. If you have trouble flossing, consider a water pick that uses a jet of water to blast detritus out from between your teeth. You can even add a capful of mouthwash to the water reservoir for a more thorough cleaning. Drinking enough water during the day is also important to keep the mouth moist and free of any acids from eating or drinking.
Warning Signs of Dental Issues
There are some early warning signs of serious dental problems. It’s important to deal with such problems immediately. Jaw pain or toothaches are a red flag. The pain could be sharp or dull. Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks can be a sign of tooth fractures or severe cavities. A strange taste in your mouth or bad breath that you can’t get rid of by brushing or using mouthwash can be a sign of bacterial overgrowth, dehydration, or dry mouth. A dentist will investigate these to determine the root cause and have a treatment plan implemented.
Contact Lovett Dental Gulfgate
In addition to general dentistry, we also offer other services, including:
If you are looking for general dentistry in Houston, Texas, then Lovett Dental Gulfgate has you covered. Our dentists are passionate and dedicated to oral health and giving everyone the best treatment for continued health and well-being. Contact Lovett Dental Gulfgate at 713-847-8822 to start your journey to better oral health today.