The average dentist in the U.S. works in general dentistry. A general dentist works on the front lines of diagnostic and preventative care for patients of all ages. A checkup with a general dentist can result in the early detection of dental diseases, including gum disease. Patients who regularly set up dental appointments tend to have healthier gums and teeth.
With regular trips to the general dentist, patients learn to care for their teeth. Some individuals have misinformation about how often to brush and floss. Additionally, individuals may not know how to care for their particular teeth or oral conditions. For example, some dentists may suggest a patient with gum disease use an electric toothbrush to avoid excess pressure on the gums. Likewise, others may prescribe fluoride toothpaste to those who struggle with cavities or weak enamel. Dentists teach their patients how to care for their gums and provide various treatments that improve gum health.
Teeth cleanings prevent gum disease and other afflictions to the gums. The dentist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar during a cleaning. Patients who do not visit a dentist regularly have a higher likelihood of developing gum disease. The dentist measures a patient's gums during the cleaning to ensure the gum pockets do not develop or become larger around a person's teeth.
Gum disease has various stages. A dentist may suggest a professional cleaning or scaling and root planing when a patient has gum disease. Scaling and root planing involve scraping plaque from below the gum line. Other treatments for gum disease include pocket reduction surgery, where the professional smooths the damaged bone and fits the gums tight around the teeth. Other options for gum disease include stimulating bone and tissue growth. Depending on the stage of gum disease, dentists use treatments to prevent the disease from progressing and help a patient cope with the condition.
A patient's mouth has various bacteria. For the gums to become infected, bacteria accumulate in the tissue around the teeth. When bacteria build beneath the gum line, it may lead to an infection. Those at higher risk for a gum infection include pregnant women and those with diabetes, crooked teeth, stress, or immunodeficiencies.
An infection may form a pocket of pus or abscess. An untreated abscess puts nearby teeth, bone, and tissue at risk. Dentists may choose to treat an infection through a root canal or tooth extraction. After the removal of the infection, patients have healthier, uninfected gums.
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An appointment with a professional in general dentistry may result in a brighter smile and healthier gums. Dentists provide cleanings and gum disease treatments and remove infections to heal and protect the gums from further damage. General dentists are a patient's first line of defense against various dental problems, including decay and gum disease.
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