As we enter the last week of 2024, now is a great time to reflect on the year that you’ve had and plan for 2025. One of the best ways to start off the new year is a dental checkup with your team at Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS. A dental cleaning and examination to start off the new year can help ensure that your teeth are happy and healthy. This visit can also give you an opportunity to talk to your dentist about any restorations that should be planned. By staying on top of your preventive care and following through with restorative care like dental fillings and crowns, you can help avoid many common oral health concerns.
Checkups Are Important For Patients Of All Ages
Preventive dentistry is necessary for all patients, not just adults. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends that you bring your child in for their first checkup around their first birthday. This gives the team an opportunity to get to know you and your child and answer any questions you may have. Then, consistent dental visits can begin around the age of three years old and continue into adulthood. During your visit, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned by a dental hygienist and then examined by your dentist. If any signs of decay, gingivitis, or other oral health concerns are noticed, your dentist can update your treatment plan to include restorative care. Kids checkups are similar to your own but may focus more on educating your little one on better brushing and healthy habits. Since kids commonly get cavities, we may offer fluoride treatments or sealants to create an extra layer of protection between their pearly whites and harmful bacteria.
Watch Out For Signs Of Oral Cancer
We use your checkup as an opportunity to detect potential problems as early as possible. Tooth decay and gingivitis are common problems that may be found during your regular checkup. You may also notice symptoms on your own that show a change in your oral health. However, some oral health problems can go without showing symptoms for several months, which is why it’s important to see your dentist every six months. Along with your professional cleaning and examination, your dentist will also screen you for oral cancer. They may look for signs of blisters, red patches, or sores that do not heal. Oral cancer is most common among adult men, but it’s important to check each patient so that a diagnosis and treatment can be made as soon as possible if there are signs of oral cancer. You can also screen for signs of cancer at home by looking at your mouth, tongue, and lips in a well-lit mirror. If you notice any changes or sores that don’t heal, talk to your dentist promptly.
Your Dentist Can Help Treat TMJ & Bruxism
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) happens when your jaw joints do not hinge properly. This can lead to a feeling of discomfort, chronic headaches, and tenderness to your mouth and jaw. Many patients ignore these symptoms or try to relieve them with over-the-counter remedies. However, if you experience these symptoms daily, it could be a sign of a serious oral health problem. Our team can help examine the area and diagnose you with TMJ dysfunction. Once diagnosed, we can help create a treatment plan that can relieve your symptoms. In many cases, an oral appliance can be used to help your joints properly rest and bring relief. In addition to helping with TMJ symptoms, an oral appliance may also be used to help patients who chronically grind their teeth. Bruxism can lead to tooth sensitivity and extreme wear of your pearly whites, but an oral appliance can help protect them from grinding against each other. If you frequently have headaches, sensitive teeth, or trouble sleeping, these could be signs of bruxism. You can discuss these symptoms with your dentist at your next appointment.
Prioritize Your Gum Health
When you think about your oral health, you may focus on keeping your teeth clean and cavity-free. While this is an important aspect of your smile’s well-being, be sure to also take care of your gums. Our gums help support and protect our teeth, and act as a barrier between our mouths and our bloodstream. Proper gum care includes flossing every day to remove bacteria and food particles, brushing your teeth, and staying hydrated. If you begin to notice that your gums are swollen, red, or bleeding when you floss, it could be the sign of a bacterial infection. It’s important that you seek dental treatment as soon as possible for these symptoms to prevent the infection from worsening. Periodontal treatments will include scaling and root planing, which helps remove plaque buildup from the gums and smooths the roots of your teeth to prevent gum recession. Depending on the severity of your infection, you may need deep cleanings every few months to manage your symptoms. If caught in the earliest stage, gingivitis, these deep cleanings can help reverse the infection and renew your oral health.
Make A Plan For Restorative Care
During your biannual checkup, your dentist will look for signs of tooth decay, worn teeth, and other changes to your oral health. If any concerns are noticed, they will need to be treated with restorative care. Your dentist can update your treatment plan to include restorations such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and more, depending on your needs. If you have been told that you need one of these restorations done, schedule them as soon as possible to best care for your smile. For instance, cavities should be filled promptly to avoid toothaches or infections.
Schedule An Appointment With Our Team Today
The start of a new year is a great time to come in for your dental checkup. To learn more about our services, call Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at 913-681-5500.
