Good dental health begins in childhood, and it's a lifelong habit that will protect your smile. As more research is undertaken, we’re beginning to understand the importance of dental care as a part of overall health and wellness. Studies have shown that poor dental health can lead to much bigger issues than simply cavities or a toothache.A recent report from the Mayo Clinic linked poor dental health to serious diseases, such as:• Cardiovascular disease and increased heart attack risk• Dementia – bacteria from gingivitis may enter the brain through nerve channels of the bloodstream, and poor dental health has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.• Respiratory infections, including pneumonia• Diabetic complicationsAs you can see, regular brushing, flossing and dental visits can keep your smile beautiful and help ward off serious diseases.
When Should I See My Dentist?
As an adult, it’s important to see your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings. You should also see your dentist as often as needed for any dental problems that may occur, like a cracked or chipped tooth and any tooth or mouth pain. Keep in mind that children should begin regular dental visits as soon as their baby teeth come in. During these visits, the dentist will be able to determine if there are any problems your child may have, including proper spacing and age-appropriate tooth development.Bringing your child to visit the dentist early can help them build good oral hygiene habits, and will also allow them to get used to these visits, so they aren't scared. Instead, they'll learn to recognize the dentist as someone who is here to help them!
Tips for Choosing the Right College Station Dentist
Choosing the right dentist in the College Station, Texas area for your family comes down to several easy steps. You can do much of the research online. Once you narrow down your choices, you can schedule a meeting to determine if the dentist is a good fit for you and your family. Here are five tips to help you make a wise choice:1. Consider your dental insurance!Dental visits can be expensive, and your ultimate option may come down to your dental plan. If you have a dental HMO, your choices may be restricted to dentists who are members of your HMO network. If you have a co-pay plan, your in-network and out-of-network deductible and co-pay levels may become determining factors. The bottom line is to consult your insurance agent and policy before you begin doing your research. This might narrow down your options.2. Ask aroundSpeak with your family, friends, neighbors, business associates and other parents, and ask what they like about their dentist. You can also speak with your primary care physician and ask for a recommendation. Another possibility is to ask for a list (or check online) to see which local dentists belong to professional organizations, such as the American Dental Association (ADA), The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) or a local dental society like the Texas Dental Association.3. Think about accessibilityIf you don’t have kids, is a dentist closer to your office more convenient? How flexible can you be when scheduling appointments? Do you need a dentist with Saturday hours? You’ll want to determine what is important to you and gather this information about any prospects.4. Schedule a consultationOnce you’ve narrowed your search to a few candidates, call or schedule a visit in person. Ask about their credentials, what insurance carriers they accept and which procedures they can perform in-house as opposed to which are referred out. Also, ask how far ahead you need to schedule regular checkups or cleanings.5. Evaluate your visitDuring your visit, check the office to make sure it is clean and orderly. Are the staff members courteous and helpful? Do they value security and handle your confidential medical records carefully? If you're bringing your children, is the office kid-friendly?After your visit, think about these things:• Were the location and office hours convenient?• Did you feel comfortable asking the dentist questions?• How kid-friendly is the office?• Am I comfortable establishing a long-term relationship with this dentist?
Your First Visit
Your first visit is generally a “getting to know you” type of appointment. This can help you make sure that this dentist is a good fit for your family’s needs. During your first visit, the dentist will check your teeth. The visit may include the following:• Oral examination that includes both teeth and gums• Full X-rays• Oral cancer screening• Discussion of proper cleaning and oral hygiene procedures• May also include a cleaning or setting a future appointmentIf your dentist finds anything that is not normal, they will discuss it with you. You will then need to decide on a course of action to resolve the problem. (For example, you may need a round of antibiotics to clear up a minor infection before a deep gum cleaning.) Most visits usually end with scheduling an appointment for a full cleaning if nothing out of the ordinary is found.Do your research and ask the right questions. Finding a dentist based in College Station, Texas isn’t that hard. Make your assessment based on the questions above. Also, check for advanced equipment and proven results, and you’ll find the perfect fit for you and your family!SOURCES:https://deltadentalins.com/oral_health/choosingdentist.html
