Dental Care

Oral health is perhaps the most important aspect of good oral hygiene. Oral hygiene is essentially the process of maintaining one's mouth free from infection and disease by regularly brushing the teeth and eliminating plaque and tartar. In fact it is recommended that one should brush his or her teeth twice daily, no matter how much one is able to brush. Also it is recommended that one should clean between the teeth on a daily basis to prevent the formation of plaque and tartar. Plaque and tartar not only affect the appearance of the tooth, but also can cause discomfort and gum disease over time.

Good oral health and hygiene can be achieved through a combination of preventive dentistry and dental care. A combination of several aspects including brushing, flossing and using mouthwash can ensure that the mouth remains free from bacteria and plaque and also is kept clean and healthy. Brushing removes surface dust and particles and plaque while flossing is designed to remove plaque that may have formed between the teeth while brushing. Lastly, mouthwash helps to kill germs and prevent the formation of cavities and other gum diseases.

The American Dental Association at this site has developed an oral health initiative called the National Dental Health Initiative (NDHI). The initiative recommends primary care dentists and specialists who provide comprehensive and preventive dental services. At every visit to the dentist, the patient is advised to brush and floss. At home, one should purchase a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste and use them daily for a minimum of three months. Regular checkups with the primary care doctor are also recommended as part of the dental care regimen.

Part of the responsibility of a dentist includes evaluating his or her patients for better dental care and developing a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Regular and proper examinations should be scheduled, particularly for those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and stroke. In addition, a new technique called Invisalign, which uses aligners to hold teeth in place, has significantly reduced the number and size of dental visits needed by patients. Be sure to check it out!

General dentistry includes dental care that takes care of common dental concerns like gum disease, cavities, oral surgeries, bridges, teeth whitening, crowns, and dentures. The specific areas of dentistry that may include routine dental care include preventive care such as ensuring that teeth are cleaned regularly and are free of plaque and bacteria. More complex conditions such as cancer and severe infections may include procedures such as chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants, radiation, and orthodontics. Some diseases that may need more advanced intervention include melanoma, diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory conditions. Major diseases like HIV/AIDS, leukemia, and Parkinson's disease may require life-long treatments. Look for more facts about dentist at http://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/22/health/cnn-hero-edwin-smith-kids-first-dental-services/.

Cosmetic dentistry involves creating or concealing missing, chipped, or broken teeth. Some of the dental services that a cosmetic dentist provides include dental implants, veneers, bonding, and orthodontics. Dental assistants, dental hygienists, dentists, and assistants are some of the other individuals that work under the dentists' supervision.