Have dental questions? Get the answers you need–don’t delay!  An estimated 100 million Americans don’t go to the dentist on a yearly basis, according to American Dental Association (ADA). Committing to regular oral care and evaluation can help you prevent most issues with your oral health. Don’t wonder how healthy your mouth is…know how healthy your mouth is by visiting our office today.

Dental Exams Every Six Months, Says the ADA

The ADA recommends a dental exam and cleaning at least every six months for optimum oral health. Your current patient oral health status and health history may necessitate that you see the dentist more than every six months, but a minimum of six is what is recommended.  

Don’t wait for pain symptoms to surface before you decide to make an appointment. Tooth decay often doesn’t manifest with pain symptoms until it has reached a decay state of “no return.” By the time you have noticeable symptoms, your tooth could be in real trouble. You only get one set of permanent teeth so take care of them! A visit to Dr. Porter every six months will give you the peace of mind that you are doing all you can for preventative care and oral maintenance.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Health Issues

Your body tries to send you signals when there are areas that need attention. Your mouth is no different. If you have any of the following signs or symptoms of oral health issues, call and make an appointment as soon as you can:

• Chronic bad breath. A symptom of dental cavities and gum disease, bad breath can be more than just a social issue. If it is determined that your bad breath is NOT linked to these conditions, Dr. Porter can give you some suggestions to treat your bad breath symptoms.  
• Sensitivity to Hot or Cold. Dental abscess, where an tooth infection has impacted a tooth or gum, is a serious issue and can manifest as a sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures. (Or to sweets!)  Other symptoms of dental abscess include a severe toothache, fever, facial swelling, pain or tender lymph nodes under your jawline or in your neck. If left untreated, the infection can spread throughout your body and even become life threatening.
• A sore or area that doesn’t heal. Ulcers, sores, or tender areas in the mouth can indicate a number of health conditions. Not all of them just affect your teeth and gums.
• Swollen or bleeding gums. No, blood in the sink is NOT okay. Healthy gum tissue should not bleed (unless you are brushing too hard). Most often, bleeding gums is a sign of gum disease or gingivitis–both are conditions that can lead to tooth loss and serious issues that could impact your total body wellness. Don’t ignore bleeding gums!

What Happens During a Routine Dental Exam?

During a routine dental exam, Dr. Porter isn’t just looking for cavities. A typical dental exam will cover the following areas:

• Looking for loose teeth
• Examining the  tissues inside of your mouth
• Assessing the health of your tongue
• Measuring your bite (occlusion)
• Noting any visual evidence of tooth decay
• Seeing if you have any broken teeth
• Investigating damage to fillings
• Inspecting any dental appliance you have
• Taking Digital X-rays
• Evaluating the gums
• Probing for signs of gum disease

Surprised by how much an exam covers? Most patients underestimate all that is going on in their mouths! Beyond these areas, we will also look for evidence of tooth grinding or problems with the temporomandibular joint (which connects the lower jaw to the skull). He will also examine your neck, lymph glands, palate, and the soft tissues of your mouth (cheeks, tongue, lips, and floor of the mouth) for signs of infection or oral cancer.

DDS vs DMD

When shopping around for a dentist, you will come across some doctors that have a DDS following their name and others with DMD. What is the difference? Both credentials mean that the dentist graduated from an accredited dental school. The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. The level of education and clinical training required to earn a dental degree, and the high academic standards of dental schools are on par with those of medical schools.

After finishing dental school, dentists must pass both a rigorous national written exam and a state or regional clinical licensing exam in order to practice. In order to keep their licenses, they must meet continuing education requirements for the remainder of their careers so that they stay current on the latest scientific and clinical developments.

Looking for a Dentist? Tips for Choosing

Your dentist-patient relationship is a personal one. During the process of choosing a dentist for yourself or your family, schedule an appointment to meet the dentist prior to treatment so you can see if he or she would be a good fit for your personality and needs. Beyond this, the ADA offers the following checklist for choosing a dentist:

• Are special arrangements made for handling emergencies outside of office hours? (Most dentists make arrangements with a colleague or emergency referral service if they are unable to tend to emergencies.)
• Is information provided about fees and payment plans before treatment is scheduled?
• Is your dentist a member of the ADA? All ADA member dentists voluntarily agree to abide by the high ethical standards reflected in the member code of conduct. You and your dentist are partners in maintaining your oral health. Take time to ask questions and take notes if that will help you remember your dentist’s advice.
• Is the appointment schedule convenient for you?
• Is the office easy to get to from your home or job?
• Does the office appear to be clean, neat and orderly?
• Was your medical and dental history recorded and placed in a permanent file?
• Does the dentist explain techniques that will help you prevent dental health problems? Is dental health instruction provided?

Take Action Against Stubborn Cavities

Wondering what you could be doing to help safeguard your smile from cavities? One of the best things you can do is commit to regular dental checkups. The health of your teeth and gums are evaluated during a routine exam and stubborn plaque deposits are removed from teeth helping the continued breakdown of precious tooth enamel. Other things you can do to keep your teeth/mouth healthy include: regular brushing and flossing, make nutritious food choices, changing out your toothbrush regularly, using an ADA approved toothpaste, investing in dental sealants, reducing your soda intake, and keeping stress levels down–yes, stress can affect oral health!

Call for a Dental Exam and Evaluation

Get your questions answered during a visit to our office! Dr. Shane S. Porter is pleased to provide comprehensive dental treatments to meet all of your dental needs and desires. No matter your dental needs, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that helps you feel confident. Call Premier Dentistry of Eagle at 208-546-0655 today to schedule an appointment.