It’s that time again when people start talking about New Year’s resolutions and making healthier choices for the year ahead. We buy gym memberships, stock the fridge with fruits and veggies, throw away the cigs, swear off the alcohol, refuse the sweets, and promise to do better in the coming year.
How about resolving to take better care of your oral health in 2023? Don’t let your teeth and gums fall by the wayside as you make healthier choices in January. This year, please find a general dentist you love and take steps to treat your teeth with the preventive dentistry they need to thrive and last a lifetime.
Find a Great General Dentist
If you already have a general dentist in Anchorage, Alaska, that you’re happy with, please read on to learn more about the importance of general and preventative dentistry. If you have not yet found a general dentist who’s right for you and your family, then please read on to learn more about what a good general dentist can offer you.
You will often see the words “preventive dentistry” and “preventative dentistry” used interchangeably. They both mean the same thing—taking action to keep your oral health in check to avoid large tooth and gum-related problems down the road (like tooth decay and periodontal disease). It’s best to not wait for a serious oral health issue to arise to seek out the help of an Anchorage, Alaska, general dentist.
Sometimes, a person’s first encounter with a cardiologist is after they have a heart attack. That cardiologist appointment is all about how to repair the damage already done. With general and preventative dentistry, the goal is to never have a serious dental issue arise. Twice-yearly dental exams and teeth cleanings are a great way to ensure optimal oral health.
General and Preventive Dentistry Services
In addition to twice-yearly exams and cleanings, your Anchorage general dentist will also perform oral cancer screenings. Whether or not you have a family history of cancer, your dentist will examine your mouth, neck, and face to determine if anything looks out of the ordinary. Your lips, gums, and mouth will be examined while your teeth about being cleaned.
Advanced dental technology will be used to get a very clear picture of any cell changes that may indicate early cancer. If the ViziLite® scanner picks up on any irregularities, further testing will be necessary to determine the presence of cancer cells.
Gum Health and Periodontal Disease
Examination of the gums is a large part of general and preventive dentistry. Your Anchorage general dentist will look for inflammation, redness, bleeding, and any tissue abnormality at your twice-yearly dental visits. If you experience gum bleeding while brushing, further evaluation of the health of your gums may be necessary.
TMJ/TMD
If you have pain while chewing or talking, a thorough evaluation for TMJ/TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) may be necessary. Many general dentistry patients report frequent headaches, jaw pain, ear fullness, and jaw clicking and popping. These are just a few of the many signs and symptoms of TMJ.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Another issue that may be discussed at your dental exams in Anchorage is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a serious medical condition that is characterized by breathing cessation episodes throughout the night. Those with sleep apnea will choke and gasp for breath as many as hundreds of times per night. Your general dentist will discuss OSA and how it’s diagnosed using a sleep study. If they suspect you have OSA, a sleep study will likely be the next step. Then a sleep apnea treatment plan can be discussed.
Learn More about General and Preventive Dentistry in Anchorage, Alaska
If you’re looking for a different New Year’s resolution, then please consider making your oral health a priority in 2023. In addition to eating healthier, exercising more, and removing toxins from our body, we can look after the health of our mouth, teeth, and gums by scheduling a dental exam at Dr. Richard Crosby General & Cosmetic Dentistry by calling (907) 277-1098. You may also fill out our online contact form, and one of our Anchorage dental team members will reach out to answer questions or schedule an appointment.
