The Role Of General Dentistry In Your Holistic Health & Well-Being

General dentistry is centred around preventing, diagnosing, and treating a range of oral health issues and diseases. For most of us, our initial encounters with dental care begin in childhood with visits to our local dentist. These appointments are normally routine dental examinations, cleanings, and preventive care. However, general dentists are also able to handle more intricate procedures such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and tooth extractions when necessary.

This should start a lifelong relationship with your dentist for ongoing care and education around oral health. You should book an appointment every six months or so for an examination, clean and scale, and to ensure everything is healthy and happy. Regular appointments can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. Your dentist will provide you with any further guidance if necessary. We discuss what’s involved in general dentistry below;

The Main Elements Of General Dentistry

Routine dental examinations: Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining oral health. During these examinations, the dentist evaluates the overall condition of the teeth, gums, and mouth. They visually inspect the teeth and gums, looking for signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues. Dental X-rays can be taken to detect problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth or issues with the jawbone.

Dental Cleanings

Professional dental cleanings, often performed by dental hygienists under the supervision of the dentist, involve removing plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth. This process helps prevent gum disease and cavities by eliminating the buildup of harmful bacteria and debris that can accumulate on the teeth and along the gumline.

Restorative Procedures

When teeth are damaged or decayed, restorative procedures are used to repair or replace the affected tooth structure. Fillings are commonly used to fill cavities caused by decay, while crowns can restore the shape, size, and strength of a tooth that has been significantly damaged. Bridges and dental implants are used to replace missing teeth, restoring function and aesthetics.

Preventive Care:

General dentists provide education and guidance on proper oral hygiene practices to help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. This includes instruction on effective brushing and flossing techniques, as well as advice on dietary habits that promote oral health. Preventive care also involves the application of dental sealants to protect vulnerable areas of the teeth from decay.

Gum Disease Treatment

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition characterised by inflammation and infection of the gums. General dentists diagnose and treat gum disease using various methods, including deep cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline. They may also prescribe medications or recommend lifestyle changes to manage the condition.

Root Canal Therapy

When the inner pulp of a tooth becomes infected or damaged due to decay or injury, root canal therapy may be necessary to save the tooth. During this procedure, the dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp, cleans and disinfects the root canal, and seals it to prevent further infection. Root canal therapy can relieve pain and save the natural tooth from extraction.

Oral Surgery

General dentists may perform minor oral surgical procedures in their office, such as tooth extractions. This may include removing decayed, damaged, or impacted teeth, including wisdom teeth. Oral surgery may also be necessary for other conditions, such as removing cysts or treating oral infections.

Cosmetic Dentistry

While not strictly essential for oral health, many general dentists offer cosmetic dental procedures to improve the appearance of their patients’ smiles. These procedures may include teeth whitening to remove stains and discolouration, dental veneers to correct imperfections in the teeth, and cosmetic bonding to repair chips or gaps. Cosmetic dentistry aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the smile and boost self-confidence.

Why Is It So Important To Keep Up With Your General Dentistry?

Maintaining regular general dental care is essential for your health and quality of life. It prevents common dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay, which can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. Also, routine check-ups mean early detection of any potential issues. Good oral hygiene habits, along with regular dental visits, contribute not only to a healthier mouth but also to improved overall health, as dental health is closely linked to conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. We explain in more detail below.
Prevention of Dental Problems: Regular visits to a general dentist allow for the early detection of dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Detecting these early enables prompt treatment, preventing them from progressing into more severe conditions that require more extensive and costly interventions.

Maintaining Oral Hygiene

General dentists provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and diet recommendations. Proper oral hygiene helps prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which are major contributors to tooth decay and gum disease.

Early Intervention

Routine dental check-ups enable dentists to identify and address minor dental issues before they escalate into more significant problems. Early detection of cavities, for example, allows for conservative treatments like dental fillings rather than more invasive procedures like root canals or extractions.

Prevention of Gum Disease

Gum disease, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and contribute to systemic health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. General dentists can diagnose and treat gum disease in its early stages, preventing further damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.

Preservation of Natural Teeth

General dentistry focuses on preserving natural teeth whenever possible. Through preventive measures, restorative treatments, and patient education, general dentists help maintain the health and integrity of your natural teeth, avoiding the need for tooth replacement options like implants or dentures.

Overall Health Connection

Oral health is closely linked to your health. Poor oral health has been linked with various systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. By addressing oral health issues, general dentists help your overall well-being and can prevent or manage systemic health problems.

Improved Aesthetic Appearance

General dentistry includes cosmetic procedures that enhance the appearance of your smile. Aesthetic treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, and cosmetic bonding can boost your confidence and self-esteem, which is always great!

Personalised Care

General dentists provide personalised care tailored to your specific oral health needs and concerns. They develop individualised treatment plans to address your unique dental issues, ensuring the best outcome for your oral health and overall well-being.

Staying proactive with your general dentistry is essential for maintaining good oral health, preventing dental problems, preserving natural teeth, and enhancing overall well-being by addressing both oral and systemic health concerns. Regular visits to a general dentist are key for achieving these goals. By adhering to routine dental check-ups and adopting good oral hygiene habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing common dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Early detection of dental issues during these check-ups enables prompt treatment, preventing the progression of ailments and reducing the need for more extensive and costly interventions later on. Also, proper dental care extends beyond oral health, with research linking it to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Prioritising general dental care not only preserves the health of teeth and gums but also contributes to holistic bodily health and quality of life.

At Bexley Dental, we understand the importance of maintaining optimal oral health. With over 30 years of trusted service in the Bexley Community, our dedicated team is committed to putting a smile on your face and ensuring it lasts for years to come. Whether you require restorative treatments to regain confidence or preventative services like regular check-ups and cleans, we’re here to support you. Your smile is our priority, and we provide personalised care tailored to your unique needs. Schedule an appointment with Bexley Dental today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile.