General dentistry is a practice where practitioners evaluate, diagnose, treat, and prevent tooth decay, abnormalities, and disease. Patients rely on general dentists to keep their mouths healthy throughout every stage of life. Oral health is one component of a person's overall health, but according to Colgate, 100 million Americans do not visit their dentist regularly.
Halitosis is the medical name for bad breath. While it may indicate poor oral hygiene, it can also indicate various oral conditions. Persistent bad breath occurs due to gum disease, poorly fitting dental appliances, infections, and cavities.
Plaque and tartar buildup affects a patient's breath. Plaque forms because of sugars and starches on a person's teeth—the bacteria mix with the starch and release acid. Patients cannot remove plaque with a toothbrush. Instead, general dentists remove plaque and tartar with special tools during a professional cleaning. Plaque and tartar build-up causes tooth decay, bad breath, and gingivitis.
When plaque and tartar build-up on the tooth, cavities begin to form. Dentists clean the cavity and fill it with a composite resin or metal filling to treat decay. If a severe cavity exposes the nerve or becomes infected, the individual may require a root canal to treat the decay. Root canals include cleaning and disinfecting the canals and protecting the tooth with a crown.
Other treatments for tooth decay include extractions. In addition, taking care of decaying teeth can improve a patient's breath.
Patients with oral cancer may have persistent bad breath, including bad breath in the throat or back of the mouth. People may not know they have oral cancer without regular trips to the dentist. During a general dentistry exam, dentists know the types of lesions to look for. Also, if a patient presents with halitosis, tongue numbness, and oral pain, they may have oral cancer. When detected early, individuals can receive treatment to prevent the progression of the disease.
Tooth abscesses often lead to persistent, throbbing oral pain. The abscess is a bacterial infection that may cause a rush of foul-smelling fluid into the mouth when it ruptures. Likewise, it may cause persistent bad breath. Dentists may treat an infection with antibiotics before performing a root canal to clean the infection.
While general dentists treat patients in their offices, they also provide knowledge. When individuals set regular appointments, dentists have an opportunity to teach patients about their teeth. They provide tips custom for a person's specific conditions. Technology continues to improve in every industry, including dental care. Dentists may have suggestions on new toothbrushes, types of toothpaste, or other treatments available to use at home in between appointments.
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A general dentist performs primary dental care. Patients who visit a general dentistry office at least twice a year have less chance of developing tooth decay or halitosis. In addition, general dentists diagnose, prevent, and treat various oral conditions.
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Cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, create the biggest need for general dentistry visits. Cavities are the result of bacteria in the mouth combined with other factors like sugary drinks, frequent snacking, and failure to adequately clean the teeth. Tooth decay is particularly common in children, adolescents, and elderly adults, but everyone is…
X-rays are used not only in medical offices but in general dentistry offices as well. This type of assessment is often performed at least once a year at dental checkups, and more often for some patients. While it may seem like a simple step at your biannual appointment, it can be critical for maintaining healthy…
The average dentist in the U.S. works in general dentistry. A general dentist works on the front lines of diagnostic and preventative care for patients of all ages. A checkup with a general dentist can result in the early detection of dental diseases, including gum disease. Patients who regularly set up dental appointments tend to…